Category Archives: Finance

FormFree Welcomes Paul Finch, Former Early Warning CEO, to Its Board of Directors

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® today announced the appointment of payments and banking fintech pioneer Paul Finch to its board of directors.

Finch is best known for his 16-year tenure as CEO of Early Warning Services (Early Warning), a private fintech company owned by seven of the largest U.S. banks - Bank of America, BB&T, Capital One, JP Morgan Chase, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo. Notably, Finch spearheaded the 2017 launch of Zelle, a real-time payments network composed of 850 banks and credit unions, and led Early Warning's transformation into a premier provider of real-time payments, risk and authentication solutions. Finch retired from Early Warning in 2019, and founded PWF Advisory Services, a financial services consulting firm.

"Paul is a visionary that has led transformational advances in the payments and financial risk space," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "We're honored to have him join our board of directors and assist FormFree on its journey to forge a more inclusive credit decisioning landscape."

"I am enthusiastic to work with FormFree - a trailblazer in the digital mortgage industry - to break down the barriers to financial inclusion," said Finch. "They have proven themselves an innovative and agile organization that has enormous potential to disrupt the way credit decisioning is done."

In addition to Finch's extensive experience in the financial technology sector, he is head of the Finch Family Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps children and families in need in the Phoenix area.

About FormFree

FormFree® is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek® and Passport® make for a more inclusive credit decisioning landscape by enabling lenders to understand people's true ability to pay (ATP®). To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing trillions of dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, dramatically reduces origination timelines and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey®.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

Twitter: @RealFormFree #mortgageindustry #fintech #financialinclusion #peoplemovers

FormFree today announced the appointment of payments and banking fintech pioneer Paul Finch to its board of directors. Finch is best known for his 16-year tenure as CEO of Early Warning Services (Early Warning).

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

Newly-Passed Restaurant Revitalization Fund and Restaurant Tax Relief Strategies by Ace Plus Tax Resolution

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- James Cha, a CPA and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist from Ace Plus Tax Resolution, underlines the newly enacted restaurant revitalization fund, recent tax challenges the restaurant industry is facing, and tax relief strategies.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund and Grants

Along with small and medium enterprises, the restaurant industry has also been severely impacted by the pandemic. However, the governments have been trying to ensure that tax reliefs are provided to help the restaurant industry. This has been effectively encapsulated in the Restaurant Revitalization Act signed on March 11. Certified Tax Resolution Specialist James from Ace Plus Tax Resolution recommends that "restaurant owners that are financially struggling must strategize and receive the full benefit of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund."

$5 billion of the fund will be available to eligible restaurants with gross receipts during 2019 of $500,000 or less.

In addition, the crux of this particular tax relief regime provides grants to restaurant applicants of up to $10 million. This is mainly to compensate them for the pandemic-related revenue loss. In this aspect, all restaurants are declared as eligible for the program, with some exceptions, like restaurants that are operated by a state or a local government or are owned by a publicly-traded company. However, it is to be noted that the grant that would be awarded to the entity is not supposed to exceed an aggregate of $10 million and should be limited to $5 million per physical location.

The grant amount will be based on the pandemic-related revenue loss. If the entity was in business for 2019, either entirely or partially, the loss is calculated as the 2020 average monthly gross receipts multiplied by 12, subtracted from 2019 average monthly gross receipts multiplied by 12. A different calculation method is to be applied if the business newly opened anytime between January 1, 2020, and the enactment date of the bill, March 11, 2021. The grant will be reduced by the 7(a) SBA loans received, including PPP loans.

Under this particular act, there are certain expenses that are eligible for restaurants. They mainly include payroll costs, paid sick leaves, mortgage, rent and utilities, maintenance, supplies, food and beverage expenses, operational expenses, and any other expenses SBA deemed essential. In the same manner, the grant is supposed to be used for expenses that fall within the covered period between February 15, 2020, and December 31, 2021.

Taxability

Restaurant Revitalization Grants that are received are not subject to income tax. In the same manner, the exclusion will not result in the denial of a deduction reduction of tax attributes or a denial of increase in basis. This implies that these businesses are not supposed to include the grant amount as a gross income in the tax return.

Tax Problems for Restaurant Owners

James denotes, "Restaurant Revitalization Grant has been a much-needed life support for the troubled industry. Followed by the pandemic, the restaurant industry was perhaps the most impacted by lockdowns, with the ongoing burden of having to remit tax payments. Payroll taxes, for one, continue to be a pressing cause of concern for the restaurant industry".

When their business struggles, restaurant owners are tempted to use these funds to cover the business expenses. The IRS takes late payroll tax payments very seriously because it wasn't the business owners' money to begin with. If the IRS thinks that if an individual was responsible for filing or paying taxes but did not, then he or she becomes liable for the unpaid taxes.

Business owners must realize that the IRS has the power to close their business, come after the owner personally by asserting Trust Fund Recovery Penalty, levy bank accounts, or seize income sources and properties in an attempt to collect back taxes. Also, their passport may be revoked or declined to issue or renew by the U.S. Department of State.

Tax Reliefs for the Restaurant Industry

In the case where the business is approached by the IRS for back taxes, the best possible course of action might be to adopt an approach to tactfully deal with the issue, without panicking.

James believes "The best course of action is to see if they qualify for any tax relief options." However, this can only be done after delinquent tax returns have been filed and all current income tax and payroll tax deposits have been paid.

Businesses or individuals can settle their taxes for substantially less than they owe through an Offer in Compromise if they qualify. Financial inability to pay is the most common reason an Offer is accepted, but it must be supported by and verified with well-prepared financial documents and statements.

Or, through an Installment Agreement, businesses or individuals may set up an affordable payment plan to pay off the back taxes. If they qualify for a "Partial Payment" Installment, they will not be paying off the full amount, as the balance left at the end of the payment term will be forgiven. Strategizing is crucial when submitting an application in order to maximize the benefit.

Also, they may be able to halt IRS collection actions by declaring a Currently Not Collectible status. To qualify for this status, they must prove they have a dire financial situation and none to very little income. The IRS will put a pause on their attempt to collect payment until the financial situation improves.

The Final Words

The current day and age are quite challenging for almost all business owners. In this regard, it is imperative for businesses to be fully aware of all the taxes that they owe, as well as the options that are available to them. There are numerous tax relief options that are put forth by the government, but business owners should seek a certified tax relief specialist to clearly understand their options and eligibility, so that they can strategize, take full advantage, and save considerable sums of money as taxpayers.

Ace Plus Tax Resolution provides permanent solutions to taxpayers with IRS and state tax problems to individuals and businesses struggling with unmanageable IRS tax problems. If you're struggling with payroll tax problems, contact their tax professionals for a free consultation.

Learn more at - https://AcePlusTaxResolution.com

James Cha is a CPA and Certified Tax Resolution Specialist(r) at Ace Plus Tax Resolution, has been representing his clients and dealing with the IRS for over 30 years. His practice is in Los Angeles, but his clients are across the nation. Contact him at (213) 600-7388 or James@AcePlusTaxResolution.com.

Watch our video about how to resolve your payroll tax problems: https://youtu.be/Xw4mjLKoWKI

James Cha, a CPA and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist from Ace Plus Tax Resolution, underlines the newly enacted restaurant revitalization fund, recent tax challenges the restaurant industry is facing, and tax relief strategies.

Related link: https://AcePlusTaxResolution.com/

Tapcheck Wins ‘Best Employee Benefits Solution’ in 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Tapcheck, a simple and easy-to-integrate financial wellness benefit that allows employers to give employees the ability to access their earned wages before payday, today announced that it has been selected as winner of the "Best Employee Benefits Solution" award in the fifth annual FinTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by FinTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global FinTech market today.

Tapcheck delivers breakthrough payment and benefits solutions for both employers and employees, putting both of their interests on equal footing. For employers, Tapcheck is a convenient, cost-free way to offer workers same-day pay. Tapcheck assumes the financial risk and employers can, in turn, offer a desirable financial wellness benefit to employees that increases retention and productivity. Tapcheck is also easy to integrate into existing payroll systems without having to create new ones, alleviating a major adoption hurdle.

For employees, the clean and simple interface of the Tapcheck app, allows them to quickly and securely access a percentage of wages they have earned for a flat, low-cost fee. This provides the financial flexibility to cover a bill due mid-pay cycle, or another emergency expense without having to apply for high-interest payday loans, or risk incurring overdraft or late fees.

"Tapcheck's marriage of the human side of HR and the transformative power of fintech is making it easier for employees to get the money they've earned when they need it," said James Johnson, Managing Director, FinTech Breakthrough. "Providing meaningful benefits to employees and giving them financial flexibility when they need it most has never been more important. We extend our since congratulations to everyone at Tapcheck on their success and for their well-deserved 'Best Employee Benefits Solution' award in our fifth annual FinTech Breakthrough Awards program."

The FinTech Breakthrough Awards is the premier awards program founded to recognize the FinTech innovators, leaders and visionaries from around the world in a range of categories, including Digital Banking, Personal Finance, Lending, Payments, Investments, RegTech, InsurTech and many more. The 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Award program attracted more than 3,850 nominations from across the globe.

"Thanks to Tapcheck, employers in sectors hard-hit by the pandemic have helped their workers pay bills, cover unexpected costs, and more when financial uncertainty is at an all-time high." said Kayling Gaver, Co-Founder of Tapcheck. "It's a great resource and safety net that provides financial peace of mind, helping organizations keep the best interests of employees at heart. We are honored that this is being recognized by FinTech Breakthrough and we are looking forward to continued success and momentum in 2021 and beyond."

Tapcheck has established a strong foothold in the earned wage access category. In 2020, the company grew by 863%, signing clients including Burger King, Dunkin', T-Mobile, Home Instead Senior Care, and Comfort Keepers in addition to a diverse range of businesses including hospitals, manufacturers, grocers, retailers, and professional services.

About Tapcheck

Tapcheck is a financial wellness benefit that allows employees to access their earnings before payday. Available at no cost to employers, Tapcheck uses an intuitive mobile app to give workers greater control over their finances, which reduces their stress at home and increases their productivity at work. And thanks to Tapcheck's seamless integration with existing payroll programs, employers who incorporate on-demand earnings into their employee benefits packages find it to be a cost-effective way to distinguish their company from competitors, reduce turnover rates, and provide the financial flexibility that employees want. For more information, visit https://www.tapcheck.com/.

About FinTech Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for technology innovation and leadership around the globe, the FinTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Financial Technologies and Services companies and products. The FinTech Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of FinTech companies and products in categories including Payments, Personal Finance, Wealth Management, Fraud Protection, Banking, Lending, RegTech, InsurTech and more. For more information visit FinTechBreakthrough.com.

Tapcheck, a simple and easy-to-integrate financial wellness benefit that allows employers to give employees the ability to access their earned wages before payday, today announced that it has been selected as winner of the "Best Employee Benefits Solution" award in the fifth annual FinTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by FinTech Breakthrough.

Related link: https://www.tapcheck.com/

Keith Eckhardt Takes Over Colorado Springs Edward Jones Branch Office

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Keith Eckhardt has been named to take over the local Edward Jones office located at 1763 South 8th Street, Ste 1, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the firm announced today. Eckhardt transferred to the Cheyenne Canyon community from an Edward Jones office in the Widefield community.

Eckhardt said he is enthusiastic about taking over the branch office. "I joined this firm because I was impressed with its commitment to individual investors," he said. "Now I'm looking forward to meeting with the individuals here to help them meet their financial goals." Eckhardt said he is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Eckhardt has four years of experience in the financial services industry.

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the investments offered to the location of branch offices, caters to individual investors. The firm's 19,000−plus financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients with a total of $1.5 trillion in client assets under care.

Visit https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/ or the recruiting website at https://careers.edwardjones.com/. Member SIPC.

Learn more about at Keith Eckhardt: https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/keith-eckhardt

Keith Eckhardt has been named to take over the local Edward Jones office located at 1763 South 8th Street, Ste 1, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the firm announced today. Eckhardt transferred to the Cheyenne Canyon community from an Edward Jones office in the Widefield community.

Related link: https://www.edwardjones.com/

TravelInsurance.com Recognized as One of the Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021 by Money

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- TravelInsurance.com has been named by Money as one of the "6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021" and singled out for its fast and easy travel insurance quote comparison system.

Factors used in Money's ranking of travel insurance providers included the availability of a variety of plans with a wide range of coverage and access to customization and upgrades, ease of use in requesting a quote and comparing options, customer service and support, and the company's business reputation.

During their evaluation process, the Money team looked for companies that not only offered policies that covered the needs of the average traveler but provided options for people with other specific coverage needs.

They looked at the method by which consumers entered the information needed to generate quotes and the ease with which they were able to access and compare the results. They also evaluated the purchasing process and gave a higher grade to companies who streamlined this process for consumers.

The rankings took into consideration how responsive the companies are to their customers' needs. From giving their customers the ability to contact their support team through a mobile app to providing them with access to round-the-clock emergency assistance, the companies that scored high on the list showed that they were dedicated to providing excellent customer service. Money acknowledged those that went above and beyond with concierge services such as helping their customers with answers to lost or stolen passport questions, recommending a local translator, or even searching for legal assistance.

Finally, the team at Money evaluated each company's reputation by looking at factors such as feedback from previous customers, how many years they have been in business, and their credit rating as an indicator of financial stability.

The companies named as the "6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021" all rank well in each of these categories, and TravelInsurance.com was rated as the best travel insurance company for comparing quotes. Its comparison engine allows customers to fill out one simple form and receive multiple quotes from top-rated insurers in an easy-to-read format.

This helps consumers see the policies and their costs side-by-side and evaluate the pros and cons of each. Customer can click on any policy benefit to open a window with details about the coverage offered, including any exclusions that may apply, and then buy online at the guaranteed lowest price.

Drew Sharma, Co-Founder of TravelInsurance.com, said, "We are honored to be recognized by Money as the best travel insurance company for comparing quotes. Our mission since inception has been to make it easy to understand, compare and buy travel insurance online, and we will continually invest in our platform in order to exceed customer expectations for years to come."

Co-Founder Stan Sandberg commented, "As the travel world begins to open again, more than ever before, travel insurance has become a must-have add-on to any trip. TravelInsurance.com helps travelers easily find the best plans, including plans that provide coverage for COVID-19."

Comparison shopping with TravelInsurance.com offers consumers the benefits of choice, transparency, and value. The company's comparison engine and online learning center helps consumers to understand what is included in the quotes they receive from top-rated insurance companies. These companies are thoroughly vetted and are removed from the system if their rating falls below 4 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews.

Having a variety of options and being able to make an informed choice between these options provides the company's customers with value that goes beyond the price of the policy, but TravelInsurance.com understands that it's important to save money as well. Customers can save with TravelInsurance.com by seeing at a glance which plans have comparable benefits and coverage limits and choosing the best option that fits their budget. Since insurance prices are regulated by law, potential customers won't find a lower price on another site for any plan offered by TravelInsurance.com.

In addition to being recognized for its quote comparison system, TravelInsurance.com also received high marks from Money for its price guarantee, glossary of insurance terms, and instant coverage confirmation. Money also noted that many of the insurers that TravelInsurance.com works with offer customers coverage for COVID-related trip interruptions or cancellations, emergency care, and medical evacuations.

Customers can learn about the benefits of travel insurance, compare prices, research exclusions, purchase policies, and get instant coverage confirmation on the company's fully responsive, mobile-friendly website at https://www.travelinsurance.com/. One visit is all it will take to see why Money named them as one of the "6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021."

About TravelInsurance.com:

TravelInsurance.com helps simplify the complicated world of travel insurance by providing consumers with the easiest way to compare and buy trip insurance coverage online. A member company of the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, TravelInsurance.com is owned and operated by DigiVentures Holdings LLC, a licensed agency that works with some of the largest travel insurers in the industry. Purchases can be made directly through the website, with policies sent via email within minutes. For more information, visit https://www.travelinsurance.com/.

About Money:

Money has a nearly 50-year legacy of guiding people to financial victories with up-to-date information, education, and tools. Money, a digital destination, helps create richer lives for everyone-in every sense of the word. Signature franchises include a bevy of Best-In categories such as Best Mortgage Lenders, Best Homeowner Insurance, Best Life Insurance, Best Auto Insurance, Best VA Loans, Best High-Yield Savings Accounts, Best Credit Cards, Best Colleges, and Best Places to Live, with an aim to improve your finances and promote your well-being. For more information, visit https://www.money.com/.

TravelInsurance.com has been named by Money as one of the "6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021" and singled out for its fast and easy travel insurance quote comparison system.

Related link: https://www.travelinsurance.com/

HousingWire Honors DocMagic with Tech 100 Mortgage Award for the Eighth Year in a Row

TORRANCE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, automated regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that it again earned a spot on HousingWire's 2021 Tech 100 list, recognizing the most innovative and impactful technology companies in the mortgage industry. DocMagic has made the list each year since HousingWire began the award in 2014.

HousingWire states that the 2021 Tech100 Mortgage winners are helping revolutionize the mortgage process - from origination to closing, and servicing to secondary markets. They are advanced, forward-thinking companies that play key roles in assisting mortgage entities to deliver outsized growth driven by innovation and impact.

DocMagic had a record year in 2020, achieving 128 percent year-over-year growth and performing the most eClosing transactions in its history. The company's award-winning Total eClose(tm) platform along with its document generation and automated compliance solutions helped lenders successfully operate in an unprecedented high-volume lending landscape. In addition, widespread social distancing and safety concerns resulting from the pandemic drove a spike in demand for DocMagic's robust eClosing solution suite. After working with hundreds of lending institutions to implement eClosing strategies and solutions, the company concluded 2020 with a 724 percent increase in eClosings.

"Earning HousingWire's Tech 100 award for the eighth straight year is a testament to the incredibly dedicated team we have here at DocMagic and the passion they hold for continuous innovation," said Dominic Iannitti, president and CEO of DocMagic. "We are elated to receive this award from HousingWire for digitizing key areas of the mortgage process and creating a superior experience across the supply chain."

The company's intelligent document generation technology is at the core of providing critical data that its other solutions leverage - from paperless eClosings, eSignings, remote online notarizations (RON), eNote generation, and secure eVault technology to third-party systems %that access DocMagic's data for compliant digital transactions. DocMagic's technology empowers lenders to work where they want and how they want by utilizing a comprehensive, single-solution suite designed to make the client experience as simple and intuitive as possible.

For years, DocMagic's technology has been helping its clients digitize workflows and completely remove the use of paper. This includes intelligent document generation; automated compliance; collaborative closing solutions; sophisticated eClose and eVault technology; SmartDOC eNote generation; e-enablement of third-party documents; and extension of mobile applications that enhance the borrower experience. These solutions positively impact back-office users, compliance staff, originators, real estate agents, notaries, borrowers, and other relevant parties.

"After the uncertainty and unpredictability of last year, we expected a greater adoption of technology. However, these 100 real estate and mortgage companies took digital disruption to a whole new level and propelled a complete digital revolution, leaving a digital legacy that will impact borrowers, clients and companies for years to come," said Brena Nath, HousingWire's HW+ Managing Editor. "Knowing what these companies were able to navigate and overcome, we're excited to announce this year's list of the most innovative technology companies serving the mortgage and real estate industries."

About DocMagic:

DocMagic, Inc. is the leading provider of fully compliant document generation, automated compliance, eSignature and comprehensive eMortgage solutions for the mortgage industry. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Torrance, Calif., DocMagic, Inc. develops award-winning software, mobile apps, processes, and web-based systems for the production and delivery of compliant loan document packages. The company's solutions connect industry participants, promote collaboration, and data integrity to execute precision-based digital lending transactions. The company's compliance experts and in-house legal staff consistently monitor legal and regulatory changes at both the federal and state levels to ensure accuracy. For more information on DocMagic, visit www.docmagic.com.

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 1.0 million unique visitors each month. Our audience of mortgage, real estate and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit www.housingwire.com or www.solutions.housingwire.com to learn more.

DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, automated regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that it again earned a spot on HousingWire's 2021 Tech 100 list, recognizing the most innovative and impactful technology companies in the mortgage industry.

Related link: https://www.docmagic.com/

Jeremy Lawson Joins EPIC Contingency Risk Practice as Managing Practice

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Jeremy "Jez" Lawson has joined the firm as Managing Principal of its expanding Contingency Risk Practice group.

In his new role, Lawson will act as the key executive overseeing the operations and strategic direction of the firm's industry-leading contingency insurance practice. This practice provides risk management and specialty insurance brokerage services to a broad range of live entertainment promoters, venues, festivals, touring artists, agencies and production services companies.

Reporting to Roger Sandau, Contingency Practice leader based in Austin, Texas, Lawson will work closely with the firm's Entertainment & Sports practice. In addition, he will collaborate with its EPIC Select practice, which provides financial protection for successful individuals and their families. Lawson will provide support for this critical coverage need, particularly in today's environment.

Lawson has over 20 years of experience in the global live entertainment and television production fields. He previously spent the past 16 years with Live Nation, most recently as COO North American Touring Division and SVP Touring Risk Management. He was responsible for redesigning and managing North American event cancellation insurance programs across Live Nation's U.S. concert portfolio of stadium, amphitheater, arena and theater shows. In addition, Lawson designed and placed coverage, and adjusted claims for the tours produced by Live Nation Global Touring.

"I am excited to join Roger Sandau and the EPIC team with whom I have worked over many years," commented Lawson. "This is an exciting time to be involved in the event and touring insurance business, given the changing landscape in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. While touring has been put on hold for the past twelve months, it is poised to return stronger than ever."

"We are very excited to have someone of Jez's caliber join our team," said Scott Davis, President, National Specialties. "His expertise will help us expand a strong contingency practice in partnership with the specialty teams within EPIC."

Contact:
Jeremy "Jez" Lawson
jeremy.lawson@epicbrokers.com
310.844.8378 Phone

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. For more information on EPIC, visit: www.epicbrokers.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Betsy Van Alstyne
betsy.vanalstyne@epicbrokers.com

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Jeremy "Jez" Lawson has joined the firm as Managing Principal of its expanding Contingency Risk Practice group.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Strategic Benefits Advisors launches ‘Lightning Benefits Survey’ series for plan sponsors

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today announced the launch of a bi-monthly Lightning Benefits Survey series designed to help plan sponsors understand where their peers stand on a variety of timely employee benefits topics. Participation in the series - and access to survey results - is limited to plan sponsors.

According to founding principal Andy Adams, SBA will introduce a new survey topic every other month, with 2021 topics ranging from student loan debt assistance to plan audits to the use of artificial intelligence in HR. Plan sponsors may also nominate topics for consideration.

Plan sponsors' individual responses will remain confidential. However, by sharing the aggregated, anonymized findings of each survey with those who participate, SBA hopes to provide plan sponsors with meaningful insights to better inform business decisions regarding employee benefits.

"Our goal is to give plan sponsors a lot of value for not a lot of time spent," said Adams. "Unlike the 'marathon' surveys that are so prevalent in the employee benefits space, our Lightning Benefits Surveys take three minutes or less - yet they provide actionable intelligence and peer benchmarking on topics that matter to plan sponsors."

The series' first installment, a three-question survey on the prevalence of short-term loan programs for employees, launches today and will remain open through next week. For more information or to request access to the Lightning Benefits Survey series, visit SBA's website.

About Strategic Benefits Advisors

Atlanta-based Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits challenges for clients ranging from 1,000 to over 300,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 20 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry.

For more information, visit https://www.sba-inc.com/.

Tags: #StrategicBenefitsAdvisors #EmployeeBenefits #BenefitsConsulting #PlanSponsors #LightningBenefitsSurvey

Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today announced the launch of a bi-monthly Lightning Benefits Survey series designed to help plan sponsors understand where their peers stand on a variety of timely employee benefits topics. Participation in the series - and access to survey results - is limited to plan sponsors.

Related link: http://www.sba-inc.com/

Top of Mind’s ‘Surefire Lookbook’ Helps Mortgage Lenders Showcase Their Marketing Assets to Prospective Loan Officers

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, today released a new feature designed to aid mortgage lenders with the recruiting process. With the Surefire Lookbook, lenders can showcase their investment in marketing technology and demonstrate their ability to help prospective loan officers compete with content.

The Surefire Lookbook is a "highlight reel" of Top of Mind's wide range of award-winning content - but instead of showing generic samples of marketing collateral, each Lookbook is dynamically customized with the lender's unique branding and the prospective loan officer's headshot, contact information and location. In just 60 seconds, prospective recruits can see themselves featured in their future employer's marketing emails, open-house flyers, direct-mail postcards, interactive multimedia and more - including co-branded marketing campaigns that also feature a Realtor or other referral partner.

"The Surefire Lookbook is a new concept to this industry and we encourage lenders to check it out for themselves to understand just how valuable it can be to the recruiting process," said Top of Mind Chief Revenue Officer Nick Belenky. "A mortgage lender's investment in effective marketing and technology is an important factor in attracting talent, especially in the ultra-competitive job market our industry faces today. Our goal is simple: to show prospects how their future employer's marketing program will help them generate more leads, collaborate with referral partners and keep a full pipeline."

Top of Mind's Surefire CRM is the most-used CRM and marketing platform in the mortgage industry. Mortgage professionals of all stripes - including retail, wholesale, consumer direct and bank lenders - strengthen referral partnerships and deepen their emotional connections with borrowers to cultivate clients for life.

Lenders can use this sign-up form to request a custom-branded lookbook that can be dynamically generated for each recruiting prospect.

About Top of Mind Networks:

Founded in 2003, Atlanta-based Top of Mind Networks (https://www.topofmind.com) started as a bootstrapped direct-mail marketing company. Today, the company is recognized as the mortgage industry's most-relied-upon provider of marketing automation and creative content solutions. From individuals to enterprise lenders, Top of Mind's SurefireCRM helps thousands of mortgage professionals win new business, earn repeat business and deserve referral business. With intuitive, "set it and forget it" workflows and award-winning content, mortgage professionals are able to effortlessly maintain and deepen their emotional connections with clients.

Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, today released a new feature designed to aid mortgage lenders with the recruiting process.

Related link: https://www.topofmind.com/

Commercial Loan Corp – Offering Free ‘Property Tax Savings Estimate & Consultation’ for Beneficiaries Inheriting a Home – Keeping Parent’s Low Property Tax Base

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Now that limitations and changes to CA Proposition 58 property tax breaks became active Feb 16, 2021 due to Proposition 19 - popular estate & trust lender Commercial Loan Corp in Newport Beach is offering heirs and beneficiaries inheriting a home from parents a Free Consultation & Estimate of Property Tax Savings - to keep their parent's low property tax base.

This Free Consultation for Property Tax Savings helps evaluate the benefit of a loan to an Irrevocable Trust, specifically for beneficiaries who want to keep inherited property at their parents' low property tax rate - avoiding current market reassessment. This often involves a fast buyout of siblings looking to sell their share of the same inherited property.

Families, beneficiaries, or their attorneys, who want to take advantage of Commercial Loan Corp's Free Consultation for Property Tax Savings are calling the firm's main office at 1-877-464-1066. The firm assists families and beneficiaries by helping them avoid property tax reassessment, and determines how much a family can expect to save in property taxes (on average saving more than $6,000 per year); as well as weighing costs and benefits of a trust loan working alongside Proposition 58 - enabling a buyout of inherited property from co-beneficiaries, while keeping a parent's low property tax base. Considered to be one of California's premier trust lenders, the firm works for families alongside their attorney, accountant or property tax consultant, as many families attest to.

Tanis Alonso, Senior Account Manager with Commercial Loan Corp, describes the firm's estate & trust lending service: "We don't view each trust loan scenario as simply a 'financial transaction.' Nor do we see the home they've lived in for decades as just a 'piece of real estate'. To us, this a 'piece of family history' in the making. And the process a 'family decision', not a 'transaction'. We see our clients as real families that we're assisting, financially and emotionally, not just as clients signing a contract for a trust loan. We enjoy helping people... getting them money when they really need it - and saving them on the cost side in the bargain, with a trust loan."

Ms. Alonso also elaborates on the firm's process: "Besides lowering property taxes the key issue for families is selling, versus keeping, inherited property. By someone keeping the family property, everyone receives more money than if they were to sell the property to an outside buyer. When taking into account realtor and transaction costs of approximately 6.5%, the average trust receives $45,716 more to distribute by using a trust loan to keep property, than if they were to sell the property. Each beneficiary on average is receiving $16,652 more from someone keeping the property, instead of selling it. And the average overall annual property tax savings is $6,043."

Commercial Loan Corp originates loans to trusts, and estates in probate, and helps to maximize the distribution of funds to a trust or estate; allowing beneficiaries to buyout inherited property from co-beneficiaries. When providing mortgages to trusts or estates in probate, the firm helps clients to avoid the re-evaluation of property at current tax-rates - enabling families to retain a parent's low Proposition 13 tax base - by obtaining a Parent-to-Child Exclusion, saving a good deal of money on yearly property taxes.

To get a Free Consultation for Property Tax Savings to establish a permanent, low property tax base; or to receive a trust loan to buyout co-beneficiaries' property shares, and learn more about keeping parents' low property tax base when inheriting family property - California homeowners and beneficiaries can call Commercial Loan Corp at 1-877-464-1066.

Commercial Loan Corporation

Main office: 1-877-464-1066

Mobile texting: 1-917-544-0551

Website: https://cloanc.com

Blog: https://propertytaxnews.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommercialLoanCorp

PR Media Communications: G Sadwith geoffreysf1@gmail.com

Now that limitations and changes to CA Proposition 58 property tax breaks became active Feb 16, 2021 due to Proposition 19 - popular estate & trust lender Commercial Loan Corp in Newport Beach is offering heirs and beneficiaries inheriting a home from parents a Free Consultation & Estimate of Property Tax Savings - to keep their parent's low property tax base.

Related link: https://cloanc.com/

Brew Up Tax Savings with the R&D Tax Credit

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- While the trendy term "Microbrewery" may have been the proper terminology for new craft beer breweries and startups, they no longer remain "micro" in revenue, says ICS Tax, LLC (ICS). Growth in the craft beer industry in the U.S. has steadily grown to almost $30 billion.

While brewing up signature styles of beer is key to their creators' minds, the Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit can save the craft brewing industry significant tax dollars and make brewers say, "Hop Hop Hooray."

The R&D Tax Credit has been an underutilized dollar-for-dollar cash savings in the brewery and beverage industry altogether. With the R&D tax credit being made permanent and the qualifications of R&D more expansive, the credit has become more valuable and lucrative for a small brewery or startup. A misnomer is that a company must be successful or is developing something new for the "world," whereas the activity only needs to be new or improved to the brewery itself.

The R&D Tax Credit can turn skunky brews into sweet aromatic tax savings.

"Ask yourself, while you may be known for your signature pale ale, have you been working on brewing up the latest lager to captivate the increasing market? Have you adapted your formulas for changing connoisseurs?" says Lacey Robb, the R&D credit practice leader at ICS.

She adds, "It is uncommon that your brewery has not made any improvements to the product, technology, or internal processes to grow and maintain success. Internal process improvements are often overlooked and provide valuable savings to the industry."

The benefits that the R&D Tax Credit can provide the brewing industry will not leave you with a hangover, but hopped up for exciting permanent tax savings.

A few examples of activities that would qualify for the R&D Tax Credit are:

* Developing new bottle conditioning

* Generating new or improved manufacturing processes to improve manufacturing flexibility and agility

* Establishing new or improved hopping techniques and styles

* Creating or improving filtration methodologies or wastewater methods

* Developing new or improved product formulations or recipes (e.g., dry hopping)

* Conducting tests of product ingredient mixtures for desired flavor or aroma profiles

* Developing new or improved quality assurance testing processes

* Producing prototype product samples for testing and validation of new recipe formulations

* Testing prototype samples for analytical and microbiological qualities.

While all the above sounds too good to be true, many breweries may be thinking, "how does this help us when due to the pandemic, we do not have a profit?" The R&D credit was enhanced for small business startups in 2016 and can be applied against your quarterly federal payroll tax instead of your income tax.

Do not let this opportunity go stale. Now may be the time more than ever to explore this power tax savings. To learn more about the R&D tax credit, visit https://ics-tax.com/services/research-development-tax-credits/.

ABOUT LACEY ROBB:

Lacey Robb is Principal for ICS Tax, LLC. She is an attorney with an LLM in Taxation and has helped numerous taxpayers in a variety of industries take the R&D tax credit. She can be reached by phone at 310-968-0970 or by email at laceyr@ics-tax.com.

ABOUT ICS TAX, LLC (ICS):

ICS Tax, LLC (ICS) is a consulting firm providing innovative tax planning strategies. ICS collaborates with taxpayers and their tax professionals to identify credits and incentives that reduce tax liabilities and increase profitability. ICS provides nationwide service through its offices located throughout the country.

Learn more at https://ics-tax.com/.

While the trendy term "Microbrewery" may have been the proper terminology for new craft beer breweries and startups, they no longer remain "micro" in revenue, says ICS Tax, LLC (ICS). Growth in the craft beer industry in the U.S. has steadily grown to almost $30 billion.

Related link: https://ics-tax.com/

IDS and eNotaryLog Ink Partnership to Support Remote Online Notarization

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage document preparation vendor International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), announced today it has entered into an partnership agreement with eNotaryLog, a leading remote online notarization (RON) company. This partnership will support an integration between IDS's eClose platform, Solitude Solution, and eNotaryLog's RON platform.

Through this integration, any lender will be able to facilitate a complete digital closing through IDS's Solitude Solution. Notaries and borrowers will meet remotely to complete the closing transaction by eSigning and eStamping closing documents, as permitted on a state-by-state basis.

"IDS is continually focused on expanding the digital mortgage capabilities offered to all parties within Solitude Solution," said IDS Vice President and General Manager Mark Mackey. "This partnership with eNotaryLog is another step towards offering IDS clients a completely digital experience without losing the simple, customized efficiency that has made IDS an industry-leading choice for document preparation."

Solitude Solution is built to generate and deliver closing documents to the appropriate parties, ensuring the eClosing process remains efficient and timely. Solitude Solution is also supported by an expert compliance team, exceptional client support and notifications that make tracking loan packages a cinch.

"IDS has long offered eSign capabilities, enabling clients to facilitate hybrid eClosings," continued Mackey. "By integrating our eSign platform with eNotaryLog's proven RON technology, we are proud to offer our clients and their borrowers the full eClosing experience."

eNotaryLog is an agile cloud technology company providing the most flexible, secure and complete SaaS RON/remote ink notarization (RIN)/eSign platform for businesses and consumers who have digital remote notarization needs. The platform is intuitive, simple to use and allows documents to be processed and notarized anytime, anywhere.

"eNotaryLog is proud to announce our integration with IDS, a leading provider of software solutions that streamlines the document preparation and production process for real estate professionals," said eNotaryLog Co-Founder and CEO James Mitchell. "Our combined solution will add the additional security and convenience of remote online notarizations to IDS' robust digital journey. This partnership marks another landmark step for both companies in paving the last mile to a superior and completely digital experience in real estate."

About eNotaryLog

eNotaryLog is an agile cloud technology company providing the most flexible, secure, and complete SaaS RON/RIN/eSign platform for businesses and consumers who have digital remote notarization needs. The platform is intuitive, simple to use, and allows documents to be processed and notarized anytime, anywhere.

Understanding that every business and signer is unique, eNotaryLog works within an organization's existing framework to enhance current business processes and the signer experience.

While eNotaryLog provides its platform to all industries with notarization needs, its dedication and engagement in the financial mortgage banking industry are unmatched. The company has participated in developing the MISMO standards and is the first RON provider to be MISMO certified. These standards are the foundation in which eNotaryLog developed, built, and continues to expand its market-leading RON platform.

About IDS, Inc.

IDS, a Reynolds and Reynolds company, was founded in 1986 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a nationwide provider of mortgage documents and compliance. IDS services include eSignatures, closing documents, initial disclosures, document fulfillment and integration with leading loan origination systems and eClosing platforms. The IDS flagship doc prep solution, idsDoc, is recognized in the industry for its ability to be customized to meet specific lender needs, particularly in regard to major industry compliance changes. (https://info.idsdoc.com/)

Mortgage document preparation vendor International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), announced today it has entered into an partnership agreement with eNotaryLog, a leading remote online notarization (RON) company.

Related link: https://info.idsdoc.com/

FormFree Elects Mortgage Banking Authority James Deitch, CPA, CMB to Board of Directors

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® today announced the election of serial entrepreneur, mortgage banking executive and author James Deitch, CPA, CMB, to its board of directors. Deitch, a mortgage industry veteran of three decades, has counseled over 200 financial services businesses, served as president and CEO of five federally chartered banks and served on advisory panels for Fannie Mae (OTCMKTS: FNMA), Freddie Mac (OTCMKTS: FMCC), Truist (NYSE: TFC) and Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC).

Deitch is the founder and CEO of Teraverde, a group of companies that helps banks and mortgage bankers streamline operations and improve processes and profitability while staying fully compliant with regulatory requirements. He is also a best-selling author, frequent speaker and authoritative thought leader in the residential real estate finance industry.

"Jim Deitch knows the mortgage industry inside and out," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "As a recognized authority on credit policy and risk management who has led some of the nation's fastest-growing banks, Jim's guidance and experience will be invaluable to FormFree as we pursue our mission of enhancing the lending experience for everyone."

"It is an honor to work with the FormFree team," said Deitch. "Brent is a true visionary with a clear sense of mission to make data-driven credit available to all qualified borrowers. It will be a privilege to work with Brent on this vision."

Deitch is the author of the books Digitally Transforming the Mortgage Banking Industry, Strategically Transforming the Mortgage Banking Industry and Disruptive Fintech. He is a frequent contributor to industry-leading publications and an active speaker whose credits include the national meetings of the National Association of Home Builders, the Mortgage Bankers Association, TEC International, Coldwell Banker and Century 21.

About FormFree®

FormFree® is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek® and Passport® make for a more inclusive credit decisioning landscape by enabling lenders to understand people's true ability to pay (ATP®). To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing trillions of dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, dramatically reduces origination timelines and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey®.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/formfree/.

FormFree today announced the election of serial entrepreneur, mortgage banking executive and author James Deitch, CPA, CMB, to its board of directors. Deitch, a mortgage industry veteran of three decades, has counseled over 200 financial services businesses, served as president and CEO of five federally chartered banks and served on advisory panels for Fannie Mae (OTCMKTS: FNMA), Freddie Mac (OTCMKTS: FMCC), Truist (NYSE: TFC) and Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC).

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

Florida’s Best Reverse Mortgage Company Announces Launch of Interactive Website Promising to Give Senior Homeowners Instant Answers

CLEARWATER, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Florida's Best Reverse Mortgage Company, a Clearwater based reverse mortgage firm, has announced the launch of a new interactive website: www.FloridasBestReverse.com.

The website's centerpiece is an interactive qualifier that can calculate a homeowner's available equity. Placed right on the homepage, users can enter a few pieces of non-personal information and instantly find out how much money they can potentially qualify for through a reverse mortgage.

The website is also bursting with reverse mortgage information. A "Reverse Mortgage Process" section takes us an easy-to-understand journey through the reverse mortgage loan process, and an aptly named "Knowledge Center" tab has plenty of reverse mortgage information and gives answers to commonly asked questions.

"The speed and power of technology is amazing these days. Our goal was to find a way to get information into the hands of folks in a manner that is simple, easy to understand, and fast," Said Brian Correa, President of Florida's Best Reverse Mortgage Company.

"With that in mind, we created an interactive tool on our homepage that can quickly answers the equity question all potential borrowers ask: how much money do I qualify for?" he said. "We really strived to create something accessible and modern, a way to give seniors more information and more choices when it comes to reverse mortgages. I think we have achieved that."

A reverse mortgage (Sometimes referred to as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM), is a mortgage available to seniors as young as 60 that does not require a mortgage payment. Equity in the form of tax-free cash can be used for almost any purpose, although debt consolidation and elimination of current mortgage payments are among the most popular uses.

To learn more, visit: http://FloridasBestReverse.com

About Florida's Best Reverse Mortgage Company:

Based in Clearwater, Fla., Florida's Best Reverse Mortgage Company is a boutique mortgage brokerage firm that specializes in reverse mortgages, and caters to the Florida market exclusively. Dedicated to providing reverse mortgage products to senior homeowners 60 and up, Florida's Best Reverse Mortgage is community driven and locally focused.

Florida's Best Reverse Mortgage Company, a Clearwater based reverse mortgage firm, has announced the launch of a new interactive website. The website's centerpiece is an interactive qualifier that can calculate a homeowner's available equity.

AmCap Home Loans Selects LimeGear by LBA Ware to Fuel Productivity with Turnkey Business Intelligence (BI)

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence (BI) software solutions for the mortgage industry, today announced that AmCap Home Loans (AmCap) has implemented LBA Ware's LimeGear™ BI platform across its 143 branch locations. AmCap also uses LBA Ware's ICM platform CompenSafe™ to manage incentive pay for its 600 loan originators.

AmCap is a Houston-based independent mortgage bank that produced $4.4 billion in loan volume in 2020. As a licensed lender in 43 U.S. states, AmCap adopted LimeGear to empower employees to better utilize its production data and make data-driven decisions in near real-time.

"As a mortgage lender, we generate so much data that even several talented analysts can't derive actionable intelligence in a timely manner by manually combing through and restructuring it. With LimeGear's dashboard, I get meaningful insights in ten minutes that would normally take several days of sifting through Excel spreadsheets," said AmCap Chief Analytics Officer Matt Stokes. "LBA Ware has done their research. They're mortgage people, they know what key performance indicators and insights we need to accomplish our business goals, and they've built it all for us in LimeGear."

LimeGear promotes mortgage lender productivity and efficiency with turnkey mortgage business intelligence. Visually intuitive dashboards quickly give lenders a high-level overview of critical insights with the ability to drill down into key performance indicators (KPIs) such as funded volume, fall-out rate, turn time and loan revenue. Stokes identified LimeGear's machine learning model, Propensity to Fund, which predicts the likelihood of a loan application to fund within 90 days as his most heavily relied-on feature. The volume-forecasting capability of Propensity to Fund enables lenders to more efficiently manage warehouse lines of credit.

"In today's high-volume environment lenders need timely insights that enable them to measure performance, zero in on profitability and maximize productivity," said LBA Ware Founder and CEO Lori Brewer. "LimeGear delivers these insights with turnkey dashboards and reports, no developer required."

About LBA Ware™:

LBA Ware is a leading provider of cloud-based software for mortgage lenders. Since 2008, LBA Ware has been on a mission to help mortgage companies reach new heights with software that integrates data, incentivizes performance and inspires results. Today, more than 100 lenders of all sizes, including some of the nation's top producing mortgage companies, use LBA Ware's award-winning technology to enhance lender experiences and maximize the human potential within their organizations. A 2020 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company, LBA Ware is headquartered in Macon, Georgia. For more information, visit https://www.lbaware.com.

About AmCap Home Loans:

At AmCap, we believe in raising the standard of mortgage lending. Since 2007, we've experienced steady and continuous growth, which we attribute to our innovative, modern business practices and one simple philosophy - making good loans to good borrowers.

In order to continue our legacy as a fiscally strong company dedicated to doing right by our employees and our customers, we're constantly seeking new tools, new products and new opportunities to advance the interests of the loan officers and homebuyers with whom we work. With our flexible approach to lending and aggressive pursuit of improvement, AmCap is creating a better home buying experience every day.

Twitter: @LBAWare #LimeGear #BI

LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence (BI) software solutions for the mortgage industry, today announced that AmCap Home Loans (AmCap) has implemented LBA Ware's LimeGear™ BI platform across its 143 branch locations. AmCap also uses LBA Ware's ICM platform CompenSafe™ to manage incentive pay for its 600 loan originators.

Related link: https://go.lbaware.com/

Mid America Mortgage Launches Click n’ Close Title to Provide Digitally-Driven Real Estate Closing Services Powered by RON

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today it has launched Click n' Close Title, a digital-first residential title insurance company, to deliver more comprehensive digital mortgage closing services to the residential real estate market. Licensed in six states (Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan and Virginia) with more on the way, Click n' Close Title utilizes a completely digital process to deliver a consistent, modernized mortgage closing ceremony for all parties involved.

"Having been a digital-first mortgage lending shop since 2016, we've observed first-hand the power of technology to transform the archaic, painful homebuying process into one with less friction and more emphasis on convenience for the consumer," said Mid America Owner and CEO Jeff Bode. "Title represents the final piece of this puzzle from the consumer experience perspective, and in in the interest of furthering our commitment to modernizing the mortgage process, we felt the time was right to extend our knowledge to the title side of the transaction with the launch of Click n' Close Title."

Powered by remote online notarization (RON) technology, Click n' Close delivers 100% paperless closings that improve efficiency and reduce delays in processing closing documents. Its RON process permits the borrower to schedule an online video conference with a notary, giving them ultimate control over where and when they sign their closing documents utilizing SSL encryption to ensure security. This also allows the borrower to review their closing documents before signing in most cases so that they can ask questions or consult with a trusted advisor prior to closing day. Once the documents are signed, funding occurs within 10 minutes rather than the traditional two hours after signing.

"Buying a home is one of the most nerve-wracking financial experiences a consumer will undertake, and with the advancements in technology available today, there is simply no reason to add to the stress of this important event by remaining committed to a paper-driven, in-person closing ceremony," said Nicki Compary, General Counsel and Director of Title Operations of Click n' Close Title. "With the completely digital process we've established at Click n' Close Title, borrowers real estate agents and mortgage lenders can all expect a smooth, hassle-free process that is designed to delight."

Click n' Close Title is available to do business with mortgage lenders and real estate agents in all states where it is currently licensed. For more information, visit https://www.clicknclosetitle.com.

About Click n' Close Title

Click n' Close Title is a residential title insurance company that specializes in remote notary and digital closings. At Click n' Close Title, we work closely with the real estate community to ensure that each real estate transaction is handled professionally and meets or exceeds expectations. We know that efficiency, precision, and communication are vital during the closing process. The Click n' Close Title team helps our clients in a wide variety of residential transactions such as refinancing, purchasing, sales, reverse mortgages, construction financing and closing whether you are buying, selling or refinancing a home. Learn more at https://www.clicknclosetitle.com/.

About Mid America Mortgage, Inc.

Mid America Mortgage, Inc., Addison, Texas, is a multi-state, full-service mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its retail, wholesale and correspondent channels. We offer a wide range of residential home loan programs to meet the needs of most home buyers and homeowners and are also the nation's leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans. Learn more at https://www.midamericamortgage.com/.

In operation since 1940, Mid America has thrived by retaining its entrepreneurial spirit and leading the market in innovation, including its adoption of eClosings eNotes. Click n' Close is Mid America's ultra-secure, digital mortgage approval and closing process that gets home buyers from application to closing within two weeks. With just a few clicks at closing, Click n' Close puts keys in the home buyer's hand in 15 minutes or less. Apply online at https://www.midamericamortgage.com/click-n-close/#cnc.

Frequently named a top mortgage employer/workplace by industry trade magazines such as Mortgage Professional America, MReport, National Mortgage News and National Mortgage Professional, Mid America is looking for tech-savvy, service-oriented mortgage professionals to join our growing team. We are dedicated to providing our employees with industry-leading tools and technology to deliver a great package of competitive pricing, programs and knowledgeable service. Want to join our team? Visit https://www.midamericamortgage.com/careers/.

Twitter: @midamericamtge

Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today it has launched Click n' Close Title, a digital-first residential title insurance company, to deliver more comprehensive digital mortgage closing services to the residential real estate market.

Related link: https://www.midamericamortgage.com/

Chelsea Groton Bank Introduces Local Chelsea|LIVE Video Banking Team and New Ways to Connect

GROTON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Chelsea Groton Bank is pleased to introduce Chelsea|LIVE Video Banking, a new digital personal experience that gives members the flexibility to bank when, where and how it's most convenient. There are currently two ways to connect with a Video Banker - either at one of the Bank's walk-up or drive-up Video Banking ATMs, or via a secure video call made through an app on a member's phone or computer.

"We are focused on providing innovative tools and services to our members, ensuring that they have convenient access to our team and their finances," said Jenn Pensa, EVP, Chief Innovation Officer at Chelsea Groton Bank. "We believe this technology will be invaluable to members of our community, both during pandemic times and after, providing them opportunities to interact with our team when, where, and how they want to. Chelsea|LIVE Video Banking is an example of a personalized customer-facing technology that will enable us to continue to enhance relationships and provide our trusted service to individuals and businesses even after-hours or off-site."

The Chelsea|LIVE Video Banking Team who will assist members and non-members at the Bank's walk-up and drive-up Video Banking ATMs, and when contacting a banker through the online and mobile app, includes Mariel Duran-Lora of Waterford, Alex Johnson of New London, Kyle Main of Canterbury, Dee Houde of Norwich, and Zina Secchiaroli of New London, as well as business bankers, commercial lenders, mortgage loan officers, and members of the wealth management team.

VIDEO BANKING ATMS

Video Banking ATMs have replaced the more traditional ATMs at the Bank's Mystic and Niantic walk-ups, and New London, Norwichtown and Norwich-Westside drive-ups, with additional locations coming this year. They offer the ability to speak directly with a local bank representative, in addition to typical ATM functions. Instead of inserting a card into the machine to make a simple withdrawal or deposit, users can touch the screen in order to be connected live to a video banker, who will assist with banking transactions, loan payments, cashing a check down to the penny, and many other tasks that would normally be completed inside a branch, during a live conversation on screen.

For those asking, "Why not just use an ATM?" here are a few reasons these tools will benefit the Bank's members:

1. No Debit Card or PIN Needed - Since a member is connecting face-to-face with a banker, members can verify their identity by providing a license or answering security questions if they've forgotten their debit card or PIN.

2. Banking Questions Answered - While you can't complete tasks that require signatures through the Video Banking ATM, members can ask financial questions, update account information, and so much more.

3. Enhanced Withdrawal and Deposit Features - Video Banking ATMs allow members to cash a check to the penny, receive cash in smaller denominations, have higher withdrawal limits, and transactions post immediately so a balance is available in real-time.

4. Extended Hours - Chelsea Groton's Video Banking team is available to assist members at walk-up and drive-up Video Banking ATMs Monday - Saturday, before and after traditional banking hours.

VIDEO BANKING APP

In addition to Video Banking ATMs, Chelsea Groton has also partnered with POPio Mobile Video Cloud (POPi/o), the industry's first interactive mobile video banking solution, to offer members an app similar to FaceTime or TeleHealth. Because of the added capabilities and built-in security features, bankers and members are able to share and sign documents, review proposals together and more, all during the live video call from a member's phone, tablet, or computer.

"We've already had experiences where, due to travel restrictions, members were unable to meet at a branch to sign documentation. We were able to have a meeting through the Video Banking App that allowed all parties to connect, converse and sign documents. This wouldn't have been feasible without the Video Banking App," explained Pensa.

Members can schedule a video call with any of the Chelsea|LIVE Video Bankers, or with a specific banker or department.

For more information about the new video banking channels, and to get to know the Chelsea|LIVE Video Banking team, visit http://www.chelseagroton.com/ChelseaLIVE.

About Chelsea Groton Bank

Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1.4 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton Bank's products and services include consumer banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management, financial planning and financial education programming. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County and a Loan Production Office in Hartford County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families and businesses.

To learn more, please visit http://www.chelseagroton.com/.

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS Institution ID 402928.

Chelsea Groton Bank is pleased to introduce Chelsea|LIVE Video Banking, a new digital personal experience that gives members the flexibility to bank when, where and how it's most convenient.

Related link: https://www.chelseagroton.com/

Top of Mind Selected for HousingWire’s 2021 Tech100 List of Most Innovative Companies in Mortgage Technology

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, has been named to HousingWire's 2021 Tech100 list of the most innovative technology companies serving the mortgage and real estate industries.

Top of Mind has set the industry gold standard with Surefire CRM, the most-used CRM and marketing platform in the mortgage industry. Surefire's workflows and award-winning content help mortgage professionals of all stripes strengthen referral partnerships and deepen their emotional connections with borrowers to cultivate clients for life.

"We're honored to be recognized as a tech leader in the industry. We take pride in helping mortgage professionals grow their careers and businesses," said Top of Mind CEO Bill Hayes. "We are working every day to create features that truly deepen the relationship between borrowers and loan officers."

HousingWire's annual Tech100 program was created to provide housing professionals a definitive list of the most innovative and impactful companies serving mortgage lenders and real estate professionals. Competition grows tremendously every year.

"After the uncertainty and unpredictability of last year, we expected a greater adoption of technology. However, these 100 real estate and mortgage companies took digital disruption to a whole new level and propelled a complete digital revolution, leaving a digital legacy that will impact borrowers, clients and companies for years to come," said HousingWire HW+ Managing Editor Brena Nath. "Knowing what these companies were able to navigate and overcome, we're excited to announce this year's list of the most innovative technology companies serving the mortgage and real estate industries."

To view the complete list of 2021 HousingWire Tech100 winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/introducing-the-2021-hw-tech100-mortgage-winners/.

About Top of Mind Networks:

Founded in 2003, Atlanta-based Top of Mind Networks (https://www.topofmind.com) started as a bootstrapped direct-mail marketing company. Today, the company is recognized as the mortgage industry's most-relied-upon provider of marketing automation and creative content solutions. From individuals to enterprise lenders, Top of Mind's SurefireCRM helps thousands of mortgage professionals win new business, earn repeat business and deserve referral business. With intuitive, "set it and forget it" workflows and award-winning content, mortgage professionals are able to effortlessly maintain and deepen their emotional connections with clients.

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit https://www.housingwire.com/ or https://www.solutions.housingwire.com/ to learn more.

Twitter: @HousingWire #Tech100 @mortgagecrm #marketingautomation #mortgagemarketing #digitalmortgage

Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, has been named to HousingWire's 2021 Tech100 list of the most innovative technology companies serving the mortgage and real estate industries.

Related link: https://www.topofmind.com/

FormFree Makes Seventh Appearance on HousingWire’s Tech100 List of Most Innovative Companies in Mortgage Technology

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree™ today announced its inclusion in HousingWire's annual Tech100 list for the seventh time. The award recognizes companies and solutions that are revolutionizing the mortgage process.

HousingWire's Tech100 program is designed to provide housing professionals a definitive list of the most innovative and impactful companies solving the problems mortgage lenders and real estate professionals face every day. Competition for the Tech100 program grows each year.

"We're honored to be recognized by HousingWire year after year. Our ambition to transform the way lenders and borrowers understand each other has no limit," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "This award fuels our resolve to continue making loans simpler and safer for everyone."

"After the uncertainty and unpredictability of last year, we expected a greater adoption of technology. However, these 100 real estate and mortgage companies took digital disruption to a whole new level and propelled a complete digital revolution, leaving a digital legacy that will impact borrowers, clients and companies for years to come," said HousingWire HW+ Managing Editor Brena Nath. "Knowing what these companies were able to navigate and overcome, we're excited to announce this year's list of the most innovative technology companies serving the mortgage and real estate industries."

To view the complete list of 2021 HousingWire Tech100 winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/introducing-the-2021-hw-tech100-mortgage-winners/.

About FormFree™

FormFree™ is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek™ and Passport™ make for a more inclusive credit decisioning landscape by enabling lenders to understand people's true ability to pay (ATP™). To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing trillions of dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, dramatically reduces origination timelines and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey™. For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit https://www.housingwire.com/ or https://www.solutions.housingwire.com/ to learn more.

Twitter: @HousingWire #Tech100 @RealFormFree #mortgageindustry #fintech #financialinclusion

FormFree today announced its inclusion in HousingWire's annual Tech100 list for the seventh time. The award recognizes companies and solutions that are revolutionizing the mortgage process.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

SimpleNexus Announces Inaugural Nexus Award Winners at 2021 SimpleNexus User Group, Opens Early Access Sign-up for Remote Online Notarization

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers (LOs), borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, has announced the winners of the inaugural 2021 Nexus Awards. During the event, SimpleNexus opened early access sign up for Remote Online Notarization (RON).

Presented at the 2021 SimpleNexus User Group (SNUG) conference, the Nexus awards honor SimpleNexus customers and partners who are transforming the homeownership journey for homebuyers across the United States through their use of the SimpleNexus platform.

The four winners of the 2021 Nexus awards are:

* Capstone Award: Residential Mortgage Services (RMS)

The Capstone Award is given to a mortgage lender who is dominating the market through their implementation of SimpleNexus. In 2020, RMS leveraged SimpleNexus' reporting API to make real-time data-informed business decisions. Leveraging SimpleNexus, RMS exceeded $8.5 billion in loan volume in 2020, a 70% increase over 2019.

* Referral Award: CMG Financial

The Referral Award is given to a mortgage lender driving high referral volume through the SimpleNexus platform. In 2020, CMG Financial shared the SimpleNexus mobile app 42,000 times.

* Partner Award: Progressive Insurance

The Partner Award is given to a vendor who has worked collaboratively with SimpleNexus to provide lenders with a world-class homeownership journey platform. In 2020, Progressive Insurance partnered with SimpleNexus to make it easy for borrowers to secure a home insurance policy as they complete other loan-related tasks in the SimpleNexus app.

* Trailblazer Award: Highlands Mortgage

The Trailblazer Award is given to an outstanding beta partner who is leading the way as an early adopter of SimpleNexus' most cutting-edge features. Highlands Mortgage performed hundreds of hybrid eClosings within their first month of going live with SimpleNexus and has volunteered to beta test SimpleNexus Remote Online Notarization (RON).

More information: https://www.simplenexus.com/nexus-awards-2021/

SimpleNexus also announced during SNUG that Remote Online Notarization (RON) is concluding the BETA phase in preparation for an official launch. Current customers and others interested in learning more about RON and the official release availability can join the list at https://www.simplenexus.com/RON.

"Our goal at every SNUG event is to provide customers with informative and engaging sessions that will help them derive greater value from the SimpleNexus platform and excel in the current market," said SimpleNexus VP of Marketing Richard Jackman. "By all measures, SNUG 2021 was a resounding success. Special congratulations go out to our inaugural Nexus Award winners, who lead the industry by example."

SimpleNexus serves a user base of more than 32,000 loan originators, 141,000 real estate agents and 3 million borrowers. To date, the platform has handled over 13 million loans totaling over $3 trillion in volume and touches approximately one in eight home loans originated in the United States.

Those who registered for SNUG 2021 can view conference sessions on demand through March 26, 2021.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is a homeownership platform transforming the mortgage experience and connecting borrowers, loan officers, real estate agents and settlement service providers throughout the homebuying process. The platforms' native mobile toolset enables lenders to originate, process and close home loans from anywhere with increased efficiency and convenience. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals, sign disclosures and execute eClosings - all on the go. SimpleNexus provides borrowers with a single sign-on experience from home search to the application, document upload, eClose and beyond for a more streamlined homeownership journey.

Learn more: https://www.simplenexus.com/

Twitter: @SimpleNexus #digitalmortgage #mortgageindustry #mortgagelending

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers (LOs), borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, has announced the winners of the inaugural 2021 Nexus Awards. During the event, SimpleNexus opened early access sign up for Remote Online Notarization (RON).

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

NotaryCam Highlighted in HousingWire’s Tech100 List of Innovative Real Estate Technology Companies

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- NotaryCam™, the pioneering leader in online notarization and original provider of mortgage eClosing solutions, announced today announced it has been named to the HousingWire Tech100 Real Estate list. This marks the third consecutive year NotaryCam has been recognized by HousingWire for its efforts in delivering remote online notarization (RON) technology to the housing industry.

Specifically, HousingWire highlighted NotaryCam's accomplishments in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the development of a remote ink notarization (RIN) product to accommodate the temporary authorizations from a handful of states for this process. The company also made several notable achievements throughout last year, including

On-boarding approximately 15,000 users per month, for a total of 350,000 total users;

* Managing a 10x increase in RON demand;

* Increasing revenue by 100% over Q1 and Q2 2020; and

* Performing more than 1,000 real estate closings in September 2020 to achieve a new monthly company record and a 1,900% year over year increase.

"While the circumstances were far from ideal, the events of 2020 opened this industry's eyes to the limitations of today's closing process," said NotaryCam Founder and CEO Rick Triola. "NotaryCam has been committed to the digital transformation of the mortgage/ real estate transaction since its inception, and we are honored that HousingWire has once again chosen to recognize our efforts in this regard by including us on the Tech100 list."

According to the publication, "The Tech100 program provides housing professionals with a list of the most innovative and impactful companies that can be leveraged to identify partners and solutions to the problems that mortgage lenders and real estate professionals face everyday...For the second year in a row, the Tech100 program was divided into the HW Tech100 Mortgage and the HW Tech100 Real Estate to highlight the innovation and achievements of organizations within both sectors."

"After the uncertainty and unpredictability of last year, we expected a greater adoption of technology. However, these 100 real estate and mortgage companies took digital disruption to a whole new level and propelled a complete digital revolution, leaving a digital legacy that will impact borrowers, clients and companies for years to come," said Brena Nath, HousingWire's HW+ Managing Editor. "Knowing what these companies were able to navigate and overcome, we're excited to announce this year's list of the most innovative technology companies serving the mortgage and real estate industries."

To view the complete list of the 2021 HW Tech100 Real Estate winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/introducing-the-2021-hw-tech100-real-estate-winners/.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 1.0 million unique visitors each month. Our audience of mortgage, real estate and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit www.housingwire.com or www.solutions.housingwire.com to learn more.

About NotaryCam

Celebrating its ninth year of RON pioneering and global leadership, NotaryCam is the leader in online notarization and mortgage eClosing solutions, having notarized documents worldwide for hundreds of thousands of customers in all 50 states and more than 150 countries. The company's patented eClose360™ platform delivers the "perfect" online mortgage closing in every jurisdiction and supports all eClosing scenarios - RON, IPEN, Hybrids or Witnessing - with a flexible workflow for document recording and unparalleled identity verification, security and customer convenience. NotaryCam also proudly maintains an industry-leading 99.8 percent customer satisfaction rating and the highest Net Promoter Score in the industry (88).

Visit https://www.notarycam.com for additional information or to get a document notarized today.

NotaryCam™, the pioneering leader in online notarization and original provider of mortgage eClosing solutions, announced today announced it has been named to the HousingWire Tech100 Real Estate list.

Related link: https://www.notarycam.com/

ACES Quality Management Makes HousingWire Tech100 List of Most Innovative Mortgage Technology Companies for Seventh Consecutive Year

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- ACES Quality Management™ (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced it has been included in the 2021 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage list, featuring the most innovative and revolutionary companies in the mortgage industry. This is the seventh consecutive year ACES has been included on the Tech100 list.

This year, HousingWire recognized ACES' response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the overall efficiencies delivered by its flagship product ACES Quality Management and Control Software™. In early 2020, ACES created a new question set category within its platform so that users could quickly and easily find all of the temporary regulatory provisions issued by state and federal agencies and the GSEs in response to COVID-19. In addition, ACES' pre-funding, post-closing and servicing audit pack, as well as its reporting dashboard and managed questions, have helped lenders reduce their audit turn times from five to 1.5 days, saving roughly 16 FTE hours per month.

"At ACES Quality Management, our goal is to ease the burden for our customers meeting regulatory demands by keeping our compliance database and managed question sets as up-to-date as possible while also delivering an intuitive, streamline user interface that makes loan auditing a breeze," said ACES CEO Trevor Gauthier. "We are relentlessly focused on creating solutions to providing lenders with best-in-class quality control functionality, and we're incredibly thankful to HousingWire for honoring those efforts by including ACES on this year's Tech100 list."

According to the publication, "The Tech100 program provides housing professionals with a list of the most innovative and impactful companies that can be leveraged to identify partners and solutions to the problems that mortgage lenders and real estate professionals face everyday...For the second year in a row, the Tech100 program was divided into the HW Tech100 Mortgage and the HW Tech100 Real Estate to highlight the innovation and achievements of organizations within both sectors."

"After the uncertainty and unpredictability of last year, we expected a greater adoption of technology. However, these 100 real estate and mortgage companies took digital disruption to a whole new level and propelled a complete digital revolution, leaving a digital legacy that will impact borrowers, clients and companies for years to come," said Brena Nath, HousingWire's HW+ Managing Editor. "Knowing what these companies were able to navigate and overcome, we're excited to announce this year's list of the most innovative technology companies serving the mortgage and real estate industries."

To view the complete list of the 2021 HW Tech100 Mortgage winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/introducing-the-2021-hw-tech100-mortgage-winners/.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 1.0 million unique visitors each month. Our audience of mortgage, real estate and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit https://www.housingwire.com or https://www.housingwire.com/advertise/ to learn more.

About HW Media

HW Media aspires for audiences to "Come for the content, and stay for the community." By aligning vertical expertise and innovative B2B marketing solutions, HW Media answers the ever-evolving needs of modern professionals, brands and marketers. With a premium suite of advertising solutions, HW Media builds upon this principle, improving reader experience and delivering brand results. Based in Dallas with team members across the country, HW Media was founded in 2016 through the acquisition of HousingWire and is owned by Riomar Capital, an entrepreneurial investment firm.

About ACES Quality Management

ACES Quality Management, formerly known as ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), is the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry. The nation's most prominent lenders, servicers and financial institutions rely on ACES Quality Management & Control Software™ to improve audit throughput and quality while controlling costs, including:
* 3 of the top 5 and more than 50% of the top 50 independent mortgage lenders;
* 7 of the top 10 loan servicers;
* 11 of the top 30 banks; and
* 1 of the top 3 credit unions in the USA.

Unlike other quality control platforms, only ACES delivers Flexible Audit Technology, which gives independent mortgage lenders and financial institutions the ability to easily manage and customize ACES to meet their business needs without having to rely on IT or other outside resources. Using a customer-centric approach, ACES clients get responsive support and access to our experts to maximize their investment. For more information, visit https://www.acesquality.com/ or call 1-800-858-1598.

ACES Quality Management™ (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced it has been included in the 2021 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage list.

Related link: https://www.acesquality.com/

Fernando S. Ereneta, CFP® – CEO of Legacy Wealth Advisors has been named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor List for the fourth year in a row – in Illinois

WARRENVILLE, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- Raymond James Financial Services is proud to announce that Fernando S. Ereneta of Legacy Wealth Advisors has once again been named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor list!

The recently released list recognizes advisors and practices on a state-by-state basis from national, regional and independent firms. https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors/#769783fa291d

"For the fourth year in a row, we've been named as one of Forbes' Best in State advisors - in Illinois. We want to Go BIG-begin in gratitude and thank you, the client for this recognition. Legacy Wealth Advisors wouldn't be here without you," said Fernando S. Ereneta, CFP®.

He added, "We are grateful every day that you let us guide and serve you and your Family. I am also grateful to God for each member of the team that serves you."

In gratitude to our clients' continued faith and trust in us - Fernando and the team wanted to pay this forward.

The practice made charitable donations to Doctors Without Borders and Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA). The donations approximate $100 per client. Fernando said, "These organizations are making a difference in people's lives here, near and far." He is in awe of the selfless doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who are on the front lines of the pandemic, dedicating their lives to care for those battling COVID.

Fernando believes that it really puts it all into perspective. He said, "The medical professionals and front-line workers are doing the hard work - so we can maintain some sense of normalcy in our lives during these uncertain times."

We are grateful for them - and we're grateful for you.
Thank you.

Fernando S. Ereneta, CFP®
Registered Principal, Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
CEO, Legacy Wealth Advisors

Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Member FINRA/SIPC
4200 Cantera Drive, Suite 221
Warrenville, IL 60555
630-791-9226
888-563-5524 (Toll Free)
630-791-9233 (Fax)
fernando.ereneta@raymondjames.com
http://www.legacywealthadvisorsil.com/

Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

Legacy Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(tm), CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

About Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors

Data provided by SHOOKTM Research, LLC.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/?sh=7879ffcc2254 (January, 2021). The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years' experience, and the algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Out of approximately 32,725 nominations received, based on thresholds, more than 5,000 advisors received the award. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receives a fee in exchange for rankings. This ranking is not indicative of advisor's future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients' experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its financial advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. For more information: https://www.shookresearch.com/.

About Raymond James Financial Services

As of 12/31/2020. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. is a financial services firm supporting independent financial advisors nationwide. Since 1974, Raymond James Financial Services Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, has provided a wide range of investment and wealth planning related services through its affiliate, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Both broker/dealers are wholly owned subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) a leading diversified financial services company with approximately 8,200 financial advisors throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are $1.02 trillion. Additional information is available at https://www.raymondjames.com/.

Raymond James Financial Services is proud to announce that Fernando S. Ereneta of Legacy Wealth Advisors has once again been named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor list.

Fairport Wealth Announces 2021 Community Beacon Recipient

CLEVELAND, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Fairport Wealth is pleased to announce that the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization in Northeast Ohio, is its 2021 Community Beacon recipient. According to Managing Partner Kenneth J. Coleman, "The pandemic has made fighting hunger an even more pressing issue and we are happy to lend a hand to the Food Bank. Its mission closely aligns with our goal of helping families."

Supporting the Harvest for Hunger Campaign

This year, the Food Bank is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Harvest for Hunger relief campaign to help combat food insecurity. Fairport Wealth Managing Partner Heather R. Ettinger says, "We are proud to be a part of this effort because, at Fairport Wealth, we emphasize community. We believe it's important to help support those around us, and we're eager to help our neighbors get back on their feet."

Helping Families

Fairport Wealth's team members wholeheartedly agree on the value of assisting the Food Bank and community and look forward to being part of its Hunger for Harvest campaign. In addition to providing financial support, the firm will volunteer at the Food Bank's weekly distribution center, assist with a virtual Harvest for Hunger food drive, and raise money for the organization through events such as a virtual cooking class.

About Fairport Wealth

Fairport Wealth inspires families by providing comprehensive wealth management solutions to high-net-worth individuals and guides them through life's transitions. Clients value our depth of talent and experience, along with our collaborative and approachable style.

For more information, visit https://www.fairportwealth.com/.

About Luma Wealth

Luma Wealth Advisors is a division of Fairport Wealth that provides women and their families with personalized wealth planning, experienced investment management, and a supportive, enriching community where they can learn, connect, and celebrate with other women. For more information, visit https://www.lumawealth.com/.

About Hightower

Hightower is a national wealth management firm that provides growth capital and front- to back-end support services to independent-minded financial advisory businesses and operates as a Registered Investment Advisor. For more information, visit https://www.hightoweradvisors.com/.

Securities offered through Hightower Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC, Hightower Advisors, LLC is a SEC Registered Investment Adviser.

More information: https://www.fairportwealth.com/index

Fairport Wealth is pleased to announce that the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization in Northeast Ohio, is its 2021 Community Beacon recipient. According to Managing Partner Kenneth J. Coleman, "The pandemic has made fighting hunger an even more pressing issue and we are happy to lend a hand to the Food Bank. Its mission closely aligns with our goal of helping families."

Related link: https://www.fairportwealth.com/

KBKG Welcomes Two New Directors to Atlanta-Based Operation

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG hired two new Directors, Amar Patel and Ian Williams, as part of their Southeast practice. Both Directors join KBKG with over 25 years of combined experience in Cost Segregation and Research & Development Tax Credits, two key services offered by the firm to CPAs and businesses.

As Director of Cost Segregation, Amar has become an expert in cost segregation and large fixed asset depreciation reviews for purposes of identifying Federal, State, and Property Tax benefits. Prior to joining KBKG, Amar spent 14 years at a Big Four firm focused on various specialty tax products, including Cost Recovery Solutions and Research & Development Tax Credits, serving corporate clients and partnerships in a variety of industries, including: retail, restaurant, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and telecommunications.

As Director of Research & Development Tax Credits, Ian Williams brings extensive experience in the software, heavy manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and consumer products industries to the KBKG team. Ian is also well versed in defending credit claims with the IRS. Prior to joining KBKG, Ian spent 11 years at a Big Four firm specializing in R&D Tax Credits and Fixed Asset studies.

"We are pleased to have Amar and Ian as part of the team. Their knowledge and experience in Cost Segregation, Fixed Assets, and R&D Tax Credits are of great use to the firm and its success. The addition of our new directors will support the growth this market is currently experiencing, allowing KBKG to serve more Southeastern clients," said Jonathan Tucker, KBKG R&D Tax Credits Principal and leader of the Southeast practice.

ABOUT KBKG

Established in 1999 with offices across the US, KBKG provides turn-key tax solutions, including research and development tax credits, cost segregation, green building tax incentives, transfer pricing, and more to CPAs and businesses nationwide. KBKG has offices located in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

For more information on KBKG, please visit: https://www.kbkg.com/

Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG hired two new Directors, Amar Patel and Ian Williams, as part of their Southeast practice. Both Directors join KBKG with over 25 years of combined experience in Cost Segregation and Research & Development Tax Credits, two key services offered by the firm to CPAs and businesses.

Related link: https://www.kbkg.com/

EPIC Announces Leadership Structure Realignment

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants CEO Steve Denton announced organizational and restructuring changes, effective immediately, across the company. The moves are designed to position EPIC to thrive for years to come.

Tom O'Neil has been named President of EPIC and will work directly with Denton to grow the business across its entire platform - from Private Client to Large Complex Risk in both Property & Casualty and Employee Benefits. O'Neil previously led the West and Northeast Regions and integrated several large acquisitions that expanded the overall footprint of EPIC.

In conjunction with leadership changes, the company is being restructured into "Super Regions" in order to provide more consistency and overall organizational strength: Northeast, Midwest/Southeast and West.

* Northeast: Len Scioscia will lead as President. Scioscia joined the firm through the Prime Risk Partners acquisition in 2019; he was previously CEO of Cook Maran.

* Midwest and Southeast: Adam Meyerowitz will lead as President. Meyerowitz also joined via the Prime Risk Partners acquisition and was Co-founder and President of the organization.

* West: KJ Wagner will lead as President. Wagner joined in 2018 to build EPIC's presence in the Southwest region and previously held senior leadership positions with Willis Towers Watson.

Additional announcements follow:

* Chief Growth Officer and President of Financial Services: Phil Moyles has been named to these roles, where his responsibilities will include driving innovation and organic growth throughout EPIC. He joined EPIC in 2018 through the acquisition of Vanbridge where he continues as CEO.

* National Risk Management and Specialty Practice: Marc Kunney and Scott Davis will co-lead as Presidents, working closely across the EPIC platform to deliver large account and industry specialty resources to brokers and clients.

* National Employee Benefits Practice: Craig Hasday will continue as President, coordinating Regional Employee Benefits Operations, Shared Services Platform and National Employer Consulting Resources. Scott Schanen will continue as President of National Employer Consulting, focused on consulting for large employers.

* National Placement and Carrier Relationships: Jason Walker has been named Senior Vice President to oversee the placement of key accounts and develop new and existing relationships with EPIC's strategic trading partners.

The following corporate changes have also been recognized and will help shape the future of EPIC as an organization poised for long-term success.

* Sapana Nanuwa joins Galway Insurance Holdings, the parent company of EPIC, as Managing Director, Marketing, Branding & Communications.

* Karman Chan joins Galway as Chief Financial Officer. Frank Mammaro has been named Chief Financial Officer of EPIC, and will report to Chan.

* Kevin Grady has been named Chief Diversity Officer of EPIC, in addition to his role as managing principal with EPIC IMPACT.

* John Gaffney has been named Chief of Staff of EPIC.

* Sawsan Nina Mahmud has been named Director of Administration of EPIC.

"These decisions showcase careful succession planning and leadership depth across EPIC," said Denton. "Further, they provide the best structure for innovation and continued growth, and delivery of all of our capabilities to our clients."

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

For more information on EPIC, visit: https://epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants CEO Steve Denton announced organizational and restructuring changes, effective immediately, across the company. The moves are designed to position EPIC to thrive for years to come.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Adds Allen Baker as Senior Risk Consultant

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Allen Baker has joined its National Energy Construction Team as a Senior Risk Consultant. Baker will be based in Birmingham, Alabama. The addition of Baker positions the Energy Construction team to continue to strategically focus on growing market share in key verticals.

Baker brings 15 years of experience advising clients with complex risk on insurance and risk management concerns. Prior to joining EPIC, Baker was a senior vice president with Valent Group. Focus and dedication to clients has propelled Baker's substantial growth, and established him as a foundational player in the insurance brokerage market.

"We are fortunate to welcome Allen to our growing team. His deep knowledge and expertise will be of immediate benefit to our clients and our organization," said Brian Tanner, Managing Principal, EPIC Birmingham office.

Adam Meyerowitz, President, Midwest & Southeast Regions, commented, "We are pleased to welcome Allen to our Birmingham office. His addition furthers our strategy to accelerate our growth in the Southeast Region by partnering with stellar professionals."

Baker earned a Bachelor of Arts from Valdosta State University. He also holds a Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation. Baker is actively involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities and is on the Mountain Brook Athletics' Board of Directors.

Allen Baker
allen.baker@epicbrokers.com
205.581.3343

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

For more information on EPIC, visit: https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Allen Baker has joined its National Energy Construction Team as a Senior Risk Consultant. Baker will be based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

FormFree’s Expanded Income and Employment Verification Covers 85% of Working Americans

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® today announced its AccountChek® 3n1 (3n1) asset, employment and income verification service now covers 85% of U.S. workers whose employers utilize a payroll processing service, representing over 100 million wage earners.

As the pioneer of the mortgage industry's first truly automated verification of assets (VOA) solution complete with government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) rep and warrant relief, FormFree has enhanced income and employment verification for its 3,000-plus lender customers with direct-source data from 35 of the nation's largest payroll service providers.

3n1 addresses a critical need for lenders and GSEs to capture structured, direct-source data and original income documentation at a cost-effective price point. Direct-source payroll data provides a more current understanding of a borrower's ability to pay (ATP) and mitigates risks associated with human error and document fraud. With 3n1, FormFree enables lenders to deliver a world-class borrower experience and directly addresses key industry pain points by electronically furnishing lenders with high-fidelity income and employment data.

Said David Battany, EVP of capital markets for Guild Mortgage (NYSE: GHLD), "Instant employment and income verification supported by paystubs and W-2s is something we've been waiting for. We are committed to offering a best-in-class borrower experience. With innovative partners like FormFree by our side, we are confident we can achieve our goal of increasing financial inclusion." Guild Mortgage has worked with FormFree since participating in Fannie Mae's Day 1 Certainty® pilot in 2016.

"We are always looking for innovative solutions that make mortgages faster and easier for our borrowers and teams," said Trinity Oaks Mortgage President Michael Kuentz. "We've relied on FormFree's asset solution to streamline the loan process and cut down on time to close for several years. FormFree's new income and employment solution is the right product at the right time."

With 3n1, borrowers authorize payroll providers to electronically share their six most recent paystubs and most recent W-2 with lenders and refresh that documentation within 10 days of the loan closing.

3n1 saves lenders time and money by providing accurate data and universally accepted supporting documents up-front. This makes for a faster, cleaner underwriting and closing experience and prevents lenders from having to going back to borrowers to chase down more documents.

"Mortgage lenders have been longing for an income and employment solution with wider employer coverage. FormFree's vision goes even further, combining expansive coverage with their time-tested asset solution," said Rajesh Bhat, CEO at digital mortgage platform Roostify. "This is a welcome innovation that we look forward to offering through our platform."

"Getting investor-accepted, up-to-date employment and income verification along with the most recent paystubs and W-2s - all in less than 30 seconds - is a game changer," said Ben Miller, co-founder of homeownership platform SimpleNexus. "This is the kind of advancement our industry needs and borrowers deserve."

"We hear loud and clear that our lenders and partners are looking for better ways of validating borrower employment and income with the security, accuracy and efficiency of direct-source data at a disruptive price point," said Brent Chandler, CEO at FormFree. "As the pioneers of automated asset verification, we will continue to lead the mortgage industry to its fully digital destination, ultimately arriving at a holistic view of a consumer's financial DNA in a single Passport."

About FormFree®

FormFree® is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek® and Passport® make for a more inclusive credit decisioning landscape by enabling lenders to understand people's true ability to pay (ATP®). To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing trillions of dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, dramatically reduces origination timelines and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey®.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

Twitter: @RealFormFree #mortgageindustry #fintech #branding #financialinclusion

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0926s2p-formfree-300dpi.jpg

FormFree® today announced its AccountChek® 3n1 (3n1) asset, employment and income verification service now covers 85% of U.S. workers whose employers utilize a payroll processing service, representing over 100 million wage earners.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

MBA’s Charmaine Brown to Kick-Off Day One #HousingDC21 Discussion on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Housing Finance Strategies President Faith Schwartz today announced that Charmaine Brown, the Mortgage Bankers Association Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion will kick-off Day One of #HousingDC21, a 100% virtual housing summit being held on September 20-21, 2021.

"With a focus on the importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, we are pleased to have Charmaine Brown as our opening speaker of Day One of #HousingDC21, the nation's premier housing policy conference," said Faith Schwartz.

In her role at MBA, Charmaine is responsible for expanding the association's strategic framework to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded throughout its programs, practices, and member-services. Brown previously led Fannie Mae's Diversity and Inclusion Engagement and Outreach in its Office of Minority and Women Inclusion.

Dana Dillard of Housing Finance Strategies will co-host the opening event with MBA's Brown and share her experience in building a nationally recognized D&I program for a Top 5 mortgage servicer - work that led to her being named a HousingWire 2020 Women of Influence.

"I am so excited to share the stage with our industry's top Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leader in Charmaine. We will dig into the importance of the topic, the challenges that remain before us and our collective optimism for building out success strategies across mortgage," said Dillard.

Named "A Leading Lady in Housing" by MReport in 2016 and Diversity Journal's Woman-Worth Watching 2018, Charmaine Brown is recognized as a diversity and inclusion thought leader, innovator, and advocate.

Mrs. Brown is a member of the American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity, a former member of Securities Industries and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She serves as the Vice-Chair of the American Mortgage Diversity Council (AMDC) and sits on the Housing Advisory Board of HomeFree USA. She is also the recipient of the Council for Inclusion in Financial Services (CIFS) Prism Award for promoting diversity and inclusion education in expansive thought as well as the National Urban League's McGannon award for relationship management and promoting diversity and inclusion.

With a focus on women executives in housing finance - but open to all who wish to attend, #HousingDC21 complimentary registration is now available by clicking here: https://www.housingdc21.com/.

Sponsors to-date of #HousingDC21 include FormFree, Caliber Home Loans, Freedom Mortgage, Black Knight Financial Services, Notarize, First American Financial Solutions, Genworth, RiskSpan, Class Valuation, Mortgage Connect, USMI, ReverseVision, FICO and DepthPR.

Housing Finance Strategies was established by Faith Schwartz in 2016 as a professional services and advisory firm specializing in mortgage modernization, housing policy and legislative and regulatory affairs. Schwartz serves on a number of bank and fintech boards and has a lengthy record of hosting and moderating housing industry events. Recently, Schwartz has partnered in creating and delivering multiple housing events and two national housing policy conferences. Info: https://housingfinancestrategies.com/

Housing Finance Strategies President Faith Schwartz today announced that Charmaine Brown, the Mortgage Bankers Association Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion will kick-off Day One of #HousingDC21, a 100% virtual housing summit being held on September 20-21, 2021.

Related link: https://housingfinancestrategies.com/

Top of Mind Elevates Nick Belenky to Chief Revenue Officer

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, announced the promotion of Nick Belenky to chief revenue officer. In this elevated role, Belenky will lead Top of Mind's marketing, sales and customer experience teams to operate at their highest level and continue to deliver value-laden marketing technology and advice to its mortgage lender customers.

Belenky joined Top of Mind in January 2020 as executive vice president of sales and has since led the company to new heights. Over the last year, Belenky has grown the Top of Mind sales team by 167% and the marketing team by 300%. In 2020 he brought increased attention to Top of Mind's creative marketing content, with Surefire CRM rounding out the year as the mortgage industry's most decorated CRM and marketing automation platform. Additionally, Belenky launched customer resources that showcase mortgage marketing best practices such as Mortgage Marketing University, Surefireside Chats and Inside the Lenders Studio.

"Nick is an energetic, creative problem solver who has quickly brought immense value to Top of Mind and its customers," said Top of Mind CEO Bill Hayes. "His strategic, data-driven approach positions him for success as chief revenue officer. We are so proud to have Nick on the team and we congratulate him on his promotion."

Prior to Top of Mind, Belenky was the director of sales at CardinalCommerce, a Visa (NYSE:V) company and global leader in authenticating digital transactions. For four years, Belenky consistently led his team to triple-digit sales growth, while overseeing new merchant sales and channel partnerships globally and across North America. His career also includes management roles at CEIA USA, a global manufacturer of security equipment, and Edgerton Corporation, a developer of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for the materials handling industry.

About Top of Mind Networks:

Founded in 2003, Atlanta-based Top of Mind Networks ( https://www.topofmind.com ) started as a bootstrapped direct-mail marketing company. Today, the company is recognized as the mortgage industry's most-relied-upon provider of marketing automation and creative content solutions. From individuals to enterprise lenders, Top of Mind's SurefireCRM helps thousands of mortgage professionals win new business, earn repeat business and deserve referral business. With intuitive, "set it and forget it" workflows and award-winning content, mortgage professionals are able to effortlessly maintain and deepen their emotional connections with clients.

Twitter: @mortgagecrm #marketingautomation #mortgagemarketing #digitalmortgage

Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, announced the promotion of Nick Belenky to chief revenue officer. In this elevated role, Belenky will lead Top of Mind's marketing, sales and customer experience teams.

Related link: https://www.topofmind.com/

SimpleNexus User Group Announces Finalized SNUG 2021 Agenda, Debut of Inaugural Nexus Awards

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers (LOs), borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced it has finalized the 2021 SimpleNexus User Group (SNUG) conference agenda with the addition of new speakers and the inaugural Nexus Awards presentation ceremony.

Now in its third year, SimpleNexus' annual SNUG event will be held virtually on February 22-24. Updates to agenda include:

* Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Vice President, Industry Analysis Marina Walsh, CMB will lead a 2021 economic forecast session, giving lenders an overview of forces impacting the market and how they will impact mortgage lenders.

* Shane Hartzler, director of eMortgage strategy and solutions at Fannie Mae will join the session "eMortgage and the GSEs" to provide attendees with insight into Fannie Mae's latest technology initiatives and applicable best practices. The panel will be moderated by SimpleNexus' Ben Miller and Shane Westra and feature co-panelist David Burner of Notarize.

* Chuck Walker, vice president, digital alliances and product distribution at Fannie Mae will join the session "Into the Breach: Industry Challenges and Opportunities." The panel will be moderated by SimpleNexus' Ben Miller and feature co-panelists Brett Brumley of Lender Toolkit, Brent Chandler of FormFree and Tammy Louks of Progressive Insurance.

* SimpleNexus will recognize customers and partners in the inaugural Nexus Awards presentation. The four awards to be given are the Captstone award, the Partner award, the Trailblazer award and the Referral award.

"We are excited to add renowned industry experts to the SNUG agenda, including Marina Walsh, CMB of the MBA and Shane Hartzlerg of Fannie Mae," said SimpleNexus VP of Marketing Richard Jackman. "We look forward to delivering a premium, virtual conference experience, packed with sessions that will help our customers achieve breakthrough business results."

SimpleNexus serves a user base of more than 32,000 loan originators, 141,000 real estate agents and 3 million borrowers. To date, the platform has handled over 13 million loans totaling over $3 trillion in volume and touches approximately one in eight home loans originated in the United States.

Tickets and full conference details for SNUG 2021 are available at https://simplenexus.com/sn/snug2021/.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Courtney Montgomery at cmontgomery@simplenexus.com.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is a homeownership platform transforming the mortgage experience and connecting borrowers, loan officers, real estate agents and settlement service providers throughout the homebuying process. The platforms' native mobile toolset enables lenders to originate, process and close home loans from anywhere with increased efficiency and convenience. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals, sign disclosures and execute eClosings - all on the go. SimpleNexus provides borrowers with a single sign-on experience from home search to the application, document upload, eClose and beyond for a more streamlined homeownership journey.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus #digitalmortgage #mortgageindustry #mortgagelending

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0724s2p-simplenexus-300dpi.jpg

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers (LOs), borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced it has finalized the 2021 SimpleNexus User Group (SNUG) conference agenda with the addition of new speakers and the inaugural Nexus Awards presentation ceremony.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

Surefire CRM by Top of Mind Integrates with Blend to Optimize Borrower Experience, Expedite Mortgage Loan Application Process

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, announced its integration with digital lending platform Blend.

The integration leverages bi-directional data syncing between Surefire CRM and Blend's point of sale (POS) platform, enabling the systems to automatically prefill loan applications with borrower contact information and execute automated workflows tailored to where clients are in the loan journey. When combined, the technologies automate Surefire CRM's workflows and award-winning content to loan applicants, resulting in improved loan application completion rates and borrower satisfaction.

"Data indicates that only 63% of mortgage loan applications started are fully completed," said Top of Mind EVP of Sales Nick Belenky. "A premium lending POS like Blend can increase that number, and when paired with Surefire CRM, elevate it substantially. From the moment a borrower begins a loan application, Surefire CRM helps usher them on their journey to homeownership."

To remove redundancy from the loan application process, Surefire CRM syncs its contact information with Blend so prospects receive the white-glove service of an intelligently prefilled loan application. Likewise, the integration helps loan teams keep applications on track with minimal effort through automated borrower outreach tailored to each application stage and notifications that suggest loan team intervention when an application has stalled.

"The benefits of Blend's digital lending platform, which improves borrower satisfaction and expedites origination times by streamlining the lending experience, are amplified when paired with Top of Mind's Surefire CRM," said Blend Head of Business Development, Brian Martin. "Prefilling loan applications with known borrower information has been shown to bolster lenders' Net Promoter Score (NPS). Combined with in-process automation that facilitates application completion, Blend's partnership with Top of Mind positions lenders to deliver a white-glove experience."

About Top of Mind Networks:

Founded in 2003, Atlanta-based Top of Mind Networks ( https://www.topofmind.com ) started as a bootstrapped direct-mail marketing company. Today, the company is recognized as the mortgage industry's most-relied-upon provider of marketing automation and creative content solutions. From individuals to enterprise lenders, Top of Mind's SurefireCRM helps thousands of mortgage professionals win new business, earn repeat business and deserve referral business. With intuitive, "set it and forget it" workflows and award-winning content, mortgage professionals are able to effortlessly maintain and deepen their emotional connections with clients.

About Blend:

Blend helps lenders streamline the customer journey for any banking product from application to close. Its Digital Lending Platform is used by Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, and over 285 other leading financial institutions to acquire more customers, increase productivity, and deepen customer relationships. The company enables customers to process more than $4 billion in mortgages and consumer loans per day, helping millions of consumers get into homes and gain access to the capital they need to lead better lives. To learn more, visit blend.com.

Tags: @mortgagecrm @BlendLabsInc #marketingautomation #mortgagemarketing #digitalmortgage

Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, announced its integration with digital lending platform Blend.

Related link: https://www.topofmind.com/

Promontory MortgagePath Appoints Savita Ilango as Chief Financial Officer

DANBURY, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Promontory MortgagePath LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive digital mortgage and tech-driven fulfillment solutions, announced today it has hired Savita Ilango as chief financial officer. A financial industry veteran, Ilango brings unique perspectives for helping Promontory MortgagePath continue both on its growth trajectory and toward achieving its mission of changing the way lenders approach their mortgage business.

"We're delighted to welcome Savita to the Promontory MortgagePath leadership team," said Debora Aydelotte, chief operating officer at Promontory MortgagePath. "Savita's extensive experience as a results-oriented financial leader will have an immediate impact as we continue to grow and her proven ability to create value will be felt throughout the firm."

With extensive experience in finance, Ilango has worked with publicly held and private companies of varying sizes, leading cross-functional teams to achieve financial targets and operational excellence. She comes to Promontory MortgagePath from Kabbage, a FinTech firm providing small businesses with automated cash flow solutions, where she served as head of global financial planning and analysis. Prior to Kabbage, Ilango worked in roles with increasing responsibility in controllership, financial planning, and consumer banking at Synchrony Financial and GE Capital.

"I am thrilled to join the dynamic and driven team at Promontory MortgagePath and look forward to driving growth for both our customers and our company. I love the mission of helping community-oriented financial institutions thrive," said Ilango.

To learn more about open positions at Promontory MortgagePath, visit mortgagepath.com/careers. Contact careers@mortgagepath.com to submit a resume or other inquiries.

About Promontory MortgagePath LLC | NMLS ID 1532373

Promontory MortgagePath is a fast-growing team of passionate problem solvers on a mission to fundamentally change the way lenders approach their mortgage business. The company combines an intuitive, collaborative digital mortgage platform with modern, comprehensive fulfillment services, giving lenders the progressive technology and scalability required to profitably compete in today's rapidly-changing residential mortgage market. Promontory MortgagePath's founder, former U.S. Comptroller of the Currency Gene Ludwig, is widely recognized as a visionary thinker on the critical issues confronting financial services, and his companies are renowned for their ability to help community lenders resolve their most pressing challenges. To learn more, https://www.mortgagepath.com.

Promontory MortgagePath LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive digital mortgage and tech-driven fulfillment solutions, announced today it has hired Savita Ilango as chief financial officer. A financial industry veteran, Ilango brings unique perspectives for helping Promontory MortgagePath continue both on its growth trajectory and toward achieving its mission of changing the way lenders approach their mortgage business.

Related link: https://www.mortgagepath.com/

KBKG Welcomes Three New Principals to Their Cost Segregation and Research & Development Tax Credit Services

PASADENA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG promoted Eddie Price to Principal of Cost Segregation Services, as well as Paul McVoy and Jonathan Tucker to Principals of Research & Development Tax Credit Services.

Eddie Price leads KBKG's Cost Segregation practice and oversees KBKG's Southern region and its Texas-based operations. He is a Certified Cost Segregation Professional (CCSP) with the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP). With over 35 years of cost segregation experience dating back to the Investment Tax Credit period, Eddie is one of the most experienced experts in the industry.

KBKG Cost Segregation Principal Malik Javed congratulates, "Eddie always goes above and beyond in leading our Cost Segregation practice in the South. This promotion is very well-deserved!"

Paul McVoy operates out of KBKG's New York office in its Research & Development Tax Services department. He devotes his time to consulting companies in maximizing their research & development tax credit claims. Paul has spent more than 15 years in public accounting leveraging previous tax compliance and tax provision work experience to provide focused and thoughtful advice regarding the research and experimentation activities of his clients.

Jonathan (Jon) Tucker serves as KBKG's Southeast region leader out of its Atlanta, Georgia office. He is a CPA and has over 16 years of experience providing federal business tax advisory services to clients. Having worked in public accounting for 15 years, Jon has served clients in all industries, including technology, manufacturing), transportation, healthcare, retail, and consumer products, hospitality, media and entertainment, financial, and other professional services industries.

"Paul and Jon have done an amazing job leading our R&D practice in the Northeast and Southeast markets and nationally. Their dedication to the firm and their drive to create a special group is at the heart of their success. I look forward to watching them continue to grow and create additional opportunities for others," said Kevin Zolriasatain, KBKG Principal of Research & Development Tax Services.

About KBKG

Established in 1999 with offices across the US, KBKG provides turn-key tax solutions, including research and development tax credits, cost segregation, and green building tax incentives, and more to CPAs and businesses nationwide. KBKG has office locations nationwide in California, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

For more information about KBKG, please visit https://www.kbkg.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/21-0209s2p-price-mcvoy-tucker-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Pictured (left to right): Eddie Price, CCSP; Paul McVoy; Jonathan Tucker

Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG promoted Eddie Price to Principal of Cost Segregation Services, as well as Paul McVoy and Jonathan Tucker to Principals of Research & Development Tax Credit Services.

Related link: https://www.kbkg.com/

LBA Ware Announces Mortgage Industry Outlook Webinar Featuring Mortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Michael Fratantoni

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence software solutions for the mortgage industry, today announced it will debut its quarterly webinar series with a 2021 mortgage industry outlook session featuring Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) chief economist and senior vice president, research and industry Michael Fratantoni. The webinar, More Insights, Better Decisions: Michael Fratantoni's 2021 Mortgage Industry Outlook, will take place Thursday, February 11, from 1-2 pm ET and is free to attend.

Hosted by LBA Ware Founder and CEO Lori Brewer, the session will present residential housing finance professionals with insight into the mortgage industry's projected 2021 performance and data-driven business management best-practices.

Key topics to be covered in the session include:

* A macro-economic overview of the job market and rate expectations

* An overview of mortgage market trends and forecasts such as borrower demographics and origination volume

* Origination and servicing benchmarks with a focus on production, profitability and productivity

* Audience Q&A session with Michael Fratantoni

"We are thrilled to kick off the first session of our quarterly webinar series with one of the mortgage industry's most revered economic experts, Michael Fratantoni," said LBA Ware Founder and CEO Lori Brewer. "At LBA Ware, we are ardent advocates of data-driven business practices, so I look forward to discussing with Michael how lenders can apply his market analysis to their production data to optimize their performance."

Attendees may submit questions for Michael Fratantoni to answer at the time of registration. Registration is required. To register, click here.

About LBA Ware™:

LBA Ware is a leading provider of cloud-based software for mortgage lenders. Since 2008, LBA Ware has been on a mission to help mortgage companies reach new heights with software that integrates data, incentivizes performance and inspires results. Today, more than 100 lenders of all sizes, including some of the nation's top producing mortgage companies, use LBA Ware's award-winning technology to enhance lender experiences and maximize the human potential within their organizations. A 2020 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company, LBA Ware is headquartered in Macon, Georgia. For more information, visit https://www.lbaware.com/.

Twitter: @LBAWare #CompenSafe #mortgagetrends #LOcompensation

LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence software solutions for the mortgage industry, today announced it will debut its quarterly webinar series with a 2021 mortgage industry outlook session featuring Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) chief economist and senior vice president, research and industry Michael Fratantoni.

Related link: https://go.lbaware.com/