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Starting Today, Small Businesses in King County may Apply for Grants from Comcast RISE

Comcast Pacific Northwest

Comcast today announced that small businesses in King County, may now apply for monetary, marketing, and technology grants through the Comcast RISE program. Yesterday, King County Executive Shannon Braddock and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell joined Comcast to pre-announce the grant program’s launch. Footage interviews and high-resolution images from the press conference are available to view and download from this link: https://f.io/NpVRXp3w Starting today, May 1, through May 31, eligible small businesses in King County can apply for the Comcast RISE program at www.ComcastRISE.com. Winners will be notified in August. Throughout the month of May, local small businesses can learn more about the Comcast RISE program, eligibility requirements, and how to apply by attending free information sessions being held by Comcast RISE community partner organizations, including the Bellevue Chamber, Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA ), Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, and Tabor 100. According to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce report last month, revenue concerns are surging as inflation remains a dominant challenge for small businesses. The concern for inflation reached a new high with 58% of small business owners reporting inflation as a top concern. Further, more than 1 in 3 small business owners are concerned about revenue, the highest share since 2021. King County is one of five regions selected by Comcast in which 100 local businesses will be awarded the grant package. Other regions where small businesses will be awarded grant packages include Boston (MA), Grand Rapids (MI), Nashville (TN), and South Valley (UT). These recipients join the 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected as Comcast RISE recipients since the program launched in late 2020. Visit the Comcast RISE destination on the X1 platform for news, tips, insights, and more. Xfinity customers can say “Comcast RISE” into the X1 voice remote. Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to create digital opportunity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. More information on eligibility requirements and details on how to apply are available at www.ComcastRISE.com Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Andy Colley andy_colley@comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

May 01, 2025 03:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NAFA’s 2025 Institute & Expo: Propelling Fleets Into the Future with Innovation and Sustainability

NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) wrapped up its successful 2025 Institute & Expo (I&E) in Long Beach, California, bringing together fleet professionals from across the globe to explore the future of fleet management. Themed “Propel Your Fleet,” this year’s event focused on innovation, sustainability and the evolving landscape of fleet management, providing attendees with actionable insights and solutions to drive the future of their operations. “NAFA I&E continues to be an unparalleled gathering that brings together the best and brightest in fleet management,” said Maria Neve, NAFA Board President and VP – eFMC Services, Inspiration Fleet. “As the industry evolves, our commitment to innovation and sustainability strengthens, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many of our members energized and ready to drive the future of fleet management.” Key Highlights of I&E 2025: Keynote addresses, led by AI expert Timothy Papandreou and leadership coach Jack Becker. Papandreou’s keynote, “AI: The Most Powerful Technology That Is Changing Your World Forever,” explored the revolutionary role of AI in fleet management. Becker’s keynote, “Supersonic Success,” provided actionable leadership strategies from the world of elite military aviators to optimize performance and drive continual improvement. “Driving the Future of Fleet,” an Industry Update with Stellantis’ Jeffrey Kommor who shared insights on the future of fleet operations and the innovations shaping the industry. During the opening session on Monday, NAFA also honored fleet professionals who earned their Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation. The ever-popular OEM Panel Discussion featured leaders from GM Envolve, Stellantis, Ford Pro and Nissan. The panelists shared valuable insights on their fleet strategies for 2025, including electrification and connected technologies. The Fleet Emergency Preparedness: Best Practices and Case Studies Food for Thought Luncheon highlighted real-world case studies on managing extreme weather events. Attendees gained actionable strategies for improving fleet resilience and response to unforeseen emergencies. More than 45 educational sessions were held throughout I&E 2025, with many sessions reaching standing-room-only capacity. This year’s education tracks addressed emerging technologies, sustainability, safety, legislative advocacy, operations management and more, providing attendees with timely insights into the most pressing challenges and innovations in fleet management. The specialized Technician Training Program, provided valuable educational content and networking opportunities tailored to technicians and service professionals. The Expo hosted more than 225+ exhibitors, each presenting the latest advancements in fleet products and services. The Innovations Showcase offered an immersive experience on the Expo floor, where attendees had the chance to discover cutting-edge products and updates from exhibitors. Geotab was awarded the People’s Choice Award for their groundbreaking product, Geotab Vitality. The Ride & Drive made its highly anticipated return this year, allowing attendees to get behind the wheel of the latest electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Additionally, NAFA introduced the new Indoor EV Test Track in the Expo Hall, providing a unique ride-along experience where participants could experience firsthand the advancements in electric vehicle technology. Both events were key highlights, offering fleet professionals the chance to engage directly with innovative vehicles and technologies. The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas for 2025 were crowned, with the following winners honored for their outstanding achievements in fleet management: Best Public Fleet: Palm Beach County, FL Sheriff’s Office Best Commercial Fleet: Charge, Inc. Fleet Professional of the Year: Tom Keyser, CAFM, Spire Energy Fleet Technician of the Year: Roger Davis, City of Roanoke, VA Additionally, the inaugural Tom Johnson Award was presented to Patti Earley, CAFM, Fleet Fuel Manager at Florida Power & Light, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the fleet industry. CAFM Live, a peer-to-peer educational event accelerated Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) candidates’ preparation for examination and certification. NAFA brought back Media Day for a third year, providing nearly a dozen companies the opportunity to present their breaking news and announcements to reporters in back-to-back press conferences. NAFA extends its gratitude for the generous support of its 2025 I&E sponsors: Automotive Fleet, Enterprise Fleet Management, FASTER Asset Solutions, Fleetio, Fleetworthy, Geotab, Holman, Honda, Hyundai Motor America, Inspiration Fleet, IntelliShift, LEGEND, Merchants Fleet, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Motive, Penske Transportation Solutions, Ram Professional, Reindeer Logistics, LLC, Rexel Energy, RTA: The Fleet Success Company, Samsara, Voyager Mastercard, and Wheels, Inc. NAFA also extends its appreciation to its media partners for their continued support: Autosphere Media, Automotive Fleet, Fleet Management Weekly, Modern WorkTruck Solutions, Utility Fleet Professional, Service Truck Magazine and Electrathon. Next year’s I&E will take place in Cleveland, OH on April 13-15, 2026. To learn more about NAFA, visit: https://www.nafa.org/ NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

May 01, 2025 02:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Rebuilding LA: Steel Frame Construction on the Rise Amid Push to Fireproof Homes

The Hoyt Organization

MAY 1, 2025 – In the aftermath of January’s wildfires that swept through 40,000 acres causing $250 billion in local economic damage, destroying more than 16,000 structures and affecting thousands more, builders and city officials, alike, are analyzing construction practices to incorporate materials that won’t burn. At the top of the list? Steel frame construction. Steel has emerged as the primary option for homebuilders who need to adhere to new standards in wildfire zones and keep insurance costs at bay for those who will ultimately live there. The steel-framing industry, itself, is projected to grow to more than $58 billion by 2033, up from $35 billion in 2023, according to Spherical Insights. “This year’s fires were a heartbreaking tragedy on a horrific scale, and sadly much of damage could have been contained if it weren’t for the overuse of wood and drywall that are so quick to ignite when impacted by flying embers,” said Scott Acton, CEO of Forté Specialty Contractors, a seasoned design-build veteran whose unique expertise combines residential projects with high-profile hospitality and theme park developments that must adhere to stringent fire safety standards. Acton advocates for more steel-frame home designs, which are much more durable in the event of a natural disaster or the wildfires that are occurring at an alarmingly regular place in California. The losses incurred have gotten so catastrophic that the insurance premiums moving forward will likely soar at a rate that will displace many Californians and exacerbate the state’s affordability crisis. “Due to its resilience and durability, steel home construction has been growing in popularity for the luxury markets along the coast, but it is quickly becoming the preferred option for developers of all housing types because traditional building practices have gotten so dangerous and costly,” Acton said. “Developers of multifamily housing are increasingly specifying steel framing to accelerate build times, simplify quality control and deliver fire-resistant buildings that meet the demands of urban living. Along with the protection from fire, steel frame houses are also less susceptible to damage from earthquakes, high winds or flooding.” Steel-frame homes are also less likely to be infested with pests, termites and mold compared to wood. They are faster to assemble because the steel is often pre-fabricated off-site, which reduces on-site labor time. Plus, steel is highly recyclable, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to wood, which requires deforestation for production. In addition to pest resistance, speed to market, and recyclability, building with steel framing also delivers substantial saving on insurance. Recognizing steel as non-combustible, insurers can offer premium discounts of up to 75 percent on builder’s risk policies, according to the Steel Framing Industry Association. These average savings reflect steel’s superior fire resistance and loss history, translating into more predictable underwriting and lower overall risk costs throughout both construction and occupancy. The strength and integrity of steel creates more room for designer creativity as well. Despite steel’s relative material cost being higher than lumber, Acton notes that this is a huge value-add in luxury markets such as Malibu and the Palisades, where wider interior spaces and higher ceilings are in demand. ABOUT KRYTON Kryton International Inc. is the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture and has been waterproofing concrete structures with its proprietary Krystol® technology since 1973. Kryton has won awards for innovation, manufacturing, best place to work, and entrepreneurship. Kryton is an active member of the American Concrete Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, American Shotcrete Association, and many other thought-leading organizations. Kryton exports its products to more than 50 countries globally. www.kryton.com About Forté Specialty Contractors: Founded in 2010, Forté Specialty Contractors is a Las Vegas-based specialty construction company that specializes in design build projects rooted in the experiential theming and entertainment world. Forté expanded its services to include a luxury home building division, which today includes a portfolio of homes in Las Vegas and on the East and West coasts. For more information, please visit fortedesignbuild.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Contact Details Forte Specialty Contractors Andrew King +1 914-513-6895 aking@hoytorg.com Company Website https://fortedesignbuild.com/

May 01, 2025 01:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Rising Water Tables in the Southern U.S. Spotlight Need for Sustainable, Waterproof Concrete Solutions

The Hoyt Organization

May 1, 2025 - With rising water tables and an uptick in extreme weather events across the Southern United States, engineers, builders, and municipalities are turning to Smart Concrete as a long-term, sustainable solution to fortify critical infrastructure against flood risks, abrasion, corrosion and climate-related damage. Recent studies have shown that groundwater levels across states like Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Georgia are increasing due to a combination of sea level rise, heavy rainfall patterns, and overburdened drainage systems. Consequently, there are higher likelihoods of flooding not just along coasts, but inland as well, putting foundations, stormwater systems, and essential infrastructure at increasing risk of failure. According to First Street’s 2025 National Risk Assessment, which projects a nearly $1.5 trillion dollar drop in property values from climate-related migration patterns, the nation’s most risky markets for climate-related property loss are all in Texas, including the metropolitan areas of Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Houston – all of which have experienced recent population surges amid increasing insurance costs associated with extreme weather. Smaller markets have been less resilient to these economic and environmental threats. For instance, in Jefferson County, Ala., the damage has already been done, triggering a 9.4 percent spike in climate-related insurance costs and a subsequent 25 percent plunge in population, the report found. Key infrastructure such as highways, airports and large-capacity garages are increasingly vulnerable to water-related corrosion in the South and that durable concrete is a viable long-term solution to those challenges, according to Patrick Kelly, Territory Manager – Central U.S. for Kryton International, a leading manufacturer of high-performance concrete. “It’s largely a threat from below,” Kelly said of the South’s rising water tables and increasing flood risks. “Traditional concrete structures can deteriorate rapidly when exposed to persistent water pressure, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical ingress. Our waterproof concrete technology is designed to combat these exact challenges while reducing the need for costly maintenance and repair.” Waterproof Concrete: A Sustainable Advantage Unlike surface coatings or short-term sealants, waterproof concrete is engineered at the mix level with crystalline admixtures that resist moisture intrusion from the inside out. When compared to traditional concrete, this internal waterproofing not only prolongs structural life but also contributes to sustainability goals by: Reducing carbon-generating material waste from repairs and replacements Improving lifecycle performance with lower initial carbon footprint Enhancing climate resilience in transportation, utility, and commercial infrastructure Waterproof concrete is increasingly being adopted in: Underground parking structures and basements Tunnels, culverts, and stormwater management systems Coastal and low-lying public works projects High-performance industrial facilities in flood-prone regions “With even more extreme weather on the horizon, future-ready construction starts with resilient materials,” said Kryton International’s Vice President for Product Development, Kevin Yuers. “Waterproof concrete isn’t just a product — it’s a strategy for climate adaptation.” ABOUT KRYTON Kryton International Inc. is the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture and has been waterproofing concrete structures with its proprietary Krystol® technology since 1973. Kryton has won awards for innovation, manufacturing, best place to work, and entrepreneurship. Kryton is an active member of the American Concrete Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, American Shotcrete Association, and many other thought-leading organizations. Kryton exports its products to more than 50 countries globally. www.kryton.com Contact Details Kryton International, Inc. Andrew King +1 914-513-6895 aking@hoytorg.com Company Website https://www.kryton.com/

May 01, 2025 10:19 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Sardius Media Powers Gather25

Digifora

Sardius Media was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. It exists to make mission-driven broadcasting and online event planning easier and more engaging. This is done through its first-in-class media platform as well as elite support from its experienced team of veteran software engineers and event specialists. Learn more at sardius.media. Sardius Media Powers Gather25 Sardius Media helped broadcast Gather25 for a non-stop 25-hour marathon on March 1, 2025. In that time, seven million Christians tuned in from around the globe. The event marked the debut and first full-scale test of Sardius Media’s AWS Elemental Anywhere, which amplified the reach of the event to 225 countries, providing live streaming and real-time AI and human interpretation in 87 different languages. The Global Impact of Gather25 Gather25 made history as an unprecedented 25-hour global broadcast uniting millions of Christians in prayer, worship, repentance, and commissioning. The broadcast streamed live sessions from seven locations in the United States, New Zealand, Malaysia, Romania, Rwanda, the United Kingdom, and Peru. This reached an audience of over 3.1 million unique users and over 21,000 self-organized gatherings (with a potential group reach of over seven million). These included a Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi and 5,000 individuals gathered outdoors in Cebu City, Philippines. Notably, 117,000 U.S. prison inmates participated through the PandoApp from God Behind Bars. Amy Bay, Executive Director of Gather25, said, “What we saw at Gather25 was a picture of heaven — believers from every nation, tribe, and language coming together with one mission: to make Jesus known. We are so grateful to the Sardius team for the broadcast technology to pull it all together; it wouldn’t have happened without them.” Jonathan Sheehan (Future City Now, Renewed Vision), the producer of the event, said, "For decades, I’ve been producing large-scale events, and by any measure, Gather25 was a monumental undertaking. The sheer scope of the event, paired with the complexity of the technological challenges, demanded more than just vendors—we needed true partners. That’s exactly what we found in the Sardius team. Their skilled professionals dove into the trenches with us, collaborating tirelessly to bring this vision to life. The resulting millions who joined the event is a testament to a great partnership.” Architecting a Historical Broadcast Sardius Media was presented with a complex challenge to deliver a seamless broadcast delivery experience to this large global audience. In addition, they had to support real-time translation of AI and human interpretation in 87 different languages with a wide array of delivery options, including live interpreters, AI closed captions, voice interpretation, and core broadcast streams. Encoding numerous concurrent streams for such a long broadcast was a unique challenge, as well. The Sardius Team came together with event partner Future City Now to develop a global design aesthetic for the event. This incorporated complex workflows to seamlessly deliver the right content to the right audience in real time. Sardius Media accomplished this by leveraging AWS’s new Elemental MediaLive Anywhere product for its first large-scale deployment. They collaborated closely with the AWS team to ensure flawless performance and maintained this even when the popular Bible App YouVersion notified 36 million users to join the event, leading to a robust response. The AWS-powered streaming infrastructure managed the complexities without skipping a beat, delivering a resilient, scalable live stream for more than a full day and carrying the hope-filled message of Gather25 to every corner of the earth. Overcoming Unexpected Challenges With Agility and Innovation One challenge from Gather25 demonstrated the Sardius Media team’s agility in implementing its solutions and adapting to real-time barriers. Less than 24 hours before the event, the main fiber circuit into the studio master control was severed by an unexpected car accident. Sardius Media swiftly coordinated with various partners, secured alternate internet solutions, and rerouted encoder traffic. This ensured the stream was ready on time. Other unexpected challenges arose during the live stream, but each was efficiently addressed by the experienced Sardius team. Jason Shore, co-founder of Sardius Media, reflected on the milestone achievement, saying, “Gather25 pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in live streaming. Our team’s ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver under pressure made this a defining moment — not just for us, but for the global Church.” Gather25 showcased Sardius Media’s leadership in live streaming for mission-driven events — and this is just the beginning. Upcoming product updates and their continued AWS partnership promise even more innovation for future gatherings. About Sardius Media Sardius Media was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. It exists to make mission-driven broadcasting and online event planning easier and more engaging. This is done through its first-in-class media platform as well as elite support from its experienced team of veteran software engineers and event specialists. Learn more at sardius.media. Transform your marketing efforts with strategies that yield results, build trust, and provide peace of mind. From strategic planning to implementation, digifora is your trusted partner, acting as an extension of your team or even becoming your dedicated marketing department if needed. Contact Details digifora Justin Brackett +1 843-284-6594 digifora.co@gmail.com Company Website https://digifora.com

May 01, 2025 12:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mariner Acquires Columbus, Ohio-Based Hyre Personal Wealth Advisors, Adds $325 Million in Assets Under Advisement

Mariner

Mariner, a national financial services firm, today announced the acquisition of Hyre Personal Wealth Advisors. The deal adds approximately $325 million in assets under advisement and establishes the firm’s second office in Columbus, Ohio and eighth in the Buckeye State. Founded in 2005 by Jim Hyre, CAP®, CFP®, Hyre Personal Wealth Advisors offers expertise in financial, estate, and tax planning, as well as investment and charitable giving strategies, particularly tailored for business owners and individuals undergoing life transitions. The acquisition of Hyre Personal Wealth Advisors brings five team members, including three advisors, into the Mariner family. “Identifying and integrating exceptional talent is core to how we grow Mariner with purpose,” said Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner. “Jim’s wealth of experience, particularly in guiding clients before and during major life events, brings a level of insight and relationship depth that strengthens our entire organization. His reputation for high-touch service and long-standing client loyalty aligns perfectly with our vision to continually raise the bar for what clients should expect from their advisor.” Hyre Personal Wealth Advisors leads with a trademarked “True Wealth” strategy that integrates financial planning with clients' personal values and life goals. This methodology emphasizes proactive planning to help clients make informed decisions before and during major life events. The firm’s integration supports Mariner’s broader strategy of aligning with advisors who bring both specialized expertise and a shared commitment to client-first planning. "Joining Mariner marks a pivotal moment for our firm. It aligns us with a firm who shares our values and vision, and it equips us with the resources to better serve our clients, grow our capabilities, and build for the future,” said Hyre. “This is a strategic decision that enhances our impact today and sets the stage for what’s possible tomorrow.” The deal closed on April 30, 2025, with Hyre Personal Wealth Advisors adopting the Mariner name and branding on May 1. The firm’s team of five remains in place and continues to serve clients from the office in Columbus, Ohio. About Mariner Mariner is a privately held national financial services firm equipped with the experience to meet your modern wealth needs. Our advisors have access to in-house expertise covering everything from tax, estate, trust, and insurance to investment banking and valuation, so they can maximize time spent creating unified wealth plans with clients. By opening more windows of wealth, we can create opportunities to positively impact the lives of many. With this purpose, we intend to raise the bar for the entire industry. Founded in 2006 with $300 million in assets under advisement, Mariner and its affiliates now advise on over $555 billion in assets as of 3/31/25. Learn more at www.mariner.com. Contact Details Hot Paper Lantern Remi Yuter mariner@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.mariner.com/

May 01, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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West Lane Partners Announces New Headquarters in Montclair, NJ, Signaling Strategic Growth

West Lane Partners

West Lane Partners, a private equity firm focused on special situations in the middle market, today announced the opening of its new headquarters at 363 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey. Strategically positioned within one of the country’s most dynamic commercial corridors, the move reflects the firm’s ongoing growth and continued commitment to providing innovative capital solutions across the healthcare, technology, financial services, and industrial sectors. Established with deep investing experience and a shared commitment to supporting the middle market, West Lane Partners specializes in identifying often overlooked but attractive businesses that may be operating below potential or facing significant financial headwinds. The firm has steadily built a reputation for bringing clarity, creativity, and partnership to companies navigating uncertainty. “Our relocation to Montclair marks an exciting next chapter,” said Deryck A. Palmer, founder and managing partner of West Lane Partners. “We’ve created an environment that matches our momentum and gives us the space to continue scaling our investment capabilities.” West Lane’s thoughtful approach to private equity has resonated with both management teams and institutional investors. Several leading Wall Street firms have expressed strong interest in partnering with West Lane on opportunities aligned with its sector expertise. “The pipeline remains robust, with ongoing deal flow focused on complex capital needs, value creation, and operational repositioning,” added Mr. Palmer. “In often-fraught environments where there’s real value to be created, we take pride in bringing calm, clarity, and capability to the table. Whether it’s an owner navigating transition or a team gearing up for the next phase of growth, our legacy will be the partnerships we build and the value we help create.” Additional announcements regarding senior team appointments and firm milestones are expected in the coming weeks. West Lane Partners is a private equity firm whose senior leadership has over 150 years of collective restructuring and private equity experience working with underperforming, stressed and distressed companies across a range of industries in both large cap and middle market companies. In addition to providing capital, the firm combines decades of restructuring, private equity, legal and financial expertise to collaborate with management in developing and executing bespoke solutions that deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. Contact Details Meir Kahtan Public Relations, LLC Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com West Lane Partners, Investor Relations Curtis Johnson +1 973-404-0999 cjohnson@westlanepartners.com Company Website https://www.westlanepartners.com

May 01, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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TheLinkU and Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment Launch Custom Financial Education Program for College Athletes

TheLinkU

TheLinkU, a leader in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) management, announced a strategic collaboration with Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment (GSE), a division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management dedicated to serving the unique and sophisticated needs of elite and professional athletes, entertainers, executives, creators, and other top professionals in the business of sports and entertainment. The new program will offer college athletes opportunities to learn from and obtain access to Morgan Stanley’s Global Sports and Entertainment Directors (exclusively designated financial advisors) in conjunction with the GSE business’ financial education tools, resources, and content as part of a broader offering by TheLinkU. This collaboration between TheLinkU and Morgan Stanley GSE will provide college athletes with benefits that include comprehensive financial education equipping them with necessary tools, resources, and information to help them make empowered financial decisions. The financial education program will be presented in-person, nationwide; virtually with webinars; and digitally via TheLinkU web portal, among TheLinkU’s partner institutions. Austin Elrod, President and Founder of TheLinkU, expressed his enthusiasm: "This collaboration exemplifies our mission to empower athletes through innovative solutions. We are thrilled to bring a unique opportunity like this to college athletes. I want to thank everyone at Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment who has worked with me on bringing this project to life. TheLinkU is committed to supporting the athletes’ journeys in the new world of college athletics. Since inception, TheLinkU has focused on our three pillars: protecting the athlete, protecting the institution, and protecting the businesses participating in the NIL space." “College athletics has seen unprecedented change over the past few years,” said Sandra L. Richards, Managing Director, Head of Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment and Segment Sales & Engagement. “The need for financial education and guidance has become increasingly critical for college athletes, parents, coaches, and other stakeholders. We are pleased to provide them with financial education, tools, and resources through TheLinkU. Together, we look forward to educating and empowering today’s and tomorrow’s athletes to own their financial futures.” Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment consists of over 300 Financial Advisors who are Global Sports and Entertainment Directors, Global Sports and Entertainment Associate Directors, and/or NFLPA Registered Institutional Player Financial Advisors; several of whom are former professional and collegiate athletes. For more information, please visit www.morganstanley.com/gse. For more information about TheLinkU and its collaboration with Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, please visit thelinku.com or contact Devon Patel, Financial Analyst / Investment Advisor Representative at TheLinkU, using the contact details below. Media Contacts Devon Patel (TheLinkU) - Devon@thelinku.com | (832) 922-5053 Austin Elrod (TheLinkU) - Austin@thelinku.com | (214) 681-6310 Christy Jockle (Morgan Stanley) - Christine.Jockle@morganstanley.com | (914) 225-6827 Website: www.TheLinkU.com Register Now: TheLinkU x Morgan Stanley Registration Form About TheLinkU Founded in 2022 by Austin Elrod, TheLinkU is a pioneering NIL platform dedicated to simplifying and enhancing opportunities for college athletes and institutions. With a focus on integrity and compliance, TheLinkU offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to empower athletes and support colleges in navigating the evolving NIL landscape. For more information, visit www.thelinku.com About Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement, and trust services. About Morgan Stanley Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services. With offices in 41 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, visit www.morganstanley.com. Contact Details Sterling Randle srandle@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.thelinku.com/

May 01, 2025 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Movavi Software Limited Unveils Solution for Converting MOV Files on Mac

Rev Up Marketers

Movavi Software Limited is excited to announce the launch of its new Movavi Video Converter for Mac, designed to help users easily convert MOV video on Mac to a wide variety of formats. As MOV files are widely used in Apple's ecosystem, they often present compatibility issues when opened on non-Apple devices or software. Movavi's solution offers a way to convert MOV files to formats that are compatible across multiple platforms, ensuring users can seamlessly share, edit, and play their content on any device. Challenges with MOV Files on Mac MOV files are ideal for use within Apple's ecosystem, particularly with QuickTime Player, but they can cause problems when users attempt to open or edit them on non-Apple devices or software. The proprietary nature of MOV files makes them difficult to use across different platforms. To help users get around these issues, Movavi offers a powerful video conversion tool that simplifies the process of converting MOV video on Mac to other formats. Reasons to Convert MOV Files on Mac Converting MOV video on Mac is a common need for those working with video content. Here are some key reasons why users choose to convert MOV files to other formats: Cross-platform Compatibility While MOV is ideal for Apple devices and software, it can cause playback or editing issues on non-Mac platforms and some Windows applications. When you convert MOV video on Mac to formats like MP4 or AVI, you ensure that your video works seamlessly on Windows PCs, Android devices, and a broader range of media players. Web and Browser Support Most web browsers and online streaming platforms do not natively support MOV files. To ensure smooth playback on websites or social media, converting MOV files to more universally supported formats like MP4 is necessary. File Size Reduction and Easier Sharing MOV files, especially high-definition ones, can be quite large. Converting them to formats like MP4 reduces file size, making them easier to upload, share, and store, particularly for devices with limited space. Audio Extraction Sometimes, only the audio is needed from a MOV file for podcasts, voiceovers, or music. Movavi Video Converter makes it easy to extract audio from MOV video on Mac and convert it to popular formats like MP3 or WAV. Editing and Submission Requirements Certain video editing software or platforms may require specific formats, such as MPEG-2 for journal submissions or AVI for use with Windows Movie Maker. Movavi Video Converter ensures that MOV files can be converted to formats that meet these platform-specific requirements. Trimming or Customizing Content If you only need part of a MOV file (for example, to embed a clip in a PowerPoint presentation ), Movavi Video Converter allows you to trim and convert the file, isolating and using just the segment you want. Device and App Optimization Some devices and applications may not support MOV files. Converting MOV video on Mac to optimized formats for specific devices ensures compatibility and smooth playback. Movavi Video Converter Features Movavi Video Converter for Mac provides a fast, high-quality, and user-friendly solution for converting MOV files to over 180 different formats. Key features of the software include: Fast Conversion Speeds: Movavi Video Converter uses SuperSpeed mode to convert MOV files up to 81 times faster than traditional methods without compromising the video quality. AI-Powered Video Upscaling: Enhance the quality of low-resolution MOV files by upscaling video resolution up to 8 times using advanced AI technology. Lossless Compression: Compress MOV files without losing quality, making it easier to store, share, and upload videos while saving space. Advanced Editing Tools: Trim, crop, rotate, and merge MOV videos, adjust color settings, and add subtitles directly within the converter before exporting the final file. Audio Extraction: Extract audio from MOV files and convert it into various audio formats, including MP3, WAV, and AAC. Subtitle Management: Add or find subtitles for MOV files, enhancing the viewing experience, especially for foreign-language content. Movavi Video Converter for Mac provides an intuitive interface, making it easy for both novice and experienced users to convert, enhance, compress, and edit MOV video on Mac. Whether users are converting videos for different devices, reducing file sizes, or preparing content for editing or sharing, Movavi offers a reliable solution to meet their needs. About Movavi Software Limited Movavi Software Limited is a leading developer of multimedia software solutions, offering high-quality tools for video and audio editing. Movavi’s software products are designed to provide users with the ability to create, edit, and share multimedia content across various platforms. Movavi is committed to offering user-friendly solutions for both beginners and professionals. For more information on Movavi Video Converter for Mac and other Movavi products, please visit https://movavi.com. Contact Details Movavi Software Limited Alex Oger a.oger@movavi.com Company Website https://movavi.com/

May 01, 2025 06:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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