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Logitix Names Sports Industry Executive Travis Apple as Chief Revenue Officer

Logitix

Logitix, the leader in live event ticketing technology and analytics, announced it has named Travis Apple as Chief Revenue Officer. Apple will oversee all revenue for Logitix as the organization continues to bring innovation to the ticketing landscape in sports and entertainment. Apple’s extensive sports industry experience includes overseeing ticket sales and service for organizations in the NBA and MLB. Apple joins an experienced team at Logitix that works with over 400 teams and properties from the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, and other live event companies across the sports, music, performing arts, and entertainment industries. As CRO, Apple will connect the ticket-selling world to Logitix’s unique platform that analyzes millions of real-time data points and provides up-to-the-minute insights within the live event marketplace. “Travis brings incredible experience and expertise across our diverse market segments,” said Logitix CEO Stu Halberg. “Having been a Logitix partner, a competitor, and a decision maker to many of Logitix’s clients, Travis understands the needs of our industry and the value that Logitix brings to any ticketing strategy.” Apple is an award-winning author, weekly podcast host, and business strategist and was most recently the Executive Vice President for General Sports Worldwide, an executive search and training firm. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service for the Miami Marlins (MLB) and Senior Director of Team Marketing and Business Operations (TMBO), where he oversaw ticketing for all of the NBA, WNBA, and G-League teams. “I am thrilled to be joining the impressive Logitix team and showcasing the innovative technology that we can provide to sports and entertainment clients,” says Apple. “Throughout my team and league experience, it became clear there is an opportunity for the right partnerships to drive business operations. This new role combines my passion for identifying difference-making technology to help drive sports and entertainment business operations. I look forward to providing those services for our global clients. ” Earlier in his career, Apple was the Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service for the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Arizona Rattlers (AFL), and Northern Arizona Suns (G-League). Before his time in Arizona, he was the Senior Director of Ticket Sales for the Orlando Magic (NBA) and the Director of Business Development for the Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB). He started his career with the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta Thrashers (NHL), and State Farm Arena. Apple has established himself as a thought leader in the sports industry, having written the book Hustle Your Way to $ucce$$ in Sports Sales. He also hosts a weekly podcast, 52 Weeks of Hustle, where he sits down with industry leaders to discuss their career paths and what it takes to be successful. He graduated from Ashland University with a triple major in Sports Communication, Electronic Media Production, and Journalism. About Logitix Logitix is the preeminent monetization engine and ticketing platform for the live event industry, combining optimized pricing, distribution, and inventory management with real-time insights to help sellers and buyers respond to a rapidly changing market environment. The Logitix vision is to automate the entire ticket life cycle and provide data-driven insights to serve the diverse needs of its clients. The company is backed by ZMC and is privately held. For more information about Logitix, visit Logitix.com or find them on LinkedIn. Contact Details Eric Nemeth +1 602-502-2793 nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://logitix.com/

August 30, 2023 08:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Kulfi Beauty Experiences Significant Retail and Category Growth

Kulfi Beauty

Starting September 1st, Kulfi Beauty is launching exclusively into Sephora brick-and-mortar locations, approximately 281 in the United States and 59 in Canada, marking the first time the brand has physical retail presence. With a blockbuster launch online at the beauty specialty retailer only a year ago, and the first South Asian inspired makeup brand to be carried at Sephora, Kulfi will officially be introduced in-stores via "The Next Big Thing" section, an end cap display in the store that highlights today’s most promising up-and-coming indie brands. Since its February 2021 debut, Kulfi Beauty has experienced exponential growth, with sales increasing fourfold last year. The brand’s growth can be attributed to its partnership with Sephora in tandem with the introduction of key new product categories that serve the brand’s customers. But it’s Kulfi’s continued ability to foster a community of brand loyalists eager to weigh in and contribute to the brand that has propelled their success. The new in-store launch serves to bring all these factors together allowing fans of the brand and new customers to experience Kulfi Beauty first-hand and interact by way of real life activations. “From our inception, we have always looked to Sephora as a strong brand partner - from the earlier stages as a graduate of Sephora Accelerate 2021 program to our intentional expansion fueled by an enthusiastic customer community. Our community has been demanding us to be present in-store and we’re excited to meet them in real life with this launch. ” - Priyanka Ganjoo, Founder of Kulfi Beauty. The in-store Sephora display will carry a selection of best-selling shades that represent the brand’s offerings including all 5 core colors of the award-winning Underlined Kajal Eyeliner; 3 shades of Mehndi Moment Blush, including Lucky Lotus, a purple hue that went viral on TikTok; 3 shades of Zari Eyes Eyeshadow, including a bronze, rose gold, and Chammak Challo, their bright chartreuse; 10 of 21 shades of their award-winning Main Match Concealer, one to represent every shade family starting from rich deep to very light; and 4 shades of Heirloom Satin Lipstick. In August 2023, Heirloom Satin Lipsticks debuted as the brand’s newest launch. These hydrating lipsticks, boasting a balm-like texture and infused with Vitamin E, present a range of neutral colors designed to suit a variety of skin tones and undertones. Recognizing that not every shade is universal, Kulfi’s goal is to provide a diverse selection that caters to different individuals. The brand worked closely with their community through focus groups to develop custom shades that can become your everyday go-to neutral lip color. Kulfi is especially attentive to the needs of people with olive undertones & brown skin tones, significantly underrepresented groups when it comes to shade research in product development. In the same vein and also in response to the feedback of their community, last month Kulfi expanded the shade range of their cult-favorite Main Match Concealer, introducing 9 new shades and bringing the total to 21. This expansion further underscores the brand's commitment to providing options for everyone. Priding itself on its community-driven movement, Kulfi looks to engage Gen Z and Millennial consumers who value self-expression and culturally rooted conversations to actively participate in building the brand through shared experiences. Presently the brand is going "on the road" through their “Color Me Kulfi” campaign, with community pop-up experiences in multiple cities across the nation celebrating its launch in Sephora stores with activations in key cities: New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami. The events kick off September 20th and amongst which will include an action packed flagship event on September 30th in partnership with the iconic NYC Meatpacking District featuring a vibrant pop-up right in the heart of Gansevoort Plaza, and will extend through the months of September and October. Throughout the tour Kulfi will offer up a variety of activities to engage their community, including meeting expert make-up artists, indulging in the delightful flavors of kulfi ice cream, providing aura readings, mingling with fellow beauty enthusiasts, and experiencing the magic of Kulfi Beauty firsthand. “It’s been a dream of mine to bring forward a brand that centers joy through playful colors and innovative textures, making beauty more approachable and inclusive. I look forward to personally meeting our Kulfi community IRL over the next few months at Sephora and sharing our newest innovations.” - Ganjoo About Kulfi Beauty: Kulfi Beauty is a celebration of culture and beauty with makeup that’s vegan, clean, and cruelty-free. Creating space for joy and self-expression, Kulfi offers the highest quality of product innovation using boldly pigmented formulas that were designed as a medium for inspiring creativity. Kulfi is inspired by South Asian culture and is a platform for empowering the community through representation and support for mental health. As a forward-thinking brand, Kulfi champions diversity, representation, and empowerment. By offering inclusive beauty solutions and engaging with its community, Kulfi seeks to redefine beauty standards and inspire individuals to express themselves. Named after the iconic ice cream, Kulfi is a reflection of the brand’s South Asian heritage and a tribute to the unique experiences and memories we cherish. For More Information on Kulfi Beauty: Website: kulfibeauty.com Instagram: @kulfi.beauty TikTok: @kulfi.beauty Contact Details Amanda Smeal amanda@amandasmeal.com

August 30, 2023 08:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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FTN Network Announces Multi-Year Contract with Football Data Giant Aaron Schatz

FTN Network

FTN Network, a company built for delivering affordable, customizable, and highly detailed and advanced NFL data for betting, season-long fantasy, and daily fantasy, announced today that it has signed industry-leading football data analyst and DVOA creator Aaron Schatz to a multi-year contract and named him Chief Analytics Officer. On the heels of his decision to partner with FTN for the release of his industry-leading Football Almanac, Schatz joins FTN after leaving Football Outsiders, which he created in 2003. FTN Network will now feature Schatz’s DVOA, a unique statistical method of evaluating football teams, units or players, and all of Schatz’s football-related content. Football lovers will be able to find Schatz’s insights on FTN Bets, FTN Daily and FTN Fantasy. FTN Bets subscribers will see DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average) and other impactful stats such as adjusted line yards incorporated into its NFL Model, while FTN Daily customers will have access to DVOA vs specific defenders. Its daily fantasy player projections and rankings will also incorporate Schatz’s extensive data. FTN Fantasy will have DVOA, Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement (DYAR) and many other stats unique to Schatz’s analytics available to its subscribers. Lastly, DVOA will also be integrated into FTN Data’s business-to-business offering for 2024. This will be the first time Schatz’s unique NFL Data is available directly to other businesses. “Adding Aaron as Chief Analytics Officer for the long term and as a voice in the FTN community was of utmost importance to us,” said FTN Network CEO Kevin Adams. “The day we launched the 2023 FTN Football Almanac, the site almost crashed and we had to upgrade our server capacity fourfold, showcasing the literal impact Aaron’s talents have made on our site already. Aaron is the best of the best, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to offer Aaron and his data and insights to our community, and continue to provide the best leg up when it comes to fantasy and betting.” In addition to his written work, Aaron will also co-host a bi-weekly podcast with NFL writer Mike Tanier on the FTN Podcast Network entitled “The Schatz & Tanier NFL Podcast.” Schatz will also run a premium Discord channel where he will field questions directly from FTN subscribers. “I have been incredibly impressed with FTN since our first meeting for the 2023 Football Almanac,” Schatz said. “The resources and support that I have received since I started working with FTN have not only been a natural fit, but have made the adjustment to my new environment almost seamless. Because of the flexibility and depth of FTN’s data, I’ve been able to prepare for the upcoming football season without skipping a beat. I’m looking forward to creating more engaging content for the FTN community over the next few years.” Schatz’s resume also includes writing for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine, and appearances as a regular panelist on ESPN 2’s Numbers Never Lie, among other accomplishments. He has spoken at numerous conferences including the MIT Sloan Conference and he has written for many esteemed publications including The New York Times, The Boston Globe and Slate. Aaron Schatz's FTN Football Almanac 2023 is still available for purchase, and is available in digital and paperback versions. About FTN Network FTN Network is a sports data B2B and fantasy sports and betting media B2C company. Founded in 2020, FTN gives the fantasy and sports betting community an edge through its own unique ecosystem, providing customizable tools that turn raw data into true insights while also offering expert analysis and content to help users make the best decision possible. FTN Network consists of FTN Fantasy (the home of fantasy football), FTN Daily (the home of daily fantasy sports), FTN Bets (the home of sports betting insights) and FTN Data (the home of NFL data). Contact Details Sterling A. Randle +1 801-319-6153 srandle@hotpaperlantern.com

August 29, 2023 10:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

This Fandom Social Media App Based on AI Harnesses The Economic Power Of Fandom – And Shares It With Its 26 Million Users

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Hanryu Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HRYU) launched Version 2.0 of its K-culture fandom platform, FANTOO, this month. The 26 million users currently using FANTOO will now get personalized content and a more user-friendly interface. Here’s a closer look at what the global fandom social media platform offers users and how it’s generating earnings for the company and its shareholders. What Is FANTOO? Unlike other fandom apps that are centered around a single artist or group, FANTOO is a global platform for all fandoms. Its current user base spans 150 countries, but real-time multilingual translation erases language barriers so users can connect with each other over their shared interests regardless of language or location. The fandom-oriented social media app gives fans a place to join or start clubs focused on their favorite artists, shows and more. They can unpack the latest episode of their favorite K-drama with fellow fans, vote for their favorite K-pop artist in monthly contests, and create content to share in clubs or the main feed. That includes webcomics, fan art, fan fiction and other fandom-related content. What separates the app from any other social media platforms out there, though, is a unique reward system that actually allows users and content creators to earn money on their fandom content and interactions. Creating content, posting, liking, sharing and other activity in the app is rewarded with FP points. Those points can be used to make purchases in the app or be converted into your local currency and withdrawn. Another way users can earn is by selling things on the fan shop, an eBay-like platform for buying and selling merchandise and collectibles related to their favorite fandoms. FANTOO 2.0 Comes With Multiple Revenue Streams Right now, Hanryu generates the bulk of its revenue through advertising, generating over $889,000 from that stream in 2022. Brands advertising on the platform have access to a highly engaged audience along with the data analytics needed to get their message in front of the users most likely to be interested. But the company has added additional sources of revenue throughout this year, including transaction fees, user-created content, merchandise and live shows streamed on the platform. Looking ahead, Hanryu has more big plans in store for FANTOO including expanding the range of fandoms that can gather on the platform and a metaverse version of the platform where fans can meet and explore the different features of the app in virtual reality. The company also announced a partnership this month with SALTLUX, a South Korea-based AI tech company that’s developed an AI-powered conversational virtual assistant. SALTLUX bears the distinction of holding the most AI and big data-related patents in Korea. Through the partnership, Hanryu plans to adapt the technology to create personalized AI assistants and chatbots. Slated to launch later this year, the service will use voice synthesis and deep learning technology to allow fans to have realistic conversations with an AI that sounds like their favorite celebrities. Chang-Hyuk Kang, CEO and Director of Hanryu Holdings, commented on the development, "We are pleased to partner with SALTLUX to integrate AI into FANTOO. This advanced technology will provide our loyal userbase with an enhanced experience on FANTOO. Launching our conversational virtual assistant is only the beginning of AI capabilities on our platform." This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 25, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

How Shapeways Is Helping Small And Midsized Manufacturers Digitize Their Operations Through Its Proprietary Software

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Shapeways Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHPW), a major player in the field of digital manufacturing, is currently redefining the global manufacturing industry. Shapeways is achieving this shift through enabling on-demand manufacturing and simplifying complex production through its proprietary software system. The company is helping other small and midsized manufacturers do the same, providing access to Shapeways’ proprietary software and supporting them in digitizing their operations, growing revenue, and expanding manufacturing capabilities. “The manufacturing industry is one of the largest markets that has yet to be digitized. We see large manufacturing companies investing in digital transformation, but the smaller and midsized players have often missed out,” shared Gregory Kress, CEO of Shapeways. “We want to help them achieve the same benefits as those larger companies.” Realizing a need–and recognizing the opportunity–to reshape manufacturing, Shapeways responded with the launch of OTTO, a proprietary software platform that streamlines ordering, performs file analysis, and accelerates production. OTTO offers advantages beyond optimizing labor efficiency, asset utilization, and inventory costs. This powerful software platform also strengthens relationships between manufacturers and their customers, encouraging growth and paving the way for future opportunities. Acquiring MFG in 2022, Shapeways further reinforced the connection between their manufacturers and buyers by deploying software features and services to the platform. MFG.com now provides an end-to-end procurement and management system, helping manufacturers increase productivity and revenue. The MFG service benefits business owners, industrial designers, and engineers. Shapeways recently introduced MFG Materials, a new software offering on the MFG platform. This addition provides manufacturers with access to a wide range of raw materials at an average discount of 15% off list prices. Reflecting Shapeways' commitment to the manufacturing sector, this innovative solution is designed to tap into the large and growing global raw materials market, with aluminum alone valued at $169.8 billion in 2021. This market is projected to reach $277.5 billion by 2030, according to Precedence Research. Building on user feedback, Shapeways also developed MFG Transactions within the MFG platform. Requested by 92% of MFG buyers, this practical solution allows manufacturers to handle invoices and payments directly. Shapeways introduced the 3D Model Viewer too, a sophisticated tool that simplifies the quoting experience, showcasing all the files a potential buyer uploads with their RFQ (including 2D files). The 3D Model Viewer not only enables interactive highlighting and grouping of intricate details, but also delivers precise measurements and superior visualization techniques. Leading with world-renowned expertise and advanced software, Shapeways is well-positioned to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape. By extending their innovative, on-demand manufacturing services and software to a broad range of industries, Shapeways allows other companies to tap into their knowledge and insights to remain competitive in an ever-changing modern market. Read more about what Shapeways is doing in the manufacturing and software industries. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 25, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Trailblazing DFS Platform GameBlazers Launches for 2023 Football Season

GameBlazers

GameBlazers, a brand new fantasy game empowering sports fans to create and manage their own experience, today announced that its groundbreaking platform is live for the 2023 football season. Users can start playing now at GameBlazers.com. Instead of picking players in a traditional draft, users build their rosters by purchasing digitally-based Athlete Items in Item Packs or individually on the built-in marketplace. Users can then enter them in different season-long or weekly gaming structures for prizes and rewards. To further set itself apart from traditional fantasy, there isn’t just one of each Athlete Item available in the GameBlazers’ ecosystem. Player Items have a Multiplier assigned to them, so every point an Item earns is then multiplied by 1.0 through 1.5, increasing in.1 increments. This unique feature allows Athletes that might be lower on the Top 100 to become more valuable, which makes for a deeper and expanded player pool. “The way we enjoy video games, music and other forms of entertainment along with how we collect, trade and manage assets have all adapted to the modern age, but fantasy sports has seen little advancement in two decades,” said Rourke Sturthers, CEO of GameBlazers. “Our goal with GameBlazers is to create a platform that truly bridges the gap between the modern and future worlds of fantasy sports into a first-of-its-kind user experience. GameBlazers looks to modernize fantasy sports entirely. Our innovative gameplay mechanics gives players the opportunity to be the Owner, GM and Coach of their fantasy franchise.” Once an Item Pack is opened, Items can be used in lineups and other gaming structures, or sold in the GameBlazers marketplace. While not NFTs, Users will have a wallet, or Roster, where Items will live, enabling them to grow their collection without constraints on Roster size. Another gameplay mechanic where GameBlazers differentiates itself is the lifetime of Player Items. Some of the items have an “unlimited” lifetime, expiring only after the Athlete retires and can be used from season to season. Others will have a lifetime duration of 12-months from the Pack open date. GameBlazers has also taken concepts from the video game world and added battle pass-like mechanics to the ecosystem, rewarding Users over time for regular participation. Recently, GameBlazers signed agreements with Full Moon Sports Solutions and Raging Moose to help with partnerships, licensing, and product development of the platform. Full Moon Sports Solutions is a strategy consulting firm specializing in business and product development for the fantasy, gaming and sports betting industry and has aided in developing strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities with professional sports leagues and associations. Raging Moose is a technology consulting group specializing in game design and gameplay mechanics. Having worked on FIFA Ultimate Team, the group is assisting GameBlazers in developing a proprietary Item Distribution Framework that assigns the Athletes, Multipliers, Rarities and other forms of metadata to the in-game Items. Sign up to play and read more about the platform on GameBlazers.com. About GameBlazers GameBlazers is a new sports gaming platform bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds into a first-of-its-kind user experience. GameBlazers blends the best elements of fantasy sports, sports gaming, and collectible in-game items to create a more sustainable and more engaging gameplay. GameBlazers enables innovative gameplay mechanics that give Players the opportunity to be the Owner, GM and Coach of their Fantasy Franchise. For more information or to join the beta, please visit: https://www.gameblazers.com/ Contact Details Sterling Randle srandle@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.gameblazers.com/

August 25, 2023 09:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

QYOU Media’s Q TV Launches New Original Series Deploying AI Anchor

QYOU Media

Contact Details Doug Barker +1 437-992-4814 shareholder@qyoutv.com Company Website https://www.quoumedia.com

August 25, 2023 07:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Comcast and Pikes Peak Library District Partner to Boost Library Wi-Fi

Comcast Colorado

Comcast in Colorado is partnering with Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) to bring Comcast Lift Zone connectivity centers to four Library locations in Colorado Springs: Library 21c, as well as Penrose, East, and Ruth Holley libraries. Comcast Lift Zones provide an additional free Wi-Fi network that will increase the number of Internet users the Library can support at once without compromising quality of service. Comcast started Lift Zones as part of its ongoing commitment to connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy (called digital equity). The COVID-19 pandemic revealed disparities in digital equity, and Comcast responded by bringing Lift Zones to education and community centers. “Access to high-speed internet and digital skills training is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, making connectivity more important than ever. We are honored to partner with Pikes Peak Library District to ensure more people in the Colorado Springs area have access to fast, reliable, and secure connectivity year-round,” said J.D. Keller, Sr. Vice President, Comcast Mountain West Region. “From doing homework, searching for jobs, accessing healthcare services and so much more, partnerships like the one with Pikes Peak Library District are important to make sustainable progress to advancing economic mobility and promoting digital equity in our communities.” “Lift Zones at these libraries will be valuable assets for our whole community, especially for people who don’t have access to Wi-Fi at home. It will be easier to do things like search and apply for jobs, download documents for work and school, meet virtually, collaborate virtually on large creative projects, or enjoy leisure activities like downloading games or streaming shows,” said Lance James, chief development officer and foundation executive officer of the PPLD Foundation. “Access to high-speed internet and digital skills training is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, making connectivity more important than ever. We are honored to partner with Pikes Peak Library District to ensure more people in the Colorado Springs area have access to fast, reliable, and secure connectivity year-round,” said J.D. Keller, Sr. Vice President, Comcast Mountain West Region. “From doing homework, searching for jobs, accessing healthcare services and so much more, partnerships like the one with Pikes Peak Library District are important to make sustainable progress to advancing economic mobility and promoting digital equity in our communities.” Pikes Peak Library District Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) provides everyone with access to resources and opportunities so people can thrive and connect. The Library cultivates spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities via 16 facilities, mobile library services, and a large online hub of resources. It is an internationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of nearly 700,000 across 2,070 square miles in El Paso County, Colo. Learn more at ppld.org. Comcast – Internet Essentials For over a decade, Comcast has been on the forefront of closing the digital divide. The I nternet Essentials program is the largest and most successful broadband adoption initiative in the industry. Since 2011, Comcast has connected more than 600,000 Coloradans through Internet Essentials, many for the first time. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 leslie_oliver@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

August 24, 2023 02:24 PM Mountain Daylight Time

Shareholders Called Upon to Nix Mark Parker, Tim Cook as Top-Level Directors for Nike

National Legal & Policy Center

Ahead of the company’s annual meeting next month, National Legal and Policy Center is asking its fellow investors to vote against the re-elections of Mark Parker, the executive chairman, and Tim Cook, the lead independent director, as members of the board at Nike, Inc. The nonprofit shareholder, in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, argues that both Parker and Cook have never been held accountable for human rights and sexual harassment scandals on their watches, and are also overcommitted with major responsibilities as top executives at other corporations. Parker is also executive chairman for The Walt Disney Company, and Cook is chief executive officer for Apple Inc. “Mark Parker is now double-dipping on ‘woke’ as the top dog at two Left Coast-based, extremist companies – Nike and Disney,” said Paul Chesser, director of the Corporate Integrity Project for NLPC. “And Tim Cook was caught with his pants down in China late last year during its Zero COVID phase, costing Apple millions of dollars in sales due to production shutdowns. Both Mr. Parker and Mr. Cook should not have such significant roles at Nike when they have major responsibilities elsewhere.” As executive chairman of both Nike and Disney, Parker is tasked with leading both boards of directors to set the companies’ priorities and goals, while holding executive staff accountable. As Nike’s lead independent director, Cook is responsible to guide the board in Parker’s absence, to serve as his top outside advisor, and to act as an intermediary between the chairman, the board, and management. Parker’s track record of late is anything but stellar – both Nike and Disney have underperformed the S&P 500 index in recent years. Disney is embroiled in several controversies, conflicts and business challenges, including: a failed CEO succession; media, streaming and entertainment industry headwinds; foolish forays into divisive political issues; off-putting, anti-family social stances; and a host of other problems that Parker is expected to help resolve. Meanwhile Nike has been challenged about its alleged use of forced labor in China, and widespread sexual harassment allegations which led to the departure of several executives – all on Parker’s watch when he was CEO. Cook leads the largest corporation in the world, Apple, which has an estimated $3 trillion-plus market capitalization. The tech giant has had its own accusations regarding coerced labor in its China-dependent supply chain, as well as sexual harassment allegations. Does he really have time to keep an eye on the performance and decision-making at the global athleticwear leader? “Mr. Parker and Mr. Cook bear material responsibility for Nike’s lagging stock price,” said Luke Perlot, associate director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “Nike shareholders should expect underperformance when management alienates a large portion of its customer base with ‘woke’ policies, allows a culture of sexual harassment, and lends brand credibility to a genocidal regime.” ### For more information or to schedule an interview with the Corporate Integrity Project’s Luke Perlot or Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

August 24, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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