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Advancing Financial Inclusion AUC Coins Set to Revolutionize Retail Payments in South Africa

PlatoData

Key Highlights: ● Advanced Project's TIER platform enables direct AUC Coin payments at South African retailers. ● TIER facilitates payments for goods, services, and even municipal bills, creating a holistic ecosystem for AUC Coin usage. ● Africa leads the way and Advanced Project's success in South Africa serves as a beacon for wider digital asset adoption across the continent. Cape Town, South Africa, January 11, 2024 - ( Plato via 500NewsWire) -- Advanced Project, a leading force in African blockchain innovation, is taking a major step towards true financial inclusion in the continent with the integration of AUC Coin as a payment method at retail stores across South Africa. This exciting partnership unlocks new possibilities for digital asset adoption and sets the stage for wider cryptocurrency use in the region. South Africa, at the forefront of embracing digital assets following the Financial Sector Conduct Authority's recognition of them as financial products, is witnessing a transformative shift in payment methods. The integration of AUC Coin as a payment method is a testament to Advanced Project's unwavering commitment to democratizing finance in Africa. By simplifying digital asset access and use, Advanced Project empowers individuals and businesses alike, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for the continent. As a testament to this evolving landscape, the Pick N Pay group, the largest retail group allowed direct payments with digital assets at all Pick N Pay counters in South Africa. This partnership is a crucial step in bringing digital currencies into mainstream usage for everyday transactions. Other large retail groups like Pick N Pay, will also soon be accepting payments in digital assets. Ashiek Anandhaw, CEO of AUC comments, “The Advanced project uses its own end-to-end payment platform, TIER, which directly connects AUC Coins to users and merchants, to provide a payment system in an easier environment in both offline and online environments, allowing users to pay not only for goods, but also for other value-added services and municipal bills.” AUC Coin from the Advanced project is a native token used extensively in the on/off-chain ecosystem of the project. It has successfully undergone testing for payment services using AUC Coin in several South African retailers, expanding the usage of AUC Coin beyond South Africa to the entire African continent. This initiative expands AUC Coin's utility beyond online transactions and paves the way for everyday purchases with digital assets. It has the potential to revolutionize financial access and inclusion across the African continent. Through partnerships like this, Advanced Project is taking concrete steps toward realizing its vision of a blockchain-powered Africa, where everyone has equal access to financial tools and opportunities. This paves the way for increased not only Bitcoin and Ethereum but also various digital assets like AUC coin usage in retail, propelling Africa to the forefront of the global cryptocurrency movement. Contact: Rendani R. support@aucunited.com The Advanced Project ( https://aucunited.com/ ) The Advanced project is a blockchain-based initiative that aims to promote financial inclusion in Africa through digital assets. The project offers a comprehensive platform that connects users and merchants through its own end-to-end payment system, TIER, which allows for fast, low-cost, and secure transactions using AUC Coins, the native token of the project. The project also provides a range of value-added services and solutions, such as remittances, microfinance, insurance, and municipal bill payments, that aim to improve the lives and livelihoods of millions of Africans who lack access to traditional financial services. The project's vision is to create a more inclusive and prosperous Africa through the power of blockchain and digital assets. Contact Details Rendani R support@aucunited.com

January 11, 2024 10:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Ballast Rock Announces 2023 Year-End Performance of its Sunbelt Real Estate Funds

Ballast Rock

Ballast Rock, the diversified investment management firm, today announced 2023 year-end performance of its two multifamily real estate funds. Sunbelt Multifamily Fund II (SB2), which launched in 2021, closed the acquisition of its final asset in early 2023, bringing total assets in the fund to $105,363,000. The fund has acquired a total of 1,049 units, with an equity contribution of $52,452,012. The fund generated cash from operations for its investors of 7% in 2023. SB2 maintained an average capitalization rate of 7.2% for the year, with 7% in the first half and 7.4% in the second half of 2023. SB2 paid 7.5% from income to investors in 2021, 7.5% from income in 2022, and now will have paid 7% to investors in 2023 from income. “In a challenging year when we saw many private equity real estate funds calling additional capital or halting payments, we were pleased that our focus on workforce multifamily in high growth states in the Southeast delivered results for our investors,” said Thomas Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of Ballast Rock. “This performance is a shared success, since all of our principals invest our own capital alongside our investors, aligning our interests, and delivering safe, clean, and affordable homes for residents in our communities.” Ballast Rock had anticipated launching Sunbelt Multifamily III (SB3) in 2023 but did not identify a property that met its strict qualitative and quantitative underwriting standards. Over the course of 2023, the company performed diligence on more than 350 potential assets but chose to not pursue any acquisitions based on price discipline and the expectation that sponsors that bought assets in 2021 and 2022 at the wrong price with too much floating rate debt are likely going to need to sell in 2024 and 2025 as they will be unable to refinance those deals on economic terms. Ballast Rock’s Atlanta-based real estate team continues to identify and perform diligence on several properties and anticipates a launch of the $100 million Sunbelt Multifamily Fund III in 2024, subject to finding the right properties at the right price. “We remain committed that our focus on workforce housing in the Southeast is the right strategy, and we anticipate that there will be excellent opportunities to acquire the right properties at attractive valuations in the coming months,” said Ian Garcia, Chief Operating Officer of Ballast Rock Real Estate. “We will continue to actively underwrite assets, but we will never sacrifice our diligence or discipline.” Ballast Rock launched Sunbelt Multifamily Fund I (SB1) in 2019 and between February 2019 and January 2021 acquired nine properties totaling 1,110 apartment units for $63,630,000. SB1 began dispositions in early 2022, generating gross proceeds of $60,450,000 from the first four properties sold. The 593 apartment units involved were acquired at an average cost of $53,583 per unit and sold at an average cost of $101,939 per unit. Thus far SB1 has made a total of $41,963,582 of investor distributions on $30,000,000 of equity invested in the fund. Ballast Rock anticipates exiting the remaining five assets in SB1 opportunistically over the next 12 to 18 months. Also in 2023, Ballast Rock launched Ballast Rock Capital, its broker-dealer. Ballast Rock Capital is a member of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). About Ballast Rock Group Ballast Rock Group is an integrated investment management company specializing in delivering risk-adjusted returns, accurate, and timely advice, high quality frequent reporting, and direct access to management. Ballast Rock Group operates Ballast Rock Asset Management, Ballast Rock Private Wealth, and Ballast Rock Capital. Ballast Rock Asset Management comprises Ballast Rock Real Estate, which includes the firm’s Sunbelt multifamily real estate funds, and Ballast Rock Ventures, comprising venture capital and private equity teams. Ballast Rock Private Wealth is a registered investment advisor, with a focus on alternative strategies. Ballast Rock Capital is awaiting approval to become a FINRA-registered broker-dealer. Ballast Rock is committed to being a driver of positive change. The diversity of our team members brings valuable new perspectives to our industry for the benefit of our stakeholders and the broader community. Investment Disclosure The information contained in this press release has been prepared by Ballast Rock Holdings LLC (“Ballast Rock”) without reference to any particular reader’s investment requirements or financial situation. Potential investors are encouraged to consult with professional tax, legal, and financial advisors before making any investment into a private offering of securities. An investment in private securities would be speculative and would involve a high degree of risk. Investors must be prepared to bear the economic risk of such an investment for an indefinite period of time and be able to withstand a total loss of their investment. Please consider carefully the investment objectives, risks, transaction costs, and other expenses related to an investment prior to deciding to invest. Ballast Rock Capital LLC (“BRC”), MEMBER: FINRA / SIPC. BRC’s registered head office is 460 King Street, Suite 200, Charleston, SC, 29403. Tel: 800-204-2513. To check background information about BRC and its representatives, visit FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Please see important disclosure information in our Form CRS. Contact Details For Ballast Rock press@ballastrock.com Company Website https://www.ballastrock.com/

January 11, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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DePIN and DeWi Come to Sui in Groundbreaking Karrier One Partnership, Upcoming Token Launch

Sui

The deal includes strategic investment from Sui to fuel the expansion of Karrier One’s growing global footprint Sui, in collaboration with Karrier One, proudly announces a strategic partnership that marks a significant leap in integrating advanced telecom services with the dynamic capabilities of web3 technology. At the heart of the partnership is the investment that Sui is making in Karrier One, which provides funding to help expand its Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePIN) technology. This collaboration showcases the potential for decentralized technologies to vastly expand access to the digital world and enhance connectivity for underserved populations. The technical integration of this new partnership will feature DePIN services powered by the Sui blockchain and the launch of a Karrier One Decentralized Wireless (DeWi) network token on Sui. In addition, contributors to and participants in the Karrier One ecosystem will be able to earn DeWi tokens for various activities such as deploying radios and mobile usage involving Karrier One phone numbers. This launch not only introduces a versatile governance token but also expands the Karrier ecosystem with a diverse array of utilities accessed and consumed via fungible tokens and NFTs. For example, as part of Karrier One’s implementation, universal phone numbers will be sold by Karrier One on the network and secured by NFTs using the Karrier Number System (KNS) which is fortified with features that prioritize self-sovereign digital identity, safeguard user data and enhance digital security. A key feature of the KNS will be the integration of zkLogin, a fundamental Sui primitive that streamlines user interactions on Sui by enabling web3 authentication with familiar web2 credentials. For example, with zkLogin, users can log in with Google or Facebook to generate a self-custodial wallet secured by zero-knowledge proofs. By combining KNS with zkLogin on Sui, the partnership enables end users to transact in web3 using their telephone numbers instead of requiring them to manage a crypto native wallet. All Karrier One phone numbers will be distributed with these integrations as a default option of its phone plan. Users will also be able to transfer their numbers from other carriers, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of KNS and zkLogin. For the first time ever, users will be able to specify an address on the network using a phone number and securely and privately send and receive digital assets via text message with no wallet setup required. Already a leading player in DePIN technology, Karrier One will utilize the new investment from Sui to augment its offerings with an array of new services, such as retail radio deployments and innovative mobile phone plans along with KNS, delivering vital infrastructure to underserved areas. A pivotal aspect of this work involves leveraging Karrier One's advanced radio technology to tap into unused wireless spectrum, primarily from large telecom companies, which are often reluctant to incur the hefty capital expenditures required to build the infrastructure in certain regions of the US and abroad. As a result, a vast portion of the spectrum is left under-utilized. Karrier One addresses this gap by monetizing these signals efficiently and effectively to promote sustainable economic growth and inclusive connectivity. "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Sui Foundation," stated Samer Bishay, CEO of Karrier One. "This partnership is a major step towards expanding our influence and reach in telecommunications. Our goal has always been to ensure that connectivity is universally accessible, affordable, and sustainable. Sui's parallelized transactions, efficient on-chain data storage capabilities and superior processing capacity align perfectly with our mission. Sui has demonstrated its ability to maintain gas fees that are low and predictable even during massive use of the network, ensuring that our users can leverage the full potential of our technology with the prospect of millions of daily hashed transactions on-chain and despite the vast requirements for data storage. This technology is crucial for our telecom application buildouts, which demand rapid, scalable, high-volume transaction handling in the nine and ten-figure range. "Greg Siourounis, Managing Director of the Sui Foundation, commented, "Our collaboration with Karrier One demonstrates our commitment to using decentralized technologies to build a more inclusive and interconnected future. More than just an alignment of goals and values, our partnership combines two superior technologies to advance decentralized telecommunications. By developing the DePIN network on Sui, Karrier One is leveraging network scalability, security, and efficiency unmatched by existing platforms and moving us forward towards a future where this technology is a catalyst for positive change." This partnership also represents the teams’ shared commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), focusing on Quality Education (Goal 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Goal 9), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11). In particular, Karrier One's presence at the COP 28 conference in Dubai at the end of 2023 was an opportunity to showcase its innovative solutions and strategies that align with global sustainability efforts. This appearance not only underscored Karrier One's dedication to sustainable practices but also highlighted its growing influence in the UAE and on the global stage. The partnership between Karrier One and Sui embodies their united vision of leveraging decentralized technology for societal and environmental betterment. It is expected to accelerate the deployment of DeWi solutions, making a substantial contribution to worldwide efforts for a sustainable, inclusive and connected future. Contact Details Sui Team Sui Foundation media@sui.io

January 11, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Kappahl Selects ToolsGroup to Support Its Thriving and Growing Fashion Brand

ToolsGroup

ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, is proud to announce it has been selected by Kappahl, a leading fashion chain in the Nordics, to drive better planning decisions, supporting and accelerating its business growth. Kappahl is a leading retail chain across Northern Europe. With approximately 340 brick-and-mortar stores and a bustling ecommerce site, the retailer offers responsibly-produced, everyday fashion to customers in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, and the UK. The company is committed to offering sustainable fashion choices to its expanding customer base through more efficient business practices strengthened by the most powerful retail planning technology. “At Kappahl, we aim to provide ethically produced, fashionable clothes to customers throughout our region and beyond,” said Caroline Ahlberg, Vice President Kappahl Assortment and Marketing. “We knew we needed to adopt more effective and scalable business practices and planning solutions to maintain our momentum in the accelerating retail environment. In ToolsGroup, we found a long-term partner who could provide the expertise and solutions to support our constantly evolving supply chain network and drive the digital transformation necessary for customer satisfaction and future business growth.” Kappahl selected ToolsGroup’s JustEnough Dynamic Retail Planning & Execution suite. This solution integrates Merchandise Financial Planning (MFP) and Assortment Planning (AP) with Kappahl’s existing technology stack. MFP enables the retailer to create dynamic plans across buying seasons throughout its omnichannel ecosystem and align departments on financial objectives. AP determines the optimal product mix for each channel, location, and season to delight customers and maximize sales. This combination of financial guidance and localized assortments helps Kappahl enhance its business performance and achieve its aggressive growth objectives. “By leveraging AI powered inventory planning solutions from JustEnough, Kappahl will be able to perfectly balance the top-line merchandising requirements for growth with the bottom-line demand for profitability,” said ToolsGroup CEO, Inna Kuznetsova. “ToolsGroup is excited to help Kappahl achieve its vision of being a leader in affordable and responsible fashion. Improving full price sell-through without stockouts will help Kappahl continue its impressive growth trajectory while satisfying customers and boosting financial performance.” Meet ToolsGroup at NRF Booth #3948 and learn why customers around the globe are employing JustEnough to Support their growth and strategic initiatives. Book a meeting to learn more about the latest advancements in retail planning HERE. Customers and analysts alike recognize ToolsGroup as a retail planning leader. See the growing list of analyst accolades and customer recognition awards HERE. About Kappahl Group Founded in 1953 in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Kappahl Group is a leading fashion chain in the Nordics, with around 360 Kappahl and Newbie stores in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland and the UK, and online in more than 20 markets throughout Europe and Asia. We want to make a difference in the fashion world and to lead the way by always keeping our promises: taking care of the world around us, minimizing the environmental impact for each garment. And at the same time fulfil our employee promise "We promise you the right to always be yourself - a place to belong. The Kappahl team consists of some 4,000 colleagues in nine countries, all with different backgrounds, ages, skills and styles. Our common motivation is to create a responsible world of fashion and offer fashion fit for life to a wide variety of people and lifestyles. A responsible fashion that feels right, for the bearer and for the world we live in. Today, more than 80% of the products are made of certified and/or preferred materials. Kappahl’s goal is 100% by 2025 and Kappahl's overall climate goal is to halve the value chain's climate emissions by 2030. More information at kappahl.com About ToolsGroup ToolsGroup’s innovative AI-powered solutions enable retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to navigate through supply chain uncertainty. Our retail and supply chain planning suites empower a new level of intelligent decision making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory - delighting customers and achieving financial and ESG KPIs. Stay in touch with ToolsGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or visit www.toolsgroup.com. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.toolsgroup.com

January 11, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Lithium Ionic Corp. (OTCMKTS: LTHCF) Could Be Poised To Gain From A Forecasted Lithium Supply Gap

Lithium Ionic

By Jeremy Golden, Benzinga Lithium prices have been under pressure of late, partly due to concerns about sliding near-term demand and an oversupply of the silvery-white metal. These macro headwinds, coupled with relatively weak electric vehicle (EV) sales growth, have led to high stockpiles and declining prices of lithium, a key metal used in EV batteries. However, it’s not all doom and gloom in the field of lithium mining. In fact, it may be the opposite. Fitch Solutions research unit BMI is forecasting a significant lithium supply deficit by 2025. The researchers attributed this to China's increasing demand for lithium surpassing its supply capacity. The supply gap is expected to come in mid-2025, around the same time when a Canadian company’s mining project will be coming online. ‘Surge In Demand’ Lithium Ionic Corp. (OTCMKTS: LTHCF) (TSXV: LTH) is developing lithium properties in Brazil’s most prolific mining state with the goal of extracting lithium within the next couple of years. Located in the mining-friendly Minas Gerais state – right next door to Sigma Lithium’s (NASDAQ: SGML) already producing Grota de Cirilo Project – Lithium Ionic’s properties span 14,182 hectares, or more than 35,044 acres, in this prolific lithium province. Following the positive results from a highly economical Preliminary Economic Assessment in 2022, Lithium Ionic is rapidly advancing Bandeira, its flagship project, toward a production decision with a Feasibility Study expected this quarter and construction permits expected by mid-year while it continues to explore several other prospective regional targets. Jurisdiction is an important factor in the mining sector, as evidenced by the recent closure of First Quantum’s lucrative copper mine in Panama. The Bandeira Project is next door to Companhia Brasileira de Litio’s Cachoeira Mine, which has been producing lithium for over 30 years. Thus, Lithium Ionic’s location in a mining-friendly locale is a key advantage for the company. Nearby the Bandeira Project, Sigma Lithium operates the largest hard rock lithium deposit in the Americas through its Grota do Cirillo project. Drilling next to a multi-billion dollar lithium producer could allow Lithium Ionic to mirror this development by continuing to advance Bandeira. The company reports that it is on track to become the next significant lithium producer in Brazil’s “lithium valley,” as it follows the same production path as Sigma. Lithium Ionic says its timeline to production is much shorter than other large-scale lithium projects, placing the company in a good position to capitalize on China’s surge in demand. The world’s third-largest lithium producer’s lithium demand for EVs is expected to see an annual growth rate of 20.4% from 2023 to 2032, BMI predicts. The country’s lithium supply, however, is only forecasting 6% growth during that same period. That noticeable gap between supply and demand is creating an opportunity for lithium mining companies and could result in surging lithium prices. Lithium Ionic seems to be one of the few lithium mining companies that is prepared to meet this rise in demand forecasted by Broad Market Index (BMI). To learn more about Lithium Ionic, visit www.lithiumionic.com. Lithium Ionic is a Canadian mining company focused on becoming the next significant Brazilian lithium producer. Our properties are located in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state, a mining-friendly jurisdiction that is quickly emerging as a world-class hard-rock lithium-producing district. A recent PEA for the Bandeira Project indicates a long-life, low-cost, and highly profitable project with a Post-tax NPV8% of US$1.6B (~C$2.2B) and IRR of 121%. Our goal is to generate significant returns for our stakeholders by becoming the country's next producer of high-quality spodumene concentrate for the global lithium supply chain. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Caroline Arsenault info@lithiumIonic.com Company Website https://www.lithiumionic.com/

January 11, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Transak Secures Key ISO/IEC 27001 Certification, Elevating Standards in Web3 Information Security Management

Transak

Transak, the infrastructure provider for Web3 onboarding, has been awarded ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification. The achievement will bolster Transak’s reputation as an accredited operator of information security management systems (ISMS). ISO/IEC 27001 is the gold standard for ISMS. It defines the requirements a company should meet when establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an information security management system. Receiving the coveted certification is a mark of the high standards Transak adheres to for risk management and data handling. Transak Co-Founder and CTO Yeshu Agarwal said: “Obtaining ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification marks a significant milestone for Transak, reinforcing our commitment to the highest standards of data security in the blockchain and fintech space. This achievement reflects our dedication to building trust and ensuring the utmost security for our clients and partners in the Web3 space.” Companies that are awarded the ISMS certification must show a commitment to maintaining best practice in all aspects of information security. Recipients are able to demonstrate that they have robust systems in place to handle sensitive data and counter cyber threats. Organizations in receipt of ISO/IEC 27001 certification are expected to be proactive in identifying and addressing cyber threats and fortifying their systems to prevent incursion. Within the field of blockchain and fintech, it is imperative that sensitive financial and customer data is safeguarded. Transak’s certification award will give its existing partners confidence in the best-in-class procedures it has in place for data handling. End users of Transak-powered Web3 onboarding platforms will also gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing their data is being handled responsibly and to the highest industry standards. Many Web3 companies working with ISMS have yet to attain ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification. In achieving this, Transak is leading by example while helping to advance industry best practices. Transak’s robust commitment to security and compliance shines through its array of global crypto licenses and compliance certificates it has obtained in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and India. Transak is aiming to obtain the coveted SOC2 Type 2 Certification later in Q2 2024. About Transak Transak is a leading Web3 onboarding infrastructure provider. Its API-driven solutions enable Web3 platforms to onboard users from 150+ countries to crypto while abstracting the complexity of user KYC, risk monitoring & compliance, payment methods and customer support. Transak's on/off-ramp widget can be integrated into an app in just a few lines of code. Transak is a product of the Tachyon accelerator program and is backed by top VCs including Consensys and Animoca Brands. Learn more: https://transak.com/ Contact Details MarketAcross Dan Edelstein PR@marketacross.com Company Website https://transak.com/

January 11, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Ripken Baseball® Expands All-Ripken Games in 2024 – adds Under Armour as Presenting Partner

Ripken Baseball

Ripken Baseball ® today announced it has expanded its All-Ripken Games in 2024 by increasing the number of facilities and tournaments for top individual youth baseball and softball players to compete at Ripken Baseball’s world-class facilities nationwide. It also confirmed Under Armour® (NYSE: UA, UAA) will be All-Ripken Games’ presenting sponsor in 2024 and will provide custom All-Ripken uniforms and performance wear to participating athletes. All-Ripken Games, which debuted in 2023 at four facilities, will host seven baseball tournaments and two softball tournaments at six facilities in 2024 starting this April. The season will culminate with the All-Ripken Futures Games in December, featuring the top players of the season. Players must be nominated by their peers and coaches for the opportunity to train the Ripken Way, compete against elite young athletes, and receive the ultimate Big League Experience. “The first year of All-Ripken Games was a massive success, and with our partners at Under Armour we are expanding to additional facilities with more tournaments in 2024,” said Ripken Baseball Co-Founder Bill Ripken. “The incredible feedback we received last year has led to a tremendous response for the 2024 nomination process, which is already underway.” All-Ripken players will be evaluated by Baseball Factory scouts, compete in skills challenges, and play for the ultimate team goal, the All-Ripken Games Tournament Championship, which will be awarded at each location. In addition to receiving uniforms, Under Armour will provide participating players with an opportunity to test new Under Armour products and be included in digital playing cards. “As a partner of Ripken Baseball, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of athletes through platforms like All-Ripken Games,” said Craig Cummings, VP, Team Sports & Sport Performance at Under Armour. “What they accomplished with All-Ripken Games in only one year is remarkable, and we look forward to helping them take it to the next level in 2024 and beyond.” 2024 All-Ripken Games powered by Under Armour schedule: April 5-7: The Ripken Experience® Myrtle Beach in South Carolina Baseball 8U-12U July 25-28: The Ripken Experience® Elizabethtown in Kentucky Baseball 8U-14U Softball 10U-16U Aug. 1-4: The Ripken Experience® Myrtle Beach in South Carolina Baseball 8U-14U Aug. 8-11: Sports Force Parks™ at Cedar Point Sports Center in Ohio (a Ripken Baseball facility) Baseball 8U-14U Softball 10U-16U Aug. 15-18: The Ripken Experience® Pigeon Forge in Tennessee Baseball 8U-12U Aug. 29 – Sept. 1: The Ripken Experience® Aberdeen in Maryland Baseball 8U-14U Dec. 19-22: All-Ripken Futures Games Showcasing the top baseball players from the 2024 All-Ripken season (8U-14U) Publix Sports Park in Panama City Beach, FL "The All-Ripken Futures Games in Panama City Beach will be a significant milestone for our athletes," said Scott Hacker, President of YTH Sports and Director of the All-Ripken Games. "This year, players participating in the All-Ripken Game s from April to August will have the unique opportunity to be selected as the season's top performers for the December event. It’s not just a celebration of the year's accomplishments, it’s a platform for outstanding athletes to gain recognition as the season's top players." All-Ripken players must exhibit an elevated level of baseball knowledge, dedication, sportsmanship, and skill. To nominate and register a player for the All-Ripken Games powered by Under Armour, parents, coaches, and leagues can visit www.AllRipken.com or email questions to scout@allripken.com. Any participants of The Ripken Experience who are nominated will automatically be selected for the All-Ripken Games. Families, players, teams, and fans can follow @AllRipken on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest information. About Ripken Baseball Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches, and families together through its Big League Experiences while teaching children how to play sports the right way – the Ripken Way. Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through tournaments, camps, clinics, and spring training at their state-of-the-art facilities – The Ripken Experience ® Aberdeen Powered by Under Armour® (Maryland), The Ripken Experience ® Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), The Ripken Experience ® Pigeon Forge (Tennessee), The Ripken Experience ® Elizabethtown (Kentucky), Sports Force Parks™ at Cedar Point Sports Center (Ohio), and Cooperstown All Star Village (New York). Ripken Baseball also develops and trains athletes through the acquisition of Baseball Factory™ and Softball Factory™. Learn more at ripkenbaseball.com. About Under Armour, Inc. Under Armour, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading inventor, marketer, and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. Designed to empower human performance, Under Armour's innovative products and experiences are engineered to make athletes better. For further information, please visit http://about.underarmour.com. Contact Details Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://www.allripken.com/

January 11, 2024 08:57 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Innovations and policy updates drive equity and a record number of lifesaving organ transplants in 2023

United Network for Organ Sharing

Today, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) announced another record year for organ transplants, with 46,632 transplants performed in 2023 thanks to the selfless and generous gifts from donors. In addition, 10,824 Black patients received transplants last year, more than any year prior. UNOS, the engine that powers the national organ donation and transplantation system under contract with and oversight from the federal government, manages the national transplant waitlist that matches patients with lifesaving organs. UNOS tracks the number of transplants performed for each organ and identifies trends in organ donation and transplantation. Last year marked the 13 th consecutive year of a record number of deceased donors. Additional milestones reached include: More than 16,000 individuals became deceased donors, making 39,679 deceased donor transplants possible. That's nearly a 9% increase from 2022. There were 10,660 liver transplants performed in 2023 – the most ever performed in a single year. A 30% increase from 2022 in donors aged 65 years and older, representing a greater acceptance by the transplant community and candidates to receive organs from medically more complex donors. “It is important to remember that these milestones are more than just numbers – they reflect real people who can go on hikes with their spouse again and got to spend the holidays with their loved ones,” said Maureen McBride, Ph.D., CEO of UNOS. “I also want to recognize the selfless donors whose generosity made these life-changing transplants possible. I am grateful and thankful for each donor and know that as long as we remember the profound ripple effect of their decision, we will never lose sight of our mission.” The increase in transplants in 2023 is the result of several initiatives that have helped increase equity and enhance patient access to transplants, which were driven by the organ donation and transplant community and the Health Resources and Services Administration, the federal government agency overseeing the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Some of these policy updates and technological advancements include removing race from kidney function measurements, increasing equity in lung transplants through continuous distribution, and making it easier for transplant programs to filter organ offers so an available organ is transplanted more quickly. The transplant community’s commitment to continuous system improvements drives the year-over-year increases in the number of lifesaving and lifechanging transplants performed. These improvements are necessary to ensure that each of the more than 103,000 patients on the national waitlist has an opportunity to receive a transplant. UNOS continues to work with the organ donation and transplant community and the federal government to advance its Action Agenda, a series of reforms to improve the organ donation and transplant system. This includes advocating for access to pre-waitlist data to enhance equity and to make it easier for organs to be transported in the cabin of commercial airplanes to help reduce the time it takes for an organ to get to a patient. Additionally, the OPTN is spearheading the Expeditious Task Force that is taking massive steps forward to reduce organ non-use. “Patients and donors motivate us to work collaboratively with the organ donation and transplant community and the government to strengthen the system,” continued McBride. “That way even more patients can access and receive high-quality and equitable transplant care.” For more information on 2023’s organ donation and transplant numbers and to learn more about the patients and donors, please visit: unos.org. About UNOS United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is a non-profit, charitable organization that serves as the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under contract with the federal government. The OPTN helps create and define organ allocation and distribution policies that make the best use of donated organs. This process involves continuously evaluating new advances and discoveries so policies can be adapted to best serve patients waiting for transplants. All transplant programs and organ procurement organizations throughout the country are OPTN members and are obligated to follow the policies the OPTN creates for allocating organs. Contact Details United Network for Organ Sharing Anne Paschke +1 804-782-4730 anne.paschke@unos.org Company Website https://unos.org

January 11, 2024 08:51 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Stria Lithium Inc. Announces Appointment of New Director

Stria Lithium Inc.

RELEASE:   Ottawa, ON – TheNewswire - January 11, 2024 - Stria Lithium Inc. (TSXV:SRA) (“Stria” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Donald Birak as a new Director of the Company.   Donald J. Birak is a senior geologist with over 45 years of experience in the minerals industry.  Mr. Birak currently consults on mineral property evaluation, regulatory compliance, and greenfield/ brownfield exploration programs. Mr. Birak has and continues to serve on numerous boards of publicly traded mining companies.   In his past managements positions Mr. Birak was Senior Vice President of Exploration for Cœur Mining Inc. with responsibility for the design and guidance of all aspects of the company’s global exploration activities and served as Vice President of Exploration for AngloGold Ashanti North America (formerly Independence Mining Co. Inc.) as well as Hudbay Minerals Inc. (formerly Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co. Ltd.).  In 2000 he received the “Bill Dennis Prospector of the Year” award presented by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, along with his key exploration team members, in recognition of discovery of the 777 copper and zinc deposits and several others in the Flin Flon-Snow Lake Greenstone Belt of Manitoba, Canada. Mr. Birak earned a Master of Science degree in Geology from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, with a thesis on the geology of the Groveland Iron Mine in northern Michigan, USA.  He has authored and co-authored several professional publications on the geology and metallurgy of sediment-hosted and epithermal precious metal deposits and on the use of geostatistics in resource modeling and grade control.  He is a Senior Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) and is currently a member of the Budget and Investment committees of SEG.  He is a Registered Member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).   Donald Birak stated, “Dean Hanisch, CEO, and I met when we had mutual connections in Sierra Nevada in Mexico. I look forward to working with Dean and the board of Stria Lithium to help bring value to the shareholders and stakeholders via exploration and development of their properties in the emerging lithium district of Western Quebec. Most of the global reserves of lithium in 2022 were in just 3 countries - Chile, Australia, and Argentina - followed by China, USA and Canada.  Stria's foray into lithium in the Li-pegmatites of Quebec is timely as both Canada and the US seek to expand internal sources of this critical commodity.” Jeff York, Chairman of Stria Lithium said today: “Mr. Birak brings a strong depth of geological, and operations governance required for Stria establishing itself as a key exploration player in the critical minerals space within Canada.” About Stria Lithium Stria Lithium (TSX-V: SRA) is an emerging resource exploration company developing Canadian lithium reserves to meet legislated demand for electric vehicles and their rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.   Stria’s Central Pontax Lithium Project covers 36 square kilometres, including 8 kilometres of strike along the prospective Chambois Greenstone Belt. The region, known as the Canadian “Lithium Triangle,” is one of only a few known sources of lithium available for hard rock mining in North America.   Stria’s Pontax Central Project Joint Venture with Cygnus Metals now has a maiden JORC inferred resource Estimate (MRE) of 10.1Mt at 1.04% Li 2 O based on the central area of the known mineralisation.   This JORC estimate establishes Pontax Central as a serious player in the Canadian Lithium James Bay region. Cygnus Metals being an ASX issuer, they adhered to Australian JORC Code 2012 guidelines, meaning that such mineral resource estimate is not necessarily current in regard of the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 code.   Cygnus Metals is committed to fully funding and managing the current two-stage exploration and drilling program to a maximum of $10 million at Stria’s Pontax property, and will also pay Stria up to $6 million in cash. In return, Cygnus may acquire up to a 70% interest in the property. Cygnus has fulfilled its stage 1 requirements within the agreement and has now earned its 51% interest in the property. Stria’s other significant project, Pontax II covers 55 square kilometres, approximately 25 kilometres to the west-south-west of Pontax Central and is located adjacent to the Billy-Diamond paved highway.  Stria has added to this project by recently acquiring 24 claims, for 1276.5 hectares that are strategically located northeast of Stria’s Pontax II claims. Stria Lithium previously reported highly anomalous tantalum oxide grain counts in till samples up to 797 grains, the highest count ever recorded by the laboratory. The Pontax II grain counts stand at the 97.6 centile of the regional population with an average of 156 grains per sample as a comparative basis, a regional survey in the same area conducted by the Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources Naturelles du Québec, processed a total of 5950 tantalum oxide grains yielding an average count of 36 grains per samples. The conclusion being the grain counts are suggestive of the proximity of lithium bearing pegmatites. Pontax II claims are in highly active prospective zones, situated to the west southwest of Stria/Cygnus lithium discovery and situated to the west of the Patriot Battery Metals (PMET.V) Pontax project, and south of Brunswick Exploration (BRW.V). Stria’s Pontax properties are both situated close to an industrial powerline and a major paved highway, about 310 km north of the North American rail network that leads to the industrial heartland.   As momentum builds for the green energy revolution and the shift to electric vehicles, governments in Canada and the U.S. are aggressively supporting the North American lithium industry, presenting the industry and its investors with a rare, if not unprecedented, opportunity for growth and prosperity well into the next decade and beyond.   Stria is committed to exceeding the industry’s environmental, social and governance standards. A critical part of that commitment is forging meaningful, enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with the James Bay Cree Nation (Eeyouch), and engaging openly and respectfully as neighbours and collaborators in this exciting project that has the potential to create lasting jobs and prosperity for Eeyou Istchee and its people.   The technical content disclosed in the current press release was reviewed and approved by Réjean Girard, P.Geo and president of IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc, a qualified person as defined under National Instrument NI-43-101.   For more information about Stria Lithium and the Pontax Lithium project, please visit https://strialithium.com Follow us on: Twitter @StriaLithium   Instagram @strialithium   Facebook http://www.facebook.com/strialithium   LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/stria-lithium/     For more information on Stria Lithium Inc., please contact: Dean Hanisch CEO Stria Lithium dhanisch@strialithium.com +1(613) 612-6060   Investors Relations, Stria Lithium Inc. ir@strialithium.com   Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.   Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information   Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.   Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Please refer to the risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.   The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

January 11, 2024 08:31 AM Eastern Standard Time

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