Momentum builds for ribbon cutting ceremonies introducing The Well as Toronto’s most dynamic mixed-use destination

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (“RioCan”) (TSX: REI.UN) and Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (“Allied”) (TSX: AP.UN) provided the initial retail tenant roster for The Well. New tenants slated to open include a curated mix of beloved local brands, innovative concepts, multi-nationals and new entries into the Toronto market.

“RioCan and Allied are very excited to welcome retail tenants to The Well, our flagship mixed-use development in Toronto. RioCan has carefully curated a mix of dynamic and diverse tenants that define The Well as an extension of the vibrant and thriving King West district,” said Jonathan Gitlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of RioCan. “The ideal combination of location, thoughtful pedestrian-focused design, and community building establishes The Well as a quintessential urban hub hosting office workers and residents and attracting many more as a popular destination for shopping, dining, and special events.”

Incoming retail tenants represent exciting new opportunities to eat, shop, experience and connect at The Well and include necessity-based, experiential and service-oriented retailers. A complete listing of retail tenants can be found on The Well’s website at www.thewelltoronto.com, including those showcased below.

• Food: Each new restaurant and bar at The Well are an intentionally designed integration of culinary experiences that celebrate Toronto’s diverse food scene. The 38^th floor of The Well’s office tower features the highly anticipated Aera restaurant with an expansive rooftop patio that provides dramatic views of Toronto and Lake Ontario. With more than 55 food purveyors, The Wellington Market will offer everything from core essentials to the adventurous, complemented by National, a beer market inspired by North American tastes, with food, games, events, and select craft beers. The Wellington Restaurants present a full suite of inspired restaurants and bars and include new concepts such as La Plume, The Dorset and Bridgette Bar; and Montreal favorites, Mandy’s Gourmet Salads and L’Avenue; as well as the debut of LuLu Bar.
• Health & Wellness: Catering to the well-being of guests, The Well offers a host of health-focused amenities, including previously announced Sweat and Tonic, a fitness and wellness boutique, and Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada’s largest pharmacy. HealthOne Medical & Wellness is a full-service medical clinic offering medical, dental, rehab, wellness, mental health, optometry and skin clinic; an all-in-one centre will also be at The Well.
• Everyday conveniences: In keeping with the open street and pedestrian-centered environment of The Well is a host of retailers offering everyday conveniences, including barista-style cafés such as De Mello Coffee; Fix Coffee + Bikes; and Quantum Coffee. For 24/7 convenience, Aisle 24, a fully-automated, cashier-less grocery store will open its newest store serving residents and visitors at The Well. Other convenient amenities include personal banking with Bank of Montreal; Royal Bank; and Scotiabank branches, as well as beauty and grooming from Etiket; Room1six and Vie Nail & Beauty Salon.
• Elevated Retail: Reinforcing The Well’s seemingly endless amenities, retailers from multi-nationals to independent boutiques are setting up shop. Recognizable brands include consumer favourites such as Adidas; Indigo; Structube; The Bone & Biscuit; Bailey Nelson; and Le Creuset. And most recently, Sephora and Frank & Oak will join The Well’s roster of tenants. Leaning into The Well’s King West character is a slate of chic boutiques including Black Rooster Décor; Design Republic; Giotelli; Gotstyle; Groovy Shoes; and Suetables.

Retail tenants are expected to physically open in phases through the remainder of 2023 and into 2024. As we finalize additional lease deals, more announcements of exciting retailers opening at The Well are forthcoming. To celebrate the openings, a ribbon cutting event is scheduled for November 17, 2023 at The Well.

Office and Residential Update:

• Office: The 38-storey, 1.2 million square feet ⁽¹⁾, office space at The Well is stabilized at 98% leased. The office component of the Well is registered under the LEED® green building rating system and is targeting a LEED® Platinum certification.
• Residential: Residences at The Well comprise six buildings offering approximately 1,700 condominium and purpose-built rental suites. FourFifty The Well, the residential rental tower at the Well, is owned by RioCan in partnership with Woodbourne Canada Partners (“Woodbourne”). This 46-storey, 592 units, luxury residential rental tower offers modern amenities, superior services and direct access to The Well’s commercial conveniences through its retail podium. This building commenced pre-leasing in March 2023 and is currently 30% leased. With tenant move-ins starting on August 1, 2023, FourFifty The Well is now 21% occupied. Woodbourne owns the other two residential rental buildings, totalling 330 units, which have achieved 65% leased in aggregate. For the three condominium buildings, developed by Tridel Builders Inc., occupancy has commenced for two of the buildings. Occupancy activity for residences at The Well further underscore the desirability and demand for this mixed-use community.

About The Well

The Well is a joint venture between RioCan and Allied. Situated at Front, Spadina and Wellington, spanning more than three million square feet, The Well comprises seven mixed-use towers and mid-rise buildings. This interconnected mixed-used development introduces new residential housing, a relevant urban streetscape of retail experiences and concepts in approximately 320,000 square feet ⁽¹⁾ of indoor and outdoor space and workspace solutions for thousands of users across 1.2 million square feet ⁽¹⁾ of office. Once complete, The Well will draw people from down the street and across the globe to eat, shop, work, live and play in Toronto.

1) Square footage measures are based on gross leasable area for retail and office space

About RioCan

RioCan is one of Canada’s largest real estate investment trusts. RioCan owns, manages and develops retail- focused, increasingly mixed-use properties located in prime, high-density transit-oriented areas where Canadians want to shop, live and work. As at June 30, 2023, our portfolio is comprised of 193 properties with an aggregate net leasable area of approximately 33.5 million square feet (at RioCan’s interest) including office, residential rental and 11 development properties. To learn more about us, please visit www.riocan.com.

About Allied

Allied is a leading owner-operator of distinctive urban workspace in Canada’s major cities. Allied’s mission is to provide knowledge-based organizations with workspace that is sustainable and conducive to human wellness, creativity, connectivity and diversity. Allied’s vision is to make a continuous contribution to cities and culture that elevates and inspires the humanity in all people.

Forward Looking Information – RioCan

This News Release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. This information reflects RioCan’s objectives, strategies to achieve those objectives, as well as statements with respect to management’s beliefs, estimates and intentions concerning anticipated future events or expectations that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “outlook”, “objective”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “should”, “plan”, “continue”, or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events.

Such forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. All forward-looking information in this News Release is qualified by these cautionary statements.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future events or performance and, by its nature, is based on RioCan’s current estimates and assumptions, which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in the “Risks and Uncertainties” section in RioCan’s MD&A for the period ended June 30, 2023 and in its most recent Annual Information Form, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the forward-looking information contained in this News Release.

Although the forward-looking information contained in this News Release is based upon what management believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with this forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are made as of the date hereof, and should not be relied upon as representing RioCan’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this News Release. Management undertakes no obligation, except as required by applicable law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Forward Looking Information – Allied

This News Release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. This information reflects Allied’s objectives, strategies to achieve those objectives, as well as statements with respect to management’s beliefs, estimates and intentions concerning anticipated future events or expectations that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “outlook”, “objective”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “should”, “plan”, “continue”, or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events.

Such forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. All forward-looking information in this News Release is qualified by these cautionary statements.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future events or performance and, by its nature, is based on Allied’s current estimates and assumptions, which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in the “Risks and Uncertainties” section in Allied’s MD&A for the period ended December 31, 2022 and in its most recent Annual Information Form, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the forward-looking information contained in this News Release.

Although the forward-looking information contained in this News Release is based upon what management believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with this forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are made as of the date hereof, and should not be relied upon as representing Allied’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this News Release. Management undertakes no obligation, except as required by applicable law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts

RioCan

Jonathan Gitlin

President and Chief Executive Officer

(416) 866-3033

Allied

Cecilia Williams

President and Chief Executive Officer

(416) 977-9002

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$REAX #therealbrokerage–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX), the fastest-growing publicly traded real estate brokerage, announced today that it is open for business in Vermont, increasing the company’s presence to 49 states and the District of Columbia in the U.S. and four Canadian provinces.

“We are thrilled to launch in Vermont, which has led the nation in inbound movers for two years in a row¹,” Real Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tamir Poleg said. “Real’s tools, technology and culture of collaboration will be attractive to agents looking to differentiate themselves with clients and build long-term wealth, especially in today’s low inventory market that is keeping sellers on the sidelines and pricing many buyers out.”

Joining Real as Principal Broker in Vermont is Sandy Reavill. A long-time real estate investor and educator, Reavill went into residential real estate full-time when the pandemic closed schools. During her first year as an agent, she closed 61 transactions.

“As real estate professionals, we need to be more agile than ever before – clients are demanding it,” Reavill said. “Real’s technology platform which is all about increasing agent productivity will allow me to focus on what’s most important, helping my clients find their dream homes.”

Real’s expansion to Vermont follows its launch in West Virginia last month and marks its fourth state opening in 2023.

¹ According to United Van Lines’ 46th annual National Movers Study.

About Real

The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX) is revolutionizing the residential real estate industry by pairing best-in-class technology with the trusted guidance of the agent-led experience. Real delivers a cloud-based platform to improve efficiencies and empower agents to provide a seamless end-to-end experience for home buyers and sellers. The company was founded in 2014 and serves 49 states, D.C., and four Canadian provinces with more than 12,000 agents. Additional information can be found on its website at www.onereal.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as of the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing, expectations regarding Real’s ability to continue to expand its presence to additional locations.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to Real’s business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, slowdowns in real estate markets, economic and industry downturns and Real’s ability to attract new agents and retain current agents. These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Contacts

Investor inquiries:

Ravi Jani

Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis

investors@therealbrokerage.com
908.280.2515

For media inquiries:

Elisabeth Warrick

Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Brand

elisabeth@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221

Dealer management software company recognized for revenue and employment growth for a second consecutive year

CARY, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–e-Emphasys Technologies Inc., a global provider of enterprise software for equipment dealers, today announced it is listed among the 2023 Triangle Business Journal Fast 50. This is the second consecutive year the company has been selected to appear on this annual list.

The Fast 50 annual awards program recognizes the most dynamic, fastest-growing private companies in Raleigh, Durham and across the Triangle. Winners are selected and ranked based on a formula that includes dollar growth, percentage rate of growth, and profitability during a three-year period. Winners will be recognized during an awards ceremony on November 8.

“It’s exciting to be included on this prestigious list again this year, which reflects the value we provide equipment dealers who want to modernize their business operations,” said Jeff Hart, President and CEO of e-Emphasys. “With the right technology, these dealerships can transform and grow, digitalizing their processes and harnessing the power of their data. We’re here to support them in their journeys to operate more efficiently, better serve customers, and increase profitability.”

For more than 20 years, e-Emphasys has served the equipment dealership industry and its various market sectors. The company’s software suites, e-Emphasys ERP and IntelliDealer, allow clients to connect every function of their dealerships to standardize and automate workflows, access real-time analytics, and make data-driven decisions.

About e-Emphasys Technologies

e-Emphasys Technologies Inc. is the leading global provider of dealer management software. Our e-Emphasys ERP and IntelliDealer solutions give agriculture, construction, heavy truck, material handling and other equipment dealers the digital transformation and data intelligence technology to better manage and grow their businesses. Designed to meet these clients’ industry-specific needs, our platforms connect every aspect of dealership operations and provide the insights to increase efficiency, customer satisfaction and profitability. We’re proud to support the ecosystem of manufacturers, dealers and their customers who help the world run every day. Learn more at www.e-emphasys.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Contacts

Media:
Lisa Williams

press@e-emhasys.com
+1 339. 788. 0067

• Study quantifies impact of technology upgrades on energy performance and carbon reduction in office buildings
• Research finds retrofitting buildings using a digital-first approach is best pathway to decarbonization

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Retrofitting buildings using a digital-first approach is the best pathway to decarbonization, according to new research from Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation.

Buildings represent an estimated 37 per cent of global carbon emissionsⁱ, and as about half of today’s buildings are still likely to be in use in 2050ⁱⁱ, the sector must urgently reduce operational carbon emissions, by making buildings more energy efficient.

The research findings show that deploying Schneider Electric’s digital building and power management solutionsⁱⁱⁱ in existing office buildings could reduce their operational carbon emissions by up to 42 per cent with a payback period of less than three years. If fossil fuel-powered heating technologies are replaced with electric-powered alternatives, and a microgrid with local renewable energy sources is installed, all-electric, all-digital buildings will see an additional 28 per cent reduction in operational carbon emissions resulting in a total reduction of up to 70 per cent.

Mike Kazmierczak, Vice President of the Digital Energy Decarbonization Office, the team leading the science-based research and product innovation to accelerate the energy transition within Schneider Electric’s Digital Energy division, explained that, “Tackling operational emissions is the number-one lever to decarbonize existing buildings at scale and achieve net-zero emissions targets by 2050. This breakthrough research reveals that reducing carbon emissions by up to 70 per cent is feasible if we transform our existing building stock into energy-efficient, fully-electrified and digitized assets.”

The research, carried out with the global design firm WSP, is based on modeling the energy performance and carbon emissions of a large office building built in the early 2000s across various U.S. Climate Zones^iv. This digital approach to building renovations is, however, applicable to all building types and climates, and is, therefore, the most effective building decarbonization strategy, yielding fast results with lower ‘upfront carbon’^v.

Renovating through the deployment of digital technologies is not only less disruptive to daily operations, but also more effective from a lifecycle carbon perspective. Failing to rapidly decarbonize buildings could also result in stranded assets that lose value and are unattractive to both investors and tenants.

Furthermore, recent research from the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability and the Schneider Electric Sustainability Research Institute estimates that there is a sizable potential to create new jobs through the transition to low-carbon buildings.

Schneider Electric is widely recognized as an impact company and a leader in decarbonization. Its connected products, software and sustainability services help drive operational efficiency, eliminate energy waste, and provide strategies for carbon reduction in buildings, factories, data centers, infrastructure, and homes. Schneider Electric’s research and decarbonization scenarios offer immediate, practical solutions to help organizations navigate the complexities of the energy transition.

To learn more about the findings of Schneider’s research and three step process (strategize, digitize, decarbonize) to accelerate the path to net-zero buildings, visit here.

Related resources:

• Decarbonize the Office: Unleash the Power of Digital Solutions for Building Renovations
• A structured methodology for planning commercial real estate portfolio decarbonization
• The Path to Net-Zero Buildings: A 3-step guide to turn sustainability ambitions into actions
• Back to 2050: a major report on how 1.5°C is more feasible than many think

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

www.se.com/ca

Discover Life Is On     Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Blog

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.

Hashtags: #ClimateWeekNYC #CREtechNewYork2023 #Buildings of the Future

_______________________

ⁱ Tracking Clean Energy Progress (International Energy Agency 2022). 

ⁱⁱ Energy Technology Perspectives (International Energy Agency 2020). 

ⁱⁱⁱ Schneider Electric solutions include EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Advisor, Connected Room Solutions, Accusine power factor correction and harmonic filtering, PowerLogic submetering 

^iv Using the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) 90.1-2004 baseline for large offices (12-stories, 46728 m2). 

^v Upfront carbon refers to the emissions primarily related to the extraction and production of building products and materials

Contacts

Media Relations – Edelman on behalf of Schneider Electric

Juan Pablo Guerrero, Phone: +1 416 875 7173, Email: juan.guerrero@edelman.com

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DREAM IMPACT TRUST (TSX: MPCT.UN) (“Dream Impact” or the “Trust”) today announced its September 2023 monthly distribution in the amount of 5.333 cents per Unit (64 cents annualized). The September distribution will be payable on October 13, 2023 to unitholders of record as at September 29, 2023.

About Dream Impact Trust

Dream Impact Trust is an open-ended trust dedicated to impact investing. Dream Impact’s underlying portfolio is comprised of exceptional real estate assets reported under two operating segments: development and investing holdings, and recurring income, that would not be otherwise available in a public and fully transparent vehicle, managed by an experienced team with a successful track record in these areas. The objectives of Dream Impact are to create positive and lasting impacts for our stakeholders through our three impact verticals: environmental sustainability and resilience, attainable and affordable housing, and inclusive communities; while generating attractive returns for investors. For more information, please visit: www.dreamimpacttrust.ca.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

DREAM IMPACT TRUST

Meaghan Peloso

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 365-6322

mpeloso@dream.ca

Kimberly Lefever

Director, Investor Relations

(416) 365-6339

klefever@dream.ca

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DREAM INDUSTRIAL REIT (TSX: DIR.UN) (the “Trust”) announced today its September 2023 monthly distribution in the amount of 5.833 cents per Unit (70 cents annualized). The September distribution will be payable on October 13, 2023 to unitholders of record as at September 29, 2023.

Dream Industrial REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. As at June 30, 2023, Dream Industrial REIT owns, manages and operates a portfolio of 321 assets totalling approximately 70.3 million square feet of gross leasable area in key markets across Canada, Europe, and the U.S. Dream Industrial REIT’s goal is to deliver strong total returns to its unitholders through secure cash flows underpinned by its high-quality portfolio and an investment grade balance sheet as well as driving growth in its net asset value and cash flow per unit. For more information, please visit our website at www.dreamindustrialreit.ca.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

DREAM INDUSTRIAL REIT

Brian Pauls

Chief Executive Officer

(416) 365-2365

bpauls@dream.ca

Lenis Quan

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 365-2353

lquan@dream.ca

Alexander Sannikov

President & Chief Operating Officer

(416) 365-4106

asannikov@dream.ca

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DREAM RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (TSX: DRR.U and TSX: DRR.UN) (“Dream Residential REIT” or the “REIT”) today announced its September 2023 monthly distribution in the amount of US$0.035 per unit (US$0.42 annualized). The September distribution will be payable on October 13, 2023 to unitholders of record as at September 29, 2023.

About Dream Residential REIT

Dream Residential REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established and governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario. The REIT owns an initial portfolio of 16 garden-style multi-residential properties, consisting of 3,432 units primarily located in three markets across the Sunbelt and Midwest regions of the United States. For more information, please visit www.dreamresidentialreit.ca.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Dream Residential REIT

Brian Pauls
Chief Executive Officer

(416) 365-2365

bpauls@dream.ca

Derrick Lau
Chief Financial Officer

(416) 365-2364

dlau@dream.ca

Scott Schoeman
Chief Operating Officer

(303) 519-3020

sschoeman@dream.ca

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DREAM OFFICE REIT (TSX: D.UN) (“Dream Office” or the “Trust”) today announced its September 2023 monthly distribution of 8.333 cents per REIT Unit, Series A ($1.00 annualized). The September distribution will be payable on October 13, 2023 to unitholders of record as at September 29, 2023.

Dream Office REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. Dream Office REIT is a premier office landlord in downtown Toronto with over 3.5 million square feet owned and managed. We have carefully curated an investment portfolio of high-quality assets in irreplaceable locations in one of the finest office markets in the world. For more information, please visit our website at www.dreamofficereit.ca.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Michael J. Cooper

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(416) 365-5145

mcooper@dream.ca

Jay Jiang

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 365-6638

jjiang@dream.ca

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Semifinalists for the third annual Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge have been announced and 38 teams of innovators will now vie for a part of $1 million USD across three award levels – two Seeding The Future Grand Prizes ($250,000 each), three Growth Grants ($100,000 each), and eight Seed Grants ($25,000 each). Funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation and hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), this year’s Challenge received a record number of submissions (over 900) from 78 countries as multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs submitted their innovative approaches to transform the food system towards better nutrition security and planetary health.

“Global agricultural and food systems account for more than 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, and the role of impactful food system innovations related to climate change is becoming increasingly critical. The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge focuses on innovations that transform food systems to be more resilient and sustainable while also enabling equitable access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food that is trusted by consumers,” said Bernhard van Lengerich, PhD, founder of Seeding The Future Foundation.

The Challenge incentivizes impactful and transformative innovations created by teams from for-profit, non-profit, or academic research entities sharing a common goal: To address the challenges of climate change and nutrition security by transforming the global food system and its impact on planetary and personal health. From regenerative agriculture to artificial intelligence, the Challenge has received a wide range of innovative solutions, as demonstrated by the more than 2,400 submissions in the Challenge’s first three years.

Submissions opened on June 1 and closed on August 1. Over the last 45 days, submissions have been carefully evaluated and scored based on their novelty and projected impact on people’s lives and the environment by a panel of highly distinguished subject matter experts from different science and technology disciplines.

Here is a complete list of this year’s semifinalists:

Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semifinalists

Fork Farms for its efforts to scale its highly innovative vertical hydroponic Flex Farm into a large-scale operation, the Flex Acre, which can grow four times the amount of food to market with maximum potential for positive impact on people and the environment (USA).

Green America for its Soil & Climate Alliance’s innovative approach operating the Soil Carbon Initiative (SCI), a third-party verification program designed to accelerate the uptake of regenerative agriculture and promote soil regeneration and linking it with the Nutrition Density Alliance focusing on regenerative agricultures ability to produce more nutritious food (USA).

Green Farm Innovations, Inc. for its novel farm to doorstep food delivery model which aims to reduce the distance and middlemen between food producers and consumers through vertical farming in local production hubs with direct distribution to consumers (Canada).

INMED South Africa for its unique and impactful Aquaponics Social Enterprise (ASE) program, which builds upon INMED’s expertise in climate-smart aquaponics to generate a means to address food security, climate-change adaptation, inclusion, sustainable livelihoods, and other intertwined causes of systemic poverty at large scale (South Africa).

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) for its Harvest Plus Program which leverages the nutritional benefits of locally grown biofortified crops used to develop nutrient-dense flours for porridge that can be easily stored, handled, and prepared for many consumers via school feeding (Kenya).

Naandi Foundation for its ReGen program, a synergistic model of ReGenerative agriculture providing SEED (soil enrichers and ecosystem developers) and SALM (sustainable agriculture land management) as respective material agri-inputs and knowledge frameworks. ReGen is an assembly of biology-based tools for the sustainable adoption of regenerative agriculture, distributed free of cost through a decentralized network of 12 regenerative agricultural hubs (India).

Savory Institute for its groundbreaking work to regenerate 100,000 hectares of communally managed Maasai conservancies in Kenya’s Mara region. Savory’s holistic approach integrates grasslands regeneration into an inclusive value proposition with an ROI model spanning land stewards, local communities, food-and-fashion corporate partners, and impact investors (USA).

SnapDNA for its highly innovative, simple, rapid, lab-quality, molecular and live pathogen food testing technology that can be used in-field to eliminate the need to store product or ship to a lab, thereby significantly lowering cold or ambient storage and food cost, enabling a safer, fresher, and more trustworthy food supply while reducing food waste (USA).

Growth Grants Semifinalists

Association 3535 for its Cool Lion project, an innovative cooling-as-a-service enterprise utilizing solar powered cold storage hub solutions for small-holder farmers in Africa (Cote d’Ivoire).

BettaF!sh, a start-up that harnesses the potential of regenerative cultivated seaweed as a key ingredient in novel, delicious and environmentally sustainable plant-based seafood alternatives (Germany).

Cotex Technologies, Inc., for its development of a novel process to create controlled release fertilizers using biodegradable polymers as an environment-friendly solution with increased efficiency and at lower cost than current alternatives (Canada).

Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology for its development of a highly innovative scalable evaporative cooling blanket made from biodegradable material to reduce post-harvest losses of perishable goods in developing regions (Switzerland).

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) for its innovative development of plant extract based biopesticides and their on-farm applications for sustainable crops, benefitting human and environmental health (Kenya).

Ignitia for its ‘from-rain-to-grain’ climate intelligence solutions for farmers in tropical regions to address the problem of low accuracy weather forecasts and its consequences. Through advanced, tropical atmospheric physics-based numerical prediction models and machine learning techniques, Ignitia delivers hyper-local forecasts that are twice as accurate as today’s global models (Sweden).

Saba Grocers for its Fresh Food Access Initiative, a comprehensive and novel program to distribute low volume produce orders to corner stores at wholesale prices through a Collective Purchasing Agreement which procures produce from BIPOC farmers. Saba’s work mitigates supply chain disparities which deprioritize supplying fresh produce to underserved communities (USA).

Kopernik for its innovative PANGAN Initiative: Preserving Ancestral Knowledge and Revitalizing Food Security for a Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Future. PANGAN specifically addresses food insecurity in West Timor, a problem that has been exacerbated by the climate crisis and affects underserved and marginalized communities the most (Indonesia).

Midwest Food Bank for its Tender Mercies, a low cost, environmentally conscious, nutrient-dense meal made from an innovative single meal formulation mix enriched with vitamins and minerals, creating enjoyable and fully nutritious, yet cost-effective meals for school feeding programs, disaster relief, refugee camps, HIV/AIDS programs, or family settings (Kenya).

Node Eight Foundation for its First Farms project, an innovative agritech/fintech solution that is transforming agriculture in Africa. By leveraging its digital platform, it invests in first-time certified farmers, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in modern agriculture (Ghana).

Nurture Posterity International for NutriPosh, a unique approach protecting the nutritional quality of seed enriched maize flours used for enhanced nutrition in school feeding programs via regenerative agricultural practices, solar powered dehydration technologies and the use of biodegradable packaging (Uganda).

Save The Environment’s “SENVIR” (link not available) for its biodiversity driven agronomic research on the choice of substrate and undergrowth needed to propagate Gnetum africanum which is applied in multiplier greenhouses and integrated into forestlands to promote sustainable growth of this endangered and widely consumed forest plant (Democratic Republic of Congo).

Seed Grant Semifinalists

Alabaster International, “Enset Cultivation, Development and Utilization in Ethiopia and Kenya – Determining the Impact of Enset on Food Security” (USA).

Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, “Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Harnessing Novel Microbial Consortia for Eco-Friendly Reduction of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides” (India).

AQUAGENIUS, “Small-scale Fish Farming Enhanced by a Circular Economy and Innovative, Eco-friendly Food Strategy” (Republic of Benin).

Campbell Systems Design, “The Open Smart Kitchen (OSK) Hub: A Camera-based Food Management System to Reduce Food Spoilage and Promote Healthy Eating” (USA).

Crover, Ltd., “Maintaining the Quality of Grains and Oilseeds in Bulk Storage and Transportation” (United Kingdom).

Egerton University, “Developing a Togotia Digital Knowledge Platform for Improved Production, Value-addition and Utilization” (Kenya).

Feeding Albania Foundation, “Sustainable Egg Production for NGOs and the Impoverished in Albania” (Albania).

Global Seed Savers, “Empowering Communities for Sustainable, Equitable, Ecological, and Diverse Food Systems through Seed Sovereignty (ECOSEEDS Project)” (USA).

Journalists for Human Rights, “Sustainable Urban Farming for Food Security and Environmental Conservation” (Macedonia).

Makerere University, “Harnessing the Potential of a Millet-Pomegranate Composite Flour, ‘Millipome,’ as a Safe, Nutritive and Healthy Living Alternative Food” (Uganda).

Ndalo Heritage Trust, “Sorghum Value-addition: Scaling Up Nutrition, Human and Climate Health for At-risk Populations in Siaya County, Kenya” (Kenya).

Safe Environment Hub, “Black Soldier Fly farming: Changing Trash to Cash” (Kenya).

Stembla Kano. “Rhombus: An App to Empower Food Security and Farmers” (Nigeria).

Tiny Seed Project’s “PISCES: Permaculture Institute, Cultivating Resilience: Promoting Cover Crops for Sustainable Agriculture in Northern Togo” (USA).

University of Connecticut, “Green Engineering of Seaweed Biomaterials for Sustainable Food Protection” (USA).

Urban Being (URBNG) Inc., “JRDN-URBN: Building Food Autonomy into the City” (Canada).

UV4Good, “UVC LED-based systems to clean water in the field and other emergency situations across the world: Ukraine case” (Ukraine).

West Virginia University Research Corporation, “Indoor LED Strawberry Growing: Lighting the Way to Zero Waste Beverages” (USA).

Seed Grant winners and Growth Grant and Grand Prize finalists will be announced next month. Follow IFT and Seeding The Future Foundation on LinkedIn for updates on the announcement.

For more information on the Challenge, go to www.ift.org/food-system-challenge.

About Institute of Food Technologists

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization of approximately 12,000 individual members from more than 100 countries committed to advancing the science of food. Since 1939, IFT has brought together the brightest minds in food science, technology and related professions from academia, government, and industry to solve the world’s greatest food challenges. IFT works to ensure that its members have the resources they need to learn, grow, and advance the science of food as the population and the world evolve. IFT believes that science is essential to ensuring a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. For more information, please visit ift.org.

About Seeding The Future Foundation

The Seeding The Future Foundation is a private, non-profit organization motivated by its core value that everyone should always have equitable access to safe, nutritious, affordable, appealing, and trusted food. It seeks to inspire innovative solutions that can help transform the global food system to be more sustainable and benefits the health of people and the environment. The Foundation provides seed funding and support to promising ideas and high impact innovations to improve food systems globally, technologies to reduce post-harvest losses in developing regions, as well as foundational work in academia and research. For more information, please visit seedingthefuture.org.

Contacts

Dennis Van Milligen

Senior Manager, Public and Media Relations

Institute of Food Technologists

630-853-3022

dvanmilligen@ift.org

The top-producing Acadiana team brings 40 agents, bolstering Real’s presence in Louisiana

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$REAX #therealbrokerage–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX), the fastest-growing publicly traded real estate brokerage, announced today that District South Real Estate Co., the Lafayette-based team serving Louisiana’s Acadiana region, is the latest top-producing team to join the company. Led by Carrie Théard and Sean Hettich, District South brings 40 agents to Real. With the addition of District South, The Real Brokerage total agent count now exceeds 12,000.

“We are excited to welcome Carrie, Sean and the entire District South team to Real,” said Real President Sharran Srivatsaa. “Carrie and Sean share Real’s ‘Work Hard. Be Kind.’ mindset attracting top producers to their team who distinguish themselves through their professionalism and commitment to giving back to their community.”

After successful careers independently – Théard at a local boutique and Hettich as a top producer at a global brokerage – the pair joined forces in 2017 to form District South as a way to combine the best of what both business models have to offer. Since that time both have continued to rank among the state’s top-producing agents. District South has ranked among the top-producing teams in Louisiana, recording the highest per agent sales of any firm for the past five years. In 2022, District South completed 960 transactions, totaling nearly $252 million in sales.

“By joining Real, we are once again blending the best of both worlds,” Théard said. “Real offers us the opportunity to continue to offer what our agents value most, while also providing opportunities for building wealth long-term.”

Hettich said, “Real’s forward-thinking revenue model and culture of professionalism are what drew us in. CEO Tamir Poleg’s vision of agent quality and high professionalism mirrored what we have already achieved at the local level with District South. We love that our agents are now co-owners with us and we can grow our careers together.”

About Real

The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX) is revolutionizing the residential real estate industry by pairing best-in-class technology with the trusted guidance of the agent-led experience. Real delivers a cloud-based platform to improve efficiencies and empower agents to provide a seamless end-to-end experience for home buyers and sellers. The company was founded in 2014 and serves 48 states, D.C., and four Canadian provinces with more than 12,000 agents. Additional information can be found on its website at www.onereal.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as of the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing, expectations regarding Real’s ability to continue to attract agents.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to Real’s business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, slowdowns in real estate markets, economic and industry downturns and Real’s ability to attract new agents and retain current agents. These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Contacts

Investor inquiries:

investors@therealbrokerage.com
908.280.2515

For media inquiries:

Elisabeth Warrick

Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Brand

elisabeth@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Slate Grocery REIT (TSX: SGR.U) (TSX: SGR.UN) (the “REIT”), an owner and operator of U.S. grocery-anchored real estate, announced today that the Board of Trustees has declared a distribution for the month of September 2023 of U.S.$0.072 per class U unit of the REIT (“Class U Units”), or U.S.$0.864 on an annualized basis.

Holders of Class U Units may elect to receive their distribution in Canadian dollars and should contact their broker to make such an election.

Holders of class A units of the REIT (“Class A Units”) will receive a distribution equal to the Canadian dollar equivalent (based on the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate at the time of payment of the distribution) of U.S.$0.072 per Class A Unit, unless the unitholder has elected to receive distributions in U.S. dollars. Holders of class I units of the REIT (“Class I Units”) will receive a distribution of U.S.$0.072 per Class I Unit, unless the unitholder has elected to receive distributions in Canadian dollars. Holders of units of subsidiaries of the REIT that are exchangeable into Class U Units (“Exchangeable Units”) will receive a distribution of U.S.$0.072 per unit.

If a holder of Class U Units or Class I Units elects to receive distributions in Canadian dollars, the holder will receive the Canadian dollar equivalent amount of the distribution being paid on the Class U Units or Class I Units, as applicable, based on the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate at the time of payment of the distribution.

Distributions on all unit classes of the REIT, and distributions on Exchangeable Units, will be payable on October 16, 2023 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on September 29, 2023.

About Slate Grocery REIT (TSX: SGR.U / SGR.UN)

Slate Grocery REIT is an owner and operator of U.S. grocery-anchored real estate. The REIT owns and operates approximately U.S. $2.4 billion of critical real estate infrastructure across major U.S. metro markets that communities rely upon for their daily needs. The REIT’s resilient grocery-anchored portfolio and strong credit tenants provide unitholders with durable cash flows and the potential for capital appreciation over the longer term. Visit slategroceryreit.com to learn more about the REIT.

About Slate Asset Management

Slate Asset Management is a global alternative investment platform targeting real assets. We focus on fundamentals with the objective of creating long-term value for our investors and partners. Slate’s platform has a range of real estate and infrastructure investment strategies, including opportunistic, value add, core plus and debt investments. We are supported by exceptional people and flexible capital, which enable us to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information herein constitutes “forward-looking information” as defined under Canadian securities laws which reflect management’s expectations regarding objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities of the REIT. The words “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “does not anticipate”, “projects”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results “may”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “occur”, “be achieved”, or “continue” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings of the REIT with securities regulators.

SGR-Dist

Contacts

For Further Information
Investor Relations

+1 416 644 4264

ir@slateam.com

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Slate Office REIT (TSX: SOT.UN) (the “REIT”), an owner and operator of high-quality workplace real estate, announced today that the Board of Trustees has declared a distribution for the month of September 2023 of C$0.01 per trust unit of the REIT, representing $0.12 per trust unit of the REIT on an annualized basis.

The distribution will be payable on October 16, 2023 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on September 29, 2023.

About Slate Office REIT (TSX: SOT.UN)

Slate Office REIT is a global owner and operator of high-quality workplace real estate. The REIT owns interests in and operates a portfolio of strategic and well-located real estate assets in North America and Europe. The majority of the REIT’s portfolio is comprised of government and high-quality credit tenants. The REIT acquires quality assets at a discount to replacement cost and creates value for unitholders by applying hands-on asset management strategies to grow rental revenue, extend lease term and increase occupancy. Visit slateofficereit.com to learn more.

About Slate Asset Management

Slate Asset Management is a global alternative investment platform targeting real assets. We focus on fundamentals with the objective of creating long-term value for our investors and partners. Slate’s platform has a range of real estate and infrastructure investment strategies, including opportunistic, value add, core plus and debt investments. We are supported by exceptional people and flexible capital, which enable us to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information herein constitutes “forward-looking information” as defined under Canadian securities laws which reflect management’s expectations regarding objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities of the REIT. The words “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “does not anticipate”, “projects”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results “may”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “occur”, “be achieved”, or “continue” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings of the REIT with securities regulators.

SOT-Dist

Contacts

For Further Information
Investor Relations

+1 416 644 4264

ir@slateam.com