Cultivators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, traders, and enthusiasts, are invited to attend the Alternative Products Expo being held June 20-22, 2024, at the George R. Brown Center, in Houston. With its dynamic vibe of food, culture, art, and pulsating nightlife, Houston is the perfect venue for the Alternative Products Expo.

The Altpro Expo in Houston is hosted by USA CBD Expo, America’s leading CBD and Hemp Expo event organizers. Over recent years, they have expanded to include the full alternative products range ecosystem. Organized by ZJ Events, the Expo caters to the industry’s best CBD traders, manufacturers, and enthusiasts offering an exciting learning experience under a common arena.

With the Houston smoke shop scene in full swing, this year’s Expo is expected to showcase over 500 smoke shops, with numbers rising every year. Both emerging and seasoned brands benefit tremendously by exhibiting their products and services to the Expo’s crowd of enthusiastic audiences.

The Alternative Products Expo offers a phenomenal networking opportunity, where industry people can connect and collaborate with leading brand experts and manufacturers for long-term ROI. Attendees will discover the latest trends and novel ideas currently leading the industry. Exhibitors can showcase their unique offerings to grab a bigger share of the market. Traders can leverage the best show deals as fresh products are introduced with limited-time offers. Also, get updated on the latest regulations and learn the future course of the Alternative Products markets.

Trinity Hemp is the presenting sponsor of Alternative Products Expo Houston.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/fPr02

• Lexaria recently received two new patents granted in the U.S. in its patent families #21 and #24
• The new patents complement the company’s efforts in investigating the capabilities of DehydraTECH-CBD to lower blood pressure in humans with hypertension and mitigate epileptic seizures in rodents
• The company relies on R&D to provide data that enables it to apply for patent protection, supports further investigations and discoveries, as well as increases its chances of potentially receiving FDA approvals
• According to CEO Chris Bunka, the company’s growing patent portfolio forms the foundation upon which the company forges commercial relationships

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, started 2024 with a portfolio of 38 patents granted worldwide, having received ten new granted patents during 2023, the most yet in a single year. That patent portfolio, company CEO Chris Bunka explained in his 2024 letter to shareholders, provides vital support for Lexaria’s commercialization efforts as it forms “the foundation upon which future commercial relationships are built.” Yet, according to the letter, the company continues to expect additional patents to be awarded in the future and retains many valid patent applications throughout the world (https://ibn.fm/T8Hjo).

This year, the company has received five new patents, growing its portfolio to 43 granted patents worldwide. This follows the April receipt of three new patents and the most recent announcement of two important new patent awards captured in a May 2024 news release.

According to the announcement, Lexaria received a new granted patent in its patent family #21: Compositions and Methods for Treating Hypertension. This is the company’s third granted U.S. patent in this patent family. Lexaria also reported the receipt of a new granted patent in its patent family #24: Compositions and Methods for Treating Epilepsy. This is the company’s third granted U.S. patent in this patent family (https://ibn.fm/T59li).

The company’s growing list of granted patents results from early and ongoing R&D. According to Mr. Bunka, Lexaria uses study-dependent data from studies to confidently support its patent applications. But besides serving the “purpose of allowing us to more confidently apply for patent protection using the study-dependent data,” the studies provide data to potentially support further investigations and discoveries, as well as potential approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”).

This approach, coupled with the long-term vision, has enabled the company to investigate the capabilities of various active pharmaceutical ingredients processed using its patented DehydraTECH(TM) drug delivery technology in human and animal studies. For instance, Lexaria has investigated the ability of DehydraTECH-processed cannabidiol (“CBD”) to potentially treat hypertension in humans and mitigate epileptic seizures in rodents. These applications are partly or wholly protected by the recently granted patents.

Lexaria has repeatedly demonstrated that DehydraTECH-CBD has shown an ability to lower blood pressure in both acute dosing in hypertension and over a 5-week study duration. In a series of four hypertension studies, the company evidenced DehydraTECH-CBD’s ability to lower human blood pressure (https://ibn.fm/HQ8Og), including in cases where the treatment was administered over an extended period (https://ibn.fm/FNrHg). The fourth study also led to the discovery of a potentially novel mechanism of action of DehydraTECH-CBD (https://ibn.fm/YvOE7).

These positive results encouraged the company to begin the process of seeking approval from the FDA to conduct a Phase 1b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of DehydraTECH-CBD for the treatment of stage 1 or 2 hypertension. The company received earlier this year the FDA clearance to conduct the study (https://ibn.fm/5CK6B) and will provide updates on the status of this planned study in due course.

Beyond the treatment of hypertension, Lexaria has demonstrated, through an animal study, that DehydraTECH-CBD reduces or eliminates seizure activity in animals and, in some cases, even surpasses the performance of Epidiolex(R), one of the world’s leading anti-seizure medications. The company also reported that DehydraTECH-CBD suppresses body weight, improves triglyceride/cholesterol levels, and reduces blood glucose levels in an animal diabetes study.

The successes of these animal studies have supported the possibility of conducting additional human clinical studies of DehydraTECH-CBD. In addition to investigating DehydraTECH-CBD’s capabilities, Lexaria is also looking at the potential application of its drug delivery technology to GLP-1 drugs.

Supported by a robust growing portfolio of granted patents and encouraged by the positive results from its R&D activities, Lexaria continues to forge ahead, aiming to achieve its future business objectives.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LexariaBioscience.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LEXX are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/LEXX

• Astrotech Corporation Subsidiary 1st Detect Approved as GSA Vendor; Introduces Advanced Narcotics Trace Detection Technology
• 1st Detect has now received approval from the U.S. General Services Administration (“GSA”) as an authorized vendor for government-related applications
• 1st Detect recently introduced a state-of-the-art Narcotics Trace Detection (“NTD”) narcotics library, which is particularly useful for detection at points of entry and government agencies involved in combating the illicit drug trade
• 1st Detect’s portfolio now includes the TRACER 1000, Explosives Trace Detection (“ETD”) and Narcotics Trace detection

Astrotech (NASDAQ: ASTC), through its subsidiary 1st Detect, is revolutionizing narcotics and explosives trace detection. With recent approval as a U.S. General Services Administration (“GSA”) authorized vendor, 1st Detect is poised to expand its impact across government agencies. TRACER 1000, a cutting-edge detector utilizing ruggedized mass spectrometry technology for superior detection at critical security points. 1st Detect’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its recent achievements and milestones, including its approval by the U.S. General Services Administration as an authorized vendor for key government-related applications (https://ibn.fm/EdwZq). This opens doors to 1st Detect’s products to a wide array of opportunities within government agencies tasked with ensuring national security.

At the heart of 1st Detect’s portfolio lies the TRACER 1000, a cutting-edge trace detector leveraging ruggedized mass spectrometry technology. This instrument represents the pinnacle of innovation in both ETD and now NTD, offering unmatched performance and versatility for security screening applications (https://ibn.fm/S1M7x).

Key features of the TRACER 1000:

• Ruggedized mass spectrometry technology
• Simple to use interface
• Seamless integration of new narcotics libraries

This development is particularly crucial for airport security and government agencies involved in combating the illicit drug trade by making updates for new drug profiles easy. By incorporating such advancements in mass spectrometry technology widely regarded as the “gold standard” in the industry, Astrotech has set a new standard for accuracy and reliability in narcotics detection.

Astrotech’s commitment to innovation and excellence was on full display at the recent ISC West Conference, held in April in Las Vegas. As a premier event focusing on security and public safety, ISC West provided an ideal platform for Astrotech to showcase its TRACER 1000 trace detector to industry professionals and decision-makers (https://ibn.fm/CHToD). The company’s participation underscores its dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and addressing the evolving needs of the security market.

Thomas B. Pickens, III, Astrotech’s CEO, and Chief Technology Officer, said: “We are very excited about introducing our narcotics detection library that includes twelve illegal drugs including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.”  On the occasion, Pickens also said the company was extremely excited to share its user-friendly mass spectrometer the TRACER 1000 with leading industry experts and security industry professionals at the ISC West conference. “This allows us a platform to reach those in the industry across various markets, such as security, checkpoint, military, and law enforcement that strive for quality instrumentation, that requires a minimum amount of maintenance, and want accurate but rapid detection.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.AstrotechCorp.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ASTC are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ASTC

• Nightfood is pioneering a new food product category: sleep-friendly nighttime snacks
• The Nightfood product line consists of sleep-friendly cookies in three flavors: Prime-Time Chocolate Chip, Snoozerdoodle and Date Night Cherry Oat, as well as ice cream in two flavors: Cookies N’ Dreams and Midnight Chocolate
• Nightfood, in February 2024, acquired Future Hospitality Ventures Holdings in an all-stock transaction
• Future Hospitality has secured valuable distribution agreements with industry-leading robotics manufacturers United Robotics Group and Botin Innovation
• Nightfood Holdings is acquiring additional synergistic companies to enhance its portfolio, drive value for shareholders and further its development plan

Nightfood Holdings (OTCQB: NGTF) is a visionary holding company focused on identifying and capitalizing on explosive market trends within hospitality, food services and consumer packaged goods. By leading newly emerging categories and seizing opportunities in markets undergoing transformational upheaval, the company’s mission is to create unparalleled upside potential in industries ripe for innovation and growth.

Subsidiaries

Nightfood Inc.

The company’s flagship subsidiary, Nightfood Inc., is changing the way the world snacks at night. Humans are biologically hard-wired to crave sweets and fats at night – a survival mechanism from our hunter-gatherer days. Modern consumers know bingeing excess calories before the long nightly fast is no longer necessary for survival, but exploding screen time and decreased willpower at night results in over 90% of American adults snacking between dinner and bed every week, contributing to an estimated one billion nighttime snack occasions weekly (according to SleepFoundation.org).

The most popular choices – ice cream, cookies, chips and candy – are not only unhealthy but also impair sleep quality due to their nutritional profiles. Nightfood snacks are uniquely formulated by sleep and nutrition experts to satisfy nighttime cravings AND support better sleep.

Market Opportunity

Euromonitor International projects the American snack market will grow from $150 billion in 2022 to $170 billion in 2027. Snacking between dinner and bed is estimated to account for over $60 billion annually, creating an opportunity for a multi-billion-dollar sub-category to emerge in the coming years: sleep-friendly snacking.

Nightfood is the brand pioneering that category.

Nightfood’s innovation has led to partnership overtures from global giants, including the largest food and beverage company in the world, Nestlé, with whom Nightfood completed a “test-and-learn” joint initiative in 2023.

Management believes that successfully scaling Nightfood’s 2024 direct-to-consumer launch of sleep-friendly cookies will bring the category to life, opening the door for partnerships with and potential acquisition by global snack giants seeking to lead this potential billion-dollar emerging sub-category.

Future Hospitality Ventures Holdings Inc. (d/b/a roboOp365)

Future Hospitality Ventures Holdings, operating under the brand roboOp365, is revolutionizing the hospitality industry with cutting-edge automation and robotic solutions.

roboOp365 enhances operational efficiency and guest experiences through innovative technologies, including automated culinary bot, server robots and AI-enhanced applications. roboOp365 helps hospitality providers reduce costs, streamline operations and deliver superior service by integrating these advancements.

Market Opportunity

The robots-as-a-service (“RaaS”) business model has gained significant traction, super-charged by the COVID-19 pandemic, which instantly catalyzed game-changing growth and application. According to Verified Market Research, the service robotics market is projected to reach $173.17 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 21.25%. Compared to Asia, the United States market is in the early stages of adopting these technologies, but acceptance is accelerating aggressively.

Several factors are driving this trend. Key industries such as hotels and restaurants are still struggling to rebound from the pandemic’s impact, hoping to return to pre-pandemic levels, if possible. Such recovery will largely be dependent upon service robots. In California specifically, factors such as rising labor costs, more rigorous labor laws and ongoing high turnover rates in labor-intensive sectors make it impossible for businesses to survive, thrive and compete without robotics.

Innovation Across Sectors

Nightfood Holdings Inc. is dedicated to driving innovation across its focus sectors of food services, automation and hospitality applications. In food services, the company leverages automation technology to drive operational efficiency for operators while meeting evolving consumer needs. In the hospitality industry, it’s deploying solutions that redefine guest experiences. Nightfood’s consumer-packaged goods initiatives are key to breakthrough trends in health and wellness.

Synergizing Food and Technology

The synergy of food and technology within Nightfood Holdings Inc. creates a holistic approach to innovation and automation. By integrating these areas, the company offers comprehensive solutions that address multiple facets of market needs. Its automation and artificial intelligence solutions in food service and hospitality create a seamless and enhanced consumer experience.

Through this integrated approach, Nightfood Holdings Inc. not only meets current market demands but also anticipates and influences future trends, positioning itself as a leader in innovation across these interconnected sectors. Synergies in these related and explosive categories result in operational efficiency and benefits for the company’s customers and partners and outsized upside and opportunity for its investors.

Management Team

Sean Folkson is the Chairman and President of Nightfood. He founded Nightfood when he couldn’t find a solution to his nighttime snacking problem. Recognizing the growing body of research linking nutritional intake with sleep quality, he launched the first snack brand specifically formulated to give consumers better, healthier and more sleep-friendly snacks for that peak-cravings slot between dinner and bed. He is a serial entrepreneur and problem-solver, having previously founded Specialty Equipment Direct, an online distributor of floor removal equipment, and AffiliatePros.com, a pioneering company in online affiliate marketing.

Lei Sonny Wang is the CEO of Nightfood Holdings. He is a strategist and business driver for early-stage and growth-stage companies. He is the founder and former CEO of Future Hospitality Ventures Holdings Inc., which was acquired by Nightfood Holdings Inc. At Future Hospitality, he leveraged his significant international business development experience into distribution relationships with leading global robotics manufacturers. At Nightfood, he is working to grow revenue and improve performance and profitability across all subsidiaries.

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://ir.nightfood.com/. 

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to NGTF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/NGTF

• Tartisan Nickel Corp., a Canadian mineral and battery materials exploration and mining development company, recently announced a plan to complete an all-season access road at its flagship Kenbridge Nickel Project in Ontario
• This initiative will play a key role in improving the value of the property while also aligning with and providing benefit to Indigenous communities
• The move speaks to the company’s comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to resource extraction, ultimately fostering a healthy relationship with the community

Tartisan Nickel (CSE: TN) (OTCQB: TTSRF) (FSE: 8TA), a Canadian mineral and battery materials exploration and mining development company, recently announced an ambitious plan to complete an all-season access road at its flagship Kenbridge Nickel Project in Ontario. As a critical initiative for the 2024 calendar year, its management noted its integral role in improving the property’s value, aligning with Indigenous communities.

“2024 promises to be a milestone year as multiple ongoing initiatives come together,” noted the company’s CEO, Mark Appleby. “Alignment with Indigenous communities, summation of baseline studies, project permitting endeavors, and all-season road access combined with continued efforts to expand the Kenbridge mine life are in focus and should prove to have a profound impact on shareholder value,” he added (https://ibn.fm/8EnR2).

To live up to its promise, Tartisan appointed Gregory (Greg) Edwards, B.Sc., Geo Eng., who would serve as Project Manager for the Kenbridge Nickel Project and the company’s First Nations Liaison. His appointment was informed by his consistent desire to work and foster good relationships with the three First Nations near the project. The move helped develop strong support from the surrounding indigenous community. To affirm that, in October 2021, the Kenbridge project received a blessing in a ceremony conducted by an elder from one of the First Nations, a tradition that it looks to maintain in all its projects going forward (https://ibn.fm/VqHNu).

Tartisan’s decisions and steps going forward are heavily informed by its surrounding community. As such, it looks to develop a more comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to resource extraction by integrating traditional knowledge and leveraging Indigenous perspectives into their decision-making process. Adopting these steps, its management notes, will be integral in fostering a healthy and robust relationship with the community and extending the property’s life.

Its management maintains that 2024 will be a milestone year for the company. The additional claims acquisition earlier in May, its strategic appointments, and its partnerships so far in the year point to their confidence in the company’s direction and the potential of the flagship property. They also confirm its commitment to growing shareholder value while stamping Tartisan’s position as a leader in its space.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.TartisanNickel.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to TTSRF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TTSRF

• Clene announced significant updates to their NIH-funded Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies Expanded Access Program (ACT-EAP) for CNM-Au8(R) compassionate use in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“ALS”)
• Clene has optimized its manufacturing, operational, and personnel processes to expand the program’s capacity to accommodate up to 180 participants
• The ACT-EAP, a collaboration among Clene, Columbia University, and Synapticure, was funded by the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (ACT for ALS), signed into law by Congress and President Biden in December 2021

Clene (NASDAQ: CLNN) and its subsidiary, Clene Nanomedicine Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving mitochondrial health and protecting neuronal function to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and multiple sclerosis (“MS”), recently announced significant updates to their ACT-EAP for CNM-Au8 compassionate use in ALS (https://ibn.fm/aBWxl).

ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with no known cure, making accessibility to treatment programs crucial. Recognizing this need, Clene has optimized its manufacturing, operational, and personnel processes to expand the program’s capacity to accommodate up to 180 participants.

In collaboration with Columbia University and Synapticure, Clene has secured a four-year grant totaling around $45m from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (“NINDS”), part of the NIH, to support an Expanded Access Program (“EAP”) for their investigational drug CNM-Au8 in ALS.

EAPs, also known as compassionate use programs, are FDA-regulated pathways that allow individuals with serious and life-threatening diseases to access investigational drugs not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Funding for EAPs in ALS was strengthened by the ACT for ALS, signed into law by Congress and President Biden in December 2021.

Rob Etherington, CEO of Clene, said CNM-Au8 treatment has been associated with lowered risk of death and delayed clinical worsening, while being very well-tolerated in both of the company’s independent Phase 2 clinical studies. “Data from EAP programs, which usually include a broader ALS population than clinical trials, can supplement the safety and other meaningful data gathered from clinical studies,” Etherington added. “We are grateful for the NIH’s recognition to fund this important initiative and are pleased to provide this EAP for the ALS community. We are also grateful to the FDA for approving this EAP, working alongside Columbia University and Synapticure, to enable people who are living with this devastating disease access to our investigational drug CNM-Au8.”

Clene’s ACT-EAP is designed not only to meet FDA safety standards for EAPs but also to contribute valuable research data on ALS disease progression and therapy response. The program’s additional objectives include collecting real-world drug exposure data to enhance the CNM-Au8 clinical safety database and monitoring drug efficacy on survival and disease progression using natural history and control clinical trial database comparators. Biomarker data will also be collected and analyzed. This study is supported by the NIH under grant 1U01NS136023-01.

Dr. Jinsy A. Andrews, MD, MSc, FAAN, of Columbia University, and Principal Investigator on the grant, underscored that this was not just a standard EAP, in which Clene provides the investigational product to individuals with ALS through an FDA-regulated program. “A lot of time, careful thought, and effort have resulted in a study that will yield important insights into the real-world impact of CNM-Au8 treatment on the disease course of ALS,” Andrews explained.

The first patient visit for the ACT-EAP is scheduled for June 2024.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Clene.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CLNN are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CLNN

• CEO Dr. Alan Baratz recently published a piece for the Forbes Technology Council that highlighted the transformation potential in bringing these two technologies together
• D-Wave is helping companies explore the powerful combination of quantum computing with AI to drive innovation, reduce carbon emissions, and solve complex problems

As artificial intelligence (“AI”) continues its rapid enterprise adoption trend, there is growing interest in how quantum computing can be used in conjunction with AI to create better, more cost- and energy-effective solutions in various fields, such as material science, logistics, and complex optimization problems. The way the two technologies could be used together is explored in a Forbes Technology Council column by D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS) CEO Dr. Alan Baratz (https://ibn.fm/kBjT6).

D-Wave, a pioneer in quantum computing, is developing annealing quantum computing technology specifically designed to address these challenges. In the Forbes column, Baratz explains that as AI continues to evolve, so will the computational resources and energy needs required to train and develop AI models. According to Dr. Baratz, quantum computing can successfully address some of these challenges by “helping businesses get more out of AI without being constrained by the limitations of classical computing.” This could enhance the applications of both technologies, including chemical simulations for drug discovery and financial modeling.

To implement quantum AI into their operations, Dr. Baratz believes that enterprises should start incorporating quantum technologies as soon as possible in order to maximize the impact of AI and to engage internal teams to identify where quantum AI can support their specific business challenges.

Innovative organizations may view quantum computing as a strategic advantage to outpace competitors. Quantum technology could offer significant business value, including finding supply chain efficiencies, reducing waste, shortening time to solutions, and tackling complex problems previously deemed unsolvable. Data from Hyperion Research indicates that 80% of early adopters of quantum technology plan to increase their investment in the next two to three years, with one-third intending to invest at least $15 million USD in quantum initiatives (https://ibn.fm/eUCsK).

D-Wave has achieved technological milestones that could push the boundaries of what is possible with quantum computing. Its focus on creating scalable quantum solutions positions the company as a key player in the field, driving the adoption of quantum technologies in practical applications. As the convergence of AI and quantum computing reshapes the technological landscape, Dr. Baratz believes that businesses must prepare for the disruptive potential of these advancements.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.DWaveQuantum.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to QBTS are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QBTS

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may not be indicative of future results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including the risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in its other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release in making an investment decision, which are based on information available to the company on the date hereof. The company undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

The CWCBExpo is an essential B2B expo on the East Coast, being held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. This year the Expo will be held from June 5-6, 2024, for two days of networking and engaging educational sessions.

The event schedule is meticulously planned as follows:

• June 4, 2024 – The exhibitors set up their booths, the pre-workshops are conducted on cultivation and operating a dispensary, and attendees can connect with industry colleagues at the rooftop bash that night.
• June 5, 2024 – After the registration and the media and press preview, the expo commences with a ribbon-cutting event. The expo floor opens and conference programs are conducted.
• June 6, 2024 – The attendees can participate in the conference programs and visit the expo on both the days. Along with business and networking, the participants can unwind, enjoy, and connect with industry influencers and peers at the luncheons, and after parties hosted by CWCBExpo on both the days.

Prominent members of the cannabis industry will share important insights, including:

• Industry icon Josh Kesselman, Founder and CEO, of HBI International / RAW Rolling Papers, who will preside over the fireside chat/keynote speaker session.
• Cy Scott, Co-Founder, CEO, of Headset, who will offer his insightful industry update on why New York is the next big cannabis market to watch out for and provide an update on rescheduling.

A special luncheon focusing on women in the cannabis business will be held on June 5, 2024. CWCBExpo is a leading B2B marketplace for networking within the cannabis community. Become a part of the interactive educational sessions, see unique product displays, participate in panel discussions, and seek the phenomenal opportunities offered by the CWCBExpo platform.

To learn more please visit https://ibn.fm/ZNIxm & https://ibn.fm/8lT47.

• ECGI Holdings is implementing an ongoing strategy to streamline its financials and improve its overall financial health, including the successful reduction of nearly $1.5 million in liabilities, a move seen as integral to its long-term strategy of continually improving its financial posture and overall economic vitality
• ECGI is also focused on exploring new pathways to monetize its underutilized assets, expanding its footprint within the luxury space with a specific focus on carving a niche in luxury branding and creating a luxurious short-term rental destination
• Looking ahead, ECGI will continue to focus on identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities that align with its business objectives

ECGI Holdings (OTC: ECGI), a diversified holding company with a distinctive portfolio encompassing viticulture and luxury fashion, is implementing a broad strategy to streamline its financials and improve its overall financial health. This is part of the company’s financial optimization initiative aimed at strengthening its financial structure, cleaning up its balance sheet, reducing its liabilities, and boosting shareholder value.

The company has already successfully identified and carried out the reduction of nearly $1.5 million from its balance sheet. This reduction is hailed by the company as a testament to its commitment to operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility. By addressing and reducing its outstanding liabilities, ECGI said, “We are setting the stage for improved financial flexibility and the potential for future growth opportunities” (https://ibn.fm/Gyjbc). The company is committed to further identifying and reducing liabilities. This commitment underscores its strategic focus on “achieving a more robust and streamlined share structure, improving financial flexibility, and unlocking future growth opportunities.”

In addition to implementing its financial optimization initiative, ECGI is exploring new pathways to monetize its underutilized assets, including its captivating five-acre Petite Sirah vineyard in Lake County, California. Moreover, the company is expanding its footprint within the luxury space with a specific focus on building luxury brands.

To support this strategic focus, ECGI has invested in Pacific Saddlery, a premier manufacturer and retailer of luxury products and services synonymous with quality, elegance, and unrivaled value. Earlier this year, ECGI celebrated the launch of Pacific Saddlery’s new mobile retail boutique at the prestigious Desert International Horse Park’s Desert Circuit event held over ten weeks between January 10, 2024, and March 17, 2024 (https://ibn.fm/LB7JG).

In addition, through Evolve, a distinguished name in vacation rental management, ECGI is now transforming its 40-acre Lake County, California, property into a luxurious short-term rental destination named Vintner’s Caldera Ranch. The program was launched in early May (https://ibn.fm/OY1pQ), and includes exposure in Airbnb, Vrbo, and Bookings.com. Evolve will continue to leverage its expertise in maximizing rental potential and delivering exceptional guest experiences to ensure that Vintner’s Caldera Ranch exceeds the high standards of service and luxury that guests expect. According to the ECGI, this initiative is a testament to its innovative approach to realizing the value of its assets and marks a pivotal step toward diversifying and strengthening its portfolio.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ECGIHoldings.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ECGI are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ECGI

• HealthLynked is at the forefront of revolutionizing global healthcare related solutions for patients, doctors, and related healthcare organizations
• Some of the company’s solutions, including the HealthLynked Network, Augmented Real-Time Interface, and the new AI chat feature, incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities to foster better patient outcomes for all
• The new AI chat feature is designed to assist patients in locating healthcare providers across the country using markers such as name, specialty, or location and significantly enhance the effectiveness of the HealthLynked Concierge Team in reducing wait times and offering 24/7 service to users
• HealthLynked continues to lead in the development of advanced AI tools to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector

HealthLynked (OTCQB: HLYK) develops and deploys innovative healthcare solutions, serving patients, doctors, and support services, by leveraging advanced technology to provide more efficient, accessible, and personalized healthcare information whenever and wherever it is needed. One of these solutions is the HealthLynked Network, a sophisticated cloud-based platform and app designed to facilitate the seamless exchange of medical information between patients and healthcare providers.

According to the company, HealthLynked Network, partly powered by artificial intelligence (“AI”), is the only patient-centric medical network that allows users to store their medical information, book appointments with any doctor, access telemedicine services, chat with a nurse, receive assistance with medical forms and questions, co-manage family members’ healthcare, and obtain copies of their lab results among other services. The platform enables it to not only streamline the coordination of patient care, but also to analyze trends across large populations to manage health outcomes more proactively.

HealthLynked’s integration of AI capabilities into its sophisticated medical network builds on the company’s history of technological and A.I developments. In September 2021, it launched QwikCheck V2.0, a new check-in system using dynamic linking, which allows a single QR code tied to a practice that works seamlessly with both Android and iOS platforms. In October of 2023, HealthLynked filed a patent application for its Augmented Real-time Interface (“ARI”), which leverages the capabilities of AI to make healthcare more interactive, personalized, and user-friendly. According to the company, ARI is designed as a healthcare companion (virtual AI doctor) for patients, enabling them to interact with the HealthLynked Network. It utilizes advanced NLP technology, allowing patients to converse directly with the system. By using ARI, patients can ensure that their medical records are current, and eventually provide them customized guidance to address their specific healthcare requirements.

As part of its A.I. integration, HealthLynked recently announced the launch of a new AI-powered chat function, which integrates AI into the company’s concierge service. The chat function is designed to assist patients in locating any of the 800,000 healthcare providers across the country stored in HealthLynked’s extensive database using identifiers such as name, specialty, or location. It is also designed to provide instant answers to customer questions, helping reduce wait times and offering 24/7 service for its users. If the AI is unable to answer a query, the chat will be seamlessly transferred to a live representative. HealthLynked expects this advanced feature to significantly enhance the effectiveness of its Concierge Team, which is responsible for engaging patients (https://ibn.fm/vQ7YE).

Following the launch, the company has embarked on integrating its comprehensive healthcare provider database with the new AI system, with this integration expected to be completed over the next few months. Once fully operational, this technology is anticipated to streamline the company’s operations, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall user experience.  This integration is expected to result in higher demand for the HealthLynked app as it would be the only A.I. – enhanced comprehensive healthcare app in the marketplace.

“Our new AI chat function is a testament to our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve healthcare accessibility. By integrating AI into our platform, we can provide more efficient and timely support to our users, ensuring they receive the care they need without unnecessary delays,” commented Dr. Michael Dent, CEO of HealthLynked.

Further, according to Chris Hall, CTO of HealthLynked, the company is excited to continue developing and deploying advanced AI tools to meet the evolving needs of its users. As the company continues to expand its AI capabilities, HealthLynked expects to deliver more effective, timely, and cost-effective solutions to patients and users seeking answers to healthcare queries.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.HealthLynked.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to HLYK are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HLYK