While just about every investor has likely heard of globally-recognized companies and brands such as Lenovo’s Motorola Mobility (OTC: LNVGY), Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Philips (NYSE: PHG) and Toshiba (OTC: TOSYY), or healthcare sector operators like Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), many remain surprisingly unfamiliar with the increasingly vital carrying case and protective solutions provider which reinforces these heavy-hitters: Forward Industries (NASDAQ: FORD). West Palm Beach, Florida-headquartered Forward Industries conceptualizes, designs and delivers an extremely wide variety of tailored carrying case and usability solutions for gadgets produced by these globally-recognized brands. These solutions are either packaged with the branded product or sold in the retail aftermarket, and they significantly enhance the functionality, as well as brand presence, of the core product.

Whether we are talking about a carrying case for portable electronic healthcare devices, such as the blood glucose monitoring kits used by diabetics, handheld bar code scanners used in a warehouse, GPS devices for recreation and navigation, firearms, or even the average consumer’s smartphone/tablet – chances are that Forward Industries makes a carrying case, clip, stand or other accessory that the reader has used. With a highly skilled team of innovators that work hand-in-hand with the company’s OEM clients (or their contract manufacturing firms) to custom design the perfect carry, protective or usability accessory and over three decades of experience leveraging the premium manufacturing metrics available in China and the Far East, Forward Industries is one of the most sought-after accoutrement design shops on earth today.

After Forward Industries has worked with the OEM customer and its sizable supply chain in Asia, consisting of 800,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity, the company then ensures that gold-standard quality control procedures are utilized in order to make certain that the commercially approved production units meet with the exacting specifications that have been laid out. The company’s logistical and global warehousing capacity, as well as its comprehensive compliance structures, have won Forward Industries mounting favor among the roughly 81 OEMs around the world with which the company currently does business.

One of the largest companies that FORD has such a tight-knit relationship with is Germany-based multinational chemical and pharmaceutical developer, Bayer (OTC: BAYRY), with whom Forward Industries recently signed a sizable carry case extension deal. This extension deal adds to a relationship stretching back several years and has FORD supplying the customized carrying cases that go with Bayer’s diabetic products all the way through to the end of 2018. Such a deal speaks volumes about how Forward Industries has become one of only a handful of trusted go-to suppliers chosen by healthcare and tech sector majors to handle the accessories for their most important products.

The Bayer extension deal should also give investors a hint as to how important the company’s proven abilities to satisfy the complex compliance demands within this heavily regulated industry are, especially when it comes to differentiating FORD from its numerous competitors. Little wonder then that the company’s Q4 financials (ended September 30, 2015) showed a 2.3 percent increase in gross profit percentages when compared to Q4 FY14, or the company’s 128 percent jump in gross profits over the same interval. FORD’s Q4 FY15 EPS of $0.03 per share was quite a feat considering the turbulence experienced by the company due to an expensive (now resolved) proxy battle and paints a stark contrast with the loss of $(0.08) per share seen during the same quarter in the prior year.

The company’s ability to turn profitability around so sharply despite the proxy battle, and its ability to shore up its OEM-focused presence with the Bayer deal, is a positive signal to markets about where the company’s CEO, Terry Wise, is taking Forward Industries this year. Consistently delighted multinational customers, who continue to praise FORD for its quality and cost-effectiveness, will most likely see this case and accessory designer through to a profitable 2016 – following up nicely on its return to the black, with two back-to-back quarters of solid profitability.

Forward Industries is now fully committed to mustering sustained momentum via the hammering out of long-term sourcing agreements with new and existing customers, as well as a broadening of its product mix, which should help FORD secure access to an expanding customer base. Innovation has long been the watchword at FORD, and its in-house conceptualization and design capabilities are a force in this sector that has to be reckoned with. Given that the company has the ability to go from co-creation sessions with the customer, through traditional art approaches and on into 3D modelling quite rapidly, rounding out the design phase with both traditional mockup and 3D printing, FORD should be able to continue landing new customers across the board with ease this year.

Already serving industries ranging from tech, medical devices and video gaming to military, government and automotive, the sky is the limit for Forward Industries when it comes to design. With warehousing and production in Shenzhen and Dongguan, China, as well as operational footholds in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong and Taipei, Taiwan, Forward Industries can offer unique scaling/sourcing benefits to its customers, and also has the global sales footprint to back it up. With sales offices in California and Indiana, as well as Switzerland – managed via the company’s wholly-owned Forward US and Forward Switzerland subsidiaries – FORD has the cost-effective manufacturing/supply capacity, as well as the key target market localized sales force strength, needed to really deliver in 2016 on its aspirations of continued profitability.

This is true whether we are talking about the $10 billion plus global glucose monitoring and diabetes management device market (Kalorama Information), or the smartphone market, which shipped around 1.44 billion units last year (IDC).

Take a closer look, visit http://www.forwardindustries.com/

Late last week, GTX Corp. (OTC: GTXO) announced that its patented wearable GPS tracking device, GPS SmartSole™, claimed a bronze award in the Wearable Technology category at the 2015 New Product & Technology Awards. The Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the senior market, presents this awards program in order to recognize innovative products and services that address the unique needs of older adults and their families. Entries were judged by a distinguished panel of mature market experts for overall excellence of design, content, creativity and relevance to the senior market.

“We were delighted to take part in the fifth annual New Product & Technology Awards program this year, and were honored to be selected as a winner,” Andrew Duncan, director of business development at GTX Corp., stated in a news release.

By claiming a bronze award at the New Product & Technology Awards, GTX Corp. continues to build upon an impressive résumé of awards and mentions by prestigious organizations. Last year, the company’s innovative GPS SmartSole was named alongside wearable tech offerings from companies such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Samsung (OTC: SSNLF) at the CTIA Hot for the Holidays Awards. The product was also listed on AARP’s 2015 Technology Gear Guide and showcased in Munich at the Telefonica Digital Innovation Day 2015.

Using the GPS SmartSole, caregivers and loved ones can easily monitor the whereabouts of individuals suffering from cognitive conditions that cause them to wander. According to the World Alzheimer’s report, more than 100 million people around the planet require oversight due to various forms of memory impairment, a figure that’s expected to top 277 million by 2050. Among those individuals, roughly 60 percent will become lost at least once, with 70 percent of those individuals becoming lost three or more times. In these cases, expeditious recovery is key to the individual’s wellbeing.

The GPS SmartSole features a miniaturized GPS tracking device that sends a signal to a central monitoring website and tracks the wearer’s exact location using a combination of satellite and cellular technologies. The result is dependable oversight without the stigma commonly associated with ‘lock-on’ bracelets or trackers, preserving the privacy and dignity of the wearer while offering caregivers much-needed peace of mind.

For more information, visit www.gtxcorp.com

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QualityStocks today announces the availability of a new audio interview with Joey Parsi, founder and chief executive officer of Giggles N’ Hugs, Inc. (OTCQB: GIGL). The interview recapping the company’s achievements in 2015, outlook for 2016, and opportunity to invest in its growth, can be heard at http://www.qualitystocks.net/interview-gigl2.php.

Last year was a busy and productive season for Giggles N’ Hugs, and Parsi begins the QualityStocks interview by explaining the company’s success in streamlining operations, dramatically improving margins, and increasing year-over-year sales.

Building on its 2015 achievements and recent engagement of Chardan Capital Markets LLC, Giggles N’ Hugs is well-positioned to execute its 2016 growth initiatives.

“We recently engaged Chardan Capital as our investment bank to go out and raise some capital for us so that we can expand … to multiple locations throughout the United States … just as importantly, we’re also looking to finally launch our massive franchising program,” Parsi explains in the interview.

Giggles N’ Hugs has received hundreds of inquiries from interested parties looking to replicate the company’s concept and success in various locations around the world.

“We’re in a very enviable position in that in the restaurant world … they say there’s three reasons for success. And that’s location, location and location. For us, that seems to be the best part of our opportunity going forward,” says Parsi.

On the topic of location, Giggles N’ Hugs has also caught the eye of several of the nation’s largest mall landlords, including Westfield, which has made available its entire portfolio of malls for Giggles N’ Hugs to consider as future locations. Westfield in particular is also offering the company a tenant allowance to drastically cut opening and rent costs – all in the name of leveraging Giggles N’ Hugs tremendous ability to generate foot traffic at each location.

Moving forward, Giggles N’ Hugs aims to raise $5 million through a 506C offering, which will enable the company to fund its 2016 growth initiatives.

“We need capital; obviously that’s a primary need for any young company like Giggles N’ Hugs, which is on this massive growth spurt … if you’re interested in investing in Giggles N’ Hugs, please contact us at info@gigglesnhugs.com and we’ll be sure to send you all the investment information so that you can make a decision as to whether or not Giggles N’ Hugs represents a good opportunity,” concludes Parsi.

Learn more by visiting www.gigglesnhugs.com

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QualityStocks today announces the availability of a new audio interview with Daniel Terziev, CEO of Agora Holdings, Inc. (OTC: AGHI) subsidiary Geegle Media. The interview can be heard at http://www.QualityStocks.net/interview-aghi.php

Agora Holdings is a diversified family of entertainment media enterprises focused on TV on Demand, interactive media, business products and consumer platforms.

As Terziev explains in the interview, Agora Holdings collaborates with strategic media partners such as Geegle Media, which is primarily focused on developing software products for the media, social networks and the broader telecommunications industry. Geegle TV, established in 2010, is the company’s leading product and reflects the diversity and various applications of the company’s technology.

“In the beginning it was very well accepted by the public … we’ve continued developing that, but we’ve changed the way the information is presented for social areas … Geegle is actually a very diversified platform … it also works in different languages,” says Terziev.

Terziev then briefly discusses Geegle’s FRAME platform, which will combine social networks into a single platform to create a more simplified user experience, before explaining his extensive background as a telecommunications engineer and how this expertise benefits Geegle’s corporate direction.

After highlighting achievements and corporate announcements made in 2015, Terziev provides insight into what shareholders can expect from the company in 2016.

“In general the company will be focusing on delivering what we have already stated we will do … we’re looking forward to seeing how the public will react to those products, as we have many more to come. We own over 50 very popular domains that we’re looking to develop into certain tools and activities and games … all different areas of every day people’s lives,” he says.

For more information, visit www.agoraholdingsinc.com

Pizza is one of the staples of American culture, whether it is for an office meeting, birthday party, tailgate, or just a family dinner when cooking is out of the question. The 21st century consumer has evolved from the ‘I’ll eat anything’ category into the ‘well, as long as its gluten free’ variety. Our health should not be taken for granted, and society as a whole has embraced routines involving more exercise, regular doctor checkups, better diet, and smarter grocery shopping in every aspect of their daily lives. Plus, they pass this along to their families by ordering healthier options at restaurants during social gatherings and parties. Giggles N’ Hugs, Inc. (OTCQB: GIGL) owns and operates family-friendly restaurants that bring together high-end, organic food with active, cutting-edge play and entertainment for children.

The best way to develop your children’s taste buds for healthy food is to get them started early. Giggles N’ Hugs is the perfect environment to sneak in a vegetarian pizza or gluten free BLT while the kids are having a blast at a birthday party. Developing healthy eating habits is contagious and can be fun and competitive if more people are involved. Count calories using some cool iPhone app and reward the most disciplined child with a gluten free banana split. Greasy French fries and double bacon cheeseburgers are a dying trend now that everyone is more informed about the health ramifications of a fast food diet.

Giggles N’ Hugs has three convenient locations in the greater Los Angeles area to choose from and, assuming a few more high profile, health-conscious celebrities join the bandwagon, you could soon see more locations across the country and around the world.

Eating healthy, losing weight, and exercise all contribute to being more productive in other areas of your life. Choosing natural foods grocery stores instead of some popular, regional chain for shopping, as well as, picking Giggles N’ Hugs over a Chuck E. Cheese’s for your child’s birthday party, are all ways to better you and your family’s overall quality of life.

Learn more by visiting www.gigglesnhugs.com

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Since Monday, June 29, 2015, a new physically-delivered zinc futures contract (ZNC) of 25 tonnes (metric tons) has been trading on the CME Globex. Its introduction has made it easier for both producers and industrial users to hedge price risk. However, like futures in general, the ZNC is serving another purpose that’s just as important: signaling market sentiment on zinc spot prices. In what is referred to as price discovery, futures prices are used for pricing cash market transactions. They’re everyone’s consensus on where prices on the underlying asset are going, and the consensus is that zinc is on its way up.

At the start of trading, at the time of writing, on Monday, January 25, 2016, the January contract was quoted at $1,511.50. (The ZNC contract expires on the third last business day of the contract month, which, for January, should be Friday, January 29, 2016, since the CME Globex trades on Sundays.) This climbs to $1,522.00 for March delivery; to $1,533.00 for June delivery; to $1,540.50 for September delivery and to $1,548.50 for delivery in December 2016.

What’s driving this optimism? There are a number of factors that might be responsible. One is the news coming out of China. The authorities in China published data recently reporting GDP growth of 6.9 percent in 2015. The response has generally been one of concern, but the growth in China’s economy needs to be put into perspective. World Bank data reports China’s 2014 GDP at $10.4 trillion. A 6.9 percent increase on that, for 2015, amounts to about $714 billion, larger than the size of the economy of Switzerland. In fact, the increase in China’s GDP in 2015 surpassed the size of most of the world’s economies, some 174 of the 193 countries for which the Bank collects data. A 6.9 percent increase is no cause for lament. It’s more than the 10.6 percent growth that was lauded just five years ago when the Chinese economy grew from $5.1 trillion to $6.0 trillion. China’s appetite for natural resources still remains voracious. According to mining giant MMG, citing data sourced from industry analysts Wood Mackenzie, China consumes 47 percent of global refined zinc.

In the longer term, according to data sourced from iHS and Wood Mackenzie in the MMG Market Outlook, the global automobile industry will be one of the main drivers of zinc use over the next 6 years, when some 20 million cars will be produced worldwide. Greater China will account for a little less than half, totaling about 9.5 million, South Asia will add another 5.4 million, Europe 2.8 million, North America 1.9 million, South America 1.4 million, and the Middle East 0.5 million. A decline of 1.5 million is forecast for Japan and South Korea.

On the supply side, mine closures are expected to reduce estimated mine production by about 8.5 percent. MMG has ceased operations at Century in Australia, which at its peak was yielding about 500,000 tonnes per annum. Another 500,000 tonnes is expected to be withdrawn from global supply if Glencore makes good on its threat to cut production at its facilities in Australia, Peru and Kazakhstan. Today, the newspaper Irish Independent reported (http://dtn.fm/D4OCi) that, last week, Vedanta Resources made its final shipment of zinc concentrate from Tipperary’s Lisheen Mine. Mining activity at the Lisheen Mine was concluded in November 2015, whilst milling ceased in December. The report went on to add that the Lisheen facility ‘typically produced 300,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate’ per annum.

Star Mountain (OTC: SMRS) is poised to exploit these changing market dynamics. In October 2015, the company acquired the Balmat zinc mine in New York state. The Balmat mining complex includes a permitted and equipped mine, a 5,000 ton per day floatation mill, an office complex and ancillary infrastructure to enable the operation of the mine. The acquisition of Balmat includes 2,699-acres of fee simple real estate and over 50,000 acres of mineral rights within St. Lawrence and neighboring Franklin counties in New York. It seems Star Mountain is following Abe Lincoln’s old adage: the best way to predict the future is to create it.

For more information, visit www.starmountainresources.com

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Earlier today, Cherubim Interests, Inc. (OTC: CHIT) announced that it has executed a memorandum of understanding to acquire 100 percent of the membership interests of Golden Eagle Roofing LLC, a residential and commercial roofing contractor based in Plano, Texas. In the news release, Cherubim CEO Patrick Johnson described the acquisition as an “immediate game changer” for the company. Following completion of this acquisition, Cherubim will gain a direct channel through which to engage roofing, insurance restoration and many other types of general construction projects throughout Texas while continuing to bolster the marketability of its innovative hybrid business model.

“We’re very pleased to make this acquisition as it fell right into our laps,” Johnson stated in the release. “The company has very good fundamentals, performing history, and a monumental first start to the year due to the recent tornado that struck Rowlett, Texas.”

Golden Eagle Roofing was incorporated in 1994 and has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for more than two decades. The contractor has extensive experience with all kinds of roofing projects, including working directly with insurance claims adjusters in order to ensure that weather-related roofing damage is properly addressed following storms. Most recently, on December 26, 2015, an EF-4 tornado ripped through the neighborhoods of Rowlett and Garland, Texas, damaging or destroying roughly 450 homes and commercial structures. Golden Eagle has played a key role in repairing this damage, allowing residents to return to their daily lives.

“Golden Eagle is doing important, vital work to help get the people of Rowlett back on their feet, and back in their homes,” continued Johnson.

For Cherubim, this acquisition is expected to greatly accelerate its move toward cash-flow production. Johnson estimated that acquiring Golden Eagle will put the company at least six months ahead of schedule from a cash-flow production perspective.

“Any time you can buy cash flow it is a win, and we are excited about the impact Golden Eagle Roofing will have on the Company in 2016 and beyond,” concluded Johnson.

In recent weeks, the company has turned much of its attention toward bolstering its leadership team ahead of what’s expected to be an impactful year for shareholders in 2016. Last month, Cherubim announced the appointment of Tom Crompton, an accomplished operational executive with multi-industry experience, to the positions of executive vice president and advisor to the board. Weeks later, the company added Riall Johnson as director of political affairs and Josh Kuhlmann as inside council.

For more information, visit www.cherubiminterests.com

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Legal marijuana is the fastest-growing industry in the U.S., and if the trend toward legalization spreads to all 50 states, marijuana could become larger than the organic food industry, according to a report obtained by The Huffington Post.

Researchers from The ArcView Group, a cannabis industry investment and research firm based in Oakland, California, found that the U.S. market for legal cannabis grew 74 percent in 2014 to $2.7 billion, up from $1.5 billion in 2013, and it is projected to be $37 billion after full legalization. The cannabis movement is spreading like wildfire across the U.S. and any businessperson with an eye for profit is taking notice. Freedom Leaf, Inc. (OTC: FRLF) publishes a print and online magazine highlighting every aspect of the flourishing business from education, fashion, and lifestyle to consultation services for prospective entrepreneurs.

Twenty-three states now have significant revenue from both medical and recreational marijuana and are putting it to good use. Legal marijuana in Colorado alone has generated more than $15 million in tax revenue that is specifically designated for public schools, according to the latest data from the state’s Department of Education.

A majority of doctors are supporting the medicinal benefits of the cannabis industry as well. In a worldwide poll of clinicians, 76 percent believed that the pros of marijuana outweigh the cons. Within the next five years, the legal cannabis industry is expected to make more money than the U.S. film industry, the organic foods industry, and more than triple the revenue of the NFL, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

Freedom Leaf is the voice for the increasingly sizable minority and is relaying its message to the masses via its print and digital resources. Even many high profile politicians are supporting this movement – the Koch Brothers, Rick Perry, Kofi Annan, Jeb Bush, Barack Obama, and Nancy Pelosi all support marijuana law reform.

The future is definitely bright for the cannabis industry, and having a key mouthpiece – Freedom Leaf – is essential for the assimilation and distribution of information to the public. As the old saying goes, the pen is truly mightier than the sword.

For more information, visit http://freedomleaf.com

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It all began when ContentChecked (OTCQB: CNCK) CEO Kris Finstad had trouble buying the correct food for both his daughter and her friend with food allergies. While so many people suffer from food allergies, something new had to be done to ensure that the right foods got into the grocery cart. As a result, Finstad created the ContentChecked app, which was first released in Norway in 2012, and then in the United States in 2014. This app allows people to scan barcodes on food items and beverages at the grocery store, which then gives them a status of whether or not the item contains any of their allergens in question. Behind the app is a team of nutritional experts analyzing nutritional labels and contacting food manufacturers to track the allergen cross contact status of grocery store products available in the U.S. So far, over 70% of all conventional food items are in the ContentChecked database, ready to be scanned by users. The number of products in the database is constantly growing, and products are constantly being updated for formula changes and allergy recalls.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies among children increased 50% between 1997 and 2011. Since over 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies, awareness of ingredients is vital when preventing reactions, which range from mild to severe. The most common allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and tree nuts.

In addition to the app itself, ContentChecked provides printable Allergy Cards in multiple languages for allergy sufferers to give to their servers at restaurants. Each card lists an allergen, and an explanation of the importance of keeping all kitchen items clean and clear from the allergen(s) of concern.

In addition to the ContentChecked app for food allergies and intolerances, the company has released two other dietary restriction apps: SugarChecked for those avoiding added sugars and sweeteners, and MigraineChecked for those avoiding migraine triggers in food. SugarChecked helps users trying to lose weight, get fit, or manage diabetes by alerting them of added sugars or dangerous artificial sweeteners in their food. MigraineChecked, showcases otherwise unknown ingredients that may trigger migraines and headaches. Not only do these apps alert and educate the user about unwanted ingredients in food items, but they also offer healthy alternatives.

ContentChecked will continue its mission of offering “fast, reliable, and efficient mobile apps” to ensure consumers make more informed decisions when buying food. As ContentChecked continues to diversify and grow, the company plans to expand to include more niche apps within the health and wellness sector, with a focus on weight loss and development/degenerative conditions.

For more information, visit www.contentchecked.com

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GTX Corp. (OTC: GTXO) is committed to pioneering, creating and delivering smart wearable technology. From the company’s award-winning GPS Smart Sole technology for individuals living with debilitating cognitive conditions to the GTX VL2000, its miniaturized, quad-band Take-Along Tracker for family members and high value packages, GTX Corp. is leveraging GPS tracking location-based services to empower the global community and keep individuals connected to who and what matters most.

Last month, the company, through wholly-owned subsidiary LOCiMOBILE, Inc., expanded on this commitment when it announced the launch of its new and improved Track My Workforce (TMWF) app and backend portal. TMWF is specially designed to suit the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses implementing Internet of Things and Big Data Analytics technologies. With this innovative portal and app, employers in a wide range of industries – including food delivery, pharmaceutical sales, construction workers, caregivers, government workers and more – can affordably and efficiently monitor and track their mobile workforce.

“Industry statistics show that there are nearly 30 million SMBs in the U.S., and perhaps close to 200 million worldwide, which makes for a very sizeable market,” Patrick Bertagna, chief executive officer of GTX Corp., stated in a recent news release. “Real time knowledge has become the norm as more employers want to know where their human assets are during working hours. Track My Workforce [is] a simple, affordable and easy to deploy tracking product and service.”

To date, LOCiMOBILE’s suite of consumer apps has been downloaded by over two million users across 162 countries. Through the release of the new TMWF app, GTX Corp. aims to expand this success into other markets and sectors that have large potential to both increase the company’s market share in the GPS tracking and monitoring industry and augment its subscription-based recurring revenue model.

With an established foothold in the growing wearable tech space and an intensified focus on subscription-based revenue, GTX Corp. is well-positioned to realize strong financial growth in the months to come. Last year, Equities.com, an advanced financial data portal, released a comprehensive report (http://dtn.fm/3hYyF) on GTXO’s prospects for achieving sustainable growth. In this article, the author identified GTX Corp. as the “best pure play investment in the wearable tech sector.” Between the company’s extensive IP portfolio and accomplished management team, GTXO appears to be primed to capitalize on its position as a leader in the real-time personal location-based services market, making it an intriguing investment opportunity for prospective shareholders.

For more information, visit www.gtxcorp.com

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