One of the biggest esports organizations in the world will begin construction Tuesday on a 25,000-square-foot training center in Playa Vista.
The $13-million facility is slated to be completed by February 2020 and will be the home of Team SoloMid (TSM), which fields players and esports teams competing in popular video games such as “League of Legends,†“Fortnite,†“Apex Legends,†“PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds†(PUBG), “Hearthstone,†“Super Smash Bros.,†“Rocket League†and others.
Currently TSM players and staff are spread out around the world with
their “League of Legends†team based in Santa Monica, their PUBG team
living in Europe and other players and staff working out of various
WeWork locations.
“League of Legends†is the most popular title in the billion-dollar
world of competitive gaming and TSM’s “League of Legends†team won six
of the first 10 splits of the North American League of Legends
Championship Series, essentially making them the Lakers or Warriors in
that space.
TSM’s “League of Legends” team won six of the first 10 splits of
the North American League of Legends Championship Series. A rendering of
the esports training center is shown.
(Rendering by NxT Studios)
The facility, shown in a rendering, will be the largest esports training facility in North America.
(Rendering by NxT Studios)
“I actually toured the Lakers and Warriors facilities as we thought
about our facility,†TSM founder and CEO Andy “Reginald†Dinh told The
Times. “What they built was great for basketball players and we wanted
to build a similar facility catered for esports players. We want to have
the best training environment for our players. We want to make sure our
players and staff have everything they need to succeed. Over the next
10-20 years we want to maintain our position as a global esports
leader.â€
The facility will be the largest esports training facility in North
America when it opens and will house studios, streaming rooms, gaming
rooms, coach rooms as well as a fitness studio and wellness center,
making it the first esports training center to include both.
The facility, shown in a rendering, will be the first esports training center to include a fitness studio and wellness center.
(Rendering by NxT Studios)
“Having all the players in one space and tracking how they perform,
that’s where we can have the largest areas of growth,†Dinh said. “We’re
focused on data science and physical science so we’re going to have a
gym and a full-time sports psychologist there so our players have
everything they need in order to perform better. Most esports teams
don’t have this. We’re going to take it to a new level.â€
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 9:34 AM on Thursday, September 12th, 2019
SPONSOR: Tartisan Nickel (TN:CSE)
Kenbridge Property has a measured and indicated resource of 7.14
million tonnes at 0.62% nickel, 0.33% copper. Tartisan also has
interests in Peru, including a 20 percent equity stake in Eloro
Resources and 2 percent NSR in their La Victoria property. Click her for more information
Nickel outperforms in metals pack to persist amid supply constraints
We expect the uptrend in Nickel prices to persist, supported by the
expectation of deficit for the fourth straight year and supply
disruption from Indonesia.
The only metal that continued to rally despite the bleak macros has been Nickel.
LME three-month forward Nickel prices that had rallied more than 20 percent in first quarter of 2019 hit five-year high of $18850 on 2nd September and at $18000 are up more than 68 percent year to date.
Ravindra Rao
After a dismal performance in 2018 most base metals noted gains in
first quarter of 2019. However sudden escalation in trade tensions
between US-China since early May along with growing worries over global
economic slowdown led to most metals paring all of its gains.
The only metal that continued to rally despite the bleak macros has
been Nickel. LME three-month forward Nickel prices that had rallied more
than 20 percent in first quarter of 2019 hit five-year high of $18850
on 2nd September and at $18000 are up more than 68 percent year to date.
The major reason for the rally in Nickel price despite the bleak
macro is its upbeat fundamentals. Expectation of deficit in physical
market for fourth straight year, hopes of robust demand from electric
vehicle (EV) sector and falling stocks at exchange warehouses have all
lent support to the prices. More recently the rally to multiyear high
has been due to worries over supply disruption from Indonesia.
Indonesia, one of the largest supplier of Nickel ore, on 30th August
decided to expedite ban on Nickel ore exports by two years from 2022 to 1
January 2020. The move is expected to exacerbate worries over tightness
in physical market.
Highlighting the impact of ban, Antaike, the research arm of the
China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, said in a note the global
nickel market will be in a deficit of more than 100,000 tonnes in 2020
due to the expedited ban, as opposed to a 40,000 tonne deficit without
it.
These supply constraints have also led to tightness in physical
market as is evident from widening backwardation between LME Cash to
three months. The premium of LME Cash over three month jumped to decade
high of $104 on 30th August and stood at $83 as on 10th September.
Going forward we expect the uptrend in Nickel prices to persist
supported by expectation of deficit for fourth straight year and supply
disruption from Indonesia. However, considering the sharp rally in face
of deteriorating growth outlook, bouts of correction cannot be ruled
out.
(The author is Head – Commodity Research at Kotak Securities.)
Disclaimer: The views and investment tips
expressed by investment expert on moneycontrol.com are his own and not
that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to
check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Posted by AGORACOM
at 8:57 AM on Thursday, September 12th, 2019
Leading endocrinology
and metabolism academic expert with research focus in pathophysiology
and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes
Robust business
development initiative to build biopharmaceuticals pipeline underway
with expectation to announce at least one in-licensing agreement before
year end
BEVERLY HILLS, CA/ ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2019 /Applied BioSciences Corp.
(OTCQB:APPB) (“Applied” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated
company focused on the development of science-driven cannabinoid
biopharmaceuticals and the production of high-quality CBD products,
today announced the appointment of Judith Korner, M.D., Ph.D., to its
Scientific Advisory Board for the biopharma business unit of the
Company, Applied BioPharma.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr.
Korner as a founding member of our Scientific Advisory Board. Over the
course of 2019, we have been purposefully focusing our corporate and
clinical strategies and the leadership surrounding those efforts. The
establishment of our Scientific Advisory Board and the appointment of
Dr. Korner as its inaugural member is another noteworthy milestone as we
continue to establish Applied as a leader in the endocannabinoid
biopharmaceuticals space. Dr. Korner’s expertise and insight will be
invaluable as we continue to build a solid foundation from which we can
launch future expansion and unlock the full potential of Applied
BioPharma,†commented Dr. Raymond Urbanski, Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Korner
currently serves as Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine
and Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at New York Presbyterian/
Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Her area of research
expertise is focused on the pathophysiology and treatment of obesity and
type 2 diabetes. She currently has funding from the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) to investigate peptide hormones that control hunger and
food intake, particularly in association with bariatric surgery. She
was the Principal Investigator of a NIH-funded trial to study the
effects of leptin administration after gastric bypass surgery on body
weight and neuroendocrine function and was the Principal Investigator at
Columbia University of a multi-center randomized trial of medical
management vs gastric bypass surgery for the treatment of diabetes. Dr.
Korner is also the Director of the Weight Control Center at Columbia
University Irving Medical Center that specializes in the medical
treatment of obesity or excessive weight gain. She has published
original research as well as chapters and review articles on weight
regulation and obesity therapy, serves as Vice Chair of the Board of
Directors of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and is a member of
several professional organizations including The Obesity Society, The
Endocrine Society, The American Diabetes Association, The New York
Obesity Research Center and the Diabetes and Endocrinology Research
Center at Columbia University. She has shared her expertise in the field
of obesity through on-site training and mentoring of students and
junior faculty and presentations at conferences world-wide.
Dr. Korner added,
“Applied has made great strides in laying a solid foundation for its
corporate and clinical development. I am pleased to be an inaugural
member of this Scientific Advisory Board for what I believe will be an
important Company in the endocannabinoid biopharmaceuticals space. With
the strategies in place and multiple near-term milestones ahead, I
believe Applied has the potential to significantly impact areas of unmet
need and I look forward to leveraging my expertise.â€
Dr. Korner received her medical
degree at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University
where she also obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular
Biophysics in the laboratory of Dr. Richard Axel. She completed her
internship and residency in Internal Medicine, served as Chief Medical
Resident, and completed her fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology and
Metabolism at Columbia University Medical Center.
The Applied BioPharma business
unit is focused on the development and commercialization of novel
therapeutics to treat serious diseases by leveraging an industry leading
pipeline of endocannabinoid system-targeted drug candidates.
The Company is actively seeking
in-license opportunities for Applied BioPharma with the goal of
developing an industry leading pipeline of endocannabinoid
system-targeted drug candidates that address significant unmet needs
across a wide range of therapeutic areas. The Applied management team
expects to announce at least one in-licensing agreement before year end.
About Applied BioSciences Corp.
Applied BioSciences is a
vertically integrated company focused on the development of
science-driven cannabinoid therapeutics / biopharmaceuticals and
delivering high-quality CBD products as well as state-of-the-art testing
and analytics capabilities to our customers. For more information,
visit the Company’s website.
Posted by AGORACOM
at 8:51 AM on Thursday, September 12th, 2019
Vertical entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent to partner on the distribution of Vertical’s Wollastonite from its world-class St-Onge Deposit in order to supply the fast growing cannabis and hemp industries.
Vertical’s high quality Wollastonite has been shown to be beneficial to cannabis plants in a variety of ways
In every case the most optimal results occurred with an admixture rate of 10% to 15% wollastonite to the growth medium.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2019 / VERTICAL EXPLORATION INC. (TSX-V:VERT) (“Vertical” or “the Company”) and AREV BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LTD. (AREV) (“AREV Brandsâ€) are pleased to announce that the two companies have entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to partner on the distribution of Vertical’s wollastonite from its world-class St-Onge Deposit in order to supply the fast growing cannabis and hemp industries.
Under the terms of the non-binding LOI, Vertical will enter into a Distribution Agreement with AREV Brands, whereby Vertical will supply its St-Onge wollastonite to AREV Brands for direct distribution to both small-scale craft growing operations and potentially larger-scale Health Canada approved companies directly involved in growing and processing cannabis and hemp.
Vertical’s high quality wollastonite has been shown to
be beneficial to cannabis plants in a variety of ways. In February
2019, Vertical announced the successful completion of Phase Three trials
involving cannabis grown with wollastonite (CaSiO3) as a soil additive
at BC Bud Depot’s (BCBD) ACMPR-licenced Research and Development
facilities in Vancouver, BC. In the Phase Three trials BCBD measured and
recorded significant improvements in root mass, powdery mildew control
and pest elimination. In every case the most optimal results occurred
with an admixture rate of 10% to 15% wollastonite to the growth medium.
Most notably, powdery mildew, the most common fungal blight to affect
Cannabis sativa, was virtually undetectable with wollastonite admixture
above 10%. An admixture above 10% wollastonite also correlated with
sharp reductions in the presence of thrips and fungus gnats, insect
pests with a sub-soil life phase in which the wollastonite crystals
lacerate and impale their soft bodies. At a microscopic level,
wollastonite’s needle-like structure penetrates soft-bodied insect
larvae and pupae, interrupting the life cycle without the use of
pesticides.
Wollastonite’s unique properties also allow it to
break down into calcium, magnesium and silicon in a highly bio-available
form that balances soil PH throughout the growth cycle – this allows
the cannabis plants to uptake silicic acid and promotes strong cell
walls that better resist insect feeding and spore penetration,
supporting increased growth and elevated product yields. (see February
5th, 2019 news release)
Vertical and AREV Brands believe there is a
significant cannabis and hemp market opportunity for Vertical’s St-Onge
wollastonite over both the near and longer term, and that the
anticipated distribution partnership will be highly beneficial to both
companies.
Further details regarding the Distribution Agreement
will be provided as soon as all terms of the Agreement have been
finalized between Vertical and AREV Brands. This transaction is subject
to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
ABOUT AREV BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AREV Brands International Ltd. (“AREVâ€) produces and
delivers functional compounds and ingredients from its world-class
extraction systems. AREV is revolutionizing the current delivery method
of terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids. These premium ingredients and
formulations are used in products targeted for sale in the natural
health, medical, functional food, nutraceutical, sport nutrition and
bioceutical markets. AREV innovates through extraction to produce
extracts from specific selected plant and exude from trees that address 5
areas of health including Anxiety, Pain Management, Insomnia, Central
Nervous System Disorders & Libido.
ABOUT VERTICAL EXPLORATION
Vertical Exploration’s mission is to identify,
acquire, and advance high potential mining prospects located in North
America for the benefit of its stakeholders. The Company’s flagship
St-Onge Wollastonite property is located in the Lac-Saint-Jean area in
the Province of Quebec.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Peter P. Swistak, President/CEO
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:25 AM on Thursday, September 12th, 2019
Double Digit Patient Growth
Company continues to see patient visits in corporate clinics increase by double digits, with July 2019 patients seen increasing by 42% to 1,817 over July 2018, and August 2019 patients seen increasing by 39% to 2,099.
Historically, summer months are seasonally slower and the Company anticipates continued double-digit growth in the patients seen count going forward.
VANCOUVER, Sept. 12, 2019 /CNW/ - EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE: CBDT) (OTC: EPWCF) (Frankfurt 8EC) (“Empower” or the “Company“), a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life sciences company, a multi-state operator of medical health & wellness clinics, a CBD product producer and operator of an extraction facility in Oregon, is pleased to announce it is participating as a marquee exhibitor in the Chicago Franchise Show https://www.franchiseexpochicago.com September 13th & 14th, 2019.
Franchise Expo Chicago (FEC) is the premier event covering the franchise industry for the Greater Chicago Area,
and serves as the industry’s one-stop shop for prospective franchisees.
Thousands of entrepreneurs and future business owners from across the United States will attend Franchise Expo Chicago, looking for franchise opportunities.
“Attending Franchise Expo Chicago (FEC) puts Sun Valley Health in
front of potentially thousands of entrepreneurs looking for a turnkey
and progressive business opportunity,” said Steven McAuley,
CEO of Empower. “The combination of offering health & wellness
services with premium CBD products lines and wellness products are in
high demand, and we believe Sun Valley Health can be the market leader.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Double Digit Patient Growth The Company continues to see patient visits in corporate clinics increase by double digits, with July 2019 patients seen increasing by 42% to 1,817 over July 2018, and August 2019
patients seen increasing by 39% to 2,099. Historically, summer months
are seasonally slower and the Company anticipates continued double-digit
growth in the patients seen count going forward.
Retail Product Kiosks The Company has completed the set up of its full retail product kiosks and display areas in its key Phoenix
clinics, with over (40) product SKU’s, including the CBD lines of
Sollievo, Sun Valley Science and a variety of premium health
supplements.
Extraction Facility Progress The
Company has been awarded its hemp-handlers license from the Oregon
Department of Agriculture, and now are approved to operate the new 5,000
sq. ft. facility in Sandy, OR.
Pathangay Architects have been retained to complete the design and
drawings, to submit permit approvals that commence the next phase of
build-out. Security systems and IT networks have been installed.
Hemp Bio-Mass Supply The Company has commenced RFP’s (Request For Proposal’s) to access the more than 1,300 licensed hemp famers in the State of Oregon, that are known to produce some of the highest quality hemp bio-mass in the United States.
CBD Market Demand The passing in the United States of the US$867 billion Agriculture Improvement Act (the “Farm Bill“)
has legalized hemp and hemp-based products. This has created an
opportunity for the production and sale of a variety of CBD-based
products that can provide genuine help and effective relief to millions
of people suffering from a variety of qualifying conditions. Recent
reports and studies indicate the approval of the Farm Bill could create a
US$20 billion industry by 2022
Sun Valley Health Franchise Sun Valley Health www.sunvalleyhealth.com
offers a scientific approach to alternative medicine supported by a
network of ten (10) corporate locations and a nationwide franchise
program that offers a turnkey opportunity including:
An
electronic medical system that handles patient data and sensitive
information, and deals with program tracking, referrals, and appointment
reminders
A proven operational system that has 165,000 patients in its database
A retail CBD and premium wellness product offer to diversify and attract customers
An
industry leading campaign management system using text messaging, email
and call center systems to engage patients and customers
Paperless communication channels that are HIPAA compliant
On-site and web-based training systems to develop franchisees
Sophisticated advertising programs proven to connect with local customers
Support and infrastructure to ensure franchisees have a formula for success
ABOUT EMPOWER
Empower is a vertically-integrated health & wellness brand with
it’s first hemp-derived CBD extraction facility under development, the
Company produces its proprietary line of cannabidiol (CBD) based
products and distributes products through company owned and franchised
clinics, with wholesale partnerships, online channels and with new
retail opportunities nationwide in the U.S. The company is a leading
multi-state operator of a network of physician-staffed wellness clinics,
focused on helping patients improve and protect their health, through
innovative physician recommended treatment options. The company has
commenced activity on how to connect its significant data, to the
potential of the efficacy of alternative treatment options related to
hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) therapies.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Steven McAuley Chief Executive Officer
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
statements regarding; the Company’s intention to open a hemp-based CBD
extraction facility, the expected benefits to the Company and its
shareholders as a result of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships;
the terms of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; the
effectiveness of the extraction technology; the expected benefits for
Empower’s patient base and customers; the benefits of CBD based
products; the effect of the approval of the Farm Bill; the growth of the
Company’s patient list and that the Company will be positioned to be a
market-leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2019
and beyond. 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 open a
hemp-based CBD extraction facility; that the hemp-based CBD extraction
facility may not be fully operation by Q2 2019 if at all; that
legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business
and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain
adequate financing to pursue its business plan; general business,
economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to
obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed
acquisitions and partnerships; 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.
Investors: Steve Low, Boom Capital Markets,
[email protected], 647-620-5101; Investors: Steven McAuley,
CEO, [email protected], 604-789-2146Copyright CNW Group 2019
Tags: Cannabis, CBD, CSE, Hemp, Marijuana, stocks, tsx, tsx-v, weed Posted in Empower Clinics Inc. | Comments Off on Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca Subsidiary Sun Valley Health Exhibits at the Chicago Franchise Show and Provides Corporate Update Highlighting Double Digit Patient Growth $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 2:27 PM on Wednesday, September 11th, 2019
If there’s one thing investors don’t like, its surprises with their
stocks. A nice easy story is often elusive, but when it appears, it
should be noted for the value it offers.
That’s the theme behind Canadian cannabis producer NORTH BUD Farms Inc. (CSE: NBUD, OTCQB:NOBDF, Forum).
At a time when the industry is looking to “Legalization 2.0†as an
incoming wave of new cannabis-infused products, there is also a new type
of cannabis company emerging. In this case, with NBUD, it boasts the
merit of being one of the very lowest market caps of any cannabis
operator on the Canadian Securities Exchange at around $15 million as of
early September 2019.
Trading at less than 1X its 2020 projected revenue in Canada alone,
the Company is one of the most reasonably-priced operators. Its chief
asset: A purpose-built facility with projected yields and revenues
coming down the pipeline next year. As a one-off Canadian licensed
producer (LP), it offers a clean prospect. In an interview talking about
his Company with Stockhouse Editorial, CEO Ryan Brown described the
mindset behind NORTHBUD brand:
“Every time someone buys a NORTHBUD product, I want them to feel
like they bought a case of Heineken and they paid the price of Budweiser
for it.â€
CEO Brown laid out the Company’s strategy through three questions that help define NBUD’s goals:
Who is our audience?
What do they consume?
What do they have to build to efficiently and cost-effectively produce those products for that consumer?
Share prices among cannabis companies have been hit hard, but that
doesn’t mean the industry is going away. The next opportunity is still
out there. As we approach a year post-legalization in Canada, the risk /
reward scenario for a lot of operators looks much clearer.
With NORTHBUD, the Company presents rewards that are quite tangible
when looking at the grand scheme of investing in cannabis, with really
no greater risk than any other company. While other operators
struggle to meet demand for products, this is a clean operator with a
straightforward story about a stock moving quickly in a green direction,
rather than into the red.
The “2.0†philosophy is about more than just legalizing a new type of
cannabis product or greater availability for dried flower, but it is
also about new company structure, how they’re built-out, financed and
how this shapes their market caps. An investor doesn’t have to look very
far to find a licensed cannabis company of a comparable size to NBUD
trading at even 2.5 – 3.5X their market value, but this is
where the Company’s upside comes from. With other players in the field,
there are often some “unlocks†with their shares that can take an
investor by surprise. Since NBUD listed in September 2018, all of its
shares are left on the table, basically unlocked, there’s no “Acreage
scenario†where traders invest early and get slammed by insider unlocks.
Company leadership took this into consideration when it decided to go
public and is still trading around its IPO issue price in a tense
market, which indicate it is on the right path from a business and
investment perspective. An investor knows exactly what they are getting.
Product Timeline:
NORTHBUD is looking at a 2020 rollout for the release of its brand of
flower to the market, which will be available as dried flower and
pre-roll products. As a consumer-facing brand, its focus will be on a
market demographic within the existing consumer base that is not
currently buying from the legal market. The target is the 80% of
consumers who go for “grey” and “white†market suppliers, which has been
estimated to be worth roughly $3 billion, according to cannabis business accelerator Grow Tech Labs.
How NORTHBUD intends to penetrate that market, is by ensuring it always has a very favourable cost-to-value ratio. The Heineken quality for Budweiser price
philosophy, at a time when many other companies are focused on premium
products or the cheapest product in the biggest growing space, when a
large portion of the market is looking for something else.
Facility:
NORTHBUD completed its Phase One indoor cannabis cultivation facility in August 2019
and submitted the facility’s Evidence of Readiness Package to Health
Canada. As soon as shovels went into the ground, CEO Brown stated that
efficiency and productivity were the main objectives when building this
facility.
The objective here wasn’t to shove as much growth space into the
building as possible, nor was it to make a claim that it has X-amount of
growth space, just focus on tangible size for a Phase One project in a
manner that would be conductive to producing good quality products.
What makes this project unique, is that it is built on a large piece
of agricultural land, much larger than what is required for the
Company’s operations now. It is currently using more than adequate space
to produce a significant number of clones, while also being ready for
outdoor planting come spring 2020. Instead of cramming the facility full
of as much equipment as possible at the expense if workflow and
employee comfort, NORTHBUD left room to expand and grow. This is a
different approach for a cannabis operator, designing a functional
production facility for a Company of this size.
Unlike other operators in the “1.0†cannabis phase who just wanted to
get a building licensed and run a profitable company, NORTHBUD looked
to the future and decided to place their facility in a rural setting
before work began. Others are now looking for cheaper plots of land in
rural settings as their urban operations have become too expensive to
run.
CEO Brown noted that the facility was built to Good Manufacturing
Practice (GMP) standards, even though the Company has not applied to
that certification but wanted to be following that standard with brand
new, state-of-the-art equipment. From the start, the thought process was
to build the facility with the target consumer in mind in the most
economical way possible.
(Image via NORTHBUD Corporate update video.)
Company History:
Founded in June 2018 as a division of NORTHBUD Capital Holdings Ltd.
(which is also one of the the Company’s largest investors), NBUD
acquired a late-stage Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes
Regulations (ACMPR) application from Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (TSX: V.TBP).
At the time, it was believed that there was value in legacy
applications and if there was going to be any shakeups in the way Health
Canada process the applications, NORTHBUD would be insulated by
acquiring that application early, rather than starting from scratch.
Since the federal government did just that when it put the Cannabis Act
ahead and amended the criminal code, it was a solid plan in hindsight.
This legacy application was the start of the Company’s focus on
efficient operations, as it provided the best environment to move
forward in what has been considered a rather risky industry. The
approach added security for both NORTHBUD but also its investors.
NORTHBUD raised capital through a variety of financing rounds,
including an IPO at $0.25 cents a share and began construction at its
facility.
CEO Brown was intrigued by the project while he was at Tetra. He has
experience as an investor in cannabis and felt like he could offer a lot
to building the Company and its brand, as opposed to solely focusing on
investing into it. Now he comes back full-circle as an operator in this
space, helping to grow the Company.
(NORTHBUD facility, aerial view.)
With an eye to close more deals in the near future, NORTHBUD is
continuing to build its footprint across what it sees as the four
largest markets in North America.
California – The largest cannabis market (expected to reach $3.1 billion in 2019 sales)
Nevada – Boasting a massive tourist advantage, the state has a high retail price, but devoid of a black-market supply
NORTHBUD Farms’ chief intent is to make sure its customers feel like
they get more value out of these products than the money they spent. The
customers will come to know what the brand feels like. This is how a
legacy following is built – the type of consumer who knows what they are
buying before they make that purchase.
These metrics are more straightforward to measure now that we
approach a year’s worth of legal sales and can see where the sweet spots
in the market exist. This is where NORTHBUD has targeted to operate.
The Company is run by individuals who are cannabis industry experts,
not high tech or CPG types. They come from the cannabis industry and see
this as their opportunity to be involved in bringing a successful
Company to market, build a brand and get behind it. By the cannabis
consumer for the cannabis consumer.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 1:21 PM on Wednesday, September 11th, 2019
SPONSOR: Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSX-V: EGLX) Uniting gaming communities with 85 owned and affiliated websites, currently reaching over 150 million monthly visitors. The company exceeded 2018 target with $11.0 million in revenue. Learn More
—————–
Players at the 2019 Fortnite World Cup in New York. Photo: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images
Analysis:
competitive multi-player video gaming is now a global phenomenon and a
way for schools to engage children in new and dynamic ways
A change may be ahead thanks to the evolution of esports and growing media attention for events like 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf’s recent $3 million win at the Epic Games Fortnite World Cup in New York (and Dubliner Joshua Juliano winning $50,000 at the same tournament).
These are the types of questions parents and educators are asking themselves in environments where esports are done right, holistically considered and responsibly deployed.
Would
you be so quick to shut off your child’s video game system if you knew
that it could be a portal to a scholarship at an international
university or a career in a billion-dollar industry? What about if it
led to a reduction in your child’s anxiety, better connections with
his/her peers or an interest in developing better sleep and nutritional
habits?
A change may be ahead thanks to the evolution of esports and growing media attention for events like 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf’s recent $3 million win at the Epic Games Fortnite World Cup in New York (and Dubliner Joshua Juliano
winning $50,000 at the same tournament). These are the types of
questions parents and educators are asking themselves in environments
where esports are done right, holistically considered and responsibly
deployed.
From
RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, Dublin gamer Joshua Juliano talks about
winning $50,000 at the Epic Games Fortnite World Cup in New York
But first, a pause for those quizzically cocking their heads to the side: what exactly is esports?
Esports
is organised, competitive, multi-player video gaming. Much like how
when we talk about traditional “sports” which encompass basketball,
football and swimming, there are a lot of games that fall into the realm
of esports. Titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Rocket League and Fortnite are among the most popular.
Of
course, dedicating hours to playing these games on its own does not make
someone an esports athlete. While tossing a ball around the yard with
friends can be considered “playing football”, it takes organisation,
dedication, discipline and training to be “a football player.” And
there’s a similar difference between casual gaming and esports.
In
schools across the United States, we are always looking to engage
children in new and dynamic ways. Of paramount importance is meeting
children where they’re at: what do kids naturally love to do and how can
we add value to that space without negatively impacting the joy they
find there?
From
RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, an interview with Mark Campbell from the
Lero esports research lab at the University of Limerick
Pew Research
shows 97% of boys and 83% of girls aged 13 to 17 in the US identify as
being a gamer of some kind. Those demographics cut across race and
socio-economics. To responsibly guide the evolution of esports in
education and harness its potential, we must tap into the intrinsic
motivation – or behaviours based on inherent enjoyment – of gamers and
embrace the opportunities for connection offered on the gaming field.
Being
respectful in our messaging is one of the first steps to take. Would we
tell kids that they draw too much? Dance too much? Play an instrument
too much? Hopefully not. Yet too often, video games are dismissed as “a
waste of time by adults who have not researched the profoundly positive
impact they can have when implemented responsibly. The modern space in
which the majority of children are choosing to engage in some way is in
video games so let’s meet them there and understand why instead of
negating their passion for play.
Why embrace esports?
There are five core attrributes which should be at the heart of any program your child joins or your school implements:
(1) Redefine athletic culture
(2) Diversify opportunities for student participation
(3) Promote good mental and physical Hhealth
(4) Create career and further education scholarship opportunities
From RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, Adam Maguire reports from the final of the inaugural Estars Ireland esports tournament
Esports
redefines athletic culture by encouraging children of all races,
abilities and genders to compete in a space where their passion for play
is the most prominent part of their identity as an athlete. Esports is
an opportunity for everyone to come together in a shared space around a
love of gaming.
In
bringing children together across demographics, you diversify
opportunities for their participation in extracurricular activities. Research
shows that students engaged in extracurricular activities have higher
grade point averages, better attendance and increased graduation rates.
Many children who do not fit traditional athletic ideals are often left
on the margins, but participating in esports draws them into a community
in which they belong.
Having
children intrinsically motivated to be part of their school’s esports
experience, the conversation then begins to shift towards things
typically not associated with video games such as positive mental and
physical health. The importance of good sleep habits, proper nutrition
and a dedicated exercise regimen are critical aspects of a responsible
esports program. Kids are far more likely to pass over energy drinks in
favour of water when they learn, for example, how their gaming
performance is negatively impacted after the sugar crash. They also
learn to choose snacks that increase their focus during tournaments or
to take part in exercises (like yoga and weights) that help regulate
their heart rate and add stamina during matches.
As part
of this ecosystem, we employ aspects of traditional sports training.
Weight training helps develop complex reasoning skills and aerobic
training promotes problem-solving skills. Additionally, research
indicates that two of the best ways to promote good mental health are
with positive adult interactions and through play. The key is meeting
kids in the space they love to deliver the messaging.
From RTÉ 2fm’s Game On, Rob Wright from RTÉ Sport on the growth of video games as a sport in Ireland and globally
US
colleges and universities have begun to take note of esports and are
attracting students with scholarships of varying sizes. In 2023, there
will be an estimated $100m (€90.6 million) in scholarship money
available related to esports. The opportunity to access these
scholarships is greatly enhanced when primary and secondary schools
formally embrace esports.
Higher
learning institutions recognise that esports is a billion-dollar
industry in which playing games is just one element. Marketing, sports
nutrition, broadcasting, psychology, esports law, business management,
digital art, storytelling, computer science: these are just some of the
career paths through this new ecosystem.
Probably
the most important aspect of esports to be considered is that, at its
heart, this is all about play. By providing these environments for
children to play, we are helping to defray the issue of online toxicity
and helping them navigate their world as we would on a traditional
playground.
Posted by AGORACOM
at 9:25 AM on Wednesday, September 11th, 2019
The drilling success at American Creek’s Treaty Creek property in BC’s Golden Triangle is showing the potential to give shareholders the type of return experienced by investors in the neighbouring Seabridge KSM a decade ago. Treaty Creek’s Goldstorm deposit is producing world class results including 563m of 0.98 g/t gold and the most recent hole; a 780 meter intercept of 0.683 g/t gold including a high grade upper portion of 1.095 g/t over 370.5 meters. There are some distinct advantages that the Goldstorm has over the KSM which puts American Creek in a uniquely undervalued position within the area.
3 Critical Factors Highlight Treaty Creek Advantage Over KSM:
Treaty Creek Similarities to KSM:
Part of the same Sulphurets Hydrothermal System that contains a mind boggling 188M oz gold, 1.2B oz silver and 55B lbs of copper (all categories) to date (P&P reserves of 47M oz Au, 214M oz Ag, and 10B lbs Cu)
Same trend – deposits occur about every 2-3 km going north with gold grades increasing as the system extends northward – The Goldstorm zone on Treaty Creek is the most northerly deposit
Same Sulphurets thrust fault which Seabridge states was responsible for the KSM deposits – same type of mineral formation beneath the fault
Same types of world-scale deposits (Porphyry and intrusion related) on both properties
Large deposits are found near the red “discovery line†and the Sulphurets fault
2. Treaty Creek Advantages over KSM:
Better logistics – Treaty Creek is located on “the right side of the mountain†with direct access to power and highway leading to the shipping port
Potentially better grades with initial estimates of 1.25 g/t Au at the Goldstorm / Copper Belle Deposit
Potential open pit design requiring a fraction of the capital cost of KSM with a shorter pay back period
Unlike the KSM which consists of copper deposits with low-grade gold, Goldstorm is a gold deposit and does not rely on the value other metals
At the discovery stage of the mining life-cycle where biggest gains are typically made. AMK offers considerable more shareholder upside with each ounce added compared to KSM.
3. KSM dependence on Treaty Creek:
KSM is dependent on twin 22.8km tunnels (MTT), of which 12.2km lies within the Treaty Creek mineral tenures, to get KSM ore to a proposed processing facility and tailings pond
The proposed route for the MTT runs through Treaty Creek in the same general location as the following:
The Kyba Discovery Line – a major geological marker for large deposits
The Sulphurets thrust fault – a major geological marker for large deposits
Geoclastic sequencing – a major geological marker for large deposits
Magnetotelluric anomalies indicating potential large mineral deposits
Magnetic anomalies indicating potential large mineral deposits
American Creek has already increased close to 300% since spring and yet only the initial results from the Goldstorm have come out. Based on the geology, geophysics, and results so far it looks as though things have just started for the company. A major drill program is presently being conducted at Treaty Creek by JV partner and operator Tudor Gold. There are now two drills working on the Goldstorm zone with the objective of defining a significant maiden gold resource. The last hole reported included a 780 meter intercept of 0.683 g/t gold including a higher grade upper portion of 1.095 g/t over 370.5 meters. The Treaty Creek Project is a Joint Venture with Tudor Gold owning 60% and acting as operator, with American Creek holding a 20% interest in the project. American Creek is fully carried until such time as a Production Notice is issued. Until such time, Tudor is required to fund all exploration and development costs while American Creek has a “free rideâ€.
For further information please contact Kelvin Burton at: Phone: 403 752-4040 or Email: [email protected]. Information relating to the Corporation is available on its website at www.americancreek.com
Hub on Agoracom FULL DISCLOSURE: American Creek is an advertising client of AGORA Internet Relations Corp.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:25 AM on Wednesday, September 11th, 2019
Payment made seven months ahead of schedule to acquire 100% economic ownership of largest female online gaming community
Completed, ahead of schedule, the deferred payment obligation related to its previously announced acquisition of the assets of The Sims Resource
The payment satisfied all obligations of the acquisition of TSR from Generatorhallen AB and IBIBI HB, which closed on April 12, 2019.
Toronto, Ontario–(September 11, 2019) – Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: EGLX) (“Enthusiast Gaming” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that it has completed, ahead of schedule, the deferred payment obligation related to its previously announced acquisition of the assets of The Sims Resource (“TSR“). The payment satisfied all obligations of the acquisition of TSR from Generatorhallen AB and IBIBI HB, which closed on April 12, 2019.
TSR is the world’s largest female online video gaming content and
community destination, offering custom content built around the popular
Sims™ video game franchise, which can be downloaded by users to alter
and/or expand gameplay. TSR fans generated over 2.5 billion page views
last year, while the property earned C$7 million revenue – split between
advertising and recurring monthly paid subscribers – and C$5.25 million
in Adjusted EBITDA. Since Enthusiast Gaming closed the transaction with
TSR in April 2019, the number of monthly subscribers has grown nearly
30%.
Enthusiast Gaming utilized part of the available capital proceeds
from its recent merger with Aquilini GameCo. and Luminosity Gaming to
pay down the deferred payment obligation ahead of schedule and unlock a
number of strategic and economic benefits including:
Increase the number of leading video media and content sites under
full ownership. Full ownership and integration allows Enthusiast Gaming
to implement an optimized advertising and content strategy to increase
revenue and gross margin.
Ability to leverage paid subscription models across the Enthusiast Gaming platform.
Unlocks an additional 70% of the EBITDA that had previously been returned to the Vendors, seven months early.
Highly accretive use of cash proceeds following the completion of merger with Aquilini GameCo.
TSR management and content creators have joined the Enthusiast Gaming team and are excited to manage the next phase of growth.
Menashe Kestenbaum, President of Enthusiast Gaming commented, “Paying
down the deferred payment ahead of schedule to TSR was an extremely
important first step for the new Enthusiast Gaming. Having 100% economic
and strategic control of TSR provides significant upside potential to
increase our revenue/user and value/user – two key metrics for
Enthusiast Gaming moving forward.” He continued, “Two of our
primary growth opportunities include driving revenue through direct
sales and adopting monthly, paid subscriber models across our network of
video game media sites. Since we announced the acquisition of TSR, we
have already seen steady growth of its subscriber base and it will be a
key factor in achieving success across both key metrics.”
About Enthusiast Gaming
Enthusiast Gaming is one of the largest vertically integrated video
game and esports companies in the world. The Company’s digital platform
includes +85 gaming related websites and 900 YouTube channels which
collectively reach 150 million visitors monthly. Enthusiast’s esports
division, Luminosity Gaming, a leading global esports organization
consists of 8 professional esports teams under ownership and management,
including the #1 ranked Overwatch team, the Vancouver Titans and over
50 gaming influencers with a total audience of 60 million followers.
Collectively, the community reaches over 200 million gaming enthusiasts
on a monthly basis. Enthusiast also owns and operates Canada’s largest
gaming expo, Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo, EGLX, (eglx.ca) with approximately 55,000 people attending in 2018. For more information on the Company, visit www.enthusiastgaming.com. For more information on Luminosity Gaming, please visit luminosity.gg
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Investor Relations: Julia Becker Head of Investor Relations & Marketing [email protected] (604) 785.0850
Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements.
Forward looking statements consist of statements that are not purely
historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans,
expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are
subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results,
performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in
the statements, including risks related to factors beyond the control
of Enthusiast Gaming. The risks include risks that are customary to
transactions of this nature and customary to companies which have their
stock traded on the TSXV. 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 Enthusiast Gaming will obtain from them.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or
solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United
States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under
the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S.
Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or
sold within the United States or to a U.S. Person unless registered
under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an
exemption from such registration is available.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Posted by AGORACOM
at 9:45 PM on Tuesday, September 10th, 2019
SPONSOR: Advance Gold AAX.v – Advance Gold controls 100% interest in the Tabasquena Silver Mine in Zacatecas, Mexico. A cluster of 30 Epithermal veins have been discovered, with recent emphasis on exploring a large anomaly to drill. Advance also owns 15% of the Kakamega JV attached to Barrick Takeover Offer for Acacia Mining. Click Here For More Info
Value of Russia’s gold reserves climbed 42% in the past year
Russia is diversifying from U.S. assets and gold has rallied
Russia’s long-running bet on gold is looking better every month.
The
country quadrupled gold reserves in the past decade as it diversified
away from U.S. assets, a move that has paid off recently as haven demand
sent prices to a six-year high. In the past year, the value of the
nation’s gold jumped 42% to $109.5 billion and the metal now makes up the biggest share of Russia’s total reserves since 2000.
Russia’s central bank has been the largest buyer of gold in
the past few years as President Vladimir Putin seeks to break reliance
on the U.S. dollar as relations between the countries remain strained.
If Russia did need to tap its gold holding, it would fetch a hefty price
— the metal is heading for the best year since 2010 as the U.S.-China
trade war hurts global growth and central banks ease monetary policy.
“Russia
prefers to cushion its macroeconomic stability through politically
neutral tools,†said Vladimir Miklashevsky, a strategist at Danske Bank
A/S in Helsinki. “There is a massive substitution of U.S. dollar assets
by gold — a strategy which has earned billions of dollars for the Bank
of Russia just within several months.â€
More on Russia’s reserves
Russia’s
gold reserves total more than 2,200 tons, the fifth-biggest hoard by
country, and gold now accounts for 20.7% of overall reserves.The value of Russia’s currency reserves are up 9.5% in the past year, lagging the gains seen in bullion.The
central bank bought about 106 tons so far this year, the latest data
show. That’s down 19% from the same period in 2018 but still more than
any other nation.Last year, Russia’s gold buying exceeded its mine supply for the first time.
Russia
isn’t alone in hoarding gold. China, Kazakhstan and Poland have been
among the biggest buyers in the past couple of years, and global
holdings are expected to increase for a while yet.
Not all of Russia’s moves are paying off. Last year, the central bank shifted
about $100 billion of U.S. holdings into euros, yuan and the yen, and
since then the Chinese currency has dropped. Russia also missed out on
the rally in U.S. Treasuries.
Russia may keep buying gold to compensate for those other
losses in its reserves, said Kirill Tremasov, a former Economics
Ministry official and now director of analysis at Loko-Invest in Moscow.
So far it’s working, with gold up 18% this year to $1,513 an ounce.
For
Russia at least, it’s more about diversification than benefiting from
the price. The central bank started buying gold more than a decade ago
as it rallied toward 2011‘s record, and kept adding when prices dropped
in the following few years.
“The central bank is unlikely to have
pursued the goal of earning in the process of managing gold reserves,â€
Dmitry Dolgin, an economist at ING Bank, said by email. “The buying was
rather about diversification of assets
