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Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca Announces Joint Venture with Heritage Cannabis for the Production of Hemp Derived #CBD Oils and Formulated Products in Oregon USA $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:55 AM on Tuesday, September 17th, 2019
  • Announced that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to form a Joint Venture Partnership with HERITAGE CANNABIS HOLDINGS CORP. (CSE: CANN) in Sandy, OR for the extraction of hemp for CBD oil production, and formulated CBD products
  • Heritage, via its wholly owned subsidiary Purefarma Solutions Inc., will install extraction units and related downstream extraction equipment inside Empower’s existing 5,000 sq. ft. licenced hemp processing facility in Sandy, OR.
  • JV will be equally funded by both companies with Heritage investing an initial $500,000 for start-up funds, as the build out completes and the JV secures high quality hemp supply from local growers.

VANCOUVER, Sept. 17, 2019 – EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE: CBDT) (OTC: EPWCF) (Frankfurt 8EC) (“Empower” or the “Company“), a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life sciences company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to form a Joint Venture Partnership (“JV”) with HERITAGE CANNABIS HOLDINGS CORP. (CSE: CANN) (“Heritage“) in Sandy, OR for the extraction of hemp for CBD oil production, and formulated CBD products.

Terms of the LOI have Empower and Heritage each with a 50% ownership of the JV. Heritage, via its wholly owned subsidiary Purefarma Solutions Inc. (“Purefarma”), will install extraction units and related downstream extraction equipment inside Empower’s existing 5,000 sq. ft. licenced hemp processing facility in Sandy, OR. In addition, Purefarma will train and supervise the staff on the proprietary methods of extraction and oil production that it produces in Canada. The JV will be equally funded by both companies with Heritage investing an initial $500,000 for start-up funds, as the build out completes and the JV secures high quality hemp supply from local growers.

Once operational, the JV will begin producing proprietary branded products for Empower’s corporately owned physician staffed health clinics in Washington State, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona. These clinics include Sun Valley Health (“Sun Valley”), a subsidiary of Empower, which has direct marketing access to over 165,000 patients and growing as Sun Valley expands its franchised network nationwide. The JV will utilize formulations from Heritage in Canada, as well as manufacture proprietary Sollievo branded products that Empower distributes throughout its clinic network.

“By moving forward with Heritage in this JV, it allows us to execute our growth strategy more quickly and efficiently. We will expand our clinics and CBD product offerings throughout the USA via our franchise model, as we aim to become a significant part of the cannabis wellness marketplace.” states Steven McAuley, Empower’s Chief Executive Officer.

The JV will also look to manufacture white label products for other distributors throughout the USA, and it is currently in talks with several potential customers to produce tinctures, topicals, gel caps and formulated bulk CBD oil.  

“This is a big step for Heritage as we expand our unique capabilities south of the border into the USA. We are fortunate to be working with Empower as they bring distribution, and a licensed facility which will allow us to begin immediately filling an order pipeline.” says Clint Sharples, CEO of Heritage “Since our 30% acquisition of Endocanna Health in California, they have introduced us to many quality opportunities, including this one with Empower, and are targeting many more in the future.”

Additional HIGHLIGHTS

  • 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. The Company intends to include these assets as part of the JV.

  • Hemp Bio-Mass Supply The Company has commenced RFP’s (Request For Proposal’s) to access the more than 1,300 licensed hemp farmers 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$23 billion industry by 2023

  • Sun Valley Health Franchise Sun Valley Health www.sunvalleyhealth.com offers a scientific approach to alternative medicine supported by a network of nine (9) 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.

About Heritage Cannabis Holdings Corp.

The Company is a vertically integrated cannabis provider that currently has two Health Canada approved licenced producers, through its subsidiaries Voyage Cannabis Corp. and CannaCure Corp. both regulated under the Cannabis Act Regulations. Working under these two licences, Heritage has two additional subsidiaries, Purefarma Solutions, which provides extraction services, and BriteLife Sciences that is focused on cannabis based medical solutions. Heritage as the parent Company, is focused on providing resources for its subsidiaries to advance their products or services to compete both domestically and internationally.

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 JV 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 in 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 JV 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.

SOURCE Empower Clinics Inc.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2019/17/c9158.html

Investors: Steve Low, Boom Capital Markets, [email protected], 647-620-5101; Investors: Steven McAuley, CEO, [email protected], 604-789-2146Copyright CNW Group 2019

As Canada gears up for #pot 2.0, more shortages are on the menu, bodes well for #NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:04 PM on Monday, September 16th, 2019

SPONSOR: NORTHBUD (NBUD:CSE) Sustainable low cost, high quality cannabinoid production and procurement focusing on both bio-pharmaceutical development and Cannabinoid Infused Products. Learn More.

NBUD: CSE

As Canada gears up for pot 2.0, more shortages are on the menu

  • Canada will add edibles, extracts and topicals to the list of legal cannabis products no later than Oct. 17.
  • Many analysts agree these products will generate better demand and margins than dried flower.
  • But the federal government has not yet issued regulations for the new formats, making it difficult for producers to prepare lest they unknowingly violate some rule.

By: Kristine Owram, Bloomberg News

Canada’s legalization of pot edibles later this year is facing an even more shambolic start than the dried flower market, which is still struggling to meet demand, according to industry players.

“At least that time we knew what the permissible product types were going to be and were already making them in the medical context,” said cannabis lawyer Trina Fraser, a partner at Brazeau Seller Law in Ottawa.

Canada will add edibles, extracts and topicals to the list of legal cannabis products no later than Oct. 17. Many analysts agree these products will generate better demand and margins than dried flower. But the federal government has not yet issued regulations for the new formats, making it difficult for producers to prepare lest they unknowingly violate some rule.

A spokeswoman for Health Canada declined to comment on when the regulations will be released.

In addition, a huge licensing backlog has built up at Health Canada, the government agency that oversees cannabis regulations. About 614 applications were waiting in the queue as of March 31.

“A full rollout amongst a nice wide array of producers and a wide array of these new product types is going to take time, literally years, because we have such a licensing backlog,” Fraser said.

Company Stockpiling

Canada’s market for edibles and other alternative pot produces will eventually be worth C$2.7 billion ($2 billion) annually, but consumers should expect “missteps, delays and frustration” in the early days, Deloitte said in a report published Monday. Jennifer Lee, Deloitte Canada’s cannabis national leader, estimated it will be a minimum of 24 months before the industry normalizes.

In the meantime, many pot companies are stockpiling, choosing to forgo revenue today to ensure they have enough supply for the new high-value products. This is exacerbating the shortage of dried flower, but executives say it’s worth it.

“We’ve made a very conscious effort to delay revenue,” said Chuck Rifici, chief executive officer of Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. Selling into the market today doesn’t build brand recognition because shelves are empty and consumers are buying whatever’s available, he added. “I would much rather save that product, get a multiple of margin on that brand and make sure that I have enough inventory.”

Lab Delays

This is proving to be a boon for extraction companies like Valens GroWorks Corp. Valens has contracts with many of the biggest pot companies, including Canopy Growth Corp., Hexo Corp. and Tilray Inc., to extract cannabis oil from their plants, which is then used for products like edibles and vape cartridges. It’s also investing heavily in its testing labs in the belief that Health Canada will have stringent regulations to ensure pesticides and other contaminants don’t make it into the new consumer products.

“Even in labs today there’s delays where people are waiting three weeks to a month to get lab results back and I think that will only get worse,” said Everett Knight, Valens’ executive vice president of strategy and investments.

Companies are also making big bets on what products will be in demand, with Canopy and Hexo leaning toward cannabis beverages and others toward vaping.

Be Prepared

“Why do I want an edible or a drink when I can have a vape?” Irwin Simon, interim CEO of Aphria Inc., said in an interview on the sidelines of a cannabis conference last month. “I see the margins and the opportunities there.”

Rifici at Auxly also believes vape pens will be “the most important category by far.” But there are many unanswered questions. For example, will the government require companies to engrave its mandatory THC warning symbol into the pen itself, or will a sticker suffice?

This is why Valens is offering its customers 196 different options for its white-label vape pens. “You’ve got to make sure you cover your bases and prepare for all the possibilities,” Knight said.

Despite the uncertainty, it’s better to be prepared even if plans and production lines have to be tweaked once the regulations come out, said Bruce Linton, CEO of Canopy, which is building a 197,000 square foot bottling plant for cannabis beverages in Smiths Falls, Ontario.

“We’re in a situation where it’s better to spend money to be ready than to save money and be late,” he said.

 Cannabis Canada is BNN Bloomberg’s in-depth series exploring the stunning formation of the entirely new – and controversial – Canadian recreational marijuana industry. Read more from the special series here and subscribe to our Cannabis Canada newsletter to have the latest marijuana news delivered directly to your inbox every day.

Source: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/as-canada-gears-up-for-pot-2-0-more-shortages-are-on-the-menu-1.1268844

8 Ways #Edtech Startups Are Setting Classroom-Innovation Trends – SPONSOR: betterU Education $BTRU.ca $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:07 AM on Monday, September 16th, 2019

SPONSOR:  Betteru Education Corp. The Only Education Marketplace In India Serving 1.3 Billion Potential Customers Click here for more information.

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By: Devishobha Chandramouli

  • Change drives change.
  • Technology and digital footprints have altered the way businesses work, employees perceive work and even the way families function.
  • Classrooms were not to be left behind. In 2018, there was a marked increase in investor interest in learning startups, especially those that are AI-based.
  • According to a report by market-research firm Metaari titled “The Stunning 2018 Global Learning Technology Investment Patterns: The Rise of the Global Edtech Unicorns,” the investments made to EdTech companies soared past $16.34 billion, with China and the U.S. leading the way, followed by India and Israel.
  • More recently, UK education conglomerate  Pearson announced a commitment of  $50 million solely to fund next generation EdTech startups to keep up with changing trends.

With that in mind, here are eight ways in which EdTech is shaping the next generation’s skills through tech intervention.

1. Immersive Learning

Classroom learning is no longer relegated to the chalkboard. Today, students can participate in immersive experiences while learning about everything from specific timelines in history to climate change in Antarctica. EdTech companies like Early Adopter work with educators to create augmented-reality tutorials, including virtually transporting students to the surface of the moon while reading books about space. 

2. Industry-Specific Learning

Today’s fast-paced business sectors require that learners enter the workforce with a fundamental understanding of how an industry works. Companies like Yellowbrick and InternView create industry-specific online programs by partnering with major colleges, media outlets and organizations with a goal of helping learners get useful training in the industries they’re passionate about.

3. Seamless Classrooms

With limited resources and time-based pressures, it’s increasingly difficult for teachers to ensure 100 percent student comprehension. That’s why companies like Brainly and OneClass have decided to connect the whole world as one collaborative learning group that’s capable of adapting dynamically to global topics and trends. Theirs is a great example of using technology as a leveler while governments figure out how to invest more in the classroom experience. 

4. Big Data

As test scores and attendance persist as traditional metrics for classroom success, seemingly simplistic technologies are creating ripples. Companies like Peachjar promote parent-teacher collaboration and engagement in extracurricular activities using big-data analytics to discover new ideas, opportunities and resources available across the country.

5. Future-Ready Design

With AI set to wipe out millions of repetitive tasks, experts predict that everything that can be automated will be automated in the future, sparking enormous demand for skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, ideation, creativity and, most importantly, empathy. EdTech startups such as Cartedo provide students with a future-readiness platform and design-thinking workshops to develop creative confidence. The foremost goal is to equip students to become agents of change in their own communities, even encouraging them to work on solutions to address subject matter as lofty as UN sustainability and development goals.

6. Gamification.

Classrooms are coming alive with personalized, adaptive learning through gamification. Platforms like Mangahigh are employing gamification to ease understanding of even serious subjects like math by encouraging participation, engagement and collaboration. Gamification also improves context-based comprehension through adaptive and personalized learning.

7. Digital Safety

Given kids’s increased engagement with the internet, there is a need for designing online spaces that are safe for young learners. One company leading the charge is AI-based platform Securly, which intuits risks of bullying and self-harm and innovates protections that meet modern needs.

8. Sustainability and Life Skills

The tendency to confine classroom instruction to solely academic goals is slowly but surely diminishing. Companies like Mindvalley collaborate with schools to impart online lessons on living a meaningful life. Topics include communication and negotiation, finding purpose, staying calm under stress and sustainability design. In other words, all the skills required in real life. 

Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/334000

Enthusiast Gaming $EGLX.ca Announces the Vancouver #Titans Are Heading to Grand Finals with $3.5M Prize Pool #Esports $EPY.ca $FDM.ca $WINR $TCEHF $ATVI $TNA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:23 AM on Monday, September 16th, 2019
  • Vancouver Titans, a professional esports team which the Company has a non-controlling interest in, will be competing in the Overwatch Grand Finals on September 29, 2019 in Philadelphia.
  • The #1 ranked Vancouver Titans team is competing in its first season of the Overwatch League with a season record of 25-3.
  • Winning team taking home US$1.1 million from the total prize pool of US$3.5 million.
  • Finals will be held at sold out Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and broadcast on ESPN and ABC

Toronto, Ontario–(September 16, 2019) –  Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: EGLX) (“Enthusiast Gaming“), is excited to announce that the Vancouver Titans, a professional esports team which the Company has a non-controlling interest in, will be competing in the Overwatch Grand Finals on September 29, 2019 in Philadelphia. The #1 ranked Vancouver Titans team is competing in its first season of the Overwatch League with a season record of 25-3. The Vancouver Titans are managed by Enthusiast Gaming’s esports division, Luminosity Gaming Inc. (“Luminosity Gaming“).

The Grand Finals will be broadcast across major media networks, ESPN and ABC, from the sold out Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia. The Vancouver Titans will face off against the San Francisco Shock, with the winning team taking home US$1.1 million from the total prize pool of US$3.5 million.

Steve Maida, President of Luminosity Gaming, Enthusiast Gaming’s esports division commented, “Congratulations to the Vancouver Titans on their remarkable season as the #1 ranked team in the Overwatch league! I’m proud of the guys for their hard work, dedication and chemistry this season, and we are all excited to see them in the Grand Finals at the sold out, 20,000 person capacity, Wells Fargo Arena!” He continued, “Esports has crossed into the mainstream and is now being broadcast from the top media networks in North America, and selling out some of the largest stadiums in the world. With viewership expected to reach almost 460 million in 20191, we are excited to be a leader in the space as esports continues its rapid growth.”

Luminosity Gaming is one of the leading esports organizations with 8 championship calibre teams across the world’s most popular game titles. The Vancouver Titans compete in the Overwatch League, which consists of 20 teams across six countries and three continents. Enthusiast Gaming acquired its interest in the Vancouver Titans from the team’s majority owner, the Aquilini Investment Group. Enthusiast Gaming recently announced that it will be joining the 2020 Call of Duty League, with the acquisition of a non-controlling interest in the Seattle based team.

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

1Source: Newzoo https://newzoo.com/insights/articles/newzoo-global-esports-economy-will-top-1-billion-for-the-first-time-in-2019/


CONTACT INFORMATION

Investor Relations:
Julia Becker
Head of Investor Relations & Marketing
Telephone: 604-785-0850
Email: [email protected]

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.

What Drives the Engagement Factor in #Edtech? betterU Education $BTRU.ca $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:46 PM on Friday, September 13th, 2019

SPONSOR:  Betteru Education Corp. The Only Education Marketplace In India Serving 1.3 Billion Potential Customers Click here for more information.

What Drives the Engagement Factor in Edtech?
  • Many edtech developers say that their products foster student engagement
  • Research supports the fact that many digital edtech products have the ‘new and shiny factor’—they boost student engagement by virtue of their novelty

By Henry Kronk

Many edtech developers say that their products foster student engagement. Research supports the fact that many digital edtech products have the ‘new and shiny factor’—they boost student engagement by virtue of their novelty. Others, meanwhile, aren’t flashy, but still promote engagement through their own unique functions and mechanisms. A white paper put out today by the L.A.-based edtech developer GoGuardian investigates student engagement in the classroom, what allows for it, what enhances it, and how it fits into current industry trends.

The first issue with studying engagement is that no one can say exactly what it is. GoGuardian researchers Mariana Aguilar and Kayla Sheldon write that, while there is no set definition, even among academic circles, “it is widely agreed that engagement is a metaconcept composed of multiple dimensions.”

Engagement Isn’t Easy to Define

To conduct their research, the authors reached 359 stakeholders—about 310 of whom were students—across K-12 levels at 19 districts in seven different states (Florida, California, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Washington). These districts were identified because they were existing GoGuardian customers, and that represents a potential limitation of the study. Besides students, the rest of the respondents were teachers, school leaders, and IT admins.

The authors took a qualitative approach to their research. They collected information via focus groups, interviews, and classroom observation. From these, they identified 43 different thematic elements that fall within four aspects of a conceptual framework surrounding engagement: 1) “contextual variables affecting engagement,” 2) “qualities of an engaging learning experience,” 3) “industry trends,” and 4) “indicators of engagement.”

To broadly summarize their findings, the authors found that, to boost engagement, both teachers and the edtech tools they use need to meet students where they are, and not the other way around.

In Edtech, ‘There Is No Silver Bullet’

The authors repeat the conclusion that many have come to before them: there is no silver bullet in edtech. In other words, there is no edtech solution or intervention that can effectively help all the students, all the time.

The authors identified numerous instances in which teachers created a more engaging learning experience with analogue technology compared to when digital entered the mix. For example, they sat in on one math class where the teacher got things started by asking students to do a short period of independent work on their Chromebooks at the beginning of class.

By contrast, as the authors describe a 10th grade history class, “in which students were instructed to work in groups to research the historic relationship between nationalism and violence in a given country and to collaboratively present their findings and perspective in a presentation. While both of these examples demonstrate the use of education technology, the methods of implementation resulted in significantly different levels of cognitive effort required from the students. These examples illustrate the importance of how the technology is used and its impact on student learning.”

‘Personalizing’ Learning

There’s a much-repeated term that describes conforming to students’ needs: personalized learning. While many edtech products seek to personalize learning, effective teachers who boost engagement also do it on their own. Other qualities of engagement identified by the authors include: positive emotional experiences, interactivity and gamification, the social aspect of learning, and validation from teachers and peers.

Another quality they pointed out was blended learning. “[W]e noted that many of the digital learning experiences were supplemented by the offline processing of information,” the authors write. “For example, when observing students complete math problems on a web application, the majority of students were entering the answers on the computer while solving the problems in a notebook. A few of the students were even counting on their fingers! Enabling students to process offline was also observed as a technique for fueling stronger engagement.”

While edtech works with various effectiveness to promote these variables and qualities of engagement, stakeholders also described a few challenges when putting them to use.

Most stakeholders realize the benefits of creating consistency with the edtech used in a given school, but in most, the products and tools used vary widely.

The Struggle to Streamline

As one IT Admin said, “It has been like the wild west at times. They [teachers] are buying different products. One might buy this program and the other buys that one, and there’s been some slipping through some cracks.”

There’s also a huge discrepancy among teachers regarding digital literacy. That impacts both the tools that can be put to use, along with the data that can be collected about how well they work.

One leader said, “We have some teachers that are using technology and others not that much. But when it comes to tracking that piece of information—that becomes part of the problem. Some may be using the technology more than others.”

While edtech works with different degrees of effectiveness, most were adamant about one fact: “Technology will never be able to replace a teacher.”

“This comment came up again and again by both school leaders and teachers,” the authors write, “and it reflects a level of apprehension about the role of education technology. One middle school leader shared, “The teacher still plays a crucial role. We’ve seen those extremes. Neither are good. The successful classrooms are just the right balance. The digital platform should be a tool rather than the teacher.”

Source: https://news.elearninginside.com/what-drives-the-engagement-factor-in-edtech/

Facebook’s $FB #Crypto Launching in H2 2020, Says #Libra Association Chief – SPONSOR: ThreeD Capital $IDK.ca $HIVE.ca $BLOC.ca $CODE.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:44 AM on Friday, September 13th, 2019

SPONSOR: ThreeD Capital Inc. (IDK:CSE) Led by legendary financier, Sheldon Inwentash, ThreeD is a Canadian-based venture capital firm that only invests in best of breed small-cap companies which are both defensible and mass scalable. More than just lip service, Inwentash has financed many of Canada’s biggest small-cap exits. Click Here For More Information.

IDK: CSE
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Facebook’s Crypto Launching in H2 2020, Says Libra Association Chief

By William Suberg

The head of the nonprofit organization behind Facebook’s Libra digital currency has said the company is committed to launching it and clearing regulatory hurdles.

Perez: “We don’t want to be like BlackRock”

In an interview with French news magazine Les Echos on Sept. 12, Bertrand Perez, director general of the Libra Association, said the token should appear in the second half of 2020. 

The comments came the day France’s economy and finance minister said the country would refuse to allow Libra to operate within its borders. 

As Cointelegraph reported, concerns over financial stability fuelled the resentment, with Bruno Le Maire appearing to wish to shape a hostile European Union policy towards Libra. 

According to Perez, however, Facebook does not wish to create new supplies of money via the token. He drew comparisons to BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, saying the social media giant did not want to compete in that market.

“We don’t want to become a new BlackRock,” he told Les Echos, continuing:

“That’s why these concerns about the destabilizing effect our reserve currency could have on central banks’ fiat currencies — which figure in our basket — seem unfounded to us.”

Facebook will resolve gov’t worries 

Perez likewise confirmed Libra, upon launch, would be tied to a selection of major world currencies, but notably not the Chinese yuan

As Cointelegraph previously noted, Beijing is putting the finishing touches to its own digital currency, with central bank officials already voicing direct worries of their own about Libra’s backing. 

Nonetheless, Perez is confident that all the regulatory difficulties could be solved by the launch. 

“The year we’ve taken prior to release will allow us to iron out all the problems,” he added. 

France meanwhile has pledged not to tax crypto-to-crypto transactions, highlighting its potentially permissive stance towards the phenomenon.

Source: https://cointelegraph.com/news/facebooks-crypto-launching-in-h2-2020-says-libra-association-chief

Enthusiast Gaming $EGLX.ca Joins 2020 Call of Duty #Esports League $EPY.ca $FDM.ca $WINR $TCEHF $ATVI $TNA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:22 AM on Friday, September 13th, 2019
  • Partnered with Canucks Sports & Entertainment
  • Agreement has been reached with Activision Blizzard to own and field a Seattle-based team in the newly franchised Call of Duty® esports league
  • Enthusiast Gaming holds a non-controlling interest in the new team
  • Day-to-day operations and home games of the new franchise will be based in Seattle, Washington and will be overseen by the Company and Canucks Sports & Entertainment.

Toronto, Ontario–(September 13, 2019) –  Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: EGLX) (“Enthusiast Gaming” or the “Company“), in partnership with Canucks Sports & Entertainment, announced today that an agreement has been reached with Activision Blizzard to own and field a Seattle-based team in the newly franchised Call of Duty® esports league. Enthusiast Gaming holds a non-controlling interest in the new team.

The day-to-day operations and home games of the new franchise will be based in Seattle, Washington and will be overseen by the Company and Canucks Sports & Entertainment. Enthusiast Gaming, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Luminosity Gaming Inc., will manage the team and player procurement through a long-term management services agreement with the majority owner.

Working in partnership with the Aquilini Group and Canucks Sports & Entertainment, we will build a competitive, first-class team that esports fans in the Pacific Northwest will be proud of,” said Steve Maida, Esports President, Enthusiast Gaming.With our experience in building successful teams with Luminosity Gaming and having been involved with Activision Blizzard with the Vancouver Titans since inception, we are excited to get started and develop a winning team and culture.”

More details of the league, team and schedule will be announced in the near future. For updates and information on the new Seattle Call of Duty Esports team, follow @SeattleCOD on Twitter, Facebook, Twitch and Instagram.

About Enthusiast Gaming

Enthusiast Gaming (TSXV: EGLX) 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
Telephone: 604-785-0850
Email: [email protected]

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/47774

Bougainville Ventures $BOG.ca Oroville Campus Tenant Receives Production Approval, Signals Major Company Milestone $CROP.ca $VP.ca NF.ca $MCOA

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:50 AM on Friday, September 13th, 2019
  • licensed I-502 tenant-grower for the Company’s Oroville Campus has received their final production approval from the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) to commence operations.
  • This signals a major milestone for the Company and its obligation to our tenant-grower for a turnkey facility and more importantly to begin cash flow as early as the first quarter of next year.
  • The first 10,000 sq. ft. of a 30,000 sq. ft. Tier-3, I-502 production and processing license is already built. In addition to the 10,000 sq .

Vancouver, British Columbia–(September 13, 2019) – BOUGAINVILLE VENTURES INC. (CSE: BOG) (OTC Pink: BUGVF) (FSE: 8BV) (DEU: 8BV) (MUN: 8BV) (STU: 8BV) (“Bougainville” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that further to its news release on July 25, 2019, that the licensed I-502 tenant-grower for the Company’s Oroville Campus has received their final production approval from the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) to commence operations. This signals a major milestone for the Company and its obligation to our tenant-grower for a turnkey facility and more importantly to begin cash flow as early as the first quarter of next year. The first 10,000 sq. ft. of a 30,000 sq. ft. Tier-3, I-502 production and processing license is already built. In addition to the 10,000 sq. The tenant is licensed to build out up to 30,000 sq. ft and once fully built-out the facility will be able to house 3,000 plants. Further updates will be provided as they are made available.

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6334/47763_6271dd4f2451181b_001.jpg



Figure 1: Oroville Campus

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6334/47763_6271dd4f2451181b_001full.jpg

CEO, Andy Jagpal Comments:

“This is a major milestone as this was the project the company went public with and to see it come to fruition is a testament to the bougainville team and our relentless pursuit to follow through with our commitments.” To learn more about what this news means to the shareholders visit https://marketnewsfirst.com/bog-news, as well as on the company’s site.

About the Washington I-502 Marijuana Market

In November 2012, the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) passed Initiative 502 (I-502) pursuant to a vote by the people of the State of Washington. I-502 authorized the WSLCB to regulate and tax recreational marijuana products for persons over twenty-one years of age and thereby created a new industry for growing, processing and selling of Washington State-regulated recreational marijuana products. A recent WSLCB commissioned report by the Rand organization suggests that there are currently up to 650,000 recreational marijuana users in Washington State, worth approximately $1.25 – $1.5 billion USD in annual sales.

About Bougainville Ventures, Inc.

Bougainville Ventures Inc. is dedicated to rapid growth in production, processing, retail and branding of cannabis and cannabis related products. Currently the company provides strategic capital to the thriving cannabis cultivation sector through ownership and development of commercial real estate properties. We offer fully built out turnkey facilities equipped with state-of-the-art growing infrastructure to cannabis growers and processors. Also, the Company is focused on building a strong presence in the hemp industry with the objective of extracting cannabinoids in both Canada and the United States. Along with our flagship Hemp project in Oregon State and the Greenhouse campus in Washington state, the Company has proprietary formulas for cannabis edibles, topical, and tinctures.

On behalf of the Board of Directors
BOUGAINVILLE VENTURES INC.

Andy Jagpal, President and Director

For further information, please contact Andy Jagpal at [email protected]. Please note that our Toll free number has changed to 1-877-517-7816.

http://bougainvilleinc.com/
https://twitter.com/bougainvilleinc

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.

#Palladium prices top $1,600 to tally highest settlement ever and New Age Metals $NAM.ca Owns North America’s largest primary #PGM deposit $WG.ca $XTM.ca $WM.ca $PDL.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:58 PM on Thursday, September 12th, 2019

SPONSOR:

  • The company hosts North America’s largest primary PGM deposit
  • Updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate of 2,867,000 PdEq Measured and Indicated Ounces, with an additional 1,059,000 PdEq Ounces Inferred

Read More

———————————–

By MyraP. Saefong Markets/commodities reporter

  • Palladium futures topped $1,600 an ounce on Thursday to finish at the highest level on record, shaking off recent data showing a decline in Chinese auto sales, as emissions standards fueled bets surrounding strong demand for the metal used in pollution-control devices.

“Palladium has witnessed a resurgence in price over the past two months, much in line with other hard assets such as gold, platinum and silver,” said Ryan Giannotto, director of research at exchange-traded fund issuer GraniteShares. “What distinguishes palladium is its unique position spanning precious and specialty industrial metals, and this latter characteristic has benefited the metal in the momentary detente in the U.S.-China trade conflict.”

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced he would delay a tariff hike —from 25% to 30%—that was scheduled to take effect Oct. 1, until Oct. 15., “as a gesture of goodwill.”

The rally in palladium, which used in vehicle pollution-control devices, comes despite data this week from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers which showed that China’s total auto sales fell 6.9% from the same month a year earlier to 1.96 million, according to Reuters.

Palladium for December delivery PAZ19, +3.65%  climbed $48, or 3.1%, to settle at $1,604.80 an ounce on Comex after tapping a high of $1,616.50. Prices for the most-active contract have never settled above the $1,600 mark, based on records going back to January 1977, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

The metal previously settled at a record $1,588.10 on July 10 of this year and has gained 50% in the year to date.

“Auto sales have slowed, but this is more than completely offset” by increased loadings per car for transport on China 6 emission standards and “real-world driving (as opposed to fixed-in-a-lab testing) in Europe, R. Michael Jones, president and chief executive officer of Platinum Group Metals Ltd. PLG, -1.16% told MarketWatch. “In the USA, strong SUV and truck sales are also creating continued demand.”

Annualized August auto sales in the U.S. were “better than expected” and up 2% year-over-year at 17 million vehicles, equal to a three-month average, analysts at Evercore ISI wrote in a note last week.

Looking ahead, aggressive interest-rate cuts “should be supportive to auto sales and palladium, as long as the risk-on mood continues…,” analysts at Zaner Metals said in a daily report Thursday.

Source: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/palladium-prices-top-1600-to-tally-highest-settlement-ever-2019-09-12

North Bud Farms $NBUD.ca Restructures Proposed California Operations with Signing of Offer to Purchase 11-Acre Property in Salinas, California $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 4:42 PM on Thursday, September 12th, 2019
  • Entered into a land purchase agreement with the Qlora Group to acquire a fully operational Cannabis farm consisting of approximately 300,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse capacity located in Salinas, California. 
  • With the near 11-acre cultivation facility comes additional licenses for processing and distribution. 
  • Transaction is valued at USD$11 million.       

TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2019 — North Bud Farms Inc. (CSE: NBUD) (OTCQB: NOBDF) (“NORTHBUD” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Bonfire Brands USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of NORTHBUD, has entered into a land purchase agreement with the Qlora Group to acquire a fully operational Cannabis farm consisting of approximately 300,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse capacity located in Salinas, California.  With the near 11-acre cultivation facility comes additional licenses for processing and distribution.  The transaction is valued at USD$11 million.       

The facility in Salinas, California is currently licensed and operating a 60,000 sq. ft. greenhouse capable of producing 12,000 kg a year and holds the approval to expand up to approximately 300,000 sq. ft. of capacity with estimated yields of 60,000 kg a year.  This infrastructure will serve as the primary operation for Bonfire Brands USA within the state of California, which is considered to be the largest cannabis market in the United States.

“Over the past seven months we have observed an evolution in the California market,” stated Justin Braune, President of Bonfire Brands USA. “Many existing legacy operations have been unsuccessful in transitioning their businesses into the adult use market post January 1st, 2019. Supply issues and licensing time frames have caused widespread re positioning of market shares amongst many verticals. Since the creation of Bonfire, we have determined that the acquisition of strategic licensed infrastructure will provide Bonfire with the most efficient operational structure possible. By controlling the complete vertical in one location per state we will have the capacity to increase both our offerings and margins. This will enable us to further improve our own brands as well as we work with complementary partners over a wide spectrum of product segments.”

Transaction Terms
Bonfire Brands USA entered into the land purchase agreement effective September 9, 2019.   The purchase price of the land is USD$8M. As part of the 60-day escrow agreement Bonfire Brands USA will make an initial deposit of USD$500,000. The remaining USD$7.5M mortgage will be held by the seller at a fixed interest rate. Over the first 12 months, Bonfire Brands USA will make interest only payments before entering into a traditional principal and interest mortgage. Upon successfully transferring all licenses from Monterey Holdings to Bonfire Brands USA, the Company will issue a convertible debt note in the amount of CAD$2.5M.  The debt note will be redeemable in four equal installments to be paid in cash or common shares of NORTHBUD (valued at the 30-day VWAP of the common shares on the CSE) at the discretion of the note holder.  If the note holder chooses to redeem in cash, then the installment will be paid in monthly installments over a 3-month period.  Any issuance of common shares of NORTHBUD will be subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, including that of the CSE, and standard restrictions on resale.

Upon closing of the real estate transaction, it is expected that Bonfire Brands USA will begin to immediately operate the facilities under an operations agreement until the license transfer is complete.

In addition, Bonfire Brands USA intends to acquire the remaining assets of the Qlora Group related to the brands “California Bud Co.” and “Live For The Day” (LFTD) in exchange for common shares of NORTHBUD. Qlora Group advises that the brands accounted for USD$4.5M in unaudited revenue in 2018.  This transaction is expected to take approximately six months to complete for a consideration of USD$500,000. 

The Transaction is a significant acquisition but will not result in a “Fundamental Change” pursuant to the policies of the CSE. NORTHBUD will be preparing the necessary corporate and securities filings in order to secure the required approvals for the Transaction.

NORTHBUD has agreed to pay up to 5% in finder fees to arm’s length parties in connection with the closing of the Transaction. The fee is payable in common shares of NORTHBUD.

The closing of the Transaction is conditional on the receipt by the parties of applicable corporate and regulatory approvals including that of the CSE.

U.S. Expansion Update
NORTHBUD is pleased to have solidified its California expansion strategy with this this proposed transaction with Qlora Group and in light of this development and other factors  NORTHBUD has agreed to mutually terminate the previously announced letters of intent regarding Eureka Vapor and Tanforan Ventures LLC.  Mr. Justin Braune, President of Bonfire Brands USA will lead all NORTHBUD’s U.S. operations.

“Over the past seven months we have been working diligently to complete these transactions, however, during this time the market in California has evolved significantly,” said Ryan Brown, CEO of NORTHBUD.  “When the opportunity to purchase licensed real estate in one of the most desired cultivation climates in the state presented itself, we felt that this was the best strategy to maximize revenue as well as protecting shareholder value. The acquisition of this property will provide NORTHBUD with larger revenue potential and significantly less dilution than the previous proposed transactions. We look forward to a potential collaboration with both companies in the future and wish them the best of success.” 

The Nevada Botanical Science LOI agreement is still in place and the Company will update shareholders on material progress related to that transaction in due course.

While the proposed transactions involving Nevada Botanical Science and Monterey Holdings are complementary, they are independent and the Company may ultimately proceed to close one, both or none of the proposed transactions, depending on market conditions and regulatory requirements.

Corporate Update
NORTHBUD is pleased to update shareholders that the Evidence of Readiness Package was submitted to Health Canada and upon issuance of a standard cultivation licence from Health Canada, NORTHBUD will be ready to begin Canadian operations. 

About North Bud Farms Inc.
North Bud Farms Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary GrowPros MMP Inc., is pursuing a licence under The Cannabis Act.  The Company has built a state-of-the-art purpose-built cannabis production facility located on 135 acres of Agricultural Land in Low, Quebec, Canada. NORTHBUD through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Bonfire Brands USA has entered into agreements to acquire assets in California and Nevada.

For more information visit: www.northbud.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements
Certain statements and information included in this press release that, to the extent they are not historical fact, constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation.  Forward-looking statements, including those identified by the expressions “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “should” and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. This press release contains forward- looking statements including those relating to the entering into of the Definitive Agreement and closing of the Transaction with Qlora. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.  Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risk factors included in the Company’s final long form prospectus dated August 21, 2018, which is available under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company’s management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect information, events, results, circumstances or otherwise after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law including securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities of the Company.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
North Bud Farms Inc.
Edward Miller
VP, IR & Communications
Office: (855) 628-3420 ext. 3
[email protected]