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SMCE (OTC:SMCE) Announces Launch of Chaintrade, its AI-Powered Platform Revolutionizing Data Intelligence in Capital Markets.

SMC Entertainment, Inc.

August 20, 2024, Boca Raton, FL – SMCE, a pioneer in financial technology, proudly announces the launch of Chaintrade.ai, an advanced AI-powered platform designed to revolutionize data intelligence for the capital markets. With a suite of vertically focused AI applications, Chaintrade.ai is set to transform how investors, analysts, and financial institutions access, analyze, and leverage market data, driving smarter decisions and fostering innovation across the industry. From Acquisition to Commercial Deployment in 60 Days. Chaintrade, which was formed as a Joint Venture between RedMatter Capital & Plato AI was acquired by SMCE in a streamlined commitment to launch the application within 60 Days of the acquisition announcement. “I am extremely excited and proud of our team's commitment in releasing a world class application with impact and purpose” stated SMCE’s CEO, Erik Blum. “This commercial release represents a significant milestone in the company's execution strategy and invite the entire Investment and Trader community to test ride the application. Based on the modularity of the application’s framework, we will be announcing the launch of several other plug in applications to drive greater user value and adoption. Empowering the Capital Markets with AI-Driven Insights At the heart of Chaintrade is a commitment to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to deliver unparalleled insights into the capital markets. The platform integrates cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and data analytics tools to provide real-time, actionable intelligence across a wide range of assets, including equities, commodities, ETFs, bonds, and indices. By leveraging AI, Chaintrade empowers users to stay ahead of market trends, optimize their trading strategies, and make informed decisions with unprecedented accuracy. Vertically Focused Applications for Targeted Intelligence Chaintrade.ai stands out by offering a unique array of vertically focused AI applications. These applications are tailored to meet the specific needs of different market segments, ensuring that users receive the most relevant and precise data for their area of focus. Whether analyzing global equities, exploring the nuances of commodity markets, or diving into the dynamics of ETFs, Chaintrade.ai provides specialized tools that enhance understanding and drive strategic success. Key Features of Chaintrade Innovation is deeply embedded in Chaintrade’s ecosystem and corporate culture. The launch of Chaintrade.ai represents the culmination of years of research and development, with a clear focus on pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve in the financial sector. The platform is built on a foundation of continuous learning, where AI models are constantly refined and improved, adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of global markets. Real-Time Data Analysis Access to real-time market data, enabling users to monitor trends, identify opportunities, and respond to market movements as they happen. Advanced AI Algorithms Proprietary AI models designed to process vast amounts of data, delivering predictive insights and trend analysis with exceptional accuracy. Customizable Dashboards: User-friendly dashboards that allow users to personalize their research experience, focusing on the data and insights most relevant to their needs. Multi-Asset Coverage Comprehensive analysis across a wide range of asset classes, providing a holistic view of market conditions. Secure and Compliant Chaintrade.ai adheres to the highest standards of data security and regulatory compliance, ensuring that users' data is protected and their activities are aligned with industry regulations. A Vision for the Future of Financial Intelligence Chaintrade’s vision is to lead the financial industry into a new era of AI-driven intelligence. By making sophisticated data analytics accessible and actionable, Chaintrade.ai aims to democratize financial insights, enabling both retail and institutional investors to compete on a level playing field. The platform is designed to scale, with plans to continuously expand its capabilities and integrate with emerging technologies such as blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi). Chaintrade invites investors, financial professionals, and institutions to experience the future of capital markets intelligence. By embracing AI and innovation, Chaintrade is not just enhancing data intelligence—it’s revolutionizing it About Chaintrade Chaintrade is a leading fintech company dedicated to transforming the financial industry through innovation and technology. By leveraging AI and advanced data analytics, Chaintrade delivers cutting-edge solutions that empower users to make smarter, more informed decisions. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on the future, Chaintrade is redefining the landscape of capital markets intelligence. Chaintrae is a wholly owned subsidiary of SMC Entertainment Inc. (OTC: SMCE). About SMCE SMC Entertainment Inc. (OTC:SMCE) is a publicly traded holding company that acquires and helps drive the commercialization of Innovation at the intersection of both Fintech and AI. SMCE focuses on investing in both artificial intelligence and machine learning to drive commercial adoption of products and services in its portfolio. Press Release Contact Erik Blum / CEO SMC Entertainment Inc. https://fyntechnical.com/ (360)820-5973) Some of the statements in this press release may be forward-looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions, future market conditions, unusual catastrophic loss events, changes in the capital markets, and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. The Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or updated status of such forward-looking statements or information provided by the third-party. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will the Company and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or any related damages. Contact Details SMC Entertainment Inc. +1 360-820-5973

August 20, 2024 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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CPREX Enters Orlando Market with Acquisition of Fully-Leased Industrial Property

Clarion Partners

Clarion Partners Real Estate Income Fund Inc. (“CPREX” or the “Fund”) announced today it has acquired Regional Airport Center II, an 81,762-square-foot industrial building located in Orlando, FL that is 100% leased to 11 tenants. Clarion Partners, the third largest owner of industrial real estate in the U.S., has been active in the industrial and logistics sector for more than two decades. The firm maintains strong conviction in the sector, with this purchase bringing the total amount of industrial space owned by CPREX investors to more than 33% of the Fund 1, and Clarion’s total U.S. industrial footprint to approximately 256 million square feet. “The purchase of Regional Airport Center II, well-located approximately five miles west of the Orlando International Airport in the Southeast Orange County submarket, brings Clarion’s overall industrial investment in the broader Orlando market to 29 buildings and over five million square feet,” said Managing Director Brent Jenkins. “Clarion also has nearly three million square feet of industrial projects in its development pipeline in the Orlando area.” Clarion is part of Franklin Templeton’s alternatives business, which spans a broad range of strategies, including real estate, private credit, hedge funds and secondary private equity and co-investments with approximately $255 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024. Clarion Partners serves as CPREX’s sub-adviser and Franklin Templeton through different entities serves as the adviser, administrator and distributor of the Fund. “CPREX’s overarching goal is to provide individual investors access to Clarion’s longstanding institutional platform through a simple, accessible, and transparent structure registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,” said Product Specialist Ali Winrow. “Positive net investor inflows over the past 18 months have enabled the fund to not only bolster its liquidity, but also leverage its flexible investment mandate through new equity and debt investments. Quarterly tender requests over the past 18 months have averaged about 1.7% of net asset value (NAV). Tender requests peaked in the second quarter of 2023 at 2.9% of NAV, remaining well below the 5% of NAV liquidity offered to investors in every quarter since the Fund’s inception.” In addition, CPREX maintains a daily value backed by one of the most robust valuation policies in the industry whereby each investment in its portfolio is valued by a third-party appraiser monthly and adjusted for income daily so that the stock price equates to the underlying value of each asset. For a deeper look at why Clarion Partners has high conviction in the industrial sector, view our latest Clarion Calls Market Insights video: To read our latest whitepaper about the U.S. industrial sector, click here: The Ongoing Outperformance of U.S. Industrial Real Estate. About Clarion Partners Clarion Partners, an SEC registered investment adviser with FCA-authorized and FINRA member affiliates, has been a leading U.S. real estate investment manager for more than 40 years. Headquartered in New York, the firm maintains strategically located offices across the United States and Europe. With $75.6 billion in total real estate and debt assets under management, Clarion Partners offers a broad range of real estate strategies across the risk/return spectrum to 500 institutional investors across the globe. Clarion is scaled in all major property types and was an early entrant into the Industrial sector. The Firm’s global industrial team manages a 1000+ property portfolio in the U.S. and Europe. For more information visit www.clarionpartners.com. About Franklin Templeton Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024. For more information about CPREX and Alternatives by Franklin Templeton, please visit cprex.com or alternativesbyft.com. 1 Reflects the Gross Real Estate Value of each asset as a percentage of the Gross Real Estate Value of the Private Real Estate sleeve. Source: Clarion Partners. As of August 19, 2024. This investment represents 2.34% of relative percentage of the holding of the entire portfolio (100%). Characteristics and holdings weightings are based on total portfolio, are subject to change at any time, and are provided for informational purposes only. Not to be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any security. There can be no assurance that any unrealized investment described herein will prove to be profitable. Please refer to the important disclosures at the end of this presentation. Investment Risks: All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Liquidity Risk Considerations: The Fund should be viewed as a long-term investment, as it is inherently illiquid and suitable only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of the Fund. Limited liquidity is provided to shareholders only through the Fund’s quarterly repurchase offers for no more than 5% of the Fund’s shares outstanding at net asset value. There is no guarantee these repurchases will occur as scheduled, or at all. Shares will not be listed on a public exchange, and no secondary market is expected to develop. Shareholders may not be able to sell their shares in the Fund at all or at a favorable price. Risks related to investment made by the Fund: The Fund’s investments are highly concentrated in real estate investments, and therefore will be subject to the risks typically associated with real estate, including but not limited to local, state, national or international economic conditions; including market disruptions caused by regional concerns, political upheaval, sovereign debt crises and other factors. Asset-backed, mortgage-backed or mortgage-related securities are subject to prepayment and extension risks. The Fund and/or its subsidiaries employ leverage, which increases the volatility of investment returns and subjects the Fund to magnified losses if an underlying fund’s investments decline in value. The Fund may use derivatives, such as options and futures, which can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. Fixed income securities involve interest rate, credit, inflation and reinvestment risks. As interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities fall. High-yield bonds possess greater price volatility, illiquidity and possibility of default. Before investing, carefully consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. You can find this and other information in each prospectus, or summary prospectus, if available, at www.franklintempleton.com. Please read it carefully. Any information, statement or opinion set forth herein is general in nature, is not directed to or based on the financial situation or needs of any particular investor, and does not constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, or a recommendation with respect to any particular security or investment strategy or type of retirement account. Investors seeking financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or investment strategies should consult their financial professional. INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED | NO BANK GUARANTEE | MAY LOSE VALUE ©2024 Franklin Distributors, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC. Franklin Distributors, LLC, and Clarion Partners, LLC are all subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. Contact Details Chris Sullivan +1 917-902-0617 chris@craftandcapital.com Company Website https://www.clarionpartners.com

August 20, 2024 01:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Francoise Brougher Appointed CEO of Velocity Global

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the world’s expert on work, announced today the appointment of Francoise Brougher as its new Chief Executive Officer. Brougher will continue to serve on the board of directors, which she joined two years ago. Brougher brings over 25 years of leadership experience in strategy, business, and operations at industry-leading technology disruptors, including Google, Square, and Pinterest. During her time at those companies, she led multithousand-person global organizations and scaled multibillion-dollar sales and operations revenue, starting at Google and continuing at Square and Pinterest. Brougher understands the intricacies of developing and deploying a global workforce, having expanded global organizations in her previous roles. She also played an integral role in successfully taking both Square and Pinterest public. “I have worked with Francoise for several years and couldn’t be more excited that she is taking on this role,” says Ben Wright, Velocity Global Founder and Chairman of the Board. “Francoise is a seasoned leader who deeply understands our customers and partners, knows how to scale and grow an organization, cares for the people, and operates at lightning speed. I have great confidence in Francoise’s ability to take Velocity Global to the next level.” In her role as CEO, Brougher will shape Velocity Global’s vision and strategy moving forward, leveraging her extensive track record in scaling and growing high-performing teams across functions. “Over the last two years, I have seen the opportunity Velocity Global has as we partner with companies to hire anyone, anywhere,” says Brougher. “Creating equal opportunity for all drives me personally and professionally, and I believe that is exactly what we do at Velocity Global. I am excited to take what the team has built and lead Velocity Global through its next stage of growth.” For more information, visit www.velocityglobal.com. About Velocity Global Velocity Global gives you the power to build your team everywhere—combining seamless technology and local expertise in 185+ countries. We make it simple to compliantly hire, pay, manage, and retain talent anywhere. With Velocity Global, the world is yours. Media Contact press@velocityglobal.com Contact Details Velocity Global Media contact +1 720-650-4348 press@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

August 20, 2024 10:15 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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Liquid Death Becomes Official Partner of Italy’s Campobasso Football Club

Club Underdog

Liquid Death, the healthy beverage platform and one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic brands, is now the official water and flavored sparkling water partner of Italy’s Campobasso Football Club (Campobasso), which is co-owned by Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Emmy Award-winning hosts of LIVE with Kelly & Mark, the top-rated talk show in the United States. Liquid Death was unveiled as a partner of Campobasso in late July on LIVE, with a guest appearance and jersey swap by Ryan Reynolds. The Deadpool star was gifted the new Liquid Death branded Campobasso FC jersey by Consuelos while exchanging a Wrexham A.F.C. jersey, the Welsh club which has gained global popularity through its “Welcome to Wrexham” series on FX. “The Campobasso journey has been a fairytale over the past two years, taking this club from the bottom to winning two consecutive promotions for the first time in our 100-plus year history,” said Consuelos. “Much in the same way Liquid Death has built one of the boldest brands on the planet right now, we built Campobasso with precision, fearlessness and by dreaming big. Campobasso FC has now arrived and is ready to play on big stages, and what better brand to partner with than Liquid Death, who has taken on the giants and won just as we intend to do on the pitch.” As part of a multi-year agreement that makes Liquid Death the official water partner of Campobasso FC, fans will see Liquid Death at all Campobasso FC concession stands, on stadium signage, on special edition jerseys, and wrapped around the team's tour bus. Liquid Death will also collaborate on LED ad boards, the player tunnel walkway, product kiosks, unique activations, and events for Campobasso FC fans in North America, and more. “This is our first venture into European football, and we couldn't be more excited for it," said Ryan Heuser, Liquid Death’s senior vice president of experiential marketing. “We’re thrilled to bring our infinitely recyclable, ice-cold cans of Liquid Death to the highly passionate fans of Southern Italy’s historical club. We’ll be on the road with the team as the exclusive sponsor of the team bus and carried at all concession stands at the Molinari Avicor Stadium in Campobasso.” Matt Rizzetta, Chairman of North Sixth Group, parent company and operator of Campobasso FC, oversaw the revival of the team from near obscurity, with only 70 fans at matches during its first game in 2022, to attracting 30,000 fans for its celebration upon the club’s triumphant promotion to Serie C in 2024. “The partnership between Camopbasso FC and Liquid Death brings together two of today’s feel-good underdog stories in sports and water,” said Matt Rizzetta, Chairman of North Sixth Group, parent company of Campobasso FC. “With Mike Cessario and Liquid Death, our journeys intersect in many ways and share the same values of perseverance, courage, and overcoming the odds. We couldn’t think of a better partner with whom to join hands as we both write the next chapter in our respective underdog stories.” Located between Rome and Naples in the region of Molise, Campobasso carries a proud football tradition that dates back more than 100 years. The team has one of the most passionate followings in central and southern Italy, having beaten some of the most successful teams in Italian football such as Juventus, AC Milan, and Lazio, during its glory years of the 1980’s. In 2022, fans of Campobasso were at risk of losing football completely after the team was denied entrance to the professional leagues. On the brink of losing all hope of competing in Italian football, North Sixth Group acquired Campobasso along with Ripa and Consuelos, restarting from the fifth tier of the Italian football pyramid. Since acquiring the club, Campobasso has won two consecutive championships and has been promoted to Serie C, the third tier of Italian professional football. Liquid Death uses comedy and entertainment to promote both sustainability and healthy products. Liquid Death’s social following captures more than 9.5 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, making it the third most followed beverage brand globally. The company donates a portion of proceeds to nonprofits as part of their partnership with 5Gyres and the Thirst Project. For more information, visit www.CampobassoFC.com and follow the official social media channels of Campobasso FC on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Patreon. About Liquid Death As one of the fastest growing non-alcoholic beverage brands, Liquid Death uses comedy and entertainment to make health and sustainability 50 times more fun. We take the healthiest things you can drink and package it into infinitely recyclable cans that compete with the fun marketing of unhealthy brands across energy drinks, beer, and junk food. Our product lines include mountain water, sparkling mountain water, sparkling flavored water, iced tea, and our hydration sticks, Death Dust. A portion of Liquid Death’s proceeds goes to nonprofits who are helping fight plastic pollution and bring clean drinking water to those in need. For more information on Liquid Death please visit liquiddeath.com. About Club Underdog Powered by N6 Club Underdog is a multi-asset sports ownership entity wholly owned and operated by North Sixth Group, a New York and Los Angeles-based family office operating company. Within its portfolio, Club Underdog owns historic European football clubs Campobasso FC, Dagenham & Redbridge FC; American professional men’s and women’s franchise Brooklyn Football Club; and fast-growing football apparel company Diaza. In 2024, Club Underdog became one of the first foreign ownership groups in history to achieve back-to-back promotions with Italian side Campobasso FC, bringing the club from the fifth tier to Serie C in just two years. In 2023, the group also made history as the first ownership group to bring an expansion football franchise to the Borough of Brooklyn. Kicking off in USL Super League and USL Championship in 2024 and 2025 respectively, Brooklyn FC is one of the only sports franchises in the United States to include a professional men’s and women’s team under the same platform. Contact Details N6 for Club Underdog/Campobasso FC +1 917-935-8232 clubunderdog@n6krma.com Company Website https://n6clubunderdog.com/

August 20, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Caddis Cloud Solutions and Ultrascale Digital Infrastructure Forge Strategic Alliance to Revolutionize Data Center Technology

Caddis Cloud Solutions

Caddis Cloud Solutions, a leading global advisory firm in data center development, cloud capacity sourcing, and end-user deployment, announces a strategic partnership with Ultrascale Digital Infrastructure, an experienced, cutting-edge technology company dedicated to creating advanced, sustainable and customized data center solutions. Together, Caddis and Ultrascale are poised to revolutionize the data center industry by providing clients with innovative, sustainable and comprehensive solutions ready for the Age of AI. This partnership marks a significant step forward in addressing the unprecedented challenges of digital infrastructure and modern data center operations. Caddis’ expertise in comprehensive data center development combined with Ultrascale’s innovative cooling and sustainable design technologies enable clients to activate a robust suite of services including site master planning, capital partner management, strategic data center development, cloud capacity sourcing, end-user deployment, and patented immersion cooling solutions. Ultrascale's immersion cooling technology provides data centers with unmatched efficiency and sustainability by reducing energy consumption by up to 70%, while eliminating the need for water and toxic chemicals associated with traditional data centers. These comprehensive solutions are designed for both new constructions and existing facilities, allowing for phased implementation to minimize disruption and downtime. “Ultrascale Digital Infrastructure and Caddis Cloud Solutions share an innovative spirit and core philosophy that make this new partnership a natural match,” said Arnold Magcale, founder and CEO of Ultrascale Digital Infrastructure. “We’re both deeply committed to holistic solutions that are uniquely designed to stand the test of time, rather than cookie-cutter fixes that can leave clients behind the curve - scrambling to catch up. Ultrascale’s sustainable cooling technology and customizable data center designs are a perfect complement to Caddis’ ground-breaking real-estate infrastructure approach. We’re excited to begin partnering with the top talent at Caddis and look forward to delivering exceptional results for our clients.” “Partnering with Ultrascale Digital Infrastructure allows us to elevate our service offerings and provide our clients with innovative and sustainable data center solutions,” said Scott Jarnagin, founder and CEO of Caddis Cloud Solutions. "Most traditional data centers rely on freshwater cooling systems to manage the heat generated by electronic equipment, but those systems are costly and waste massive amounts of water. By incorporating Ultrascale’s advanced cooling technology, we can continue to deliver solutions that significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts, setting a new benchmark for the industry.” The new alliance will help clients confidently navigate the rapidly evolving data center market while delivering the sustainable, reliable and customizable outcomes needed to withstand the test-of-time. The partnership is effective immediately. About Caddis Cloud Solutions Caddis Cloud Solutions is a premier global advisory firm specializing in strategic Data Center development, cloud capacity sourcing, and end-user deployment. With over 25 years of experience in bridging the gap between cloud capacity supply and demand, the firm ensures clients – from hyperscalers to enterprises, to cloud infrastructure providers, data center developers and operators, and others – receive tailored solutions for their cloud infrastructure needs. Caddis aims to form long-term partnerships with clients that extend beyond single engagements. For more information, please visit: www.caddiscloud.com About Ultrascale Digital Infrastructure Ultrascale Digital Infrastructure is a visionary technology company founded with a single purpose: to deliver the most innovative, sustainable and customizable data center solutions on the market, without compromising its core commitment to the environment. Ultrascale technology is strategically engineered to empower tomorrow’s data centers – today, while also supporting individual business executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, creators, government leaders, NGO’s and disenfranchised communities across the globe. But Ultrascale isn’t stopping here on planet earth. Ultrascale designs are already being used by its partners in space. For more information visit UltrascaleDI.com. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Lara Schembri +1 202-262-5311 lara@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://caddiscloud.com/

August 20, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

AmeriLife Wealth Distribution and Peak Financial Freedom Group Announce Strategic National Partnership

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, announced today that it has partnered with the Peak group of companies, which include a comprehensive retirement income planning company, Peak Financial Freedom Group; an insurance distribution company, PFFG Insurance Agency; and a registered investment advisor (RIA), Fiduciary Solutions. Per the agreement, the terms of the deal were not disclosed. Based in Roseville, California, Peak Financial is renowned for its comprehensive written retirement income plans, wealth management services, and unwavering dedication to customer care and success. In addition, they have worked with TruChoice Financial, an AmeriLife subsidiary, helping other financial professionals across the US increase their production by 40%. Peak Financial Freedom Group CEO Jim Files and President Dan Ahmad are enthusiastic about the partnership, stating, "Joining forces with AmeriLife represents a pivotal step forward in our mission to empower clients with holistic financial strategies. We are committed to this partnership and its remarkable benefits for our customers, AmeriLife’s Wealth Distribution platform, and its growing affiliate-partner program." As Peak Financial Freedom Group brings a strong focus on marketing through seminars, client events, a radio talk show, and a multi-episode TV show to AmeriLife’s growing Wealth Distribution organization, the group is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional development programming, emphasizing a shared commitment to excellence in financial and wealth advisory services. With unfettered access to AmeriLife’s leading distribution platform, services, and resources, the company is poised to accelerate its impressive growth while serving more clients. “What Jim and Dan have created and nurtured with the Peak Group serves as an exemplary partnership model, offering world-class levels of customer service and relationship-building philosophies that have uniquely positioned the company above and beyond market competitors,” said Mike Vietri, Chief Distribution Officer of AmeriLife Wealth Group. “This partnership will allow us to expand our service offerings while elevating our commitment to offer superior consumer satisfaction to deliver even more value to our clients.” ### About Peak Financial Freedom Group Peak Financial Freedom Group, based in Roseville, CA, is committed to empowering individuals to achieve financial independence through tailored retirement income strategies. Specializing in conservative, risk-reducing investment approaches, the firm safeguards assets against market volatility, focusing on growth and creating dependable lifetime income. Offering comprehensive financial planning and investment management services, Peak Financial Freedom Group caters predominantly to retirees and those nearing retirement. The company’s affiliates, Fiduciary Solutions, LLC and PFFG Insurance Agency, LLC, enhance its capability to offer financial solutions under a unified brand. Dedicated to client education and satisfaction, Peak Financial Freedom Group endeavors to simplify the retirement planning process, ensuring its clients a seamless and secure financial future. For more information, visit the Peak Financial Freedom Group website. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as a leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents and advisors and 120 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details AmeriLife Jeff Maldonado media@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

August 20, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

LogicMark (NASDAQ: LGMK) Makes Expansion Push With Mobile Personal Safety App Aster As It Pivots From Medical Alerts With CPaaS Model

Benzinga

By Gerelyn Terzo, Benzinga The recent terror scare at Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts has thrust personal safety into the spotlight around the globe. Security is big business, as the personal safety and security device market in 2023 was worth over $45.2 billion and is projected to surpass $133.7 billion by year-end 2036. LogicMark (NASDAQ: LGMK) is at the forefront of transformative software technology that works to help make people feel safer wherever they may be. LogicMark aims to disrupt the personal emergency response systems (PERS) market by applying its transformative technological innovation to this area. As part of its transformation, the company has recently been expanding its product pipeline into new markets. Known for its Freedom Alert Pendant, the maiden two-way voice communication device that connects directly to emergency workers via 911 and supports multiple contacts, LogicMark has been known as a hardware company since its inception in the early 2000s. As an early mover in the PERS segment, LogicMark makes its offerings available across price points to customers. Now the company has expanded into direct-to-consumer (DTC) and subscription-based services, where it continues to evolve its capabilities across connected technology and medical alert products, including PERS offerings. The company says its latest innovation is ahead of its time. For example, PERS solutions are known for their reactive technology, responding to emergencies that are already taking place, which is groundbreaking in its own right. However, LogicMark’s latest service goes on offense, harnessing connected and predictive technology with algorithms that are able to anticipate a user’s falls and other issues before they even happen. In 2024, the company reinvented itself from a pure hardware play to a subscription-based services model in which it offers multiple layers of services, thereby diversifying its revenue streams beyond those generated by hardware and accessories. To reflect its expanding portfolio, LogicMark pioneered the Caring Platform as a Service (CPaaS) market segment, even coining the phrase in a nod to the software-as-a-service (SasS) niche. CPaaS is a market that has emerged amid the rise of mobile ride-share apps, mobile dating sites and other technologies that can create potentially vulnerable situations for users. With a tech-centric leadership team in place, LogicMark is making its mark in the internet of things (IoT) and the rising care economy. LogicMark Launches Safety App Aster In early 2024, as a part of its pivot from a singular focus on medical alerts to a broader one on personal safety, LogicMark expanded its product portfolio with the launch of the Aster safety mobile application. With a heightened focus on growing its sales in the online and direct-to-consumer (DTC) segments, LogicMark’s app added another revenue stream from a new market to its business model while broadening its offerings to support the safety needs of a growing population. Perhaps more importantly, with the Aster app, LogicMark has expanded its footprint into a new total addressable market under the personal safety umbrella through which it has the potential to generate multiple revenue streams. For example, the company envisions adding additional services to the app. Thanks to Aster, LogicMark’s addressable market now extends beyond the care economy for seniors to potentially reach the global population. Safety app Aster is a subscription-based software application that’s available on both the Apple and Google Play stores. This software solution is akin to having a group of buddies, one that the company affectionately refers to as a village, in your back pocket, whether it’s friends, sorority sisters, parents, neighbors etc. In return, users gain peace of mind in any situation while staying connected to their own personal village. Quite literally, LogicMark’s Bluetooth button, which is no bigger than an AirTag, can be physically clipped to any key chain or bag as well as fitting in small pockets or adorned on clothing. Coupled with the Aster app, it acts as a quick-access emergency device – helping solve a problem for not just seniors but all Americans who want to feel safer. LogicMark CEO Chia-Lin Simmons stated in the company’s fourth-quarter earnings release, “Aster is an excellent example of how our Caring Platform as a Service (CPaaS) model can be leveraged to launch other internet-of-things (IoT) solutions.” LogicMark says its Aster app only scratches the surface of the potential of the CPaaS market, as the software technology can be harnessed to produce other IoT Solutions. Aster is the company’s maiden use case for the CPaaS model from which it plans to introduce fresh IoT solutions to protect the safety of users while also allowing family, friends and caregivers to stand watch over others from afar. LogicMark says that given its early mover status, the company has a market share advantage in this field. Investors who are interested in participating in the potential continued growth of this technology company can gain a glimpse of past performance in LogicMark’s stock chart here. While a corporate transformation can result in volatile fundamentals, some analysts believe that the company has momentum on its side as sales “comparisons become more apples to apples,” per Zack’s small-cap stock research. If you’ve got further questions about investing in LogicMark, contact the company’s investor relations team for more information. Featured photo by wiredsmartio on Pixabay. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 20, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Avenue Z Announces Strategic Partnerships with TikTok Shops and Shopify: Driving New Advancements in Social Commerce

Avenue Z

Heading into the crucial Q4 holiday retail season, Avenue Z, a media and technology company, announced its strategic partnerships with TikTok Shops and Shopify. These collaborations amplify Avenue Z’s cutting-edge approach, highlighting its role as an official TikTok Shops Agency Partner and Shopify Plus Partner, delivering unmatched benefits to shoppers, creators, and brands. Avenue Z, a leader in social commerce, is renowned for its ability to drive influence across all channels, where Shopify’s e-commerce platform and TikTok Shops’ affiliate and influencer marketing abilities are a critical part. “Shopify and TikTok Shops are the key drivers paving the new path that is social commerce” said David Corchado, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z, and Head of Channel Partnerships. “They continue to innovate store functionality and enhance the on-platform shopper experience. Now with the prioritization of TikTok Live content, any DTC / B2C brand heading into the holiday retail season must have these two pieces in their e-commerce ecosystem, or they’ll miss the mark on Q4 performance.” This partnership provides direct access to TikTok Shop expertise, along with insights from Shopify and Shopify Plus experts, all designed to optimize the shopping experience, boost revenue, and enhance brand reputation. Avenue Z will also be working with brands on TikTok to stream “LIVE” content allowing viewers and creators to interact in real-time. Easy Access to TikTok Shop Expertise for Brands With over 150 million monthly active users in the US, TikTok is revolutionizing social commerce. Avenue Z’s status as a preferred TikTok Shops Partner (TSP) allows brands to tap into platform expertise and support to leverage viral marketing trends, transforming product discovery into instant purchasing decisions. This collaboration enables brands to easily engage with TikTok’s dynamic audience through Avenue Z’s expertise and creator network, leveraging real-time analytics and advanced tools to maximize sales and brand presence. “Affiliate and influencer marketing have evolved and merged into a highly effective strategy for performance marketing,” said Jonathan Snow, Chief Innovation Officer at Avenue Z, in a recent Fast Company article. “Brands can make the most of this by engaging a large number of affiliates and offering attractive commissions, all through the TikTok Shop platform. Paired with our platform expertise, social commerce will be a critically important revenue generating channel for brands in Q4.” Shopify Expertise for eCommerce Brands As a Shopify Plus Partner, Avenue Z helps brands optimize their digital storefronts and expand their reach, driving growth in a competitive marketplace. With Shopify, brands can manage and grow their online presence across multiple channels, ensuring a seamless shopping experience that meets the evolving preferences of today’s consumers. “This is why our Shopify Plus Partner status is so important, we’re able to bring the best in e-commerce to our clients,” said Snow. “Shopify has the world’s highest converting checkout experience, augmented by Shop Pay which expedites the payment process and offers consumers rewards and cashback. Thanks to this, Shopify Payments represents a staggering 61% of Shopify’s GMV, which climbed $2B in Q2 2024 (YoY), and was able to do so despite unfavorable consumer market conditions. When the tide turns and we enter a stronger consumer market in the near future, just imagine what Shopify’s growth will accelerate to.” Snow’s outlook for DTC/B2C brand performance in Q4 2024 remains strong, but only when best-in-class e-commerce tools and talent align, as is the case with Avenue Z’s Shopify Plus Partnership. Biggest Brand Benefits: Driving Revenue, Elevating Reputation As Avenue Z continues to pioneer advancements in social commerce, the strategic partnerships with TikTok Shops and Shopify mark a significant milestone. “Channels like this - TikTok and Shopify - are critical avenues for driving influence today, for brands looking to elevate reputation or increase revenue,” said Jeffrey Herzog, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Avenue Z. “They are top performers in our channel network, excelling at driving commerce, connections, and conversions for our clients. We will undoubtedly expand in this area by adding more channels and expertise in the coming months." These partnerships highlight Avenue Z's continuous effort to stay at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that their clients can leverage the latest technological advancements to captivate and engage audiences across all channels. About TikTok Shop & TikTok Shop Partners (TSPs): TikTok Shops is a completely personalized and fully integrated commerce solution, where sellers can authentically connect with creators and communities to drive meaningful shopping experiences. Their network of experienced TikTok Shop Partners (TSPs) offer a range of services to sellers, enabling them to scale business on TikTok Shop effectively. About Shopify & Shopify Plus Partners: Shopify is the #1 complete commerce platform that lets anyone start, manage, and grow an e-commerce business. By bundling commerce activities into a single platform, business owners can sell in multiple places, across multiple channels, and integrate features and functionality that shape the future of commerce. Shopify Partners make up a diverse ecosystem across all segments of ecommerce, helping brands to innovate and implement faster. About Avenue Z: Avenue Z is a media and technology company breaking traditional boundaries between digital marketing, advertising and strategic communications. Our unique combination of smart media and smart content, informed by data science, has proven to increase a brand’s revenue and elevate its reputation. From the Wall Street Journal to TikTok, PR to social and search, our approach yields outcomes in commerce, connections, and conversion across all channels. With experts based in Miami, New York, and Orlando, serving a global roster of category leading brands - we drive influence. Visit www.avenuez.com Contact Details Avenue Z +1 407-637-2833 press@avenuez.com Company Website https://www.avenuez.com

August 20, 2024 08:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New Survey Finds 1 in 10 US Workers are Digital Nomads: Social Contract and Policy Response Are Needed by Regulators and Corporations Alike

MBO Partners

The latest research conducted by MBO Partners® reveals that digital nomadism like many other social norms has evolved, faster than relevant regulation and corporate policies from a niche lifestyle to a mainstream work movement, necessitating urgent action from employers to adopt comprehensive policies now and for a change in the social contract between workers and corporations. The 2024 State of Independence Report shows that 11% of the U.S. workforce, or 18.1 million workers, now identify as digital nomads. Despite this trend, 36% of these workers operate without formal employer consent, exposing companies to significant regulatory, tax, compliance, and cybersecurity risks. As more workers aspire to this lifestyle, formal, enforceable policies become critical, enabling employers to mitigate risks and capitalize on this rapidly growing workforce segment. “Today, leading organizations know they must attract top talent to survive, including allowing workers to operate when and where they want,” said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. “Implementing formal policies to track and engage with remote and nomadic workers should be considered standard practice. In this case, policies aren’t restrictive, they help attract the most in-demand workers while reducing potential legal, regulatory, and IT risks. At the same time today’s social contract is outdated and needs to be changed to reflect the reality of workers’ rights and to properly align work arrangements to reduce the regulatory burden on corporate America." Key trend insights revealed in this year’s study include: Digital Nomadism has evolved from niche to normal. The 2024 report reveals that more than one in ten workers is now a digital nomad, reflecting a 4.7% increase from the previous year and a remarkable 147% growth since 2019. Digital nomads now constitute 11% of the U.S. workforce, reflecting that this way of working is now the new normal for independent workers and traditional employees alike. Structured digital nomad programs are win-win for employers and workers alike. As digital nomadism becomes more prevalent, employers recognize the benefits of implementing these programs for talent acquisition and internal compliance with tax, legal and security policies. Digital nomads are ambassadors for work-life balance. Digital nomads often serve as ambassadors for their companies, showcasing the attractive work-life balance that employers of choice can offer. By aligning work projects with employees’ travel plans, companies can create a win-win situation where both productivity and employee satisfaction are maximized. This alignment not only enhances the employee experience but also fosters a positive and dynamic company culture. ‘Slomading’ and ‘Tethered Nomading’ trends strengthen social connections. Four in ten (40%) of digital nomads plan to spend more time in the U.S. next year, both due to the increasing complexities of travel and because they may have some in-office requirements. In fact, 51% plan to travel exclusively within the U.S., up from 42% in 2022. Digital nomads visit fewer locations but spend more time at each stop, a trend known as “slomading.” This approach provides a more active social life, reduces travel stress, and improves work productivity and relational diversity. Hidden corporate digital nomads create risks. Digital nomads with traditional jobs can leave their employers vulnerable to regulatory, tax, compliance, and legal risks. Despite these risks, few organizations have formal digital nomad policies. Many digital nomads work under informal agreements or without their employer’s knowledge, increasing legal and cybersecurity risks. About one-third of digital nomads with traditional jobs are “hidden,” meaning their companies are unaware of their nomadic status. Millions aspire to be digital nomads. In 2024, 21 million workers expressed a desire to become digital nomads, with 45 million considering it. This shows a significant interest in the lifestyle, despite only 7% to 9% of these aspirants becoming digital nomads. This data highlights a ready pool of potential digital nomads to fuel the trend’s continued future growth. To obtain a copy of the 2024 MBO Partners Digital Nomad research brief, please visit https://www.mbopartners.com/state-of-independence/digital-nomads About MBO Partners® MBO Partners is a direct sourcing platform that enables enterprises and independents to work efficiently together. Its unmatched experience and industry leadership enable it to operate at the forefront of the independent economy and consistently advance the next way of working. For more information, visit mbopartners.com. Contact Details Words For Hire PR Karen Swim, APR +1 586-461-2103 pr@mbopartners.com MBO Partners Michelle (Mick) Lee, Chief Administrative Officer mlee@mbopartners.com Company Website https://mbopartners.com

August 20, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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