Cosmo DeNicola Companies News

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

ASHTON KUTCHER AND CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ENTERTAINMENT EXPAND RELATIONSHIP

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc., a fast-growing provider of positive and entertaining video content, today announced it has signed an agreement with Ashton Kutcher to serve as an executive producer for two new television series.

This new agreement expands the relationship between Mr. Kutcher and Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. The Company entered into an exclusive distribution agreement in September 2016 with APlus.com, a digital media company founded by Mr. Kutcher that specializes in positive journalism and social change. Mr. Kutcher will executive produce television series focusing on the positive themes drawn from APlus.com and Chicken Soup for the Soul. These series are slated for distribution on broadcast or cable channels as well as online.

“Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment combines a well-known, positive brand with an innovative business model, which combines television and online distribution,” said Mr. Kutcher. “I strongly believe in this approach.”

“I’m excited to have an opportunity to extend the working relationship between Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and Ashton Kutcher,” stated William J. Rouhana, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “Ashton has a rare combination of creative and business acumen, and we hope to engage both of these qualities to help grow our company.”

original article found: http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/06/26/1029173/0/en/Ashton-Kutcher-and-Chicken-Soup-for-the-Soul-Entertainment-Expand-Relationship.html

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

CAFL MOVING TO SPRING

Marty Judge, the founder and chairman of the China Arena Football League, has announced significant changes for the second season of play in the CAFL.

“Our first season, in the fall of 2016 was a huge success,” Judge said. “We learned many things from our tour of six great cities. Since then we have been working hard to put those lessons to work in order to ensure our long-term success. To that end, we have decided to shift our season to next spring, rather than the fall.

According to Judge, the move to a spring season is more than a calculated risk.

“By moving to a spring/summer season, our research shows us that we can better attract the Chinese fans to our arenas, and to our video platforms. This will make our CAFL business model even stronger.”

The CAFL enjoys a multi-year working formal partnership with China’s Sports Bureau’s China Rugby Football Association (CRFA), which has been a driving force behind the success of the CAFL. The China Arena Football League and the China Rugby Football Association agree that it will be advantageous to coordinate the China Arena Football season to be concurrent with the Arena Football League season in the United States. The long range objective is to have an international championship game between the two league champions at the end of the season in Beijing.

Mr. Judge remarked, “I have always dreamed of a true World Championship for professional arena football. By moving our CAFL season to the spring, we will mirror the season of the United States AFL, the 30-year established leaders in the sport, which could make that game possible.”

The hope is the move would demonstrate and validate arena football as an international game and to eventually become an Olympic sport. The CRFA believes the concurrent seasons will build enthusiasm for the sport of arena football and the anticipation of the international championship game will be positive for the league’s economics. The CAFL represents a significant part of China’s sports industry growth concept.

Gary Morris, CEO of the CAFL added, “Our projections show the sports economy in China will grow rapidly in the next decade. We are very pleased to be a progressive component of President Xi’s sports industry growth plans and objectives.”

Both the CAFL and the CRFA feel it’s logical that America’s most popular sport, football, will be the cornerstone of China’s growing interest in U.S. entertainment culture.

As the league now has more time before the start of its second season, Judge announced that the CAFL will be expanding from six to eight teams in the spring of 2018, which gives CAFL President Ed Wang a bevy of new tasks before play begins.

“The fact that we will be expanding will foster more changes which will affect the teams and their personnel. Our draft process will be modified and our schedules will include new venues. No doubt there will be more CAFL news coming as we prepare for the next season,” Wang said.

Original article found at: http://caflfootball.com/cafl-and-crfa-extend-start-date-of-second-season/

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

SOUL TO TRY OUT WR RASHAUN SLIGH

PHILADELPHIA – The 2016 ArenaBowl Champion Philadelphia Soul today announced that WR RaShaun Sligh (6’2, 220, Temple) has signed a one-day try out contract with the Philadelphia Soul. He will practice with the team on Thursday during the Soul’s regularly scheduled practice at the Wells Fargo Center.

Sligh, a local product from Northeast Philadelphia and a Temple University alum, has been a mainstay outside of Eagles training camp campaigning for a tryout during Eagles workouts. This caught the attention of both Soul ownership and coaching staff. Soul owner Cosmo DeNicola went to the Eagles facility this morning to sign him to a one-day contract to try out for the Soul.

“Being both a Northeast Philadelphia resident and Temple alum myself, RaShaun’s story caught my eye,” said Soul co-owner Cosmo DeNicola. “After a conversation with our coaching staff, I found out that they were already looking at bringing him in to get a closer look, and we decided to pull the trigger.”

“Being a local guy, we have been aware of RaShaun and with one of our starting wide receivers, Chris Duvalt, getting injured last Saturday, we need somebody to step up and take over Chris’ role,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. “We have some guys on the roster currently that will have a shot to do that, and hopefully RaShaun impresses at practice on Thursday and can also get in that mix.”

The Soul are currently 8-0 on the season and are riding a 15-game winning dating back to last season. When the Soul play the Tampa Bay Storm (7-1) this Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center, they will go into the game with it being a full calendar year since their last loss on June 17, 2016 to the Arizona Rattlers. Kickoff is set for 7pm and the game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network and 97.5 The Fanatic.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

COSMO DENICOLA COMPANIES HONORS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT THE PHILADELPHIA SOUL

Fort Washington, PA- Cosmo DeNicola Companies honored the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House at the Philadelphia Soul on Saturday June 10^th, with a VIP event. Prior to the game, lucky invitees could sit in on a panel, led by Cosmo DeNicola, former Eagles GM Jimmy Murray, Eagles greats Vince Papale and Ron Jaworski and Ronald McDonald House Executive Director Susan Campbell.

The panel highlighted how the Ronald McDonald House got its start in 1971 as the Eagles Fly for Leukemia, to fundraise for the daughter of Philadelphia Eagles tight end, Fred Hill, who had been diagnosed with Leukemia. In a little over 30 years, the Ronald McDonald House has expanded to more than 63 countries and over 200 homes Nationwide.

During halftime, Cosmo DeNicola presented the Roald McDonald House charities with a check for $5,000.

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Chicken Soup For The Soul Entertainment Files For Mini-IPO

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment filed regulatory paperwork to do an equity crowdfunding campaign and subsequent listing of its shares on Nasdaq. The company plans to raise up to $30 million – including $3.1 million from selling shareholders – at $12 a share, according to the filing. The offering, under the Reg A+ equity crowdfunding rules, would value the company at nearly $150 million, and could make it the first equity crowdfunded company to list its shares on Nasdaq.

By doing such a mini-IPO, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, the video division of the Chicken Soup for the Soul empire, could market its shares to its millions of fans on social media and by email – giving those fans the ability to get in on the IPO along with Wall Street investors. Chicken Soup for the Soul has 2.6 million Facebook fans, and its inspirational content garnered more than 10 billion views across all platforms, including Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

The Cos Cob, Conn.-based has been growing quickly since premiering its first show, Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Hidden Heroes, on CBS in October 2015. The company’s revenues were $8.1 million in 2016, up from $1.5 million the year earlier, according to filing. It turned a small profit, of $781,133 last year, versus a loss of $753,463 the previous year. In addition to its own shows, it has an exclusive distribution agreement with A Plus, a digital media company founded by Ashton Kutcher and majority owned by a Chicken Soup affiliate.

The offering is only for the video portion of the Chicken Soup for the Soul empire, and does not include the original books division. Chicken Soup for the Soul will remain the majority shareholder of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment after the offering, with a 70% stake in the business.

Motivational speakers Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen collaborated on the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book in 1993. Their compilation of inspirational true stories hit a nerve, and more books followed. In 2008, Bill Rouhana, Chicken Soup’s chief executive and chairman, put together an investor group that purchased the brand. Rouhana had previously founded Winstar Communications, the once large and high-flying telecommunications company that filed for bankruptcy in 2001. Under his leadership, the Chicken Soup brand has expanded beyond books to video and podcasts – and even pet food.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment plans to list its shares, under the ticker CSSE, on the Nasdaq Global Market, the group’s top market. If it doesn’t get approval to list on Nasdaq’s top market, it notes in the filing, it would still plan to list on the lower Nasdaq Capital Market.

The crowdfunding rules that permit companies to raise funds from non-accredited investors (read: not millionaires) went into effect following the 2012 JOBS Act, which was intended to increase funding for entrepreneurs and small business owners following the recession. If it succeeds in its mini-IPO and Nasdaq listing, Chicken Soup for the Soul could become the first equity crowdfunded company to list on Nasdaq.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

CDC CHAMPIONS CELEBRATE

Cosmo and Janet DeNicola hosted a Family event at famed Philadelphia Sports Bar Chickies and Pete’s to celebrate the Philadelphia Soul’s Arena Football League 2016 World Championship. Four generations of DeNicola’s, family and friends were on hand to receive their Rings, jewelry and mementos of the magical Championship Season. Soul Man and the Soulmates dance team added fun and entertainment. Each person was presented with a framed photo to memorialize their contribution to Family and Team.

The DeNicola’s 11 year 10 season history culminated in a Championship after 5 combined tries with the Soul and their previous team WBS Pioneers. “We never doubted that we would be Champions, I am so proud of our teams persistence and perseverance. The coaches, players and organization combined to make this happen”, stated Soul owner Cosmo DeNicola”.

In an emotional speech Janet DeNicola reflected on Football and Family and how it was a vehicle for their family to come together, stay connected and share in the joy. Everyone in attendance were also excited about the 2017 Soul teams 7-0 record and anticipate another Championship run.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

PHILADELPHIA SOUL ANNOUNCE COSMO DENICOLA COMPANIES FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION DAY

Lifelong Philadelphia native and serial entrepreneur, Cosmo DeNicola, has announced the First Responders Night at the Philadelphia Soul Game on Saturday June 17. Being an avid supporter of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, Cosmo DeNicola Companies will donate $1 from every ticket used by a Philadelphia Police Officer, Philadelphia Firefighter, or their families, to the Survivors Fund.

“Philly is my hometown. Growing up I always felt safe in my home and neighborhood. The Police and Fire Departments make us secure,” stated Cosmo DeNicola.

The Philadelphia Soul take on the Tampa Bay Storm 7:00 PM at the Wells Fargo Center.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

CDC AWARDS SCIENTIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS

ATS 2017 was the venue for the 17,000 members and visitors from 102 countries in attendance in Washington, DC. Attendees enjoyed over 500 sessions led by more than 800 experts, 6,710 abstracts and case reports and 200+ exhibitors. #ATS2017 was trending with more than 33 million impressions.

During the International Scholars Poster colloquium and discussion sessions, which took place on Saturday May 20^th at the Walter E Washington Convention Center, CDC Chairman Cosmo DeNicola presented scholarships to scientists from Nigeria and Ecuador for their research. The recipients focused their studies on Knowledge and Compliance on Inhalers, and Social Media Preference for COPD.

“The international program was very energized as posters were presented. We appreciated the effort from DuMelle, Chief of Global Health, for giving us this opportunity to recognize new research from international scientists.”

Monday, May 22, 2017

BIZEQUITY AND EQUIFAX EXPAND THEIR STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE BIZESTIMATE SCORE

BizEquity, the world's leading online provider of business valuation big data, today announced a strategic relationship with Equifax Inc. (EFX), a global information solutions provider, to offer a new business valuation tool to help financial professionals prospect more effectively and small business owners better understand their business worth.

As part of the expanded agreement, Equifax will offer the BizEquity - BizEstimate™ business valuation estimation as a core attribute in their market-leading Equifax Marketing Data Services (MDS) file. The Equifax MDS file is comprised of over 33 million domestic businesses containing over 500 data attributes. BizEquity the global leader in business valuation data has scored every domestic private business in the Equifax MDS file based on up to 143 business valuation attributes.

The new BizEstimate™ score will help provide customers with:

Understanding the capacity of opportunities for financial and other credit products with business owners
Provide another measure of risk and credit performance
Determine additional lending opportunities
Determine additional insurance and wealth management opportunities
Better align their services to the entrepreneurs' needs

"Our MDS file has helped hundreds of financial and commercial institutions better market their product and services to business leaders and owners," said Scott Wagner, senior vice president and general manager of commercial marketing data services at Equifax. "The addition of the BizEstimate model and attribute will help the clients we serve by providing a forward indicator of risk and revenue opportunities."

"BizEquity is proud to expand our relationship with Equifax by delivering to the market this new leading indicator to the clients they serve," stated Michael M. Carter, founder and chief executive officer of BizEquity. "Understanding the potential estimated business net worth and value will change the way business owners and entrepreneurs are treated and served, by aligning their opportunities to the risk of the financial institutions that serve them."

For more information, please visit: http://www.bizequity.com

Original article found at: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bizequity-and-equifax-expand-their-strategic-relationship-with-the-launch-of-the-bizestimate-score-623611673.html

Friday, May 5, 2017

COMEDIAN JOE CONKLIN HEADLINES FUTURA'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Joe Conklin, Philadelphia’s funny guy and man of a thousand voices, headlined Futura Service’s 25-year celebration at Parx Casino in Bensalem on Thursday night. Surrounded by family and employees, Futura founder, Janet DeNicola, was presented with a commemorative plaque by Senior Executives David Gulian, Dominic Sambucci, Eric Nolan and Darren Artillio.

Family was also a reoccurring theme throughout the evening, as husband and business partner Cosmo DeNicola, along with son Michael and daughter Morgan, gave tribute to Janet for her vision and constant contributions to the company, customers, and packaging industry.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years. It seems like just yesterday when I suggested we focus on support and build a company around customer service and customer engagement,” stated Janet DeNicola.

Previous Page Next Page

Ashley Gennett

Recent Posts