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CSG Systems International Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

CSG

Signed One of the Largest Telecom Wins in CSG History with New Latin American Customer Successfully Migrated ~75% of New Charter Subscribers Through Q2 2022 Returned $55 Million to Shareholders via Share Repurchases & Dividends in H1 2022 CSG (NASDAQ: CSGS) today reported results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. Financial Results: Second quarter 2022 financial results: Total revenue was $262.2 million and total non-GAAP adjusted revenue was $243.5 million. GAAP operating income was $7.3 million, or 2.8% of total revenue, and non-GAAP operating income was $36.7 million, or 15.1% of non-GAAP adjusted revenue. GAAP earnings per diluted share (EPS) was $0.17 and non-GAAP EPS was $0.84. Cash flows used in operations were ($7.7) million, with a non-GAAP free cash flow deficit of ( $17.0) million. Shareholder Returns: CSG declared its quarterly cash dividend of $0.265 per share of common stock, or a total of approximately $9 million, to shareholders. During the second quarter of 2022, CSG repurchased under its stock repurchase program, approximately 360,000 shares of its common stock for approximately $22 million. “With the backdrop of a turbulent macro-economic environment, Team CSG grew first half sales bookings more than 10% year-over-year, won several exciting new customer deals, and successfully migrated approximately 75% of the new Charter subscribers, paving the way for 3.6% year-over-year growth in both revenue and non-GAAP EPS in the first half,” said Brian Shepherd, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSG. “We also encountered challenges that eroded non-GAAP adjusted operating margin more than 1% point and impacted our cash flow in the quarter which CSG leadership is already addressing with a meaningful margin improvement initiative begun in Q2 to ensure we have strong CSG-like profitability in Q3, Q4, and beyond.” Financial Overview (unaudited) (in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages): For additional information and reconciliations regarding CSG’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached Exhibit 2 and the Investor Relations section of CSG’s website at csgi.com. Results of Operations GAAP Results: Total revenue for the second quarter of 2022 was $262.2 million, a 2.8% increase when compared to revenue of $255.1 million for the second quarter of 2021. Over half of this increase is due to the revenue generated from the businesses CSG acquired in 2021, with the remaining amount attributed to the continued organic growth of CSG’s revenue management solutions. GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2022 was $7.3 million, or 2.8% of total revenue, compared to $32.2 million, or 12.6% of total revenue, for the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in operating income can be primarily attributed to the $17 million increase in restructuring and reorganization charges. The second quarter of 2022 restructuring and reorganization charges related primarily to real estate restructurings as CSG continues to rationalize its real estate footprint to reflect a flexible work approach, and impairments related to the dissolution of CSG’s controlling interest in MobileCard, as the investment was not meeting its projected targets. GAAP EPS for the second quarter of 2022 was $0.17, as compared to $0.60 for the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in GAAP EPS can be mainly attributed to the factors discussed above. Non-GAAP Results: Non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the second quarter of 2022 was $243.5 million, a 2.1% increase when compared to non-GAAP adjusted revenue of $238.5 million for the second quarter of 2021. The increase in non-GAAP adjusted revenue between periods is due to the factors discussed above. Non-GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2022 was $36.7 million, or 15.1% of total non-GAAP adjusted revenue, compared to $39.8 million, or 16.7% of total non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the second quarter of 2021. The decreases in operating income and operating income margin can be mainly attributed to the businesses acquired in 2021, as those businesses are operating at a lower operating margin level than CSG’s organic business and require time to realize the expected synergies, increased staffing related to recently closed large deals and upcoming projects, inflationary and supply chain pressures, and increased travel expenses. Non-GAAP EPS for the second quarter of 2022 was $0.84 compared to $0.82 for the second quarter of 2021. Balance Sheet and Cash Flows Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of June 30, 2022 were $135.0 million compared to $187.6 million as of March 31, 2022 and $233.7 million as of December 31, 2021. CSG had net cash flows from operations for the second quarters ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 of ($7.7) million and $44.5 million, respectively, and had non-GAAP free cash flow of ($17.0) million and $37.5 million, respectively. Cash flows for the second quarter of 2022 were negatively impacted by unfavorable changes in working capital. Summary of Financial Guidance CSG is updating its financial guidance for the full year 2022, as follows: For additional information and reconciliations regarding CSG’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached Exhibit 2 and the Investor Relations section of CSG’s website at csgi.com. Conference Call CSG will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss CSG’s second quarter 2022 earnings results. The call will be conducted live and archived on the Internet. A link to the conference call is available at http://ir.csgi.com. In addition, to reach the conference by phone, call 1-888-412-4131 and use the passcode 2327393. Additional Information For information about CSG, please visit CSG’s web site at csgi.com. Additional information can be found in the Investor Relations section of the website. About CSG CSG is a leader in innovative customer engagement, revenue management and payments solutions that make ordinary customer experiences extraordinary. Our cloud-first architecture and customer-obsessed mindset help companies around the world launch new digital services, expand into new markets, and create dynamic experiences that capture new customers and build brand loyalty. For 40 years, CSG’s technologies and people have helped some of the world’s most recognizable brands solve their toughest business challenges and evolve to meet the demands of today’s digital economy with future-ready solutions that drive exceptional customer experiences. With 5,000 employees in over 20 countries, CSG is the trusted technology provider for leading global brands in telecommunications, retail, financial services, and healthcare. Our solutions deliver real world outcomes to more than 900 customers in over 120 countries. To learn more, visit us at csgi.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that are based on assumptions about a number of important factors and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what appears in this news release. Some of these key factors include, but are not limited to the following items: CSG derives approximately forty percent of its revenue from its two largest customers; Fluctuations in credit market conditions, general global economic and political conditions, and foreign currency exchange rates; CSG’s ability to maintain a reliable, secure computing environment; Continued market acceptance of CSG’s products and services; CSG’s ability to continuously develop and enhance products in a timely, cost-effective, technically advanced and competitive manner; CSG’s ability to deliver its solutions in a timely fashion within budget, particularly large and complex software implementations; CSG’s dependency on the global telecommunications industry, and in particular, the North American telecommunications industry; CSG’s ability to meet its financial expectations; Increasing competition in CSG’s market from companies of greater size and with broader presence; CSG’s ability to successfully integrate and manage acquired businesses or assets to achieve expected strategic, operating and financial goals; CSG’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights; CSG’s ability to conduct business in the international marketplace; CSG’s ability to comply with applicable U.S. and International laws and regulations; and CSG’s business may be disrupted, and its results of operations and cash flows adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This list is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to review the additional risks and important factors described in CSG’s reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and other filings made with the SEC. For more information, contact: John Rea, Investor Relations (210) 687-4409 E-mail: john.rea@csgi.com CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS-UNAUDITED (in thousands) CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME-UNAUDITED (in thousands, except per share amounts) CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-UNAUDITED (in thousands) EXHIBIT 1 CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. SUPPLEMENTAL REVENUE ANALYSIS Revenue by Significant Customers: 10% or more of Revenue Revenue by Vertical Revenue by Geography EXHIBIT 2 CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. DISCLOSURES FOR NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Limitations To supplement its condensed consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), CSG uses non-GAAP adjusted revenue, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP adjusted operating margin percentage, non-GAAP EPS, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, and non-GAAP free cash flow. CSG believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when reviewed in conjunction with its GAAP financial measures, provide investors with greater transparency to the information used by CSG’s management in its financial and operational decision making. CSG uses these non-GAAP financial measures for the following purposes: Certain internal financial planning, reporting, and analysis; Forecasting and budgeting; Certain management compensation incentives; and Communications with CSG’s Board of Directors, stockholders, financial analysts, and investors. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided with the intent of providing investors with the following information: A more complete understanding of CSG’s underlying operational results, trends, and cash generating capabilities; Consistency and comparability with CSG’s historical financial results; and Comparability to similar companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. Non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of performance under GAAP, and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial information. Limitations with the use of non-GAAP financial measures include the following items: Non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles; The way in which CSG calculates non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the way in which other companies calculate similar non-GAAP financial measures; Non-GAAP financial measures do not include all items of income and expense that affect CSG’s operations and that are required by GAAP to be included in financial statements; Certain adjustments to CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures result in the exclusion of items that are recurring and will be reflected in CSG’s financial statements in future periods; and Certain charges excluded from CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures are cash expenses, and therefore do impact CSG’s cash position. CSG compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on its GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures as a supplement only. Additionally, CSG provides specific information regarding the treatment of GAAP amounts considered in preparing the non-GAAP financial measures and reconciles each n on-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Basis of Presentation The table below outlines the exclusions from CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures: CSG believes that excluding certain items in calculating its non-GAAP financial measures provides meaningful supplemental information regarding CSG’s performance and these items are excluded for the following reasons: Transaction fees are primarily comprised of interchange and other payment-related fees paid, in conjunction with the delivery of service to customers under CSG’s payment services contracts, to third-party payment processors and financial institutions by CSG. Because CSG controls the integrated service provided under its payment services customer contracts, these transaction fees are presented gross, and not netted against revenue; however, other payments companies who do not provide and/or control an integrated service present their revenue net of transaction fees. The exclusion of these fees in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted revenue provides management and investors an additional means to use to compare CSG’s current revenue with historical and future periods, as well as with other payments companies. Restructuring and reorganization charges are expenses that result from cost reduction initiatives and/or significant changes to CSG’s business, to include such things as involuntary employee terminations, changes in management structure, divestitures of businesses, facility consolidations and abandonments, and fundamental reorganizations impacting operational focus and direction. These charges are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The exclusion of these items in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. Executive transition costs include expenses incurred related to a departure of a CSG executive officer under the terms of the related separation agreement. These types of costs are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The exclusion of these costs in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. Acquisition-related expenses include amortization of acquired intangible assets, earn-out compensation, and transaction-related costs. Transaction-related costs, which typically include expenses related to legal, accounting, and other professional services, are direct and incremental expenses related to business acquisitions, and thus, are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The total amount of acquisition-related expenses can vary significantly between periods based on the number and size of acquisition activities, previously acquired intangible assets becoming fully amortized, and ultimate realization of earn-out compensation. In addition, the timing of these expenses may not directly correlate with underlying performance of the CSG’s operations. Therefore, the exclusion of acquisition-related expenses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. Stock-based compensation results from CSG’s issuance of equity awards to its employees under incentive compensation programs. The amount of this incentive compensation in any period is not generally linked to the level of performance by employees or CSG. The exclusion of these expenses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to evaluate the non-cash expense related to compensation included in CSG’s results of operations, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash generating capabilities of CSG’s business. The convertible notes OID is the result of allocating a portion of the principal balance of the debt at issuance to the equity component of the instrument, as required under current accounting rules. This OID is then amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective convertible debt instrument. The interest expense related to the amortization of the OID is a non-cash expense, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash interest costs of CSG’s convertible notes for cash flow, liquidity, and debt service purposes. Gains and losses related to the extinguishment/conversion of debt can be as a result of the refinancing of CSG’s credit agreement and/or repurchase, conversion, or settlement of CSG’s convertible notes. These activities, to include any derivative activity related to debt conversions, are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. Any resulting gain or loss is generally non-cash income or expense, and therefore, the exclusion of these items allows investors to further evaluate the cash impact of these activities for cash flow and liquidity purposes. In addition, the exclusion of these gains and losses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP EPS allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current operating results with historical and future periods. Gains or losses related to the acquisition or disposition of certain of CSG’s business activities are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. Any resulting gain or loss is generally non-cash income or expense, and therefore, the exclusion of these items allows investors to further evaluate the cash impact of these activities for cash flow and liquidity purposes. In addition, the exclusion of these gains and losses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP EPS allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current operating results with historical and future periods. Unusual items within CSG’s quarterly and/or annual income tax expense can occur from such things as income tax accounting timing matters, income taxes related to unusual events, or as a result of different treatment of certain items for book accounting and income tax purposes. Consideration of such items in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. CSG also reports non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP free cash flow. Management believes non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure to investors in evaluating CSG’s operating performance, debt servicing capabilities, and enterprise valuation. CSG defines non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as income before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, foreign currency transaction adjustments, acquisition-related expenses, and unusual items, such as restructuring and reorganization charges, executive transition costs, gains and losses related to the extinguishment of debt, and gains and losses on acquisitions or dispositions, as discussed above. Additionally, management uses non-GAAP free cash flow, among other measures, to assess its financial performance and cash generating capabilities, and believes that it is useful to investors because it shows CSG’s cash available to service debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments, repurchase its common stock, pay cash dividends, and fund ongoing operations. CSG defines non-GAAP free cash flow as net cash flows from operating activities less the purchases of software, property and equipment. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Non-GAAP Adjusted Revenue: The reconciliations of GAAP revenue to non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands): Non-GAAP Operating Income: The reconciliations of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP operating income for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands, except percentages): (1) Restructuring and reorganization charges include stock-based compensation, which is not included in the stock-based compensation line in the tables above and following, and depreciation, which has not been recorded to the depreciation line item on the Income Statement. Non-GAAP EPS: The reconciliations of GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): (2) For the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2022 the GAAP effective income tax rates were approximately 26% and 17%, respectively, and the non-GAAP effective income tax rates were 27.5%, for both periods. For the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2021 the GAAP effective income tax rates were approximately 30% and 28%, respectively, and the non-GAAP effective income tax rates were 27%, for both periods. (3) The outstanding diluted shares for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2022 were 31.5 million and 31.7 million, respectively, and for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2021 were 32.0 million and 32.1 million, respectively. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to GAAP net income is provided below for the indicated periods (in thousands, except percentages): (4) Interest expense includes amortization of deferred financing costs as provided in Note 5 below. (5) Amortization on the statement of cash flows is made up of the following items for the indicated periods (in thousands): Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP free cash flow and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP free cash flow measure to cash flows from operating activities are provided below for the indicated periods (in thousands): Non-GAAP Financial Measures – 2022 Financial Guidance Non-GAAP Adjusted Revenue: The reconciliation of GAAP revenue to non-GAAP adjusted revenue, as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance, is as follows: Non-GAAP Operating Income: The reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP operating income, as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance, is as follows (in thousands, except percentages): Non-GAAP EPS: The reconciliation of GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): (6) For 2022, the estimated effective income tax rate for GAAP and non-GAAP purposes is expected to be approximately 26% and 27%, respectively. (7) The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding are expected to be approximately 31.6 million. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to GAAP net income is provided below for CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance (in thousands, except percentages): Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP free cash flow and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP free cash flow measure to cash flows from operating activities is provided below for the indicated period (in thousands): Contact Details CSG John Rea +1 210-687-4409 tammy.hovey@csgi.com Company Website https://www.csgi.com

August 03, 2022 02:01 PM Mountain Daylight Time

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“Place & Purpose,” Video Podcast Series With Greg Sarris and Obi Kaufmann, Explores How the Ancient Natural World Connects to Modern California

Greg Sarris

“Place & Purpose” debuts Thursday, August 4, live from the backcountry of Sonoma Mountain. The first in a series of monthly live events, hosts Greg Sarris and Obi Kaufmann will explore the passing seasons and reflect on whether or not so many patterns of the past are unraveling in wake of a fast-approaching future. Sarris and Kaufmann are storytellers for whom the chaos of the modern world is tempered by a deep connection to land, home and community. “We recognize that today’s society seems as challenged to remember the things it should, as it is to let go of the things that no longer serve,” stated Sarris. “We’re excited to explore the great opportunities for all of us to consider where our place and purpose fits into the larger natural world,” said Kaufmann. About the Series: “Place & Purpose” With Greg Sarris and Obi Kaufmann Length: 1 hour More info and link to the event: http://www.placeandpurpose.live About the Hosts: Greg Sarris is the author of “Becoming Story,” the anthology “Keeping Slug Woman Alive: A Holistic Approach to American Indian Texts,” the novel “Watermelon Nights,” and scripts for screen and stage including HBO’s “Grand Avenue.” He is Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and is a Distinguished Chair Emeritus in Native American Studies at Sonoma State University. Obi Kaufmann is an American naturalist, writer, and illustrator. He is the author of “The California Field Atlas,” a guide to the state's ecology and geography. The book features hundreds of his watercolor paintings of maps, wildlife and other aspects of nature. Other works include “The State of Water: Understanding California's Most Precious Resource,” “The Forests of California,” “The Coasts of California” and “The Deserts of California.” ### Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Brianne Miller +1 650-575-7727 brianne@landispr.com Company Website https://www.placeandpurpose.live/

August 03, 2022 08:02 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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A SUMMER SNAPSHOT OF BACK-TO-SCHOOL TRENDS

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/9s0kNEPgHg4 The heat is on as parents prepare to help their kids get to the head of the class for the upcoming school year. With pandemic issues still top of mind, they continue to seek fun ways to engage with their children, including vacation time, playtime, and sweet treats. Back-to-school shopping also remains a top priority with eighty-four percent of consumers expecting to see an increase in prices for popular items like clothing, school supplies, and electronics. The National Retail Federation finds this will likely lead to a hyper-focused approach to spending, including comparative online shopping, scouting out deals, and using more coupons. Bethany Braun-Silva has a summer snapshot of back-to-school trends, including the latest way for students to take notes and retain information. SWEET REWARDS: The start of a new school year can be stressful — not only for parents but for kids, too. Braun-Silva has one special and sweet way to reward and keep kids motivated as they head back to school, and it’s with something everyone loves: chocolate. For the first time in the U.S., Cinnabon has swapped the cinnamon for chocolate with its new Chocolate BonBites. “They taste fantastic,” says the lifestyle expert, adding, “These bite-sized rolls — filled with ooey-gooey chocolate and topped with chocolate and cream cheese frosting — make the perfect after-school snack and are available for a limited-time either in Cinnabon bakeries or through delivery, which is super convenient for a parent on the go. Get them before they’re gone!” The brand is offering an exclusive offer: a FREE 4-count of Chocolate BonBites with any purchase of $15 or more by using the code CHOCOLATE in the Cinnabon app today. For more information, visit https://www.cinnabon.com/?utm_medium=pr Direct link: https://www.cinnabon.com/?utm_medium=pr Social media handles: Facebook.com/cinnabon Instagram.com/cinnabon TikTok.com/@cinnabon Twitter.com/cinnabon Hashtags: #ChocolateBonBites, #chocolate LEARN WHILE TRAVELING: With remote schooling still an option in a few regions, families are exploring new destinations with special travel deals and in-suite virtual learning essentials. Braun-Silva mentions that there are ways to incorporate hybrid schedules into late summer and early fall travel plans. Learning remotely is one educational trend expected to continue for the first part of the upcoming school year. The lifestyles expert says now is a great time for parents to blend vacation season and at-home schooling together. Braun-Silva highlights how family getaways are an opportunity for kids to catch up on early reading assignments at the pool or on the beach, adding, “In my family, we even play spelling games and go over the times table. It helps make learning fun.” Braun-Silva admits environment plays an important part when choosing a destination, accommodations, and family activities. She says, “Howard Johnson by Wyndham is perfect! They have hundreds of locations, really fun mid-century modern rooms that my kids adore—plus free Wi-Fi—perfect for working or learning remotely. They offer a free light breakfast and a great rewards program, Wyndham Rewards.” Travelers can book now and earn a free night after just two stays. For more information, go to HoJo.com. Direct Link: HoJo.com Social media handles: Facebook - www.facebook.com/hojo Instagram - @HoJo Hashtags: #GoHappyGoHoJo STEALS & DEALS: Twenty-five percent of back-to-school shoppers have already begun with an uptick projected over the next two months. Braun-Silva says the coming weeks are all about finding the steals and deals. One helpful way to save time and money is by using the PayPal Honey desktop extension—an online shopping tool that helps discover deals and cash back. She points out that it is trusted by millions, and automatically searches for available coupons and applies the best working ones at checkout. This extension also helps find offers featuring Cash Back. Customers are able to redeem points for cash and other rewards h on eligible purchases, so they can take their money further while shopping for all their back-to-school needs. “It’s fast and seamless to install the PayPal Honey extension on your desktop in just a few clicks,” says Braun-Silva, “You can start saving on many of your favorite sites from tech to fashion to school supplies. PayPal Honey gives you the confidence you’re shopping smart and it’s the perfect way to find great deals for back-to-school” For more information, visit joinhoney.com. Direct link: https://www.joinhoney.com/explore STUDY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME: It has been found that writing notes by hand helps with focus, memory, and understanding information. That’s something Five Star® gets and has an innovative way to turn handwritten notes into a digital study tool. The lifestyles expert says the Five Star® Study App makes it easier for students to study anywhere, anytime. “It’s very user-friendly,” she points out, adding “The triangles on the left side of the paper allow the app to ‘flag’ important notes to turn them into digital flashcards, and the four corners enables scanning.” This is the evolution of how students consume and retain information. They get all the tried-and-true benefits of handwritten notes from compatible Five Star products and then turn them into a personal study aid. Find the Five Star study app in the Apple or Google Play app store and learn more at FiveStarBuiltStrong.com. For more information, visit fivestarbuiltstrong.com Direct link: https://www.fivestarbuiltstrong.com/notetaking-study-app/ Social media handles: Facebook: @FiveStar Instagram: @meadfivestar Twitter: @meadfivestar Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

August 03, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Steve Krull at Leading Entrepreneurs of the World

1BusinessWorld

Contact Details 1BusinessWorld Media Enquiries +1 212-220-6677 info@1businessworld.com Company Website https://1businessworld.com

August 02, 2022 05:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Doceree Partners with Tealium to Enrich Precision Targeting of Healthcare Professionals

Doceree

Doceree, a global platform building unprecedented solutions for HCP programmatic marketing with proprietary data tools, announced today a partnership with Tealium, the world’s largest independent customer data platform (CDP), to advance the capabilities to collect, collate and analyze data sets to elevate the proficiency of precision targeting within Doceree’s platform. Data is crucial to target healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the life sciences category, and so the collaboration unifies the targeting solution afforded to marketers via Doceree’s platform with the utilization of Tealium’s various data connectors. In addition, the integration advances the structure of data analytics from messaging campaigns to embolden marketers to decipher real-time metrics to obtain actionable data which can be implemented towards communications on the most relevant online channel. “Our partnership with Tealium unlocks a first-rate CDP for our partners that empowers them to better segment their data to optimize their communication strategies,” said Thomas Shea, Chief Revenue Officer (North America), Doceree. “Marketers will gain access to an exhaustive data collection tool to bring metrics together to incorporate holistic data-driven insights on target audiences to generate effective messages at the optimal moments during an HCP’s digital workflow.” The utilization of real-time data assets between the organizations illustrates the digital journey of audiences for marketers to recognize the ideal moments for interactions to target HCPs across online platforms. Furthermore, Doceree will join the Tealium Integrations Marketplace to expand the digital communication offerings to life sciences organizations within Tealium’s ecosystem. Tealium’s interface will now enable users to easily create and execute campaigns with Doceree’s programmatic solutions. “As the latest innovative technology offering in our marketplace, Doceree provides our client base with data-driven solutions that are singularly focused on supporting life sciences companies,” says Jay Calavas, Tealium’s Chief Innovation Officer. “By aligning with Doceree, we expand data-first analytics to unify and measure the impact of virtual exchanges cultivated within an online healthcare setting.” About Doceree Doceree is a global platform building unprecedented solutions for healthcare professional (HCP) programmatic messaging with proprietary data tools. It facilitates messaging between life sciences brands and HCPs through an extensive global network of digital endemic and point-of-care platforms to programmatically deliver personalized communications to HCPs and transparent marketing campaign metrics at scale. To learn more, visit doceree.com. About Tealium Tealium connects customer data – spanning web, mobile, offline, and IoT devices — so brands can connect with their customers. Tealium’s turnkey integration ecosystem supports more than 1,300 client-side and server-side vendors and technologies, empowering brands to create a unified, real-time customer data infrastructure. Tealium’s customer data solutions encompass tag management, an API hub, a customer data platform with machine learning, and data management solutions that make customer data more valuable, actionable, and secure. More than 850 businesses worldwide trust Tealium to power their customer data strategies. For more information, visit www.tealium.com. Contact Details Doceree Kanchan Dass kanchan.dass@doceree.com Doceree Richard Krueger richard.krueger@doceree.com Company Website https://doceree.com/us/

August 02, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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A Million Dollars Will ‘Level Up’ Thousands of Houston Area Residents Out of Digital Divide

Comcast Houston

If you’ve ever played a popular 80’s video game, then you know about the disadvantages your character has right out of the gate. You can’t jump as high or as far, and it’s easier to lose the level and have to start all over again. But in the first few seconds, there’s usually always a chance to ‘level up’ your character. Instantly, you can jump higher and farther, run faster and if you encounter an enemy, you still have another chance at winning the level. There are thousands of Houston area residents who — from a digital perspective — aren’t ‘leveled up” and therefore struggle to participate in the digital economy. Some Houstonians still don’t know how to surf the web, write emails or create a resume. Others don’t even have a reliable and fast internet connection in their homes. The digital divide is still big. According to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Communities Survey, one in ten households, or 687,086 households, in the greater Houston area do not have an internet subscription or do not have a computer. They want to ‘level up’, and they are about to get it. Comcast, the Houston area’s largest internet service provider, is giving more than one million dollars this year to local organizations that help students, adults and people with disabilities ‘level up’ their computer, career development and tech education skills. The million-dollar investment will also support ongoing efforts to build awareness about low-cost or no-cost connectivity programs like Internet Essentials and the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). “These investments are a part of Comcast’s ongoing efforts to make a real difference in southeast Texas by giving families an opportunity to thrive in this digital age,” Ralph Martinez, Comcast Houston’s Regional Senior Vice President, said. “The Internet is where life happens. It allows students to expand their educational aspirations and it empowers parents to explore better job openings so they can ultimately deliver a better quality of life for their families.” So far, Comcast has given grants to eight Houston area organizations. More announcements will be made later this year. United Way | Funding will be used to provide tech experts (Digital Navigators) to help people in need of digital skills training. BakerRipley | Funding will support computer skills, software, email and internet safety training for low-income adults in the Houston area. Comp-U-Dopt | Funding will support students participating in Early Adopters, STEAM Team and Learn2Earn, which brings technology education to area youth. Comp-U-Dopt will also use the funding to provide tech experts (Digital Navigators) to help people in need of digital skills training. Easter Seals of Greater Houston | Funding will support the development of a curriculum for people with disabilities to help them successfully learn to use digital technology to gain and maintain employment. The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston | Funding will help high school students gain technical and leadership skills through the Workforce Readiness Program. AAMA | Funding will be used to purchase technology and equipment to support students through the training program at the Work and Learn Center, with an emphasis on digital literacy and design. Dress for Success | Funding will be used to provide Houston-area women with the resources needed to obtain long-term employment through access to job readiness training, digital skills workshops, computers and mobile labs. AVANCE-Houston | Funding will support adult literacy program and continue to build pathways to economic mobility for families in the community. “We are passionate about doing our part to help close the digital divide and committed to helping establish a more equitable foundation for learning, working and succeeding,” Martinez said. Comcast remains steadfast in its efforts to connect people to moments that matter, to connect families to opportunities in Southeast Texas. For more than a decade, the company has offered Internet Essentials to help low-income Americans access reliable, high-speed internet. Comcast is now a proud champion of the federal government’s new Affordable Connectivity Program. ACP gives qualifying households up to $30 towards their monthly internet bill. With ACP, Comcast’s Internet Essentials internet service is free. As more Houston area residents get the ‘level up’ they need, just like in their gameplay, they will have more chances to keep advancing—better jobs, better education, innovation, opportunities and yes, more fun and better gaming. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Houston Steve Campion +1 832-920-2001 Steve_Campion@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

August 02, 2022 08:40 AM Central Daylight Time

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Amesite Reports Partnering With Conner Prairie To Launch Next-Generation Educational Tools

Amesite Inc.

Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST) is an artificial intelligence (AI) software company offering a cloud-based learning platform and custom course creation for businesses, universities, nonprofits and government agencies. Amesite boasts many strategic partnerships, but its collaboration with Conner Prairie, a living history museum in Indiana, has garnered attention. Amesite says it has implemented plans to deliver eLearning solutions, powered by its online ecosystem, with an anticipated public launch in Fall 2022. Amesite’s online Learning Community Environment™ system will offer K-12 programs for teachers, parents, life-long learners and students. The system is reportedly up-to-date with the latest of Amesite’s technology, including powerful AI solutions to deliver low-cost, scalable and customized educational content. As a partner, Conner Prairie will have autonomy on curating and developing branded content in line with its current research and resources. At its disposal are advanced technology tools within an intuitive design framework. Participants will have the opportunity not only to learn but also engage with Conner Prairie’s information content presented through Amesite. True to the Amesite way, knowledge will be delivered in a digital, easy-to-use and collaborative format. About Conner Prairie Conner Prairie is a living museum in Indiana and one of the largest attractions in the Midwest region, with over 400,000 annual visitors. Conner Prairie plays an important societal role in Indiana as a knowledge resource and innovator of science, history, art and nature. The market size of the museum industry in the United States, perhaps surprisingly, reached $15.4 billion in 2021, denoting a 19 percent increase over the previous year's figure of $12.9 billion. This sector's market size was forecast to rise further in the following year, with an estimated six percent growth. Conner Prairie is fundamentally about learning and contextualizing how society has grown and evolved throughout history. Numerous educational tools are used to give visitors a truly immersive and collaborative experience. Conner Prairie is also dedicated to modernized learning tools and digital education programs, especially in an effort to foster the relationships between remote visitors and members that are not on-site. Amesite says its digital learning software solutions will allow for deeper collaboration with Conner Prairie and the educational community. Amesite will deliver its entire ecosystem of education software solutions for Conner Prairie. This will enable Conner Prairie to create customized, branded digital learning courses and materials for the global community, giving users the opportunities to learn from anywhere, anytime. Conner Prairie emphasized the importance of having a partner that cares about learning and the last mile, which it found with Amesite. According to Norman Burns, President and CEO of Conner Prairie, "Since 1934, Conner Prairie has followed founder Eli Lilly's intention to make Conner Prairie a place where history and learning can occur in ways that books cannot teach," he said. "The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to find new ways to meet schoolchildren and educators where they were, despite health, geographical or financial barriers. Through our partnership with Amesite, we are furthering our mission to inspire curiosity and foster learning by providing engaging and individualized experiences for everyone." Burns added that "we are excited to partner with Amesite to create this new innovative digital learning platform that will expand our capabilities to deliver best-in-class online learning experiences to our global community. It is yet another example of how Conner Prairie is changing the way the world views and uses museums." About Amesite Amesite is a SaaS educational company employing what it says is the most advanced AI-driven online learning platform in the industry. Its solutions include end-to-end infrastructure for customized, branded learning content creation and online course creation. Amesite’s platform is integrated with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) Azure Cloud, allowing for enhanced scalability and speed. Amesite is a player in the multi-billion-dollar online learning market for business and education. Other key players within this space include Coursera Inc. (NYSE: COUR) and Powerschool Holdings Inc. (NYSE: PWSC). Learn more about Amesite’s solutions here. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Amesite Inc., an artificial intelligence driven platform and course designer, provides online products in the United States. The company uses machine learning to offer a mass customized experience to learners. Its customers include businesses, universities and colleges, K-12 schools, and non-profit organizations. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Amesite, Inc. +1 734-876-8141 info@amesite.com Company Website http://www.amesite.io

August 01, 2022 04:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press Million-Dollar Owners Thomas and Denise Batliner Share Keys to Business Growth in Louisville, KY

Minuteman Press International Inc

Thomas and Denise Batliner have owned their Minuteman Press franchise located at 3905 Bardstown Road since November of 2005. With over 16 years in business, Thomas shares the following insights that helped he and Denise grow their business in Louisville and become members of the Minuteman Press International President’s Million-Dollar Circle. On this accomplishment, Thomas says, “Denise and I believe marketing efforts, customer service, networking, and a little luck have been vital to our success and longevity. We would like to place special emphasis on customer service. At Minuteman Press in Louisville, we focus on treating the customer as we would like to be treated. We believe anyone who walks through the door can be our next biggest customer, and hospitality may make or break the possible relationship.” He continues, “Over the past 16+ years in business, Denise and I have grown the business by developing relationships with new customer bases. More specifically, we gained these relationships through acquisitions. For example, in August of 2012, we purchased an independent printer. This acquisition almost doubled our 2011 sales in addition to our everyday marketing and networking. Then, in December of 2020, we purchased an independent promotional products company. Like our 2012 acquisition, we almost doubled the past year’s sales. Our new customers are the key to our success, and we appreciate their continued business and loyalty.” From the US Navy to Owning a Printing Business Prior to franchising with Minuteman Press, Thomas Batliner served in the US Navy. He shares, “We didn't start Minuteman Press until 2005 when I was 38 years old. Before reaching this point, I served in the United States Navy for three years where I specialized in aviation hydraulics (AMH3). This military experience reinforced the work ethic instilled in me at a young age while farming with my family and has played a vital role in driving my determination to stay in the printing industry.” Thomas continues, “Furthermore, after being honorably discharged, I was a tool and die specialist by trade before being promoted to an estimator at a plastics manufacturer, Beach, Mold, and Tool, now known as NYX. While in this role, I earned an associate degree in Business. But most importantly, I decided I wanted to drive my career and become an entrepreneur. Minuteman Press matched this goal because of the low initial investment, and the business presented the new challenge I was seeking.” “Minuteman Press International supported me from the beginning before I had any professional knowledge about the printing industry. For instance, at the initial home office training, I learned basic facts about paper stocks and more information regarding machine availability and capabilities. Lastly, our office utilizes FLEX, the workflow software developed by Minuteman Press that constantly evolves to add effective apps that drive marketing value.” – Thomas Batliner, owner, Minuteman Press, Louisville, KY Leveraging Local Business Relationships & Benefits of Printing Today When asked what it has been like to own a business in Louisville for over 16 years, Thomas shares, “We are in an urban area and serve a diverse community. There are people from many varying backgrounds, and we have learned about different cultures from around the world. Additionally, we are part of a community where nearby business owners help and look out for one another. For instance, a nearby competitor has helped us continue production during machine downtime and meet customer demand. To return this favor, we have been known to share our resources if this competitor is short-staffed. Because of this dynamic, we believe it is important to develop healthy relationships with everyone in the community, even those with competing business goals.” Thomas explains why printing remains so vital today, sharing, “We believe printing remains vital today because it secures a company’s mission. In terms of management, it also provides different avenues for documentation. To illustrate, when a business provides a digital or physical copy of an employee handbook to its staff, it can better document and communicate expectations and other important information.” He adds, “The main benefit of print is that it can be found everywhere, from the menu you use at your favorite restaurant menu to the branded t-shirt you buy at the store. Because of print's presence, companies always need it. Even during uncertain times like the pandemic, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, and a variety of other companies needed printed materials promoting safety warnings and best practices.” “Our highest demand products and services include envelopes, every door direct mail (EDDM), and wide format printing, a powerful visual medium used for larger files such as blueprints and banners. Our customers value these products and services because they can reach a larger audience. In addition to our highest demand products, key growth areas for our business are promotional products and branded apparel. For example, the customers from our acquisition of the promotional products company have driven sales and we have added a new product line that existing customers can access.” –Thomas Batliner Rewards of Owning a Business & Advice to Others As Thomas and Denise reflect on their accomplishments, there are a couple of items that really stick out. Thomas says, “The biggest personal reward for Denise and me was the ability to put both of our children through college as traditional four-year students. Lauren, our oldest, is now a critical care nurse and Erica, our youngest, is a sourcing and supply chain professional.” He adds, “Aside from this personal reward, our biggest professional reward was receiving our plaque for the Minuteman Press International President's Million Dollar circle. After 16+ years of business, it was an honor to achieve such a high sales goal and to meet others who have accomplished the same or more.” Thomas shares the following advice to today’s aspiring business owners, saying, “The advice I would give to someone looking to own a business is ‘do your homework.’ You need to choose something you can be passionate about and enjoy daily. Despite the hard work ahead of you, because there are some long days and weeks, it can be very rewarding.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Louisville, Kentucky, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ky/louisville20/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

August 01, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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ToT Foundation launches to foster equity, progress for Black Americans

ToT Partners

Wall Street veteran William Tillman, founder of ToT Partners, today announced the establishment of the ToT Foundation, a new philanthropic venture to connect Black individuals to business opportunities, resources, and mentorship. The Foundation concurrently announced the date of its inaugural gala, Sept. 11 at Rainbow Room in New York City. “Nobody who’s serious is arguing that the playing field is equal and fair for Black Americans—not on Wall Street, not on Main Street, and not anywhere else,” said Tillman. “The ToT Foundation is transparent in its mission: To help Black persons gain advantages in business that lead to positive reputations and generational wealth so that they can then pay those advantages forward to the next generation.” The Foundation also announced the appointment of Steve Month as an independent strategic advisor. Month is a private equity executive who spent ten years as Managing Director, Investment Banking/M&A at Citigroup. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School. Prior to ToT, Tillman ran the gauntlet across Wall Street, having worked in private wealth management and asset management at Morgan Stanley; commercial real estate at Deutsche Bank; equity derivatives trading at Societe Generale; and credit sales and trading, private credit financing, and mergers and acquisitions at Citigroup. During this time, he was mentored by some of the biggest names in business and finance. He established ToT Partners in 2022 to leverage his knowledge and experience for clients on his own terms. ToT Partners is a parent company with a plethora of business and philanthropic interests. It currently operates a merchant banking and private equity arm, DB Capital, and a luxurious private dining business, Taste of Tillman. Hailing from Florida, where he and his grandmother hand-delivered meals to victims of the United States’ draconian, repressive drug-enforcement policy of the 80s, Tillman made his way to Wall Street and worked for numerous prestigious firms. He has put his time and Wall Street earnings to philanthropic use on an individual basis ever since, as a mentor and connector, and the ToT Foundation, which has filed for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, is an evolution of that philanthropy. The ToT Foundation’s financial support comes from Wall Street firms, hedge funds, private equity funds, and well-known hospitality businesses. Tickets to the gala are being provided on an invitation-only basis; contact Tillman directly to inquire about sponsorships and attendance. About ToT Partners ToT Partners was founded by William Nicholas Tillman in 2022. The name of the conglomerate embodies what the founder takes pride in: Being a polymath and illuminating ambiguity through business and philanthropy ventures. Contact Details The ToT Foundation William Tillman William.tillman@totpartners.com

July 29, 2022 01:36 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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