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ibble Launches Social Networking App Landing One Of The Largest Series Seed Funding In Texas History

ibble

ibble, a new social media app empowering people to spark conversations and ignite new ideas has received $12.7MM, the largest series seed funding round in Texas history. Leading the seed round was Drive Capital followed by TTV Capital, Unknown Ventures, and Get Engaged Media. The investment in ibble comes amidst societies overwhelming frustrations with current social media platforms as they increasingly cut content; remove conversations and restrict engagement. “ibble is a Social Media App built on the idea of learning through conversations and having the ability to talk directly with the experts without the friction that currently exists on traditional social media apps and platforms,” said Raymond Kaminski, CEO and Co-founder of ibble. “We believe that talking with your community, not at your community, through the power of audio and video can spark more meaningful conversations and create more insightful engagement." ibble’s mission is to help people connect with and learn from experts through the power of video and audio conversations. Users are able to ask experts questions directly as well as spark conversations with their peers, naturally expanding candid conversations without friction. Is an expert always right? No, of course not. We believe what makes someone an "expert" is their relentless pursuit of the truth about a certain subject and their willingness to share it. For people who have been frustrated by structured and ad focused social media platforms that stifle conversations and are not easily suited to video and audio conversations, the solution is ibble – the social media app built by a distinguished team of entrepreneurs who believe that conversations and connections must have a healthy environment to thrive and grow in this digital age. “Brands, celebrities, influencers, the news, sports figures and more are looking for new ways to engage but that is almost impossible when dealing with the limits of current social media apps and platforms,” said Irving Lee, Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships at ibble. “We built ibble knowing that authenticity is not found in a like, comment or status update, and how could it? ibble provides a platform that celebrates real conversations with real people and threads that mirror real life conversations; conversations you can jump in and out of." With ibble anything is possible through the power of conversation. Users can start a video or audio conversation about their favorite show. They can also ask their favorite influencer or celebrity a question and get a response back with a simple click of a button. ibble makes conversation easy because ibble has made conversation through social media possible, with a focus on the natural flow of conversations and questions. For brands, shows, influencers, celebrities and others, ibble has made it easy to talk with their community members directly while not having to worry about being throttled or competing brands advertised to them while they are communicating with them. About ibble ibble is the social media app that enables experts and their communities to directly engage through audio and video conversations. ibble makes events more accessible and adds depth through back-and-forth video and audio posts. Learn more at https://www.getibble.com/ Contact Details ibble Jason Jepson +1 949-394-7033 press@ibble.io Company Website https://www.getibble.com/

March 10, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CSG Inspires Social Impact Through Partnership with We Make Change

CSG

DENVER, March 10, 2022 – CSG ® ’s (NASDAQ: CSGS) purpose is to envision, invent and shape a better, more future-ready world. Through community partnerships, the company is giving back and channeling the power of all to make a difference in the communities CSG serve around the world. Today, CSG joined forces with We Make Change, a global volunteering platform that connects skilled volunteers with social enterprises, to host a series of Change Days that allow CSG employees to share their knowledge and skills with social enterprises to help drive social change. Over two Change Day, CSGers dedicated more than 150 hours to support nine social enterprises committed to reducing inequalities and increasing digital inclusion. Most participants signed up to continue their volunteer service with their dedicated social enterprise. In 2022, CSG aspires to reach 40,000 hours of employee volunteer time. “As a global technology leader, CSG aims to dream bigger, where we create a more connected, inclusive and future-ready world that delivers greater impact for our colleagues, customers, and communities,” said Channing Jones, chief diversity and social responsibility officer, CSG. “By volunteering with organizations like We Make Change, our employees gain a better understanding of critical issues facing our communities while leveraging their experience to drive more meaningful impact. Adding social enterprises to our social impact program empowers us to not only serve with our time and intellectual capital but measure the positive impact CSG is making in communities across the globe. We are proud to think globally and act locally with partners like We Make Change that helps us accelerate real-world progress towards solving some of the most vital issues facing our world today.” The two CSG Change Days supported a total of nine social enterprises, including: Empowr: Teaches black youth students about software development foundations, how to build simple apps, and critical leadership techniques to showcase how their skills can impact the world and help increase the number of black-owned businesses. Leiho: Connects essential goods to vulnerable communities that are living without them - from socks that help the homeless stay warm to groceries that feed children in need. LocalPurse: Local Purse connects travelers with experienced local guides and artisans globally through virtual cultural and shopping experiences, having a minimal carbon footprint, and providing a sustainable way of supporting the travel industry. ZigWay: Gives low-income families and disadvantaged populations access to the everyday goods and services they need to break free from poverty. "This Change Day was a game-changing opportunity for Leiho to reignite our confidence and motivation towards making a difference where it truly matters,” said Joey Li, co-founder, Leiho. "Connecting with kind-hearted, sharp-minded CSGers helped us to make our brand messaging clear and concise and inject the transparency we desire for our mission. The added value of having access to the rich skills and expertise Leiho needs to implement greater change is critical for our young organization. CSG's originality and commitment to our success primed our imagination to evolve Leiho for massive social impact and influenced our vision of organic growth." “Employees giving just four hours of skilled volunteer time as part of a Change Day can significantly accelerate the positive impact of a social enterprise,” said James Sancto, co-founder and CEO, We Make Change. “For the social enterprise, they gain access to a vast pool of knowledge and expertise that can help advance their cause and deliver faster results to groups in need. For conscientious companies like CSG, it’s a chance to do more for the world and give their employees meaningful ways to give back to their communities and connect deeply to social issues where they have the power to affect change.” The upcoming CSG Change Days will focus on improving gender equality. By year’s end, CSG will have supported dozens of social enterprises from all corners of the world. # # # About CSG CSG is a leader in innovative customer engagement, revenue management and payments solutions that make ordinary customer experiences extraordinary. Our cloud-first architecture and customer-obsessed mindset help companies around the world launch new digital services, expand into new markets, and create dynamic experiences that capture new customers and build brand loyalty. For 40 years, CSG’s technologies and people have helped some of the world’s most recognizable brands solve their toughest business challenges and evolve to meet the demands of today’s digital economy with future-ready solutions that drive exceptional customer experiences. With 5,000 employees in over 20 countries, CSG is the trusted technology provider for leading global brands in telecommunications, retail, financial services, and healthcare. Our solutions deliver real world outcomes to more than 900 customers in over 120 countries. To learn more, visit us at csgi.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About We Make Change We Make Change connects skilled volunteers with Social Enterprises changing the world. We enable individuals and employees to volunteer their skills online to support the causes they care about with the time they can give. Our Change Day online volunteering events bring together corporate teams to develop their skills, connect with colleagues, and make change in just a few hours. With a fast-growing community of over 25,000 volunteers supporting more than 650 Social Enterprises in over 100 countries across the world, We Make Change enables anyone, anywhere to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To learn more or get involved, visit us at wemakechange.org and connect with us on LinkedIn. Copyright © 2022 CSG Systems International, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“CSG”). All rights reserved. CSG® is a registered trademark of CSG Systems International, Inc. All third-party trademarks, service marks, and/or product names which are referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners, and all rights therein are reserved. Contacts: Kristine Østergaard Public Relations +44 (0)79 2047 7204 kristine.ostergaard@csgi.com John Rea Investor Relations +1 (210) 687-4409 john.rea@csgi.com Contact Details Kristine Østergaard +44 7920 477204 kristine.ostergaard@csgi.com Company Website https://www.csgi.com

March 10, 2022 06:30 AM Mountain Standard Time

Telos Blockchain Joins Bloktopia’s Metaverse

Telos Foundation

Telos Blockchain (Tlos) has become a virtual tenant of Bloktopia and is already organizing to put that space to good work. With Bloktopia now ready to launch its Alpha, the Telos team will be able to use the space as a virtual meeting room for all its AMAs (ask me anything - meetings). Telos has plenty to talk about regarding its recently launched Ethereum Virtual Machine (tEVM ), its decentralized file storage system ( dStor ), its roadmap and a metaverse environment just seems like the perfect setting for these talks. After all, both the tEVM and dStor can and will be used to power the needs of Web 3.0 based dApps. “Bloktopia’s metaverse is a positive step in Web 3.0 adoption and the Telos team is eager to jump in feet first. This is just the beginning of a multi-trillion-dollar industry, and this is just the first step of our grand metaverse ambitions.” Justin Giudici, Acting CEO at Telos Foundation. Introducing the tEVM: Telos is a 3rd Generation, ESG compliant layer 1 blockchain that has been executing energy-efficient smart contracts uninterrupted since 2018. Every transaction on the Telos Network uses less than 0.000002 kWh of energy per transaction and costs end users zero to near zero in gas fees. Telos can generate blocks / smart contracts for Solidity, Native C++ and Vyper faster than any other chain. The network’s core strength stems from its tight use of C++ and custom Wasm runtime environment. It is super-efficient and is one of the main reasons why Web 3.0 dApps can deliver instant transactions while using Telos. Telos is already capable of sustainably delivering hundreds of millions of almost fee-less transactions per day before any future sharding / rollups. The Metaverse will need this level of capacity to thrive. Telos' current capacity is sufficient to handle the transaction needs of every single existing layer 1 chain, including all their future forecasted growth for the next decade. With any one of the following third-party comparisons, one can clearly see for themselves some of the proven strengths of Telos. Cardano, Solana, Polkadot, Fantom and Telos vs the Clock Telos vs Fantom Telos vs Avalanche vs Binance Smart Chain vs Ethereum *Visit links above For Web 3.0 commerce and entertainment to thrive, dApps need speed, capacity, affordability, energy efficiency, decentralization and even decentralized file storage. P2P file storage is precisely why Telos dStor was developed. dStor is a decentralized peer-to-peer cloud-based file storage system that is fully integrated into the Telos architecture. With dStor, individual users, collectors, digital graphic artists, musicians, filmmakers and gaming companies can store all their digital Web 3.0 content seamlessly and simultaneously. This storage capability is available in all global regions, in a decentralized environment and for prices far lower than conventional services that only have single-region availability. *Developer Alert: Telos Spark Hackathon - 100,000 Tlos for First place! Live now! - Register Here Telos Ignite Grant Program - 12 million over 4 years! Live now! - Register Here The next era of blockchain will be very exciting for both developers and end users alike. Keep an eye out for our virtual meetings on bloktopia! About Telos Telos is a 3rd generation smart contract platform that offers compatibility with Solidity, Vyper and Native C++ smart contracts, providing full EVM/Solidity support as well as a fee-less native smart contract layer upon which the EVM is built. Telos performance is unrivaled in the industry and was purpose-built to offer speed, scalability, cost-effectiveness, decentralization and end-user fairness. The network can sustainably support hundreds of millions of transactions per day, produces blocks in 0.5 second intervals on a first-in-first-out basis (eliminating frontrunning on the network), offers a fee-less native and low per transaction cost EVM (<$0.10), and a fully decentralized block producer network. About The Foundation The Telos Foundation is a Decentralized Autonomous Organization established as a promotional and funding body to advance the Telos Blockchain Network and provide support to network applications. Contact Details The Team hello@telosfoundation.io Company Website https://www.telos.net/

March 09, 2022 03:26 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Web3 Community Platform Metasky brings in US$ 1.8 million led by Sequoia Capital India, Woodstock Fund

Metasky

Metasky, a platform aimed at the intersection of Web3 and the creator economy, has raised US $1.8 million in a pre-seed token sale round led by Sequoia Capital India and Woodstock Fund. Metasky positions itself as a bridge to Web3 - working with influencers, creators, and brands closely to form a Web3 strategy for their followers with the help of its user-friendly tools for buying, storing, and using NFTs (non-fungible tokens). Web3 is a set of technologies that give ownership of digital assets and data straight to end users. Ownership is given in the form of NFTs and Crypto Tokens. This new approach gives communities the same power that large centralised companies like Google and Facebook have long monopolised - opening avenues for new business models that are far more creator friendly. Metasky’s platform aims to convert people from being mere social media followers into engaged members of a brand’s digital world. Metasky is launching a user-friendly Web3 Wallet that democratises access to the decentralised world by making it easy for anybody to buy and securely hold Crypto Assets (NFTs and crypto tokens). Metasky’s Wallet can seamlessly integrate inside any existing website or application, converting any existing app to a Web3 app. These assets can then be used to provide exclusive benefits to token holders. These benefits range from unlockable digital content of your favourite creators, exclusive chat rooms and live streams, to backstage access into their offline events. Commenting on the fundraise, Ankit Arora Co-Founder at Metasky said, “Metasky itself is organised as a decentralised community. It is the most efficient way of aligning a group of people towards a shared goal. We want to walk the talk that decentralisation is important, but it is a means to an end. Concepts like NFTs only make sense if they are accompanied with a strong set of utilities, a passionate community, and real governance rights. We are building Web3 tools to serve this purpose.” Metasky was founded in 2021 by Ankit Arora and Prakhar Sharma to elevate NFTs from just images into objects that are alive and packed with exclusive benefits. "Ankit and Prakhar are accomplished company builders, and we are excited to work alongside them as they create a holistic platform for NFT communities." Shailesh Lakhani, MD, Sequoia India. Metasky recently launched its first community led project called “Tanukibles” - a play-to-earn game which has started its journey as an NFT collection. Tanukis are animals native to Japan, deeply embedded in Japanese mythology. Anyone can be a part of the production team of Tanukibles by getting one of 9999 limited edition Tanukis. Some Tanukis are rewarded to community participants on merit, others are scheduled to be up for public sale in April. About Metasky Metasky aims to be a bridge to Web3 for influencers, creators, and brands by working with them closely to form a Web3 strategy for their followers. With the help of its user-friendly tools for buying, storing, and using NFTs, Metasky democratises access to the decentralised world. Metasky Wallet can seamlessly integrate inside any website or application, converting any existing app to a Web3 app and enables brands to provide exclusive benefits to token holders. Benefits range from unlockable digital content, exclusive chat rooms and live streams, to backstage access into offline events. About Sequoia Capital IndiaSequoia helps daring founders build legendary companies, from idea to IPO and beyond. Sequoia India operates in Southeast Asia and India where we actively partner with founders from a wide range of companies, across categories, including BYJUs, Carousell, Druva, Gojek, OYO Rooms, Tokopedia, Truecaller, Zilingo, Zomato and more. We spur founders to push the boundaries of what’s possible. In partnering with Sequoia, startups benefit from nearly 50 years of tribal knowledge and lessons learned working with companies like Airbnb, Alibaba, Apple, Dropbox, Google, LinkedIn and Stripe early on. From the beginning, universities, endowments and other non-profits have been the backbone of our investor base, which means founders’ accomplishments make a meaningful difference. For more information on Sequoia’s work in India and SE Asia, visit - https://india.sequoiacap.com/ Contact Details Metasky Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://metasky.me/

March 09, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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MyYogaTeacher Launches Official 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program Online

MyYogaTeacher

MyYogaTeacher announces the launch of a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program, which will be offered three times each year, and features live instruction by a group of highly-skilled, certified, India-based and -trained instructors. Unlike the self-paced, pre-recorded, video-based packages sold online, which offer digital materials, videos, and only a handful of live sessions led by an instructor, MyYogaTeacher’s courses are 100% live, taking place daily over a period of 95+ days. MyYogaTeacher was named one of “The 6 Best Online Yoga Classes of 2022” by Byrdie. “Our students have a wide range of reasons for pursuing teacher training,” says Jitendra Gupta, the Indian-born CEO of MyYogaTeacher, who co-founded the company with Mexican-American entrepreneur Will Allen, after pursuing yoga to improve his personal physical and mental well-being. “Some definitely have a desire to teach yoga, but others simply want to improve their practice and challenge themselves a bit further by expanding their yogic knowledge and taking their physical practice to the next level.” The program is open to students of all levels. The Yoga Alliance-certified teacher training program features 6 highly-qualified MyYogaTeacher instructors, and is led by Rohan Shroff, who earned a Masters in Science in Yoga from SVYASA University in Bangalore and has over 1300 hours of yoga teacher training from well-known and respected institutions in India. Rohan has graduated over 500 students from online and in-person teacher training programs, including over 100 MyYogaTeacher students, and he also teaches Pranayama, Meditation, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yoga Sutras, and Methodology, at MyYogaTeacher. Besides live instruction on a variety of topics–yoga history, theory, anatomy and physiology–in addition to asana practice, pranayama, chanting, meditation, yoga sutras, and more, the program includes a 150-page e-book, recordings of the classes so students can return to each session and review, plus a community setting that keeps students engaged, motivated and energize. They can also live chat with instructors (Bodhi Abishek Singh, Gomati Woli, Stuti Asher, Umesh Balavaradaraju, Bharath Ram) and fellow students. “What’s great is that your investment in teacher training is nowhere close to the cost you will incur by traveling to India during our post-Covid era,” says Gupta. “And we offer students a 14-day free trial so if they are not happy with the coursework, they can cancel.” The first round of this YTT program runs from March 5 to May 28, and the program will be offered 3 times each year. The next round will take place in the summer of 2022. Learn more about the program and featured instructors here. About MyYogaTeacher MyYogaTeacher is reconnecting yoga to its roots and sharing it through live lessons taught by the world’s foremost teachers who studied yoga at India’s most elite universities and schools. With over 100,000 registered U.S. students, it offers over 40 group classes daily, and provides private sessions, along with over one million minutes of live interactions each month. The Cupertino, California-based company was co-founded in 2018 by Jitendra Gupta and Will Allen. Gupta is the successful former co-founder of Punchh, who turned his struggle with burnout into a platform to help others. Allen is a former mechanical engineer who left the lucrative aerospace industry to travel the world, and pursue yoga and meditation over the past decade. MyYogaTeacher recently received $3 million in seed round funding, led by TSVC, with participation from Leonis Investissement, Weekend Fund, All Access Fund, and Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments. For more information, visit MyYogaTeacher.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR Carolyn Kamii +1 310-251-0550 carolyn@carolynkamii.com Company Website https://www.myyogateacher.com/

March 09, 2022 04:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

NEW XFINITY REWARDS PROGRAM UNLOCKS A WORLD OF UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES, EARLY ACCESS TO THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES, AND SPECIAL PERKS AND DISCOUNTS FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS

Comcast Houston

Comcast today announced the launch of Xfinity Rewards, a rewards program for all customers across the country. Xfinity Rewards was built around a simple idea: to give back to customers, just for being a customer, through unique and unforgettable experiences that only Comcast NBCUniversal can deliver. The multi-faceted program spans media and entertainment, sports, music, and technology. Members enjoy special perks like $1 Movie Rentals, access to free content, discounts at Universal Parks & Resorts, early access to the latest Comcast technologies, products, features like the new xFi Advanced Gateway with Supersonic WiFi, and Xfinity Mobile benefits and savings. Customers can also redeem rewards for unforgettable experiences like exclusive live stream events, have a chance for a meet and greet with Olympic gold-medalist Nathan Chen, a trip to the Latin American Music Awards in Las Vegas, or tickets to be part of the live audience at Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in New York, just to name a few. “The entire Xfinity Rewards experience has been shaped and inspired by our customers. They told us they wanted meaningful rewards rooted in unforgettable experiences, so we’ve brought together the best of Comcast NBCUniversal to deliver just that,” said Jason Wicht, Senior Vice President of Growth Operations. “Xfinity Rewards truly speaks to our mission to connect people to more of what they love, with the most innovative technology available anywhere, while giving back and saying thanks - just for being a customer.” How Xfinity Rewards Works Joining Xfinity Rewards is free for customers. Signing up only takes a minute through the Xfinity App or online at xfinity.com/rewards. Upon enrolling, members are placed in Silver, Gold, Platinum or Diamond tier based on how long they’ve been a customer, with access and the types of rewards based on tenure with Comcast. Rewards are available immediately upon signing up for the program so members can start exploring and enjoying them right away with new opportunities added frequently throughout the year. Launching Xfinity Rewards with Supersonic WiFi Xfinity Rewards is all about unlocking unforgettable experiences – and what better place to start than right at home. Beginning March 4, at 12:00 p.m. EST, Xfinity Rewards Diamond members who subscribe to Gigabit Internet will receive early access to Comcast’s most innovative and powerful device to date delivering reliable, supersonic WiFi. The next generation Gateway, only from Xfinity, is capable of multi-Gig speeds and can power a house full of hundreds of connected devices all at once. It won’t be available to the public until April 2022, but eligible Xfinity Rewards members can redeem this reward beginning March 4 through the Xfinity App or online at Xfinity.com/rewards while supplies last. Save Hundreds on Xfinity Mobile, Rated #1 in Customer Satisfaction Customers who sign up for Xfinity Rewards can access even more product discounts and perks as part of the program, including up to $150 towards a new Xfinity Mobile device and up to $100 towards new or existing service for Xfinity Mobile customers. Xfinity Mobile, rated number one in customer satisfaction by ASCI two years in a row, combines the best nationwide cellular 5G with more than 20 million WiFi hotspots to deliver fast speeds and a more flexible way to pay for cellular data. Customers can mix and match between Unlimited or By-the-Gig shared data and can switch back and forth on any line at any time. Xfinity Mobile offers Unlimited data for $30 a line per month when you get 4 lines with Xfinity Mobile. Discounts to Universal Parks & Resorts and Other Comcast NBCUniversal Brands Xfinity Rewards members can experience the action, thrills, and excitement of Universal Orlando’s three amazing theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Island of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park, at specially discounted prices. Enjoy a Universal Orlando Resort 3-day ticket for the price of a regular 2-day admission ticket or save on a 2 Park 1-Day VIP experience for a personally guided tour of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. There’s also a sweepstakes for a 3-night trip for four people to Universal Orlando including roundtrip airfare, accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and admission to all three theme parks. In addition, Xfinity Rewards members get instant access to exclusive discounts across many popular Comcast NBCUniversal brands – including 20% off merchandise at NBC and Bravo stores, discounts on subscriptions to premium services like GolfPass, NBC Sports Edge, and CNBC Pro, and early access to TODAY’s Steals and Deals with Jill Martin. Unforgettable Sports, Music, and Entertainment Experiences Members also have access to experiences and events made possible through Xfinity’s wide array of sports, music, and entertainment partnerships – like a VIP experience to watch all the drama unfold live at NASCAR, tickets to NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB games, exclusive virtual cooking demonstrations with award-winning celebrity chefs like Bren Herrera, host of Cleo TV’s Culture Kitchen, and Chef G. Garvin of Aspire TV's G. Garvin Live!, virtual meet and greets with Bravolebrities, tickets to top music events like the Latin American Music Awards in Las Vegas in April, and even a super VIP experience like the chance to meet Olympic gold medalist, Nathan Chen. Simple Delights like $1 Movies and Access to Free Content While there are tons of great experiences, discounts, and perks for being a member of Xfinity Rewards, sometimes the best moments are the simple everyday opportunities to connect with loved ones. In addition to offering tons of great movies for just $1, Xfinity Rewards members can also redeem rewards for movies like The Mighty Ducks, The Minions Movie, In the Heights, and It’s a Wonderful Life for free. And there are tons of games and activity kits featuring hit characters from Boss Baby, The Minions Movie, Sing 2, and more to keep the whole family entertained for hours. There’s truly something for everyone with Xfinity Rewards. For more information about Xfinity Rewards, download the Xfinity App or visit xfinity.com/rewards. 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 57 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 Comcast Houston Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Michael_Bybee@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

March 08, 2022 08:13 AM Central Standard Time

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SUNNY VODKA LAUNCHES NATIONALLY WITH AN ASPIRATIONAL WEST HOLLYWOOD SPIRIT

EMC|BOWERY

Brand Directors and Partners, Stas Karanikolaou and Zack Bia, Partner with Global Brand Equities To Launch A New Handcrafted Gluten-Free Corn Based Premium Vodka For The Modern Consumer (LOS ANGELES, CA - March 8, 2022) Global Brand Equities unveils Sunny Vodka, the newest addition to their successful liquid portfolio, with next generation entrepreneurs, Stas Karanikolaou and Zack Bia. The best friend duo who are undeniably recognized for disrupting and running the event scene in Los Angeles and cultural events beyond, are now venturing into the alcohol and spirits arena as Partners and Brand Directors with Sunny Vodka. Sunny Vodka is an aspirational brand conceptualized in West Hollywood, capturing the essence of its hometown. The creation of Sunny is a love story built by best friends who simply know what people want to drink and bask in all of life’s moments. The brand brings life to a casual day by the pool, a home cooked meal or a black-tie affair with one sip the world is always Sunny. Sunny Vodka is vegan, gluten-free and made from 100% U.S. grown corn and handcrafted in small batches. Prior to bottling, Sunny is distilled 6 times and is finished through an extra filtration process using California Limestone. The result is a more sophisticated approachable vodka that is cleaner, brighter and smoother with a pleasant aroma, mixable profile & a better mouthfeel. The premium spirit reaches the modern consumer with an eloquently smooth and welcoming flavor profile offering the true taste of vodka. Sunny will be retailed at the competitive price of $24.99 per 750ml bottle (80 Proof, 40% ABV). Sunny Vodka will be exclusively available in key retail chains and distributed by Shaw-Ross International Importers in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits across the country starting with top major markets in California, Las Vegas, Florida and New York on February 1, 2022 and available for purchase at spirit merchants BevMo!, GoPuff Delivery and Wally’s. Stas Karanikolaou, Co-Brand Director of Sunny Vodka comments, “We distinctively sought out to make sure this vodka would be made with quality ingredients, better taste and artistic branding. Most importantly, we wanted to make sure that it was at a reasonable price point to help recreate some of the amazing memories my friends and I have had while drinking Sunny.” Zack Bia, Co-Brand Director of Sunny Vodka says, “ I love working with our "family" on Sunny Vodka. This is not like an endorsement where people just add their name; this is an authentic lifestyle we live and breathe. We are very proud of how far we have come with creating Sunny Vodka to be smooth, clean & a refreshing quality for everyone to aspire and enjoy responsibly.” “Sunny Vodka is not your average spirit, it's an entire lifestyle and community which revolves around an incredible liquid. Sunny is here to breathe new life into the industry's largest liquor category with this launch. The Sunny liquid is extraordinarily smooth, and it has taken our team years to refine it to this superior standard using custom methods in production and distillation. We are delighted to have our distribution led by Shaw-Ross International Importers and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in the US, giving Sunny the best visibility in On and Off-premise retailers as well as e-commerce platforms. Our co-founders are experts in building community and we are proud to partner with them on this incredible brand. ” said James Morrissey President of Global Brand Equities. To kick off the launch, Global Brand Equities have purchased select campaign billboards throughout West Hollywood with locations on Sunset Blvd. and Melrose Ave, alongside a hand-painted mural capturing the sunny landscape of Los Angeles, starting with first sign “It’s Always Sunny on Sunset” at the “bird streets” barricade off Sunset Blvd. The billboards and mural amplify the essence of the prolific trendsetting culture and aspirational lifestyle in the city. For the influential brand, the mission is to create a community that starts with the people and their networks of tastemakers and influencer relationships. Sunny Spritz 2oz Sunny Vodka 1oz Fresh Lime Juice 1oz Agave Nectar 1 oz Crafted Soda Water Garnished with cucumber peel and fresh mint sprigs Sunny Pop 2oz Sunny Vodka 2oz Craft Soda Water Garnished with lemon Sunny Martini 3oz Sunny Vodka 1/8oz Dry Vermouth Garnish with 3 Olives Sunny Screwdriver 2oz Sunny Vodka 2 dashes orange bitters 1-2 hand squeezed blood oranges Sunny Aperol Spritz 1oz Sunny Vodka 2oz Aperol 2oz Craft Soda Water Orange Wheel Garnished with fresh rosemary sprig For more information and find out where Sunny Vodka is sold, please visit: www.sunny-vodka.com to find the nearest retailer. For press/ media inquiries, please contact: Ben Russo, ben@emcbowery.com Dianne Quirante, dianne@emcbowery.com ABOUT SUNNY VODKA Sunny is a love story between best friends who simply know what people want to drink. There are only a few things in life that bring people together and make lasting memories - a great drink is the top of the list. Whether you are with family, friends, a loved one or on your own, nothing beats a smooth glass of Sunny. A casual dinner, a funny toast or a black-tie affair, you cannot deny the easy, clean taste from the world’s best vodka: Sunny. ABOUT GLOBAL BRAND EQUITIES Global Brand Equities (GBE) is the leading producer, owner, and operator of disruptive consumer brands in the spirits industry. Founded by international entrepreneur James Morrissey, the GBE portfolio consists of investments in brands that live in high-growth categories. Responsible for some of the industry’s most successful product launches globally, the company continues to innovate and evolve beyond the average industry standard, resulting in the creation of some of the best-known brand names of our generation. Creating long-term growth of brand equity is a priority for all of the GBE businesses, and its foundations are deep rooted in the liquor, manufacturing, and entertainment sectors, ensuring longevity and the ability to scale at a global level. Always focused on delivering products at the highest level of quality, the portfolio continues to receive exceptional accolades from leading experts. The company’s global perspective is seen with its Maison No 9 French rosé wine brand. In partnership with Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Post Malone, the brand has disrupted the wine industry globally, breaking records for its sales at launch, and scaling across multiple continents in its first 18 months. The liquid currently retains a 91-point score on wine.com. Contact Details EMCBOWERY Dianne Quirante dianne@emcbowery.com

March 08, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Velocity Global Impact Award to Celebrate Inspirational LPGA, LET Players

Velocity Global

The LPGA and LET announced today that Velocity Global, the Official Global Work Platform of both Tours, will sponsor the Velocity Global Impact Award. This honor will celebrate players who have helped to grow the sport of golf and to inspire the next generation of athletes to have a positive impact on the world. Throughout each season, the LPGA and LET will celebrate players and their efforts in giving back to the world and their local communities off the golf course. Toward the end of each season, the LPGA will produce a list of nominees, and the Velocity Global Impact Award Committee will name three players as finalists for the Velocity Global Impact Award. Each finalist will be featured in a docuseries-style content piece sharing their personal story and impact on the game. The winner will be determined through a combination of a fan vote and voting by the committee. The winner will be announced annually on International Women’s Day, March 8. “The Velocity Global Impact Award provides a new avenue to not only recognize the overwhelming contributions made by female golfers in advancing the game but also offers us the opportunity to celebrate the significant positive impacts they make in their communities at home and around the world,” said Sarah Fern, Chief People Officer at Velocity Global. “We are thrilled to partner with LPGA and LET to highlight the many amazing women in professional golf who truly personify greatness in sport.” The award criteria are based on the five values that drive the work of Velocity Global. Nominees will be judged by how well they demonstrate: Velocity – Swiftly assisting in the growth of the game at the youth or amateur level Integrity – Personifying honesty and transparency, serving as a role model to others Be Bold – Willing to forge new paths to create a better future Empowerment – Empowering others through words and actions to have an impact in their own communities Service – Contributing to their communities through their actions “The LPGA Tour and LET feature the world’s best female golfers from more than 60 countries. Through their unique platform and talent, players have the opportunity to impact and inspire people in various communities around the globe,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. “We are grateful to Velocity Global for recognizing the impact our players have and for creating this award to highlight and celebrate their commitment to giving back. We are very fortunate to have so many players who value service and to have partners who share our vision to change the world through golf.” The Velocity Global Impact Award Committee comprises seven women of diverse backgrounds, all of whom are dedicated to advancing opportunities for women both professionally and athletically: Sarah Fern, Chief People Officer at Velocity Global Erin Hamrick, Partner at Sterling James and board member of the LPGA Foundation Nancy Lopez, 48-time LPGA Tour winner and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame Nzinga Shaw, President of TurnkeyZRG Lisa Stevens, Chief People Officer and Head of Global Human Capital Solutions at Aon Reiko Takekawa, journalist for Kyodo News Ali Whitaker, broadcaster for the LPGA Tour, LET and DP World Tour LPGA Tour and LET Members are eligible to receive the Velocity Global Impact Award. The winner will receive $100,000 as well as a $100,000 donation to her charity/cause of choice. The other two finalists will each receive $25,000. In January, Velocity Global became the Official Global Work Platform of the LPGA and Ladies European Tour (LET) in a multi-year agreement. Velocity Global will work with the LPGA Tour and LET to highlight the global impact of their players, representing more than 60 countries, through enhanced storytelling opportunities and player recognition. As an Official Partner of the LPGA’s Women’s Network, Velocity Global will utilize the LPGA platform to highlight these initiatives focused on women’s leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion through additional programming. Velocity Global furthered its support of the women’s game with the announcement that LPGA Tour players Lexi Thompson and Albane Valenzuela joined six-time PGA TOUR champion Billy Horschel and four-time APGA Tour champion Kevin Hall as its global golf brand ambassadors. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work for anyone, anywhere, anyhow. Its Global Work Platform ™ simplifies the employer and talent experience through its proprietary cloud-based talent management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. With talent solutions in more than 185 countries and all 50 United States, the platform combines global Employer of Record and Contractor Management to onboard, manage, and pay talent worldwide. More than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across six continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. About the LPGA The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women, with a goal to change the face of golf by making the sport more accessible and inclusive. Created in 1950 by 13 Founders, the Association celebrates a diverse and storied history. The LPGA Tour competes across the globe, reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. The Epson Tour, the LPGA’s official qualifying tour, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA also holds a joint-venture collaboration with the Ladies European Tour (LET), increasing playing opportunities for female golfers in Europe. Across the three Tours, the LPGA represents players in more than 60 countries. Additionally, the LPGA Foundation has empowered and supported girls and women since 1991, most notably through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the only national program of its kind, which annually engages with nearly 100,000 girls. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association and LPGA Women’s Network provide virtual and in-person connections to female golfers around the world, while LPGA Professionals are educators, business leaders and gamechangers dedicated to growing the game of golf for everyone. Follow the LPGA on its U.S. television home, Golf Channel, online at www.LPGA.com and on its mobile apps. Join the social conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. About the LET The LET inspires women and girls to pursue their passion and realise their potential through the game of golf. At our core, we aim to build and deliver an extensive competitive schedule of events to enable our strong, energetic, proud, and confident players to compete at the highest level, pursue their dreams and lead by example. Our diverse and multicultural membership of 316 professional golfers represents as many as 36 countries. We are a global tour with roots in Europe. We aim to entertain and excite, but also to enhance health and quality of life, as a responsible, committed and respectful partner. Inspiring – our players are inspiring role models to follow and encourage others to pursue their own dreams. Passionate – we are driven by a passion to perform to our full potential and get better every day. It’s not just about the money or the glory, but a true love for the game. Committed – we are fiercely committed to continuous improvement and recognise the grit that it takes to achieve long-term goals. 2022 marks the 44th season of golf tournaments since the professional tour was founded in 1978 and the third edition of the Race to Costa Del Sol. This year’s schedule includes 31 events in 21 different countries and a record-breaking prize fund of €24.5 million. The LET Access Series is the official development tour of the LET, formed to give players an opportunity to compete and progress onto the LET and achieve their dreams in professional golf. Ladieseuropeantour.com #RaiseOurGame Contact Details Velocity Global Chris McGrath +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com LPGA Christina Lance christina.lance@lpga.com LET Bethan Jones bethan.jones@ladieseuropeantour.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

March 08, 2022 07:00 AM Mountain Standard Time

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MISHA MCCLURE TO LEAD DIGITAL EQUITY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT PROGRAMS AS COMCAST HOUSTON’S NEW DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Comcast Houston

Misha McClure will lead the Comcast Houston region’s digital equity and community impact programs as the new Director of External Affairs. In this role, McClure will partner with community organizations to help advance Comcast Houston’s position as a digital equity leader through legacy programs that provide important resources residents and business owners need to be successful in a digital world. In 2021, Comcast invested more than $3.5M in Houston-area community organizations and local digital equity programs. “Serving others has always been a big part of who I am,” McClure said. “I’m thrilled to advance our life-changing efforts to close the digital divide and lift-up income-constrained families with affordable and reliable high-speed broadband service. I’m also looking forward to working with our non-profit partners to further our shared efforts that help so many residents and customers.” McClure is a proven public relations and community affairs leader with more than 15 years of experience. McClure joined Comcast nearly nine years ago. In her previous role as External Communications Manager, she created compelling and engaging content for a wide variety of audiences, including amplifying digital equity and community impact efforts through traditional, influencer and social media. Internally, McClure launched the Houston region’s MyAbilities Employee Resource Group and completed numerous leadership development courses. “Misha has worked tirelessly to empower our community with information and programs that have truly made a difference,” Toni Beck, Comcast Houston’s Vice President of External Affairs, said. “In her new role, Misha will continue that work while also blending in her infectious passion for building partnerships that will make the Houston region a more equitable place to live and work.” McClure received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She serves on the Board for Easter Seals of Greater Houston. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America – Houston chapter and the National Association of Black Journalists. In her free time, Misha enjoys traveling with her family. She volunteers with organizations to help them optimize and grow their brand. To learn more about Comcast’s digital equity and community impact programs, visit houston.comcast.com. 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 57 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 Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

March 07, 2022 07:02 AM Central Standard Time

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