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Rory Sparrow, Former NBA Player and Executive, Launches the Sparrow Foundation Institute

Montclair, NJ, September 14, 2023 –Rory Sparrow, known for his successful career as an NBA point guard and later as an executive with notable organizations, understands the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and community support. It is these values that have driven him to establish SFI, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization committed to driving change in low-income communities across the nation.

The primary mission of SFI is to create clean energy jobs, reduce energy costs, and promote a sustainable future while ensuring equitable access to these opportunities. The organization believes that clean energy and education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic circumstances. To achieve this mission, SFI will:

Implement Clean Energy Initiatives: SFI will develop and implement clean energy projects in low-income communities, including energy-efficient upgrades and renewable energy installations. These projects aim to reduce energy costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve overall community well-being.

Provide Workforce Development: SFI will offer workforce training programs to equip individuals with the skills needed to pursue careers in the clean energy sector. This initiative seeks to create job opportunities and promote economic growth within these communities.

Foster Community Engagement: SFI will actively engage with local communities through educational workshops, outreach events, and partnerships with community-based organizations. The organization believes that building awareness and support is essential for long-term success.

“I am deeply committed to making a positive impact in underserved communities and addressing the pressing challenges of our time,” said Rory Sparrow, Founder and CEO of the Sparrow Foundation Institute. “By combining clean energy solutions with educational and workforce opportunities, SFI aims to empower individuals and transform communities. We believe that together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”

Rory Sparrow’s vision for the Sparrow Foundation Institute is rooted in the belief that collective action and community engagement can drive meaningful change. He invites individuals, organizations, and partners to join SFI in its mission to make clean energy and education accessible to those who need it most.

Hibu Enhances Its Digital Marketing Platform with Acquisition of Signpost’s Marketing Technology Platform

Cedar Rapids, IA, September 14, 2023 — Hibu Inc. (“Hibu”), the leading provider of technology-enabled digital marketing solutions to small and medium-sized businesses (“SMBs”) across the United States, today announced its acquisition of the marketing technology platform of Signpost, Inc. (“Signpost”).

Signpost’s marketing technology platform, which includes Marketing Automation, Messaging Hub, and Instant Response solutions, allows SMBs to design and deploy optimized text and email marketing campaigns, instantly respond to leads via automated text messages, manage communications across multiple platforms from an integrated messaging hub, and collect customer feedback and reviews. This one-stop marketing and communication tool empowers clients to efficiently acquire, retain and nurture relationships with prospective and existing customers and to increase conversions from digital marketing campaigns.

“We are thrilled to add Signpost’s marketing automation capabilities to our existing portfolio of proprietary technology, further enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional results to our SMB customers, and to welcome Signpost employees to the Hibu team. For the last two years, we have worked closely with the Signpost team to leverage the technology as part of our fast-growing Hibu Assistant offering, which enables our SMB clients to efficiently track customer interactions and deploy automated email and text marketing campaigns to prospective and existing customers.

“The acquisition will bring the full capabilities of Signpost’s advanced technology to Hibu Assistant and to the entire Hibu digital marketing platform, accelerating our product development roadmap and our plans to bring new features to market. We are also excited to welcome Signpost’s Marketing Platform customers to Hibu and to extend our full digital marketing solution to these local businesses,” stated Kevin Jasper, Chief Executive Officer of Hibu.

Skyward Credit Union Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Lisa Reed, VP Independence Branch

Wichita, KS, September 14, 2023 — Skyward Credit Union is proud to announce the 25th anniversary for Lisa Reed, Vice President of the Independence Branch. Skyward congratulates her on her accomplishments and dedication in supporting the community of Independence and surrounding area.

Lisa has contributed to the credit union’s expansion and growth, which began as Cessna Employees Credit Union in 1941. She began her career as a teller and has advanced to her current position. She truly exhibits the credit union mission of providing exceptional products and services while exceeding the expectations of our members. In addition to supporting Textron Aviation, Lisa has represented Skyward in the community by participating in community events and supporting local charities. She has served as an avid volunteer at Independence High School, she graduated from Leadership Independence, and currently serves on their board. She led the merger with Universal Credit Union in Independence to expand Skyward’s services. Currently she is overseeing the completion of a new Skyward branch on West Main, which broke ground in March of this year and is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2024.

“After starting the branch in Independence, I moved to Wichita and Lisa was the perfect candidate to take my place. She has done an excellent job of leading our operations in Independence for 19 years and I have full faith in her ability to continue to lead our efforts in the community and surrounding areas. We are lucky to have her as part of our leadership team,” said Kevin Wilmoth, President.

The company congratulates Lisa Reed for being an outstanding member of their management team and look forward to her continued success.

Brown & Haley Candy Co. Celebrates 100 Years of ALMOND ROCA

Tacoma, WA, September 14, 2023 –Brown & Haley Candy Co. Celebrates 100 Years of ALMOND ROCA® with Grand Unveiling of Iconic Neon Clock Sign.

Brown & Haley Candy is thrilled to announce the Celebration of the 100th Birthday of its most famous brand, ALMOND ROCA®. This momentous occasion will take place on October 10, 2023, at 11 a.m., right outside the historic Brown & Haley Candy factory located in Tacoma, Washington.

As part of the Centennial Celebration, Anne Haley, the current Chairman (and granddaughter of founder JC Haley), will unveil the newly rebuilt 9-foot by 9-foot historical neon clock sign. This iconic ALMOND ROCA® clock has been an integral part of both Brown & Haley’s history and the Tacoma community for over 80 years. It was temporarily taken down earlier this year as part of a building upgrade, and its return symbolizes a powerful reconnection to the brand’s rich heritage.

“We are immensely proud to have reached this milestone in ALMOND ROCA’s history,” said John Melin, President & CEO at Brown & Haley Candy. “The ALMOND ROCA brand has delighted the taste buds of generations and become a symbol of confectionery excellence worldwide. Our historic neon sign serves as a beacon of ALMOND ROCA’s enduring commitment to quality and tradition.”

Members of the media, the local community, and ALMOND ROCA enthusiasts are invited to join Brown & Haley for this joyous occasion. Witness the unveiling of the sign, experience the rich history of ALMOND ROCA®, and celebrate a century of sweet success with Brown & Haley.

Event Details:
Date: October 10, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m. PST
Location: Brown & Haley Candy Co. Located in Tacoma, WA
Website: www.brown-haley.com Ceremony to start at 11a.m. PST.

This celebration promises to be a memorable event, and Brown & Haley encourages you to share the story of ALMOND ROCA® with your audience. For media inquiries or to RSVP, please contact Kathi Rennaker at (253) 620-3000 or krennaker@brown-haley.com, subject ALMOND ROCA Celebration.

Brown Toy Box and Microsoft Announce Transformational Collaboration

Atlanta, GA, September 14, 2023 — Equipping Black Nonprofits to Inspire Youth: Brown Toy Box and Microsoft Announces Transformational Collaboration

Brown Toy Box, an innovative educational toy company dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), proudly announces its groundbreaking collaboration with Microsoft Nonprofit Tech Acceleration. This transformative collaboration merges tactile toys with innovative learning technology, empowering, Black-led nonprofits to inspire youth who are underrepresented in both toys and games, through engaging online educational games.

Tactile + Technology = Transformation

The collaboration’s motto, “Tactile Plus Technology Equals Transformation,” encapsulates its visionary approach to play-based learning and STEAM education. By harnessing the power of hands-on play-based learning and blending it with state-of-the-art technology, Brown Toy Box and Microsoft are set to revolutionize how children from diverse backgrounds engage with STEAM subjects.

Empowering Black Nonprofits to Inspire Youth to “Discover It, Dream It, Do It!”

The core mission of this collaboration is to equip Black-led nonprofits serving youth with innovative tools to ignite curiosity and exploration in STEAM fields. Microsoft will leverage its expertise to bring Brown Toy Box’s renowned educational STEAM kits to life in the digital sphere. These kits, renowned for their tactile engagement, will be transformed into captivating online educational games, expanding their reach and impact.

“Through this collaboration once the technology is complete, Brown Toy Box Foundation will work side by side with Microsoft to then deploy the games to organizations that would typically not have access. We’re breaking down barriers and expanding access to quality STEAM education in a fun and representative way,” says Terri-Nichelle Bradley, Founder and CEO of Brown Toy Box and chair of Brown Toy Box Foundation. “The fusion of our tactile kits with advanced technology will drive a transformative learning experience, fostering confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for learning.”

Darrell Booker, Corporate Affairs Specialist with Microsoft, emphasizes, “Our collaboration with Brown Toy Box underscores our commitment to diversity, equity, and innovation. By translating their tactile STEAM kits into interactive digital games, we’re creating an inclusive space for young minds to explore the realms of technology and AI while equipping the Black-led nonprofits that we serve to add an important engagement tool to their offering.”

Introducing Youth to Technology and AI Through Engaging Games

Microsoft’s role will be to develop a series of interactive educational games, leveraging platforms such as MakeCode and others. These games will serve as a gateway to introduce children to the exciting world of technology, game creation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) while making STEAM education accessible, engaging, and relevant.

A Vision of Inclusivity, Empowerment, and Skill Building

The collaboration between Brown Toy Box and Microsoft exemplifies a joint vision of inclusivity, empowerment, and innovation. As STEAM education continues to evolve, this collaboration will empower young individuals from underrepresented communities to become not only consumers but creators and leaders in the world of technology.

Blue Dart Announces Rebranding of its Dart Plus service to Bharat Dart

Mumbai, 13th September 2023: Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution logistics company, unveiled its newly revamped service, formerly known as Dart Plus, as Bharat Dart. This strategic transformation marks a momentous milestone in Blue Dart’s ongoing journey, underscoring its unwavering commitment to serving the diverse needs of Bharat.

Bharat Dart is a time-sensitive delivery service backed by speed, security, and handling with value-added features and benefits like complete visibility on the last mile through a robust system and easy payment options. Blue Dart’s decision to rebrand this service stems from an extensive discovery and research process aimed at aligning itself to the evolving needs of its customers. The company’s unwavering dedication to delivering customer delight has led to a streamlined and reimagined service that promises to provide exceptional value to its customers.

One of the Blue Dart’s key USPs is its unparalleled reach, boasting access to over 55,000+ locations across the nation and spanning 220 countries and territories worldwide. Through initiatives like DAWN (Delivery Anywhere Now) and RISE (Revenue Increase from SMEs and Emerging Markets), Blue Dart has significantly expanded its serviceable locations, with a special focus on tier II and tier III cities in India. The growth in these cities is closely related to the rise of a new middle class and the culture of consumption. In FY-23, share of tier II and tier III cities as a percentage of the overall e-commerce market stood at 18.6% and 37.1% respectively, with a forecast to make further inroads in the sector.

Of the initiative, Pablo Ciano, CEO – DHL eCommerce, says “As India approaches its centenary year in 2047, the focus on e-commerce and logistics has become paramount. Our DHL Group Strategy 2025 has identified e-commerce as a megatrend, and we are committed to our objective of ‘Connecting People, Improving Lives.’ We firmly believe in the immense potential to spotlight the unique products and services offered by India’s small businesses and MSMEs in tier II and tier III cities on a global stage, enabled by our seamless delivery solutions. This vision harmonizes seamlessly with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.”

Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, added, “During India’s recent G20 Presidency, the need to harmonize growth, efficiency, and resilience as one large family was brought forth. The government’s vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ which underscores unity and purpose, aligns seamlessly with Blue Dart’s forward-thinking approach, cementing its position as a trailblazer in the logistics industry. This rebranding represents an exciting transformation for us as we continue to serve the length and breadth of the country. Bharat Dart is the first step in a new and exciting chapter for our company and our nation. We are dedicated to leveraging our expertise to elevate our capabilities and enhance the overall customer experience.”

Bharat Dart is poised to redefine express logistics services in Bharat, offering unmatched speed, coverage, and support for businesses of all sizes. Blue Dart Express Limited invites all stakeholders and customers to join on this transformative journey as the company continues to connect Bharat to the world and the world to Bharat.

IndiaFirst Life Insurance Launches Guaranteed Single Premium Plan

Chennai, September 13th, 2023 – IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life) has introduced a novel offering — IndiaFirst Life Guaranteed Single Premium Plan. This unique plan is designed to provide individuals with a seamless blend of financial protection and savings. It caters to their long-term security needs while helping them with legacy and wealth planning for future generations.

IndiaFirst Life Guaranteed Single Premium Plan (GSPP) is a non-linked, non-participating, individual, single premium savings plan, which offers guaranteed return to the customer over long policy term. With a one-time premium payment prior to policy inception, customers can avail dual benefits of financial protection and savings from a single policy.

Customers have the flexibility to select their desired life cover option from a range of choices, including a life cover of 1.25x times or 10x against the single premium. This unique customization empowers individuals to align their coverage with their long-term financial goals.

Marquee Equity assists tech fashion brand Ginik with fundraising

Marquee Equity, a SaaS platform that aids startups in securing funding has recently onboarded GINIK Fashion- an Italian Luxury fashion tech brand. GINIK Fashion combines tech with fashion and offers a unique range of luxury products that are fashionable yet tech-advanced. GINIK has dealt with UX complaints and needs in the tech-fashion market and finally creates revolutionary concepts that will excite the fashion world. It has a taste of royalty and style, but above all, an ambience of excellence and prestige which is what consumers are looking for in this 21st century.

For their fundraising requirements, Ginik has tied up with Marquee Equity, A SaaS platform that acts as a bridge between the startups looking for funding and investors/venture capitalists/angel investors thus making the process of fundraising swift and convenient. Marquee’s team collects and curates relevant data and projections to create a pitch deck that serves as a critical document in carrying forward the procedure. Once the pitch deck is approved, the AI-backed tech platform performs an investors-finding algorithm and connects the businesses to a suitable set of investors, VCs etc., thus making the process of fundraising convenient and effective. As opposed to marketplaces and digital listings that publicly display fundraising details, Marquee matched their clients with their personalized list of investors who would be the best fit for their mutual goals.

With a team of over 100 employees, Marquee Equity helps 1,500 businesses raise money effectively each year. Ash Narain, Founder & CEO of Marquee Equity comments, “We are very excited to have Ginik on board with us and render our services. They are a fashion brand with an amalgamation of technology, which makes it even more exciting for us to work with. Marquee has curated the campaign to their requirements and helped them prepare their pitch deck and schedule calls with potential investors. We have a firm belief in their products and are witnessing some immense responses to the campaign, which just makes us work harder for the next phase of the campaign”.

Ginika, CEO, and Founder of Ginik Fashion, appreciated the work of the fintech platform and said, “Marquee helped us in making several introductions within their investor ecosystem, they are very active, professional & trustworthy. Great team to work with. We are looking forward to converting conversations into investment opportunities soon”.

Marquee Equity’s success in raising funds for early-stage startups and SMEs comes from their time-tested methods, which are optimized by leveraging the power of technology. Marquee believes in using technology not to change the dynamic between investors and businesses, but rather to be the appropriate bridge between them.

By matching each entrepreneur with the ideal investors, Marquee Equity seeks to maximize the company’s fundraising efforts. The fintech platform works with businesses of all sizes,

from conception to pre-IPO, with check amounts ranging from $100,000 to multibillion-dollar private equity firms that raise money from limited partners. For Ginik, Marquee also lent its support in the documentation and the startup’s founder also looks forward to dipping into Marquee’s network of investors for future rounds again someday.