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Destination Canada Unveils Groundbreaking, Award-Winning Tourism Data Collective to Boost Economic Growth

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Integral part of Destination Canada’s newly released 2030 StrategyEmpowering the industry to make smarter marketing, investment and destination development decisions, ultimately driving economic growth.Aiming to propel Canada into the top 7 global tourism destinations by 2030 through data-driven decision making.

MONTREAL, May 24, 2024 /CNW/ – Today marks the launch of an innovative data and analytics platform set to revolutionize the Canadian tourism industry and boost economic growth. The Canadian Tourism Data Collective is a first-of-its-kind, secure, centralized platform designed to harness the power of data to increase Canada’s competitiveness.

Officially launched at the Hotel Association of Canada’s Annual Conference in Montreal, the platform is a partnership between Destination Canada, Statistics Canada and the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and is one of the key initiatives outlined in Destination Canada’s 2030 Strategy – ‘A World of Opportunity’.

The new strategy, launched a week ago, sets bold and ambitious targets for Canada’s tourism sector and aims to reclaim and improve Canada’s global tourism competitiveness ranking and generate up to as much as $160 billion in revenue annually.

The launch of the new Data Collective also follows this week’s release of the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 which shows that Canada has risen two places to rank 11th but more progress is required to increase Canada’s competitiveness and re-enter the top seven.

The platform has already been recognized for its impact and innovative potential, winning the Best Use of AI for Not-for-Profit or Non-Commercial Purposes Award at the 2024 DataIQ AI Awards in Miami on Tuesday.

“Artificial intelligence and big data are changing our world – including the tourism industry,” says The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. “That’s why Destination Canada is launching the Canadian Tourism Data Collective, harnessing the power of data and AI to help the sector make smarter decisions. Congratulations to Destination Canada for its leadership and innovation. This will be a big step forward for Canadian tourism!”

“The Data Collective showcases Canadian innovation empowering tourism businesses from coast to coast to coast to create a unique competitive advantage for Canada,” says Meaghan Ferrigno, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Destination Canada. “Through this groundbreaking platform, Canadians will have access to game-changing technology that will facilitate timely and informed decision-making, influence investment, and drive economic growth.”

Powered by the advanced capabilities of Google Cloud Platform, this initiative harnesses the latest in data, analytics, and AI technology. It offers timely, relevant, and actionable insights to a wide range of stakeholders, including communities, tourism operators, government, small businesses and large investors, allowing them to make critical decisions.

“The Data Collective allowed us to bring together the best and the brightest minds in the tech and tourism sectors to develop a system that is not only accessible by stakeholders across the entire tourism industry but provides a comprehensive picture of the state of the sector, from remote communities all the way up to the national level,” says Ferrigno.

“Our goal is to ensure a collaborative approach to propelling Canada into the top seven global tourism destinations by 2030, and key to this is access to timely and reliable insights that identify opportunities for growth.”

Additional Quotes

André Loranger, Chief Statistician of Canada

“Statistics Canada is proud to partner with Destination Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada in the creation of the Canadian Tourism Data Collective. A result of true collaboration, this new and innovative tool will provide valuable information on tourism trends and activities in Canada. These comprehensive data will help support those in the industry to make timely, data-driven decisions.”

Susie Grynol, President & CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada

“The Canadian Tourism Data Collective platform will be a critical resource for hotels across Canada. As a data-driven sector, hoteliers will find invaluable insights, empowering them to make informed investment decisions and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. We are thrilled to support the Canadian Tourism Data Collective and the opportunity to propel our industry into a future of growth and innovation.”

Beth Potter, President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Canada:

“”The Canadian Tourism Data Collective is a game-changer. By centralizing and sharing critical data, we’re not just making decisions; we’re shaping the future of tourism. This initiative equips businesses with the insights to drive growth and innovation. It’s about empowering every corner of our sector, including those often overlooked, to achieve unprecedented success. With the Data Collective, we’re turning data into our competitive advantage, propelling the tourism industry and Canada’s economy forward.”

Keith Henry, President and CEO of Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada:

“I commend Destination Canada’s new Canadian Tourism Data Collective. Access to comprehensive tourism data, research, and insights is crucial for informed decision-making in today’s rapidly evolving tourism landscape. By recognizing the importance of Indigenous tourism, the Data Collective can take concrete steps to ensure meaningful engagement and support for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences.

What truly sets the Data Collective apart is its emphasis on collaboration and conversation between tourism partners. Through these efforts, we can harness the power of data to identify opportunities, address challenges, and enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian Indigenous tourism economy. This will support the goal of making Canada the world leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.” 

Notes to editors

Canadian Tourism Data Collective

The Canadian Tourism Data Collective is a partnership between industry and tech leaders that will power Canada’s tourism industry to regain its place as a global leader. It is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind resource in Canada, a centralized, secure platform, using AI and data to drive Canadian innovation in tourism.

The Data Collective houses more than 8.9 billion lines of data from over 175 resources and growing, from more than 5,100 regions across the country.

About Destination Canada

At Destination Canada, we believe that tourism enhances the wealth and wellbeing of Canadians and enriches the lives of visitors. Our mission is to influence supply and build demand for the benefit of locals, communities and visitors through leading research, alignment with public and private sectors, and marketing Canada nationally and abroad.

Knowing that diversity is our greatest asset, we promote Canada as a premier four-season leisure and business tourism destination around the country and world in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, United Kingdom and the United States.

In addition, our Business Events team leverage in-depth global market analysis to target international clusters aligned with Canada’s priority economic sectors.

Destination Canada is a Crown corporation wholly owned by the Government of Canada.

www.destinationcanada.com

SOURCE Destination Canada

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Quarterhill Awarded High-Speed Weigh-In-Motion Prescreening Contract in Belgium

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The new WIM station will assist Brussels Mobility in achieving its goals of improving road safety and creating a fair regulatory environment by reducing the number of overloaded vehicles on the roads of the Brussels region.Traffic data provided by the system will support Brussels Mobility’s mission to foster economic growth and improve quality of life through the development of transport infrastructure.

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Quarterhill Inc. (“Quarterhill” or the “Company”) (TSX: QTRH) (OTCQX: QTRHF), announced today a contract to provide weigh-in-motion (“WIM”) technology to Brussels Mobility through a joint project with Belgium-based technology integrator Jacops NV (“Jacops”). Quarterhill will be responsible for the design and supply of the WIM subsystem, technical support, and training. Quarterhill will also provide Jacops with the software necessary for commercial vehicle monitoring and enforcement.

Quarterhill will supply the WIM system for the Brussels-Capital Region weigh station, which will be used to pre-select overloaded vehicles for enforcement. The dynamic weighing station will promote and improve the efficiency of inspections by screening vehicles at highway speeds in advance of the law enforcement inspection site. In addition, the weigh station will generate data that provides an accurate, real-time picture of the vehicles on the E19 highway.

The system’s goal is to reduce the number of overloaded vehicles on the Brussels Region’s roads. Overloading causes many problems, such as rapid road deterioration, more serious accidents, and unfair competition between transport companies. Quarterhill’s technology mitigates these issues by screening for overweight vehicles while optimizing the use of enforcement resources.

“We are excited at the prospect of introducing our advanced enforcement technology to Brussels Mobility and expanding our presence in Europe,” said Chuck Myers, CEO of Quarterhill. “Together with Jacops, we will deploy a state-of-the-art high-speed WIM system that will make Belgian roads safer and more sustainable. We have a longstanding relationship with Jacops as a customer for our microwave sensor products, and this project demonstrates how having a broad portfolio of traffic technologies and established relationships with traffic system integrators leads to further opportunities.”

The weigh station will monitor four lanes of one-way traffic on the highway and record data on vehicle classification and vehicle tax without impeding traffic. An overview camera provides images to help enforcement personnel clearly identify vehicles flagged by the system. An Automated Number Plate Reader system will photograph, recognize, store, process, and transmit the number plates of vehicles approaching the dynamic weighing station.

Quarterhill’s iSINC WIM controller was selected for the project as it offers preselection of overweight vehicles, creates comprehensive vehicle records, classifies vehicles, and meets the desired standards for continual uptime monitoring and ease of service. iSINC’s versatility allows it to control a wide array of sensors, cameras, dimensioning systems, communication systems, and custom equipment.

WIM sensors that comply with the accuracies outlined in the Nmi International WIM standard Specification and test procedures for WIM Systems will be installed at the site. The WIM sensors meet the lane width specifications and provide high durability, stable output over time, and IP68 water resistance.

Quarterhill will advise Jacops on the design and placement of the WIM system components to ensure optimal operation, including onsite technical support for installation, testing, and initial calibration. Quarterhill will also provide Jacops with thorough training on the WIM components and system calibration. Over the 2-year warranty period, Quarterhill will provide remote diagnostics and technical support to ensure continuous uptime and optimal performance.

“This project shows that Quarterhill’s technology is well suited to the precise needs of European agencies. We are set to elevate road safety and integrity in the region, reinforcing our expanding footprint in this important market,” stated Heimo Haub, Managing Director, Quarterhill Europe.

About Quarterhill
Quarterhill is a leading provider of tolling and enforcement solutions in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) industry. Our goal is technology-driven global leadership in ITS, via organic growth of our tolling and enforcement businesses, and by continuing an acquisition-oriented investment strategy that capitalizes on attractive growth opportunities within ITS and its adjacent markets. Quarterhill is listed on the TSX under the symbol QTRH and on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol QTRHF. For more information: www.quarterhill.com.

Forward-looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Such forward-looking statements relate to future events, conditions or future financial performance of ‎Quarterhill based on future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements other ‎than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements ‎are often, but not always, identified by the use of any words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “budget”, ‎‎”plan”, “goal”, “expect” and similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, assumptions, ‎uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those ‎anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, among others, demand for Quarterhill’s products and services; general economic and market conditions; competition; risks relating to technological advances and cyber-security; and other risks set forth in the Company’s most recent annual information form available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company believes the expectations reflected in ‎the forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations ‎will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be ‎unduly relied upon.‎ Material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, among others: Quarterhill’s ability to execute on its business plan; demand for Quarterhill’s products and services; operating assumptions; and financial projections and cost estimates. Quarterhill has no intention, and undertakes no obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quarterhill-awarded-high-speed-weigh-in-motion-prescreening-contract-in-belgium-302347610.html

SOURCE Quarterhill

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ez1099 2024 Edition Tax Preparation Software for 2025 Tax Season Is Available for Electronic Filing

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REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Designed for US business owners, tax professionals and entrepreneurs, the latest ez1099 tax form software from Halfpricesoft.com is easy to navigate and streamline processing unlimited forms for multiple companies for one flat rate.  The latest edition of ez1099 supports paper form printing, pdf printing and efile feature. It also comes with a recipient data import feature from the spreadsheet and QuickBooks IIF file.

 

“ez1099 2024 software is now available for business owners and tax professionals to print and file 1098’s and 1099’s, seamlessly.” Dr. Ge, Founder of Halfpricesoft.com, says.

ez1099 software streamlines the preparation, printing, and e-filing of essential IRS forms, including W2G, 1097BTC, various 1098 forms (1098, 1098C, 1098E, 1098F, 1098Q, 1098T), numerous 1099 forms (1099A, 1099B, 1099C, 1099CAP, 1099DIV, 1099G, 1099INT, 1099K, 1099LTC, 1099MISC, 1099NEC, 1099OID, 1099PATR, 1099Q, 1099QA, 1099R, 1099S, 1099SB, 1099SA), 5498 forms (5498, 5498ESA, 5498QA, 5498SA), as well as 8935, 3921, 3922, and 1096 forms.

Cost is only $79 per installation for the basic version of ez1099 Software or $139 per installation for the advanced version with bulk printing feature, import feature, PDF file creation and electronic filing capability. Also offered in a network version for two or more installations starting at $199 to enable sharing data between computers or offices.

ez1099 is compatible with Windows 11, 10, and 8.  It can also run on Windows Vista system, 7, and MAC machines (Mac can run the system only if installed with Bootcamp).

The features in the latest version ez1099 software include but are not limited to:

electronically file unlimited forms to the IRS with one flat rateez1099 blank paper prints out recipient copiesPrint in bulk for faster processingQuick data importing featureCustomers can save even more time by compiling and saving form data for later use and modificationSupport unlimited accounts and unlimited recipients at no additional chargeGo green with optional PDF document converting and e-file (electronic filing) featuresFeature to process correction forms included

Starting at $79.00 for the print and mail version and $139.00 to electronically file. Halfpricesoft.com welcomes all clients to begin the no obligation thirty-day test drive today at https://www.halfpricesoft.com/1099_software.asp#purchase

About halfpricesoft.com

Halfpricesoft.com is a leading provider of small to midsize business software, including online and desktop payroll software, online employee attendance tracking software, accounting software, in-house business and personal check printing software, W2, software, 1099 software, 1095 ACA form software and ezACH direct deposit software. Software from halfpricesoft.com is trusted by thousands of customers for over 20 years and will assist business owners simplify payroll processing and streamline business management.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ez1099-2024-edition-tax-preparation-software-for-2025-tax-season-is-available-for-electronic-filing-302340859.html

SOURCE Halfpricesoft.com

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The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute Enters Agreement to Accelerate Precision Drug Discovery for Neurodegenerative Disease

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Partnership Will Harness NYSCF’s Automated Cell Culture Systems and Artificial Intelligence Capabilities to Study Disease at an Unprecedented Cellular Level

NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute today announced they have entered into an agreement with Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company, to use NYSCF’s AI-powered platform for drug discovery to target neurodegenerative disease. This initiative brings together NYSCF’s advanced robotic systems for stem cell research and J&J’s expertise in drug discovery and data science to unlock novel disease insights and accelerate the development of more effective and tailored treatments.

NYSCF has developed proprietary automation technology that enables large-scale, reproducible disease modeling and drug screening using patient-derived stem cells. By combining high-content cell imaging with machine learning-driven analysis, NYSCF’s platform can reveal previously undiscovered disease phenotypes and therapeutic targets leading to the development of novel therapeutic approaches. This versatile platform is adaptable to a wide range of cell types and diseases, making it uniquely positioned to advance precision medicine for patients.

“This work with Johnson & Johnson allows us to integrate our cutting-edge stem cell automation and AI platform with their deep expertise in therapeutic development,” said Jennifer J. Raab, President and CEO of NYSCF. “Together, we look forward to accelerating the discovery of innovative treatments for patients affected by devastating neurodegenerative disease.”

About The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute
The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute is an independent non-profit organization accelerating cures and better treatments for patients through stem cell research. The NYSCF Research Institute is an acknowledged world leader in stem cell research and in the development of pioneering stem cell technologies, including the NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array®, which is used to create cell lines for laboratories around the globe. NYSCF focuses on translational research in an accelerator model designed to overcome barriers that slow discovery and replace silos with collaboration. For more information, visit nyscf.org.

CONTACTS:
David McKeon
212-365-7440
dmckeon@nyscf.org

Chris Taylor
chris@christaylorpr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-new-york-stem-cell-foundation-research-institute-enters-agreement-to-accelerate-precision-drug-discovery-for-neurodegenerative-disease-302347569.html

SOURCE The New York Stem Cell Foundation

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