Sirona Biochem (SBM:) Invited to Present at the Dose of the Valley Conference
Sirona Biochem (SBM:V) Invited to Present at Dose of the Valley Conference, San Francisco
Momentum Public Relations – Jan. 25, 2016
Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE: SBM) (FRANKFURT: ZSB) announces that it has been chosen for a second time, by the Consulate General of Canada, to present at the Dose of the Valley conference on February 9 – 10 in San Francisco, California.
Sirona’s Chief Business Development Officer, Attila Hajdu, will communicate the current state of the Company’s pipeline and future strategy in addition to participating in follow up meetings with key investors and leading companies in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The Canadian Technology Accelerator program is a new conference feature this year that identifies areas of potential collaboration for Sirona’s platform technology of fluorination chemistry.
“We are extremely happy to be invited back to the Dose of the Valley and look forward to exploring new growth opportunities,” said Attila Hajdu, Chief Business Development Officer of Sirona Biochem. “Sirona has an innovative platform technology that can be applied to develop new compounds in areas of unmet needs, and we have already begun to explore strategic partnerships with big pharma to unlock the potential value in new opportunities.”
About Dose of the Valley
The two-day program organized by the C100 (www.thec100.org), BDC Venture Capital (www.bdc.ca) and the San Francisco Consulate is designed to connect Canada’s most promising biopharma, medical device, and health IT companies with key players from within the Bay Area and Silicon Valley. Dose of the Valley will facilitate face-to-face interaction with investors, technology scouts, mentors, and industry experts. The program provides an opportunity to gain visibility and develop productive relationships within this vibrant ecosystem.
San Francisco and the Silicon Valley represent a global hub for life sciences. With a significant presence of pharmaceutical companies, health care providers, and venture capital, this region holds tremendous opportunity for Canadian companies. Applications for participation will be evaluated based on stage of development, industry validation, and relevancy to local industry interests. Elements of this program will be built to reflect the corporate objectives and therapeutic focus of participating companies.
About Sirona Biochem Corp.
Sirona Biochem is a cosmetic ingredient and drug discovery company with a proprietary platform technology. Sirona specializes in stabilizing carbohydrate molecules with the goal of improving efficacy and safety. New compounds are patented for maximum revenue potential.
Sirona’s compounds are licensed to leading companies around the world in return for licensing fees, milestone fees and ongoing royalty payments. Sirona’s laboratory, TFChem, is located in France and is the recipient of multiple French national scientific awards and European Union and French government grants. For more information please visit www.sironabiochem.com.
- Published in News Home, Sirona Biochem
What Was Justin Trudeau Doing in Davos?
What Was Justin Trudeau Doing in Davos?
Momentum Public Relations
Although Davos has a population of just over 11,000, this Swiss municipality is known around the world. The reason this small town has a global reputation is it’s where the World Economic Forum is hosted each year. The World Economic Forum, which is often simply referred to as the WEF, is a meeting where top businesspeople and politicians from across the globe come together. Around 2,200 elites meet over the course of five days to discuss everything from poverty to international conflicts.
Attending the WEF is why Justin Trudeau made the trip to Switzerland. One of the highlights from his trip was taking the event’s main stage and explaining to an audience of several hundred people why Canada is so well-suited for the rapidly changing global economy. He mentioned resilience, diversity, confidence and positivity as key factors that make Canada such an appealing economy.
How Justin Trudeau’s WEF Speech Differed from Stephen Harper’s
Because the World Economic Forum takes place every year in Davos, it was just a few years ago when the man addressing this event on behalf of Canada was Stephen Harper. As Trudeau mentioned in his own speech, Harper’s focus in 2012 was making the world aware of all the resources that Canada had to offer. While those resources are still a very important part of the Canadian economy, Trudeau said in his speech that he wants “you to know Canadians for our resourcefulness.”
The Prime Minister’s speech comes at a time when the Canadian economy is facing some very significant challenges. Specifically, oil prices have dipped to their lowest in over a decade. That has resulted in the government exploring new revenue channels, significant job losses across the oil industry and a weakening of the Canadian dollar.
During the course of his speech, Trudeau emphasized the very important role that diversity plays in Canada. He also made it clear that technology is important, but won’t be the determining factor in the future that Canada creates. Instead, that future will be the result of the types of leaders that Canada is able to produce.
Other Important Aspects of Trudeau’s Time in Davos
In addition to giving a very impactful speech, Trudeau had a very busy agenda while in Davos. The Prime Minister shared much of what he was doing via Twitter. He spent time with Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg, as well as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. He shared a picture of himself with GM CEO Mary Barra and said he told her that he hopes the company will continue creating jobs by investing in Canada.
Trudeau didn’t only spend time meeting with businesspeople. He had an opportunity to meet US Secretary of State John Kerry. He also sat down with Melinda Gates to talk about gender parity. As this panel discussed, gender parity won’t be reached until 2133 unless measures are taken at all levels to help accelerate progress.
And for a little bit of fun during all of these very important conversations, Trudeau had an opportunity to check out a variety of new high-tech devices like the Oculus Rift. While those were the types of meetings that Trudeau shared through Twitter, the World Economic Forum is known for being the site of plenty of private meetings. Those types of meetings include people like Ben van Beurden, the CEO of Royal Dutch Shell, as well as the famous financier George Soros. Having access to such a wealthy audience of people provided Trudeau a chance to meet with investors who might be interested in putting more of their money into Canada and the next chapter of its economy.
The Sky is Falling – Or Maybe it Isn’t
The Sky is Falling – Or Maybe it Isn’t
Momentum Public Relations
In the famous children’s fable, the excitable “Chicken Little” runs around declaring that the sky is falling. This tale provokes a shared belief by other characters in the story that a disaster of epic proportions is imminent. The story, and the character, both have a rich history, one that goes back more than 20 centuries. The very memorable phrase that heralds pending doom has become a statement that is part of the idiom of our culture.
Crude oil prices have tanked! Is the sky falling? Are we about to experience the end of the world? Will this take down the Canadian economy? Will it shake the nations of the world to their core?
Let’s begin with some perspective and a reality check. The current price of oil is close to its 40-year average when adjustments for inflation are factored in. Perhaps we need to re-frame the issue and temper the concern. The data suggests that we may have returned to a well-calibrated price level after a temporary period of extraordinarily high prices. Is it possible that this is the new normal and the alarmist commentators are misguided?
Still, there has been a steep decline in the wellhead price of oil, and it is important to assess how the short-term fallout from lower prices will impact the economy in the medium term. Additionally, and more importantly, the lower price of oil may provide the impetus for a recalibration of some previously unchallenged assumptions. A further consideration is that the current oil price might open up avenues and options that will include some shifting of relevant government policies in the energy sector.
Everyone is aware that in June 2014 the price of a barrel of oil was around $110 USD and in January 2016 it is below $30 USD. What happened? Why has the world experienced such a price decline for an essential commodity like crude oil? The explanation is rather simple and doesn’t require an advanced degree in economics to understand. The law of supply and demand is at work in the marketplace. The details that provide the long list of reasons why supply vastly exceeds demand are more complicated, but surprisingly easy to digest. For more information on the factors that are contributing to the declining price of oil, the link below provides an analysis of the situation as of January 2016.
http://www.vox.com/2016/1/12/10755754/crude-oil-prices-falling
Assuming that low crude oil prices are a medium-term fact of life, what options exist to address the situation? We’ll begin with the premise that the world economy is arguably very resilient and multi-dimensional. Principles of supply and demand function effectively in most cases, and people come to grips with reality and adjust their expectations all the time. Naturally, some parts of the world rely so heavily on oil money that they won’t be able to avoid spiraling into decline. Places like Russia, Venezuela or Nigeria come quickly to mind. There is little doubt that there will be a greater impact on the economies of countries that have placed all of their bets on selling oil at $100 per barrel. Places like Saudi Arabia will have less money to invest and will need to diversify their overall economy but may not have as much time to do so as they might prefer.
What about oil-rich Canada? While Canada has a high dependency on revenues related to oil in some regions, the latest economic numbers show that, on balance, the overall economy is stable. Two lagging indicators are particularly interesting. In Q3 of 2015, while oil was in freefall, Canada’s employment grew by 1{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} and GDP grew by 2.3{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce}. There is considerable financial fallout, much of it well documented, in places like Fort McMurray, Alberta as oil companies delay projects and mothball equipment. The non-negotiable law that dictates “what goes up must come down” is having its effect on real people, and financial hardship at a personal level isn’t pleasant and never seems fair. Nonetheless, if we embrace the rewards that are inherent in a market-based economy, there is an argument to be made for being prepared to accept the downside that can come when the market takes a dive.
So what options and alternatives do we face? We’d like to suggest two radically different options, each with some merits.
- Escalate “green” incentives
When prices of traditional fuels are relatively inexpensive, it may be time for governments to set incentives in place to accelerate the development of alternative forms of energy. These could include policy initiatives like subsidies for wholesale energy conversions by major consumers of oil and gas. It could also include the adoption of carbon taxes. Many influential voices have begun advocating in favour of revenue neutral carbon taxation. The suggestion is that, with the lower price of oil, the impact of moving forward with a tax now will not be as significant compared to what it might have been 18 months ago. This line of thinking includes the premise that the economy will adjust to the new normal of taxed carbon emissions, and the reduction of overall greenhouse gas will begin to diminish independent of fossil fuel price fluctuations.
- Encourage business to lead the way – publicize successes
When companies become change agents, there is progress on social issues. What company today wouldn’t claim to an equal opportunity employer? It is socially unacceptable to suggest that equality is unimportant. The same social pressure is emerging in relation to the stewardship of the environment. Those who advocate for a free market driven approach point to a combination of social acceptability, necessity, market conditions and anticipated ROI that will guide in the conservation of precious resources. In many cases, subsidy-free advances in technology have contributed to the existence of a number of new energy alternatives. In addition, just a few simple steps, like those described in the link below, can increase profits by saving money while having the benefit of appealing to the need to “think green”, a desire that most people in the western world believe essential.
http://www.sustainablebusinesstoolkit.com/going-green-tips-for-the-office/
Whatever policy option, or the combination of options, our policy makers follow, it might be wise to consider the ultimate lesson in the story of “Chicken Little.” As the fearful group assembles around “Chicken Little” and is urged to tell the lion about the terrible news that the sky is about to fall, they are lured into the fox’s den, never to be seen again! The moral for investors? There is always a fox that is waiting to take advantage of those who don’t assess the situation accurately and fail to respond sensibly.
- Published in Blog, Oil and Gas
International Wastewater Systems Featured by Export Development Canada
IWS Featured by Export Development Canada
– Momentum Public Relations – Jan. 22, 2016
International Wastewater Systems Inc. (“IWS” or the “Company”) (IWS:CSE)(FRANKFURT:IWI) is pleased to announce that the Company was recently featured by Export Development Canada (www.edc.ca).
Exportwise is Export Development Canada’s online magazine for Canadian exporters and investors, covering global trade, export and investment issues. International Wastewater Systems is highlighted in a feature article available at: http://exportwise.ca/turning-sewage-into-heat-and-potable-water-b-c-company/
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Lynn Mueller, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
About International Wastewater Systems Inc.
International Wastewater Systems Inc. (CSE:IWS)(FRANKFURT:IWI) is a world leader in wastewater heat recovery technology. IWS designs and develops renewable energy systems that extract thermal energy from wastewater, generating the most energy efficient and economical systems for heating, cooling & hot water for commercial, residential and industrial buildings. Visit us at www.iwhes.com or follow us on Twitter @sewageSHARC
- Published in Energy, Green Technology, International Wastewater Systems, News Home, Technology
Dealnet (DLS:V) to Acquire EcoHome Financial
Acquisition to be Financed by a $30 Million Bought Deal Private Placement of Subscription Receipts
Dealnet Capital Corp. (“Dealnet” or the “Company”) (TSX VENTURE:DLS) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire EcoHome Financial Inc. (“EcoHome”), a premier non-bank lender in the Canadian heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and home improvement segments, from Chesswood Group Limited (the “Acquisition”) for total consideration of approximately $35 million.
The cash portion of the purchase price will be financed from the proceeds of a bought deal private placement of Subscription Receipts of the Company described below, led by GMP Securities L.P., Paradigm Capital Inc., Cormark Securities Inc. and INFOR Financial Inc.
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Dealnet will acquire all of the shares of EcoHome, which has a seasoned loan book of over $60 million and a year over year origination growth rate of approximately 40{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce}. The EcoHome portfolio consists of finance assets that have historically demonstrated low default rates and predictable revenue and cash flows. Key EcoHome lending facilities will transfer, and be increased on close adding low cost incremental capacity to Dealnet’s existing funding facilities.
“Our current platform is designed for large scale volume and to accept these acquisitions with no disruptions to business operations. With our incremental significant scale in origination volume we expect additional capital efficiencies in terms of lowering the cost of underwriting, driving incremental yield,” said Michael Hilmer, Dealnet’s Chief Executive Officer. “This acquisition will establish Dealnet as a new leader in the HVAC/Home Improvement consumer financing segment with a full market offering and end-to-end value added services. We continue to see opportunity for accretive acquisitions in markets where our equity and lending capacity, is a valuable currency. We will continue to focus on strong organic growth while continuing to review complementary acquisitions.”
Steven Small, Executive Chairman, stated “We have delivered on our penetration into the HVAC/Home Improvement space. This strong advance now allows us to continue as planned into retail and healthcare consumer finance. Our march to become the dominant ‘prime’ non-bank consumer finance company is proceeding as planned.”
As part of the Acquisition, Dealnet will acquire customer contracts, vendor finance agreements, employees, operating platform, systems, agreements and other assets of EcoHome. Dealnet expects to combine treasury functions, technology, risk and credit management and overall origination capabilities with no job loss due to the considerable growth trajectory demonstrated by EcoHome and Dealnet.
Under the terms of the agreement, Dealnet will satisfy the purchase price by a combination of (i) approximately $30 million in cash, (ii) common shares of Dealnet having an aggregate value of $3 million, and (iii) an unsecured convertible vendor take-back note in the principal amount of $2 million.
The Acquisition is expected to close in February, and is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Cormark Securities Inc. and INFOR Financial Inc. are acting as the financial advisors to Dealnet on the Acquisition.
Bought Deal Private Placement
Dealnet has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by GMP Securities L.P., Paradigm Capital Inc., Cormark Securities Inc. and INFOR Financial Inc. (the “Underwriters”), pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a “bought deal” private placement basis, 54,545,700 subscription receipts (the “Subscription Receipts”) of the Company at a price of $0.55 per Subscription Receipt (the “Offering Price”) for gross proceeds of approximately $30 million (the “Offering”).
Dealnet has also granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable up to two business days prior to the closing date of the Offering, to arrange for the purchase of up to an additional 8,181,855 Subscription Receipts at the Offering Price for additional gross proceeds of approximately $4.5 million. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund the cash portion of the purchase price of the Acquisition, and Dealnet’s future growth as well as for general corporate purposes.
Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder thereof to receive, without payment of further consideration or further action, one common share of Dealnet (a “Common Share”) in exchange for each Subscription Receipt upon satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions, including the satisfaction of all conditions precedent (but for the payment of the purchase price) of the Acquisition, provided that the conditions have been satisfied by March 31, 2016.
The Subscription Receipts will be issued pursuant to a subscription receipt agreement (the “Subscription Receipt Agreement”). Pursuant to the Subscription Receipt Agreement, the proceeds of the Offering, net of 50{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} of the Underwriters’ fee payable in connection therewith, will be held in escrow pending delivery of notice of the closing of the Acquisition. If: (i) the Acquisition closing does not occur prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on March 31, 2016; (ii) the Acquisition share purchase agreement is terminated at an earlier date; or (iii) Dealnet announces that it does not intend to proceed with the Acquisition, the subscription receipt agent and Dealnet will return to holders of Subscription Receipts an amount per Subscription Receipt equal to the Offering Price plus a pro rata share of the interest earned or deemed to be earned on the escrowed funds, net of any applicable withholding taxes.
The Offering is expected to close on February 5, 2016 and is subject to certain conditions, including the receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval.
The Subscription Receipts will be sold in all of the provinces and territories of Canada on a private placement basis pursuant to the “accredited investor” exemption under National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions and certain other available and agreed upon exemptions. The Subscription Receipts, including the underlying Common Shares, will have a hold period of four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering.
The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
About Dealnet Capital Corp.
Dealnet is an engagement enabled consumer finance company that is initially focused on home improvement finance solutions including heating ventilation and air conditioning financing and leasing. Dealnet leverages its large scale customer service and engagement technology platform to attract home improvement dealers by providing front and back office services to them resulting in dealer origination growth.
For additional information please visit www.sedar.com.
- Published in Dealnet News, Financial Technology, News Home
Canadian dollar gains ground while Bank of Canada maintains rates
Canadian dollar gains ground while Bank of Canada maintains rates
Momentum Public Relations – Stephanie Boucher
On January 20th, the Bank of Canada announced that it will maintain its current interest rate at 0.5 percent as it waits to see what the government has in store for the struggling economy.
This decision has been highly anticipated by economists throughout the country, who have had split opinions on whether or not the interest rate would be lowered. It has been an important topic this week as this interest rate has a strong impact on the rate Canadians get from banks and lending institutions when they choose to save or borrow money.
The Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz cut the bank’s benchmark interest rate twice within the last year in an attempt to stimulate the economy. However, lower interest rates make the Canadian dollar less attractive on the world markets, as foreign investors seek a better return elsewhere. A lower dollar means higher import prices, which affects many Canadian small businesses, and also sparks inflation. The decision to keep the rate as is at 0.5 per cent was a safe play, despite other global factors.
According to Poloz, the Bank’s decision to maintain the interest rate was made because the economy, while still struggling, is expected to show signs of improvement later this year. In fact, the Bank of Canada projects that the Canadian economy will grow by 1.5 per cent in 2016 and by as much as 2.5 per cent in 2017. The Bank also expects inflation to rise by about 2 per cent by early 2017.
The price of oil, as well as other commodities, has had a negative effect on the Canadian economy – the Bank expects the economy’s return to above-potential growth to be delayed until the second half of 2016 and moving in to 2017. According to a statement by the Bank of Canada, “The complex nature of the ongoing structural adjustment makes the outlook for demand and potential output highly uncertain. The Bank’s current base case projection shows the output gap closing later than was anticipated in October, around the end of 2017.”
After the announcement, the Canadian dollar rose to 68.89 cents US, and after many ups and downs throughout the day, closed at 69.03 cents US, up 0.44 of a cent.
National employment has been rather unaffected, despite recent reported job losses in the resources sector.
According to economists, the Bank’s decision to maintain the overnight rate will have a minimal impact on mortgage rates for the time being. While mortgage rates have increased slightly over the last few months, to the confusion of many homeowners, they remain steady for now. Experts advise new homeowners and those looking to renew their mortgage to choose a fixed, or locked in rate, one with fixed payments as they forecast mortgage hikes within the next few years.
Now, the ball falls in the court of Finance Minister Bill Morneau, who must deliver a stimulus budget that will boost economic growth in Canada through government spending on infrastructure, public transport, social housing and green energy. This spending will result in much larger deficits than the $10-billion limit promised by the Liberal Party of Canada during their election campaign. The Liberal Party has not disclosed how far beyond the target it will go.
Despite the decision to keep the rates steady this week, the Bank of Canada maintains that the country’s economic environment remains very uncertain. The Bank’s Governing Council maintains that its current stance of monetary policy is appropriate, but cuts to the benchmark overnight interest rate could still happen within the next few months, as early as March.
Sources:
http://www.bankofcanada.ca/2016/01/fad-press-release-2016-01-20/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/interest-rate-poloz-1.3411621
The Canadian Wastewater Alchemist: Turning Sewage into Gold
The Canadian Wastewater Alchemist: Turning Sewage into a Golden Opportunity
Momentum Public Relations
Approximately two-thirds of the greenhouse emissions being generated annually stem from consumption and energy production. As such, the goal is to accelerate the development of eco-friendly technologies that will decarbonize energy consumption and production in order to fight climate change. Here’s another staggering statistic: Experts estimate that Americans flush down about 350 billion kilo-watt hours worth of energy into the sewer systems every year. Moreover, all of that energy, if harmonized, would be sufficient to provide power for over 30 million American homes annually. Who would have thought that all the seemingly worthless and dirty laundry and dishwater, not to mention shower drain water, could be the quintessential catalyst required to galvanize the world’s energy recovery and efficiency initiatives?
In addition, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that the Southern Ontario Water Consortium would receive 12 million dollars in order to research and develop new innovative water based technologies that will help provide clean water for Canadians and the world at large. Prime Minster Trudeau also recently attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, which was held in Davos-Klosters, Switerland from January 20th to the 23rd, and gave a passionate and ingenuous speech on Canada’s role in developing new technologies that can help impact the lives of the disenfranchised. You can watch the full speech, as well as his one-on-one interview with Dr. Fareed Zakaria here.
As can be seen, the need for clean, renewable energy and water are at an all time high. With over 7 billion people on the planet that need convenient access to clean water for drinking, hygiene, and for heating purposes, the demand for a renewable, clean source of water has never been higher. Fortunately, one company has answered that need with gumption. The innovative minds that founded International Wastewater Systems (IWS: CSE) (IWI: FSE) specialize in turning sewage into a clean, renewable energy source for the masses. What’s more, the company was founded by a group of engineering and technical connoisseurs with over a century of combined experience in the geo-exchange, ventilation, and heating industries.
Specializing in wastewater heat recovery, International Wastewater Systems is strongly committed towards manufacturing premium grade products that are eco-friendly and will reduce the costs incurred by cooling and heating homes around the world. For instance, their proprietary and cutting edge “Sewage SHARC” has the ability to cool and heat commercial buildings and multiplex apartment units, as well as generate domestic hot water. The eco-friendly enterprise also extends its services towards large scale geothermal installations, energy districts, and hotel installations. Regardless of the services that they provide, the medium that they use remains a constant; raw sewage. By using a previously untapped renewable resource that is in nearly infinite supply, International Wastewater Systems can provide thermo-mechanical services that are reliable, scalable, cost effective, and energy efficient.
Furthermore, International Wastewater Systems won the Green Building Award at the 2016 AHR Expo Innovation Awards for their leading edge Piranha Wastewater Heat Recovery Heat Pump. The state of the art self-contained heat pump works by extracting thermal energy from wastewater in order to produce domestic hot water that can be used for a myriad of commercial applications. The Piranha can also be used for stand-alone commercial projects and is optimized to work with fifty to two hundred unit residential complexes. Those interested in learning more about their cutting edge wastewater systems can pay a visit to their booth (#2997) at the largest HVAC marketplace in the world, which is taking place in Orlando, Florida from January 25h to January 27th in 2016.
As the world looks to unbridled pioneers to catapult humanity into the stratosphere of global change and growth, International Wastewater Systems looks to be the leader in wastewater management, sustainability, and adaptability. Having made appearances in National Geographic, BBC News, The Global Mail, North American Clean Energy, HPAC Engineering, Water Canada, Clean Energy Pipeline, the Journal of Commerce, and many other reputable publications, it is evident that the world has taken note of the innovative green technologies that International Wastewater Systems has brought to the forefront. To learn more about the company and their newfound technologies please visit > here.
- Published in Blog, International Wastewater Systems
The Future is Now: Mobile Couponing Streamlined
The Future is Now: Mobile Couponing Streamlined
Momentum Public Relations
People have been using coupons for as long as the saving’s catalyst has existed. Interestingly, 315 billion coupons-valued at approximately 510 billion dollars-were distributed via all mediums in 2013. What’s more, it is estimated that there will be over a billion mobile coupon users by 2019, which is more than double the amount of digital coupon users in 2014. As can be seen, as technology has evolved over the decades consumers have looked for newer and more convenient ways to save. To address this growing problem Mobi724 was founded. Mobi724 is dedicated to one swipe couponing; a seamless transactional experience whereby consumers are able to enjoy digital promotional incentives-such as loyalty rewards rebates-via their mobile devices. Furthermore, their cutting edge technology provides proprietary payment processing that uses the latest security safeguards.
Interestingly, many enterprises are excited about the ingenuity that Mobi724 brings to the digital realm and are quickly joining in on the mobile couponing revolution. For instance, Mobi724 Global Solutions Inc. (MOS: CSE) recently signed a commercial agreement with Movistar to provide its cutting edge technology to its 17+ million subscribers. (View Press Release) As a result, any of its legions of dedicated subscribers will be able to take full advantage of their smart transactions technology at any point of sale that is operated by a participating retailer.
In terms of the industries that Mobi724s technology is currently targeting, large retailers, telecom providers, and banks are currently their three largest demographics. Of course, this is with good reason, as it will benefit consumers greatly in the long run. Imagine having to do away with a plethora of coupons and loyalty cards-such as Air Miles-by having all of the clutter seamlessly integrated into an existing debit card or credit card. Not only would such an integrated approach greatly convenience consumers around the world but retailers, telecom providers, and banks can also provide the service to entice new customers/clients to do business with them, while delighting existing customers; promoting customer/brand loyalty in the process.
Moreover, as an added bonus, the underlying technology that Mobi724 provides allows for instant, real time tracking of consumer and client behavior; allowing partnering enterprises to collect timely, accurate, and relevant data in regards to their clients’ spending habits and preferences. As a result, companies will be able to send their customers targeted coupons that cater to their unique needs; instead of the mass marketing “shotgun” approach that has left customers embittered and frustrated for the last few decades. Niche is the name of the game, and companies have quickly adapted to “future-tech” by being proactive instead of being passive reactionaries to the fluidity of the capitalist milieu.
In regards to how Mobi724 monetizes its tech, the concern collects a monthly maintenance fee for its integrated service platform as well as a modest percentage in revenue share from each coupon transaction. Furthermore, prognosticators estimate that 10{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} of the revenue that the company generates in the next 18 to 24 months will come from maintenance fees, while the remaining 90{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} will be generated via recurring revenue generated by transaction fees.
Given their forward thinking modus operandi, it is evident that their bottom line has ample space to grow exponentially in perpetuity. With new international conglomerates joining forces with Mobi724 with each passing day, and the use of coupons no longer being a taboo in our progressive postmodern zeitgeist, one can only imagine where Mobi724’s market share will be just 5 years from now. The sky is the limit, as Mobi724’s state of the art tech allows for coupons to be validated, consumer/client data to be collected, and relevant discounts to be relayed back to the customer, with a simple card swipe. Why go back to the future when the future is already here?
- Published in Blog, Mobi724 Global Solutions
Fort McMurray: The Next Canadian Ghost Town?
The continued decline of oil prices reminded me of this article put out about a year ago. This year has taken it’s toll on Fort McMurray and its population. Their lively-hoods as well as Canada’s economy heavily relies on the oil market. Asking the question last year implying that Fort McMurray might be on the road to becoming a ghost town was seen as a ridiculous overstatement by some. The current situation will likely have more convinced that this isn’t a scary campfire ghost story, rather a very harsh reality that has many hard working Canadians questioning where to look next to build their futures.
Can Fort McMurray break the ‘Boom and Bust Cycle?
Momentum Public Relations
The decline of oil prices since last June has caused upheaval in the Canadian economy and world markets. From a global perspective, many countries are in dire straights with oil hovering under $50 per barrel. Major oil producing countries like Russia and OPEC member Venezuela face economic collapse with oil staying at the current price. The volatility in the Middle East with the death of King Abdullah and the presence ISIS make forecasting OPEC̕̕ s oil policy a difficult challenge. On the home front, Alberta is expected to fall $7 Billion short of its forecasted revenue. The Bank of Canada cut the national interest rate to prevent inflation and a housing downturn in light of the oil shock. The current situation has forced Alberta Premier Jim Prentice to consider an unpopular provincial sales tax. News of the federal budget potentially going into a small deficit with oil at the current price presents new challenges to the Harper government in what could be an election year. Plunging oil prices have already started to affect the labour market as oil companies like Shell and Suncor have already started laying-off workers and slashing capital budgets. In the midst of all this, Fort McMurray Mayor Melissa Blake is still hopeful of her town’s prospects. Blake states that residents are still “living life as they alwayshave.”
One would expect a politically savvy person like Blake to respond to crisis with optimistic platitudes. The reality is that Fort McMurray exists solely because of the oil industry and the facile argument of life being the same fails to address issues that residents have to face. In a town of 76,000 people made up of mostly migrant and temporary workers and where housing is at a premium, life has already started to change. Mayor Blake states that “Plants are still in operation, we still have jobs, we get up and go to work every day, and we spend our money just as we normally would”. Business owners beg to differ as they have seen a decline in sales as a result of the downturn.
This isn’t the first time the residents of Fort McMurray have faced economic woes. Residents weathered the most recent downturn in 2009; one which many have called a blessing in disguise. This downturn could last longer a lot longer with companies cutting future projects and more layoffs on the horizon should oil hover at its current price. The uncertainty has forced some residents to put their homes on the market as a precautionary move. While many living in Fort McMurray believe that they can weather the storm, a sustained downturn of could see Fort McMurray become a ghost town.
Sources: Business News Network, Globe and Mail, CTV News, CBC News
- Published in Blog, Oil and Gas
Puma Acquires the Red Brook Project in Northern New Brunswick
Puma Acquires the Red Brook Project in Northern New Brunswick
– Momentum Public Relations –
Press Release: January 19, 2016
Puma Exploration (TSX VENTURE:PUM)(SSE:PUMA) has signed an option to acquire a 500 hectares project containing a newly discovered high grade Zinc showing. Puma’s new “Red Brook” project has only been prospected and never drill tested.
Red Brook option was acquired from a local prospector’s following his recent discovery of high grade Zinc Massive Sulphide outcrop grading up to 13{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} Zn, 0.23{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} Cu and 2.5g/t Ag. The initial excavated, 40 meters by 15 meters area, also contains a Gold and Copper zone grading up-to 1.3 g/t Au and 0.53{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} Cu.
Table 1. Grab Samples Collected at Red Brook Project
ZINC
Sample | Zn | Au | Cu | Ag |
# | {92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} | g/t | {92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} | g/t |
43157 | 7,1 | 0,01 | 0,15 | 1,7 |
43158 | 13,1 | 0,02 | 0,27 | 2,5 |
43159 | 7,9 | 0,01 | 0,23 | 2,4 |
43160 | 8,9 | 0,01 | 0,26 | 2,5 |
43161 | 13,3 | 0,01 | 0,19 | 2,7 |
43162 | 7,7 | 0,06 | 0,24 | 2,1 |
43163 | 7,3 | 0,01 | 0,19 | 1,8 |
GOLD-COPPER
Sample | Au | Cu | Ag |
# | g/t | {92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} | g/t |
43152 | 0,57 | 0,22 | 2,1 |
44765 | 0,24 | 0,40 | 1,7 |
44767 | 0,05 | 0,70 | 2,2 |
44770 | 0,36 | 0,51 | 1,9 |
44772 | 0,24 | 0,12 | 0,8 |
44779 | 0,82 | 0,28 | 1,3 |
44780 | 1,38 | 0,53 | 2,1 |
44781 | 0,32 | 0,45 | 2,2 |
44782 | 0,55 | 0,38 | 1,8 |
During the field due diligence for the acquisition of the Red Brook project, Puma conducted a one-day reconnaissance trenching program to investigate the newly high grade zone. Three different areas were stripped on the high grade massive sulphide zones and more rock samples were collected. The results of the samples collected will be released shortly.
The mineralization is open in all directions. Currently, the planned work will consist of compiling previous work to define additional trenching and diamond drilling targets. The compilation will be used to plan the 2016 summer program.
Red Brook Project
The Red Brook project comprises 23 claims totaling 500 hectares located 20 km west of Puma’s Benjamin Project and 50 km west of Nicholas-Denys Project.
Option Agreement
The option agreement covers the Red Brook Project (Claim Block 7221) located in Northern New-Brunswick. All the claims are in good standing until August 2016. Puma is obligated to keep the claims in good standing.
Puma will acquire a 100{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} interest in the Red Brook claims by:
- $10,000 at the signing of the agreement and issue 50,000 shares,
- $15,000 cash payment and issue 100,000 shares on or before the 1st anniversary,
- $20,000 cash payment and issue 100,000 shares on or before the 2nd anniversary,
- $25,000 cash payment and issue 150,000 shares on or before the 3rd anniversary,
- $55,000 cash payment on or before the 4rd anniversary,
And by performing the following the work commitment:
- $50,000 on or before the 1st anniversary,
- $150,000 on or before the 2nd anniversary,
- $200,000 on or before the 3rd anniversary,
A net smelter return (NSR) of 3{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} for all other minerals. Puma keeps the right to purchase 2{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} NSRs for $2,000,000 and the vendor keep 1{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce}.
Also, Puma Exploration decided to not proceed with the second tranche of the private placement announced on December 11th, 2015.
About Puma Exploration
Puma Exploration is a Canadian mineral exploration company with advanced precious and base metals projects in Canada. Its principal projects are located in the famous Bathurst Mining Camp area. Puma’s Strategic Vision is to be the leading exploration company and resource developer in Northern New Brunswick. The Company’s major assets are the Nicholas-Denys Project and Turgeon Copper Project in New Brunswick and the Little Stull Lake Gold Project in Manitoba. Puma is now more focused on its exploration projects in New Brunswick, Canada.
Learn more by clicking here: www.pumaexploration.com
- Published in Mining, News Home, Puma Exploration