DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AECOM (NYSE: ACM), the trusted global infrastructure leader, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share as part of its ongoing quarterly dividend program. The dividend is payable on April 17, 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 2, 2025.

About AECOM

AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

Investor:
Will Gabrielski
Senior Vice President, Finance, Treasurer
213.593.8208
William.Gabrielski@aecom.com

Media:
Brendan Ranson-Walsh
Senior Vice President, Global Communications
213.996.2367
Brendan.Ranson-Walsh@aecom.com

The latest volume in the longstanding partnership between the two publishers.

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Toronto Press (UTP), Canada’s largest university press and leading academic publisher, and the British Library, the national library of the UK, today announced co-publication of a new art history book, The Art of the Scribe.

The Art of the Scribe, written by Patricia Lovett, a professional calligrapher, details twenty-one practical art and calligraphy projects inspired by medieval manuscripts from the British Library’s collection. Set to be published in April 2025, the book builds on the longstanding partnership of UTP and the British Library.

UTP and the British Library’s partnership began over 25 years ago and has produced many successful collaborations, including A Guide to Western Historical Scripts from Antiquity to 1600 and The Lindisfarne Gospels. These titles provide insights into the social, cultural, and political landscapes of the past and reveal the roots of contemporary traditions and institutions.

Several other co-publications are in the works, with a focus on complementary subject areas, especially in the arts, literature and culture.

“UTP's extensive reach throughout North America has been instrumental in amplifying the impact of our past co-published titles. Having worked together since the early 1990s, we’ve seen firsthand how their network connects our work, and the deeply aligned collections of the Library, with new audiences and extends its influence,” says John Lee, Publisher at the British Library.

“The co-publication of The Art of the Scribe marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with the British Library. Known for producing outstanding books that both educate and captivate, the British Library continues to set a high standard in the publishing world," says Antonia Pop, Vice President, Publishing Division at UTP. “The projects we already have in the works – from art books to a series on dragons and trolls – will spark the imagination of readers across North America.”

About the British Library

We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.

We have millions of books, and much more besides. Our London and Yorkshire sites hold collections ranging from newspapers and maps to sound recordings, patents, academic journals, as well as a copy of every UK domain website and blog. We work with partners and libraries across the UK and the world to make sure that as many people as possible have the chance to use and explore our collections, events and expertise. And we’re always open online, along with more and more of our digitised collection.

About the University of Toronto Press

The University of Toronto Press (UTP) is one of the largest university presses in North America, publishing landmark scholarship since 1901. Each year UTP releases over 250 new scholarly, course, and general interest books and over 80 journals. In addition, UTP manages the distribution for over 250 publishers and imprints in Canada, the US, and around the world. UTP also runs the University of Toronto Bookstores across the three main campuses, serving over 95,000 students and 15,000 faculty.

MEDIA CONTACT
Anne-Marie Tremble, Senior Account Manager, Talk Shop Media
annemarie@talkshopmedia.com | 613-914-3551

“Make imPACt” Anniversary Campaign is Captured in a Creative Trailer along with Planned Museum and Major Sporting Events, Brand Activations and Experiences, a Partnership with the American Red Cross, and Multiple Brand Collaborations

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is commemorating PAC-MAN™’s 45th Anniversary with an unprecedented year-long campaign. Featuring a host of activities and partnerships celebrating the legendary gaming icon’s legacy in entertainment and popular culture, fans from around the world are invited to join in this momentous milestone. The campaign planned to run throughout 2025 and into early 2026 revolves around the theme of “imPACt” to capture how one of video games’ original icons has spanned generations and is now recognized around the world as Bandai Namco’s ambassador of fun and goodwill.

Born on May 22, 1980, PAC-MAN immediately gained a following as an innovative and fun classic arcade game and quickly rose to pop culture fame. With notable brand recognition around the world, the PAC-MAN brand is one of the most beloved on the planet and continues to thrive as he enters his 45th year of entertaining fans of all ages.

To capture this enduring legacy, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is debuting a visually stunning trailer that takes fans on a nostalgic journey. Directed by Miles Cable of Bodega Virtual and produced by LEFT, the trailer is brought to life entirely in Unreal Engine® to showcase the icon across multiple eras while reimagining his world with modern visuals and dynamic storytelling.

Watch PAC-MAN’s 45th Anniversary trailer here: https://youtu.be/DrpS9vcBefQ.

The anniversary celebration will also include a variety of fun opportunities focused on making and creating an “imPACt” in gaming, food, lifestyle and community through partnerships and events planned all year long.

For players, a new game is set to launch this year titled SHADOW LABYRINTH™, a 2D action platformer with a genre-twisting alternate take on the PAC-MAN IP. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. will be sharing more details on this exciting new title in the coming months. Additionally, PAC-MAN™ Simulator on Roblox, a collaboration with Supersocial, will let “Robloxians” play through 45th anniversary-themed adventures. Fans can get their hands on a series of special-edition gaming PAC-MAN accessories for Nintendo Switch™ and Xbox One / Xbox Series platforms by PowerA as well as new 45^th Anniversary playable electronic toys by dreamGEAR and arcade machines by Arcade1Up.

Ever wonder what a Ghost or Power Pellet tastes like? A PAC-MAN™ cookbook filled with tasty recipes will be released by Insight Editions later this year.

Sports fans will be excited to see Club América take part in the anniversary celebration by offering a limited number of PAC-MAN-branded soccer jerseys followed by themed stadium events. Bandai Namco is also collaborating with various brands and retailers, such as Justice shop at Walmart and Five Below, to release assorted PAC-MAN items such as toys, apparel, accessories and more.

PAC-MAN will also be getting a special display showcased at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle from April 30 through June 4, 2025, with a themed event occurring in between on May 10. In Irvine, California, home to Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., the Great Park Gallery will host a PAC-MAN retrospective exhibition starting May 18 through September 28 along with themed events and programming.

Starting on March 22, Little Lion Entertainment in collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S., will launch the “PAC-MAN™ Live Experience” in the UK at Manchester’s Arcade Arena. The groundbreaking attraction invites participants to step into a life-sized interactive maze for a fun, multi-sensory adventure.

To bring the community together, a new PAC-MAN™ Discord channel is now live for players to connect online with one another. Players can join the Discord server here: http://discord.gg/pacman.

Also, as part of PAC-MAN’s “Make imPACt” anniversary celebration, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. will be partnering on a nationwide blood drive program later this year with the American Red Cross, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and alleviating human suffering by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

These collaborations and events scratch the surface of what is to come. To learn more about PAC-MAN’s 45th Anniversary celebration, please visit www.bandainamcoent.com/pac-man-45th-anniversary.

Originally released as a coin-operated arcade cabinet in 1980 by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. (previously Namco), PAC-MAN is one of the most influential and longest-running video game franchises in history. In the game, players control PAC-MAN who has to chomp Pac-dots while being chased by colorful Ghosts in mazes that get increasingly more difficult with each level. Since the official introduction of its innovative gameplay and game design, PAC-MAN sparked a worldwide phenomenon that attracted multiple generation of players across genders. Its popularity led to several game sequels, a full merchandising program and hit music single as well as two animated television series. With record breaking achievements, PAC-MAN has been recognized by the Guinness World Records with awards such as “Most Successful Coin-Operated Game.” The franchise continues to release new console and mobile games and in 2025, PAC-MAN will commemorate its 45^th Anniversary with a variety of partnerships, activations and launches.

For press only, static assets are available at the Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. press room at www.bneapressroom.com; a library of video trailers ready for embedding are available on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica.

Follow PAC-MAN on TikTok at https:www.tiktok.com/@pacman, X at https://twitter.com/officialpacman, Instagram at www.instagram.com/officialpacman, YouTube at www.youtube.com/c/PACMANofficial and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pacman.

About Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., part of the Bandai Namco Group, is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for major video game consoles, PC, online, and mobile platforms. The company is known for creating many of the industry’s beloved classic franchises such as PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®, and publishing the critically acclaimed DARK SOULS™ series and the blockbuster title ELDEN RING™. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is also the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime-based video games including GUNDAM™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL™, and ONE PIECE®. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California.

PAC-MAN™& ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

Press Release ©Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

PR CONTACT:

Cat Tompkins
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
ctompkins@bnea.com

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Messagepoint announced today that it has been recognized by Aspire Customer Communications Services as a leader in its 2025 Aspire Leaderboard™ for customer communications management (CCM) technology vendors for the seventh year in a row. Messagepoint’s AI-powered CCM platform earned a leadership position across multiple Aspire Leaderboards related to the CCM space, including:

• Vendor Hosted SaaS CCM: Cloud-native CCM software solutions which are offered as a service (SaaS) and hosted and managed directly by the vendors
• AnyPrem CCM Software: CCM solutions that can be deployed on-prem or in a hosted, public, virtual private or hybrid cloud configuration
• Enterprise Communications Processing (ECP): Post-composition or downstream processing software which can orchestrate diverse input and print output streams

Messagepoint is a modern, intelligent cloud-based platform that makes it fast and easy for non-technical business users to create, manage and optimize customer communications within its no-code content hub. Powered by its proprietary AI engine, MARCIE (Messagepoint Advanced Rationalization and Content Intelligence Engine), the platform offers content analytics, consolidation and optimization for plain language, reading levels, sentiment, brand adherence and language translation. Other unique capabilities drive efficiency in managing communications, including advanced content sharing and reuse capabilities, patented variation management and headless APIs that extend the delivery of complex personalized content beyond traditional composed documents to dynamic digital experiences.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Aspire in the CCM Leaderboard for the seventh straight year,” said Steve Biancaniello, founder and CEO of Messagepoint. “Messagepoint continues to lead the CCM space in providing intelligent, innovative solutions that address critical challenges in providing regulated customer communications. As an organization, we are committed to harnessing the power of AI and driving digital innovation so our customers can achieve substantial improvements in operational efficiency while delivering exceptional experiences.”

“Messagepoint was the first software vendor in the CCM industry to fully integrate generative AI into its platform, and its recent advancements in AI-based translation and translation accuracy checks leveraging advanced prompt engineering with multi-LLMs show again its innovative approach to solving real-life content challenges,” said Kaspar Roos, founder and CEO of Aspire CCS. “If you’re looking for a solution that enables business users to control complex, regulatory content at a very granular level and use AI to intelligently manage it at scale, Messagepoint is definitely a solution to consider."

The Aspire Leaderboard is the industry's only interactive vendor comparison tool for reviewing CCM technology vendors. To access the leaderboard, click here.

About Messagepoint

Messagepoint is a leading provider of customer communications management software. Only Messagepoint harnesses AI-powered Content Intelligence to automate and simplify the process of migrating, optimizing, authoring and managing complex customer communications for non-technical (business) users. Customers rely on its award-winning platform to consistently deliver exceptional, highly personalized customer communications across all platforms and channels. For more information, visit www.messagepoint.com.

About Aspire

Aspire Customer Communications Services is a boutique consulting firm specializing in the Customer Communications Management (CCM) and Customer Experience Management (CXM) industries. Through deep market expertise and global insights, Aspire works with technology providers, service providers, enterprises and investors to help them achieve their CCM goals. Find more information about how Aspire is helping organizations navigate the complexities of the customer communications world at www.aspireccs.com.

Media Contact:
Patricia Kilgore
Sterling Kilgore
pkilgore@sterlingkilgore.com

Former spies and gaming veterans form groundbreaking partnership to deliver immersive, high-stakes experiences across multiple platforms

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UltiSim, a trailblazer in advanced simulation and computer gaming technologies, is partnering with newly-launched graphic novel and media company Real Spy Comics to bring real-life spy missions, special forces encounters, and undercover operations to audiences in dynamic new graphic novels, videos, simulations, and video games.

Cutting-Edge Technology and a Proven Track Record

UltiSim has built a reputation as a leader in immersive, interactive environments for training, education and research across industries. QuestSim, the educational platform created by UltiSim, provides engaging 3D adventure learning games that are accessible directly via Chromebooks in schools, eliminating the need for downloads or installations. By partnering with Real Spy Comics, UltiSim will apply this know-how to create both training simulations as well as commercial video games that are authentic to intelligence tradecraft, elite tactics, and undercover techniques.

“The amazing real-life stories from the intelligence community that Real Spy Comics have been faithfully collecting and producing are ready-made for the 3D computer gaming medium,” says UltiSim founder Richard Boyd, a thirty-year veteran of the computer gaming industry. “I am reminded of when we created Red Storm Entertainment and Rainbow Six with Tom Clancy. We were the first to create a realistic tactical game back then. Now we have a similar opportunity to bring Real Spy Comics' authentic stories to life.”

Stepping out of the Shadows with Authentic Stories

Real Spy Comics was formed by intelligence and special operations community veterans from around the world to curate, collect and produce gripping spy stories across a variety of media. Many of these stories will be revealed through RSC's graphic novels for the first time. Their repertoire will also include law enforcement stories from elite law enforcement operations—like wiretap investigations of organized crime syndicates and undercover infiltrations of drug cartels. These stories are being produced in graphic novels, books, movies, and now…3D video games.

“Partnering with UltiSim will bring to life Real Spy Comics in a way that is tangible and gritty, to allow people to experience what it is like to be a real spy,” says Adam Leslie, CEO of Real Spy Comics. “We are proud to be working with seasoned veterans who know how to tell our stories using the gaming medium.”

A New Level of Spy Immersion

Fans of Real Spy Comics will soon be able to engage with real spy stories across a wide spectrum of media types. The games are expected to offer both first person as well as third person experiences that span a wide variety of experiences from around the world on a variety of systems including AR and VR devices.

UltiSim and Real Spy Comics will be announcing their first titles soon on RealSpyComics.com. Among them will be a graphic novel that centers on the career of Colonel Chris Costa who ran human intelligence networks in Afghanistan in the 2000s and now serves as the Executive Director of the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C.

About UltiSim

The QuestSim 3D gaming platform is proudly created by UltiSim, a company powered by a unique combination of leading-edge gaming technology, simulation learning and artificial intelligence expertise. Based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, UltiSim was founded by pioneers in computer gaming, building fully immersive 3D simulation experiences that educate, entertain and solve real-world problems. In addition to the QuestSim adventure learning simulation platform, UltiSim creates new business opportunities through AI-powered simulations for immersive VR training and 3D Digital Twins.

Follow UltiSim at LinkedIn and UltiSimTeam on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Learn more at https://www.ultisim.com.

About Real Spy Comics

Real Spy Comics has gained exclusive access to a massive trove of never before told stories from real life spies, clandestine agents, and covert operators. Starting with our line of premium graphic novels, Real Spy Comics will become the premier global brand for content related to espionage, special operations, and covert action.

Learn more at www.realspycomics.com or contact us at info@realspycomics.com

UltiSim
Editorial Contact: Linda.Bernard@Ultisim.com

Real Spy Comics
Editorial Contact: AdamLeslie@realspycomics.com

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (“Postmedia” or the “Company”) is pleased to report the voting results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, held in Toronto on February 19, 2025 (the “Meeting”).

Appointment of Auditors – Approved

Election of Directors – Approved

*The vote for this motion was taken by a show of hands so the number of votes disclosed reflects only those proxies received by management in advance of the meeting.

All of the directors listed as nominees in the management proxy circular dated January 9, 2025, with the exception of Daniel Rotstein, were elected as directors of the Company. Directors have been appointed to serve until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders.

Prior to the Meeting, Mr. Rotstein advised Postmedia that he did not wish to seek re-election as a director of the Company; accordingly, he was not nominated for election at the Meeting. Mr. Rotstein, an accomplished Human Resources and Administration executive with over 25 years of experience in a variety of private sector industries as well as city government, has served on Postmedia’s board of directors since October 2016. Postmedia is grateful to Mr. Rotstein for his significant contributions to Postmedia’s board of directors over the years, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

ABOUT POSTMEDIA NETWORK CANADA CORP.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B) is the holding company that owns Postmedia Network Inc., a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 130 brands across multiple print, online, and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences Our expertise in home delivery and expanding distribution network powers Postmedia Parcel Services. For more information, visit www.postmedia.com, www.postmediasolutions.com and www.postmediaparcelservices.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Postmedia Communications
inquiries@postmedia.com

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#ait--In an era where rising costs of living and talent shortages are putting pressure on bioscience employers, offering competitive compensation has never been more critical. BioTalent Canada released today the 2024-25 National Compensation Guide, providing bioscience employers with the latest salary, benefits, and compensation insights to help them recruit and retain top talent in Canada’s bio-economy. With many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating on tight budgets, this guide equips them with the data needed to build attractive, market informed compensation packages that not only align with industry standards but also give them a competitive edge in securing skilled professionals.

The 10^th edition of the National Compensation Guide profiles compensation data for over 45 key job functions, offering insights into salaries, benefits and compensation trends across varying experience levels and organizational sizes. This year’s edition integrates a new data source, enhancing the depth and accuracy of the report, and ensuring employers have the most relevant and up-to-date intelligence to refine their compensation strategies. Developed using robust data collection methodologies and validated by industry experts, the guide enables employers to make informed decisions to attract and retain skilled professionals.

“Compensation benchmarking is an essential piece of any organization’s talent strategy, especially for SMEs with limited resources,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “SMEs that invest in attracting and retaining top talent can gain a significant competitive edge, even in today’s challenging labour market. This National Compensation Guide is a vital piece of that puzzle.”

As the voice for talent development in Canada’s bio-economy, BioTalent Canada supports small and medium-sized organizations with tools and strategies to attract, train, and retain talent in a sector that is critical to the Canadian economy. The latest edition of the compensation guide is one such tool, which includes:

1. National Occupational Standards (NOS), outlining the education, skills, and experience needed for specific roles. These standards help SMEs define clear roles and responsibilities, enabling them to hire the right talent for their needs and align job descriptions with industry expectations.
2. Base salary information, ensuring that SMEs can benefit from market intelligence to recruit top talent and reduce churn.
3. Benefits data, which allows SMEs to tap into peer and competitive market knowledge to hire with confidence and success.

“BioTalent Canada continues to work with the industry to support SMEs who play a vital role in Canada’s bio-economy, driving innovation in fields like biotechnology and advancing local bio-economy hubs,” says Henderson. “Despite their contributions, SMEs often face hurdles in attracting and retaining talent due to limited resources and competitive pressures. Our National Compensation Guide provides tailored insights and innovative benefits strategies, empowering SMEs to offer compelling packages and attract top-tier talent.”

As a complement to the National Compensation Guide, BioTalent Canada offers employers several resources designed to address SMEs’ unique challenges, including industry-specific labour market intelligence, and employer support programs to support organizations’ talent acquisition and retention efforts.

FIND: Employer resources to build organizational resiliency and diversify your workforce.

BioTalent Canada's partner organizations in the National Compensation Guide include Life Sciences Nova Scotia, PEI BioAlliance, BIOQuébec, ResearchNB, Life Sciences Ontario, BioAlberta, and McGovern Management Group Inc. (MMGI).

Is it important for your organization to stay updated on the latest HR trends and practices? Contact one of our experts at info@biotalent.ca.

Rob Henderson is available for comment.

About BioTalent Canada:

BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy stakeholders with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada, as a workforce development council, is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency, and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.

BioTalent Canada has received varied distinctions following a thorough and independent analysis of the organization. By practicing the same industry standards it recommends to partners, the organization has been honored with the following titles:

• The Best Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the 2024 Best Ottawa Business Awards
• 2024 Collaboration Catalyst by Magnet Network
• Great Place to Work® for 2024 and Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023 by Great Place to Work Canada®
• Best Workplace by HRD Canada for 2024
• 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter for 2024

For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.

Media Inquiries:
Siobhan Williams
Vice-President Marketing and Communications
BioTalent Canada
613-235-1402 ext. 229
swilliams@biotalent.ca

Boards also show increased concern around succession planning and geopolitical threats in a post-election landscape

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Approximately three-quarters of U.S. corporate directors say pursuing growth opportunities is a priority in 2025, as boards view the coming year with renewed optimism. This is according to a new survey of more than 200 U.S. public company directors conducted by Diligent, the leading GRC SaaS company, Corporate Board Member, a market-leading publication for public company board members, and FTI Consulting, a global business consulting and advisory services firm.

“After years of navigating crises, most U.S. public company directors are approaching 2025 with a positive outlook, prioritizing growth and expansion,” said Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director at Diligent Institute. “However, challenges persist, including gaps in understanding strategy, difficulties translating information into action, and inefficient board meeting and oversight processes. In 2025, board education and tools that provide actionable insights will be critical to enabling leaders to make faster, more confident decisions.”

Strategy ranked as the leading oversight challenge for directors, with 42% of respondents citing it as their greatest difficulty, highlighting the importance of understanding how different risks and opportunities interconnect.

“In a business environment where disruption is the name of the game, planning around a 10-year strategic vision has become nearly impossible to do. Companies are having to be much more agile than they have in the past, and that is adding tremendous pressure on boards to keep management on their toes,” said Melanie C. Nolen, Head of Research for Corporate Board Member and Chief Executive Group.

Key findings from the report include:

Directors are increasingly concerned with succession planning.

• Succession planning at the CEO and executive level rose to the second most challenging issue for directors, up from fourth last year. Nearly 70% of directors say a sudden CEO or key executive departure would pose a significant risk to their strategy.
• 34% of directors rank improving CEO and board succession planning as a top priority in 2025, and 43% would ensure CEO and C-Suite succession is a pressing topic on the next board meeting agenda.

Most boards of internationally exposed companies see geopolitical events as a strategic threat.

• Among directors whose companies have international exposure, 79% view geopolitical events as a threat to their business strategy, with 30% identifying them as a “significant to detrimental” risk. Yet only 10% are making managing geopolitical risks a priority in 2025.
• Eight in ten directors surveyed cited renewed supply chain disruptions as a risk, underscoring the fragility of supply chains and the need for contingency plans. Yet alarmingly, one in five said they didn’t know whether their firm regularly audits its supply chain for bribery and corruption.

Boards view taking a political stand as an increased risk.

• With heightened political and social divisions, 85% of respondents see greater risk in speaking out compared to staying silent (15%) impacting how boards and leadership approach social issues.
• 61% believe corporate officers should consult boards and leadership before making public statements that could pose a risk to the company, and 50% believe the board should have the right to take action against a CxO, including the CEO, who makes a public statement that harms the company (up from 30% in 2017).

Being aware of cyber threats isn’t enough, boards must act.

• For the first time in recent years, cybersecurity fell to third on the list of most challenging issues for directors to oversee. This could be due to greater awareness —71% of directors regularly meet with cybersecurity leaders to discuss evolving risks and strategy.
• However, there is a gap between awareness and action: 51% of board members have reviewed their incident identification and disclosure processes, including reporting updates, risk assessments, and response exercises.

"The survey highlights what we’ve been seeing from many boards: a refocus on growth, competitive and geopolitical dynamics, and C-suite and board refreshment," said Brian Kushner, a Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting. “Effective boards know how to leverage strategic planning to navigate these evolving challenges and opportunities and grow their business.”

To view the full report, visit: https://www.diligent.com/resources/research/WDT-2025

Sign up for the exclusive webinar, Emerging from Chaos: How Boardrooms Have Changed and What’s Next in U.S. Governance, on March 19, 2025, from 1:00–2:00 PM ET, to explore the evolution of boardrooms and the future of U.S. corporate governance.

About Diligent

Diligent is the leading governance, risk and compliance (GRC) SaaS company, empowering more than 1 million users and 700,000 board members to clarify risk and elevate governance. The Diligent One Platform gives practitioners, the C-suite and the board a consolidated view of their entire GRC practice so they can more effectively manage risk, build greater resilience and make better decisions, faster. Learn more at diligent.com.

Follow Diligent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 8,300 employees located in 34 countries and territories, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. The Company generated $3.49 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2023. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting’s services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

About Corporate Board Member

Corporate Board Member, a division of Chief Executive Group, has been the market leader in board education for 20 years. The quarterly publication provides public company board members, CEOs, general counsel and corporate secretaries decision-making tools to address the wide range of corporate governance, risk oversight and shareholder engagement issues facing their boards. Corporate Board Member further extends its thought leadership through online resources, webinars, timely research, conferences and peer-driven roundtables. The company maintains the most comprehensive database of directors and officers of publicly traded companies listed with NYSE, NYSE Amex and Nasdaq. Learn more at boardmember.com.

Media Contacts
Julia Stoyanov
Communications Director, Diligent
+1.604.669.4225
Jhanbury@diligent.com

Samantha Ford
Corporate Communications, FTI Consulting
+1.617.480.7402
Samantha.ford@fticonsulting.com

 -Company continued to invest in the Fintech sector through Marygold & Co.-

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Marygold Companies, Inc. (“TMC,” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: MGLD), a diversified global holding firm, today reported financial results for its 2025 second fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024.

Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $8.0 million, compared with $8.5 million last year. The Company recorded a net loss of $1.7 million, equal to a loss of $0.04 per share, for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared with a net loss of $1.2 million, equal to a loss of $0.03 per share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Revenue for the six months ended December 31, 2024 totaled $15.9 million, with a net loss of $3.3 million, equal to a net loss of $0.08 per share, versus revenue of $16.7 million and a net loss of $1.7 million, or a net loss of $0.04 per share, for the comparable prior year period.

The revenue decline over both comparable prior year periods was primarily due to a reduction in average assets under management (“AUM”) at TMC’s largest subsidiary, USCF Investments, to $3.1 billion from $3.5 billion a year ago. AUM level directly impacts the management fees earned and typically fluctuates with global commodity pricing trends. Revenue also was impacted by a slight increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar, which negatively impacted currency translation values in the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The performance of TMC’s core operating subsidiaries was within expectations, and the net loss principally reflected the Company’s continued expenses in the development and roll-out of its mobile banking fintech app through its Marygold & Co. subsidiaries in the U.S. and the U.K.

Cash and cash equivalents of $5.7 million at December 31, 2024 increased slightly from $5.5 million at June 30, 2024, the close of TMC’s prior fiscal year. Total stockholders’ equity decreased to $23.4 million at December 31, 2024 from $26.6 million at fiscal year-end, primarily reflecting the net loss incurred during the six months ended December 31, 2024.

“For the quarter just ended, we had budgeted for continued losses, based in large part on cash expenditures incurred by our Marygold fintech subsidiary,” said David Neibert, TMC’s Chief Operations Officer. “To help with cash needs for future development and rollout of our fintech app, we entered into a $4 million note during the first quarter, and in anticipation of an equity raise of $2.3 million in gross proceeds that was completed subsequent to the close of the second quarter, we finalized a prospectus supplement for our Form S-3 shelf registration. These actions produced expenses for the second quarter and contributed to the net loss.

“We are pleased that our operating subsidiaries in New Zealand, Canada and in the U.S. continue to do well overall. Moving into the second half of our fiscal year, we expect to significantly reduce expenses in our Marygold & Co. subsidiary, having successfully completed the proof-of-concept phase,” Neibert added.

Nicholas Gerber, TMC’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “We have spent nearly $20 million into what we refer to as the ‘Marygold Project,’ which includes Marygold & Co. and its counterpart, Marygold & Co. (UK) Limited. We view these costs as investments in TMC’s long-term future, and believe the Company is poised to move forward with the initial roll-out of the mobile app in the U.K. shortly, while we strategize on marketing direction for the app in the U.S.

“As shareholders, we all have gone through a painful period of enduring losses, while we refocused our corporate resources in the fintech sector. I believe we will turn the corner soon and begin to see some tangible results for those efforts,” Gerber said.

Business Units

The Company’s USCF Investments subsidiary, https://www.uscfinvestments.com/, acquired in 2016 and based in Walnut Creek, Calif., serves as manager, operator or investment adviser to 15 exchange traded products, structured as limited partnerships or investment trusts that issue shares trading on the NYSE Arca.

Gourmet Foods, https://gourmetfoodsltd.co.nz/, acquired in 2015, is a commercial-scale bakery that produces and distributes iconic meat pies and pastries throughout New Zealand under the brand names Pat’s Pantry and Ponsonby Pies. Acquired by Gourmet Foods in 2020, Printstock Products Limited https://www.printstock.co.nz, is a printer of specialized food wrappers and is located in Napier, New Zealand. Its operations are consolidated with those of Gourmet Foods.

Brigadier Security Systems, https://brigadierelite.com/, acquired in 2016 and headquartered in Saskatoon, Canada, provides comprehensive security solutions to homes and businesses, government offices, schools and other public buildings throughout the province under the brands Brigadier Security Systems in Saskatoon and Elite Security in Regina, Canada.

Acquired in 2017, San Clemente, Calif.-based Original Sprout, www.originalsprout.com, produces and distributes a full line of vegan, safe, non-toxic hair and skin care products, including a “reef safe” sun screen, throughout the U.S. and in many regions throughout the world.

Marygold & Co., https://marygoldandco.com/, headquartered in Denver, Colo., is a wholly owned TMC subsidiary established in 2019 to explore opportunities in the financial technology sector. Marygold & Co. (UK) Limited, https://marygoldandco.uk/, also a wholly owned TMC subsidiary, was established in the U.K. in 2021 and operates through two U.K.-based investment advisory business units: Marygold & Co Limited (fka/Tiger Financial and Asset Management), acquired in 2022, http://www.tfam.co.uk/, and Step-by Step Financial Planners, acquired in 2024, https://www.sbsfp.co.uk/, that manage clients’ financial wealth across a diverse product range.

About The Marygold Companies, Inc.

The Marygold Companies was founded in 1996 and repositioned as a global holding firm in 2015. The Company currently has operating subsidiaries in fund management, financial services, food manufacturing, printing, security systems and beauty products, under the trade names USCF Investments, Marygold & Co., Marygold & Co. Limited, Step By Step Financial Planners, Gourmet Foods, Printstock Products, Brigadier Security Systems and Original Sprout, respectively. Offices and manufacturing operations are in the U.S., New Zealand, U.K., and Canada. For more information, visit www.themarygoldcompanies.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results and, consequently, should not be relied upon as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, significantly reducing expenses in the Marygold & Co. subsidiary, along with the risks disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The foregoing list of factors is not inclusive. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Media and investors, for more Information, contact:
Roger S. Pondel
PondelWilkinson Inc.
310-279-5965
rpondel@pondel.com

Contact the Company:
David Neibert, Chief Operations Officer
949-429-5370
dneibert@themarygoldcompanies.com

Kaiser & Partners’ 2024 data reveals changing news consumption patterns with an overwhelming number (84%) of respondents citing at least one way they fact-check news read on social media

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In its fourth annual survey on trust and credibility in news sources, Kaiser & Partners, an Earnscliffe Strategies Company (K&P), highlights the resilience of established news media as the most trusted source of information with almost three in five (59%) respondents agreeing. The findings also reveal a generational shift towards diverse platforms while reinforcing the continued dominance of traditional outlets.

Highlights

• Over half (56%) of respondents in Canada say the way they consume news has changed over the past year, with the most cited changes being an increase in online news from established news sources (25%) and watching more broadcast TV news (20%). This trend is especially notable among Gen Z and Boomer respondents.
• For the fourth consecutive year, established media (i.e., newspapers/online newspapers, broadcast news, radio) remains the source of information that all generations find the most credible. This is perhaps one of the catalysts of change noted above.
• Three in five (62%) respondents say that recent changes to news media have caused them to trust it less. The top factors eroding trust are political or celebrity influencers on the news (33%), paid/advertorial content (31%), and algorithm-fed newsfeeds (31%).
• When it comes to news on social media, most respondents (84%) say they use at least one means of fact-checking, such as finding other articles to confirm information (32%), finding the original source (23%), or vetting the credibility of the person sharing the information (20%).

Trust in Established News Media Rises Across Canada

For the fourth consecutive year, established news media remains the top source for credible news with nearly three in five (59%) respondents agreeing. Almost half (45%) of Gen Z respondents find established news media amongst the most credible sources compared to nearly a quarter (22%) of Gen Z respondents who said they found information from experts on social media to be the most credible (the highest among generations). It’s clear younger Canadians are increasingly turning to online platforms but still demonstrate a growing appreciation for credible, fact-checked journalism.

“Trust is foundational in the media, and Canadians are showing us that established journalism remains vital,” said Janine Allen, president at Kaiser & Partners. “However, with evolving consumption patterns and increasing access to diverse platforms, communicators need to meet audiences where they are, while maintaining credibility and integrity.”

About a third of respondents in Canada pointed to three main causes of trust erosion: political or celebrity content in the news (33%), the prevalence of paid or advertorial content from organizations (31%), and algorithms that tailor news feeds (31%). Gen Z and Millennial respondents – that is, those from generations with higher reported rates of social media usage – are more likely to say that algorithms influencing results on their feeds (35% each) is causing them to trust media less.

Navigating Social Media in the Age of Misinformation

With the rise of social media as a main news source, an overwhelming number (84%) of respondents have cited at least one way of fact-checking information they see on these platforms. Methods include seeking corroborating articles (32%), verifying the original source (23%), or evaluating the sharer’s credibility (20%). But not all generations have the same reflexes when it comes to fact-checking, with Boomers being the most likely to say they would just ignore information if they feel it is fake (22%) or that they do not fact check news on social media at all (14%). Gen Z respondents, for their part, are more likely to cross-reference using other social media sources (15%) or speaking to their friends or family (18%).

The Impact of Bill C-18

Canada’s Online News Act and the resulting Meta news ban have notably reshaped the information ecosystem with over half (56%) of respondents saying the way they consume news on social media has changed, impacting where they check on Canadian or international news. Nearly one in five (20%) respondents say they’ve increased reliance on traditional media for Canadian news, with Boomers (25%) leading this trend. Meanwhile, Gen Z respondents are adapting by turning to alternative platforms like Reddit and TikTok, reflecting a generational divide in how the law has influenced news habits.

In terms of international news, over half (56%) of respondents stated that their consumption had changed in the wake of Bill C-18, but the way this change occurs varies across generations. Younger respondents were more likely to say they decreased their international news consumption (14% of Gen Z and 15% of Millennials compared to 6% of Boomers) and admit that they were less aware of global events (13% of Gen Z and Millennials each, compared to 4% boomers) as a result of these changes.

Looking Ahead

As social media use grows, particularly among Gen Z, the divide between traditional and digital platforms will continue to shape the media landscape. Despite challenges, the enduring credibility of established news media suggests an unabated demand for rigorous, fact-based journalism.

“Canadians of all ages are navigating an evolving news environment,” Allen continued. “The findings highlight opportunities for the media and communications industry to innovate and rebuild trust, ensuring accessibility and reliability in today’s digital age.”

About Kaiser & Partners

Founded in 2011, Kaiser & Partners Inc., an Earnscliffe Strategies company, quickly became Canada’s leading public relations and communications agency. With practitioners operating across Canada, the agency offers clients a full suite of bilingual, strategic communications services across industry sectors. Visit the agency’s website at www.kaiserpartners.com.

About the Survey

The survey, conducted by Earnscliffe Strategies’ opinion research team, was in field from November 28 to December 1, 2024, and engaged a representative stratified sample of 2,018 respondents living in Canada (with an effective national sample size of 1,875) who are members of Leger’s LEO panel. For comparison purposes only, a survey of this size would have a margin of error of +/- 2.3% at a confidence level of 95%.

Media Inquiries:
Carrie Pala
carrie.pala@kaiserpartners.com
613-408-2846

SERIES TO STREAM GLOBALLY IN APRIL

MBS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ADN, ANIPLUS, GKIDS, AND TROPICS, ANNOUNCE THE THEATRICAL GLOBAL PREMIERE FOR UPCOMING ANIME SERIES, WITCH WATCH

VIEW TRAILER HERE

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc. announced in partnership with ADN, Aniplus, GKIDS, and Tropics, a global theatrical premiere for the highly anticipated new anime series WITCH WATCH, based on the Weekly Shonen Jump manga of the same name. The theatrical premiere will begin outside of Japan on mid-March, ahead of the worldwide streaming release scheduled for April.

Based on the popular manga by Kenta Shinohara (SKET Dance), WITCH WATCH is a hilariously magical rom-com following teenage witch Nico and her Ogre familiar Morihito, who is tasked with her protection after a dire prophecy is cast over her. With a witch-in-training and an Ogre now living under one roof, what could possibly go wrong? WITCH WATCH brings together a hilariously offbeat cast of mystical characters, and as they deal with various magical mishaps, this hilarious and spellbinding new rom-com will leave you in stitches week after week.

The series is brought to life by Bibury Animation Studios (The Quintessential Quintuplets), is directed by Hiroshi Ikehata (FLCL Progressive), and features character designs from Haruko Iizuka (Horimiya) with music from Yukari Hashimoto (A Sign of Affection).

Worldwide Theatrical Release

In celebration of the launch of the new TV animation series, scheduled to begin streaming in April, the theatrical premiere of WITCH WATCH, released under the moniker WITCH WATCH: WATCH PARTY, kicks off with screenings in North America on March 16^th from GKIDS. WITCH WATCH: WATCH PARTY will additionally come to theaters in Asia beginning March 13^th from Tropics, in selected European countries in March from ADN, and in Korea in March from Aniplus. Further release details will be announced in collaboration with the theatrical premiere partners in each region.

“WITCH WATCH is an exciting animation born from an outstanding original story and the passionate dedication of its production team. Nico's whimsical and extraordinary magic will surely captivate your heart and leave a lasting impression. With its hilarious twists and turns, we hope you'll enjoy laughing out loud in the theater,” said Producer Hiroyuki Aoi of Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc.

Global streaming release

WITCH WATCH will stream globally this April. For platform specific details, please check ADN, Aniplus, Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, and Tropics’ website.

For more information about WITCH WATCH, please visit the official English language social media accounts:
X: @WITCHWATCH_EN
Instagram: @witchwatch_en
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@witchwatch-anime

About WITCH WATCH

Morihito Otogi, a high school student who comes from a lineage of ogres, enjoys a peaceful, ordinary life until his childhood friend, Nico, moves in with him. Nico is a witch-in-training, and chooses Morihito to be her familiar. While Nico is thrilled to reunite with her old friend and crush, Morihito is tasked with the perilous duty to protect her from a foretold calamity. Between the unpredictable chaos caused by Nico’s magic, and the awkwardness of sharing a home, their lives become a whirlwind of supernatural hijinks and threats.

Puppy love meets magical mischief and danger in WITCH WATCH, the endlessly charming and riotously funny new anime series. Based on the Weekly Shonen Jump manga by Kenta Shinohara (SKET Dance), get the first sneak peek of the upcoming anime with WITCH WATCH: WATCH PARTY, a special theatrical premiere event featuring the first three episodes and exclusive interviews.

About MBS

Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc. (MBS) is known as a pioneer in the Japanese broadcasting industry. Tracing back through history, MBS was one of the first commercial radio stations in Japan, starting its first radio broadcasts in 1951 and later beginning terrestrial television broadcasting in 1959. MBS has its head office in Osaka, which is the business center of Kansai, the western part of Japan, with new emerging businesses and innovative ideas. For anime, MBS has been co-producing and broadcasting for more than half a century. The broadcaster is the TV home to numerous global hit anime franchises like “Attack on Titan,” “Full Metal Alchemist” and “Jujutsu Kaisen.” In addition to co-producing those and many other series, MBS was a co-producer of “Akira,” seen as one of the most influential anime films of all time. https://www.mbs.jp/english/

Press Contact
GKIDS for MBS: gkids@42west.net

Nominations are now open for the 17th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, presented by Western Union

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The story of Canada is the story of immigrants coming to this land for freedom, opportunity and success. While immigration numbers are currently trending down, the contributions that immigrants have made to building this country are undeniable. Canadian Immigrant, with the support of presenting sponsor Western Union, is therefore pleased to open the call for nominations for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards of 2025, to shine a spotlight on these nationbuilders who have adopted Canada as their own.

Now in its 17th year, the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, supported by COSTI, is the first and only national awards program celebrating immigrant success stories from coast to coast.

Spotlighting immigrants from diverse backgrounds who contribute to Canada’s economy, innovation, arts and communities, is an important way of bringing communities together, instead of farther apart. The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards is the leader in sharing the inspiring stories of immigrants to not only honour their contributions, but to provide role models for other newcomers.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized among the top immigrants in Canada? Canadian Immigrant and Western Union are now calling on Canadians to nominate an immigrant or refugee who has an inspirational success story to share at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25.

Immigrants who have been honoured with this prestigious national award in past years include two Governor Generals, actors like Mena Massoud, of Aladdin movie fame, athletes like Toronto Argonauts’ Hénoc Muamba, restaurateurs like Vikram Vij, and artists like ballerina Chan Hon Goh, as well as many unsung heroes who have made giving back to Canada an integral part of their lives.

“We cannot wait to see who will be nominated this year!” said Sanjay Agnihotri, Publisher of Canadian Immigrant, a national multimedia platform and producer of the awards. “From what we have seen over the last decade and a half, there seems to be a neverending supply of inspiring immigrant role models who have gone above and beyond to build successful lives in Canada, while making this country a better place. At Canadian Immigrant, we are grateful to have this amazing platform to recognize and amplify these inspirational Canadians.”

“Western Union’s mission throughout our long history as a company is one of being purpose-driven, connecting people and communities through financial inclusion, while placing the customer at the center of everything we do,” said Nathan Stone, Country Director of Western Union, Canada. “The close connection between our Canadian customers and their families living abroad together with the role our services play in helping create better lives are inextricably linked. As sponsor of these prestigious awards, we celebrate the contributions made by those that call Canada their new home and support them in their journey toward prosperity.”

Eligibility Criteria
A nominee can be anyone who has immigrated to Canada and has since contributed to the success and uplifting of this country and/or its people. Achievements can be either professional or personal. Nominees must be aged 15 or older, hold landed immigrant (permanent resident) or citizen status in Canada, and reside in Canada.

Nomination Process
Nominations can be made at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25 until March 7, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST. A distinguished panel of judges made up of past winners will review all nominees and present a list of 75 finalists who will be announced in April, after which all Canadians can vote for their favourite nominees. The 25 winners will be announced in August 2025 in Canadian Immigrant and online at CanadianImmigrant.ca.

Entrepreneur Award
This will be the 11th consecutive year and 2^nd year sponsored by COSTI that one of the Top 25 winners will also be selected for the additional Entrepreneur Award, honouring one of the Top 25 who has demonstrated entrepreneurial excellence in business. No additional application is required to apply for this award.

Youth Award
For the ninth consecutive year, one of the Top 25 will be awarded the additional Youth Award, which recognizes young immigrants between the ages of 15 and 30 who are making a difference through achievement and/or service, and who exhibit great potential as long-term contributors to Canada. No additional application is required to apply for this award.

About Canadian Immigrant
Attracting more than 400,000 readers each month and over 100,000 visitors a month online, Canadian Immigrant is a national multimedia platform to help immigrants succeed in Canada, with content, resources and events on careers, education and settlement. Canadian Immigrant is the producer of the cross-country Canadian Immigrant Fairs. Canadian Immigrant is a division of Metroland Media Group, a dynamic media company with more than 100 community and daily newspapers in print and online, as well as innovative websites including wheels.ca, goldbook.ca, save.ca and localwork.ca. Learn more at canadianimmigrant.ca.

About Western Union
Western Union is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments. Western Union’s platform provides seamless cross-border flows and its leading global financial network bridges more than 200 countries and territories and over 130 currencies. We connect businesses, financial institutions, governments, and consumers through one of the world’s widest reaching networks, accessing billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and approximately 600,000 retail locations. Western Union connects the world to bring boundless possibilities within reach.

Canadian Immigrant
Laura Jackman, 647-212-0549
ljackman@metroland.com

Western Union
Brad Jones
Bradley.Jones@wu.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--500 Degrees, an agency of digital content makers specializing in design and implementation of digital content for multi-use retail on a global scale, recently announced the promotion of Shawn Brown to President and Chief Operating Officer. Brown, who previously served as Executive Vice President and COO, will oversee the creative, client services and production teams. The leaders of those disciplines will report directly to Brown.

“I am thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to step into this leadership role. My goal is not only to drive the company forward but also to cultivate a culture of hard work and innovation, while building meaningful relationships and delivering unwavering support to our clients,” said Brown. “I look forward to working with the talented team at 500 Degrees to drive the growth of our company and build a lasting legacy of innovation and excellence.”

Brown will focus on three key priorities: fueling growth through diversification and strategic partnerships, leveraging emerging technologies to enhance client support and launching a new digital content studio to streamline content development and accelerate time-to-market.

500 Degrees, which has locations in Columbus, Miami and Toronto, creates digital, print and experiential content designed to engage consumers across every channel, at every step of the buying journey. With a focus on QSR, the agency delivers fully integrated technology and creative.

500 Degrees is part of Eastport Holdings, a network of forward-thinking, digital-first agencies that provide a comprehensive range of specialized marketing solutions to clients across North America, South America and Europe. As President and COO, Brown will serve as the primary liaison with Eastport leadership, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment across strategic initiatives and partnerships within the Eastport ecosystem.

“Shawn has been a driving force behind the success of 500 Degrees and is responsible for building strong, long-lasting client relationships, while fiercely promoting professional growth and development for our U.S. and Canadian teams,” said Bubba Patton, Chairman, Eastport Holdings. “His extensive experience, visionary leadership and deep commitment to excellence make him ideally suited to guide 500 Degrees to its next phase of success.”

About 500 Degrees

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, 500 Degrees is a tech-enabled business services and creative agency dedicated to producing and delivering high-quality digital content on a global scale. Since its founding in 2015, 500 Degrees has established a strong foundation in the retail, food and quick-service restaurant (QSR) industries, providing innovative solutions that drive meaningful results. The agency is powered by a team of more than 90 talented professionals working across business hubs in Ohio, Florida and Toronto, Canada. As part of the Eastport Holdings agency network, 500 Degrees leverages its global reach and local expertise to help brands create impactful, scalable content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

About Eastport Holdings

Eastport Holdings, LLC is a marketing services holding company whose portfolio of firms helps transform their U.S. and global clients with advertising, data intelligence, strategic media planning and buying, digital experience, content fulfillment, brand activation, public relations and other specialty communications services.

Eastport’s 500+ professionals serve a diverse range of ambitious clients and brands, including Burger King, Microsoft, PA Lottery, VARI desk, HUGHES, Dish Latino, Facebook, Pepsi, POLARIS, Honda, Tim Hortons and Popeyes.

MEDIA CONTACT
Bridget McNie
Senior Communications Director
412-953-9114
bmcnie@9rooftops.com

Generative AI streamlines translation of member communications and documents for Medicare Advantage Organizations

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Messagepoint announced today that it has been named a winner for the second consecutive year in the 2025 BIG Innovation Awards, presented by the Business Intelligence Group, in the software category. The Healthcare Touchpoint Exchange, a SaaS solution designed to support Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) in preparing health plan materials, was recognized for its groundbreaking new AI-powered translation capabilities.

“The demand for translated Medicare Advantage materials has surged in the last few years due to regulatory changes and growing recognition of diverse member needs. For years, MAOs have relied on fragmented, expensive and time-consuming translation services for member materials, frequently rushing to meet the stringent deadlines of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,” said Sohail Malik, vice president, Healthcare Solutions at Messagepoint. “Messagepoint’s AI-powered translation and translation accuracy checks enable translation of these complex materials faster, more affordably and with greater accuracy than ever before. We’re honored to be recognized by the Business Intelligence Group for this innovation.”

The Healthcare Touchpoint Exchange leverages Messagepoint’s no-code content authoring environment to automate and streamline the preparation of complex, regulated documents—including the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), Evidence of Coverage (EOC) and Summary of Benefits (SB)—as well as other communications, such as pre- and post-enrollment materials and marketing materials.

This award centers on the platform’s innovative AI-powered translation and translation accuracy capabilities, powered by Messagepoint’s proprietary AI engine, MARCIE, which include:

• AI-powered translation into 60+ languages up to 20 times faster than humans
• AI-powered accuracy checks that validate semantic meaning, formatting, variables and named entities are consistent across all language versions of a communication, significantly reducing quality assurance time and preventing translation errors
• Integrated glossaries that align AI translations with corporate and industry-specific terminology

In preparation for the 2025 Annual Enrollment Period, the Healthcare Touchpoint Exchange helped teams reduce translation workloads by 50%, reduce translation costs by over 60% and save thousands of hours in quality assurance.

“Humanity relies on innovation to improve our lives and the planet,” said Russ Fordyce, CEO of the Business Intelligence Group. “We’re thrilled to spotlight Messagepoint as a shining example of innovation making a profound impact globally.”

The 2025 BIG Innovation Awards celebrate organizations and individuals pushing boundaries and advancing their industries. Winners are evaluated by a panel of seasoned business leaders and executives who consider creativity, measurable results and overall impact in their selections.

About Messagepoint

Messagepoint is a leading provider of customer communications management software. Only Messagepoint harnesses AI-powered Content Intelligence to automate and simplify the process of migrating, optimizing, authoring and managing complex customer communications for non-technical (business) users. Customers rely on its award-winning platform to consistently deliver exceptional, highly personalized customer communications across all platforms and channels. For more information, visit www.messagepoint.com.

About Business Intelligence Group

The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world. Unlike other industry award programs, these programs are judged by business executives having experience and knowledge. The organization's proprietary and unique scoring system selectively measures performance across multiple business domains and rewards those companies whose achievements stand above those of their peers.

Media Contact:
Patricia Kilgore
Sterling Kilgore
630-567-9379

Caruso instinctually renders AI voice content perfectly—the first time—and is 30% faster on average than previous models.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WellSaid, the industry’s most trusted AI voice platform for businesses, today announced the upcoming launch of its highly anticipated “Caruso” model. As the company’s fastest and most performant model yet, Caruso offers the highest audio quality available in the industry to date, and is set to redefine the way creators work. Coming Q1 2025, Caruso will be available in WellSaid Studio and equipped with new features like AI Director, which leverages patented technology to enable users to adjust emotional intonation and performance just as a human director would in a professional recording studio. Caruso improves first-take capabilities and, unlike competitors, limits the need for re-rendering content. With Caruso, users can expect WellSaid voices to say it right the first time.

“We’re excited to introduce Caruso, with new architecture built from the ground up that’s designed to deliver faster speeds, the highest quality audio in the market, and a more intuitive product to give our business users a competitive edge,” said Brian Cook, CEO of WellSaid. “With these upgrades, users can enjoy AI voices that say it right the first time, drastically reducing the time and effort that goes into re-rendering audio clips, setting us apart from competing platforms. Not only will Caruso help organizations streamline workflows, but it will help them improve their bottom line.”

With the launch of Caruso, customers can expect the following updates:

• Ultra-High Quality and Speed: Caruso sets a new standard for high-fidelity AI voices and studio-quality voice narration with the highest quality audio output in the market to date – ready for any type of prime-time coverage. Additionally, users will see reduced latency, with Caruso rendering audio 30% faster.
• Improved Control with WellSaid’s AI Director: Pitch, pace, and emotional intonation adjustments allow users to precisely instruct each script to get the most engaging performance every time, making AI voice narration feel like working with a real voice actor.
• Improved Pronunciation: Caruso’s intelligent engine, combined with Oxford phonetic spelling data, reduces the need for users to modify or store mispronounced words. Where other AI Voice platforms fail in pronunciation, Caruso eliminates the need for users to spend time tweaking their scripts by saying it right the first time.
• Enterprise Capabilities: Increased team collaboration features allow companies to integrate WellSaid seamlessly into existing workflows. Additionally, in line with the EU AI Act, WellSaid actively employs responsible AI practices that support transparency, consent, and privacy.

The new Caruso model builds on WellSaid’s flagship AI voice platform that optimizes audio content creation for corporate training, advertising and marketing, product and customer education, and more. Unlike competitors, WellSaid’s closed-source platform uses exclusive voice data from professional voice actors who have consented and are compensated for their work. This approach ensures WellSaid customers have commercial usage rights for any voice content they create on the WellSaid platform. WellSaid is trusted by over 50 percent of Fortune 500 brands, including LinkedIn, T-Mobile, ServiceNow, Accenture, and more.

For additional information, please visit wellsaid.io/caruso.

About WellSaid

WellSaid is an advanced AI voice platform. The company’s Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology leverages proprietary AI models, which are trained on exclusive and licensed voice data, to generate natural sounding voice overs. WellSaid’s TTS system can produce unique dialects, accents, and languages to optimize audio content creation for corporate training, advertising, products, experiences, video production, publishing, audiobooks, and more. Built with ethics at its core, WellSaid’s responsible AI platform is trusted by 50 percent of leading Fortune 500 brands including LinkedIn, T-Mobile, ServiceNow, and Accenture. For more information, visit wellsaid.io.

PR
Devan West
wellsaid@bigfishpr.com

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (“Postmedia” or the “Company”) today released financial information for the three months ended November 30, 2024.

“The results of our first quarter signal a positive start to the 2025 fiscal year and demonstrate meaningful progress, with total revenue growing compared to this time last year,” said Andrew MacLeod, Postmedia President and Chief Executive Officer.

“I am particularly encouraged by the trajectory of our advertising revenue stream, which is showing positive year-over-year growth. This, combined with strong performance in our circulation and parcel divisions, reflects the successful execution of our strategic initiatives and the increasing value we deliver to our partners,” said MacLeod. “As we move forward, we remain focused on sustainable growth and operational excellence across all our business segments."

First Quarter Operating Results

Revenue for the quarter was $110.3 million as compared to $104.6 million in the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of $5.7 million (5.4%). The revenue increase was primarily due to increases in advertising revenue of $5.6 million (11.1%), circulation revenue of $3.3 million (10.3%) and parcel revenue of $0.4 million (2.8%), partially offset by decreases in other revenue of $3.6 million (43.8%). Excluding the impact of the Saltwire asset acquisition, advertising revenue for the quarter increased by 1.4%. As such, excluding the impact of any acquisition related activity, advertising revenue has increased in comparison to the same quarter in the prior year for the first time since the third quarter in 2022.

Total operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and restructuring increased $6.1 million, or 6.1%, for the quarter ended November 30, 2024, relative to the same period in the prior year. The increase relates to increases in compensation, distribution and other operating expenses, partially offset by a decrease in newsprint and production expense.

Operating income before depreciation, amortization and restructuring in the quarter was $5.5 million, a decrease of $0.4 million relative to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in operating income before depreciation, amortization and restructuring is due to an increase in operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and restructuring, partially offset by an increase in total revenue. Excluding the impact of the Saltwire asset acquisition, operating income before depreciation, amortization and restructuring in the quarter was $3.1M.

Net loss in the quarter ended November 30, 2024 was $24.5 million, as compared to a net loss of $10.6 million in the same period in the prior year. The increase in net loss was primarily the result of an increase in restructuring expenses, interest expense, loss on disposal of right-of-use assets, foreign currency exchange losses and a decrease in operating income before depreciation, amortization and restructuring, partially offset by a decrease depreciation, amortization, and net financing expense.

Additional Information

Additional information, including financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis can be found on the Company’s website at www.postmedia.com or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Note: All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.

About Postmedia Network Canada Corp.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B) is the holding company that owns Postmedia Network Inc., a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 130 brands across multiple print and digital platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. Our expertise in home delivery and expanding distribution network powers Postmedia Parcel Services. For more information, visit www.postmedia.com, www.postmediasolutions.com and www.postmediaparcelservices.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release may include information that is “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company has tried, where possible, to identify such information and statements by using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should” and similar expressions and derivations thereof in connection with any discussion of future events, trends or prospects or future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect the implementation and results of the Company’s transformation initiatives, continued benefits of historical results into future periods, the realization of anticipated cost savings, the identification and undertaking of ongoing cost savings initiatives. By their nature, forward-looking information and statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: competition from digital and other forms of media; the effect of economic conditions on advertising revenue; the ability of the Company to build out its digital media and online businesses; the failure to maintain current print and online newspaper readership and circulation levels; the realization of anticipated cost savings; possible damage to the reputation of the Company’s brands or trademarks; possible labour disruptions; possible environmental liabilities, litigation and pension plan obligations; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and the prices of newsprint and other commodities.

For a complete list of our risk factors please refer to the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in our annual management’s discussion and analysis for the years ended August 31, 2024 and 2023. Although the Company bases such information and statements on assumptions believed to be reasonable when made, they are not guarantees of future performance and actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which the Company operates, may differ materially from any such information and statements in this press release. Given these risks and uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of such information or statements. Other than as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and specifically declines, any obligation to update such information or statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such information or statements.

For more information:
Media Contact
Communications
inquiries@postmedia.com

Investor Contact
John Bode
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Transformation Officer
investors@postmedia.com

AdvertisingHealth’s World Top 10 List names Klick Agency of the Year with nine campaign award distinctions, including #1 overall campaign, #1 Health & Wellness campaign, and #1 Pharma campaign

NEW YORK & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Klick Health kicked off 2025 on another high note – taking top honors on the 2024 AdvertisingHealth World Top 10 list, released earlier today. The large global independent agency was crowned Agency of the Year, after winning nine of the biggest campaign accolades for excellence in health advertising and becoming the world’s #1 most-awarded health agency.

“Being recognized as the most-awarded health agency in the world — with three campaigns on the list — is a testament to our team’s boundless talent, passion, and purpose-driven creativity,” said Chief Creative Officer Rich Levy. “This recognition reflects the power of creativity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Thank you to AdvertisingHealth for this humbling recognition, and to every Klickster who pushes boundaries and redefines what’s possible each and every day.”

AdvertisingHealth ranked ‘47,’ the inspirational animated short Klick co-created for Café Joyeux with Zombie Studio, Canja Audio Culture, and the Down syndrome community, as its #1 overall campaign, #1 Health & Wellness campaign, and #1 North American campaign (marking the second consecutive #1 Health & Wellness campaign win for Klick after ‘The Bridge’ took the top spot last year). Earlier this week, production industry trade magazine SHOTS included ‘47’ on Monday’s Top 100 of 2024 list.

AdvertisingHealth also named ‘Voice 2 Diabetes,’ Klick’s smartphone app that turns voice samples into an equitable life-saving tool by using AI to detect Type 2 diabetes, its #1 Pharma campaign, #4 North American campaign, and #5 overall campaign. It further recognized 'American Cancer Story,' the emotional coming-of-age short film Klick created for Change the Ref (co-written and directed by José Padilha and produced by Taking Over Films, with original score by Maroon 5's James Valentine and VFX by Pierre Buffin) as its #3 North American campaign, #4 overall campaign, and #4 Health & Wellness campaign. Additionally, Café Joyeux and Zombie Studio won Client of the Year and Production Company of the Year, respectively for ‘47.’

"We are incredibly proud of the groundbreaking creativity and innovation that our people continue to bring to life as new standards in health advertising," said Klick Co-Founder and Chairman Leerom Segal. "The dedication to crafting work that not only resonates with but helps drive healthy change makes these achievements all the more rewarding."

In 2024, Klick’s work was lauded with a whopping number of Grand, Gold, Silver, and Bronze trophies, including eight Cannes Lions, 52 Clios, 30 The Creative Floor Bricks, 45 LIAs, four The One Show Pencils, and four D&AD Pencils.

AdvertisingHealth’s annual World Top 10 showcases the world’s most-awarded health & wellness and pharma campaigns, and the agencies that created them. Scores are based on the health accolades won at Cannes Lions, Clio Health, The One Show, The Creative Floor Awards, D&AD Awards, and London International Awards (LIAs).

About Klick Health

Klick Health is the world’s largest independent commercialization partner for life sciences, focused on hacking the boundaries of health by developing, launching, and supporting life sciences brands to achieve their full potential. The agency provides best-in-class marketing and advertising, media strategy and purchasing, medical affairs and medical communications, value and market access services, as well as enterprise omnichannel enablement among its specialized offerings. Klick’s client service is rooted in deep medical and scientific understanding, enabled by nearly 250 post-graduate, in-house medical experts; unrivaled decision sciences capabilities; and innovative, results-driven creative.

One of the most-awarded advertising agencies on the planet, Klick was named 2024 Clio Health Independent Agency of the Year, London International Awards Global (and Regional) Independent Health & Pharma Agency of the Year, as well as Cannes Lions #2 Healthcare Agency and #2 Healthcare Network for the second year running. Cannes Lions also recognized Klick as the 2024 #3 Independent Agency of the Year. In 2024, Klick won over 140 top creative honors, including the coveted Cannes Lions Innovation Grand Prix, and eight agency distinctions from the most respected advertising awards shows. Klick has also been ranked a Best Managed Company, Great Place to Work, Best Workplace for Women, Best Workplace for Inclusion, Best Workplace for Professional Services, Most Admired Corporate Culture, and a FORTUNE Best Workplace in Advertising.

Established in 1997, Klick Health (including Klick Katalyst and btwelve) has offices in New York, Philadelphia, Saratoga Springs, Toronto, London, São Paulo, and Singapore. It is part of the Klick Group of companies, which also includes Klick Media Group, Klick Applied Sciences (including Klick Labs), Klick Consulting, Klick Ventures, and Sensei Labs. Follow Klick Health on LinkedIn and for more information on joining Klick, go to careers.klick.com.

Press Contact
For more information, please contact Klick PR at pr@klick.com or (416) 214-4977