NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 25, 2020 / TikTok is arguably the most popular social media platform in today's generation. It is a short-form video sharing app with the best record of any app, ever, garnering a worldwide count of over 315 million downloads in the first quarter of 2020 alone. With more than 800 million active users worldwide, many users have a follower count substantial enough to monetize. However, not all of them can grab the chance to earn money, which is why Quiktok was created, a marketplace that allows influencers to maximize their platform.

The first and the most extensive public influencer marketplace, QuikTok, serves to facilitate agreements between influencers and entities looking to collaborate with them for promotions. Recently launched in March, it has a current count of more than 700 influencers and a total reach of 750 million followers, and these numbers continue to grow by the day.

QuikTok is a platform that bridges the gap and allows artists, record labels, and brands to browse their partner influencers and pick which one best fits their image. While talent agencies typically bump up their talent rates and overcharge their clients, QuikTok prides itself in their transparency and autonomy; all influencers have total control on their rates and what projects to accept, and prospective clients are able to see the rates these influencers have set without any increases from the management. This eliminates the dragging back-and-forth between the agency and their clients by allowing them to directly transact with the "talents" (i.e., the influencers).

Since it began in March, QuikTok has been beneficial to influencers and clients alike. Influencers enjoy higher chances of collaborations. Brands enjoy immediate exposure that reflects an increase in revenue, and artists and record labels can boost their monthly listeners and reach new audiences at the same time. TikTok appeals to users following a trend and allows them to recreate short dance performances with the same tracks, and that paved the way for virality for a number of songs on the platform. In fact, 63 out of 100 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 found that their success began on the traction it gained on TikTok.

Given that the popularity of TikTok as a social media platform is already massive but still is on the rise, QuikTok will only continue to grow as a company as they create partnerships with more influencers and cater to more clients. QuikTok plans to expand its scope to Instagram and YouTube partnerships and allow clients to conveniently land collaborations across multiple platforms.

To make its services more efficient and accessible, QuikTok is in the later stages of development for an Android and iOS app release, which will become available to the public in a few weeks. Through this app, users will be able to enjoy further ease in the process of landing collaborations through their mobile devices, as well as give them the ability to receive updates through mobile push notifications.

Find out more about QuikTok and how it works by visiting their website.

Company: QuikTok, Inc.
Email: team@quiktok.io
Phone number: 760-702-0854
Website: www.quiktok.io

SOURCE: QuikTok, Inc.

ReleaseID: 603206

Netcetera is Mastercard's exclusive 3-D Secure testing partner to help retailers and other businesses ensure they are ready to comply with PSD2. Mastercard and Netcetera, the market leader for 3DS and EMVCo associate, are supporting merchants to improve their transactions and conversion rates. This is the first time that merchants are able to run tests in their live online shops.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / August 25, 2020 / Improving the conversion rate in e-commerce checkouts is a top priority for every merchant. With increasing numbers in online payments, consumers demand fast and easy, yet secure services. In Europe, the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) protects consumers from unauthorized online payments with their credit or debit card. The hard enforcement of the PSD2 Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) requirements begins on 31 December 2020 in most EEA countries. Furthermore, the Mastercard Identity Check program mandates that the error rates from 3DS 2.x authentications are below 1%.

Mastercard partnered with Netcetera to help merchants become ready for EMV(R) 3DS 2.x requirements and the Mastercard Identity Check program. The test program runs on the Netcetera 3DS Access Control Server (ACS) that is certified to the latest 3DS 2.2 standard. Merchants are able to test different transactions in the live system, directly in their online shop, with test cards from Mastercard. There are 19 different test cases including frictionless flows, challenge flows through different channels, or exemptions from SCA. With these tests, they can detect if their 3DS implementation complies with the EMV and Mastercard requirements. They can easily detect the reasons for errors and eliminate them where possible to improve the approved transaction rate.

Christopher Omloo, responsible for the Secure Digital Payment Business Development at Netcetera, says: "As an early adopter, our 3DS product portfolio is always among the first to comply with the latest 3DS protocols. Therefore, we are very happy to team up with Mastercard to further improve the quality of payment transactions for merchants."

Michael Sass, Vice President Product Management Security Solutions at Mastercard adds: "It is critical that retailers and other businesses prepare now to be able to continue offering their customers the best shopping experience once the new regulatory requirements have become effective at the end of the year. This testing platform is a significant step in helping them prepare in the most efficient way."

Note:

EMV(R) is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries and an unregistered trademark elsewhere. The EMV trademark is owned by EMVCo, LLC.

Media contact

Netcetera
Angelika Seiler
Head of Content Marketing & PR
angelika.seiler@netcetera.com
+41 44 297 58 09

About Netcetera

Netcetera supports its customers worldwide with cutting-edge services, products and custom software. As market leader in 3-D Secure in the DACH region, the software company offers innovative digital payment solutions with a strong focus on convenience, security and mobile use. More than 2,000 banking institutions and issuers, and 60 thousand merchants rely on its high-quality, scheme certified products for 3-D Secure, mobile contactless payment, digital wallets, risk-based and convenient authentication or digital banking apps for optimized banking. With headquarters in Switzerland, Netcetera employs 600 experts in Europe, Asia and the UAE. The company operates 24/7 PCI-certified digital payment services covering all major card networks and serves over 30 million cards.

More information: netcetera.com

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

Follow us on Twitter @MastercardEU @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau

SOURCE: Netcetera AG via EQS Newswire

ReleaseID: 603203

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 25, 2020 / Hard work and persistence pay off. This kind of life philosophy is the motto of several successful entrepreneurs, businessmen, and prominent personalities. Taking inspiration from many successful people, John Wayne S. III made it a point to give out the best that he can in all his endeavors.

John Wayne S. III is a storyteller, filmmaker, producer, and director of a critically-acclaimed indie film, Red All Over. Thanks to his expertise and experience in multiple aspects of both the film and music industries, his career is booming and has reached over a two-decades-long run. He draws in his audience in the film, music, and TV industries by creating realistic and relatable storylines.

His career did not happen overnight, as he first began as a production assistant for director George Tillman Jr. After working on his film Scenes for the Soul, John decided to explore the music industry's creative world. He began doing PR for producer Steve "Silk" Hurley, and eventually became Director of International A&R, supervising agents in both the UK and Japan.

John Wayne S. III enjoyed growing his knowledge in production, so he teamed up with a Chicago director to produce music videos. It was after wrapping up that project that he decided to start his company, JWS Productions. Since its inception, John Wayne has produced over 200 music videos, 70 commercials, and various media projects.

Always being optimistic, John Wayne strived to reach his goals. After ten years away from the music industry, he was brought on as President and General Manager of DL Records. During his tenure, he guided the record label's trajectory and helped propel its artists into mainstream media. Under his leadership, DL Records generated the hit single, "We Don't Play Dat," by Bodaiga, a masterpiece produced by Lil John and featuring Bun B of UGK.

Eager to return to the field of TV and film production, he rebranded his company, Londyn Town Pictures in 2009. This gave birth to a well-acclaimed documentary entitled the Last Step Before Reality. This documentary followed six young adults, aged 18-20, attending an alternative school.

His next project was the feature film and his directorial debut, Red All Over. The film stars Slim Thug (American Rapper), Donna Biscoe (Hidden Figures, Girls Trip), Charmin Lee (Just Mercy, The Inspectors), and Victor Love (Native Son). This movie tells a story revolving around violence, bullying, mental health, and life lessons that can be learned through hardships and struggles.

During an interview, he was once asked why he pursued a career in filmmaking. John Wayne responded that he wanted to live forever. The only way to ensure this was to make films and television that inspired. Through his works, he wants others to feel enough motivation to keep going amidst adversities and rough times.

Londyn Town Pictures is open to collaborations with indie artists, young filmmakers, writers, and producers. Make sure to check out John Wayne III's remarkable career and works highlighted on the official website of his production company.

Company: Londyn Town Pictures
Email: media@LondynTownPictures.com
Phone number: (281) 584-3894
Website: www.LondynTownPictures.com

SOURCE: Londyn Town Pictures

ReleaseID: 603204

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 25, 2020 / Attorney Dagoberto Rodriguez has made his name as one of Virginia's top lawyers in the field of personal injury law. Rodriguez Law Firm serves all of Northern Virginia, Maryland and D.C., in two locations, Manassas and Vienna. The firm is known for its bilingual staff and lawyers, who are fluent in both Español & English.

Rodriguez Law Firm prides itself on providing reliable legal services. Their brilliant attorneys have assisted countless clients who have legal matters related to personal injury. Whether it is an auto accident or a wrongful death case or anything in between, the firm's highly experienced team can proudly step up and help smoothen things out.

The law firm started with Attorney Dagoberto Rodriguez's dream. His bittersweet journey to become a lawyer started with a serious car accident while on his way to work. Despite it not being his fault, he had to pay for the expenses related to the accident. He needed to work and did not have insurance or the funds to get checked up or even to receive medical treatment. On top of that, the insurance company for the driver at fault took advantage of him.

He later learned about personal injury lawyers in law school. He learned about torts and how victims of injuries caused by negligent parties have a right to receive compensation for their injuries. It was then that he knew that this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life as a lawyer.

Attorney Dagoberto Rodriguez came to the United States after fleeing from Venezuela. While things worsened in Venezuela, he had to get a job in the United States while attending ESL classes. He found work in construction. There, he kept his mind focused on one thing only-becoming a lawyer.

Attorney Dagoberto Rodriguez's drive comes from the need to compete with himself, to better himself, and be better than he was before. He promised himself that he would become a lawyer even though he did not even speak the language.

Now, Attorney Dagoberto Rodriguez is a licensed lawyer in three different states.. He vividly remembers all the naysayers who told him that he would never become a lawyer. Now, he has had the pleasure of representing more than a few of those pessimists. Since he came to the United States, his goal was to become a lawyer. And almost ten years from his arrival, he became a licensed attorney.

As an established lawyer, Attorney. Dagoberto Rodriguez can work on the cases that he wants, and his growing practice, Rodriguez Law Firm, is expanding beyond the DMV. The lawyer strongly associates the growth of his firm with the honesty and truthfulness of their counsel. Rodriguez Law Firm takes care not to set unrealistic expectations just to obtain business or make false promises.

Learn more about Attorney Dagoberto Rodriguez on his website.

Company: Rodriguez Law Firm, PLLC
Email: info@rlf.legal
Phone number: (571) 292-1209
Website: www.rodriguezlawfirm.com

SOURCE: Rodriguez Law Firm, PLLC

ReleaseID: 603205

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 25, 2020 / EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE:CBDT)(OTCQB:EPWCF) (Frankfurt:8EC) ("Empower" or the "Company") has filed today its unaudited condensed interim financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis, both of which are available at www.SEDAR.com. All financial information in this press release is reported in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

"Execution, operational excellence and a passion for patient care highlights a transformative quarter, in the midst of a pandemic." said Steven McAuley, Chairman and CEO. "Our team continues to outperform, delivering triple digit first-half 2020 growth, with continued diversification of services, setting in motion our ongoing path of growth."

Q2 2020 Highlights

6,696 patient visits generating total revenue of $923,876, compared to 4,299 patient visits generating $591,023 for Q2 2019.

Net loss of $401,110 or $0.00 per share, compared to $1,456,506 or $0.01 per share for Q2 2019, driven by significantly reducing operating costs through aggressive headcount cuts and facility changes and a reduction in legal and professional fees and non-cash share-based payments.

Cash used in operating activities was $11,187, compared to $1,112,738 for Q2 2019.

Cash at June 30, 2020 of $305,935, compared to cash of $179,152 at December 31, 2019.

YTD 2020 Highlights

12,413 patient visits generating total revenue of $1,713,011, compared to 5,497 patient visits generating $743,869 for six months ended June 30, 2019.

Net loss of $920,281 or $0.01 per share, compared to $1,855,047 or $0.02 per share for six months ended June 30, 2019, driven by significantly reducing operating costs through aggressive headcount cuts and facility changes and a reduction in legal and professional fees and non-cash share-based payments.

Cash provided by in operating activities was $2,647, compared to cash used in operating activities of $1,331,950 for six months end June 30, 2019.

Financial Summary

$, except where noted

 
Three months ended June 30,
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 

 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 

Patient visits (#)

 
 
6,696
 
 
 
4,299
 
 
 
12,413
 
 
 
5,497
 

Clinic Revenues

 
 
923,876
 
 
 
591,023
 
 
 
1,713,011
 
 
 
743,869
 

Direct Clinic Expenses

 
 
243,905
 
 
 
82,750
 
 
 
512,305
 
 
 
122,163
 

Loss from operations

 
 
(240,614
)
 
 
(1,424,071
)
 
 
(558,446
)
 
 
(1,703,379
)

Net loss

 
 
(401,110
)
 
 
(1,456,506
)
 
 
(920,281
)
 
 
(1,855,047
)

Net loss per share

 
 
(0.00
)
 
 
(0.01
)
 
 
(0.01
)
 
 
(0.02
)

Financial Performance

Clinic revenues for Q2 2020 and Q2 2019 were $923,876 and $591,023, respectively. This increase above prior year is attributable to the acquisition of Sun Valley and the addition of 5 clinics which drove an increase in patient count from 4,299 in Q2 2019 to 6,696 in Q2 2020.

Direct clinic expenses for Q2 2020 and Q2 2019 were $243,905 and $82,750, respectively. This increase above prior year is attributable to the increase in number of patient visits.

Loss from operations for Q2 2020 and Q2 2019 were $240,614 and $1,424,071, respectively. This decrease in net loss from operations below prior year is primarily attributable to an increase in clinic profitability with the acquisition of Sun Valley and a decrease in salaries and benefits, legal and professional fees and non-cash share-based payments expense.

Net loss for Q2 2020 and Q2 2019 were $401,110 and $1,456,506, respectively. This decrease below prior year is primarily attributable to non-cash accretion expense related to the convertible debentures and the positive impact of the Sun Valley acquisition.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company generated $2,647 in cash from operations after changes in non-cash working capital.

Please refer to the Company's unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, and accompanying Management Discussion and Analysis for a full review of the operations.

About Empower

Empower is a vertically integrated health & wellness company with a network of corporate and franchised health & wellness clinics in the U.S. The Company is focused on helping patients improve and protect their health, through innovative physician recommended treatment options. The Company has launched Dosed Wellness Ltd. to connect its significant data, to the potential of the efficacy of alternative treatment options related to hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) therapies, psilocybin and other psychedelic plant-based treatment options.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Steven McAuley
Chief Executive Officer

CONTACTS:

Investors

Dustin Klein

Steven McAuley

Director

CEO

720-352-1398

604-789-2146

dustin@svmmjcc.com

s.mcauley@empowerclinics.com

DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements can frequently be identified by words such as "plans", "continues", "expects", "projects", "intends", "believes", "anticipates", "estimates", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the direction and growth prospects of the Company, the expansion of the company's clinic and distribution network, the expected effect of the Vendors in their new roles with the Company, the effect on the lives of patients, the growth into a national brand, the effect of the Transaction, the diversification of the Company's business model, the potential appeal to shareholders, the growth of the Company's patient list and the effect thereof, the expected benefits for the company's patient base and customers, the release of the cash consideration, the release of Shares being held in escrow in connection with the Transaction and statements regarding the Company's proprietary product line "Sollievo". Such statements are only projections, are based on assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including that the Company may not be able to expand, that the Transaction may not have the expected results, and other factors beyond the Company's control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws.

SOURCE: Empower Clinics Inc.

ReleaseID: 603198

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 25, 2020 / Formal sports were introduced to the world in 776 BC when the Greeks held the first-ever Olympics. The sports industry has grown to be worth about 80 billion USD since then, and it has given rise to many influential athletes the world idolizes.

Cameron Mercadel is only one of the numerous people to idolize professional athletes and dream of becoming one. With the drive and the skills to back it up, this young athlete stands out as he holds a wealth of potential in making it big in the world of basketball.

Cameron Mercadel is a 15-year-old basketball prodigy who has already begun building the foundation of his fame in the industry. Loaded with charisma, he inspires anyone and everyone who ever got on the court with him. He creates positive vibes both on and off the court, and his considerable influence is used for projects such as the CAMSHOOTANDDRIBBLEFORHUNGER.COM, which addresses the hunger problem that his local community is facing.

With a burning desire to grow and help other people grow, Cameron Mercadel enjoys collaboration with his peers and teaching the younger players about the intricacies of basketball. His inclination for coaching manifests in his fulfillment in watching his little athletes get better by the day.

He attributes his passion in helping people to his parents━his dad, most notably, whose journey to becoming one of the best basketball trainers and life coaches hit him with a deep inspiration that he wanted to recreate what his dad does for others. Cameron Mercadel believes that individuals with a dedication to their craft and a willingness to do the hard work have the capacity to grow, and he wants to be a source of guidance for these individuals.

Still, Cameron Mercadel has his eyes on the ultimate goal of becoming one of the greatest players of the NBA. He regularly trains to optimize his body for at least four hours per day, enhancing his stamina, strength, speed, and agility. With an exceptional understanding of the court, he competes in an elite league and is already making waves on the court despite his young age.

There is a docu-series on young athletes that has been viewed more than a million times on YouTube, and it features Cameron Mercadel. His outstanding presence on the court is thanks to the fact that he grew up in the game and had no apprehension in putting in his best effort every time.

Documenting his personal journey is of utmost importance, as it will serve to inspire future generations of basketball players once Cameron Mercadel claims his spot at the top. He has a roadmap drawn already: first, the high school varsity; then, playing in a Power Five school while working on his degree; and ultimately, entering the NBA and embarking on his journey as a professional athlete.

In a few years, the name Cameron Mercadel will inspire basketball athletes and enthusiasts from all over the world. Visit his webpage and follow his journey as he works towards the ultimate goal of becoming a basketball star.

Company: Cameron Mercadel
Email: mercadelbasketball@gmail.com
Phone: 949-836-2711
Website: CamTheAnkleCollector.com

SOURCE: Cameron Mercadel

ReleaseID: 603202