Cherubim Interests, Inc. (OTC: CHIT) is strategically positioned to realize considerable growth in the months to come, and the company is now making efforts to reward the loyal shareholders who have supported it throughout its transitional phases. As part of these efforts, Cherubim recently announced its inaugural convertible preferred stock dividend, which is intended benefit shareholders of record as of December 31, 2015. Following the cutoff date, the company plans to issue one restricted preferred share of Cherubim Interests for every 100,000 shares held. The company will also issue fractional shares for investors who have purchased less than 100,000 shares.

“This announcement and impending issuance will help those that have seen the dilution in the open market affect their cost average,” Patrick Johnson, chief executive officer of Cherubim, stated in a news release. “Issuing anti-dilutive convertible preferred securities to stockholders as dividends also ensures that they will not be impacted by third-party debt conversions.”

The dividend announcement came just a day after Cherubim signed a memorandum of understanding with United Cannabis Corp. (OTC: CNAB) outlining plans to supply, deploy and provide the technical means to cultivate cannabis. Through subsidiary BudCube Cultivation Systems (BCS), Cherubim will seek to provide the capital investment needed to cover real estate purchases, improvements, construction and deployment for rental locations. After Cherubim delivers, installs and connects the necessary modules to promote cannabis cultivation, CNAB will provide fee-based consulting services on a variety of topics – including standard operating procedures, cultivation, inventory control and management systems, genetics counseling and testing procedures, extract processing and equipment design and proprietary product lines.

By gaining access to CNAB’s existing industry relationships and expertise, Cherubim greatly accelerated its timeline. According to Johnson, the company is now a year or more ahead of its original schedule, and CNAB’s data regarding client servicing is expected to play a key role as Cherubim seeks to promote sustainable growth moving forward.

Cherubim specializes in alternative construction projects by covering the full spectrum of real estate development. The company’s subsidiary, BCS, has developed a fully portable and scalable method of cultivating cannabis, as well as many other plant species, in a diverse range of climate conditions. Cherubim is currently leveraging a unique business model that combines these two fields by developing modular, turn-key cultivation facilities that can be leased to both upstart and established cultivators.

For more information, visit www.cherubiminterests.com

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Avant Diagnostics, Inc. is a company that focuses on the commercialization of proprietary microarray-based tests for the early detection of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and more. The company’s leading product is OvaDx®, a non-invasive pre-screening test that detects ovarian cancer by measuring the activation of the immune system in blood samples in response to early stage ovarian tumor cell development. This is the market’s first large panel screening test designed to detect ovarian cancer early. With early detection, more treatment options become available for patients that should delay or prevent disease progression. OvaDx® would be an optional supplement to existing tests such as CA-125, OVA1, and transvaginal ultrasounds.

In October 2015, Avant Diagnostics received a notice that its previously purchased specimens had been approved to use in the upcoming validation study to support a pre-Submission package to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company intends to start the FDA validation study shortly after completing calibration testing. Once that process is finalized, Avant Diagnostics will test the approved specimens as a basis for the submission package. The company hopes its innovative product can then begin its 510(k) trial.

In a news release, Gregg Linn, Avant’s chief executive officer and president, stated, “Avant continues to make steady progress towards its goal of obtaining FDA 510(k) clearance for OvaDx®. We intend to periodically communicate with our shareholders and markets as we progress through the FDA negotiations and through FDA’s review of our 510(k) submission.”

According to the American Cancer Society, 21,290 women are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015 alone. Adding to that number are 14,180 deaths from the disease. Furthermore, 1 in 75 women are at risk for this disease, which is the fifth leading cause of female cancer deaths.

By developing effective pre-screening tests, like OvaDx®, Avant Diagnostics aims to greatly improve the quality of life among patients by giving them the opportunity for early treatment options.

For more information, visit www.avantdiagnostics.com

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Legacy Ventures International, Inc. (OTC: LGYV) recently announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, RM Fresh Brands, has entered into an agreement with CJR Wholesale Grocers Ltd to supply Boxed Water to Rabba Fine Foods. Since 1967, Toronto-based Rabba Fine Foods has become an influential name in the Canadian retail industry by offering a quality selection of food and beverage products in a convenient, European-style store. Today, there are more than 30 Rabba Fine Foods locations across Canada.

“Rabba Fine Foods leads by example of local grocers who take pride in carrying food and beverage products of the highest quality,” Ron Patel, president of RM Fresh Brands, stated in a news release. “Boxed Water is all about sustainability and simplicity while providing convenience in a packaged water product, and we are thrilled to come together with Rabba to offer this forward-thinking and socially conscious product to their customers.”

Since acquiring RM Fresh Brands in October, Legacy has made considerable progress toward capitalizing on its exclusive Canadian distribution rights for Boxed Water. In recent weeks, the company has utilized a viral marketing campaign designed to increase awareness about the product and its environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional bottled water packaging. In support of this campaign, Legacy teamed up with Holt Renfrew, Canada’s premier destination for luxury retail, to provide Boxed Water at its Holiday Kick Off and Charity Shopping Event last month.

The environmental benefits of Boxed Water are numerous. The product’s packaging, for example, is 100 percent recyclable and biodegradable, opening the door for a considerably lower carbon footprint than water packaged in plastic bottles. According to studies by Cradle to Gate, Boxed Water packaging has less than half of the carbon footprint of a PET bottle, and this benefit is compounded when it comes to shipping. With proper loading, one truckload of Boxed Water cartons contains the equivalent of 26 truckloads of plastic bottles.

Following the announcement of its agreement to supply Boxed Water to Rabba Fine Foods, Legacy is in a strong position to build on its recent momentum and broaden its distribution channels in the months to come. Look for the company to leverage the increased brand awareness provided by its ongoing viral marketing efforts in order to promote sustainable financial growth in the months to come.

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

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Hemp, Inc. CEO Bruce Perlowin was recently was honored with the Jack Herer Cannabis Hemp Award in recognition of Hemp, Inc.’s “Major Achievement in the Hemp Industry.” The awards ceremony was held to not only benefit and bring awareness to the hemp industry, but awareness to the industry in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We are very proud to have been nominated and to receive this award. On behalf of Hemp, Inc., I would like to thank everyone for every ounce of energy they have put into Jack Herer’s legacy and the continual push of legalizing hemp throughout the United States,” said Perlowin. “It can be difficult to start a company that succeeds in an industry where it is only ‘somewhat legal.’ However, with the help of thousands of people advocating and supporting the hemp industry we are succeeding.”

Producer and co-creator of the Jack Herer Cannabis Awards, Michael Whalen, recognized Perlowin and Hemp, Inc.’s impact on industrial hemp industry with the only commercial industrial hemp decortication facility in the United States. Perlowin was also recognized for shifting the company’s focus toward a more advanced processing in the milling line.

“We were honored to recognize Bruce Perlowin and Hemp, Inc. at the 1st Annual Jack Herer Cannabis Awards on November 28, 2015,” Michael Whalen stated in the news release. “Since this is our first year bringing recognition to some of the leaders and innovators in the cannabis and hemp industries, we kept our awards small … focusing on about seven recipients who we felt really made a difference and who are continuing to pave the way for others as this multi-billion dollar industry unfolds after being suppressed for decades.”

Though Hemp, Inc. will continue to market its hemp-based cosmeceutical and nutraceutical product lines, the legalization of industrial hemp in North Carolina has enabled the company to transition toward a more advanced processing in the milling line.

“In terms of generating profit for the company, our multipurpose industrial hemp processing facility in Spring Hope, North Carolina, will undoubtedly outweigh any sales revenue generated from our product line. This is why we have been full speed ahead with our decortication line which is expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2016. It is the only commercial facility in America at this time that will be able to process raw hemp,” said Perlowin.

Hemp, Inc. is also producing lost circulation material (LCM), a much needed resource utilized in the oil and drilling industries. LCM is reportedly hard to source from oversees, and Hemp, Inc. has the capability to provide a local source of better quality LCMs and the means to produce a steady, consistent supply.

For more information, visit www.hempinc.com

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With many analysts currently debating whether or not it is going to be an Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) Christmas this year, as consumers flock in increasing numbers not to traditional brick and mortar stores, but to ecommerce meccas and standalone retailer sites – you might forget that the lion’s share of what was a roughly $5 trillion U.S. retail market last year (Census Bureau’s Monthly Retail Trade Survey) came from physical commerce. U.S. Commerce Department data indicates that ecommerce was about $305 billion last year and a recent report from eMarketer projects a 14 percent jump this year to around $350 billion. While ecommerce may be sharply rising, shoe leather will still be driving retail sales this Christmas, and it makes sense to take a look at what major retailers and mall owners are doing to cultivate the consumer audience.

With around 47,000 shopping centers and some 1,100 enclosed malls containing one or two large department stores (anchor stores) across this great country of ours, shoppers have quite a sizable menu of locations to choose from. Because almost half of all malls cater to high-income shoppers, it makes a great deal of sense for mall owners/operators to attract smaller stores that can act as a draw on this much sought after demographic, bringing consumers to the table where they can sup on the venue’s broader retail bounty.

This underlying dynamic is extremely good news for a rising star like Giggles N’ Hugs (OTC: GIGL), a company focused on expanding its existing footprint of highly successful family-friendly restaurants which are thus far located in high-end shopping centers throughout LA. These unique restaurants cater to both the discerning palates of adults with premium organic dishes, and the rambunctious behavior of kids under ten, with custom-made 2,000 square foot-plus active play areas. A restaurant that is part upscale organic eatery and part Gymboree is a completely new concept in the casual dining sector, and one which has quickly won over parents and kids alike throughout Los Angeles. It’s an innovative model that has garnered the company many admirers, from A-list celebrities, to family and kid-focused media moguls such as Nickelodeon and Red Tricycle.

The same refreshing Giggles N’ Hugs restaurant features that allow parents to show up with their youngest and turn them loose into the play area before enjoy a relaxing and healthy meal has also enabled the company to offer an unprecedented child drop-off service for busy parents on the go. Kids are watched over in the massive play area by trained staff and are treated to periodic activities that range from singalongs and face painting to shows put on by professional child entertainers. Parents who want to enjoy the many wonderful stores throughout the mall or shopping center where the restaurant is located without having to keep tabs on the little ones or find them underfoot can do so with ease if a Giggles N’ Hugs is located in the mall.

This is the kind of tenant mall owners are really looking for and GIGL, which already has a solid tenant relationship with major nationwide mall owner Westfield Group (OTC: WEFIF), has even recently taken decisive steps to increase momentum toward becoming a national presence and/or franchise with the execution of a strategic financial advisory and capital markets service agreement. Signed at the start of December this year, GIGL’s agreement with boutique NY investment bank Chardan Capital Markets, dovetails exceptionally well with the company’s ongoing nationwide expansion plans and will enable the company to maximize its forward momentum in this area.

Chardan’s considerable expertise runs the gamut from investment banking and trading/equity research, to helping its clients prepare presentations which are to be made before potential financing sources, and Chardan even assists clients with a panoply of financial advisory services. The Chardan deal opens new doors for GIGL’s sought after brand concept and should really help GIGL open additional locations in higher end malls across America next year and on into the future. Additionally, this agreement will allow GIGL to lock down a concise ramping strategy for up-listing its shares to a major exchange as early as next year.

Hot off a superb showing at the 8th annual LD Micro conference’s main event last week, GIGL – whose gorgeous Westfield Century City mall location off Santa Monica Boulevard is just minutes from the Luxe Sunset Bel Air Hotel where the 8th annual LD Micro was held – is really turning heads in the casual dining market. Investors should keep an eye on the company as its plans to expand to new locations progress, and as Chardan helps to increase the company’s market exposure.

For more information, please visit www.gigglesnhugs.com

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The holiday season is supposed to be a joyous time of year, but can be surprisingly difficult for people with special dietary needs. A long season of planned celebrations and get-togethers can mean a constant barrage of food choices and decisions, a potential health nightmare for those who are diet-restricted. The search for holiday recipes that are both delicious and safe can make every trip to the store a challenge.

ContentChecked Holdings, Inc. (OTC: CNCK), is a California based company that is tapping today’s advanced mobile technology in the service of a huge and growing market, specifically for individuals that have dietary requirements and preferences. It has done this by offering a growing family of mobile apps that allow the user to specify their unique dietary restrictions, and then quickly and easily monitor their consumer purchases by simply scanning the product’s barcode with the app to find out if the product suits their dietary needs.

• ContentChecked, the company’s initial app, helps users make better choices for their food allergy and intolerance needs by instantly telling them whether or not the product they scan is suitable based on their allergy settings. In addition, the app provides the user with positive alternatives.

• SugarChecked is an app that, upon scanning a product, gives the user an alert based on their personal dietary sugar/sweetener preferences. If the product is deemed undesirable for the user, it suggests suitable and related alternatives.

• MigraineChecked is an app for migraine sufferers who want to avoid eating foods that may trigger a migraine. By scanning the product’s barcode with the app, the user finds out if the product contains an ingredient, additive, or chemical compound that has shown to trigger migraines, highlighting the compound in the ingredient list.

• VeganChecked, a fourth app, is slated for release at the end of this year.

Obviously, every individual has their own particular needs and preferences, which makes the flexibility of these mobile apps especially important, but one of the company’s nutritionists, Tara Zamani, recently took the time to put together some general holiday recipe suggestions designed to leave you healthier, happier, and less bloated. See http://dtn.fm/L8it1 for some ways to enjoy all of the holidays without hurting your body in the process.

For additional information, visit www.ContentChecked.com.

Nutra Pharma Corp., a biotechnology company marketing Nyloxin® and Pet Pain-Away in the over-the-counter (OTC) pain management market, as well as developing treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and pain, announced today that it has applied for an Orphan Drug designation from the U.S.-FDA for the Company’s RPI-78M drug candidate for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). In September 2015, Nutra Pharma was granted an Orphan Designation for this drug candidate for the treatment of pediatric MS.

“We have been clear over the last year that we would be moving our drug platforms forward,” stated Rik J Deitsch, chairman and CEO of Nutra Pharma. “This includes our work in pediatric multiple sclerosis, as well as additional potential Orphan Designations for our therapeutic pipeline. We expect to receive the Orphan Designation for MG. In the meantime, we will continue to work with our FDA consultants to prepare for an Investigative New Drug Application as we develop the clinical trial protocols for pediatric MS.”

For those unfamiliar with MG, it is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body. The name “myasthenia gravis” literally means “grave muscle weakness.” MG is known for causing muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles, such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking and swallowing, are often, but not always, involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected. RPI-78M is believed to be effective in the treatment of MG through the modulation of the immune system, preventing autoimmune effects.

By receiving Orphan Drug status, Nutra Pharma would benefit from a seven-year period of market exclusivity in the U.S. upon approval of the drug, as well as tax credits for clinical research costs, the ability to apply for grant funding, clinical trial design assistance, assistance from the FDA in the drug development process, and the waiver of Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) filing fees, which could be in excess of $2.5 million. It also allows the company to move forward with its preparation of an Investigative New Drug Application and proposal of clinical trials. The FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation status to products that treat rare diseases, providing incentives to sponsors developing drugs or biologics. The Orphan Drug Act of 1983 is intended to assist and encourage companies to develop safe and effective therapies for the treatment of rare diseases and disorders, defined as those affecting fewer than 200,000 Americans at any given time.

Originally derived from an extract of cobra venom, RPI-78M is an antagonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The drug has an unusually low toxicity with a very large therapeutic window. Scientific publications have shown that native and modified neurotoxins can protect nerve cells from early cell death. Also, RPI-78M may be beneficial in neuromuscular disorders where the activity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor has been compromised. The proprietary technology is covered by patents describing the application and use of RPI-78M in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

For additional information about Nutra Pharma, visit www.NutraPharma.com

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Risk is associated with every form of business, but it is especially important in the construction business. Millions and even billions of dollars are on the line with every project. Averting this risk as much as possible is paramount for a construction company to return profits on each project. The best way to increase the odds of success with a big construction job is to turn to a world-renowned company like Hill International, Inc. (NYSE: HIL).

Hill International is in the project management and construction claims business, meaning they are experts in budgeting; management of contractors, subcontractors and suppliers; estimating; inspection; expediting; and scheduling. Once your construction company lands a multi-million or multi-billion dollar project, the first call you make should be to the experts at Hill International. The company has many successful projects and accolades, including, most recently, being named the seventh largest construction management firm in the U.S. by Engineering News-Record.

The company has 4,800 professionals in 100 offices worldwide and also just announced a contract with Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company Morocco SARL for a coastal resort in Tangier, Morocco. This golf and beach resort encompasses nearly 600 acres and includes a hotel, resort, spa, apartments, beach and golf villas, clubhouse and 18-hole golf course.

Percentage points in this business determine whether your company goes under or moves on to greener pastures, so why risk doing this alone? Instead, put your faith in the company that has been around nearly 40 years and dominates its field. Would you rather have Joe Montana driving down the field to score the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl or Dan Marino? Historical results say the winner of four championships should be your choice.

Reputation, experience and success are cornerstones of Hill International’s business model, which explains why they are on the speed dial of real estate moguls around the globe.

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

Choosing a reliable bank is an important decision. People often consider interest rates, total assets, and terms on accounts (checking, savings, loan, retirement, etc.) when considering their banking options. Another very important factor in the decision process is the bank’s reputation and how long they have been in business. Sugar Creek Financial Corporation (OTC: SUGR) is the holding company for Tempo Bank, which has been in business since 1889 and is located in Trenton, Illinois. Sugar Creek Financial is a subsidiary of Sugar Creek Mutual Holding Company.

Tempo Bank is Trenton’s oldest independent, locally operated and managed financial institution. Its directors, officers and employees live, work and are involved in the community. This means that all decisions are made locally, not hundreds of miles or states away. The bonus is that its customers receive personalized service and quicker responses to questions or requests from people that they know. From its humble beginnings to the present, Tempo Bank still believes that personal service is the major ingredient of its success.

The company offers the following types of accounts to individuals: checking accounts; savings accounts; IRA’s (with terms from 18 months to 60 months); and Certificates of Deposits (with terms from six months to 60 months). Insurance is always very important, so the company offers deposit insurance up to $250,000.

Working with a locally owned bank also has its perks. The company offers a suite of loan vehicles along with competitive interest rates and great customer service. Loan products include the following: consumer and auto loans; mortgage loans; home equity and improvement; and special programs (first time homebuyer’s program; home buyer pre-qualification, counseling and education assistance program; and affordable housing grant assistance program).

The company also offers eBanking; online bill pay; phone banking; a Shazam ATM card; and MasterMoney debit cards.

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

Alternet Systems, Inc. has a guiding vision. The Miami company imagines a world in which every person has access to economical, efficient banking and payment services and, in pursuit of this dream, invests in companies that are creating the future of money in the high-growth, emerging technology fields of digital commerce, multichannel payments and predictive analytics.

As the world has become more and more dependent on technological advances and conveniences, Alternet has expanded its search for tech-focused investment and partnership opportunities. From mobile payments, e-tickets and internet phone service to banking on a digital platform, the company has a record of finding and capitalizing on technologies of the future.

Led by a management team and board of directors with over a century’s worth of combined experience in the fields of investing, technology, and financing, and a fountain of knowledge on where to invest and when in start-up and early-stage companies, Alternet embarked on this path with a strong support system.

Since 2010, Alternet has sustained an ongoing focus on the high-growth, value-added service industries of mobile financial services and mobile security. Last year, the company extended its scope of expertise to include: investing in entities within the digital commerce environment; transforming the legacy electronic payments infrastructure; and developing advanced predictive data analytics applications for the mass consumer, telecommunications and financial industries.

Alternet is now at the cutting edge of the multi-billion dollar multichannel electronic payments, financial services and consumer analytics industries. With its strategic investments in these three key, high-growth markets, Alternet is accelerating the future of money and its role in the global demand for these services.

Alternet is providing innovative solutions that facilitate and expedite commerce, enrich its partners’ and customers’ experience, and improve efficiency in order to become the leading digital commerce, multichannel payments and predictive analytics solutions provider in global markets, and to provide its customers with the tools they need to prepare themselves for a new era of digital commerce and payments, financial services and consumer information, and, most importantly, a new era of how to live.

For more information, visit www.alternetsystems.com

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