North Dakota Notaries Can Now Ditch the Desk! Secured Signing Brings Streamlined Online Notarization to the Peace Garden State

BISMARK, N.D. /ScoopCloud/ -- Imagine notarizing documents from the comfort of your couch, or while catching up on emails at your home office. For North Dakota notaries and their clients, that future is now a reality. Secured Signing, a leading innovator in Remote Online Notarization (RON) technology, is proud to announce its RON platform meets and exceeds the requirements as an official RON platform in the state.

This is a meaningful change for North Dakota. Notaries can finally ditch the desk and embrace the flexibility and efficiency of RON. Secured Signing's secure and user-friendly platform ensures a smooth experience for both notaries and signers, regardless of technical expertise.

Here's why other notaries are raving about Secured Signing Digital Notary Platform:

* Effortless Online Sessions: Conduct live video signing sessions from anywhere with an internet connection. Recordings are automatically saved for enhanced security and record-keeping.

* Real-Time Collaboration: The groundbreaking Whiteboard feature allows for real-time document markups during video calls, fostering a more interactive and engaging experience.

* Seamless Identity Verification: Secured Signing utilizes innovative technology to confirm signer identities with complete accuracy.

"We're ecstatic to bring Secured Signing's secure and user-friendly platform to North Dakota," says Mike Eyal, CTO (Chief Technology Officer) and Founder at Secured Signing. "This approval marks a significant step forward in modernizing the notarization process for the state."

Not only is Secured Signing a breeze to use, but it is also backed by a team of industry leaders. The company is a proud member of the National Notary Association (NNA) and actively participates in events hosted by leading organizations.

And there is more! Secured Signing is constantly innovating to make life easier for notaries. Stay tuned for an exciting new feature designed specifically for Notaries on the Secured Signing platform!

Ready to join the future of notarization? Visit Secured Signing's website to learn more about their industry-leading RON platform, now approved in 40 states!

Learn more:

https://www.securedsigning.com/blog/is-remote-online-notarization-legal-in-my-state/

https://www.securedsigning.com/ron-software/

About Secured Signing:

Secured Signing is a trusted provider of Remote Online Notarization (RON) services, dedicated to simplifying the notarization process while ensuring the highest standards of security and authenticity. As an industry leader, Secured Signing offers state-of-the-art technology solutions for notaries, clients, and customers alike.

To learn more about Secured Signing and explore their RON services, please visit the company's website at https://www.securedsigning.com/.

For inquiries, please contact:

800 W. EI Camino Real, Suite 180 Mountain View, CA 94040. +1 408-769-6018

Imagine notarizing documents from the comfort of your couch, or while catching up on emails at your home office. For North Dakota notaries and their clients, that future is now a reality. Secured Signing, a leading innovator in Remote Online Notarization (RON) technology, is proud to announce its RON platform meets and exceeds the requirements as an official RON platform in the state.

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

Casting Off the Caste System and its Stigma: Empowering the Forgotten Indigenous People of India with Human Rights

ODISHA, India /ScoopCloud/ -- In the 1880s, to call attention to the plight of the "untouchables" - the lowest of India's four castes and members of the country's indigenous tribes who suffer the same indignities - the famous Indian social activist Jyotirao Govindrao Phule coined a term to represent these people: "Dalit." The word means "oppressed," "broken" or "crushed." He chose this term to raise awareness of the rampant violations of the dignity and rights of these people and to create change. United for Human Rights Odisha has taken on the challenge of restoring fair and equitable treatment to these and all people of India.

Although the caste system was officially banned shortly after India won its independence in 1947, it is still very much a degrading and very painful fact of life for 25 percent of its people.

In Odisha on the southeast coast of India, nearly 23 percent of the state's 46 million residents are members of indigenous tribes, known as the Adivasi, who continue to suffer privation, degradation and exclusion.

Birendra Oraon is director of United for Human Rights Odisha and its program for young people, Youth for Human Rights. Growing up in Odisha's Koraput Tribal District, Oraon was one of 14 children raised in a straw hut without electricity or water. He is keenly aware of the injustice suffered by his people.

Oraon remembers finding the website of United for Human Rights (UHR). "I was immediately impressed by their commitment to promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and their dedication to creating a world where peace, unity, and solidarity are experienced by all," he says.

He decided to create a UHR chapter, seeing it as "a movement to educate and empower people to understand and exercise their rights."

Some 25 percent of India's 1.44 billion people are disenfranchised members of indigenous tribes and members of the country's lowest caste. After studying the United for Human Rights materials, Oraon realized that raising awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the key to empowering them and reversing the degradation that began more than 3,000 years ago when the caste system began.

Oraon and his team bring the program to schools and villages, hold human rights awareness marches and petition drives, and inform people who never knew they had rights that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights applies to them just as it does to any other person.

To spread the knowledge of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights throughout the country, he created an initiative called "Training the Trainers for Transformation." His goal is to reach every household by training thousands of individuals who will use the United for Human Rights materials to deliver human rights education in schools, communities and businesses. Those they train will also take on training other trainers who will train others, thus creating a chain reaction of human rights education and awareness.

In addition to its educational initiative, UHR Odisha works with community partners to provide education, healthcare, and vocational training to underserved people.

His group has conducted 37 workshops to train community leaders, evangelists, pastors, elected officials and college students as trainers who, in turn, have reached many thousands more.

United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights are supported by Scientology Churches and Scientologists, making it possible to provide these materials free of charge to educators, civic and community leaders and anyone wishing to educate others on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The program was inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who believed "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

For more information, visit the website of United for Human Rights or watch The Story of Human Rights and Thirty Rights Brought to Life on the Scientology Network. Or watch episodes of the original series Voices for Humanity featuring change-makers of all faiths, cultures, and nations who extend help to their communities through this and other Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/6XXGF_V8_7M?si=1TVqrUEhH4weS416

In the 1880s, to call attention to the plight of the "untouchables" the famous Indian social activist Jyotirao Govindrao Phule coined a term to represent these people: "Dalit." United for Human Rights Odisha has taken on the challenge of restoring fair and equitable treatment to these and all people of India.

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

Agile Introduces Competitive Electronic Bidding on Fourth Month TBA Mortgage-Backed Securities

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- Agile, a groundbreaking fintech bringing mortgage lenders and broker-dealers onto a single electronic platform, announced today the launch of electronic bidding for the fourth month in the To-Be-Announced mortgage-backed securities (TBA) market. This marks a significant leap forward in the trading landscape of off-screen securities.

The addition of electronic bidding for fourth month securities ushers in a new era of efficiency. By offering the option to extend trade settlements an additional month, Agile's electronic platform minimizes the need for frequent rolls, thereby streamlining the process of maintaining an aggregate hedge position.

Andrew Price (*note 1), Secondary Marketing Trader at Highlands Residential Mortgage, stated, "I use fourth month securities to hedge long-term builder forward contracts. Electronically trading fourth month on Agile is extremely efficient, and anytime I put fourth month in competition, my execution is better than a single-dealer bid. It's always helpful to have that extra protection while trading an off-screen security."

This groundbreaking development fosters a deeper understanding of trading dynamics for fourth-month securities, empowering market participants to make more informed decisions regarding their pricing compared to standard TBA security settlements. According to traders using Agile, the reduced frequency of transactions translates directly into increased efficiency and lower hedging costs, as each transaction incurs associated costs.

For builders, securing fourth-month TBAs via Agile offers a distinct competitive advantage. By aligning forward agreement rates with fourth-month security prices, Agile promotes pricing transparency from the inception of contracts, empowering builders to make more informed decisions.

Eric Bridges (*note 2), Vice President of Secondary Marketing at M/I Financial, shared, "Having the ability to bid fourth month competitively has yielded better, more reliable trading levels which provides greater confidence in offering stronger extended rate lock pricing or rate specials."

Fourth month bidding is now available to all Agile platform users. Mortgage lenders and broker dealers interested in learning more about this functionality are encouraged to contact Agile for more information: https://trade-agile.com/contact-us/

NOTES:

*1 - Andrew Price is a capital markets professional with more than 12 years of experience starting as a secondary marketing trader and growing into his current AVP Capital Markets role.

*2 - Eric Bridges is a VP of Secondary Marketing with more than 10 years of experience working as a secondary marketing professional.

About Agile:

Agile brings together mortgage lenders and dealers of all sizes onto a single MBS fintech platform. Agile facilitates the exchange of TBA MBS by securing and automating communication between mortgage lenders and broker-dealers. Agile digitizes the historically phone-based process to an electronic platform which may improve profitability and efficiency, while reducing administrative errors. Through its competitive TBA RFQ digital platform, mortgage lenders gain access to national and regional broker-dealers previously inaccessible on digital platforms, while broker-dealers gain access to an ever-growing network of lenders. Based in Philadelphia, Agile Trading Technologies supports a national network of clients* with a team of capital markets professionals who have deep trading experience at financial organizations of every size.

Learn more: https://trade-agile.com/

*Agile is not available for retail natural person investors.

Agile, a groundbreaking fintech bringing mortgage lenders and broker-dealers onto a single electronic platform, announced today the launch of electronic bidding for the fourth month in the To-Be-Announced mortgage-backed securities (TBA) market. This marks a significant leap forward in the trading landscape of off-screen securities.

Related link: https://trade-agile.com/

BARE Zero Proof Spirits Unveils Exceptional Zero Proof Rums Amidst St. Louis Expansion

ST. LOUIS, Mo. /ScoopCloud/ -- BARE Zero Proof Spirits Inc., an innovator in the emerging non-alcoholic spirits sector, proudly announces the launch of two exquisite new expressions: BARE Zero Proof® Rum Blanco and BARE Zero Proof Caribbean Gold Spiced Rum. These additions to the BARE Zero Proof portfolio represent the pinnacle of a zero-proof rum cocktail experience, meticulously crafted to satisfy the discerning palates of today's consumers seeking alcohol-free alternatives.

In tandem with its product line expansion, BARE Zero Proof is also excited to unveil the growth of its St. Louis headquarters. This expansion is a testament to the company's commitment to bolstering its future manufacturing capabilities and creating more job opportunities within the rapidly growing non-alcoholic spirits category.

James Kempland, BARE Zero Proof Spirits Inc. CEO expressed his enthusiasm about the company's direction: "As we emerge as the ultra-premium offering within this new category, our focus has always been on crafting the finest non-alcoholic spirits. The introduction of our Zero Proof Rum Blanco and Caribbean Gold Spiced Rum joining our Zero Proof Modern Classic Gin, Reposado Style Tequila, and Bourbon Whiskey, underscores our dedication to excellence and our belief in the potential of the zero-proof spirits' market. We are not just creating alternatives; we are defining a new frontier of luxury and taste."

Recent studies have shown a significant uptick in the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, particularly among Gen Z consumers, who are increasingly driving demand for high-quality, health-conscious alternatives, particularly in restaurant and bar social settings.

Sam Newberg, COO, highlighted the depth and quality that these new expressions bring to the brand: "The launch of our new non-alcoholic rums is a reflection of our pursuit of perfection and commitment to providing consumers with unmatched depth of flavor. These products represent a milestone in our journey, showcasing the sophisticated craftsmanship that BARE Zero Proof stands for. With our expanding operations in St. Louis, we are poised to further our mission and set new standards in the non-alcoholic spirits industry."

As BARE Zero Proof Spirits continues to pioneer the non-alcoholic spirits category, its commitment to quality, innovation, and expansion signals a bright future for the brand and its contribution to the evolving landscape of alternative adult cocktails.

For more information about BARE Zero Proof Spirits and its products, please visit https://enjoybare.com/.

About BARE Zero Proof Spirits:

Founded in 2018, BARE Zero Proof Spirits inc. is a leading innovator in the non-alcoholic spirits sector, dedicated to crafting premium, zero-proof alternatives that offer sophisticated taste experiences. With a commitment to quality, innovation and in-depth consumer research, BARE Zero Proof® is redefining the non-alcoholic spirits category, catering to a growing demographic of consumers seeking alcohol-free options without compromising on taste or quality.

BARE Zero Proof Spirits Inc., an innovator in the emerging non-alcoholic spirits sector, proudly announces the launch of two exquisite new expressions: BARE Zero Proof® Rum Blanco and BARE Zero Proof Caribbean Gold Spiced Rum. These additions to the BARE Zero Proof portfolio represent the pinnacle of a zero-proof rum cocktail experience, meticulously crafted to satisfy the discerning palates of today's consumers seeking alcohol-free alternatives.

Related link: https://enjoybare.com/

Argyle recognized as a Financial Services Company of the Year in the 2024 American Business Awards

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Argyle, the leading provider of direct-source income and employment data, is a winner of the 22nd annual American Business Awards®. The company received a Silver Stevie® in the mid-sized Financial Services Company of the Year category in recognition of its innovative approach to automating income and employment verifications.

Argyle saves financial services providers time and money by providing them secure access to real-time income and employment data-straight from the source. Businesses that use Argyle to open accounts for depositors and qualify applicants for home, auto, and personal loans can verify income and employment faster, more reliably and at 60-80% less cost.

"[Argyle's] achievements since the beginning of 2022 underscore a rapid and substantial impact on the industry," noted one contest judge. "Their ability to provide direct-source data with higher accuracy and at a fraction of the cost not only sets a new standard for verification processes but also represents a significant advancement in financial services technology."

"In the last 18 months, Argyle has increased our data coverage to 90% of the U.S. workforce, allowing us to successfully verify income and employment almost twice as often as the competition while saving companies an average of 80% on total verification costs," said Argyle CEO Shmulik Fishman. "The implications for our customers are powerful, and we are grateful to the judges of this year's American Business Awards for understanding and recognizing the significance of Argyle's impact."

The American Business Awards are the United States' premier business awards program. Each year, the program receives thousands of entries from companies of all kinds: public and private, for-profit and nonprofit, large and small. More than 300 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year's Stevie Award winners from more than 3,700 nominees. For a full list of winners, visit https://stevieawards.com/ABA.

About Argyle:

Founded in 2018, Argyle is backed by top investors, including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr and Rockefeller Asset Management. Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source access to real-time income and employment data. With Argyle, companies automate critical workflows-including income and employment verifications, deposit switches, wage advances and loan repayments-so they can build better, more efficient processes, reduce risk and scale their business. Argyle largely serves the mortgage, background check, personal lending and banking industries as well as the gig economy.

For more information on Argyle's industry-leading platform, please visit https://argyle.com/.

To stay up to date on all Argyle news, sign up for our newsletter here: https://argyle.com/blog/.

Tags: @withArgyle @TheStevieAwards #fintech #financialservices #technology #innovation

Brand Assets: https://brand.argyle.com/downloads#logo

Argyle, the leading provider of direct-source income and employment data, is a winner of the 22nd annual American Business Awards®. The company received a Silver Stevie® in the mid-sized Financial Services Company of the Year category in recognition of its innovative approach to automating income a

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

Dark Matter Technologies’ Rich Gagliano honored as one of Jacksonville’s top 25 CEOs by Key Executives

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter) today announced that its CEO Rich Gagliano has been recognized by Key Executives, a periodical publication providing news and information on today's leading corporate executives, as one of 2024's Top 25 CEOs of Florida's largest city, Jacksonville. The award recognizes CEOs from diverse sectors and industries whose trailblazing ideas and strategic leadership have contributed to Jacksonville's economic significance.

Rich Gagliano launched Dark Matter as an independent company in September 2023 after serving more than 6 years as president of its predecessor, Black Knight Origination Technologies, a division of Black Knight Financial Services. Gagliano's leadership of Dark Matter is informed by more than 30 years of experience in financial services at companies including Aurora Bank, Bank of America, Nexstar Financial Corporation, Citi and Mercantile Bank.

Dark Matter employs more than 1,300 team members and is headquartered in Jacksonville's Deerwood neighborhood. The company's award-winning software as a service offerings for banks, credit unions and independent mortgage lenders include artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and the Empower(R) loan origination system (LOS).

"Our city has a rich history and a bright future," said Gagliano. "Dark Matter endeavors to build on that legacy and support Jacksonville's growing influence in the technology sphere as a leading local employer and innovator."

Key Executives, formerly known as C-Suite Spotlight, delivers insights on today's leading corporate executives to more than 32,000 individuals and businesses. View the full list of Jacksonville's Top 25 CEOs here: https://www.thekeyexecutives.com/2024/04/15/the-top-25-ceos-of-jacksonville-for-2024/.

About Dark Matter Technologies:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry's leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers cutting-edge technology, unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.dmatter.com.

Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter) today announced that its CEO Rich Gagliano has been recognized by Key Executives, a periodical publication providing news and information on today's leading corporate executives, as one of 2024's Top 25 CEOs of Florida's largest city, Jacksonville. The award recognizes CEOs from diverse sectors and industries whose trailblazing ideas and strategic leadership have contributed to Jacksonville's economic significance.

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

Osceola, Iowa’s Housing Boom: Working to Meet All Levels of Housing Needs

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- At the beginning of the year, another call into the Clarke County Development Corporation's (CCDC) offices rang, telling Executive Director, Bill Trickey, the Osceola Building Incentive Program is still connecting with home builders and developers. Since its inception in early 2019, the lot program, originally referred to as the "Free Land Program," has resulted in more than a half dozen lots exchanged with developers and home builders in lieu of standard homeowner tax abatements.

The latest call, from husband-and-wife team Andrew and Kaitlyn Harvey of Eighth + Harlow Design and Build out of the Des Moines metro area, saw two more homes on the list of Osceola housing developments from that program, adding to a housing boom across the area that addresses a wide range of income levels.

Kaitlyn Harvey, also a CENTURY 21 Signature Real Estate agent, spoke with the Development Corporation about the housing need to help their customer who was being transferred to Osceola, Iowa for a new job.

"We found about the {incentive} program through extended family when discussing our client's relocation needs," said Harvey. "Their timeframe was a bit more flexible, and the location of the lot fit the family's interests, so why not take advantage of the financing opportunity?"

Their lot, located at 401 Putter Ridge Place in the Country Club Estates area, was reasonably priced, considering its location. Where competing lots in the area were going between $120,000 and $180,000, the Harveys and their clients saw the Putter Ridge Place decision as a "no-brainer" and used the Osceola Building Incentive Program lot price as equity for the development of their 1,600 sq. ft. home. Eighth + Harlow Design and Build also utilized the investment opportunity to purchase the neighboring lot to build a 1,300 sq. ft. spec home.

"Our clients had a budget they needed to stick to, and the program gave us the flexibility to finish out some higher-end detail work and the basement before they permanently moved to the area," said Harvey.

As Kailyn discussed the details of the two homes, both that will fall in the $290,00 to $400,000 price range as new listings, she estimated development of both homes to be complete by August of 2024.

The two new developments in the County Club Estates area added to a housing boom Osceola has been experiencing over the recent 18-24 months.

More than two years ago, local manufacturers communicated their need for workforce housing to maintain employment and help grow their base. To answer that call, a new, 122-unit development will be coming online in the next 30- to 60-days. Another, recently finished, 18-unit condominium off South Gustin was fully leased by November of 2023. As part of the workforce housing tax credit program, Osceola developer, Advanced Homes 360, has delivered 4 new, single-family homes throughout the city and are considering additional plans.

To add to the much-needed workforce housing, mid-level and executive homes continue to go up off Clay, behind Revelton Distillery and at the picturesque Arbor Valley Lake. And, with the City of Osceola and Clarke Community Schools on their second trades housing development project of the school year, it makes more than 160 new front doors and 160 new opportunities across a wide range of income levels hitting the local housing market.

"This is exciting news for our entire community," said Bill Trickey, CCDC Executive Director. "As we continue to build homes at all levels, Osceola and Clarke County should see an influx of new, dedicated community members adding new business and new growth opportunities across the area."

MORE INFORMATION:

If you have questions about the Osceola Building Incentive Program or any of the developments mentioned in this feature, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Clarke County Development Corporation at 115 E Washington Street, P.O. Box 426, Osceola, IA 50213, phone: 641-342-2944, email: info@clarkecountyiowa.com

Learn more at: https://clarkecountylife.com/

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:

Andrew B. Clark - ClarkeCountyLife

SPOKE Communications, LLC, 5400 SE 30th Street, Des Moines, IA 50320

phone: 515-257-6584, email: andrew@spokecom.com

At the beginning of the year, another call into the Clarke County Development Corporation's (CCDC) offices rang, telling Executive Director, Bill Trickey, the Osceola Building Incentive Program is still connecting with home builders and developers. Since its inception in early 2019, the lot program, originally referred to as the "Free Land Program," has resulted in more than a half dozen lots exchanged with developers and home builders in lieu of standard homeowner tax abatements.

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

Sydney Barber, Floify’s head of product, named to HousingWire’s 2024 Rising Stars List

BOULDER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Floify, the mortgage industry's leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that its Head of Product Sydney Barber, has been honored by HousingWire with its 2024 Rising Stars award.

HousingWire's Rising Stars award recognizes leaders ages 40 years and younger who are driving the mortgage, real estate and fintech industries forward. For 2024, HousingWire chose 80 Rising Stars based on "their professional achievements within their organizations, contributions to the overall housing economy, community outreach, client impact and personal success."

"We are extremely proud of Sydney and this recognition she's received from HousingWire," said Sofia Rossato, president and general manager at Floify. "Sydney adds value to every interaction, internal and external, and produces amazing results. She embodies the values of our company of showing professionalism, respect and integrity in all interactions."

Since Barber joined Floify in 2019, she's spearheaded dozens of product enhancements to help its customers operate more efficiently in a volatile market. Notably, she was hands-on in the development and launch of a verification of income (VOI) and verification of employment (VOE) waterfall workflow feature, Floify Broker Edition and Floify Lender Edition. Barber's dedication to continuously adding value for Floify users directly contributed to the company achieving a 97.6% customer satisfaction score in 2023.

"The Rising Stars award is one of my favorite industry awards because it reinforces the bright future that exists in mortgage and real estate," said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler. "In an industry that has experienced its share of challenges and successes, these young leaders bring a fresh perspective, innovative ideas and a relentless drive to shape the future of the industry, and I am continuously impressed by the level of talent that we see each year."

"It's certainly an honor to be named to HousingWire's Rising Stars list for 2024," said Barber. "I couldn't be more excited about my work at Floify to improve the point of sale experience for lenders and their customers."

HousingWire's selection committee chose this year's Rising Stars based on their professional achievements within their organizations, contributions to the overall housing economy, community outreach, client impact and personal success. The 2024 Rising Stars award winners can be viewed on the HousingWire website.

About Floify

Floify is a digital mortgage automation solution that streamlines the loan process by providing a secure application, communication, and document portal between lenders, borrowers, referral partners, and other mortgage stakeholders. Loan originators use the platform to collect and verify borrower documentation, track loan progress, communicate with borrowers and real estate agents, and close loans faster. The company is based in Boulder, Colorado and is a subsidiary of Porch Group, Inc. ("Porch Group") (NASDAQ: PRCH). For more information, visit the company's website at https://floify.com/ or on social media at Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter / X.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes that its plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or realize these plans, intentions, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning the Company's possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "plans," "scheduled," "anticipates," "intends," or similar expressions.

These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Porch and its management at the time they are made, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (1) expansion plans and opportunities, and managing growth, to build a consumer brand; (2) the incidence, frequency, and severity of weather events, extensive wildfires, and other catastrophes; (3) economic conditions, especially those affecting the housing, insurance, and financial markets; (4) expectations regarding revenue, cost of revenue, operating expenses, and the ability to achieve and maintain future profitability; (5) existing and developing federal and state laws and regulations, including with respect to insurance, warranty, privacy, information security, data protection and taxation, and management's interpretation of and compliance with such laws and regulations; (6) the Company's reinsurance program, which includes the use of a captive reinsurer, the success of which is dependent on a number of factors outside management's control, along with reliance on reinsurance to protect us against loss; (7) uncertainties related to regulatory approval of insurance rates, policy forms, insurance products, license applications, acquisitions of businesses or strategic initiatives, including the reciprocal restructuring, and other matters within the purview of insurance regulators; (8) reliance on strategic, proprietary relationships to provide the Company with access to personal data and product information, and the ability to use such data and information to increase transaction volume and attract and retain customers; (9) the ability to develop new, or enhance existing, products, services, and features and bring them to market in a timely manner; (10) changes in capital requirements, and the ability to access capital when needed to provide statutory surplus; (11) the increased costs and initiatives required to address new legal and regulatory requirements arising from developments related to cybersecurity, privacy, and data governance and the increased costs and initiatives to protect against data breaches, cyber-attacks, virus or malware attacks, or other infiltrations or incidents affecting system integrity, availability and performance; (12) retaining and attracting skilled and experienced employees; (13) costs related to being a public company; and (14) other risks and uncertainties discussed in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and in Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, as well as those discussed in subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), all of which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Nothing in this release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the forward-looking statements in this release do not reflect the potential impact of any divestitures, mergers, acquisitions, or other business combinations that have not been completed as of the date of this release. Porch does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of changed circumstances, new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Floify, the mortgage industry's leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that its Head of Product Sydney Barber, has been honored by HousingWire with its 2024 Rising Stars award. Since Barber joined Floify in 2019, she's spearheaded dozens of product enhancements to help its customers operate more efficiently in a volatile market.

Related link: https://floify.com/

The IN Group opens its doors in Miami and Denver as part of major US expansion drive

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The IN Group, a leading global talent solutions provider, has opened new offices in Miami, Florida and Denver, Colorado as part of a major US expansion drive for talent brands Investigo and BioTalent. The new offices will be led by medical communications expert Elizabeth Bevan in Miami and Jessica Petersen and Trey Hanleyin in Denver, increasing the company's US headcount to 53. These offices will help The IN Group better serve customers in these regions alongside other locations in New York, Philadelphia, Boston and San Diego.

Investigo focuses on training and providing tech experts specializing in Salesforce and NetSuite as well as recruiting more generalist technology roles for business support under its Portfolio Technology offering.

BioTalent on the other hand places an emphasis on talent in the MedTech, medical communications and life sciences sectors, acting as strategic consultants with major brands. BioTalent's remit includes commercial communications including market access, healthcare advertising, PR and patient communications, as well as pharmaceutical and agency work.

The office openings form part of a wider expansion drive for The IN Group with ambitious plans to grow through hiring experienced and knowledgeable recruiters who are specialists in key market sectors to offer the best service to customers. This aims to capitalize on the demand for Salesforce vacancies which rose by 30% in Q4 2023 according to The IN Group Talent Trends Report, as well as NetSuite.

Elizabeth Bevan, Associate Director for BioTalent, commented: "Miami is the perfect location for BioTalent to expand our medical communications practice with its diverse talent pool and established market. Our teams and consultants are tackling key issues such as diversity in clinical trials which are at the heart of important industries, leading the way with innovative thoughts and skillsets to help grow businesses across the country."

Robert Woodhouse, Director of Technology for Investigo, said: "Tech experts proficient in Salesforce and NetSuite are invaluable to businesses operating across the US and opening a location in Denver is a great way to continue expanding our footprint and place this talent with growing businesses Denver is a leading technology hub with great opportunity to grow, and our new team will be focused on our Infor ERP Technology stack to better support clients in the region."

Nick Baxter, CEO of The IN Group, said: "Expanding our locations in the US is a significant step for The IN Group and Miami and Denver give us good coverage, helping to place technology, MedTech and life sciences talent with major organizations. It's an incredibly exciting time for the business as we look to continue growing our headcount and expertise. The IN Group has a fantastic working culture centered around learning and development to unlock the power of people through a high-performance global environment, helping people to truly pursue their vocations in these sectors."

About The IN Group:

The IN Group is a collection of specialist talent brands - Investigo, InX, Definia, Caraffi, Sigma Labs and now BioTalent - who partner with our clients to solve their talent challenges, across the UK, Europe and North America.

For more information visit: https://wearetig.com/.

The IN Group, a leading global talent solutions provider, has opened new offices in Miami, Florida and Denver, Colorado as part of a major US expansion drive for talent brands Investigo and BioTalent. The new offices will be led by medical communications expert Elizabeth Bevan in Miami and Jessica Petersen and Trey Hanleyin in Denver, increasing the company's US headcount to 53.

Related link: https://wearetig.com/

Argyle’s Anaid Chacón honored as HousingWire Rising Star

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Argyle, a platform providing automated income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced its Senior Vice President of Product Anaid Chacón has been recognized as a HousingWire Rising Star. The award recognizes leaders in real estate and mortgage under the age of 40 who have achieved remarkable milestones, taken on significant leadership opportunities and driven growth and change in their fields.

Anaid Chacón has more than a decade of proven leadership in project management and technology innovation. Her background as an engineer has made her a catalyst for innovation at Argyle, where she helped push integrations with Encompass(r) by ICE Mortgage Technology and the Empower(r) loan origination system (LOS) from Dark Matter Technologies to their completion. She also helped cement Argyle's place as an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter(r) validation service (a component of Day 1 Certainty(r)) in 2023, a year that saw the company welcome 50 new customers in the mortgage space alone.

"At Argyle, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We describe ourselves as a company powered by motivated individuals who think like owners and are committed to success - words that describe Anaid perfectly," said Argyle CEO Shmulik Fishman. "She has been a motivating force from day one, guiding the team to focus not on developing products to sell, but on creating solutions that solve problems for Argyle's customers."

Chacón and her team keep Argyle at the vanguard of financial technology with a focus on simple, customer-oriented solutions to the complex problems presented by a heavily regulated industry. Chacón also helps empower other women in the mortgage industry through her participation in the nonprofit industry alliance Women of ALICE.

"As a leader, I focus on empowering my team with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed," said Chacón. "By ensuring each member of my team not only knows what they need to do, and knows why it is important, I keep everyone focused on working to meet and exceed the needs of our customers. Innovation is a certainty with that mindset."

"The Rising Stars award is one of my favorite industry awards because it reinforces the bright future that exists in mortgage and real estate," HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler said. "In an industry that has experienced its share of challenges and successes, these young leaders bring a fresh perspective, innovative ideas and a relentless drive to shape the future of the industry, and I am continuously impressed by the level of talent that we see each year."

About Argyle:

Founded in 2018, Argyle is backed by top investors, including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr, and Rockefeller Asset Management. Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source access to real-time income and employment data. With Argyle, companies automate critical workflows-including income and employment verifications, deposit switches, wage advances and loan repayments-so they can build better, more efficient processes, reduce risk and scale their business. Argyle largely serves the mortgage, background check, personal lending and banking industries as well as the gig economy.

For more information on Argyle's industry-leading platform, please visit https://argyle.com/.

To stay up to date on all Argyle news, sign up for our newsletter here: https://argyle.com/blog/.

Argyle, a platform providing automated income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced its Senior Vice President of Product Anaid Chacón has been recognized as a HousingWire Rising Star. The award recognizes leaders in real estate and mortgage under the age of 40 who have achieved remarkable milestones.

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

Optimal Blue Director of Data Solutions Brennan O’Connell Named a 2024 HousingWire Rising Star

PLANO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Optimal Blue today announced that Brennan O'Connell, director of data solutions, has been honored with the 2024 HousingWire Rising Stars award. The award program celebrates emerging leaders in real estate and mortgage who have demonstrated rapid career growth and an ability to lead, achieving remarkable milestones before the age of 40.

"We are incredibly proud of Brennan's accomplishments and the recognition he has received as a 2024 Rising Star," said Optimal Blue interim CEO Scott Smith. "Brennan inspires those around him each day with his passion for sharing Optimal Blue's rich data assets with our customers and beyond. He embodies and directly supports our company's commitment to fostering a more competitive, informed, and successful housing industry."

O'Connell joined Optimal Blue in 2019 with the task of productizing the company's data sets for new markets. Since that time, he has expanded customer profiles to include government entities, hedge funds, universities, think tanks, and research institutions.

Today, O'Connell leads Optimal Blue's strategy, business development, and sales engineering across all data products, including competitive loan pricing, origination activity, and pipeline hedging and trading. He also serves as an advisor for Optimal Blue clients who are building out their analytics capabilities using Optimal Blue's data.

"The most outstanding leaders are forged in times of crisis. As the housing industry navigates the higher-for-longer rate environment, many emerging leaders have come to the surface to guide their companies, teams and clients to a more successful and promising future," said Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media. "Through Rising Stars, HousingWire has identified these leaders who are making their mark with leadership qualities and innovative ideas. The future will look different, and I'm confident these Rising Stars will play prominent roles in housing's forward evolution."

HousingWire's selection committee chose this year's Rising Stars based on their professional achievements within their organizations, contributions to the overall housing economy, community outreach, client impact and personal success. The full list of 2024 HW Rising Stars award winners can be viewed on the HousingWire website.

About Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue is a market leader in mortgage secondary marketing technology. The company facilitates transactions among mortgage market participants through its Marketplace Platform, actionable data, and technology vendor connections. The platform supports a range of functions for originators and investors to automate and optimize core processes related to product, pricing, and eligibility, hedge analytics, MSR valuation, loan trading, social media compliance, and counterparty oversight. The company's premier products are used by 68% of the top 500 mortgage lenders in the U.S. For more information on Optimal Blue's end-to-end secondary marketing automation, visit OptimalBlue.com.

Optimal Blue today announced that Brennan O'Connell, director of data solutions, has been honored with the 2024 HousingWire Rising Stars award. The award program celebrates emerging leaders in real estate and mortgage who have demonstrated rapid career growth and an ability to lead, achieving remarkable milestones before the age of 40.

Related link: https://www2.optimalblue.com/

Down Payment Resource reports highest annual down payment assistance program count growth on record

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q1 2024 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. In a quarter where year-over-year (YoY) home prices jumped 6%, the YoY national down payment assistance count increased by 204, the largest annual jump since DPR began reporting on this data in Q3 2020. There are now 2,373 homebuyer assistance programs available nationwide, with at least one program in every U.S. county and 10 or more programs available in 2,000 counties.

"A lot of down payment assistance (DPA) goes untapped simply because buyers, lenders and agents are unaware it exists or have misconceptions about how it works and who can qualify. In reality, most DPA program providers calibrate eligibility requirements to area median income and local median housing prices, enabling them to support homeownership in both low and very high cost of living markets," said Rob Chrane, founder and CEO of DPR.

Key HPI Report Findings

An examination of the existing 2,373 homebuyer assistance programs on April 3, 2024, resulted in the following key findings:

* The national homebuyer assistance program count saw a quarterly increase of 79. This represents a 3% increase in program count over the previous quarter.

* Below Market Rate (BMR)/resale programs are up 7% quarterly and 108% annually and now total 77. Local jurisdictions set sale prices on BMR/resale eligible homes and may offer additional financial assistance to make them more accessible and affordable to low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

* 497 DPA programs are available through nonprofits, up 15% from the previous quarter. 450 programs are offered through state Housing Finance Agencies, unchanged from the previous quarter.

* 947 programs are available through municipalities, up 5% from the previous quarter. There has been steady growth in programs from municipalities, especially states with high home prices like California, where many homebuyers struggle with affordability.

A more detailed analysis of the Q1 2024 HPI findings, including infographics and examples of the programs described in this release, can be found on DPR's website at https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/the-down-payment-resource-q1-2024-homeownership-program-index-report/.

For a complete list of homebuyer assistance programs by state, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HPI-state-by-state-data.Q12024.pdf.

Methodology

Published quarterly, DPR's HPI surveys the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of U.S. homebuyer assistance programs administered by state and local housing finance agencies, municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. DPR communicates with over 1,300 program providers throughout the year to track and update the country's wide range of homeownership programs, including down payment and closing cost programs, Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) and affordable first mortgages, in the DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE(r) database.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,300 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services (MLSs) and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders and MLSs, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q1 2024 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. In a quarter where year-over-year (YoY) home prices jumped 6%, the YoY national down payment assistance count increased by 204, the largest annual jump since DPR began reporting on this data in Q3 2020.

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

Celebrating Earth Day With a Venice Beach Cleanup and a Call for Greater Environmental Responsibility

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Even before Barbie and Ken entered the "real world," rollerblading in their dayglo outfits along its three-mile coastline, Venice Beach was a world-famous, iconic, great place to have some fun. But that wasn't the only reason the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre and its Hollywood Village Team selected Venice Beach for their April cleanup and their annual Earth Day activity.

Despite its glitzy exterior, Venice has a darker side. Although there are fewer homeless in Venice since a major push to clean out encampments in 2023, and while it's a great place for tourists and locals to spend an afternoon, Venice Beach is one of the L.A. neighborhoods where visitors and locals are urged to avoid walking or taking public transportation after the sun goes down. And they are advised to "keep their wallets close and their friends closer."

What makes a city or neighborhood dangerous? And is there anything one person can do to improve this and uplift their environment?

The Hollywood Village believes there is. Each month following their cleanups, they reach out to others one-on-one with The Way to Happiness - the common-sense moral code written by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

This guide to better living is used by people of all cultures or creeds. It not only encourages individuals to embrace its practical moral compass, it also calls on them to set a good example and encourage others to improve the quality of their lives by understanding and using the book's 21 precepts, one of which is "Safeguard and Improve Your Environment."

So on Saturday, April 20, volunteers honored Earth Day with a cleanup of Venice Beach and promoted taking greater responsibility for the environment and contributing to a better quality of life by reaching out to hundreds of locals and visitors with The Way to Happiness and encouraging shops and restaurants to take copies to share with their clients and customers.

Hollywood Village monthly cleanups are a partnership between the Church of Scientology, The Way to Happiness Foundation and the Los Angeles Police Department. It is a community coalition of people of all faiths, ideologies and backgrounds, working together to take greater responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhood while making Hollywood, and in this case Venice Beach, beautiful, safe and clean and a great place to live and work in.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA

https://www.thewaytohappiness.org

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/FN34zm5375Y?si=Jm9fmkxTPkI3vXEO

Even before Barbie and Ken entered the "real world," rollerblading in their dayglo outfits along its three-mile coastline, Venice Beach was a world-famous, iconic, great place to have some fun. But that wasn't the only reason the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre and its Hollywood Village Team selected Venice Beach for their April cleanup and their annual Earth Day activity.

Related link: https://www.scientology.cc/

Kelly Auto Group Expands with Opening of Kelly Hyundai of Stroudsburg

STROUDSBURG, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- Kelly Auto Group has expanded its portfolio of stores this past month by purchasing Major Hyundai, now known as Kelly Hyundai of Stroudsburg. This new Hyundai location is located in Stroudsburg Pennsylvania, which is their first location in the Pocono community, in addition to their other locations in Easton, PA, Emmaus, PA, Hamburg, PA, and Melbourne, Florida. With the addition of this store, their total number of dealership brands reaches 12.

Kelly Auto Group has been serving the community for over 90 years and has been expanding generation after generation. Since 1929, Kelly Auto Group has been delivering and servicing vehicles all across the country. The Kelly Auto Group consists of 12 franchises in 9 locations and continues to expand to further its reach in the automotive industry. Kelly Auto Group currently consists of dealerships with new models of Ford, Infiniti, Hyundai, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Buick, GMC, Toyota, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM.

With the acquisition of Major Hyundai by the Kelly Auto Group, the dealership has been rebranded to provide the same look and customer experience as the other Kelly stores including their "3 Day Money Back Guarantee" and the signature Kelly Green theming.

Kelly Auto Group is eager to continue growing and is excited to have a new presence in the Pocono community with its new location.

To learn more about Kelly Auto Group, please visit their website at https://www.kellycar.com/

To learn more about Kelly Hyundai of Stroudsburg, please visit their website at https://www.kellyhyundaiofstroudsburg.com/

Kelly Auto Group has expanded its portfolio of stores this past month by purchasing Major Hyundai, now known as Kelly Hyundai of Stroudsburg. This new Hyundai location is located in Stroudsburg Pennsylvania, which is their first location in the Pocono community, in addition to their other locations in Easton, PA, Emmaus, PA, Hamburg, PA, and Melbourne, Florida. With the addition of this store, their total number of dealership brands reaches 12.

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

Sunknowledge Celebrates 10 Years of Successful Partnership in Providing Medical DME Billing Solutions to Top DME Company in New York

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sunknowledge, a leading provider of healthcare outsourcing solutions, proudly celebrates a significant milestone in its partnership with one of New York's top Durable Medical Equipment (DME) companies. For the past 10 years, Sunknowledge has been the trusted provider of comprehensive medical DME billing solutions, consistently delivering excellence in revenue cycle management.

Since the inception of this partnership, Sunknowledge has demonstrated its commitment to accuracy, efficiency, seamless medical billing transaction and overall client satisfaction. Through advanced technology, year of experience, and a dedicated team of professionals for all kinds of DME billing needs, Sunknowledge has effectively streamlined the billing processes for the DME company, ensuring maximum reimbursement and compliance with regulatory standards.

"We are thrilled to commemorate ten years of collaboration with one of New York's premier DME companies," said Ronnie Hastings, Director of Business Development at Sunknowledge. He further added, "Our partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare revenue cycle management. We are proud of the impact we have made together and look forward to continuing to exceed expectations in the years to come."

Sunknowledge's comprehensive suite of services includes eligibility verification, claims submission and processing, coding, denial management, accounts receivable follow-up, and more. By leveraging Sunknowledge's expertise, the DME company has experienced improved cash flow, reduced billing errors, and increased operational efficiency.

As the partnership enters its 11th year, Sunknowledge remains dedicated to delivering tailored solutions and exceptional service to meet the evolving needs of the DME Company. With a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, Sunknowledge is among those few RCM companies with experience of working with both payers and providers, and is perfectly poised to continue driving success and growth for its esteemed partner.

For more information about Sunknowledge and its healthcare outsourcing solutions, visit Sunknowledge.com or you can talk to one of our experts over a no-commitment call and book a 7 days free trial for your DME billing operations.

About Sunknowledge:

Sunknowledge is a leading provider of healthcare outsourcing solutions, specializing in revenue cycle management, medical billing, and telemedicine services. With over 18 + years of industry experience, Sunknowledge combines cutting-edge technology with expert knowledge to deliver efficient and cost-effective solutions to many leading names in the industry. With a proven track record of success and a steadfast commitment to client satisfaction, Sunknowledge today is the top RCM solution for many leading names in the healthcare industry across the country.

Learn more: https://sunknowledge.com/dme-billing-services/

Sunknowledge, a leading provider of healthcare outsourcing solutions, proudly celebrates a significant milestone in its partnership with one of New York's top Durable Medical Equipment (DME) companies. For the past 10 years, Sunknowledge has been the trusted provider of comprehensive medical DME billing solutions, consistently delivering excellence in revenue cycle management.

Related link: https://sunknowledge.com/

Dark Matter and Total Expert partner to boost lender revenue through best-in-class mortgage automation and customer engagement

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter) today announced a new strategic partnership with Total Expert, the customer engagement platform purpose-built for modern financial institutions. A forthcoming bi-directional integration between Total Expert and the Empower® loan origination system (LOS) from Dark Matter will empower mortgage lenders to generate more leads, improve sales productivity and close more loans by intelligently automating and personalizing the homebuyer journey.

"This highly anticipated collaboration will allow mortgage lenders to harness the combined efficiency of Total Expert and the Empower LOS, both linchpins of the mortgage tech stack and category leaders in intelligent automation, for the first time," said Dark Matter CEO Rich Gagliano. "We expect this integration to deliver huge business value for mortgage lenders at a time when greater efficiency and a straight-line path to revenue growth are paramount."

Total Expert's all-in-one customer engagement platform is trusted by over 200 financial enterprises. Its comprehensive suite integrates data, marketing, sales and compliance solutions to optimize the perfect customer journey through every financial milestone. By translating customer insights into actionable strategies, Total Expert cultivates loyalty and drives growth for modern banks, lenders, credit unions and insurance firms. Customers of Total Expert experience a 20 percent revenue increase in their first year and experience loan retention rates over 60 percent, more than triple the mortgage industry standard of 18 percent.

"Lenders who chose the Empower LOS for its ability to optimize the origination process through automation are going to love modernizing their customer engagement with Total Expert," said Total Expert Founder and CEO Joe Welu. "We can't wait to help Dark Matter customers put their best foot forward in a competitive market and strengthen customer relationships for long-term success."

The all-in-one functionality of the Empower Loan Origination System (LOS) provides lenders with lights-out automation, unrivaled efficiency and exceptional borrower and user experiences for a new era of mortgage lending. For more information, visit https://dmatter.com/empower-los.

About Dark Matter Technologies:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry's leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers cutting-edge technology, unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.dmatter.com.

About Total Expert:

Total Expert is the purpose-built customer engagement platform trusted by more than 200 financial services organizations. Total Expert unifies data, marketing, sales, and compliance solutions to deliver the perfect customer journey across every financial milestone-in any market. Total Expert turns customer insights into actions that increase loyalty and drive growth for modern banks, lenders, credit unions, and insurance companies. Total Expert is now available for purchase on the AWS Marketplace and Salesforce AppExchange. To learn more, visit www.totalexpert.com.

Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter) today announced a new strategic partnership with Total Expert, the customer engagement platform purpose-built for modern financial institutions. A forthcoming bi-directional integration between Total Expert and the Empower® loan origination system (LOS) from Dark Matter will empower mortgage lenders to generate more leads, improve sales productivity and close more loans by intelligently automating and personalizing the homebuyer journey.

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

Informative Research Adds Mortgage Finance Expert Kurt Raymond, CMB as Senior Vice President

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Informative Research, a leading technology platform that delivers data-driven solutions to the lending community, announced it has expanded its team to add mortgage industry veteran Kurt Raymond, CMB as Senior Vice President and Borrower Journey Engineer. The move reflects Informative Research's commitment to helping lenders streamline origination costs and enhance the borrower experience.

"Kurt's directive is simple: use his experience and connections to enhance the IR platform as a workflow management tool that pushes the right set of data to the lender at the right time and the appropriate cost point," said Informative Research Chief Experience Officer Matthew Orlando. "The insights driven by the workflow management functionality within our platform will help lenders reduce and prevent borrower friction, increase conversion rates, lower/eliminate cost on loans that don't convert and, ultimately, make better decisions for their business."

Raymond co-founded mortgage industry consulting firm Excelerate Advisors and serves as Owner and Founder of KATANTCO2, specializing in connecting small and emerging companies to other mortgage industry entities. He spent over a decade in various executive and managerial positions, where he led a highly successful team that included analytics, risk management, training, communications and vendor management while managing two of the top five lending institutions and the firm's GSE relationships. His other professional experience includes executive-level positions at Indymac Bank and InterFirst Wholesale Lending, a division of ABN AMRO. Raymond also holds the Certified Mortgage Banker designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

"I am thrilled to join Informative Research at such a pivotal time in the mortgage industry. With its history of pioneering technology and a strong commitment to enhancing the borrower experience while reducing the cost for lenders, I am excited to contribute to our mission of transforming the mortgage landscape," Raymond said. "I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Informative Research and its partners to drive innovation and deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of borrowers and lenders alike."

About Informative Research

Informative Research, a Stewart company, is a leading technology platform that delivers data-driven solutions to the lending community. The solutions provider currently serves mortgage companies, banks, and lenders throughout the United States. The company is recognized for streamlining the loan process with its straightforward service model, progressive solutions, and cutting-edge technology. To learn more, visit https://www.informativeresearch.com/.

Informative Research, a leading technology platform that delivers data-driven solutions to the lending community, announced it has expanded its team to add mortgage industry veteran Kurt Raymond, CMB as Senior Vice President and Borrower Journey Engineer. The move reflects Informative Research's commitment to helping lenders streamline origination costs and enhance the borrower experience.

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

Imagine IT Launches Redesigned Website and Brand Identity to empower Midwest Businesses with Next Generation IT support

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Imagine IT, a leading provider of managed IT services in Minnesota, Kansas, and Michigan, today announced the launch of its redesigned website, featuring an all-new design and the adoption of a new, streamlined URL: IMIT.com.

The updated website and brand identity reflect the company's commitment to delivering innovative IT solutions tailored to the unique needs of small and medium-sized organizations and local governments in the Midwest.

A Portal to Next-Gen IT Solutions

The revamped website, IMIT.com, features an intuitive user interface, enhanced content, and a comprehensive overview of Imagine IT's services, including:

* IT support

* Cybersecurity solutions

* AI management and consulting

* Digital transformation guidance

* Microsoft 365 management

* Co-managed IT services

* Strategic technology consulting

The website is a resource hub designed for small-and mid-sized organizations to leverage IT and technology properly and effectively.

"Our new website and brand identity are a testament to our dedication to innovation and client success," said Richard Anderson, CEO of Imagine IT, expressing his enthusiasm and excitement about the new website. "We understand the critical role that technology plays in driving business growth and protecting against cyber threats. Our goal is to be a trusted partner for organizations in the Midwest, providing them with the expertise and solutions they need to succeed," he added.

Pioneering AI and Managed IT Services

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become increasingly crucial for organizations of all sizes, Imagine IT is a pioneer in providing AI consulting alongside its IT services. This strategic focus positions Imagine IT at the forefront of the tech-driven business environment, where AI has the potential to transform operations, enhance cybersecurity, and provide valuable predictive analytics.

Cybersecurity: Combating the Ransomware Threat

With 80% of businesses in Minnesota, Kansas, and Michigan targeted by ransomware attacks, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more pressing. Imagine IT's proactive approach and rapid response capabilities have earned them the trust of clients like Chris Kelly, CEO of Asset HR in Minnesota:

"Imagine IT has been a game-changer for us. Their expert cybersecurity services provide an unparalleled sense of safety for our business. With their proactive approach and rapid responses, we're in incredibly capable hands," said Kelly.

About Imagine IT:

Imagine IT is a leading provider of managed IT services for small and mid-sized organizations and local governments in Minnesota, Kansas, and Michigan. With offices in Bloomington, MN, Wichita, Sterling, Garden City, KS, and Zeeland, MI, Imagine IT provides cybersecurity, AI management, IT support, and strategic consulting services. Their mission is to empower businesses with the technology and expertise they need to succeed in today's digital world.

For more information about Imagine IT's services and to explore their revamped website, visit https://imit.com/.

Imagine IT, a leading provider of managed IT services in Minnesota, Kansas, and Michigan, today announced the launch of its redesigned website, featuring an all-new design and the adoption of a new, streamlined URL: IMIT.com. The updated website and brand identity reflect the company's commitment to delivering innovative IT solutions.

Related link: https://imit.com/

EnergyCAP earns 2024 Environment+Energy Leader Top Product Award

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- EnergyCAP proudly announces that it has been awarded a coveted Top Product of the Year Award in the Environment+Energy Leader Awards program. This year marks a milestone as the program divides accolades into six innovative categories, tailoring recognition to specific sustainability and energy management excellence sectors. EnergyCAP's suite of solutions, UtilityManagement™, CarbonHub™, and SmartAnalytics™, together earned a top spot in the Software & Cloud category, setting a benchmark for innovation and sustainability in its class.

For more than a decade, the Environment+Energy Leader Awards program has honored organizations whose outstanding efforts and leadership drive forward the sustainability agenda. EnergyCAP's software suite provides a powerful set of tools for customers of all sizes and across every industry to track and report on their energy usage, gain a financial grade view of their emissions, and use real-time energy and sustainability analytics, machine learning, and device monitoring to reduce CO2 emissions throughout their facilities and meet net zero goals faster, better, and while saving significant cost and resources.

EnergyCAP's innovation and commitment to constant improvement captured the attention of the Environment+Energy Leader judges' panel in a year filled with remarkable entries. The panel highlighted EnergyCAP's 40+ years of industry experience, user-friendly cloud-based platform, and centralized decision making across an organization. Feedback from the panel was unequivocal: "Evaluating EnergyCAP reveals it as a comprehensive solution for managing a wide array of energy data, including GHG emissions and utility bills. It excels in democratizing access to this information across teams, facilitating in-depth analysis and easily delivering actionable insights."

Tom Patterson, CEO of EnergyCAP, LLC echoed the panels' feedback and expressed gratitude for the award: "EnergyCAP is humbled by the recognition we've seen from a number of organizations this year, especially the Environment+Energy Leader Awards. Their thorough, unbiased evaluation aligns with what we hear from customers every day - that EnergyCAP provides actionable insights saving time, costs, and energy usage, while providing ubiquitous access as a single source of truth. There's a reason customers trust our platform to evaluate tens of thousands of their emissions records, and millions of utility bills, every year. We're thrilled to see that the panel recognized both our extensive 40-year history in the industry, and our commitment to remain cutting edge."

About EnergyCAP:

EnergyCAP is a leading provider of energy and sustainability enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional value and results for over forty years, EnergyCAP helps thousands of public and private organizations optimize energy consumption, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability efforts. By providing robust data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities, EnergyCAP empowers organizations to make informed decisions and achieve their energy management and sustainability goals.

Visit https://www.energycap.com/ to learn more.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Amber Artrip

VP of Marketing

EnergyCAP

marketing@EnergyCAP.com

About the Environment + Energy Leader Awards:

For well over a decade now, the Environment+Energy Leader Awards program has celebrated the exceptional advancements made in the realms of environmental, sustainability, and energy management. The awards recognize those who contribute and set new standards in the industry, setting a high standard for others to follow. Winners of the awards are seen as Leaders in environmental initiatives and energy management, with their achievements serving as benchmarks for excellence across the globe.

EnergyCAP proudly announces that it has been awarded a coveted Top Product of the Year Award in the Environment+Energy Leader Awards program. This year marks a milestone as the program divides accolades into six innovative categories, tailoring recognition to specific sustainability and energy management excellence sectors. EnergyCAP's suite of solutions, UtilityManagement™, CarbonHub™, and SmartAnalytics™, together earned a top spot in the Software & Cloud category.

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

On Volunteer Recognition Day, the Church of Scientology Nashville Thanks Volunteers Everywhere Whose Help Makes Life Better for Us All

NASHVILLE, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Help is a central concept of the Scientology religion. In a lecture delivered by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1958, he said, "the biggest right there is, is not the right to vote, is not the right to freedom of speech or press or religion or anything else. The biggest right there is in human rights is the right to help."

This concept is not only part of Church Scripture but is also in the very structure of Scientology Churches, with their coordination and support of humanitarian and social betterment programs. It is echoed in the Code of a Scientologist, which calls on members to "support true humanitarian endeavors in the fields of human rights."

The Church of Scientology Nashville marked this year's Volunteer Recognition Day and National Volunteer Week by acknowledging its own volunteers and volunteers everywhere who devote their time and efforts in service to others.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of any community," said Julie Brinker, Public Relations Officer of the Nashville Scientology Church. "Their dedication and selflessness uplift society and inspire others to make a difference."

Among the various humanitarian and social betterment groups the Church supports is Tennessee United for Human Rights - the local chapter of United for Human Rights International. Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology, serves on the planning committee of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission and the Church has hosted the Commission's recent annual International Human Rights Day Celebrations, marking the UN's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Church also hosts community open house events for other national and international days including a World Happiness Day open house, cohosted by the local chapter of The Way to Happiness Foundation, another in honor of World Civil Defense Day in coordination with the Church's Volunteer Ministers, and yet another marking International Day Against Drug Abuse, cohosted by Drug-Free Tennessee, the local chapter of Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

This month, the Church celebrated 39 years in Nashville and the 2009 dedication of its new home by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige. The following year, the Church, located at 1130 8th Avenue South, took top honors in the City of Nashville's 35th Annual Preservation Awards for meeting all safety standards with its restoration of its new facility while preserving the beauty and grace of the original 1898 building.

An Ideal Scientology Organization, the Church of Scientology Nashville realizes Mr. Hubbard's vision that all Churches of Scientology not only provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom, but they also serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations.

For more information or to participate in humanitarian and social betterment programs supported by the Church of Scientology, visit the Church of Scientology Nashville or the nearest Scientology Church, or watch episodes of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network to see how activists of diverse cultures, creeds and nationalities use these campaigns to create change in their communities and nations.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology-ccnashville.org

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.humanrights.com/

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/6XXGF_V8_7M?si=QLt2pIQZwcbAudPm

Help is a central concept of the Scientology religion. In a lecture delivered by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1958, he said, "the biggest right there is, is not the right to vote, is not the right to freedom of speech or press or religion or anything else. The biggest right there is in human rights is the right to help."

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

ZQdropshipping Launches Professional Dropshipping Services Facilitating Effortless E-Commerce Operations

HONG KONG /ScoopCloud/ -- In a groundbreaking move, ZQdropshipping, the pioneering provider of dropshipping solutions, has officially launched its comprehensive suite of services, poised to revolutionize the e-commerce landscape. With a steadfast commitment to convenience, asset-light operations, and unwavering customer satisfaction, ZQdropshipping introduces an array of meticulously crafted services designed to streamline sourcing, procurement, and order fulfillment processes, while reducing costs and offering profitable unique products.

"ZQdropshipping has been a game-changer for my e-commerce business. Their comprehensive solutions and unparalleled expertise have streamlined my operations, enabling me to focus on growth and profitability. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is truly remarkable." said Jessica Lee, Founder of TrendyFashions.com.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

* Trusted by over 300 global clients, backed by a team with diverse international expertise

* Unparalleled experience in fulfilling tens of thousands of orders

* Comprehensive customized dropshipping solutions for a remarkable brand experience

* Cutting-edge Dropshipping Management Platform for seamless operations

* Empowering Entrepreneurs with Tailored Solutions

"At ZQdropshipping, we intimately understand the challenges faced by e-commerce entrepreneurs in sourcing quality products and efficiently managing logistics," remarked Sam Xia, the cofounder of the company. "Our unwavering mission is to alleviate these burdens by offering a comprehensive suite of services precisely tailored to meet the unique needs of dropshippers."

ZQdropshipping specializes in providing branded dropshipping services, ensuring fast and reliable global shipping, and offering invaluable assistance to e-commerce owners in securing the best prices. By simplifying the intricate process of sourcing various products from Asia for platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, TikTok, and Shopee, the company empowers small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive in the fiercely competitive e-commerce landscape.

Customized Dropshipping Solutions for a Remarkable Brand Experience:

* Print On Demand: Logo and picture printing with meticulous attention to detail

* Product Customization: Seamless customization of products to make them uniquely exclusive

* Customized Packaging: Branded packaging options for a memorable unboxing experience

* Private Label & White Label: White-label and private-label options for market penetration and brand alignment

* Branded Dropshipping: Complete control over product sales while handling logistics seamlessly

* Professional Photography: Studio-quality product photos and videos to drive conversions

* Quality Assurance and Product Samples: Real-time quality inspection and product samples for peace of mind

Additional Features:

* Automated order processing, quality inspection, and seamless platform integration

* Fast global shipping and efficient sourcing and procurement services

Cutting-Edge Dropshipping Management Platform

ZQdropshipping's cutting-edge Dropshipping Management Platform for member systems streamlines e-commerce processes from warehouse management to doorstep delivery:

* Easy integration with e-commerce solutions for enhanced operational efficiency

* Posting sourcing requests for free quotes with comprehensive product details

* Streamlining order processing, tracking number synchronization, and automated fulfillment

* Product inspection and monitoring, stock level management, and multi-platform integration

"Our mission at ZQdropshipping is to simplify dropshipping for those using all platforms, including new TikTok dropshippers and other small businesses, enabling hassle-free sourcing from Asia and seamless order fulfillment. As the leading one-stop dropshipping supplier in China, we not only facilitate buying and shipping but also assist in building branded dropshipping businesses through tailored services," added Sam Xia.

To learn more about ZQdropshipping's comprehensive suite of services, visit https://www.zqdropshipping.com/.

In a groundbreaking move, ZQdropshipping, the pioneering provider of dropshipping solutions, has officially launched its comprehensive suite of services, poised to revolutionize the e-commerce landscape. With a steadfast commitment to convenience, asset-light operations, and unwavering customer satisfaction, ZQdropshipping introduces an array of meticulously crafted services designed to streamline sourcing, procurement, and order fulfillment processes, while reducing costs and offering profitable unique products.

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

Concordia Announces Strategic Partnership with the Fund for Nature Centered Around the the Concordia Amazonas Initiative

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- This morning at its 2024 Americas Summit, Concordia - the leading public-private sector convener - announced a partnership with CrossBoundary Group's Fund for Nature (FFN). The announcement was made publicly during the session Expanding Access to Capital for Nature-Based Carbon Projects featuring H.E. Iván Duque, Former President of the Republic of Colombia and Chair of the Concordia Amazonas Initiative, Kate Wharton, Managing Director and Head of Natural Capital at CrossBoundary, and Matthew Swift, Co-Founder, President & CEO of Concordia.

"This partnership marks a significant milestone in the development of the Concordia Amazonas Initiative, and will see Concordia expand financing to nature-based projects focused on the Amazon rainforest," commented President Duque. "Drawing on Concordia's power of convening and the Fund for Nature's climate investment expertise and impact-driven strategy, we look forward to ensuring the proactive deployment of solutions critical to protecting biodiversity."

Launched in 2022, the Concordia Amazonas Initiative holds high-level strategic convenings in the Amazon rainforest to identify and implement scalable and sustainable market-led, nature-based solutions that shape the future of the region. The 2024 Concordia Amazonas Summit will take place in Guyana on July 9-13, bringing together leaders from the public, private, and NGO sectors, along with investors and indigenous communities.

CrossBoundary Group is a Global Patron Member of Concordia and the Fund for Nature is their investment vehicle that provides up-front finance for nature-based carbon projects, with the mission of scaling investment into nature-based solutions in emerging and frontier markets. The Fund for Nature, in collaboration with Concordia Amazonas, is committed to expanding access to capital for high-integrity carbon projects in the Amazon biome.

"With only about 3% of global climate finance going towards nature-based solutions today, the Fund for Nature is addressing the massive funding gap for high-integrity projects in critical ecosystems globally," said CrossBoundary's Head of Natural Capital, Kate Wharton. "We are thrilled to partner with the Concordia Amazonas Initiative to expand our impact in the Amazon region, where there are exciting opportunities in which climate impact, biodiversity impact, and community impact go hand-in-hand."

Matthew Swift, Concordia's Co-Founder, President & CEO, said: "Across the Amazon rainforest, there is a lack of early-stage development capital to de-risk projects, enhance impact, and accelerate market development. Thanks to CrossBoundary Group, the Fund for Nature provides up-front finance for nature-based carbon projects in emerging and frontier markets. Their focus on ensuring equitable outcomes for all and working with local communities aligns closely with the approach of our Amazonas Initiative, and as such we're thrilled to be acting as the conveners for their expansion in the region."

Given the unique nature of the Concordia Amazonas Summit, capacity is limited and participation is determined on a case-by-case basis. Partnership and sponsorship opportunities are available to foundations, committed corporations, and nonprofits to support and shape the program. To learn more, please email partnerships@concordia.net.

About Concordia:

Concordia, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the leading public-private sector convener, establishing and elevating market-led solutions to global challenges. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis.

Learn more: https://www.concordia.net/

https://www.concordia.net/amazonas/2024-amazonas-summit/

About CrossBoundary Group:

CrossBoundary Group was founded in 2011 with the mission to unlock capital for sustainable growth and strong returns in underserved markets. Today, CrossBoundary Group has 200+ team members across 20+ offices worldwide.

This morning at its 2024 Americas Summit, Concordia - the leading public-private sector convener - announced a partnership with CrossBoundary Group's Fund for Nature (FFN). The announcement was made publicly during the session Expanding Access to Capital for Nature-Based Carbon Projects featuring H.E. Iván Duque, Former President of the Republic of Colombia and Chair of the Concordia Amazonas Initiative, Kate Wharton, Managing Director and Head of Natural Capital at CrossBoundary, and Matthew Swift, Co-Founder, President & CEO of Concordia.

Related link: https://www.concordia.net/

Robin Litaker Announces Key Campaign Personnel for Congressional Run in Alabama’s 7th District

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. /ScoopCloud/ -- Litaker for Congress is pleased to announce the appointment of three key personnel who will play crucial roles in her bid for the congressional seat in Alabama's 7th district. This team combines deep political acumen with innovative approaches, aligning perfectly with the campaign's mission.

Jacob Thomas has been appointed as the Campaign Manager. With a strong background in various strategic roles within political campaigns, Jacob brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our campaign's leadership. His expertise in campaign management will be instrumental in guiding our campaign effectively.

Christi Gibson joins the team as the Outreach Director. Known for her extensive experience in community engagement and public relations, Christi will lead our efforts to connect with voters, stakeholders, and community leaders, enhancing Robin Litaker's visibility and engagement across the district.

Robert Crocker Jr. will serve as the Campaign Consultant. Robert's expertise in political strategy and campaign analytics will provide valuable strategic advice, helping to optimize our campaign's reach and impact.

These new team members join existing staff members Christian Brown, Administrative Support Director; Bea Nichols, Campaign Treasurer; and Patrick Reilly, County Strategist, all of whom have played pivotal roles in setting the strategic direction and operational groundwork of our campaign.

"We are thrilled to have Jacob, Christi, and Robert join our team, along with our existing members Christian, Bea, and Patrick," said Robin Litaker. "Their expertise and commitment to excellence are exactly what our campaign needs to effectively represent the interests of Alabama's 7th district. I am confident in their abilities to lead our campaign to victory."

For more information about Robin Litaker's campaign and to support our journey, please visit https://robinforalabama.com/

-- PAID FOR BY LITAKER FOR CONGRESS --

Litaker for Congress is pleased to announce the appointment of three key personnel who will play crucial roles in her bid for the congressional seat in Alabama's 7th district. This team combines deep political acumen with innovative approaches, aligning perfectly with the campaign's mission.

Related link: https://robinforalabama.com/

California IVF Fertility Center Awarded on Newsweek’s America’s Best Fertility Clinics 2024 List

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California IVF Fertility Center has been awarded on the Newsweek list of America's Best Fertility Clinics 2024. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The award list was announced on April 17, 2024, and can be viewed on Newsweek's website. In honor of Fertility Awareness, California IVF will give away a free IVF package.

The second edition of America's Best Fertility Clinics ranking awards the nation's leading fertility clinics. Facilities defined as fertility clinics and ART Providers by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were considered.

The evaluation is based on four pillars:

* Nationwide Online Survey

* Quality metrics

* Accreditation Data

* Patient satisfaction

Each fertility clinic is analyzed and scored and the final rank is the result of the weighted sub-scores. Based on the results of the study, California IVF Fertility Center is proud to be recognized as number 27 on Newsweek's list of America's Best Fertility Clinics 2024.

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.

Dr. Ernest Zeringue, founder and fertility specialist at California IVF Fertility Center adds: "I am very proud of our team for receiving this recognition two years in a row. We have always been committed to offering the highest level of infertility treatments. We have an outstanding team of providers and staff that are very deserving of this recognition."

California IVF Fertility Center offers male and female fertility treatments to patients in the Northern California region, as well as being a destination for patients from other states and other countries.

About California IVF:

Founded in 2004, California IVF Fertility Center is a local fertility clinic of choice for many infertility and LGBTQ patients in the Greater Sacramento, Roseville, San Francisco Bay Area and from other states and countries. Advanced infertility services such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), donor sperm and donor eggs, egg freezing or cryopreservation, ICSI, and other treatments for both male and female infertility are offered at its Northern California fertility center. The California Conceptions Donor Embryo program (www.californiaconceptions.com) provides an egg donor and adoption alternative to patients from around the world who have failed IVF.

Tubal ligation reversal surgeries are performed on location in a fully accredited operating room. The staff includes a team of Sacramento fertility doctors and experienced embryologists who are skilled at performing pre-implantation genetic diagnosis testing of embryos (PGT-A, PGS, PGD). California IVF offers affordable package pricing that allows many people the opportunity to do 2 or 3 IVF cycles for the cost of one cycle at many other clinics. For more information about infertility and California IVF, please visit https://www.californiaivf.com/.

In celebration of this prestigious award and in recognition of Fertility Awareness month, California IVF Fertility Center is offering a free multi-cycle IVF package to one selected recipient, or couple that is affected by infertility. Additionally, California IVF Fertility Center will offer a free platelet rich plasma treatment to one selected recipient with diminished ovarian reserve. Contest details at https://www.californiaivf.com/awareness2024/.

"As fertility treatments become more common and more acceptable to the 1 in 8 couples affected, there is still a lack of understanding and overall awareness about what causes infertility and what options are available," said Dr. Ernest Zeringue, founder and medical director, who is determined to change that. "We want to raise awareness about available services and make sure people know they are not alone!"

The doctors and staff are excited to continue the awareness campaign and extend the opportunity for more people to share their journey and experiences with fertility treatment through the California IVF Fertility Awareness 2024 campaign. #CIVFAwareness2024

California IVF Fertility Center has been awarded on the Newsweek list of America's Best Fertility Clinics 2024. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The award list was announced on April 17, 2024, and can be viewed on Newsweek's website. In honor of Fertility Awareness, California IVF will give away a free IVF package.

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

California Safe Schools Honors Earth Day Champions and Celebrates its 26th Anniversary of Environmental Protection

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates 7 Earth Day Champions for their extraordinary achievements and mindfulness of future generations. "California Safe Schools proudly honors these individuals whose dedication and resolve make the world a better place and inspire others," affirms Robina Suwol, Executive Director of California Safe Schools.

This Spring also marks the 26th anniversary of CSS spearheading Los Angeles Unified School District's Integrated Pest Management Policy, the first to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know" that led to California's Healthy Schools Act and AB405 (Montanez).

CSS continues its work with diverse communities and regulatory agencies that are essential to protecting Earth's life-giving air, soils and water.

2024 Earth Day Champions:

:: Derrick J. Alatorre is Deputy Executive Officer in the Office of Legislative, Public Affairs & Media at the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Derrick keeps open lines of communication with the public, elected officials, the business community, and local residents. His department is responsible for legislation, environmental justice, outreach and education, and small business assistance.

Derrick was formerly a public affairs officer for the California Department of Transportation, conducted public and tribal government outreach on environmental cleanup efforts at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and served as a district field representative to California State Senator Art Torres. Mr. Alatorre is a veteran of the United States Navy.

:: Andrea Enriquez is 17 and a junior at Huntington Park Institute of Applied Medicine, a Los Angeles Unified School District pilot school on the Linda Esperanza Marquez High School campus. Through Chemistry Club, Andrea took part in the exceptional Toxic Crusaders Program developed by Mui Koltunov, Ph.D., Research Scientist Supervisor II, with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. The intensive six-week course inspires her to inform her peers and community about toxins in consumer products and to make safer choices.

Andrea is President of GirlsBuild Huntington Park with projects focusing on Civic Engagement, Health & Wellness and STEM & Digital Skills. Her career goal is to become a Pediatrician.

:: Theodore Higgins is Chief Environmental Compliance Inspector in the Industrial Waste Management Division overseeing an inventory of nearly 10,000 food service establishments. He helped create LA Sanitation's Professional Development and Work Exposure Program, serves as the Chair of the Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention, and Stormwater Committee of the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), is a Sector Champion for the Car Wash Industry to strategize growth and sustainability, and sets goals with the LA Sanitation's Clean Up Green Up Working Group to ensure the health and well-being of disadvantaged communities.

Theodore has been honored with an Employee Excellence Award and twice-honored by the CWEA as an "Emerging Leader" and "Person of the Year".

:: Bruce H. Jennings served for two decades as Senior Advisor to the California Legislature on Environmental Policy, Policy Advisor with the Senate Office of Research and Chief of Staff of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.

His book, "The War on California: Defeating Oil, Oligarchs and the New Tyranny," documents invaluable lessons learned from community and public interest advocates pushing back against poorly regulated pesticides and industrial chemicals in food, water, buildings and landscapes. Bruce is now writing about his experiences in Latin America and agroecology opportunities he sees as an alternative to the failing model of industrial agriculture.

:: Nate Lillge has dedicated his entire life and career to working with children and young adults in various aspects of outdoor education and conservation. Since 2007, he has been the Adventures and Engagement Director for Tuleyome Conservation Organization, leading outings, trails and stewardship programs in the Woodland, California area. Nate also teaches a California Naturalist course for those who want to become more connected to and involved with the natural world.

:: Lisa Tanaka O'Malley has over 30 years of experience in legislative affairs and government and community relations, Lisa is the Assistant Deputy Executive Officer for Legislative, Public Affairs & Media at South Coast Air Quality Management District.

She has spearheaded initiatives such as the "Clean Communities Plan," "Why Healthy Air Quality Matters" high school education program, and the Annual Environmental Justice Conference. Lisa also champions community engagement through the "Working with Communities" volunteer program.

:: Mariano Miguel Torres has been environmentally conscious his entire life. From the age of 7 until today at 17, he has farmed an acre of land, growing organic fruits and vegetables, raising hens for fresh eggs, and donating a bulk of the produce to others in need.

Miguel is a senior and honor student and member of the Medical Careers Pathway Program at Consumnes Oaks High School in the Elk Grove School District in Sacramento. His goal is to become an Otolaryngologist or ENT. Mariano also volunteers at senior living communities and mentors at neighborhood elementary schools.

All the honorees received awards designed by celebrated artist Michael Bruza and commendations from elected officials.

Learn more about California Safe Schools at: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates 7 Earth Day Champions for their extraordinary achievements and mindfulness of future generations. "California Safe Schools proudly honors these individuals whose dedication and resolve make the world a better place and inspire others," affirms Robina Suwol, Executive Director of California Safe Schools.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

Citizens Commission on Human Rights Exhibit: Reveals Shocking Abuse and Cold Hard Facts About Psychiatry Today

SYDNEY, Australia /ScoopCloud/ -- The Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit, produced by Citizens Commission on Human Rights International, was held at Embassy Conference Centre on George Street in Sydney as one of the first phases of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights Psychiatry: An Industry of Death 2024 World Tour. Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is an international mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology.

A chilling exhibit on the violation of human rights in the psychiatric industry, Psychiatry: An Industry of Death highlights little-known facts about potentially harmful side effects of psychiatric drugs, restraint, seclusion and electroshock and their use without informed consent - even on children.

Despite dozens of psychiatric drug warnings issued by the Australian Government, 44.4 million prescriptions were dispensed for mental health-related medications (both subsidized and under co-payment) in Australia, to 4.7 million Australians according to the 2021/22 report and 1,371,095 New South Wales (NSW) adults and children consumed these drugs that year.

The NSW exhibit raised awareness of continued abuse in the psychiatric industry despite UN and WHO guidelines of October 2023 calling for an end to coercive psychiatry.

One such abuse is electroshock (ECT). This is the application of hundreds of volts of electricity applied to the head, creating the equivalent of a grand mal seizure. It can cause brain damage, heart attacks, memory loss - even death.

United Nations and World Health Organization guidance called electroshock an "irreversible intervention," and stated, "ECT is not recommended for children, and this should be prohibited through legislation." Yet Medicare continues to fund ECT in Australia. What's more, there is no ban in place to prevent the use of ECT on children. It can also be forcibly given to involuntarily detained NSW patients without their consent.

In 2021/22 there were 804 Tribunal Hearings in NSW to consider application of forced ECT on involuntary patients, nearly 90 percent of which were approved. These hearings included five applications to give ECT to girls under age 16, three of which were approved.

Those touring the exhibit were encouraged to sign a petition calling for a ban on the use of electroshock in the state.

This exhibit features 10 display panels incorporating audio-visual presentations depicting key concerns and topics of human rights abuses in the mental health system with statements from psychiatrists, doctors, lawyers, legal and human rights experts, and victims of psychiatric brutalities.

CCHR NSW states: "With NSW's record spending on mental health reaching a staggering $2.9 billion in 2022/23, (up more than 52% since 2017/18) psychiatry is not being held accountable to produce results. If the NSW mental health system were working, the numbers of children and adults needing assistance would be decreasing as people got better. Instead, the lives of vulnerable children and adults are continually being placed at risk with electroshock, psychiatric restraint and potentially dangerous psychiatric drugs which can be forced on patients, potentially setting up patients for life and a recurring revenue stream for psychiatry with poor and harmful results."

In addition to exposing abuse, Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit provides practical guidance for lawmakers, doctors, lawyers, human rights advocates, parents and the general public to take action to help protect themselves, their families and others from rampant abuse in the mental health system as well as advocate for changes to bring dignity and human rights to the field of mental health.

The work of Citizens Commission on Human Rights is inspired by visionary, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard who urged Scientologists to expose and help abolish any and all physically damaging practices in the field of mental health, help clean up and keep clean the field of mental health, and bring about an atmosphere of safety and security in the field of mental health by eradicating its abuses and brutality.

For more information, visit the website of CCHR NSW Australia National Office.

LEARN MORE:

https://cchr.org.au/

https://www.cchr.org

https://www.cchrint.org

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA:

https://cchr.org.au/videos

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/cchr-documentaries/psychiatry-an-industry-of-death.html

The Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit, produced by Citizens Commission on Human Rights International, was held at Embassy Conference Centre on George Street in Sydney as one of the first phases of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights Psychiatry: An Industry of Death 2024 World Tour. Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is an international mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

MCT Launches Complete Best Execution, Now Including Fully Integrated Retain vs. Release MSR Decisioning

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, proudly introduces a game-changing advancement: a Best Ex for Released and Retained all in one platform!

With this groundbreaking development, MCT's Enhanced Best Execution (EBX) solution emerges as a real-time bridge between MCTlive! (live whole loan/SRP execution) and MSRlive! (loan level MSR valuation), revolutionizing the landscape of best execution strategies in the mortgage industry. With this technology, MCT clients have accurate insight into how loans are trading and what investors are paying along with the intrinsic servicing value to enhance the retained vs. released decisioning process. What was once a manual and time-consuming exercise is now completely automated with EBX, making all of the essential execution data elements accessible with the click of a button.

"MCT is the only company in the pipeline hedge and MSR space to effectively put all the essential execution pieces together successfully in a single platform," says Bill Shirreffs, Senior Director, Head of MSR Services and Sales Operations at MCT. "By leveraging "live" best ex trade information from MCTlive!, in addition to loan level servicing valuation information from MSRlive!, clients gain on-demand access to detailed guidance relative to which loans to retain vs. release based on key economic factors", Shirreffs explains.

MCT will also be holding a webinar introducing this new technology which will explain the new enhancements further. In this webinar, MCT's MSR team will review the current state of the MSR market and discuss more comprehensive retain vs. release strategies, in addition to our recently introduced fully integrated Enhanced Best Execution (EBX) solution.

Register for the upcoming webinar here: https://mct-trading.com/webinar/complete-best-ex-webinar/

About MCT:

For over two decades, MCT has been a leading source of innovation for the mortgage secondary market. Melding deep subject matter expertise with a passion for emerging technologies and clients, MCT is the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology. From architecting modern best execution loan sales to launching the most successful and advanced marketplace for mortgage-related assets, lenders, investors, and network partners all benefit from MCT's stewardship. MCT's technology and know-how continue to revolutionize how mortgage assets are priced, locked, hedged, traded, and valued - offering clients the tools to perform under any market condition.

For more information, visit https://mct-trading.com/ or call (619) 543-5111.

Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, proudly introduces a game-changing advancement: a Best Ex for Released and Retained all in one platform!

Related link: https://mct-trading.com/

FormFree upgrades Passport Wallet with simpler UI, VantageScore integration and streamlined asset validation

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree®, a leader in financial technology since 2007, today announced significant enhancements to Passport Wallet®, an innovative app that transforms how everyday people access loans. Available now in the Apple App Store and Google Play, the latest version of Passport Wallet is designed to make it easier than ever for consumers to understand their ability to pay and match with lenders.

Enhancements introduced since Passport Wallet's initial launch in January 2024 underscore FormFree's commitment to financial empowerment and inclusivity.

These include:

* Streamlined User Interface:
FormFree has listened to user feedback and responded by streamlining the borrower UI within the Passport Wallet app. More than 10 screens have been removed, resulting in a smoother and more efficient user journey. This enhancement is expected to increase the completion rate by consumers, reducing instances of app abandonment and ensuring a higher generation of Qualified Borrower Medallions. By making Passport Wallet more user-friendly, FormFree aims to facilitate stronger connections between consumers and financial institutions.

* Upgrade to VantageScore:
In a strategic move to enhance credit accessibility, FormFree has integrated VantageScore as the primary credit model within Passport Wallet, replacing the app's previous reliance on FICO. VantageScore, a proven alternative credit model that has been gaining market share since 2006, offers distinct advantages over traditional models, including more consistent scoring and the ability to score an additional 33 million consumers. This upgrade particularly benefits demographics such as "young to credit" borrowers, dormant consumers and those with no credit accounts, ensuring a more inclusive approach to credit assessment.

* Universal Connect Widget for Improved Asset Validation:
FormFree is revolutionizing asset validation within Passport Wallet with the introduction of a universal connect widget. This widget allows seamless connections to consumers' financial institutions through various data aggregators, including MX, Sophtron, and others. By expanding the sources for asset validation, FormFree enhances the accuracy and success rate of cash-flow analysis, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the consumer's borrowing capacity.

"At FormFree, we believe in a financial system that serves everyone. By listening to our users and continuously improving, we're creating a more inclusive and transparent financial future," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "Passport Wallet is changing the way high-intent consumers who are ready for a mortgage loan find the perfect-match lender who's motivated to finance them."

Explore the enhanced features of Passport Wallet and discover your borrowing power today.

About FormFree®

FormFree empowers consumers to understand their ability to pay and share it with lenders like never before. Using FormFree's Passport Wallet® app, consumers can share all the core financial data required by loan underwriters - including identity, assets, income, employment, credit history and cash-flow data - in seconds. Once consumers are ready to transact, they can anonymously share their data on the FormFree Exchange (FFX) and receive immediate offers from a marketplace of lenders who fully understand their ability to pay, residual income and eligibility for down payment assistance and inclusive lending programs. For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

FormFree®, a leader in financial technology since 2007, today announced significant enhancements to Passport Wallet®, an innovative app that transforms how everyday people access loans. Available now in the Apple App Store and Google Play, the latest version of Passport Wallet is designed to make it easier than ever for consumers to understand their ability to pay and match with lenders.

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

Spodak Dental Group Offers Free Oral Cancer Screenings Amid Rising Oral Cancer Rates

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Oral cancer is on the rise, and early detection is key for survival. The best way to check for any signs of oral cancer is to partner with a registered dental hygienist who is trained in recognizing oral cancer in the tongue, gums, throat and palate. In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, the Spodak Dental Group team is offering free oral cancer screenings during the month of April.

"Education and early detection are key for increasing a person's chances of surviving oral cancer," said Ashley Price, registered certified dental hygienist and Spodak Dental Group lead hygienist. "Regardless if you are a smoker or not, or don't have any symptoms or issues in your mouth, a 10-minute screening could save your life. It's one of the most important services we offer at the practice and we are proud to help our community members stay as healthy as possible through the power of accurate detection, diagnosis and treatment."

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 58,500 people will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Oral cancer will cause more than 12,250 deaths, killing roughly one person per hour, 24 hours per day. The fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population is non-smokers younger than 50 years old.

According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association, the five-year survival rate is only about 40% because oral cancers are often discovered at later stages. Those who do survive oral cancer often experience long-term problems, which include difficult eating and speaking, or even facial disfigurement. Early detection is the best way to determine if oral cancer is present, as well as begin treatment as soon as possible.

Free oral cancer screenings are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 and 5 p.m. now through April 30, 2024. The screenings are available to all community members, not just patients of the practice.

In addition to a quick and painless screening, the hygiene team also hopes to raise awareness about oral cancer and support community members with oral cancer prevention methods, at-home detection tips, accurate diagnosis and care management.

Please call/text (561) 303-2413 to make an appointment, or request an appointment via the website, www.SpodakDental.com. Everyone is welcome.

About Spodak Dental

The Spodak Dental Group, an Inc. 5000 honoree, has evolved to become South Florida's premier, comprehensive dental facility, and comprises a world-class association of dental professionals poised to provide full-service dental care second-to-none in both scope and skill. The Spodak Dental Group team includes General and Restorative Dentists, Endodontists, Periodontists, Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Master Ceramic Artists and Anesthesiologists, as well as one of the nation's only in-office dental labs. Call/text (561) 303-2413 or visit https://www.SpodakDental.com/ for more information.

Oral cancer is on the rise, and early detection is key for survival. The best way to check for any signs of oral cancer is to partner with a registered dental hygienist who is trained in recognizing oral cancer in the tongue, gums, throat and palate. In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, the Spodak Dental Group team is offering free oral cancer screenings during the month of April.

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

NAHL Announces Partnership with CaptainU

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is pleased to announce a new partnership with CaptainU from Stack Sports, the leading online, collegiate sports recruiting platform, helping high school athletes fulfill their dreams of playing sports in college, as an official recruiting partner of the NAHL Combines and NAHL Prospects Challenge.

CaptainU, Stack Sports' cutting-edge scouting and evaluation platform, offers players a centralized hub to manage their recruiting profiles, connect with college coaches, and explore scholarship opportunities. CaptainU empowers athletes to take control of their recruiting process and unlock new opportunities for advancement.

"Stack Sports is proud to partner with the NAHL and support the growth and development of hockey at all levels," said Brandon Hollmann, GM of CaptainU at Stack Sports. "As a trusted leader in sports technology, Stack Sports remains committed to providing innovative solutions that drive positive outcomes for athletes, coaches, and organizations."

"We are excited to deepen our partnership with Stack Sports and integrate CaptainU into our player development ecosystem," said Dennis Vickers, NAHL Director of Player Development. By leveraging the capabilities of CaptainU, we can provide our athletes with comprehensive support throughout their hockey journey, from youth development to college recruitment."

Founded in 2008, CaptainU empowers athletes to take their game to the next level through recruiting and discovery tools to connect with clubs, events, and colleges. More than 3.5 million high school athletes, college coaches, club coaches, and tournament directors have used CaptainU tools to network, build relationships, and build championship teams.

CaptainU currently powers the recruiting journey for partners like USA Gymnastics, US Rowing, and USA Cheer. For more information about CaptainU, visit http://CaptainU.com/.

About the NAHL

The North American Hockey League (NAHL), the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 32 teams from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey. During the 2022-23 season, the NAHL recorded a record-breaking number of 360 NCAA commitments, 250 (69%) of which were NCAA Division I commitments. In addition, seven players with NAHL experience were selected in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

About Stack Sports

With over 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations.

Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on four key pillars - Grassroots Engagement, Participation Growth, Recruiting Pathways, and Elite Player Development. To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit https://stacksports.com/.

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is pleased to announce a new partnership with CaptainU from Stack Sports, the leading online, collegiate sports recruiting platform, helping high school athletes fulfill their dreams of playing sports in college, as an official recruiting partner of the NAHL Combines and NAHL Prospects Challenge.

Related link: https://stacksports.com/

Patelco Credit Union selects the Empower LOS to streamline and bolster home loan and home-equity origination

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative new leader in mortgage technology backed by time-tested loan origination software and leadership, today announced the implementation of the Empower® loan origination system (LOS) by Patelco Credit Union (Patelco), a Bay Area-based credit union dedicated to the financial wellness of its team, members and communities.

Patelco is California's fourth-largest credit union mortgage lender by number of loans closed annually. The credit union's 214 loan officers will use the Empower LOS to originate retail home loans, home-equity loans and home-equity lines of credit (HELOCs). According to VP of Lending Vince Salinas, Patelco selected the Empower LOS and its point-of-sale (POS) portals for loan officers and borrowers for the bundled solution's ability to make the loan process up to 20% more efficient for the credit union's members and mortgage team.

"We are constantly evolving to provide the best tools to our team while creating a more streamlined member experience," said Salinas. "We selected the Empower LOS because we see Dark Matter as a partner that will grow with Patelco and allow us to work and serve our members more efficiently as we advance our digital roadmap, ultimately creating a better home buying experience while keeping our mortgage costs low and passing that value on to members."

"Patelco Credit Union has invested significant resources in understanding what its members truly expect from their home buying journey," said Dark Matter CEO Rich Gagliano. "We are proud to help Patelco meet its members' high expectations with a modern mortgage experience enriched by task-based automation and robust integrations that cut unnecessary time and cost out of the process."

The credit union was founded 87 years ago by a few employees at Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company (now AT&T) with a dream to create a credit union dedicated to helping its members and communities prosper. Today, Patelco serves more than 500,000 members primarily in and around northern California, including employees of over 1,100 large and small businesses throughout the United States.

About Dark Matter Technologies:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry's leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers cutting-edge technology, unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.dmatter.com.

Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative new leader in mortgage technology backed by time-tested loan origination software and leadership, today announced the implementation of the Empower® loan origination system (LOS) by Patelco Credit Union (Patelco), a Bay Area-based credit union dedicated to the financial wellness of its team, members and communities.

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

Charles E. Smith Life Communities Hosts 14th Annual Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Healthcare Symposium

ROCKVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC), in collaboration with Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, announced today the 14th annual Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Healthcare Symposium. This event brings together clinicians, caregivers and experts in the field of senior care to share the latest research, best practices and innovations in the industry.

This year's theme, Embracing Calm: Navigating Anxiety in the Senior Years, focuses on addressing and managing anxiety among the elderly, a critical aspect of senior healthcare that often goes underrecognized. The event is scheduled for May 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Woodmont Country Club, 1201 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. Attendees have the flexibility to join either in-person or virtually, ensuring wide accessibility to this important discussion.

The symposium honors the memory of Sara and Samuel J. Lessans and is made possible through the generous support of Drs. Ellen and Stuart Lessans.

"We are honored to bring together leading experts and professionals in the field of senior care for our annual Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Healthcare Symposium," said Dr. Elisa Gil-Pires, executive vice president, medical affairs/chief medical officer and medical director at CESLC. "This event is an opportunity for us to learn from one another, share best practices and collaborate on innovative solutions to the challenges faced by older adults and their caregivers."

These sessions underscore Charles E. Smith Life Communities' commitment to leading the conversation on innovative and compassionate healthcare solutions for seniors.

The keynote speaker is Sandeep Jauhar, M.D., Ph.D., a renowned author, New York Times contributing opinion writer and practicing cardiologist. Dr. Jauhar will share insights from his latest book, "My Father's Brain" (2023), which explores the emotional and scientific facets of brain degeneration through the lens of his personal experience with his father's dementia.

The program includes a series of breakout sessions designed to provide attendees with a deeper understanding of anxiety disorders, the intersection of dementia and anxiety, the potential of artificial intelligence in elder care and the benefits of cognitive behavior therapy.

The symposium will conclude with a luncheon featuring Serena Jain, a mindfulness-based stress reduction teacher and certified integrative health and well-being coach. Jain will discuss the transformative power of mindfulness in coping with anxiety, enhancing focus and improving overall physical and emotional health.

Highlighting the educational value of the symposium for healthcare professionals, continuing education credits are currently being processed for social workers, nursing home administrators and nurses. To learn more and register, visit https://www.smithlifecommunities.org/event/sara-and-samuel-j-lessans-healthcare-symposium/.

Charles E. Smith Life Communities extends its heartfelt gratitude to sponsor Minkoff Company, Inc., for their support in making this event possible.

About CESLC:

Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving more than 1,100 older adults, is located on a 38-acre campus in Rockville, Maryland. Established as the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington in 1910, CESLC is committed to providing residents meaningful connections, intellectual pursuits, artistic expression, active social lives and cultural exploration. CESLC offers independent living at Revitz House and Ring House; assisted living at Landow House; memory care at Cohen-Rosen House, with services including post-acute care and long-term skilled nursing care at Hebrew Home of Greater Washington; medical care at Hirsh Health Center; and temporary shelter and advocacy for victims of elder abuse at the ElderSAFE™ Center.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0418-s2p-cesmithsymposium-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Healthcare Symposium Speakers: Sandeep Jauhar, M.D., Ph.D and Serena Jain.

Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC), in collaboration with Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, announced today the 14th annual Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Healthcare Symposium. This event brings together clinicians, caregivers and experts in the field of senior care to share the latest research, best practices and innovations in the industry.

Related link: https://liveatceslc.org/

Church of Scientology Seattle Community Open House Looks Into the Fentanyl Crisis: Washington Has the Fastest Rising Overdose Rate in the Country

SEATTLE, Wash., and LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Public Health Seattle King County reports 1,060 overdose deaths involving fentanyl in 2023 - up nearly 50 percent from 2022. For World Health Day 2024, Seattle's Church of Scientology invited a representative of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to shed light on the crisis.

Marcus L. Picket, DEA Community Outreach Specialist, presented "One Pill Can Kill," a DEA campaign to raise public awareness. He presented startling statistics on the fentanyl crisis:

* In 2023, the DEA seized more than 79.5 million fentanyl-laced fake pills.

* The DEA also seized 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder.

* The 2023 seizures equate to more than 376.7 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

* Of the seized pills containing fentanyl, seven out of 10 of those tested contained potentially deadly quantities of the drug.

* Poisoning deaths (including poisoning by fentanyl-laced pills) are the leading killer of Americans age 18 to 45.

"We have a task ahead of us," said Dave Scattergood, Northwest representative of Foundation for a Drug-Free World whose Seattle chapter cohosted the open house. "The way we do this is by getting our free educational materials into the hands of youth and those who interact with them such as educators and counselors."

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has long designated prevention as a critical component of effective drug policy, stating "Prevention strategies based on scientific evidence working with families, schools, and communities can ensure that children and youth, especially the most marginalized and poor, grow and stay healthy and safe into adulthood and old age. For every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social and crime costs." But in the throes of the fentanyl crisis, the role of prevention becomes paramount, says Drug-Free World International Executive Director Jessica Hochman.

"It's time to realize prevention is the only viable solution to the overdose crisis," says Hochman. "Fentanyl has changed the dynamic of drug abuse. The solution is to educate youth, so they don't start taking drugs in the first place. Help them gain confidence that they are doing the right thing in not taking drugs, period."

Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that looks at the crisis of drug abuse through the lens of prevention. Its drug prevention materials are designed to empower young people through information. Their goal is to help youth make their own informed decisions about drugs.

Drug-Free World is inspired by the research and writings of author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who found that "the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs." Scientology Churches and Scientologists support Foundation for a Drug-Free World, making it possible to provide its youth-friendly materials free of charge to schools, civic groups, governments, law enforcement, and individuals and institutions in the private sector.

To see the impact of Drug-Free World's educational materials, watch public service announcements and The Truth About Drugs-Real People, Real Stories documentary on the Scientology Network, or watch episodes of Voices for Humanity to learn how activists of diverse cultures, creeds and nationalities use this campaign to create change in their communities and nations.

The Church of Scientology Seattle is an Ideal Scientology Organization, dedicated by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige in 2010. Ideal Scientology Churches realize Mr. Hubbard's intention to provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to greater states of spiritual awareness and freedom and serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground for cooperative efforts to uplift people of all denominations.

The Church of Scientology Seattle and its Drug-Free World chapter encourage anyone wishing to contribute to solving this crisis to visit the Church at 300 West Harrison Street or their nearest Church of Scientology, or take the free online drug education course on the Foundation for a Drug-Free World website.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology-seattle.org

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.dea.gov/onepill

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-truth-about-drugs.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/they-said-they-lied.html

Public Health Seattle King County reports 1,060 overdose deaths involving fentanyl in 2023 - up nearly 50 percent from 2022. For World Health Day 2024, Seattle's Church of Scientology invited a representative of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to shed light on the crisis.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announces two finalists of the 2024 South Central Regional Debate Series

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is proud to announce the two finalists of the Great Communicator Debate Series South Central Regional Competition held in Dallas, TX on the campus of Southern Methodist University, home of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

"High school debates like those sponsored by the Reagan Foundation are an important step forward in reestablishing the vital public ethic of civility," said Dr. Ben Voth, Director of Debate and Speech and Professor of Rhetoric at Southern Methodist University. "Debating provides one of our best and most reliable educational paths forward to a better future."

Congratulations to our finalists, Sam Kovi, a sophomore from Lambert High School, part of the Forsyth County School District in Georgia, and Elyse Rogers, a senior from Classical Christian Academy in Missouri. See attached photo (linked below).

Sam praised coach Dr. Michael Hester. "He helped me to prepare for this by sitting down and chatting with me about the structure of my speeches to keep me organized and talk through the topic - he taught me how to do research to find the most reliable sources."

Elyse, who will be attending Harding University in Arkansas this fall, overcame childhood shyness when she began debate as a required course in high school. "I discovered [debate] was something I really loved. I loved being able to research and then to communicate my ideas to others," she said.

The top two finalists from each of the regional events earn a place in the National Championship where they receive an all-expense paid trip to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA as well as earning their share of $50,000 in scholarships.

The Great Communicator Debate Series (GCDS) is currently on its National tour with six in-person regional competitions and two online events with the finals hosted in Simi Valley, CA.

"The program is designed to showcase the debate and influence skills of high school students across the country," reported Megan Gately, Director of Learning & Engagement at the Reagan Foundation. "Engaging in civil discourse through debate, where students learn that every issue has multiple points of view, empowers them to be well-rounded citizens who can express their views and respect the views of others--just like President Reagan did."

For information on the Great Communicator Debate Series please contact dpape@reaganfoundation.org.

About the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Institute:

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles - individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.

The Foundation is a non-partisan organization which sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA, the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Presidential Learning Center, The Air Force One Pavilion, the award-winning Reagan Leadership Center, and the Reagan Institute, which carries out the Foundation's mission in Washington, DC.

The Reagan Library houses over 55 million pages of Gubernatorial, Presidential, and personal papers and over 60,000 gifts and artifacts chronicling the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. More information is available at: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/

About SMU:

SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU's alumni, faculty and more than 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, communities, and the world.

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO link: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0417-s2p-rlib-elyseandsam-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: (L-R) Finalists, Elyse Rogers, a senior from Classical Christian Academy in Missouri, and Sam Kovi, a sophomore from Lambert High School, part of the Forsyth County School District in Georgia.

Today, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is proud to announce the two finalists of the Great Communicator Debate Series South Central Regional Competition held in Dallas, TX on the campus of Southern Methodist University, home of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Related link: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/

Alliance Group Promotes Travis Grenier to Vice President of Marketing

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Alliance Group, a leader in the life insurance and annuity sectors, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Travis Grenier to Vice President of Marketing. Grenier, a ten-year veteran at Alliance Group, has been instrumental in developing the company's internal video marketing production studio and program, setting a new standard in the independent marketing space within the life insurance and annuity industries.

Under Grenier's leadership, Alliance Group's video marketing initiatives have not only significantly enhanced the company's brand visibility but have also played a pivotal role in educating and engaging their target audience in innovative and impactful ways. His efforts have solidified the company's reputation as a forward-thinking and customer-centric organization.

Lee Duncan, CEO of Alliance Group, expressed his enthusiasm about Grenier's promotion, stating, "Travis has been a key player in our success story, bringing unparalleled creativity and dedication to our marketing strategies. His vision for our video marketing has truly set us apart in the industry. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and are excited to see him take on this new role."

Samuel Howe, Chief Marketing Officer at Alliance Group, also praised Grenier's contribution and leadership. "Travis's work ethic, combined with his innovative approach to video marketing, has been nothing short of transformative for our company. He is more than deserving of this promotion, and I am confident that he will continue to drive our marketing efforts to new heights."

Grenier's promotion to Vice President of Marketing is effective immediately. In his new role, he will work with Howe to oversee the company's marketing program, which focuses on developing marketing tools for use by Alliance Group's more than 5,000 contracted independent agents in more than 65 independent agencies across the U.S.

"I am deeply honored and excited for the opportunity to continue contributing to Alliance Group's success," said Grenier. "It's been an amazing career here so far and I can't wait to see what kind of impact we can make in the next ten years."

About Alliance Group:

As "The Living Benefits IMO," Alliance Group provides independent agents and agencies across the United States with superior marketing and training solutions. Since 1998, Alliance Group has been helping its partners spread awareness about Living Benefits life insurance, while also helping them solve their clients' puzzles regarding tax-free retirement, mortgage protection, small business planning, estate planning needs, and more.

For more information, please visit https://www.alliancegrouplife.com/

Alliance Group, a leader in the life insurance and annuity sectors, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Travis Grenier to Vice President of Marketing. Grenier, a ten-year veteran at Alliance Group, has been instrumental in developing the company's internal video marketing production studio and program, setting a new standard in the independent marketing space within the life insurance and annuity industries.

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