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SMIRNOFF INITIATIVE REIGNITES SOCIAL CONNECTIONS THROUGH CULTURAL ACTS AROUND THE WORLD

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LONDON, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Smirnoff, the world’s #1 vodka[1], is today unveiling multimarket activations to boldly champion the power of the collective and reignite social connections around the world in a celebration of the spark that’s created when different people, flavours and ingredients come together.

 

 

With a recent report indicating that 79% of 18-29 year-olds feel their emotional connections are weaker today than they were in the past[2], this new initiative aims to tackle feelings of disconnection and isolation around the world. Rolling out in more than 20 countries including the UK, Canada, North America, Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, India and Australia, the initiative will bring local communities together through activities, partnerships and events that lean into local culture and passion points such as music, sport and dance.

These activations will be underpinned by a new global creative, Atomic, which brings this inclusive ethos to life through a playful “life is like a cocktail” metaphor. Embodying the spirit of togetherness, the spot, initially launching in the UK, shows a diverse group of people spontaneously turning into bubbles which mix together before turning back into human form and finally connecting with one another.

In the UK, Smirnoff is reigniting social connection with a focus on lowering social barriers through a new long-term partnership with Sinead Burke’s accessibility and inclusion consultancy, Tilting the Lens, and Stonegate, one of the UK’s largest hospitality groups, to make socialising more accessible.

Spearheaded by an event curated by legendary nightlife performers, Sink The Pink, the London launch took place last night, Wednesday 29 November, and was hosted by comedian Fats Timbo and actor Layton Williams. The night saw Drag Syndrome, a collective of fabulous Kings and Queens with Down syndrome, take to the stage alongside an array of performers including former Spice Girl Mel C.

The venue was transformed to showcase some of the ways in which barriers found in the built environment of our social venues can be addressed. The inclusion of features such as a low-counter bar, accessible viewing platforms, a quiet room, BSL interpreters and visual interpreting tools meant that Disabled guests were able to enjoy the night as their full, true, and diverse selves.

The ambition is that the brand’s partnership with Stonegate and Tilting the Lens will drive positive change for the Disabled community over the coming months by reviewing the settings in which people drink and engage with Smirnoff products.

Lady Mercury and Lady Francesca, members of Drag Syndrome, commented:

“As a collective of fabulous drag artists, we love performing and had a great time on stage alongside all of the other talented acts. Through the new partnerships that Smirnoff announced last night, we hope to see more events like this across the UK with easier access and representation of the Disabled community in the audience.”

Sinéad Burke, CEO and Founder of Tilting the Lens, commented: 

“Smirnoff’s commitment to implement measurable changes in accessibility, by working with Disabled people, is a much-needed approach to a sector that, for too long, has excluded Disabled people as customers and talent. Viewing accessibility not merely as a measure of compliance, but one of community and creativity means that through the inclusion of Quiet Rooms, British Sign Language performers, inclusive furniture, and trained staff, Disabled people can be who they are, as they are, not merely for one night only.”

Beyond the UK, Smirnoff has used the medium of dance to reignite social connections across Brazil through its partnership with popstar IZA to launch a unique track and dance challenge that has got everyone moving together. The initiative has spanned borders with interactive billboards in major global cities encouraging passers-by to get involved. 

In the US, Smirnoff has been using the power of sport to reignite social connections with an NFL partnership that encourages all fans to come together and celebrate their unique traditions and fandom for Game Days. A new national TVC campaign launched with custom spots that demonstrate the cultures of each fanbase alongside a coin toss activation that enabled fans to win delicious game day cocktails, demonstrating how Smirnoff brings people together.

Stephanie Jacoby, Smirnoff Global Brand Director, commented: 

“Despite there being more ways than ever for us to connect with one another, we know that feelings of loneliness and isolation are rising around the world. At Smirnoff, we fundamentally believe that we’re better when we’re together, which is why these acts feel so important and relevant for today. By reinforcing social connections and doubling down on our longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusivity, we aim to make it as easy as possible for as many people as possible to come together.” 

More activities are being planned in markets all around the world over the coming months, including fresh partnerships and initiatives focussed on festival season and Pride – building on Smirnoff’s well-established commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community – and ensuring they continue to reignite social connections and bring people together like never before.

NOTES TO EDITOR

For all media inquiries and/or interview requests, please contact smirnoffglobal@smarts.agency
The Atomic creative spot can be viewed here and behind the scenes of production is available here.

About Smirnoff Vodka

Smirnoff is the world’s #1 vodka[3] and Diageo’s most popular spirit brand by volume[4]. Smirnoff is a brand for everyone and has been enjoyed for more than 150 years. To learn more about Smirnoff and any upcoming news, visit www.smirnoff.com. 

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray, and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

[1] Spirits Business, Brand Champions Report 2023
[2] McCann Worldgroup Truth Central Truth About Youth 2023
[3] Spirits Business, Brand Champions Report 2023
[4] Diageo Performance Results for fiscal year 2023

Video: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2288566/ATOMIC_60.mp4
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2286956/Smirnoff_Atomic.jpg
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2289377/Smirnoff_Global_Initiative.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2286954/Smirnoff_Logo.jpg

 

 

 

 

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DataOne Adds Massachusetts Registration and Sales Data to Cross-Sell Reports for Auto Dealers, Expanding State Coverage to 40 States

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BEVERLY, Mass., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DataOne Software, a Dominion Enterprises company and a leading provider of automotive data and software solutions, today announced the availability of Massachusetts vehicle registration and sales data within its Cross-Sell Reports market intelligence solutions for dealers. Cross-Sell Reports, including the Cross-Sell Interactive web interface, provide auto dealers with unparalleled insight into local market trends, giving them a competitive edge in reaching new customers and expanding market share. The addition of Massachusetts data to Cross-Sell Reports expands coverage to 40 states.

“As of today, Massachusetts dealers can now access a current, accurate view of new and used vehicle transactions within their market area,” explains David Wall, DataOne head of Cross-Sell Reports. “Localized data, in easy-to-interpret views, are an incredible advantage to dealers who want to spot trends early and make decisions based on accurate market intelligence. We are thrilled to be bringing this capability not only to Massachusetts dealers but also to dealerships in other New England states whose target markets cross into Massachusetts.”

On average, over 3.8 million vehicle transactions are processed monthly for inclusion in Cross-Sell Reports, covering new and used dealer transactions across 40 states, all sourced from official state DMV records.  Each dealer subscription is configured to the dealer’s unique market area and provides:

Competitive market share analysis by dealership, make, and modelZIP code-level heat mapping to identify buyer activity and emerging marketsInventory trend analysis to inform stocking decisions by segment and seasonInteractive dashboards with drill-down reporting — no analytics infrastructure required

“We know dealers trust Cross-Sell Reports for critical market insight, and for those insights to be delivered with industry-leading speed and timeliness,” says Jake Maki, DataOne President. “With the addition of Massachusetts state coverage, we continue to expand our coverage providing more dealers with the most immediate, accurate market intelligence available.”

Since welcoming the Cross-Sell brand into DataOne earlier this year, DataOne has accelerated efforts to expand state coverage of vehicle registration and sales data. In addition to Massachusetts, Cross-Sell Reports recently added Mississippi, Kansas and Georgia to its coverage.

“Our goal is to make DataOne the most accurate and comprehensive source of vehicle registration and sales data, however customers choose to use it,” says Maki. “For a dealer, that might be a Cross-Sell Interactive dashboard tuned to their local market. For other customers looking to license the data, it might be multi-state data integrated directly into their own platforms. Every new state we add makes both more valuable.”

In addition to Cross-Sell Reports and Cross-Sell Interactive, DataOne offers Vehicle Registration and Sales Data for licensing via API or FTP data feed, with coverage configurable by state or region.

For general information about DataOne solutions, contact DataOne at 877.438.8467, e-mail sales@dataonesoftware.com or visit dataonesoftware.com.  For specific information about Cross-Sell Reports or Cross-Sell Interactive for dealers, visit Cross-Sell Reports.

About DataOne Software

DataOne Software (www.dataonesoftware.com) is a premier automotive data source providing the data and software solutions needed to power modern businesses across all segments of the automotive industry. DataOne’s comprehensive data solutions cover everything from VIN decoding and vehicle descriptions to specifications, optional equipment, and market pricing. With the acquisition of Cross-Sell in 2026, DataOne has expanded our product offering to include PII-free vehicle sales and registration data. Our high-quality solutions are delivered with industry-leading support, making them easy to integrate and scale.

Media Contact

Alice Fackre, Product and Brand Marketing Manager

Email: alice.fackre@dataonesoftware.com

Phone: (978) 473-9097

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DR. PHONE FIX ENTERS DEVICE LIFECYCLE AND FULFILLMENT MOU WITH GEO NOVA SCOTIA

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Agreement expands Dr. Phone Fix’s institutional platform through device procurement, triage, repair, refurbishment, accessories and fulfillment services

EDMONTON, AB, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — Dr. Phone Fix Canada Corporation (TSXV: DPF) (“Dr. Phone Fix” or the “Company”), one of Canada’s fastest-growing and award-winning national consumer electronics lifecycle platforms, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with GEO Nova Scotia (“GEO” or “Getting Everyone Online”), a nonprofit organization focused on advancing digital inclusion across Nova Scotia.

Under the MOU, Dr. Phone Fix will provide a broad range of device lifecycle services supporting GEO’s programs, including device procurement and inventory management, donated-device triage, repair and refurbishment, device preparation, accessories, packaging, fulfillment, shipping, tracking and environmentally responsible disposition, with GEO’s approval, of devices that are uneconomical or impractical to repair.

The relationship builds on GEO’s digital inclusion programs across Nova Scotia. Since 2022, GEO has distributed more than 8,500 devices, including almost 3,500 refurbished mobile phones and iPads, and has provided more than 4,500 home internet and mobile phone connections to individuals who otherwise may not be able to afford them. GEO delivers its programs through a network of more than 125 partner agencies across the province.

“This relationship is a strong example of how the infrastructure we have built at Dr. Phone Fix can support customers well beyond the traditional retail environment,” said Piyush Sawhney, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Phone Fix. “We can manage a broad range of device lifecycle services – from procurement and inventory management to assessment, repair, preparation and ultimately fulfillment to the end user. We believe this type of institutional relationship represents an important growth opportunity for Dr. Phone Fix as we continue expanding our capabilities across Canada.”

Under the commercial structure contemplated by the MOU, Dr. Phone Fix will generate revenue through the sale of devices to GEO, per-device processing services, accessories and approved repair and refurbishment work, where applicable. DPF will also maintain GEO-owned inventory and manage fulfillment and distribution of devices to GEO program participants and partner organizations.

Each device processed for fulfillment may include services and accessories such as protective cases, screen protection, charging cables and charging equipment, with DPF managing the preparation, packaging, shipment and associated tracking requirements.

Management believes these relationships can leverage DPF’s existing national infrastructure, supplier network, repair capabilities and centralized operating systems while creating incremental revenue streams across device procurement, repair, refurbishment, accessories and fulfillment.

About GEO Nova Scotia

GEO Nova Scotia, or Getting Everyone Online, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing digital inclusion by helping ensure individuals have access to the devices, connectivity and basic skills required to participate in an increasingly digital economy. GEO works with public-sector, private-sector and community partners across Nova Scotia to support individuals facing barriers to digital access.

About Dr. Phone Fix

Dr. Phone Fix is an award-winning, eco-friendly, and customer-centric integrated device care platform providing repair, refurbishment, certified pre-owned devices, trade-in solutions, accessories and related services through its growing national retail network. Founded in 2019, the Company serves consumers and businesses across multiple Canadian markets, delivering convenient and reliable device care solutions through its corporately owned retail network. With a focus on operational execution, customer service and sustainability, Dr. Phone Fix continues to expand its national platform while supporting the repair, reuse and extension of the useful life of connected devices.

www.docphonefix.com

NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSXV) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as “intend”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “plans”, “anticipates” and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the expected scope, scale and benefits of the Company’s relationship with GEO Nova Scotia; potential revenues from device sales, processing, repair, refurbishment, accessories and related services; the continued expansion of the Company’s institutional and enterprise business; and the Company’s ability to leverage its national operating platform to support additional device lifecycle programs. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations, assumptions and estimates as of the date of this news release. The MOU does not guarantee any specific number of device purchases and does not specify a minimum processing volume, and actual volumes, revenues and profitability may differ materially from management’s expectations. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, among others, changes in GEO’s program requirements or funding, actual device volumes, availability and condition of donated and purchased devices, supply chain and inventory availability, repair and fulfillment costs, operational execution, termination or modification of the MOU, competitive conditions and general economic and business conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Dr. Phone Fix

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A Speed Cap Nobody Will Own Just Shook Up the Satellite Trade

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — USA News Group News Commentary – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that tests showed Starlink-equipped drones lost their connection when flying faster than about 100 mph inside Ukraine, while Starlink terminals moving at more than 112 mph inside the European Union worked normally. “In other words, this is a planned operation,” he said. No one in Washington or at SpaceX has claimed the decision. Most U.S.-listed space stocks fell sharply last week, while Europe’s only low Earth orbit broadband rival to SpaceX had its best day in 16 months. Active Companies from around the markets with current developments this week include: Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: SPCX), AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM), Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB), Eutelsat Communications SA (Euronext Paris: ETL).

The restrictions reportedly cover both Starlink and Starshield, SpaceX’s military-use service, which Ukraine relies on for communications, logistics, live drone video and targeting. The Telegraph reported on Oct. 16, citing four unnamed sources, that Elon Musk approached President Trump with the idea of slowing Starlink in Ukraine and that Trump “agreed.” Musk said on X that speed or usage limits on Starshield “are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.” Trump told reporters, “it wasn’t me, and I don’t think it was Elon.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday, “We had nothing to do with it. Nobody ordered that Starlink speed to be slowed down. It sorta happened.” He also said Starshield was not available to Ukraine, which Yahoo Finance noted conflicts with a late 2024 Pentagon contract that expanded Ukraine’s Starshield access from about 500 to roughly 3,000 terminals. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Zelenskyy said, “Just give us back Starlink.”

Europe is paying close attention. The European Union is working to develop its own alternative to Starlink, and on Sunday the U.S. ambassador to the EU threatened “devastating” retaliation if the bloc advanced a proposal favoring EU-made satellites over companies like SpaceX, Yahoo Finance reported.

CONTINUED… Read this and more news for the space sector at: usanewsgroup.com

In other industry developments and happenings in the market this week include:

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: SPCX)

Shares of SpaceX fell 10.17% last week, from $162.57 at the Oct. 9 close to $146.03 on Oct. 16, according to Stock Analysis data, though they remain above the $135 price of the company’s June initial public offering. Starlink, a core part of SpaceX’s business, has more than 13 million subscribers worldwide, and Yahoo Finance noted this is the first throttling episode since the company went public.

SpaceX has limited service in Ukraine before. In 2023, President and COO Gwynne Shotwell acknowledged the company could restrict how Ukraine used Starlink, saying, “There are things that we can do, and have done.” Musk said on X last week that Starlink “is limited to civilian or defensive activities.”

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS)

AST SpaceMobile, which is building a space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to standard smartphones, fell 20.23% last week, from $50.97 to $40.66. On Oct. 13, Piper Sandler downgraded the stock to Neutral from Overweight and cut its price target to $54 from $98, citing SpaceX’s direct-to-cell ambitions after its agreement to acquire Grain Management’s 800 MHz spectrum for about $8 billion, subject to regulatory approval.

Piper warned that SpaceX could, in theory, limit launch opportunities for competitors such as AST and pressure pricing by competing with telecom operators. Not every analyst agreed. Deutsche Bank upgraded the shares to Buy on Oct. 12 with a $93 target, and Clear Street reiterated a Buy rating with a $115 target, arguing AST is about six months ahead of SpaceX in direct-to-cell.

Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM)

Iridium announced on Oct. 14 that Altair Semiconductor is adding Iridium NTN Direct to its ALT1350 and ALT1550 cellular IoT chipsets, letting device makers, module makers and mobile network operators add satellite coverage without a separate satellite modem. “Iridium is offering device manufacturers a powerful new way to develop connected products,” said Tim Last, executive vice president at Iridium.

Iridium stockholders approved the company’s acquisition by Rocket Lab on Sept. 24, with about 99.6% of votes cast in favor. Each Iridium share is to be exchanged for $27.00 in cash plus Rocket Lab stock based on an exchange ratio subject to a collar, for a notional value of $54.00 per share, and the deal is expected to close by mid-2027, subject to remaining regulatory approvals. Iridium shares fell 7.82% last week, from $47.47 to $43.76.

Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB)

Rocket Lab shares fell 25.47% last week, from $68.21 to $50.84, after founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said in a video posted to YouTube that the first launch of the company’s Neutron rocket would move from late 2026 into 2027. Inspectors found voids in the carbon-fiber layers of a recently made forward propellant dome after curing, according to Space.com.

Beck said the voids “don’t necessarily mean that the dome would fail in flight,” but added, “Possible success isn’t our standard.” Rocket Lab expects to finish a new forward dome by the end of the year and complete first-stage testing in the first quarter of 2027, after which Beck said the company expects to be “in good shape to share a new target launch date.”

Eutelsat Communications SA (Euronext Paris: ETL)

Eutelsat shares jumped 23% on Oct. 14, the stock’s biggest one-day gain in 16 months, Reuters reported, after Ukraine said Starlink had introduced restrictions on its military-grade service. Eutelsat’s OneWeb network has more than 600 satellites in low Earth orbit, compared with about 10,000 for Starlink, and it is the only company besides SpaceX providing space-based internet through a low Earth orbit network. Bernstein analyst Aleksander Peterc said the news put European providers “back in the spotlight as potential alternatives.”

Not everyone sees an easy swap. Existing Starlink users cannot simply switch to OneWeb, since a transition would require new terminals and supporting infrastructure, and independent consultant Christian Freiherr von der Ropp said “considering it as a straightforward substitute overlooks significant operational and infrastructure constraints.”

Space stocks swung hard on headlines last week. Learn to read the charts behind moves like these with the free Stock Preachers guide, plus The Roadmap market reports, at stockpreachers.com.

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This article is independent news commentary. USA News Group is wholly owned and operated by Market Equities Limited (“MEL”), a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland. MEL has not been paid by any company mentioned in this article. MEL and its owners, operators, directors, and affiliates do not currently own any shares of the companies mentioned in this article, but reserve the right to, and will, buy and sell shares of those companies at any time without further notice. Weekly price changes are from the October 9, 2026 close to the October 16, 2026 close based on Stock Analysis data. Information is drawn from company news releases, published reporting and third-party data believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. Investing in securities carries risk, including the loss of some or all of your investment. This document is governed by the laws of Ireland.

 

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