Legacy Ventures International, Inc. (OTC: LGYV) recently announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, RM Fresh Brands, has entered into an agreement with CJR Wholesale Grocers Ltd to supply Boxed Water to Rabba Fine Foods. Since 1967, Toronto-based Rabba Fine Foods has become an influential name in the Canadian retail industry by offering a quality selection of food and beverage products in a convenient, European-style store. Today, there are more than 30 Rabba Fine Foods locations across Canada.

“Rabba Fine Foods leads by example of local grocers who take pride in carrying food and beverage products of the highest quality,” Ron Patel, president of RM Fresh Brands, stated in a news release. “Boxed Water is all about sustainability and simplicity while providing convenience in a packaged water product, and we are thrilled to come together with Rabba to offer this forward-thinking and socially conscious product to their customers.”

Since acquiring RM Fresh Brands in October, Legacy has made considerable progress toward capitalizing on its exclusive Canadian distribution rights for Boxed Water. In recent weeks, the company has utilized a viral marketing campaign designed to increase awareness about the product and its environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional bottled water packaging. In support of this campaign, Legacy teamed up with Holt Renfrew, Canada’s premier destination for luxury retail, to provide Boxed Water at its Holiday Kick Off and Charity Shopping Event last month.

The environmental benefits of Boxed Water are numerous. The product’s packaging, for example, is 100 percent recyclable and biodegradable, opening the door for a considerably lower carbon footprint than water packaged in plastic bottles. According to studies by Cradle to Gate, Boxed Water packaging has less than half of the carbon footprint of a PET bottle, and this benefit is compounded when it comes to shipping. With proper loading, one truckload of Boxed Water cartons contains the equivalent of 26 truckloads of plastic bottles.

Following the announcement of its agreement to supply Boxed Water to Rabba Fine Foods, Legacy is in a strong position to build on its recent momentum and broaden its distribution channels in the months to come. Look for the company to leverage the increased brand awareness provided by its ongoing viral marketing efforts in order to promote sustainable financial growth in the months to come.

For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.legacyventuresinc.com

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With many analysts currently debating whether or not it is going to be an Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) Christmas this year, as consumers flock in increasing numbers not to traditional brick and mortar stores, but to ecommerce meccas and standalone retailer sites – you might forget that the lion’s share of what was a roughly $5 trillion U.S. retail market last year (Census Bureau’s Monthly Retail Trade Survey) came from physical commerce. U.S. Commerce Department data indicates that ecommerce was about $305 billion last year and a recent report from eMarketer projects a 14 percent jump this year to around $350 billion. While ecommerce may be sharply rising, shoe leather will still be driving retail sales this Christmas, and it makes sense to take a look at what major retailers and mall owners are doing to cultivate the consumer audience.

With around 47,000 shopping centers and some 1,100 enclosed malls containing one or two large department stores (anchor stores) across this great country of ours, shoppers have quite a sizable menu of locations to choose from. Because almost half of all malls cater to high-income shoppers, it makes a great deal of sense for mall owners/operators to attract smaller stores that can act as a draw on this much sought after demographic, bringing consumers to the table where they can sup on the venue’s broader retail bounty.

This underlying dynamic is extremely good news for a rising star like Giggles N’ Hugs (OTC: GIGL), a company focused on expanding its existing footprint of highly successful family-friendly restaurants which are thus far located in high-end shopping centers throughout LA. These unique restaurants cater to both the discerning palates of adults with premium organic dishes, and the rambunctious behavior of kids under ten, with custom-made 2,000 square foot-plus active play areas. A restaurant that is part upscale organic eatery and part Gymboree is a completely new concept in the casual dining sector, and one which has quickly won over parents and kids alike throughout Los Angeles. It’s an innovative model that has garnered the company many admirers, from A-list celebrities, to family and kid-focused media moguls such as Nickelodeon and Red Tricycle.

The same refreshing Giggles N’ Hugs restaurant features that allow parents to show up with their youngest and turn them loose into the play area before enjoy a relaxing and healthy meal has also enabled the company to offer an unprecedented child drop-off service for busy parents on the go. Kids are watched over in the massive play area by trained staff and are treated to periodic activities that range from singalongs and face painting to shows put on by professional child entertainers. Parents who want to enjoy the many wonderful stores throughout the mall or shopping center where the restaurant is located without having to keep tabs on the little ones or find them underfoot can do so with ease if a Giggles N’ Hugs is located in the mall.

This is the kind of tenant mall owners are really looking for and GIGL, which already has a solid tenant relationship with major nationwide mall owner Westfield Group (OTC: WEFIF), has even recently taken decisive steps to increase momentum toward becoming a national presence and/or franchise with the execution of a strategic financial advisory and capital markets service agreement. Signed at the start of December this year, GIGL’s agreement with boutique NY investment bank Chardan Capital Markets, dovetails exceptionally well with the company’s ongoing nationwide expansion plans and will enable the company to maximize its forward momentum in this area.

Chardan’s considerable expertise runs the gamut from investment banking and trading/equity research, to helping its clients prepare presentations which are to be made before potential financing sources, and Chardan even assists clients with a panoply of financial advisory services. The Chardan deal opens new doors for GIGL’s sought after brand concept and should really help GIGL open additional locations in higher end malls across America next year and on into the future. Additionally, this agreement will allow GIGL to lock down a concise ramping strategy for up-listing its shares to a major exchange as early as next year.

Hot off a superb showing at the 8th annual LD Micro conference’s main event last week, GIGL – whose gorgeous Westfield Century City mall location off Santa Monica Boulevard is just minutes from the Luxe Sunset Bel Air Hotel where the 8th annual LD Micro was held – is really turning heads in the casual dining market. Investors should keep an eye on the company as its plans to expand to new locations progress, and as Chardan helps to increase the company’s market exposure.

For more information, please visit www.gigglesnhugs.com

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The holiday season is supposed to be a joyous time of year, but can be surprisingly difficult for people with special dietary needs. A long season of planned celebrations and get-togethers can mean a constant barrage of food choices and decisions, a potential health nightmare for those who are diet-restricted. The search for holiday recipes that are both delicious and safe can make every trip to the store a challenge.

ContentChecked Holdings, Inc. (OTC: CNCK), is a California based company that is tapping today’s advanced mobile technology in the service of a huge and growing market, specifically for individuals that have dietary requirements and preferences. It has done this by offering a growing family of mobile apps that allow the user to specify their unique dietary restrictions, and then quickly and easily monitor their consumer purchases by simply scanning the product’s barcode with the app to find out if the product suits their dietary needs.

• ContentChecked, the company’s initial app, helps users make better choices for their food allergy and intolerance needs by instantly telling them whether or not the product they scan is suitable based on their allergy settings. In addition, the app provides the user with positive alternatives.

• SugarChecked is an app that, upon scanning a product, gives the user an alert based on their personal dietary sugar/sweetener preferences. If the product is deemed undesirable for the user, it suggests suitable and related alternatives.

• MigraineChecked is an app for migraine sufferers who want to avoid eating foods that may trigger a migraine. By scanning the product’s barcode with the app, the user finds out if the product contains an ingredient, additive, or chemical compound that has shown to trigger migraines, highlighting the compound in the ingredient list.

• VeganChecked, a fourth app, is slated for release at the end of this year.

Obviously, every individual has their own particular needs and preferences, which makes the flexibility of these mobile apps especially important, but one of the company’s nutritionists, Tara Zamani, recently took the time to put together some general holiday recipe suggestions designed to leave you healthier, happier, and less bloated. See http://dtn.fm/L8it1 for some ways to enjoy all of the holidays without hurting your body in the process.

For additional information, visit www.ContentChecked.com.

Risk is associated with every form of business, but it is especially important in the construction business. Millions and even billions of dollars are on the line with every project. Averting this risk as much as possible is paramount for a construction company to return profits on each project. The best way to increase the odds of success with a big construction job is to turn to a world-renowned company like Hill International, Inc. (NYSE: HIL).

Hill International is in the project management and construction claims business, meaning they are experts in budgeting; management of contractors, subcontractors and suppliers; estimating; inspection; expediting; and scheduling. Once your construction company lands a multi-million or multi-billion dollar project, the first call you make should be to the experts at Hill International. The company has many successful projects and accolades, including, most recently, being named the seventh largest construction management firm in the U.S. by Engineering News-Record.

The company has 4,800 professionals in 100 offices worldwide and also just announced a contract with Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company Morocco SARL for a coastal resort in Tangier, Morocco. This golf and beach resort encompasses nearly 600 acres and includes a hotel, resort, spa, apartments, beach and golf villas, clubhouse and 18-hole golf course.

Percentage points in this business determine whether your company goes under or moves on to greener pastures, so why risk doing this alone? Instead, put your faith in the company that has been around nearly 40 years and dominates its field. Would you rather have Joe Montana driving down the field to score the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl or Dan Marino? Historical results say the winner of four championships should be your choice.

Reputation, experience and success are cornerstones of Hill International’s business model, which explains why they are on the speed dial of real estate moguls around the globe.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.hillintl.com.

Choosing a reliable bank is an important decision. People often consider interest rates, total assets, and terms on accounts (checking, savings, loan, retirement, etc.) when considering their banking options. Another very important factor in the decision process is the bank’s reputation and how long they have been in business. Sugar Creek Financial Corporation (OTC: SUGR) is the holding company for Tempo Bank, which has been in business since 1889 and is located in Trenton, Illinois. Sugar Creek Financial is a subsidiary of Sugar Creek Mutual Holding Company.

Tempo Bank is Trenton’s oldest independent, locally operated and managed financial institution. Its directors, officers and employees live, work and are involved in the community. This means that all decisions are made locally, not hundreds of miles or states away. The bonus is that its customers receive personalized service and quicker responses to questions or requests from people that they know. From its humble beginnings to the present, Tempo Bank still believes that personal service is the major ingredient of its success.

The company offers the following types of accounts to individuals: checking accounts; savings accounts; IRA’s (with terms from 18 months to 60 months); and Certificates of Deposits (with terms from six months to 60 months). Insurance is always very important, so the company offers deposit insurance up to $250,000.

Working with a locally owned bank also has its perks. The company offers a suite of loan vehicles along with competitive interest rates and great customer service. Loan products include the following: consumer and auto loans; mortgage loans; home equity and improvement; and special programs (first time homebuyer’s program; home buyer pre-qualification, counseling and education assistance program; and affordable housing grant assistance program).

The company also offers eBanking; online bill pay; phone banking; a Shazam ATM card; and MasterMoney debit cards.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.tempobank.com.

Alternet Systems, Inc. has a guiding vision. The Miami company imagines a world in which every person has access to economical, efficient banking and payment services and, in pursuit of this dream, invests in companies that are creating the future of money in the high-growth, emerging technology fields of digital commerce, multichannel payments and predictive analytics.

As the world has become more and more dependent on technological advances and conveniences, Alternet has expanded its search for tech-focused investment and partnership opportunities. From mobile payments, e-tickets and internet phone service to banking on a digital platform, the company has a record of finding and capitalizing on technologies of the future.

Led by a management team and board of directors with over a century’s worth of combined experience in the fields of investing, technology, and financing, and a fountain of knowledge on where to invest and when in start-up and early-stage companies, Alternet embarked on this path with a strong support system.

Since 2010, Alternet has sustained an ongoing focus on the high-growth, value-added service industries of mobile financial services and mobile security. Last year, the company extended its scope of expertise to include: investing in entities within the digital commerce environment; transforming the legacy electronic payments infrastructure; and developing advanced predictive data analytics applications for the mass consumer, telecommunications and financial industries.

Alternet is now at the cutting edge of the multi-billion dollar multichannel electronic payments, financial services and consumer analytics industries. With its strategic investments in these three key, high-growth markets, Alternet is accelerating the future of money and its role in the global demand for these services.

Alternet is providing innovative solutions that facilitate and expedite commerce, enrich its partners’ and customers’ experience, and improve efficiency in order to become the leading digital commerce, multichannel payments and predictive analytics solutions provider in global markets, and to provide its customers with the tools they need to prepare themselves for a new era of digital commerce and payments, financial services and consumer information, and, most importantly, a new era of how to live.

For more information, visit www.alternetsystems.com

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International Stem Cell Corp. is tackling some of the world’s most debilitating health maladies with a powerful new stem cell technology that employs parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis is a type of reproduction that takes place in the absence of fertilization. The company’s new stem cell technology holds the promise of advancing significantly the field of regenerative medicine by addressing the problem of immune-rejection. Stem cells are able to divide in a process of self-renewal in which one cell gives birth to two or more. They are also able to differentiate into cells of a different type so that a stem cell originating from one part of the body may differentiate into a type that is similar to the cells in another part of the body.

At the top of ISCO’s list is Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is characterized by noticeable tremors of the hands. But since it is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects motor functions, it also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates that approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, a number that may not reflect the thousands of cases that go undetected. About one million Americans live with the disease and an estimated seven to ten million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease. ISCO’s UniStemCell for Parkinson’s has completed the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)’s Investigational New Drug (IND) phase, which means it will soon begin to undergoing clinical trials. Clinical trials occur when the effects of new treatments on humans are studied.

ISCO’s development of neural stem cells for the treatment of ischemic strokes is also at an advanced stage. Pre-clinical trials have been completed, and the company is now embarking on the FDA’s IND phase. Ischemic strokes occur as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that, on average, one American dies from stroke every four minutes and that more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year. About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes.

ISCO is also developing treatments for spinal cord injury, metabolic liver diseases, retinal blindness and corneal blindness. These four treatments are all at the pre-clinical stage. Metabolic liver diseases, retinal blindness, corneal blindness and spinal cord injuries are ailments that affect hundreds of thousands. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham estimates that between 240,000 and 337,000 people in the United States are currently living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and 12,500 new SCI cases occur every year.

So far ISCO has accepted no government subventions and has been able to generate income from its two subsidiaries to help fund its research. One subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care, Inc., develops, produces, and markets a line of anti-aging cosmetic skin care products. The other is Lifeline Cell Technology, LLC, which develops, manufactures, and sells human cell culture products along with optimized reagents for laboratory research purposes. For the many sufferers of Parkinson’s disease and other debilitating conditions, relief from ISCO is on the way.

For more information, visit www.internationalstemcell.com and www.lifelineskincare.com

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Freedom Leaf, Inc. is giving local experts in the emerging medical marijuana, cannabis and industrial hemp industries an opportunity to work under the Freedom Leaf banner. In an effort to increase its presence on the grass roots level, FRLF’s newly-announced program will offer the company’s current state ambassador licensees a chance to generate revenue by selling city licenses to suitable prospects and, subsequently, coordinating with these new city directors in order to work on growth prospects while leveraging the power of the Freedom Leaf brand. Boosted by the national reach of FRLF, local ambassadors are expected to earn income by hosting seminars, workshops and educational panels that will increase awareness of the burgeoning legal cannabis industry in locations across the country.

By increasing its grass roots presence, FRLF aims to expand readership of its successful print and online magazine. New local ambassadors will be expected to launch hyper local additions that can be added to the national magazine, supported by the sale of local advertising space. Local ambassadors will also have an opportunity to write articles as credentialed contributing journalists on people, politics and businesses in their respective areas, all while being backed by the staff journalists working with FRLF.

News of the company’s updated licensing strategy comes just weeks after the announcement of a new partnership with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) that named FRLF as the organization’s brand ambassador. Through this arrangement, the company agreed to promote and support donations, membership, business networking events, musical festivals, NORML merchandise and educational seminar components, as necessary to bring revenue to both NORML and FRLF. In line with this agreement, FRLF’s local ambassadors will sell branded merchandise from NORML in the future.

For individuals seeking entry into the medical marijuana, cannabis and industrial hemp space, FRLF’s expanded brand ambassador program offers an unparalleled opportunity to leverage the expertise of FRLF’s established brand and infrastructure. The company will offer expertise on mentoring, branding, conceptual development, websites, graphics, printing, accounting, financial business plans, legal, product development, public relations, social media and more, as necessary to improve the visibility and reach of its efforts to keep people informed on the latest marijuana-related information, innovations and legislation.

For more information, visit http://freedomleaf.com

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Many uncertainties exist in today’s economy. People have to be much smarter with their money and change spending habits in order to compensate for a lack of disposable income. Take golf carts for example. A consumer is much more likely to pay more for longer lasting batteries instead of buying the newest model golf cart every year. Add Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. (OTC: OGES) to the conversation.

Oakridge is a producer of lithium-based batteries for a multitude of residential, commercial, government, and medical applications that are made entirely in the US. Most batteries are produced in China and, while they’re cheap, they just don’t last very long. Oakridge makes high quality lithium-based batteries with significantly longer lifespans than the competition. Longer life in batteries means fewer trips to the store; increased reliability and performance when you really need it; more money in your pocket; and less tonnage dumped into landfills.

Alternative energy is the future, but it is unattainable, in a practical sense without a sustainable energy storage solution. You can have the most efficient solar panel or the highest power generating wind turbine, but unless you have a way to effectively store, harness, and access that energy, the point is moot.

The company uses two state-of-the-art production facilities in Florida to produce its batteries and has a perfect mix of science project winners and investment professionals needed to become a leader in the industry. Batteries are the food for our technologies, so the demand will always be there. What distinguishes Oakridge Global from the competition is that it is the only battery maker offering ‘Made in the USA’ solutions.

The company is largely held by a foreign investment group (90 percent of the outstanding common stock) made up of Australian, Japanese and European families, so that tells you this is not a quick profit type of investment. They are here for the long haul and constantly developing new products to stay ahead of the competition.

For more information, visit www.oakg.net

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According to the 2015/2016 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 79.7 million U.S. households own a pet. The survey concluded that 65% of homes have at least one pet while 35% of those have more than one. With so much pet ownership, it’s no wonder that retail pet supply sales are close to $44 billion, showing that the pet industry has barely been affected by the recent economic slump. This gives OPCO the opportunity it needs to progress with an ever-expanding pet supply market. The company focuses on creating supplies for our beloved pets that promote growth, development, and health. Since domesticated dogs and cats are like members of the family, it’s important to maintain their health and vitality. Furthermore, as recent research suggests, pets can provide just as much health and mental benefits as their owners can.

One benefit of having a pet in a household is, surprisingly, a lower rate of allergens. According to an article by James E. Gern in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, children exposed to pets early tend to develop healthier immune systems while lowering the likelihood of being allergic to similar allergens.

Another advantage of having a pet is increased physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have stated that owning a pet, specifically a dog, decreases blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, thus minimizing heart attack risks. Dogs can be the equivalent to a personal trainer, taking owners for jogs, walks, bike rides, and more. People who take their dogs for walks are also less likely to be obese.

Owning a pet isn’t just good for the body, it can also be a mood booster. Dogs and cats provide unconditional love while giving their owners a sense of purpose in life. Pets can also combat loneliness by being a constant companion at home. Pets can even improve social skills and confidence by being an icebreaker for potential friends out in the park, an outdoor café, and obedience classes.

OPCO provides tools and supplies to make sure pets get the best care. The correlation between owning a pet and personal wellness is no secret and should be remembered when taking care of our furry companions.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ourpets.com

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