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Sleep Country Celebrates 30 Years of Expertise, Revealing New Insights on Evolving Sleep Trends

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Survey shows that half of adults in Canada, nearly 16 million people, have trouble sleeping.

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2024 /CNW/ – Sleep Country, Canada’s leading specialty sleep retailer, is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of fostering dreams, nurturing rest, and enhancing the well-being of millions of Canadians. Since its founding in 1994, Sleep Country Canada has grown to be a nationwide brand with over 300 storefronts delivering unmatched sleep expertise and an entire ecosystem of sleep products for a world-class customer experience coast to coast.

To commemorate this significant milestone, Sleep Country commissioned Leger to conduct an in-depth survey about evolving sleep preferences, behaviors of recent years and how sleep affects different aspects of Canadian lives. According to the study, half of adults in this country, a figure representing nearly 16 million people, said they have trouble sleeping.

“As we mark our 30th anniversary, we not only celebrate our journey and unwavering commitment to better sleep but also reflect on our nation’s current sleep quality and how Sleep Country can continue leading the way in sleep innovation and solutions for all Canadians, for the years ahead,” said Stewart Schaefer, President and CEO of Sleep Country Canada. “This milestone is a testament to our ability to adapt, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing industry. The insights from our latest survey will guide us as we continue to educate Canadians on the importance and power of sleep.”

Key findings from the survey include:

Half of Canadians (48 per cent) have trouble sleeping, with over 80 per cent not feeling well rested when they wake up,and 64 per cent citing mood swings, lower energy, and decreased productivity as the most common side effects of a bad night’s sleep.Nearly one in three (31 per cent) Canadian adults are less satisfied with their sleep habits than they were just a year ago, with stress, mental overactivity, and room temperature topping the list of sleep disruptors.Technology has significantly disrupted the sleep patterns of more than half of Canadians over the past 5-10 years, with over 60 per cent reporting an impact. Interestingly, four-in-ten Canadians stated that they use technology to improve their sleep such as, meditation or relaxation apps, sound machines, white noise apps and sleep tracking app, highlighting the complex relationship between our devices and our well-being.In a bid for better sleep, 50 per cent of Canadians avoid caffeine, heavy meals before bed, and create cozy sleep environments to build healthier bedtime routines.Sleep is the cornerstone of mental health, with two-thirds of Canadians noticing a dramatic mood boost after a good night’s rest, and 65 per cent recognize the deep connection between sleep and mental well-being.Nearly four out of five (78 per cent) Canadians stated that poor sleep contributes to feelings of anxiety and depression.For over 90 per cent of Canadians, their bed isn’t just for sleeping—it’s a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation – where Sleep Country has been a steadfast companion.On average, Canadians sleep for an extra half-hour on weekends compared to weekdays, with women more likely than men to use their days off to catch up on rest.Mattress satisfaction is closely related to sleep quality. Canadians who are extremely satisfied with their mattress are 30% more likely to report high-quality sleep.

Sleep Country has always focused on understanding the unique sleep needs of each Canadian, and this report underscores its continued leadership in understanding consumer behaviour. Over the past 30 years, the brand has defined the sleep industry landscape in Canada by providing Canadians personalized sleep solutions via in-store and online “Sleep Experts” and the continuous expansion of product and brand offerings, solidifying its position as a trusted name in the industry. In fact, Canadians voted Sleep Country Canada as their most trusted mattress retailer brand in the 2024 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards.

Earlier this summer, Sleep Country Canada kicked off the anniversary campaign with a brand love spot, which turned the camera towards consumers to capture the special moment of the best “happy birthday” of the day and the intimate spaces where laughter, tears, triumphs, and dreams come to life , and where Sleep Country Canada has been a steadfast companion. As part of the second half of its anniversary celebrations, Sleep Country Canada is launching their 30th anniversary event featuring throwback pricing and dreamy deals aimed at giving back to the loyal customers who have supported the brand over the years. The campaign features retro inspired spots, where Sleep Country’s co-founder Christine Magee steps back into the advertising spotlight after previously representing the brand since it began 30 years ago.

“For our 30th anniversary, we wanted to create a campaign that was more than just a look back for Sleep Country,” said Nuno Bamberg, Senior Vice President, Brand & Marketing, Sleep Country Canada. “We wanted to reconnect with the roots of our brand, blending the retro vibes of the 90’s with fresh creativity. This campaign is about taking our customers on a journey through time, back to where it all began, and sharing that nostalgia with them.”

The study on evolving sleep preferences was conducted by Leger from August 2-8, 2024, which surveyed 2,008 Canadians aged 18-74. The margin of error is ±2.2%.

For more information on Sleep Country Canada, please visit www.sleepcountry.ca

About Sleep Country
Sleep Country is Canada’s leading specialty sleep retailer with a purpose to transform lives by awakening Canadians to the power of sleep. Sleep Country operates under the retailer banners; Sleep Country Canada, Dormez-vous, the rest, Endy, Silk & Snow, Hush and most recently acquired, Casper Canada. The Company has omnichannel and eCommerce operations, including 307 corporate-owned stores and 18 warehouses across Canada. Recognized as one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2022 by Waterstone Human Capital and most trusted mattress retailer by Brandspark in 2024, Sleep Country is committed to building a company culture of inclusion and diversity where differences are embraced and valued. The Company actively invests in its sleep ecosystem, innovative products, world-class customer experience, communities and its people. For more information about Sleep Country, please visit www.sleepcountry.ca

SOURCE Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. Investor Relations

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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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