News Hub | News Direct

Entertainment

Animation Dance E-Sports Entertainment/Celebrity Film Music Radio Restaurants Sports Television Theater Video Virtual Reality
Article thumbnail News Release

MY.GAMES Q2 Results Build Solid Performance with 18% YoY Revenue Growth for the First Half of 2021

MY.GAMES

MY.GAMES revenue in the first half of 2021 increased by 18% compared to the previous year and amounted to 22.1 billion rubles ($297m). EBITDA for the first half of the year increased by 42% and amounted to 4.1 billion rubles ($55m). Global gaming brand MY.GAMES (part of Mail.ru Group) today announced its results for Q2 2021 - with revenue increasing by 1% and surpassing Q2 2020 in absolute revenues. This is all despite no new internal game launches and no significant studio acquisitions year-to-date, as well as IDFA related changes and the base effect. MY.GAMES received 74% of their games revenue in Q2 2021 outside Russia and CIS with the key markets being the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom. The company currently has more than 20 titles in the pipeline and the investment division - MCVG - also continues to develop the international and domestic business. War Robots, Warface, Hustle Castle, Rush Royale and Grand Hotel Mania were the main revenue contributors in the second quarter of 2021. The mobile segment accounted for 77% of the total revenue of MY.GAMES. The company enjoyed consolidated success in Q2 - with updates to existing games performing well and hit mobile titles Rush Royale, Hustle Castle and War Robots, launching on PC Allods Team has announced the game Blast Brigade vs. the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread, a two-dimensional platformer with elements of metroidvania. The game will be available in early access from September this year. Release dates on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, XboxSeries X|S will be announced soon. The mobile game Rush Royale reached the mark of 9 million downloads, although it was released only in December last year, and monthly revenue in June approached 400 million rubles (5.4m USD), which set the project to one of the most successful launches in MY.GAMES history. The Warface franchise reached 117.4 million players worldwide on all platforms during the second quarter of 2021, and still remains among the top three in terms of revenue among MY.GAMES projects. On consoles, Warface has received a cross-play feature that unites more than 24 million PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch players on shared servers. The game has also been released on the Epic Games Store, which expands the games’ reach further. As part of MY.GAMES ongoing investment in Cloud development June saw a strategic investment in Playkey as well as release of the MY.GAMES Cloud BETA for Mac OS in the Russian domestic market - the platform currently boasts more than 300 games and over 100k monthly active users (MAU). Vasily Maguryan, CEO at MY.GAMES commented: "In the second quarter of 2021, we managed to demonstrate growth against the background of a significant decline in the overall dynamics of the global games market. This was achieved by MY.GAMES strategic approach to portfolio diversification and our focus on organic product growth. The company's revenue grew by 18% in the first half of 2021, despite the effect of the high base of the previous year. In addition, we continue to successfully increase business efficiency — the second quarter of 2021 was the best in terms of marginality (24%) since the beginning of 2020." Overall Highlights for Q2: MY.GAMES Q2 EBITDA stood at RUB 2.7bn ($36.4m), delivering 13% YoY growth, with a margin of 24%, with the division on track to deliver a small margin improvement in 2021 and double-digit organic growth. The games War Robots, Warface franchise, Hustle Castle, Rush Royale and Grand Hotel Mania were the largest revenue contributors for the quarter. Share of revenue coming from markets outside Russia & CIS stood at 74%, with the US, Germany and the UK having the largest share in international revenue. Average MAU stood at 21.4mn in Q2 with a 4.7% share of paying monthly users, roughly unchanged versus the level seen in Q2 2020, during the peak of lockdowns and therefore player engagement. Highlights for the US Market are: Mobile advertising revenue up 117% y/y w mobile MAU up 2% y/y. PC revenue up 34% y/y w paying users share up 64% y/y. CB new users up 193% y/y w MAU up 173% y/y and revenue up 347% y/y. Grand Hotel Mania regs up 57% y/y w MAU up 291% y/y and revenue up 688% y/y. Left to Survive MAU up 7% y/y and revenue up 21% y/y. ARPPU up 12% y/y. Storyngton Hall sales up 18% q/q. Tacticool new users up 91% y/y w MAU up 64% y/y and revenue up 69% y/y. %PU up 15% y/y. Zero City new users up 26% y/y w MAU up 40% y/y and revenue up 39% y/y. Highlights for the mobile portfolio are: The top-5 revenue generating titles in Q2 remained War Robots, Hustle Castle, Rush Royale, Grand Hotel Mania and Left to Survive. War Robots (2014, Pixonic studio) shooter reached 197mn users in June, with average monthly revenue of ~RUB 800mn ($10.8m) in Q2 and significant positive EBITDA contribution. The RPG, Hustle Castle (2017, Nord Studio), reached 70mn downloads, with RUB 400mn ($5.4m) in monthly revenue in Q2. Other highlights from Nord Studio included Zero City (~19mn downloads, RUB 150mn ($2m) in monthly revenue) and American Dad! Apocalypse Soon, which performed well, with 9mn cumulative downloads as of the end of Q2. The Grand Hotel Mania (2020, Deus Craft) - a time management game reached 12mn installs, with ~RUB 300mn ($4m) in monthly revenue in Q2. Left to Survive (2018, Whalekit) shooter reached 38mn downloads and exceeded RUB 200mn ($2.7m) in monthly revenue in Q2, with >20% YoY growth along with almost 2x EBITDA improvement. Whalekit’s other title, Warface: Global Operations (2020), reached 18mn downloads. The Rush Royale (2020, IT Territory studio) a tower defense game reached 9mn downloads since its launch in December with monthly revenue exceeding RUB 400mn ($5.4m) in June, which makes it one of the most successful launches in MY.GAMES history. Tacticool (2019, Panzerdog) top-down pvp mobile shooter game reached ~20mn downloads and achieved a new monthly revenue record of RUB 150mn+ ($2m) in April with >50% YoY revenue growth. Highlights for the PC and Console portfolio are: The Warface (2013, PC/console/mobile) first-person shooter franchise reached 117.4mn players worldwide across all platforms and remains a top-3 revenue generator for MY.GAMES. Warface cross-play became available on console, connecting over 24mn of its players across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch to the same server. Warface was also added to Epic Games Store, broadening distribution of this key franchise title. Allods Team has announced a new title – Blast Brigade vs. the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread, which is 2D action-adventure platformer with metroidvania elements. It's coming to Steam later this year. Launch dates on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S will be announced soon. Lost Ark (PC, licensed from Smilegate) MMORPG released an update on Russia language servers and also announced an update with a 19th new class Demon Hunter on Russian language servers. Tactical action MMO Conqueror's Blade (2019, PC, licensed from Booming Games) reached 3.4mn in users and showed >50% YoY revenue growth in Q2 after another game update rolled out in March. Free-to-play MMO Skyforge (2017, PC, Allods Team) reached 13mn in registered users. In Q2 MY.GAMES continued to port its own mobile titles to PC on MY.GAMES Store as part of internal cross-selling and cross-integration, with Rush Royale, War Robots and Hustle Castle released in Q2. Highlights for Strategic Investments are: As part of its Cloud development efforts, in June MY.GAMES completed consolidation of Playkey, while also releasing the beta of MY.GAMES Cloud on Mac OS, with 300+ games and 100k MAU. MY.GAMES Store launched MY.GAMES Boost - a crowdfunding service based on the internal Boosty.to service, allowing content creators to receive donations for their work. Follow us on: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter MY.GAMES is an international gaming brand (part of Mail.ru Group) and a leading online entertainment company. MY.GAMES comprises 11 regional offices in Russia, Europe and the US, over 1,800 staff, and 13 development studios. MY.GAMES creates titles for the PC, consoles, and mobile devices. The company operates over 80 projects, with more than 150 titles in its portfolio including War Robots, Hustle Castle, Left to Survive, Skyforge, and Allods Online. MY.GAMES portfolio includes renowned titles like Warface, ArcheAge, Perfect World, Revelation Online, Conqueror's Blade, Lost Ark, and more. Contact Details Renaissance PR Stefano Petrullo +44 7828 692315 stefano@renaissancepr.biz Renaissance PR Emily Britt +44 7530 081191 emily@renaissancepr.biz Renaissance PR Vincent Gallopin +1 323-898-9891 vincent@renaissancepr.biz

July 29, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Singer-Songwriter Charlie Marie Lyons and Dikembe Mutombo Foundation Ally to Support School Construction in Congo

Dikembe Mutombo Foundation

Los Angeles, July 26, 2021 – The philanthropic work of NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo is the inspiration for Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Charlie Marie Lyons’ new single “Change”, and she will donate all streaming revenue from the single to support the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation’s work to build a new school in his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). “Not only did I literally look up to Dikembe Mutombo, but I also saw his heart and what he wants to achieve in this world,” said Lyons, whose compositions and performances share unfiltered stories of pain and hope and intimacy. “He inspired me to use my voice as a tool for change.” The new single was released today and is available on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio and other streaming platforms. “This is not a story about tragedy, in fact, this is a story about overcoming. It’s a story about hope, and Dikembe Mutombo really inspires the people around him to have hope with a presence that encourages selflessness, self-reflection and self-improvement,” added Lyons. Located in a rural area outside the Mbuji-Mayi district, the ancestral home of the former NBA superstar’s parents, the modern pre-K through 6 school broke ground in July 2020 and is scheduled to open this October. In its first phase, the school will welcome 440 girls and boys to its classrooms. Named after Dikembe’s late father, a teacher and school principal, the future Samuel Mutombo Institute of Science & Entrepreneurship will serve a region where 240,000 children have no access to modern education. The DRC spends 1.5 percent of its gross domestic product on education, 166 th in the world. By comparison, the United States spends 5 percent. France spends 5.5 percent. As part of the planned long-term relationship between Lyons and the foundation, the school will include a “Change” classroom devoted to music and art. Lyons will help build the classroom’s curriculum, and the room will include an artists’ wall of signatures to commemorate the student-artists who pass through the program. “This project will build a modern high school in the Congo emphasizing science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts,” said Mutombo, who after 18 seasons in the NBA became the league’s first global ambassador. He has devoted his post-basketball career to improving primary health care, disease prevention and education in his native land. “I don’t see myself as a basketball player; I see myself as a humanitarian – someone who wants to see the world get better. I want to create the great leaders of tomorrow, but I cannot do it by myself,” he added. The school is not Mutombo’s first humanitarian project in his homeland. After its launch in 1997, the foundation’s first initiative, along with several international and local partners, was leading a 1999 campaign to stop the spread of polio. In three days 8.2 million children were vaccinated resulting in a near polio free DRC for four years. Next, the foundation spearheaded construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo hospital in the capital city of Kinshasa. Named after Dikembe’s mother, the 170-bed facility opened in 2007 as the first new hospital of Its kind constructed in the DRC in 45 years and, to date, has treated almost 600,000 people. In addition, the hospital collaborated with the U.S.-based Starkey Hearing Foundation to provide almost 10,000 hearing-impaired people with new hearing aids at no cost. To donate, go to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation web site at dmf.org. Computer animation of the completed school is available on YouTube. “Change” is available on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio or wherever you stream music. For more on the artist, visit charliemarielyons.com. The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation is dedicated to improving the health, education and quality of life for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Foundation strives to accomplish this goal through an emphasis on primary health care and disease prevention, the promotion of health policy, health research and increased access to health care education for the people of the Congo. Contact Details SilversJacobson Paul Jacobson +1 303-548-6684 paul@silversjacobson.com Company Website https://dmf.org

July 26, 2021 06:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

ASM GLOBAL ENTERS STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH HONEYWELL TO CREATE SMARTER AND SAFER VENUES

ASM Global

ASM Global announced a strategic alliance with Honeywell to help create smarter, safer and more sustainable venue operations and more enjoyable audience experiences across ASM’s international portfolio. ASM Global will work with Honeywell to establish new standards related to indoor air quality, safety and regulatory compliance for its VenueShield LIVE proprietary program for venue reopenings and operations. Honeywell will consult with ASM on guidelines related to deploying healthy buildings technology including indoor air quality, safety and security, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Honeywell will also create a custom, real-time Healthy Buildings dashboard for the VenueShield LIVE program to help ASM’s facilities staff quickly identify and correct critical building controls issues. The agreement runs through 2027. Additionally, Honeywell will work with the ASM Global venue network to deploy a variety of technologies that support smarter, safer and more sustainable venues to improve the overall guest experience, including solutions to enhance overall building operations; mobile computing and data capture technologies to expedite ticketing, concessions and retail experiences; and more environmentally preferable products to help the venues’ efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. ASM Global President and CEO Ron Bension said, “Aligning with Honeywell and its state-of-the-art technology will help ASM elevate even further what are already the world’s finest audience experiences at our venues.” “As vaccine programs progress around the world, the desire for normalcy continues to increase. Live events such as concerts, sports and conventions contribute greatly to the vigor and excitement of daily life,” said Jeff Kimbell, Honeywell senior vice president and chief commercial officer. “We look forward to working with the ASM Global team to not only help audiences feel more confident about coming to live events but also in supporting venue modernization and digitization by providing greater automation and insight into the portfolio performance and a more seamless audience experience.” VenueShield LIVE is deployed at more than 325 ASM Global facilities around the world, already providing high levels of cleanliness and safety, while inspiring consumer confidence, all in coordination with leading medical professionals, industry experts and public health officials. “Producing premier entertainment events takes skillful coordination, and the building itself is a critical part of the equation. Our experience in building technologies, services and operations can provide additional value to the VenueShield LIVE offering,” said Doug Wright, president and CEO, Honeywell Building Technologies. “We are excited to work with the ASM Global team to support a safer return to live events and help its diverse network of venues drive critical outcomes to enhance audience experience, improve operations, and meet energy efficiency or safety goals.” Honeywell’s Healthy Buildings solutions integrate air quality, safety and security technologies along with advanced analytics to improve indoor air quality while meeting energy efficiency goals to create a more productive and better occupant experience. ASM Global’s properties produce a vast array of events ranging from professional sports to family entertainment to conventions and premier concerts. More than 200 million people pass through its venue doors annually. The alliance with Honeywell was brokered by AEG Global Partnerships. About Honeywell Honeywell (honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services, control technologies for buildings and industry, and performance materials globally. Its technologies help aircrafts, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains and workers become more connected to make our world smarter and safer. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit honeywell.com/newsroom. About ASM Global ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. The company was formed by the combination of AEG Facilities and SMG, global leaders in venue and event strategy and management. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents with a portfolio of more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, conventions and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. From Aberdeen to Anchorage and Sydney to Stockholm, its venues fuel live entertainment worldwide. Contact Details breakwhitelight (for ASM Global) James Yeager +1 818-264-6812 jim@breakwhitelight.com Honeywell Megan McGovern +1 404-470-6339 Megan.mcgovern@honeywell.com Company Website http://asmglobal.com

July 26, 2021 07:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

MOVE Network Showcases Partnerships with UCOLLEX at Ani-Com HK 2021

MOVE Network

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 26 July 2021 - MOVE Network, the NFT aggregator, kick-started its collaboration with UCOLLEX at the 22nd Annual ACGHK Expo 23-26 July 2021. ACGHK (Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong) is one of the largest annual summer events held in Hong Kong. ACGHK is an expo that showcases a wide selection of animations, comics, games, e-sports, toys, figures, and collectibles. The MOVE Network x UCOLLEX booth held pride of place at the front of the ACG2021 event stage. During the event, MOVE Network and UCOLLEX announced their strategic partnership. MOVE Network x UCOLLEX intend to launch a NFT Blind Box Series called, “CREATORS COLLIDE”. This collection will be available on Opensea. The MOVE Network is growing from strength to strength. In the run up to the ACGHK Expo, the MOVE Network community increased tremendously. The strategic partnership between MOVE Network and UCOLLEX is yet another celebration for the MOVE Network community. The collaboration reinforces MOVE Network’s position as a leading NFT aggregator. About MOVE Network MOVE Network is a leading NFT aggregator covering a wide spectrum of NFT products. MOVE Network allows enterprises and start-ups to capture value by using blockchain technologies to trade, stake, create, and auction NFTs. Users can utilize the MOVE Network to own and trade NFT IPs in entertainment, music, artwork, and esports. Learn more about MOVE Network Website: http://www.MOVEnetwork.io/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOVEMOVEnetwork Medium: https://medium.com/move-network Instagram: @movenetwork_official About UCOLLEX UCOLLEX is an innovative collectibles platform merging the physical collectibles market with digital asset creation offering a novel immersive collectable experience. UCOLLEX convergences the global toy market with merchandising sales and NFTs. UCOLLEX has also created a community-first platform the enables the sale and secure trading of digital (physical) IP assets. Contact Details MOVE Network Daniel Bokun, President & Co-Founder of MOVE Network marketing@MOVEnetwork.io Company Website http://www.MOVEnetwork.io/

July 26, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Premier Rugby Sevens Teams Up with FOX Sports to Televise Inaugural Games Set to Take Place on October 9, 2021

Premier Rugby Sevens

Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), the new sports league that will debut with the top U.S. men and women players on October 9, 2021, announced FOX Sports as the league’s official television partner. The inaugural men’s and women’s tournaments will be available live across FS2, the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com, with the championship re-airing on FS1. The league’s first events, dubbed The PR7s Inaugural Championship, will take place in Memphis at AutoZone Park on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT. “When we founded PR7s, we envisioned the top North American players competing on a national stage to showcase the most electric sport on the planet,” said Owen Scannell, Founder and CEO of Premier Rugby Sevens. “Our relationship with FOX Sports ensures existing rugby fans, and new fans alike, will receive high-quality content and live telecasts across top tier platforms. The announcement also provides a variety of sponsorship opportunities for partners to align with a sport and a league that is perfect for the next generation of young fans.” “As the exclusive television partner of Premier Rugby Sevens, we are proud to drive more awareness to this exciting new league and showcase the world-class athletes who will be part of its launch,” said Bill Wanger, EVP, Head of Programming & Scheduling, FOX Sports. “The speed of ‘sevens’ combined with the league’s tournament format featuring 15-minute games are perfect for today’s sports fans.” The league’s initial player signings feature several stars from both the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Olympic Rugby Sevens Teams, including Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Abby Gustaitis, Carlin Isles, Alev Kelter, Ilona Maher, Folau Niua, Naya Tapper, Stephen Tomasin, and Kevon Williams. The league will showcase six men’s teams and four women’s teams that play multiple games through the championship tournament on Oct. 9. In the coming weeks, additional player announcements, team names, and league partnerships will be revealed. Tickets to see The PR7s Inaugural Championship live in Memphis are on sale now at PRSevens.com/tickets. --- About Premier Rugby Sevens Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s) is a groundbreaking professional sports league in North America. Scheduled to debut in the Fall of 2021, PR7s is the first league of its kind with both women’s teams and men’s teams under one umbrella with equal pay. With a focus on accessibility and entertaining content for fans, the league will showcase the electrifying sport of rugby sevens through a single-day touring format in cities across the United States and Canada. The PR7s Inaugural Championship will take place in Memphis on Oct. 9 and will be available via FOX Sports. To learn more about Premier Rugby Sevens, go to PRSevens.com and follow the league on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. About FOX Sports FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing FOX Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, the business has ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes. FOX Sports’ digital properties include FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, instant scores, stats and alerts to iOS and Android devices. Additionally, FOX Sports and social broadcasting platform Caffeine jointly own Caffeine Studios which creates exclusive eSports, sports and live entertainment content. Also included in FOX Sports’ portfolio are FOX’s interests in joint-venture business Big Ten Network, a licensing and commercial relationship with The Stars Group that created the FOX Bet sports betting platform and the FOX Bet Super 6 free-to-play game, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network. Contact Details Eric Nemeth eric.nemeth@prsevens.com

July 22, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

COMCAST EXPANDING SERVICE TERRITORY, BRINGING FULL SUITE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO HUBBARD AND WOODBURN

Comcast Oregon / SW Washington

Comcast Oregon/SW Washington has embarked on a $15 million project to bring its full suite of broadband products and services, both residential and business, to the communities of Hubbard and Woodburn, Oregon. Those communities will have access to Xfinity Internet, delivering speeds of 50 megabits per second (Mbps) up to 1.2 gigabits per second (Gbps) for residential customers and up to 10 Gbps for business customers. David Tashjian, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast Oregon/SW Washington describes the expansion as strategic. “We are actively working to fill in some of the holes in our service area map, particularly in some of the more rural areas of the mid-Willamette Valley,” explains Tashjian, “And we’re eyeing expansions into additional communities adjacent to our footprint.” Tashjian says connecting people to the power of broadband technology can be life changing, and vows that Comcast will continue to invest in the region. “Over the past three years, we have spent more than $510 million in Oregon/SW Washington to maintain and upgrade our network, help local charities, and keep children connected during school closures.” Construction has already begun with fiber backbone to these communities now in place. Hubbard will be the first area to receive service, with customers likely able to come online in September. Service to Woodburn will be accomplished in phases and is expected to begin in December of this year with completion forecast for the end of 2022. Hubbard Mayor Charles Rostocil is bullish on Comcast bringing more choices to the residents of his community. “Internet connectivity is not a utility, thank goodness, so our residents get the opportunity for competition. Competition drives innovation which will incentivize companies like Comcast to constantly seek ways to improve the technology and service they offer to their customers.” Mayor Rostocil says the City of Hubbard has fewer retail businesses than Woodburn, for example, but it does have a strong industrial base, and Comcast Business offers the services they’re looking for. “What I hear from our industrial folks is that they want steady, reliable internet connections.” Woodburn Mayor Eric Swenson says internet access has become an essential service. “The critical role of the internet in our homes and the need for robust, reliable connectivity for distance-learning has been highlighted by the pandemic. People are always clamoring for choices and Comcast will offer the citizens of Woodburn an exciting new option.” “That is great news!” was the immediate response from John Zobrist, Executive Director of the Woodburn Area Chamber of Commerce, upon hearing the news that Comcast will be providing service there. “That’s fantastic. It will give our local businesses a new option.” Zobrist says the community is actively growing. “We have 120 acres of industrial land available for development right now due to the recent expansion of the urban growth boundary. In addition, there are over 750 new homes being built and over 2,000 units of multi-family apartments and condos approved or underway. The expansion of industrial space and housing will drive additional business growth, as well.” Along with its products and services, Comcast will bring its Community Impact programs to Woodburn and Hubbard through its decade-old Internet Essentials program. Mayor Swenson sees that as a benefit to his residents, calling Comcast’s commitment to supporting the needs of the community “impressive.” “We have hard-working, but still economically challenged families here in Woodburn, and programs aimed at helping low-income families who’ve struggled to afford internet access are very welcome.” Earlier this year, Comcast announced a $1 billion commitment over ten years in continued support of digital equity, including its Lift Zones initiative, which aims to establish WiFi-connected safe spaces in 1,000+ community centers nationwide for students and adults by the end of 2021. Comcast Oregon/SW Washington has more than 1,400 employees who serve more than one million residential and business customers throughout the state. Comcast is Oregon/SW Washington’s provider of Xfinity video, high-speed Internet, smart home and phone services. Comcast operates Xfinity retail stores throughout Oregon/SW Washington, which feature a welcoming and modern retail environment that highlights the complete line of Xfinity home and Comcast Business technology offerings, including Xfinity Mobile, Xfinity X1, Xfinity Home and Xfinity Internet. To learn more about Comcast in Oregon/SW Washington, visit: https://oregon.comcast.com. About ComcastComcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 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 Amy Keiter +1 503-407-9109 amy_keiter@comcast.com Company Website https://corporate.comcast.com/

July 20, 2021 09:50 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

COMCAST NAMES KALYN HOVE REGIONAL SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE TWIN CITIES REGION

Comcast Twin Cities

Comcast today announced that Kalyn Hove, currently Vice President of Comcast Business in the Twin Cities Region, has been appointed to Regional Senior Vice President of the Twin Cities Region. Effective today, she replaces J.D. Keller, who now leads Comcast’s Mountain West Region. In this role, Hove is the top executive responsible for customer experience, sales, operations and financial performance for the region. Hove will report to Rich Jennings, President of Comcast’s West Division, and will oversee Comcast’s employees and operations serving customers and businesses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas and Missouri. Kalyn has led the Comcast Business team in the Twin Cities for seven years. Her Comcast Business team is a Power Rankings leader, has achieved four consecutive years as #1 in year-over-year revenue growth for the company, and is currently #1 in Comcast’s West Division. In 2018 and 2019, Twin Cities won the Comcast Business Award as the top-performing region in the West Division. Before joining Comcast, Kalyn was Global Vice President – Collaboration at Lumen (formerly Global Crossing), where her team was a top performing business unit, and led consistent double-digit growth. Her career at Lumen spanned nearly 16 years, where she held progressive sales and sales operations leadership roles. Before Lumen, Kalyn started her career at WorldCom. “As connectivity becomes the epicenter of our connected lives and businesses, Comcast’s Twin Cities Region is leading the way by offering innovative products that connect people and businesses to what matters most, and I’m delighted to be the team’s new leader,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast Twin Cities. “I’m excited to continue the great work we have underway in enhancing the customer experience, delivering best-in-class products and services, and sharing the company’s commitment to investing in the communities where we work and live.” “One of Kalyn’s greatest strengths is her people-focused leadership style, providing support and feedback in a way that uplifts and drives individual and team success. In addition, with more than 30 years living in the Twin Cities area, she knows and is strongly connected to the local community,” said Jennings. Among Kalyn’s accolades are being named as one of the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal’s Women in Business honorees and one of the 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Minnesota from Minnesota Monthly. She is a graduate of South Dakota State University and has completed executive education courses at both Harvard Business School and The Wharton School. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 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 Corporation Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Company Website https://twincities.comcast.com/

July 20, 2021 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

TIM HORTONS® U.S. IS CELEBRATING CAMP DAY ON JULY 21 - CAMPAIGN HAS RAISED OVER $168 MILLION TO SUPPORT YOUTH FROM DISADVANTAGED CIRCUMSTANCES

Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons U.S. restaurant owners are inviting Americans to help them celebrate Camp Day on July 21, when 100 percent of the purchases of hot coffee and iced coffee will be donated to support Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. Guests can also purchase a $2 Camp Day motivational bracelet available in one of four vibrant colors, with 100 percent of profits from purchases being donated directly to Tims Camps. The $168 million that has been raised to-date in North America through Camp Day has helped Tim Hortons Foundation Camps support more than 300,000 youth between the ages of 12 to 16 through a multi-year, camp and current eCamp-based program. With a rigorous strength-based learning model designed specifically for the unique needs of the youth Tims Camps serve, participants are equipped with skills like leadership, resilience, and responsibility, empowering them to open doors to their future. Seven Tims Camps across North America run year-round summer and school programs, including a hands-on digital experience over the last year, investing in youth across different Tim Hortons communities. A grassroots movement started by restaurant owners, but fueled by guests It started as a grassroots fundraiser organized by Tim Hortons restaurant owners, who pledged to set aside a day when coffee sales would support youth in their communities. Then the fundraiser got the name "Camp Day”, went national in Canada, and was later introduced in the U.S. Over the years, Camp Day has grown to become one of the most important days on the Tim Hortons calendar. "Through the generosity and support of Tim Hortons guests and restaurant owners, we're so proud of the incredible impact Camp Day makes in helping our Foundation empower thousands of youth across North America," says Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons. "Raising over $168 million to date through Camp Day is an amazing achievement and we're so excited to welcome guests in our restaurants on July 21 to make this year's fundraiser the best yet." Supporting youth when they need us most Last summer, realizing that the youth who participate in their programs would be disproportionately affected by the isolation brought on by the pandemic, the Foundation launched Tims eCamp, an innovative camp-inspired digital experience designed to support participants virtually. Back again this year is a new and improved version of Tims eCamp, offering participants a supportive yet challenging environment and all the resources they need to participate digitally from home. "I am humbled and inspired by the young people at our Camps," says Graham Oliver, President, Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. "They've faced incredible challenges and still discover reserves of strength and resilience and hone skills that will guide them through life. I'm proud to say that for 30 years, Tims Camps have been there for them." A Camp Day campaign delivered by campers in song Tim Hortons has also launched a Camp Day awareness campaign that featured real program participants sharing how their camp experiences were less about fun and games, and more about building confidence, courage and resilience. Directly written and sung by current and former Tims Camp participants, the powerful anthem "Not Child's Play" was also released on music streaming services, with net proceeds going directly to the Foundation. Here are ways Tim Hortons guests can participate in Camp Day this year: Place an order for hot or iced coffee at a Tim Hortons restaurant, or through the Tim Hortons app for pickup or delivery on July 21 On July 21, proceeds from the purchase of a Tim Hortons Take 12 — which includes 12 small coffees along with cups, dairy and sweeteners — are also being donated to the Foundation. Guests can fill out a pre-order form for a Tim Hortons Take 12 in restaurants so their whole work team or family can support Camp Day together Purchase a Camp Day bracelet for $2 in one of four vibrant colors, with 100% of the profits from those sales ($1.67 per bracelet) going directly to Tims Camps Round up your order to the nearest dollar in restaurant, or in the Tim Hortons app, with 100% of the donation going to support the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps Make a one-time or monthly donation any time at www.timscamps.com From July 7th through July 21st, 100% of the profits ($1.67 per bracelet sold) from Camp Day bracelet sales, and 100% of “round up” or "rent-a-tent" donations go to Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. On July 21st, 100% of the purchase price (excluding taxes) of hot/iced coffee will benefit Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. For more information, go to TimsCamps.com. Financial and other information about Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation U.S. Inc.’s purpose, programs and activities, can be obtained by contacting Dave Newnham at RR#2, 264 Glen Morris Road E., St. George, ON Canada N0E 1N0 and (519) 448-1248 and timscamps.com, or for residents of the following states, as stated below. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, from the Secretary of State. Michigan: MICS No. MICS 46059. New York: Upon request, from the Attorney General Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation U.S. Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: From the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF TIM HORTONS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION U.S. INC. BY THE STATE. About TIM HORTONS® Tim Hortons® is one of North America's largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of guest tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, teas and our famous Iced Capps™), fresh baked goods, hot breakfast sandwiches, breakfast snacking items, and other food products. Tim Hortons has more than 4,800 system wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and around the world. More information about the company is available at www.timhortons.com. Contact Details Adrianna Lauricella +1 212-230-1800 tims@abmc-us.com Company Website https://www.timhortons.com/

July 20, 2021 07:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

7 in 10 Parents Say Children’s Post-Pandemic Social Skills Are at Risk, Per Osmo Study

Osmo

According to a new study of 2,000 U.S. parents of school aged-children (5-14 years), parents have tried a myriad ways to keep their kids active and social during the pandemic, however, 7 in 10 perceive their child’s post-pandemic social skills to be at risk, even as things return to normal. The majority of parents (71%) are also worried about potential learning loss that may have resulted by not being in school, and are pursuing a variety of means to keep up their child’s studies at home this summer. The study was commissioned by STEAM brand Osmo and conducted by OnePoll. Osmo’s study reveals that 77% of parents encouraged their child to be social and active from afar, while at home. For example, they allowed their child to: play video games or online games with others (52%); call and text friends often (49%); make neighborhood friends (45%); engage in outdoor activities like walking and bike riding (46%); attend virtual get togethers (35%); and new friends online (23%). Despite trying their hardest, two in three parents are worried that their child has gotten more socially awkward around others, and 62% do not think their kid will be able to pick up where they left off upon returning to class this fall. Specifically, parents worry that their child will have trouble in these areas: making conversation with friends (41%); meeting new people (40%); sharing (35%); staying quiet for long periods (34%); waiting their turn (31%); or remembering to say “please” and “thank you” (37%). The survey also revealed that parents value socializing, with 85% believing it is a necessary skill to use in school. Forty-four percent of respondents place academic learning and socializing on the same level of importance, and four in five (81%) think schools should implement more activities that encourage and teach social skills. “We understand how difficult the pandemic was for both kids and their parents – many of us at Osmo experienced these challenges ourselves,” says Pramod Sharma, CEO of award-winning Osmo, known for its bestselling Coding Starter Kit, Creative Starter Kit, Genius Starter Kit, and Little Genius Starter Kit. “This past year has taught all of us that learning is about so much more than academics. As a brand, Osmo is committed to applying these insights toward multi-player experiences that promote the social-emotional learning parents look for and kids need.” The study also reveals four in five parents made sure their children succeeded academically even through tough times and emphasized that school was as important as ever before. Over half of parents (52%) stuck by their child’s side when they struggled with an assignment, 47% encouraged their child to study more, 43% tried to make learning fun through games or educational activities, while 42% percent took the time to create extra homework to ensure their child understood the material they were learning during homeschooling. However, three in four parents believe their child lost a year of proper education due to COVID, and the majority (71%) are concerned that it will be difficult for their kids to catch up on learning they may have missed. With this in mind, four in five (81%) believe that certain technology or entertainment tools may be the solution to improving both their child’s social and educational skills. When asked what subject they think their kids are most likely to struggle with, parents said math (41%) followed by science (37%) and language arts (34%). Additional parental concerns about children’s re-entry to class include: not remembering their school supplies and books (42%); focusing in class (41%); or using a full keyboard not attached to a tablet (36%) again; opening their locker (32%); and doing their homework every day (32%). About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand with more than 2.5 million learners worldwide. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Learn more at playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR Carolyn Kamii +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Osmo Karen O'Dell karen@playosmo.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

July 20, 2021 03:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image
1 ... 206207208209210 ... 247