Latest news with #EGC
New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Magical make up of matcha
Tea is the second most consumed beverage globally, surpassed only by water. Among the various types of teas, Japanese matcha has garnered global attention for its distinct flavour, vibrant green colour, and remarkable health benefits. Made from finely ground Tencha leaves of Camellia sinensis, matcha is a powdered form of green tea with a rich concentration of bioactive compounds, offering superior nutritional and therapeutic value compared to other teas. What sets matcha apart is its traditional cultivation method. The tea plants are shaded for several weeks before harvest, which boosts the synthesis of specific bioactive compounds like theanine, caffeine, chlorophyll, and catechins. These compounds contribute significantly to its health-promoting properties. Matcha is exceptionally rich in polyphenols, which can make up around 30% of its dry weight. These natural antioxidants combat oxidative stress and inflammation, acting similarly to Vitamins C and E, carotene, and tocopherol. Notably, matcha contains four main catechins — (−)-epicatechin (EC), (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and the highly potent (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG is the most abundant and active, offering broad-spectrum health protection.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sono Group N.V. Returns to the Emerging Growth Conference to Share Progress on Partnerships and Uplisting Strategy
Sono Group N.V. ( OTCQB: SEVCF ) and its wholly owned subsidiary Sono Motors GmbH are on a pioneering mission to accelerate the revolution of mobility by making every commercial vehicle solar. Our disruptive solar technology has been developed to enable seamless integration into all types of commercial vehicles to reduce the impact of CO2 emissions and pave the way for climate-friendly mobility. For more information about Sono Group N.V., Sono Motors, and their solar solutions, visit and Follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky, Truth Social, and X. Watch the full Stocktwits interview here: For interested parties who are not able to join the event live on May 21, 2025, an archived webcast will also be made available on and on the Emerging Growth Conference YouTube Channel, . END 'It's an exciting time for Sono Group. We're returning to EGC with meaningful updates that reflect the traction we've gained in the commercial vehicle sector and the strong momentum behind our anticipated Nasdaq uplisting. I recently shared more on this in my podcast interview with Stocktwits – it's a great listen for anyone following our story closely.' Munich, Germany, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The solar technology company Sono Group N.V. ( OTCQB: SEVCF ) (hereafter referred to as 'Sono Group' or 'Sono', parent company to Sono Motors GmbH or 'Sono Motors') is pleased to announce its return to the Emerging Growth Conference (EGC), where it will present on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Following a successful presentation at EGC in September 2024, Sono Group will provide the investor community with an update on its most recent strategic partnerships, market traction, and anticipated uplisting to Nasdaq. The Company will present in a 30-minute time slot at 1:45 PM Eastern Time, led by Managing Director and CEO George O'Leary. Mr. O'Leary will give a presentation and may subsequently open the floor for questions. Please submit your questions in advance to Questions@ or ask your questions during the event and Mr. O'Leary will do his best to get through as many of them as possible. Please register here to ensure you are able to attend the conference and receive any updates that are released. Story Continues ABOUT THE EMERGING GROWTH CONFERENCE The Emerging Growth conference is an effective way for public companies to present and communicate their new products, services and other major announcements to the investment community from the convenience of their office, in a time efficient manner. The Conference focus and coverage includes companies in a wide range of growth sectors, with strong management teams, innovative products & services, focused strategy, execution, and the overall potential for long term growth. Its audience includes potentially tens of thousands of Individual and Institutional investors, as well as Investment advisors and analysts. All sessions will be conducted through video webcasts and will take place in the Eastern time zone. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "aim", "forecast", "project", "target", 'will' and similar expressions (or their negative) identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are statements regarding the intentions, beliefs, or current expectations of the Company and its subsidiary Sono Motors GmbH (together, the 'companies'). Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and could cause the companies' actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, risks, uncertainties and assumptions with respect to: the Company's ability to uplist to the Nasdaq Capital Market, including meeting the initial listing requirements; the Company's ability to satisfy the conditions precedent set forth in its recent securities purchase agreement ('Securities Purchase Agreement') and exchange agreement ('Exchange Agreement') entered into with YA II PN, Ltd. ('Yorkville'); the timing of closing the transactions contemplated by the Securities Purchase Agreement and the Exchange Agreement; the impact of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement and Securities Purchase Agreement on the Company's operating results; our ability to maintain relationships with creditors, suppliers, service providers, customers, employees and other third parties in light of the performance and credit risks associated with our constrained liquidity position and capital structure; our ability to comply with OTCQB continuing standards; our ability to achieve our stated goals; our strategies, plan, objectives and goals, including, among others, the successful implementation and management of the pivot of our business to exclusively retrofitting and integrating our solar technology onto third party vehicles; our ability to raise the additional funding required beyond the investment from Yorkville to further develop and commercialize our solar technology and business as well as to continue as a going concern. For additional information concerning some of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect our forward-looking statements, please refer to our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'), including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, which are accessible on the SEC's website at and on our website at Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond our ability to control or estimate precisely, such as the actions of courts, regulatory authorities and other factors. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. CONTACT SONO GROUP N.V. Press: press@ | Investors: ir@ | LinkedIn:
Campaign ME
28-04-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Why should brands consider EGC in their social media strategy?
While User-Generated Content (UGC) and influencer marketing dominate the conversation, it's time to turn the spotlight on a powerful yet often overlooked source of brand content: your own employees. Your most powerful brand ambassadors aren't always the ones sipping smoothies in Bali – they're the ones reheating lunch in the staff kitchen. The era of Employee-Generated Content (EGC) is here, and what does this mean for brands social media strategy? What if the most valuable content isn't in your pipeline but in your team? You've got a marketing army. You just haven't deployed it yet As Aaron Marshall, General Manager at ROR Coffee Solutions, puts it, 'EGC sets itself apart from traditional UGC and influencer campaigns by offering unmatched authenticity, credibility, and brand alignment.' Kameel Rasyid, Co-Founder and Head Pastry Chef at BKRY, adds, 'Unlike traditional UGC, which highlights the customer experience, EGC showcases the artistry and dedication of our team. It builds a deeper connection with our audience by making them feel part of our world – whether it's the flour-dusted hands shaping dough at dawn or the team celebrating milestones together.' Farah George, Managing Partner at Salmon Guru, further highlights the power of EGC: 'It showcases the passion, expertise, and unique personalities of the team, creating a more authentic and engaging brand presence. It allows customers to see the faces behind the experience, fostering trust and deeper connections.' Marshall continues, 'EGC offers something that no influencer campaign can replicate – authenticity from within.' Building authenticity and loyalty through brand storytelling While UGC and influencer partnerships are effective for providing an external perspective on a brand, EGC offers a brand a way to connect more meaningfully with audiences. Marshall explains that by sharing genuine, behind-the-scenes insights, it strengthens the sense of community and nurtures long-lasting customer relationships. Unlike influencer marketing, which often focuses on broad reach, EGC promotes meaningful interactions. It offers viewers an inside look at a brand's expertise, passion, and culture, helping to build a stronger emotional connection with the audience. George adds, 'Compared to influencer campaigns, which provide short-term visibility, EGC drives sustained engagement and long-term brand loyalty. While influencers introduce new audiences, EGC makes guests feel like part of the community by humanising the brand and showcasing our team's passion.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by bkry (@ Why should brands consider EGC in their strategy? When done right, EGC not only fosters community but also builds brand awareness and authenticity. Rasyid describes EGC as central to BKRY's storytelling. 'EGC isn't just a part of our strategy – it's the essence of how we tell our story. While brand campaigns create a polished narrative, EGC captures the raw, unscripted moments that truly define us.' He continues by emphasising the importance of involving the team in the brand voice, as it plays a key role in fostering customer loyalty through human connection. 'Our audience gets to know the faces and hands behind their favourite pastries, and as a brand, we get to participate in trends in a way that feels organic and personal.' George supports this, adding, 'Beyond engagement, EGC drives tangible business results. It boosts organic reach, encourages repeat visits, and enhances brand loyalty by creating familiarity between guests and the team. Unlike trend-driven influencer campaigns, which can feel disconnected from a venue's identity, EGC integrates seamlessly with the brand's personality, ensuring long-term impact rather than short-lived visibility.' Rasyid also emphasises how EGC boosts employee morale and enhances customer experience: 'When our team takes part in content creation, they don't just communicate our story – they become even more immersed in it. This hands-on involvement strengthens their expertise, builds their confidence, and ultimately enhances the way they connect with customers.' And it doesn't need to be overly polished. Marshall adds, 'Our team loves experimenting with trending formats – whether it's a fun coffee challenge, a behind-the-scenes look at the roasting process, or a quick-fire brewing hack. By blending education with entertainment, we keep our content dynamic, engaging, and perfectly brewed for today's digital audience.' Selecting the right platform for EGC Choosing the right platforms is crucial for amplifying a brand's voice and fostering authentic connections. When asked which platforms work best for EGC, TikTok and Instagram emerged as the most popular options. 'Instagram is our go-to platform for EGC at the moment,' says Rasyid. 'Instagram allows us to showcase the artistry and detail of our creations through reels and stories, bringing out the fun, behind-the-scenes moments that highlight our team's personality.' Marshall adds, 'Our most effective platforms are Instagram and TikTok because they allow us to visually showcase our passion for coffee while engaging with both enthusiasts and industry professionals in a dynamic way.' He highlights the distinct approaches they use on each platform: Instagram is a great platform for sharing behind-the-scenes moments, brewing techniques, and educational content, showcasing both the artistry of coffee and our team's expertise. TikTok, meanwhile, excels at reaching new audiences with short, trend-driven content, connecting with coffee lovers through challenges, tips, and daily glimpses. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SALMON GURU DUBAI (@salmongurudubai) Turning storytelling into brand loyalty Storytelling through EGC not only connects brands with their audiences but also nurtures loyalty by creating authentic, emotional bonds. Rasyid shares that EGC has helped customers connect with the brand on a deeper level, beyond just the products. 'One of our most loved videos was a New Year celebration with our team – it wasn't about bread or pastries, just pure joy. That post had one of the highest engagement rates on our page and led to an influx of messages from customers expressing appreciation for our team and their work.' George emphasises how EGC has strengthened customer sentiment, making guests feel more connected to the people behind the brand. 'Our guests engage not just because of the drinks we serve, but because they feel connected to the people behind the bar. Many first-time visitors walk in already knowing our bartenders' names – not from prior meetings, but from seeing them online, fostering an immediate sense of familiarity.' 'We've seen a direct impact on foot traffic and repeat visits, with guests frequently mentioning in comments and DMs that they came in after watching our team on social media. EGC consistently outperforms product-focused content, generating higher engagement rates, more shares, and direct calls to action like, 'We NEED to go here and meet them!'' adds George. For Rasyid, the true success of EGC lies in those personal connections: 'When a customer walks into BKRY and tells us they came because they saw a video of our team in action – it's those moments that tell us we're doing something right.' The impact of EGC: Beyond the metrics While traditional metrics like reach, engagement, and conversions are still important, the true power of EGC lies in its ability to forge genuine connections with audiences. 'We gauge the success of our EGC through a mix of measurable data and real-world impact,' says Marshall. 'While KPIs like reach, impressions, and lead generation provide valuable insights, we also place great importance on qualitative feedback. Direct customer interactions, conversations sparked by our content, and the trust built through employee-led storytelling are just as crucial.' Rasyid echoes this sentiment, highlighting the human element that EGC adds to the brand: 'It's one thing to show a finished croissant on a plate; it's another to show the hands that meticulously folded it over hours of work. That's what resonates – stories, not just products.' Marshall also underscores the ripple effect of EGC, pointing out how content shared by team members can spark meaningful engagement. 'Content shared by our Head of Coffee, Estella Zuleta Carmona, has sparked remarkable engagement, especially when she explores the science of how different types of water impact coffee extraction. Her expertise has ignited discussions among both coffee professionals and enthusiasts, encouraging experimentation and knowledge-sharing within the community. Customers often respond with follow-up questions, share their own experiences, and even visit our coffee bars to try the techniques themselves. This direct interaction fosters a deeper appreciation for speciality coffee and strengthens their connection to our brand.' The takeaway EGC is more than a marketing strategy – it's a movement grounded in people, passion, and purpose. Rasyid explains that EGC ensures customers don't just see the brand; they feel it. 'EGC has given our customers a reason to connect with us beyond just the food – it makes them feel like they're part of our journey.' It provides an unfiltered look into the soul of our bakery, capturing the passion, precision, and camaraderie behind every loaf and croissant.' 'Customers love seeing the real people behind ROR Coffee Solutions, and this authenticity builds stronger relationships,' says Marshall. 'Posts featuring our team consistently generate high engagement because they highlight the skill, passion, and personality of the people who bring our coffee to life.' George concludes, 'EGC has helped us build and maintain a community that identifies with our brand. By adding a personal touch, our content becomes more relatable and, consequently, shareable. People are more likely to engage with our content because they feel a personal connection with our gurus.' And Marshall leaves us with this: 'EGC bridges the gap between our brand and our audience in a way that traditional content simply cannot. It fosters a sense of belonging, strengthens relationships, and reinforces our core values of quality, sustainability, and innovation – ensuring that every interaction feels both meaningful and authentic.' The conclusion. EGC isn't a passing trend – it's a powerful way to humanise your brand, engage audiences authentically, and turn team members into storytellers. And that's the kind of marketing that makes an impact.
Khaleej Times
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Celebrating a trailblazer: Josie Tracey's Lady Captain's Day at Emirates Golf Club
A day of style, sport, and celebration unfolded at Emirates Golf Club as Josie Tracey, the club's first Filipino Lady Captain, hosted her official Captain's Day with pomp and pageantry. As she was joined by EGC's Men's Club Captain Joseph Andrade, Josie welcomed members and guests to a lively event filled with friendship, laughter, and of course, plenty of golf. From heartfelt speeches to joyful moments on the fairways, the day reflected Josie's passion for the game and her inspiring journey—proving that leadership, like golf, is best played with grace, boldness, and a great sense of fun. 'Today has been truly special, and I want to thank the Emirates Golf Club management, our amazing staff, and my fellow golfers for your incredible support,' she said. 'This club isn't just about golf—it's about community, connection, and lifting each other up. I'm honoured to serve as your Lady Captain and so proud to be part of this vibrant, inspiring family.'
Gulf Today
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Mining machine swallowing up Senegal's fertile coast
Lucie Peytermann, Agence France-Presse Like something from the science fiction film 'Dune', the 'world's biggest mining dredger' has been swallowing acre after acre of the fertile coastal strip where most of Senegal's vegetables are grown. The jagged 23-kilometre-long (14-mile) scar the gigantic rig has left mining for zircon — which is used in ceramics and the building industry — is so big it is visible from space. Amid a deafening din, the massive machine sucks up thousands of tonnes of mineral sands an hour, moving forward on an artificial lake created with water pumped from deep underground. It is now tearing through the dunes of Lompoul one of the smallest and most beautiful deserts in the world — a tourist hotspot by the endless beaches of Senegal's Atlantic coast. Thousands of farmers and their families have been displaced over the past decade to make way for the colossal floating factory run by the French mining group Eramet. It denies any wrongdoing, insists its operations are exemplary and even plans to step up the pace of mining. But locals accuse it of destroying this rich but delicate ecosystem on the western edge of Africa's semi-arid Sahel region. The project has brought 'despair and disillusion', said Gora Gaye, the mayor of Diokoul Diawrigne district which takes in Lompoul. For years critics of the mine said villagers' protests at losing the land were ignored, with complaints about 'derisory' compensation smothered by the authorities. That has now changed, with tourist operators uniting with farmers and local leaders to demand a pause in the mining. Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has also spoken out on extractive mining practices, saying some 'local populations do not benefit'. He doubled down last week, demanding more transparency and oversight of 'social and environmental impacts'. His government was elected last year promising a radical break with the past and to reclaim Senegal's sovereignty, particularly from the influence of former colonial power France. Eramet — which is 27 per cent owned by France — began mining in 2014 under the previous government after being awarded the concession 10 years earlier. The Senegalese state holds 10 percent of its local subsidiary, EGC, which mines the zircon and titanium-related minerals such as rutile and ilmenite. AFP was granted rare access to its operations and to the dredger and the plants where the mineral sands are separated before being exported via the company's private rail link through the port of the capital Dakar, 150 miles to the south. EGC insisted it was a 'responsible company', that respects its agreement with the Senegal government and that has compensated locals 'five times more' for the loss of their land than national guidelines, paying out 12,190 to 15,240 euros ($16,575) per hectare. But what are they left with afterwards, asked hotelier Sheikh Yves Jacquemain, who runs a desert eco-lodge of traditional tents in Lompoul, where until recently the only sounds were from seabirds and passing camels. 'The mine is moving forward: the fate of people once the mine has passed is no longer their problem,' he told AFP, the roar of the gigantic dredger 150 metres (165 yards) away almost drowning him out as it ate through the landscape. Of Lompoul's seven tourist camps, six have accepted EGC's money and have moved. Jacquemain is holding out for 'just' compensation for him and his 40 employees. Local communities also accuse the mine of destroying and 'degrading the soil and the dunes' and threatening their water and food security. Farmers say the compensation for the land is based on guidelines dating from the 1970s and does not make up for the irredeemable loss of revenue from their once-fertile fields. The hollows between the dunes were oases, a rare ecosystem 'which produced until recently 80 percent of the fresh vegetables eaten in Senegal', according to mayor Gaye. Gaye said locals were initially optimistic about the mining. But all they have gotten were 'broken promises, intimidation, the destruction of our ecosystem and the catastrophic moving of villages. Economic development has gone backwards,' he added. EGC argues that it has rehoused farmers and their families in four large new villages with modern infrastructure. 'A total of 586 houses and community infrastructures (a health centre, school and mosques...) have been built' serving 3,142 people. But gathered in the square of one of the new settlements at Foth, Omar Keita and around two dozen other heads of families were quick to show their anger. 'We want our land back and our village rebuilt so we can go back to how we were living before,' Keita, 32, told AFP. 'I appeal to the president and even to France,' he declared. He said he was not given a new home and showed AFP where his wife and three children have lived for the past six years — a single room 'loaned by my big brother', a mattress lying on the floor. But EGC's managing director Frederic Zanklan insisted that 'every family was rehoused in relation to how they were when the count was made', adding that it was 'nothing to do' with them if families had since grown. But Keita said that before he was displaced 'I had my fields and my house... We earned our living decently but they reduced that to naught and I have to start again from zero...' 'Here I have to work in other people's fields,' he said. Ibrahima Ba, 60, was equally livid. 'We have gone backwards in every way,' he told AFP. While still a farmer, today's harvests are nothing like what they were 'in my village, the soil was very fertile, we had fresh water and we had no problems'. He called on President Faye and his prime minister to help them 'because a foreign country is destroying the life of Senegalese citizens'. But EGC's Zanklan said the mining group had respected the law to the letter and argued that 'the project is benefiting the country... generating 149 million euros for Senegal in 2023'. He said they had paid '25 million euros in taxes and dividends' on their 215-million-euros turnover. 'Nearly 2,000 people work in the mine and the separation factories, 97 percent of them Senegalese,' with nearly half of them locals, Zanklan added. He said the company made the fourth-biggest contribution among mining groups to Senegal's state budget, according to data from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. EGC is the 'first mining company to return reclaimed land to Senegal' and replant it with trees, its managing director added. But locals complain that the land is not 'returned' to them but to the Senegalese state, which has traditionally allowed farmers to till state land. 'They promised to give the land back to us so we could continue to use it, but they have not kept the promise,' farmer Ba said. Close to where AFP saw the restored land, farmer Serigne Mar Sow pointed to the murky puddles in a barren field which he said showed the 'immeasurable damage' done by the mining. The water pumped up from 450 metres underground for the lake for the dredger rig remains close to the surface. EGC insists that this benefits vegetable growers. But Sow sees it differently. 'The vegetables and bananas we used to grow here are dead because of the water that floods our fields from the dredger 2.5 kilometres from here.' 'The land is no longer fertile,' he said. Surrounded by dead manioc and banana plants, he claimed that the water was polluted with 'chemicals'. 'There are 15 to 20 fields around here which have been abandoned because of that water coming up -- a drastic fall in the land we can get a harvest from.' But EGC insists that 'no chemicals are used', and that the extraction is 'purely mechanical'. Gaye, the mayor of Diokoul Diawrigne, has demanded that Senegal 'stop the mining for the moment so serious studies can be carried out on the damage being done — and so we can make a proper comparison of what all this is bringing to the state and to communities'. 'We cannot close our eyes' to what people are going through, he argued, 'whatever Senegal gets from this business'. Zanklan countered that there is 'no need for a moratorium... If there are worries, the authorities can come and inspect when they like'. In fact, EGC hopes to increase the dredger's capacity by more than a fifth to 8,500 tonnes an hour from 2026, he said. Pausing mining 'would mean putting 2,000 people out of work and end the economic benefits for the state of Senegal — it would be irresponsible when the country really needs to develop', he argued. In the meantime, the dredger continues to swallow up the dunes of Lompoul, Africa's smallest and one of its most scenic deserts.
