Cosmo DeNicola Companies News

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment AnnouncesNew TV Series, Chicken Soup for the Soul's Animal Tales

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. ("CSS Entertainment") (Nasdaq: CSSE), a growing media company building online video on-demand ("VOD") networks that provide positive and entertaining video content for all screens, today announced a new pet-themed TV series, Chicken Soup for the Soul's Animal Tales.

"Chicken Soup for the Soul has been successfully creating pet-related content and products for quite some time now," noted William J. Rouhana, chairman and chief executive officer. "From our pet-themed books to our line of premium pet food and treats, Chicken Soup for the Soul consistently encourages the well-being of animals."

Chicken Soup for the Soul's Animal Tales will consist of 15 half-hour episodes and will be sponsored by Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food and American Humane, the country's first national humane organization. Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food makes a complete line of super premium dog and cat food, made from the finest natural ingredients for every stage of pet life. American Humane has sponsored content with CSS Entertainment in the past, telling the heroic and inspiring stories of the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals.

"We're excited to sponsor this great television series that will celebrate everything pets and animals add to our lives. The series will bring awareness to our mission of helping all pets eat well, whether that's by making super premium pet food that is affordable or donating millions of meals to shelter pets every year," said Chris Mitchell, chief executive officer of Chicken Soup for the Pet Food. "People are always so reassured to find out that our pet food is from the same brand that has brought inspiration and joy into millions of homes for decades through its well-loved book series. I think this television series will help even more people make that connection."

"American Humane is first to serve in promoting and nurturing the connection between people and animals," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and chief executive officer of American Humane. "We look forward to being a part of a series that showcases these bonds and tells the stories of exceptional animals and the relationships we have with them."

The series will air weekly on The CW on Saturday mornings beginning January 5, 2019 during the "One Magnificent Morning" block.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Acquires APlus.com

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. ("CSS Entertainment") (Nasdaq: CSSE), a growing media company building online video on-demand ("VOD") networks that provide positive and entertaining video content for all screens, today announced the acquisition of APlus.com ("A Plus"), the digital media company co-founded and chaired by Ashton Kutcher for $15 million in cash and stock.

"Our historic relationship with A Plus has greatly benefited our company as we used A Plus's ability to generate video views to help attract major advertisers to sponsor our television series. As we ramp up series production, we expect to rely even more heavily on the A Plus distribution capability," said William J. Rouhana, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer. "By eliminating video view distribution costs, this acquisition is expected to result in $5 million of cost savings in 2019 and will enhance our ability to increase the commitments we make to advertisers and increase our number of original series."

Ashton Kutcher received shares for his portion of the company, increasing his stake in CSS Entertainment. Ashton Kutcher, co-founder and chairman of A Plus, commented, "The full integration of A Plus and CSS Entertainment makes perfect sense to further CSS Entertainment's content creation and distribution strategies." Mr. Kutcher continued, "I look forward to working with the team to continue to grow CSS Entertainment with A Plus as a wholly-owned part of the company."

A Plus was co-founded in 2014 by Ashton Kutcher and majority ownership was acquired by Chicken Soup for the Soul, LLC ("CSS"), a parent company of CSS Entertainment in 2016. A Plus is a social and mobile-first platform that specializes in positive journalism and delivers video stories that bring people together. A Plus had 4.8 billion video views in the last year and increased social media followers by 50% to 2.9 million.

As part of the agreement, CSS Entertainment acquired all the outstanding shares of common stock of A Plus from the holders thereof, including Mr. Kutcher and CSS in consideration for approximately 350,000 shares of CSS Entertainment stock and cash. The cash portion of the transaction was offset by the elimination of approximately $3.3 million in advances owed by A Plus to the CSS Entertainment, and all open amounts under the intercompany cash management system. Any excess amount that may be due to CSS will be deferred and will be carried in the intercompany cash management system until amortized in accordance with prior practice. Additional details of the transaction are set forth in a periodic report on Form 8-K relating to the transaction that was filed on December 31, 2018.

"The net result of this transaction is the elimination of current liabilities and intercompany transactions, offsetting any cash considerations," added Mr. Rouhana. "We have streamlined our corporate structure and stand to fully benefit from the tremendous distribution reach that A Plus adds. In addition, we have deepened our longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship with Ashton Kutcher."

Monday, December 17, 2018

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Nominated for Realscreen Award for 'Vacation Rental Potential'

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. ("CSS Entertainment") (Nasdaq: CSSE), a growing media company building online video-on-demand ("VOD") networks that provide positive and entertaining video content for all screens, today announced its nomination for a Realscreen Award in the "Digital and Branded Content: Brand-Funded Content" category.

The Realscreen Awards honor the best in unscripted and non-fiction entertainment. CSS Entertainment is nominated for its series Vacation Rental Potential, which it created with HomeAway. Vacation Rental Potential features host Holly Baker, as she visits destinations across the country with prospective homeowners to help them find the vacation home of their dreams. The series initially aired on A&E and became the most watched show in the network's "home" category. The first season also aired on FYI.

"We are excited to have been nominated for a Realscreen Award for Vacation Rental Potential," said William J. Rouhana, chairman and chief executive officer of CSS Entertainment. "This series is a great example of how we are able to work with a major brand like HomeAway, to create entertaining, content that seamlessly integrates its message into the storytelling."

"As more and more consumers use ad-blockers and skip ads with DVRs, many sponsors are turning to inventive ways to reach audiences. This nomination is a strong indicator that we are an excellent partner for sponsors looking to expand beyond traditional advertising methods to convey their brand messaging," noted Rouhana.

CSS Entertainment and HomeAway are currently in production for a second season of the series.

The 2019 Realscreen Awards will take place at Realscreen Summit on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Will Participate in Two Upcoming Conferences

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. ("CSS Entertainment") (Nasdaq: CSSE), a growing media company building online video-on-demand ("VOD") networks that provide positive and entertaining video content for all screens, today announced that management will participate in two upcoming conferences.

The company is scheduled to participate in the Benchmark Microcap Discovery Conference being held on November 29, 2018 at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, IL. For more information, or to schedule a meeting with management, please contact your Benchmark representative.

Management will also present at the 11th Annual LD Micro Main Event investor conference at 8:30 a.m. PT on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The conference will be held December 4-6, 2018. For more information, or to schedule a meeting with management, please contact your LD Micro representative.

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Amtech Acquires Qualitek to Connect Shop Floor to Top Floor

Amtech, the leader in software for the packaging industry, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Qualitek Solutions, of Atlanta, GA, that has for 25 years installed hundreds of control systems on corrugators and converting machines that dramatically enhance production performance. Leveraging Qualitek’s world class solutions for web process manufacturers (corrugating and converting) to improve quality, reduce paper waste and increase production efficiency, Amtech will now be a one stop shop for Technology and Factory Solutions.

Cosmo DeNicola, Amtech Chairman, said “Through this acquisition we have demonstrated our continued commitment to the packaging industry, while expanding our machinery and plant capabilities. We have a long history of optimizing the sales, order-to-cash and production processes. Now with Smart Factory connectivity, sensors and smart devices connecting machinery, material handling and product movement, a completely integrated shop floor and supply chain will be created for production optimization and customer engagement. Our customers have been searching for a one stop shop, and we are poised to deliver it.”

Qualitek’s owner, executives and employees will be joining the Amtech team.

“I am excited to take on a key role with AmTech and take our products to the next level. I see it as a unique opportunity to provide integrated solutions to our clients both in terms of products and services” stated Qualitek’s Santosh Nayak.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Announces Acquisition of Truli.com

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. ("CSS Entertainment") (CSSE), a growing media company building online video-on-demand ("VOD") networks that provides positive and entertaining video content for all screens, today announced the acquisition of the assets of Truli Media Corp.

CSS Entertainment recently completed the acquisition of Truli.com, a global family-friendly as well as faith-based online video channel. The acquisition includes 2,500 hours of programming and brings CSS Entertainment an additional 630,000 Facebook fans.

"The acquisition of Truli's content brings our content library to over 35,000 hours of programming." noted William J. Rouhana Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of CSS Entertainment. "Truli's content fits strategically in CSS Entertainment's plans. It includes film, television, music videos, sports, comedy and educational material." Rouhana continued "Truli will become our 7th ad-supported video-on-demand channel. We will also include some of the Truli content on our Popcornflix Kids channel and create a Truli-branded subscription channel using our recently acquired subsidiary, Pivotshare."

"I wanted to bring positive and uplifting content to the world." said Michael Jay Solomon, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Truli Media Corp. "CSS Entertainment fits perfectly with the content we provide at Truli and is best able to take Truli to the next level."

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

AMTECH AND HP COLLABORATE FOR HP PAGEWIDE C500 PRESS ERP INTEGRATION

Amtech, a leading provider of software solutions for the corrugated and folding carton manufacturing industries, is collaborating with HP to integrate the Amtech ERP solution for the HP PageWide C500 Press.

The EnCore integration will benefit HP PageWide C500 converters with automated job submission, tracking, control, bilateral data retrieval and visibility to press status, all using the standard JDF/JMF print protocol. The solution will enable converters to optimize production, gain market-share and enhance their brand customers.

With the new HP PageWide C500 integration, Amtech is also adding new functionality to the EnCore All-In-One cloud-based packaging solution, such as automated schedule downloads, production reporting, job and press analytics. The solution creates an all-digital, end-to-end no touch workflow that enables businesses to design, price and order packaging online, while keeping everyone in the supply-chain informed and collaborative.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with HP on workflow solutions for the HP Page Wide C500 Press. This solution will help converters meet demand from brands for digitally printed corrugated packaging in high volume with quick turnaround,” said Cosmo DeNicola, Amtech Chairman.

The EnCore software system is comprised of a powerful set of modules that address key components of a packaging plants operations, processes, and procedures. EnCore provides organizations with the tools necessary for making smart business decisions that positively impact the bottom line.

The HP PageWide C500 Press produces offset quality for mainstream production using water-based, food compliant inks, printing on both primary and secondary food packaging without an additional barrier which can comply with even the most stringent global food safety regulations, including Nestlé guidance and Swiss Ordinance.

The Amtech ERP integration to the HP PageWide C500 press is part of the HP One Package workflow suite, the holistic corrugated workflow solution for converters seeking a smooth transition into digital.

About Amtech

Amtech Software is the packaging industry’s leading supplier of software solutions. Amtech Software has been installed in over 600 box plants of all shapes and sizes. Over 60,000 box plant employees use Amtech Software every day.

For additional details contact Darren Artillio at dartillio@amtechsoftware.com or 215-639-9540 x 1503.

About HP

HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our portfolio of printers, PCs, mobile devices, solutions, and services, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP is available at www.hp.com.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

SOUL RING THE “BELL” WITH NEW GENERAL MANAGER

The Philadelphia Soul announced today that former Soul linebacker and two-time ArenaBowl Champion, Beau Bell, has been named General Manager and Assistant Head Coach ahead of the 2019 season. Bell spent the 2018 season with the Albany Empire as the Director of Player Personnel/Pass Rush Coordinator during their inaugural season. His group led the league in sacks with 18 while 12 Empire players received All-Arena honors.

In this new role, Bell will oversee all player recruitment and contracts while serving as the top assistant on staff, as well as work with local, regional and national partners that support the Soul’s football operations throughout the season. Bell’s first key date on the calendar as GM will be Player Tryouts on Saturday, November 3^rd.

“I am blessed and honored to be named the GM and Assistant Head Coach of the Philadelphia Soul,” said Bell. “Receiving this title shows the confidence that the Soul ownership, front office and coach have in myself and my abilities. I look forward to bringing back championships for this organization and our fans.”

As a player, Bell arrived in Philadelphia in 2015 via trade from the LA KISS, and immediately made an impact on the field, in the locker room, and in the local community. Over the course of three seasons with the Soul, Bell led a defensive unit that ranked at or near the top of every statistical category while capturing back-to-back ArenaBowl Championships in 2016 and 2017. He was named First Team All-Arena in 2017, while also taking home Defensive Player of the Year honors and was presented with the Commissioner’s Award, which recognizes an individual who has done considerable work to grow the game of Arena Football.

“We are thrilled to welcome Beau back to the Soul family as our new General Manager,” said Soul Vice President, Marc Zamarin. “He is uniquely qualified for this role. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more respected individual in this league, and we’re excited to see Beau’s influence on our organization.”

Bell was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 4^th round of the 2008 NFL draft after a stellar career at UNLV, where he was a two-time All Mountain West Conference selection (2006, 2007) and named Mountain West Conference Defensive MVP (2007). Bell went on to play in the United Football League and Canadian Football League before finding a permanent home in the Arena Football League in 2011. Prior to joining the Soul in 2015, Bell spent time with the Spokane Shock (2011-2013) and LA KISS (2014).

Thursday, August 23, 2018

ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS TO RELOCATE TO PHILADELPHIA

The Arena Football League will be relocating its business headquarters to Philadelphia, PA, effective September 2018. The League offices had previously been located in Las Vegas, NV.

The Arena Football League will be led by Ron Jaworski, who will serve as Chairman of the Executive Committee, Randall Boe who will serve as Commissioner and John Adams who will serve as President and COO. The League will be hiring additional executive staff immediately to operate and expand the league by executing its strategic vision of becoming innovators in technology, data, gaming and sports betting to take fan engagement to new heights for a professional sports league.

“I’ve been part of this league for a long time and I have never been more excited about the people involved and the opportunities that lie ahead for the Arena Football League, and about the offices being moved to the city I have poured my heart into for many years. The League Office will help ensure that the League and its teams are laying a path for long-term sustainable success and will be important to our efforts to revitalize and expand the league,” said Ron Jaworski.

“Re-establishing the League office in Philadelphia signals our commitment to Arena Football. We’re excited about the prospects for the League and we will be focused on forging a path for expansion and identifying markets and potential partners that will grow the League and are in line with our vision. The AFL league office and its executives will also be committed to introducing new and innovative facets to our game, including the continued integration of wagering and gaming, that will improve our fan experience and make the game even more exciting,” said Randall Boe.

The AFL, heading into its 32^nd season in 2019, will now be headquartered at the PNC Building in Center City, Philadelphia located at 1600 Market Street.

Monday, August 20, 2018

SOUL WIDEOUT SIGNS WITH PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Former Philadelphia Soul WR Darius Prince has signed with the Super Bowl LII Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Prince was a top AFL receiver in 2018 and was named ArenaBowl XXX MVP in 2017.

Prince finished the 2018 regular season first in the league with 89 receptions, second in receiving yards with 1,076 and totaled 24 touchdowns. In the Soul's two post-season games, he totaled 18 receptions for 205 yards and six touchdowns.

“My first thought was how thankful I am to the Lord for giving me this opportunity,” said Prince. “Then I thought about everything I’ve been through. I started at the bottom and now I am signing a contract with the Super Bowl champs, it’s really a surreal feeling.”

Prince joined the Soul in 2017 at the start of the playoffs. He helped lead the team to their second consecutive ArenaBowl Championship and was named ArenaBowl MVP for his two-touchdown performance.

“We’re incredibly proud of Darius,” said Soul President John Adams. "He is a great ambassador of the Soul brand and we wish him all the best on this next stop of his career.”

Deposits for 2019 season memberships are currently being accepted. Visit

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