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Today is the last day to enter the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Faces of Fearles...

Today is the last day to enter the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Faces of Fearless contest! All you have to do for a chance to win is share how you took on your biggest challenge to live a healthier life and how Regence helped you along the way. Enter to win: https://bit.ly/2UaYo7q

APT Systems Inc. Announcing Reorganization

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Feb. 28, 2019 (NewMediaWire) -- APT Systems, Inc. (OTC PINK - APTY), a publicly traded, fully reporting fintech company, announced it is reorganizing its authorized share structure and the CEO will be returning to the treasury from personal holdings, 47 Million common shares.The Company filed its preliminary Schedule Form 14C filing as part of the next steps to complete an increase in authorized shares to help attract and secure direct investment from accredited investors for its newest subsidiary, AUREX Trading and Recovery Inc.While embracing its newest revenue opportunity of acquiring e-scrap for precious metal recovery, management of APT Systems also reaffirms its commitment to building financial platforms and further shaping the founder’s vision of delivering modern tools to modern traders.  We appreciate and value the ongoing support of our shareholders.About APT Systems Inc.:  APT Systems Inc. is a financial technology company that is developing platforms, including trader access to proprietary charting tools, via the KenCharts application, and plans to launch its innovative trading application, Intuitrader. Verifundr is an escrow and payments platform and Tyrtrade is an interchange for minting and delivering Spera, a stable coin. Management also strategically reviews other compatible financial businesses which demonstrate strong growth potential. We are continuing our diligent search for software products and partners that would enhance our operations. Management launched its subsidiaries SNAPT Games, Inc. and RCPS Management, Inc. to further facilitate new products, acquisitions and long-term goals. AUREX Trading and Recovery is leveraging industry-leading recycling technology to provide liquidity and pricing transparency to the precious metals recovery industry.Disclaimer - Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may," "future," "plan" or "planned," "will" or "should," "expected," "anticipates," "draft," "eventually" or "projected." You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements; projected events in this press release may not occur due to unforeseen circumstances, various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K and other filings made by such company. APT Systems, Inc (APTY) may opt to also disseminate information about itself, including the results of its operations and financial information, via social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.On Twitter follow @APTYsysGlenda Dowie, CEO at 415-200-1105Email:  info@aptsystemsinc.comLinks to Investor Information:   http://AUREXtrading.comhttps://Sperastablecoin.comhttp://www.aptsystemsinc.com/online-investor-kit-for-apt-systems-inc-apty/

Zoom Telephonics Reports Sales of $7.5 Million for Q4 2018 and $32.3 Million for Year 2018

Company to Host Conference Call on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. ETBOSTON, Feb. 28, 2019 (NewMediaWire) -- Zoom Telephonics, Inc. (“Zoom” or “the Company”) (OTCQB: ZMTP), a leading producer of cable modems and other communication products, today reported financial results for its 2018 fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2018.Financial Highlights (Q4 and full year 2018 comparisons to prior year’s period)Q4 net sales decreased 15.8% to $7.5 million with 2018 net sales increasing 9.9% to $32.3 million.Q4 gross margin decreased to 31.6% from 36.6% with 2018 gross margin increasing to 36.0% from 34.8%.Tariffs in Q4 2018 reduced gross margins, and contributed to a decline in revenue as the Company raised some prices in an attempt to mitigate the tariffs’ negative impact on gross margins.Q4 net loss was approximately $826 thousand, or $0.05 per share, compared to a net loss of $387 thousand, or $0.03 per share, for Q4 2017. 2018 net loss was $74 thousand, or $0.00 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.37 million, or $0.09 per share, for 2017.2018 Fourth Quarter Financial ReviewNet sales for Q4 2018 decreased to $7.5 million from $8.9 million for Q4 2017.  This was primarily due to reduced shelf space at one major retailer and price competition exacerbated by the Company’s attempt to increase some product prices in response to 10% China tariffs which began on September 24, 2018.  The Company reacted more quickly than its competitors to the tariffs, which reduced revenues for the period.  Cable modem sales declined, but the Company did experience increases in its sales of local area network and DSL products.Gross profit for Q4 2018 was $2.4 million, or 31.6% of net sales, down from $3.2 million, or 36.6% of net sales for the fourth quarter of 2017.  The decrease in gross profit and gross margin was primarily due to a 10% tariff on the cost of goods for almost all its products other than ones imported into the US prior to September 24, 2018.Operating expenses for Q4 2018 were $3.1 million or 41.8% of net sales, versus $3.6 million or 40.5% of net sales for Q4 2017. Selling expenses increased approximately $58 thousand to $1.96 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, as increased Motorola trademark royalty costs and marketing funds were offset by reductions in advertising and freight costs. General and administrative expenses decreased approximately $522 thousand to $589 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2018, primarily because sales tax expenses dropped $831 thousand due to a significant one-time charge for Q4 2017. This improvement was offset by increased salary and stock option costs, and increases in legal and outside service expenses for the current quarter.  Research and development expenses were $573 thousand for Q4 2018, down slightly from $577 thousand in the same period of 2017, as increased personnel costs were offset by reductions in certification expenses.Zoom reported a net loss of $826 thousand or $0.05 per share for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to net loss of $387 thousand or $0.03 per share in the same period of 2017. 2018 Financial ReviewNet sales for year 2018 increased 9.9% to $32.3 million from $29.4 million for 2017.  Sales through all but one of Zoom’s major retailers increased, but reduced sales at one retailer reduced total cable modem sales growth to just 3%.  Sales of all other products combined rose over 180% primarily due to rising sales in routers, MoCA adapters, and DSL products.Gross profit in 2018 was $11.6 million or 36.0% of net sales, up from $10.2 million or 34.8% of net sales for year 2017.  The increase in gross profit and gross margin was primarily due to higher net sales and a higher mix of e-tailer sales, offset somewhat by tariff-related gross margin reductions in Q4 2018.Operating expenses in 2018 were $11.6 million or 35.9% of net sales, versus $11.5 million or 38.9% of net sales in 2017. Selling expenses increased approximately $927 thousand to $8.2 million for the year, as increased Motorola trademark royalty, advertising, and personnel costs were ...

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation Announces Appointment of Two New Directors

Bedminster, NJ - (NewMediaWire) - February 28, 2019 - Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: PGC) announces the appointment of Peter D. Horst and Patrick J. Mullen to the Board of Directors of the Company and of Peapack-Gladstone Bank, effective February 28, 2019.  Peter Horst is a Fortune 500 Chief Marketing Officer with 30 years of marketing leadership experience across diverse industries in consumer and business products, services and technology for market leaders such as Capital One, General Mills, US West (Century Link), Hershey and Ameritrade.  He is the founder of CMO, Inc., and serves as a consultant, author, speaker, board member and advisor to senior executives on marketing strategy, messaging and growth planning. Patrick Mullen is a highly experienced financial services professional with a distinguished history of team building and effective relationship management.  He is an accomplished and seasoned leader, who recently retired as the Director of Banking, State of New Jersey, for the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, for which he worked over the past eight years. There, among other things, he was responsible for the examination and supervision of all state-chartered banks and credit unions and state-licensed non-bank financial institutions.“Peter and Patrick are joining our Board at the perfect time,” commented F. Duffield Meyercord, Chairman of the Board. “They both bring an elevated level of expertise and perspective in their respective fields.  Peter’s extensive brand knowledge will assist us as we continue to introduce Peapack Private, our wealth management brand, to the market; and Patrick’s career with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance will prove invaluable as we continue to navigate our industry’s regulatory challenges.”  Peter, a resident of McLean, Virginia, is a graduate of Harvard University and Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business. He is a Forbes contributor and author of the best-selling book, Marketing in the #FakeNews Era.  Patrick, a resident of Spring Lake, NJ, earned his Master’s Degree from Ball State University and his Bachelor of Arts from St. Francis College.  His career in financial services included time spent at Chemical Bank, A.G. Becker, Inc., Kidder Peabody, Inc., Barclays Capital/BZW Securities, ABN AMRO, Inc., Alliance Capital and Sound Securities, LLC, before landing at the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.ABOUT THE CORPORATIONPeapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation is a New Jersey bank holding company with total assets of $4.62 billion and assets under management and/or administration of $5.8 billion as of December 31, 2018.  Founded in 1921, Peapack-Gladstone Bank is a commercial bank that provides innovative private banking services to businesses, non-profits and consumers, which help them to establish, maintain and expand their legacy.  Through Peapack Private Wealth Management, and its private banking locations in Bedminster, Gladstone, Fairfield, Morristown, New Providence, Princeton and Teaneck, and its trust office in Greenville, DE, Peapack-Gladstone Bank offers an unparalleled commitment to client service through its private wealth management, commercial private banking, retail private banking and residential lending divisions, along with its online platforms. Contact:  Denise M. Pace-Sanders Senior Vice President Brand and Marketing Director dpace@pgbank.com 908.470.3322 Peapack-Gladstone Bank 500 Hills Drive, Suite 300 Bedminster, NJ 07921

Amniotic Stem Cell Co-culture System Significantly Promotes Wound Healing

Merakris Therapeutics’ Lead Scientist, Sam Fagg MSc, PhD, Presents the Research Triangle Park-based Company’s Amniotic Stem Cell Co-culture Raleigh, NC - (NewMediaWire) - February 28, 2019 - Merakris Therapeutics has developed a system designed to mimic cell-cell interactions in utero to produce maximal secreted protein output that is harvested from co-cultured stem cells. Initial experiments indicate it is a strong candidate to support early-phase wound healing. The company’s innovative system mimics the amniotic environment through the co-culturing of amniotic epithelial cells with amniotic fluid cells, which generates a more robust secreted proteome than either cell type alone. The company's research has shown the product activates  epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a critical step in early phase wound closure. Additionally, a complementary technique the company has developed also supports late-phase wound healing events known as re-epithelialization and keratinization.  Merakris Therapeutics is developing multiple regenerative medicine approaches by using stem cell secreted factors rather than live stem cells. This focus is intended to produce solutions that are scalable, stable, and contain well-characterized target therapeutic components with various applications in disease treatment as well as potential use in cosmetic applications. The company also presented research based on its purified amniotic fluid exosome technology it is developing. The results of this research indicate that exosomes isolated from amniotic fluid promote wound healing in an in vitro assay as efficiently as total amniotic fluid. It has also developed a topical hydrogel system to provide an optimal carrier for these amniotic exosomes that shows promising results in reducing the signs of skin aging in its proof of concept studies. The company has filed multiple patents to protect its research and development discoveries.Currently, Merakris Therapeutics supplies amniotic tissue allografts to various healthcare markets and is working to develop a comprehensive market access program for its Dermacyte® Regenerative Wound Care product line to support product adoption into physician offices. Merakris Therapeutics, based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is focused on researching, developing, and marketing regenerative healthcare products. Merakris is pioneering commercially scalable biotherapeutic technologies derived from stem cells that have various clinical applications. Our vision is to improve global patient care and outcomes through the pioneering and innovation of extracellular regenerative biotechnologies.Chris Broderick 919-921-8105 x 110  broderick@merakris.com 

LIG Assets, Inc. Announces Successful Rezoning of Bella Serra Development in Brentwood, Tennessee

Nashville, TN - (NewMediaWire) - February 28, 2019 -  LIG Assets, Inc. (OTC PINK: LIGA) (also known as the "Leader in Green Assets" or "LIGA") announces that on February 19, 2019 the Nashville City Council along with the Planning and Zoning Committee approved the change in zoning for LIGA’s “Bella Serra” development in Brentwood, Tennessee.  Formerly the property was zoned AR2a but has now been re-zoned as RS10 and RM4 permitting a denser build out.  With this change we will now be implementing our announced plans for the building of condos and single-family homes.LIG Assets President Marvin Baker stated, “We appreciate the thoughtful and exhaustive review of the City Council.  These efforts afford LIGA the opportunity to bring to the community a truly landmark sustainable development whose aesthetic beauty will be a true asset to the community.  The approval of re-zoning also adds substantial value to this important LIG Assets.”  LIG Assets’ management has been fielding multiple calls from potential financing partners who are presenting far superior terms that will help expedite the development and improve the profit margins for the Company.   As previously reported the projected gross sales for Bella Serra are anticipated to reach $52,470,000 upon build out of the property.  The current Phase One site plan will include 90 residential units total with 10 luxury single-family homes and 80 multi-family “Lifestyle Condos.”  The condo/luxury home mix in the current plan may be modified to optimize the development goals.  LIGA will be finalizing the site plan to maximize the Bella Serra development for the greatest benefit of the company and our shareholders.Chairman Aric Simons added, “The re-zoning for Bella Serra is an important step forward to achieving our corporate mission of bringing sustainable, beautiful residences to the community at a market competitive price point.  We shall continue to prove that sustainable building is better for families, the environment and is good business.  The management of LIGA believes we have the best shareholder base for any public company on the market; we aim to reward the loyalty and enthusiasm of our investors with exponential ROI and a company each can be proud to hold in their portfolio.Bella Serra – Brentwood, Tennessee:A Luxury Mediterranean hillside resort development offering the variety of custom single-family homes and the simplistic lifestyle living of condominium villas for the most discerning buyers of luxury living at its finest.  The most unique feature of these homes will be the green sustainability factor built with consideration of the environment in mind. A high quality luxury resort lifestyle community with wellness in mind while reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption to improve our quality of life. Derived from the Latin/Italian influence Bella meaning beautiful and Serra meaning views from a high place or high ridge as our community rests at one of the highest peaks in Brentwood with our ridgeline facing south into Brentwood/Franklin and the lower lined development facing toward Nashville.Bella Serra is a concept development using sustainable building products brought to us by well-known Environmentalist Robert Plarr. Bella Serra will be Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s first fully sustainable community. A new approach to residential build application using light gauge steel framing versus wood framing with our high-quality magnesium oxide panels where the combination creates a sustainable structure resistant to 185 mph winds, water and mold resistant, fire resistant to 3500 degrees with a burn rate of 5 hours before the material begins to breakdown.About LIGA Homes:LIGA Homes unique residential and commercial developments utilize specially designed and manufactured recycled "element resistant" steel framing, in addition to toxic free magnesium oxide building materials and panels that are 100% mold, fungus, termite and rot resistant and fire resistant against temperatures up to 3500 degrees Fahrenheit as well as famed environmentalist Robert ...

The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine Releases 2018 Annual Data Report, Highlighting Sector Trends and Metrics

Washington, DC - (NewMediaWire) - February 28, 2019 -  The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) today announced the release of its 2018 Annual Data Report, offering an in-depth look at trends and metrics for the cell therapy, gene therapy, tissue engineering, and broader global regenerative medicine sector.Using data provided by ARM’s data partner Informa, curated and further analyzed by ARM’s staff, the report details industry-specific statistics and trends from more than 900 leading cell therapy, gene therapy, tissue engineering, and other regenerative medicine companies worldwide. Key features of the report include total financings for the sector, partnerships and other deals, clinical trial information, major clinical data events, current legislative and regulatory priorities, and expert commentary from industry representatives in the U.S. and Europe.Key findings from the 2018 annual report include:Globally, companies active in gene and cell therapies and other regenerative medicines raised more than $13.3 billion in 2018, a 73% increase over 2017. The report also includes data broken out by technology and financing type. There were 1,028 clinical trials underway worldwide by year-end 2018. The report includes figures on clinical trials by phase, technology type, and indication. In Europe, the sector raised $2.2B (approximately €1.7B) in 2018, an increase of 40% over 2017, and 216 clinical trials were ongoing by year-end 2018.Industry experts expressed optimism about the future of the sector, but emphasized the need to address issues with manufacturing and scale-up as these therapies come to market, as well as the need to think creatively about financing and payment models.“We’re seeing tremendous growth in this field. 2018 financings surpassed even 2015, which was a watershed year in terms of investment for the sector,” said Janet Lambert, CEO of ARM. “But even more exciting is seeing the increasing number of patients able to access these truly transformative therapies, when before they didn’t have many, if any, options for treatment. We’re excited to see that trend continue in 2019, with additional approvals expected in the U.S. and abroad.”“ATMPs hold enormous potential value for patients, healthcare systems, and society,” said Annie Hubert, Senior Director of European Public Policy at ARM, in an overview of the European ATMP landscape included in the report. “As we go forward, ARM will continue to engage stakeholders in Europe and globally to build a supportive infrastructure for these therapies, and to ensure patients in Europe are able to access safe and effective products.”ARM will continue to update this information through new reports to be released after the close of each quarter, tracking sector performance, key financial information, clinical trial numbers, and clinical data events. The report is available to download here, with interactive data and downloadable infographics available here. Past reports, issued quarterly and annually, are available here.About The Alliance for Regenerative MedicineThe Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is an international multi-stakeholder advocacy organization that promotes legislative, regulatory and reimbursement initiatives necessary to facilitate access to life-giving advances in regenerative medicine worldwide. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare, providing business development and investor outreach services to support the growth of its member companies and research organizations. Prior to the formation of ARM in 2009, there was no advocacy organization operating in Washington, D.C. to specifically represent the interests of the companies, research institutions, investors and patient groups that comprise the entire regenerative medicine community. Today, ARM has more than 300 members and is the leading global advocacy organization in this field. To learn more about ARM or to become a member, visit http://www.alliancerm.org.Lyndsey Scull 202 213 7086 lscull@alliancerm.org

Chemesis in Colombia: The Place to Be for South American Cannabis, Plus Exclusive CEO Interview -- CFN Media

Seattle, WA - (NewMediaWire) - February 28, 2019 - CFN Media Group (“CFN Media”), the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the North American cannabis industry, announces publication of an article and exclusive CEO video interview covering Chemesis International Inc.'s (CSE: CSI) (OTCQB: CADMF) (FRA: CWAA) development of cannabis operations in Colombia. Chemesis owns a licensed cultivator there, growing on more than a thousand acres as well as in a 10,000 sqft greenhouse. The company is also building a GMP-certified production lab and extraction facility in Bogota with an eye toward both the Colombian domestic and the international export markets.Chemesis International CEO Edgar Montero discusses the company’s operations in Colombia and its presence in Puerto Rico, among other things, in Part II of CFN Media’s exclusive interview. Please use this link to see the interview: https://www.cannabisfn.com/cfnvideo/?id=A7AAqZqu. Here is a link to Part I, where Mr. Montero focuses on the company’s California production, fulfillment and distribution operations as well as its brand partnership with Jay and Silent Bob: https://www.cannabisfn.com/cfnvideo/?id=0Hy9eKzR.Cannabis industry research firm Prohibition Partners anticipates the legal cannabis industry in Latin America will reach $12.7 billion in annual sales by 2028. Uruguay led the way in the legalization movement, making recreational cannabis legal in 2013. No other countries have made that step, but several have legalized medical programs in the years since. Still, Colombia is currently the only country whose government is aggressively promoting cannabis exports, making that country the current hot spot for cannabis development.Please click here to follow Chemesis' corporate developments.Colombia’s AdvantagesIn early 2018, the Colombian government’s Drug Control Fund authorized the harvest of up to 40.5 tons of medical marijuana for export purposes. The agency estimates that at full capacity, the country could supply about 44% of the world’s current demand for medical marijuana products. The program is just getting off the ground, however, and the country is a long way from reaching that production level.The combination of a government-directed focus on exports, an ideal growing climate, and very low cost of production makes Colombia a crucial focus for near-term development. The country also boasts a population of about 6 million medical marijuana patients. One interesting aspect of the country’s laws is the general prohibition on the sale of cannabis flower. Companies operating there are necessarily focused on oils and extracted products, areas of the market that offer higher margins and are generally more attractive to consumers anyway.Please click here to follow Chemesis' corporate developments.Chemesis’ Colombian OperationsChemesis has been working closely with the Colombian government since acquiring subsidiary La Finca Interacviva-Archna Med SAS to expand its existing licensed operations in the country. La Finca is currently licensed to cultivate, produce extracted products, and distribute those products domestically. La Finca is a founding member of Colombia’s Association for the Promotion of Hemp Growing, and has established relationships with over 2,000 farming families throughout the country. It is partnered with Colombia’s largest university for research and development, and is involved in farmer education programs across the country.La Finca currently offers cannabinoid-based cosmetic products and is expanding its product lines as the company grows. La Finca anticipates achieving export capabilities upon completion of its GMP-certified production facility in Bogota, opening up a much wider market for its derivative product lines.Looking AheadColombia recently announced a renewed focus on prosecuting the cannabis black market in the country, which has only solidified the country’s legal medical program. That program is just finding its legs, and many companies establishing operations there are kind of building from scratch in a market ...