Category Archives: Public Companies

Intellimedia Network’s Immersive Technology IP Acquired by Frontera Group

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Intellimedia Networks, Inc., a Los Angeles, California based immersive solutions technology company, today announced that certain of its IP has been acquired by Frontera Group, Inc. (OTC Pink: FRTG) ("Frontera" or "the Company"), a Dallas, Texas based technology-focused strategic acquirer of revenue-generating companies and intellectual property (IP), as part of its multi-part strategy to make further acquisitions from Intellimedia's suite of technology solutions.

This acquisition provides Frontera Group with a cutting-edge mix of media technology, learning platforms, and virtual event broadcasting technologies, positioning FRTG at the forefront of a new wave of immersive technology-powered content for a wide array of customers.

Intellimedia Networks has developed and positioned several multi-million-dollar IP assets focused on media, education, and virtual event broadcasting technologies suited for a variety of market verticals. The IP that Frontera has acquired includes immersive technologies using AR, VR, and interactive experiences that open doors to innovative ways to leverage information-sharing. This form of information sharing provides high-impact, context-sensitive experiences.

The 70/20/10 model for learning and development highlights that people learn from job-related experiences, as 70 percent of what people learn is experiential, compared with 20% learned from others and 10% through formal learning. FRTG's acquisition of Intellimedia's IP positions FRTG as a "knowledge enabler" supporting the "70%" of the experiential portion of learning.

"Intellimedia is thrilled with this M&A as our products and solutions are an ideal fit with the value-creation opportunity presented by Frontera. I believe our world-class solutions will continue to deliver exceptional value to customers, employees, and shareholders," said Darshan Sedani, President, and Co-founder of Intellimedia Networks.

"Our acquisition of Intellimedia Networks' IP places Frontera at the leading edge of the metaverse world of augmented reality, virtual reality, and interactive worlds that are poised to generate significant revenue in training and media technology applications. Frontera will participate in expanding a new mode of knowledge-sharing utilizing ROI-proven technologies," said Mr. Andrew De Luna, CPA, MBA, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice Chairman of FRTG.

"We look forward to the growth and entry into new markets that the Frontera acquisition enables," said Teodros Gessesse, CEO and Co-founder of Intellimedia. "Our primary focus of developing platforms that deliver context-sensitive knowledge and information to our customers in media, training, and virtual event broadcasting will be greatly enhanced as a part of the Frontera Group."

Frontera's acquisition of Intellimedia Networks' IP provides FRTG with access to a broad market play for an accelerated entry into a NASDAQ listing. "We have a strategy to acquire and invest in companies that are the next wave of new technologies with a keen focus on applications that markets require and are ready to buy," said Mr. Mann Yam, Chairman of the Board of FRTG. "Intellimedia Networks has the intellectual property to get us into new and recurring revenue streams across several vertical markets."

About Frontera Group:

Frontera Group is a strategic acquirer of intellectual property and revenue-generating companies in the technology and human capital markets. It is developing and executing an aggressive, four-tier acquisition and implementation strategy intended to provide substantial increases in profitability to its acquisitions in industries which possess traditionally low and stagnant EBITDA multiples. The Company has identified and is currently pursuing several revenue-generating acquisition targets.

For further information, please visit Frontera's website at https://frtgtech.com/.

About Intellimedia Networks:

Intellimedia Networks is a US and India-based technology company that designs and deploys cloud platforms and applications that create immersive experiences. Intellimedia's award-winning products utilize AR, VR, and AI to enhance media, training, education, virtual event broadcasting, real estate, and other applications. For further information, please visit Intellimedia Networks' website at https://intellimedianetworks.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

The statements contained in this news release which are not historical facts may be "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. For example, statements that describe eFRTG's hopes, plans, objectives, goals, intentions, or expectations are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this news release. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond FRTG's control, will affect actual Results. FRTG undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. This news release should be read in conjunction with FRTG's most recent financial reports and other filings posted with the OTC Markets and/or the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission by FRTG.

Intellimedia Networks Press Contact

press@intellimedianetworks.com

Intellimedia Networks, Inc., a Los Angeles based immersive solutions technology company, today announced that certain of its IP has been acquired by Frontera Group, Inc. (OTC Pink: FRTG) ("Frontera" or "the Company"), a Dallas, Texas based technology-focused strategic acquirer of revenue-generating companies and intellectual property (IP), as part of its multi-part strategy to make further acquisitions from Intellimedia's suite of technology solutions.

Related link: https://intellimedianetworks.com/

Southwest Airlines New Amarillo to Austin Flight Takes Off Today

AMARILLO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Amarillo travelers today experienced the start of new options featuring the state capital as Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), in conjunction with Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, celebrated the start of Southwest Airlines' new daily non-stop service to Austin.

The new expanded service to Austin Bergstrom International Airport will operate on Sundays through Mondays departing Amarillo at 6:10 a.m. and arriving in Austin at 7:30 a.m. The return flight departs Austin at 7:55 p.m. and arrives in Amarillo at 9:20 p.m. On Saturdays, the flight will depart Amarillo at 11:05 a.m. and arrive in Austin at 12:25 p.m. The return flight departs Austin at 12:25 p.m. and arrives in Amarillo at 1:50 p.m.

"The strong relationship between Southwest Airlines and the City of Amarillo goes back decades as Southwest has long been a major part of air travel for the entire Texas Panhandle," said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. "The addition of this daily flight to the capital city of Texas not only shows Southwest's impressive commitment to Amarillo, it also greatly expands the travel opportunities for the entire Amarillo area. The Amarillo economy is growing along with our population. The incredible vision of partners such as Southwest Airlines fosters our growth and allows us to provide the amenities our community needs to thrive and to be successful."

"We are proud of the continued partnership with Southwest Airlines and excited for the nonstop flight from Amarillo to Austin," said Jason Harrison, president and CEO of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. "The new service will not only help our community get into south Texas for personal travel but will allow our businesses an easy and efficient way to get to our state's capital for business development, growth and lobbying efforts.

"Southwest Airlines continues to be an irreplaceable partner with our Taking Flight - Amarillo Initiative. We appreciate their continuing dedication in maintaining and growing travel options to and from Amarillo, now with the new Austin service."

"For many years, Southwest Airlines has been instrumental in meeting the travel needs of Amarillo. Southwest's willingness to add new flights to/from Amarillo during this time of great industry fluctuations and unknowns is a testament to Southwest's trust in our partnership and the community. Southwest sees our community growth and the additional travel needs of our businesses as well as of our leisure travelers and has responded positively with this new flight to Austin and a new flight to Denver, Colorado (starting June 5)," said Michael Conner, Director of Aviation for Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. "I know the community will take advantage of these great opportunities and support the future of air service here in Amarillo.

"A big thank you to the entire Southwest Team and our participating community leaders who helped to make this a reality and who continue to amaze me with their contributions to our Taking Flight program. I look forward to many more years of service with Southwest here in Amarillo."

Learn more about Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport: https://www.fly-ama.com/

For more information, contact City of Amarillo Communications Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.

Amarillo travelers today experienced the start of new options featuring the state capital as Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), in conjunction with Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, celebrated the start of Southwest Airlines' new daily non-stop service to Austin.

Related link: https://www.amarillo.gov/

New Jersey Applebee’s Locations Announce 6th Annual Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest

ALLENDALE, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar has announced and is accepting nominations for its 6th annual Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest, which recognizes top teachers - as nominated by their students - by rewarding them with a sponsorship check and end-of-year class party. The contest is being offered at Applebee's restaurants in New Jersey owned and operated by local franchisee Doherty Enterprises.

Applebee's will award four deserving teachers across 13 counties with a $500 sponsorship check to use toward their classroom for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year, along with an end-of-year party for their current class*! To nominate a teacher and enter the contest, students must submit an essay in-person at their local Applebee's explaining why their teacher deserves to be Applebee's "Teacher of the Year." As an additional incentive, students who enter an essay will also receive a free ice cream certificate** for later use.

Essay submissions are limited to one per student and will be accepted at participating Applebee's restaurants from Monday, January 10 through Sunday March 13, no later than 10pm. Winners will be announced on Monday, April 15 and end-of-year parties will be thrown before Sunday, June 12. If end-of-year parties are not viable, class parties will be replaced with two Dinner for Four certificates.

"We're really excited to participate in our sixth annual Above and 'BEE'yond Teacher Essay Contest at our New Jersey restaurants," said Kevin Coughlin, Director of Operations, Applebee's New Jersey. "Our restaurants are committed to giving back to the local community now more than ever. We're honored to support local schoolteachers and want to recognize their dedication and hard work amidst the ongoing pandemic."

Applebee's Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest entries will be accepted at the following Applebee's locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in New Jersey: Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, Edison, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Ocean, Paramus, Parsippany, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Totowa and Union.

*One winner will be selected from each set of counties, grouped together by the following geographic areas: - (Bergen, Passaic, Hudson); (Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union); (Morris, Sussex, Essex); and (Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean). Please note, essay submissions from the 2021-2022 school year will also be included in this year's voting. Prizes are subject to change based on COVID-19 restrictions. If end-of-year parties are not viable, class parties will be replaced with two Dinner for Four certificates.

**Offer valid only at Doherty Enterprises owned and operated Applebee's® locations in NJ. Limit one per person. May not be redeemed on day of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.

Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates more than 130 restaurants in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia, including five restaurant concepts: Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex and its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In addition, Doherty Enterprises is also a franchisee of Sola Salon Studios with 8 locations in Staten Island and New Jersey. Doherty Enterprises is ranked 11th in Top 200 Franchisees in the United States by Restaurant Finance Monitor, is recognized as the 77th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States by Nation's Restaurant News, the 73rd largest privately held business in the New York Metro area by Crain's Business, and 34th largest privately held company in New Jersey by NJBIZ.

The Doherty vision is to be the "Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve" and its mission is to "Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers." Doherty Enterprises has also been lending a helping hand to team members and their immediate families when financially burdened through the WOW a Friend Foundation. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 3,100 people and donated over $4.1 million directly back to those in need. ( https://www.dohertyinc.com/ ).

About Applebee's®

As one of the world's largest casual dining brands, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America's kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee's is always Doin' Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee's has 1,749 franchise and company-operated restaurants in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and 11 other countries as of June 30, 2020. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar has announced and is accepting nominations for its 6th annual Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest, which recognizes top teachers - as nominated by their students - by rewarding them with a sponsorship check and end-of-year class party. The contest is being offered at Applebee's restaurants in New Jersey owned and operated by local franchisee Doherty Enterprises.

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

JV Group, Inc (OTC MARKETS:ASZP) announces Change of Control

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Publicly-held JV Group, Inc. (OTC MARKETS: ASZP) announces the completion of a change in control effective November 23, 2021. Harthorne Capital, Inc has acquired voting control in a private securities purchase agreement for 98.2% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock from Michael A Littman ATTY, Defined Benefit Plan, an affiliate of Michael A Littman, as trustee.

As a part of the transaction, Michael Singh was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andrew Trumbach as President and Chief Financial Officer and Lisa Marie Iannitelli as EVP, Investor relations. Michael A Littman and Calvin D Smiley Sr. have resigned from all officer, director, and employment positions with the Company.

Contemporaneously with the Change in Control, the size of the Board was increased from three to six directors. Michael Singh was appointed as Chairman of the Board. Dr. Andrew Trumbach, Lisa Marie Iannitelli, Dr. Claude Stuart, Esq., Dr Narendra Kini MD, and Tyler Trumbach Esq. were appointed as Directors.

"We are excited to move forward in the public markets," said CEO Michael Singh. "We intend to rebrand the company, while growing market capitalization through strategic asset acquisitions to be disclosed, thereby adding to shareholder value over the coming year."

"Awaysis is uniquely positioned to seamlessly connect desirable vacations, effortless ownership and solid investments in some of the world's most sought after locations," said Kofi Nartey, Director of Real Estate Development & Sales.

JV Group Inc has filed the necessary control information to the OTC Markets along with strategic business plans, which will reflect the changes and the new direction of the company. In connection with this, the company has also filed a name change and symbol change to AWAYSIS CAPITAL, INC. (OTCMARKETS: AWYS) by application to FINRA to better reflect the new business model and branding. These milestones are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

About JV Group, Inc.

JV Group Inc. is a real estate investment and management company focused on acquisition, construction, selling and managing residential vacation home communities in desirable travel destinations. The Company creates value through targeting, acquisition, development, up-cycling, rebranding, and repositioning of currently undervalued operating and shovel ready residential/resort communities in global travel destinations. These assets are relaunched under the Company's unique Awaysis Brand to create a network of residential and resort enclave communities that will optimize both sales and rental revenues, providing attractive returns to owners and exceptional vacation experiences to travelers.

For more information, please visit our Website: https://awaysisgroup.com/

CONTACT:

JV Group, Inc.

Andrew Trumbach, Chief Financial Officer (855-795-3311)

info@awaysiscapital.com

Social media: @awaysis_group #awaysisgroup

DISCLAIMER:

Statements in this press release that are not historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Although JV Group, Inc. believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, JV Group, Inc. is unable to give any assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

OTC MARKETS: AWYS / OTC:AWYS

Publicly-held JV Group, Inc. (OTC MARKETS: ASZP) announces the completion of a change in control effective November 23, 2021. Harthorne Capital, Inc has acquired voting control in a private securities purchase agreement for 98.2% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock from Michael A Littman ATTY, Defined Benefit Plan, an affiliate of Michael A Littman, as trustee.

Related link: https://awaysisgroup.com/

Mid America Mortgage announces completion of new funding source for its down payment assistance program through J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today it has secured an additional line of liquidity from J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC (member of FINRA and SIPC) ("JVB"), an indirect controlled subsidiary of Cohen & Company Inc. (NYSE American: COHN), through the company's Agency MBS & Gestation Repo Group.

"While challenging on many levels, the circumstances presented by COVID have allowed Mid America to innovate our product lines and deliver financing options that enable more consumers - including low-to-moderate income and minority borrowers - to realize the dream of homeownership," said Mid America Owner and CEO Jeff Bode. "By accessing capital through JVB's gestational repo program, we can finance these unique loan programs, including our down payment assistance program, at a lower cost than a traditional warehouse line, thus enabling us to grow these programs by nearly sixfold in 2022."

JVB's Gestational Repo Financing allows mortgage originators seeking incremental returns to make short-term investments into a Ginnie Mae (GNMA) security, which carries a zero-risk weighting, as an alternative means of securing capital markets financing. Gestation repo enables GNMA issuers to pool these securities faster while also reducing issuers' funding costs and improving their cash position.

"Mid America Mortgage has placed itself in a strategic position to capitalize on the implementation and utilization of a gestation repo facility such as ours within its mortgage pipeline operations," said Tom McHugh, Managing Director and Head of the Mortgage Group at J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC. "JVB is excited to partner with the team at Mid America."

About JVB

J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC ("JVB"), a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), and a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC"). JVB focuses on four distinct business lines: (1) Mortgage Trading and Financing (focusing on providing capital market services to middle-market mortgage originators seeking to enhance their mortgage pipeline execution and overall portfolio profitability and includes (i) TBA Trading, (ii) Agency MBS Trading, (iii) Gestational Repo Financing (2) Wholesale Trading & Distribution (focusing on servicing small fixed income broker-dealers); and (4) Credit Trading (focusing on investment grade and high yield corporate bonds). For more information, please visit www.jvbfinancial.com.

About Mid America Mortgage, Inc.

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

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

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

Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today it has secured an additional line of liquidity from J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC (member of FINRA and SIPC) ("JVB"), an indirect controlled subsidiary of Cohen & Company Inc. (NYSE American: COHN), through the company's Agency MBS & Gestation Repo Group.

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

Mortgage Coach announces integration with ICE Mortgage Technology enabling lenders to deliver accurate loan comparisons

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Coach, a borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive presentations that model home loan performance over time, today announced an advanced integration with ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure. Mortgage Coach has leveraged Encompass® Developer Connect™ APIs (application programming interfaces) so lenders can deliver information-rich Total Cost Analysis (TCA) loan comparison data to borrowers automatically and easily.

The Mortgage Coach platform helps lenders engage borrowers in the home financing process with digital TCA presentations that deliver an interactive comparison of how mortgage strategies perform over time. The integration enables lenders to instantly generate accurate and compliant TCA presentations for every loan record managed in Encompass via a secure, single sign-on user experience.

Mortgage Coach is the inaugural "borrower conversion" solution available through the ICE Mortgage Technology Marketplace, which is used by thousands of mortgage lenders who use Encompass as their loan origination system (LOS) to increase borrower commitment.

Guaranteed Rate, one of America's top-five retail mortgage lenders, is the first to leverage the enhanced Mortgage Coach integration with ICE Mortgage Technology's Developer Connect APIs.

"Guaranteed Rate typically builds its own technology and partners with only a small set of elite innovators such as ICE Mortgage Technology and Mortgage Coach," said Paul Anastos, chief innovation officer at Guaranteed Rate. "We understand that innovative technology enables our team to provide consumers with an unparalleled home financing experience. For years, Mortgage Coach TCAs have helped our team deepen engagement with homebuyers with easy-to-follow home financing advice. Mortgage Coach's partnership with ICE Mortgage Technology will make it easier than ever for our loan originators to meet the long-term financial goals of our clients."

"Mortgage Coach is committed to earning borrower confidence through transparency and education. Lenders convert that confidence into repeat transactions, referrals, and lifetime brand loyalty at scale, capturing every fundable opportunity," said company President Joe Puthur. "Our partnership with ICE Mortgage Technology enables any lender leveraging Encompass to add access to the benefits of our TCA platform. This innovation provides a new simple method to help millions of additional borrowers make a more confident and informed mortgage decision."

About Mortgage Coach:

Mortgage Coach is an award-winning borrower conversion platform that gives consumers the confidence to transact with educational presentations that model loan performance over time. The company's side-by-side loan comparisons allow borrowers to make faster, more informed mortgage decisions while enabling lenders to consistently deliver an on-brand, consultative home financing experience that increases borrower conversion, repeat business and referrals. To date, more than 120 enterprise independent mortgage banks, depository banks and credit unions rely on Mortgage Coach to deliver personalized, modern service that grows revenue and customer loyalty. To learn more about Mortgage Coach, visit https://www.mortgagecoach.com or follow @MortgageCoach.

About Intercontinental Exchange:

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) is a Fortune 500 company that designs, builds and operates digital networks to connect people to opportunity. We provide financial technology and data services across major asset classes that offer our customers access to mission-critical workflow tools that increase transparency and operational efficiencies. We operate exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, and clearing houses that help people invest, raise capital and manage risk across multiple asset classes. Our comprehensive fixed income data services and execution capabilities provide information, analytics and platforms that help our customers capitalize on opportunities and operate more efficiently. At ICE Mortgage Technology, we are transforming and digitizing the U.S. residential mortgage process, from consumer engagement through loan registration. Together, we transform, streamline and automate industries to connect our customers to opportunity.

Trademarks of ICE and/or its affiliates include Intercontinental Exchange, ICE, ICE block design, NYSE and New York Stock Exchange. Information regarding additional trademarks and intellectual property rights of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. and/or its affiliates is located here. Key Information Documents for certain products covered by the EU Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation can be accessed on the relevant exchange website under the heading "Key Information Documents (KIDS)."

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 -- Statements in this press release regarding ICE's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see ICE's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in ICE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 4, 2021.

About ICE Mortgage Technology:

ICE Mortgage Technology combines technology, data and expertise to help automate the mortgage process, from consumer engagement through loan registration, and every step and task in between. ICE Mortgage Technology is the leading cloud-based loan origination platform provider for the mortgage industry, with solutions that enable lenders to originate more loans, lower origination costs, and reduce the time to close, all while ensuring high levels of compliance, quality and efficiency. Visit https://www.icemortgagetechnology.com or call (877) 355-4362 to learn more.

Mortgage Coach, a borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive presentations that model home loan performance over time, today announced an advanced integration with ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure.

Related link: https://mortgagecoach.com/

Mortgage Coach integration with First American Title empowers consumers with greater insight into title fees during the loan selection process

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Coach, a borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive presentations that model home loan performance over time, today announced its integration with First American Title Insurance Company, a leading provider of title insurance and settlement services and the largest subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF). The integration enables lenders to incorporate title fees into custom Total Cost Analysis (TCA) presentations, providing consumers with greater insight into their closing costs.

Mortgage Coach enables lenders to provide a consultative home financing experience using digital TCA presentations that deliver accurate, actionable financial advice and compare the performance of mortgage loans over time. The platform's connectivity with lenders' tech stacks allows loan originators to automatically generate and send custom TCA presentations to borrowers via email, text or Mortgage Coach's native mobile app. The integration with First American Title makes it possible to import exact title fees - including lenders' title insurance, recording, Escrow service and borrower closing service fees - into TCA presentations.

First Tech Credit Union (First Tech) is the first to leverage Mortgage Coach's integration with First American Title. According to First Tech Vice President of Mortgage Lending Bill Bolton, "Mortgage Coach TCAs have been pivotal to providing our member family with modern, personalized home financing service that helps them achieve their financial dreams. Using Mortgage Coach's integration with First American Title to provide exact insight into title fees during the loan selection process demonstrates our commitment to member education and uncompromising service."

"When lenders couple consultative education with greater insight into loan fees, consumers feel empowered to make milestone financial decisions with confidence," said Mortgage Coach President Joseph Puthur. "By providing additional insight into closing costs, Mortgage Coach's integration with First American Title helps lenders provide an elevated level of service that will keep customers coming back for life."

"Mortgage Coach's use of our API is a prime example of how First American Title can create efficiencies for our lender customers, while also simplifying the home-buying process for buyers and sellers," said Jim Dulle, senior vice president and managing director with First American Title's Direct Division. "We're committed to developing and deploying innovative technologies that help improve the process of buying and selling real estate for all the parties involved."

Mortgage Coach customers who would like to activate the First American Title integration should contact their customer success representative.

About Mortgage Coach:

Mortgage Coach is an award-winning borrower conversion platform that gives consumers the confidence to transact with educational presentations that model loan performance over time. The company's side-by-side loan comparisons allow borrowers to make faster, more informed mortgage decisions while enabling lenders to consistently deliver an on-brand, consultative home financing experience that increases borrower conversion, repeat business and referrals. To date, more than 120 enterprise independent mortgage banks, depository banks and credit unions rely on Mortgage Coach to deliver personalized, modern service that grows revenue and customer loyalty. To learn more about Mortgage Coach, visit https://www.mortgagecoach.com or follow @MortgageCoach.

About First American Title:

First American Title, the largest subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), traces its history to 1889. One of the largest title insurers in the nation, the company offers title services through its direct operations and an extensive network of agents throughout the United States and abroad. First American Title provides comprehensive title insurance coverage and professional services for real estate purchases, construction, refinances and equity loans. For more information, visit www.firstam.com/title.

About First American:

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions that traces its heritage back to 1889. First American also provides title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $7.1 billion in 2020, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2021, First American was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For(r) list for the sixth consecutive year. More information about the company can be found at https://www.firstam.com/.

Mortgage Coach, a borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive presentations that model home loan performance over time, today announced its integration with First American Title Insurance Company, a leading provider of title insurance and settlement services and the largest subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF).

Related link: https://mortgagecoach.com/

Mortgage Coach and Sales Boomerang accelerate lead conversion with personalized Total Cost Analysis loan presentations for every managed borrower

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Coach, the borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to deliver clear mortgage advice and lending education with the interactive Total Cost Analysis (TCA) loan comparison, today announced an integration with Sales Boomerang, the mortgage industry's top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system. The integration helps convert leads identified with Sales Boomerang's opportunity alerts by enabling lenders to automatically generate accurate TCA presentations that are highly relevant to consumers' housing finance needs.

Sales Boomerang monitors customer databases on behalf of lenders to identify exactly when a prospect or past customer is ready for a new loan. By combining market intelligence - for example, factors such as interest rate changes, improved credit scores and home listings - with mortgage lenders' credit underwriting preferences, Sales Boomerang notifies lenders of high-relevancy loan opportunities. Now, through the integration with Mortgage Coach, every Sales Boomerang opportunity alert from any managed contact record automatically includes a tailored Mortgage Coach TCA that can be used in any form of client or marketing outreach.

With a single touch, loan originators can further personalize the generated loan comparison with video narration from any device, enabling professionals to instantly illustrate all benefits relevant to the borrower. This targeted, proactive loan product positioning leads to a measurable increase in speed of lead decision, selection of more profitable loan scenarios and improved committed loan conversion rates.

Centennial Bank helped shape the Mortgage Coach integration with Sales Boomerang as a trusted depository looking to increase mortgage market share across existing clients. According to Centennial Bank Mortgage Division President Keith Little, "Each month Sales Boomerang proactively identifies hundreds of people within our database who we can now help with a mortgage. By pairing that borrower intelligence with Mortgage Coach's TCA presentations, we now have an automated way of crafting highly personalized lending proposals that illustrate the financial benefits of homeownership, furthering our commitment to provide all our banking customers with long-term mortgage advice and easier access to superior lending services."

"Clearly articulating the specific benefit of a relevant, personalized lending program to newly triggered leads inspires trust and confidence that makes them more likely to transact," said Mortgage Coach President Joe Puthur. "This special innovation with Sales Boomerang gives lenders a fully automated method of providing transparent lending options at the most influential time - well before typical point-of-sale interactions occur. The integration empowers lenders to transform alert-prompted outreach into a consultative conversation by addressing a borrower's needs with the illustrated benefits of lending programs tailored to their specific financial circumstances."

"Our borrower intelligence delivers on ROI promises by excelling at identifying when a borrower is ready to transact," said Sales Boomerang CEO Alex Kutsishin. "Together, Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach enable lenders to deliver unparalleled proactive advice to people based on data, creating immediate sales influence for countless new loan options before the borrower is even shopping."

About Mortgage Coach:

Mortgage Coach is the only platform that allows mortgage lenders to create digital and accurate home loan comparisons for consumers. With the Total Cost Analysis presentation, lenders can create a multi-option comparison, offering the borrower a more personalized digital experience. This level of transparency has revolutionized the rate quoting and pricing process allowing borrowers to make faster, more informed mortgage decisions and ultimately, increase production and pipeline conversion for lenders of any size. For more information on how to start using borrower education as a competitive advantage, please visit http://www.mortgagecoach.com/.

About Sales Boomerang:

Sales Boomerang transformed the relationship between mortgage lenders and borrowers with the introduction of the first automated borrower intelligence system in 2017. The company's intelligent alerts notify lenders as soon as a past customer or prospect is ready and credit-qualified for a loan. As the mortgage industry's #1 borrower retention tool, Sales Boomerang is trusted by more than 150 lenders - including brokers, independent mortgage companies, credit unions and banks - to help build lasting borrower relationships that maximize lifetime customer value.

To date, Sales Boomerang alerts have enabled lenders to close more than $150 billion in additional loan volume that would have otherwise been overlooked and achieve customer retention rates that outperform industry norms by an average of 3-5X. To learn more about Sales Boomerang and its No Borrower Left Behind(tm) ethos, visit https://www.salesboomerang.com.

About Centennial Bank:

Centennial Bank, a Home Bancshares (NASDAQ: HOMB) company, is a full-service financial institution with branches in Florida, Arkansas, Alabama and New York and $15 Billion in total assets. For more information, please visit https://www.my100bank.com/. Centennial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #466091, All loans are subject to credit and property approval.

Mortgage Coach, the borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to deliver clear mortgage advice and lending education with the interactive Total Cost Analysis (TCA) loan comparison, today announced an integration with Sales Boomerang, the mortgage industry's top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system.

Related link: https://mortgagecoach.com/

US-based Carbon Direct invests €15M ($17.7M) for 7% stake in Calix’s LEILAC business

SYDNEY, Australia /ScoopCloud/ -- Multi-award-winning Australian technology company Calix Limited (ASX: CXL) ("Calix" or the "Company") is pleased to announce global decarbonisation investor Carbon Direct Capital Management has invested €15m for a 6.98% equity stake in Calix subsidiary, the LEILAC Group, which is dedicated to the commercialisation and ongoing development of Calix's LEILAC CO2 capture technology.

Highlights:

* €15M investment in Calix's LEILAC business by Carbon Direct, one of the world's leading decarbonisation investors

* Investment will accelerate the development and deployment of LEILAC, which uses Calix technology for cement and lime decarbonisation

* Carbon Direct will advise LEILAC on areas including capital markets, regulations, commercial development, and technical development, helping it scale the business

* LEILAC technology has been successfully piloted at 25,000tpa scale and is now being scaled up to 100,000tpa, with several commercial pilot plants under development

* Investment implements Calix's equity farm-in strategy to create focussed, commercialisation businesses for its core technology

* Calix will host an investor webinar at 10.00am (AEST) Thursday 16 September with CEO, Phil Hodgson. Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_unJvaUQ0TdONM9yA30XgwA

Calix will continue to own the remaining 93% of the LEILAC Group.

In addition, as part of the transaction, Calix has entered into a licence agreement with the LEILAC Group under which it will retain 30% of royalties earned by the LEILAC Group from deployment of the technology, regardless of Calix's equity stake in the LEILAC Group. The LEILAC Group will operate autonomously, with its own management team and a Board composed mostly of Calix directors, with one appointee nominated by Carbon Direct.

The LEILAC Group, comprising Calix (Europe) Ltd (UK) and its subsidiaries, is the exclusive licensee of Calix's Low Emissions Intensity Lime and Cement (LEILAC) CO2 capture technology. LEILAC technology was successfully piloted at 25K tonnes per annum scale at HeidelbergCement's plant in Lixhe, Belgium, and is being scaled up to 100K tonnes per annum scale in the "LEILAC-2" project for a HeidelbergCement plant in Hannover, Germany. Further commercial pilot plants for lime production are under development with Tarmac, the UK division of CRH, and AdBri in Australia, among others.

US-based Carbon Direct's investment arm, Carbon Direct Capital Management, makes direct investments into leading carbon removal and utilisation technology companies. The firm also operates a scientific advisory business, which advises leading corporations on how to fulfil their carbon removal and utilisation commitments. Carbon Direct's advisory work spans 28 countries and includes clients such as Microsoft and Shopify.

Pottinger acted as financial and strategic advisor to Calix on this transaction, and Hamilton Locke acted as legal advisor.

Carbon Direct investment to accelerate LEILAC technology uptake

Along with existing capital already invested in the LEILAC Group, Carbon Direct's investment will be used by the LEILAC Group to accelerate and continue to de-risk deployment of the LEILAC technology, both technically and commercially. Technically, additional resources will be deployed in engineering and research to speed optimisation. Commercially, new resourcing in business development, especially project development and CO2 use or sequestration, will be deployed to help develop complete project solutions for customers. A new CEO will be appointed to run the business as a stand-alone entity.

The investment marks the conclusion of work led by Pottinger to accelerate commercialisation of the LEILAC technology and identify the optimal financial and strategic partner(s) to support this the business' critical next phase of development.

Calix Limited CEO Phil Hodgson said the deal represented a critical milestone in Calix's stated strategy of seeking equity "farm-ins," after initial development undertaken by Calix, to accelerate and deploy its underlying platform technology into each line of business, with Calix remaining head licensor.

"As each of these businesses become independent commercial entities, they will remain joined at the hip" technically with Calix, which will continue to support development of the core intellectual property. Over time, growing royalty income from these companies will also support the development of new applications of the IP and associated technologies," Mr Hodgson said.

He said the investment by Carbon Direct will help accelerate the development and deployment of the Calix Technology for cement and lime decarbonisation.

"The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report was unequivocal in saying that to reach the stated 2030 goals on climate change, CO2 emissions have to be reduced. LEILAC Technology is an option that is being deployed now to meet this urgent need.

"Carbon Direct coming on board is a strong vote of confidence in Calix's LEILAC decarbonising technology, following on from endorsements and partnerships with industry leaders such as HeidelbergCement, Cemex, Lhoist and Solvay

"The investment will assist us in accelerating the deployment of the technology into the carbon capture and storage landscape, with additional resources covering technology research and development, CO2 logistics, use and storage, and whole-of-project expertise, while our technology gains more exposure in global markets outside of Europe.

"The deal also represents our first material portfolio transaction in our stated strategy to farm-in equity to deploy our technology commercially. We believe this strategy adds speed and focus at a critical time in the technology commercialisation journey, and leaves the head company to focus on what it does best - supporting our technology and developing the next global, disruptive applications."

Carbon Direct founder and CEO Jonathan Goldberg said Carbon Direct invested in companies that could deliver both commercially viable solutions and solve big climate problems.

"We are very impressed by the technical and commercial rigor of the LEILAC team, and plant partners are outspoken in their excitement about LEILAC. We are delighted to support Phil, Calix, and the LEILAC Group as they seek to scale LEILAC into cement and lime plants around the world," Mr Goldberg said.

"Both Carbon Direct's investment team and its scientific advisory team, which now includes 46 globally renowned CO2 scientists and project managers, are available to assist the LEILAC Group on subjects including capital markets, regulations, commercial development, and technical development. Our entire firm is dedicated to helping technologies such as LEILAC to scale."

Pottinger Executive Chairman Nigel Lake added: "Great engineering and technology alone are not enough: to have a transformational impact on an entire global industry takes a dedicated and well-resourced business. The investment by Carbon Direct marks a critical inflexion point for both Calix and the LEILAC Group as decarbonisation of the construction sector begins in earnest."

Carbon capture is needed to reach the UN climate goals

Global decarbonisation efforts are accelerating. For example, in June 2019, the UK Government became the first major economy to commit to net zero CO2 by 2050 and is heavily supporting decarbonisation efforts through funding under the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. In 2021, the European Union unveiled a plan to slash its carbon emissions by 55% before 2030 and impose border tariffs on countries, including Australia, that do not have some form of carbon price.

Cement production is the world's single biggest industrial cause of carbon pollution, responsible for up to 8% of global emissions, producing more than 4 billion tonnes of CO2 per year. Cement is the primary ingredient in concrete, the second most used material in the world after water. Meanwhile, the global production volume of lime was approximately 330 million tonnes in 2020, with myriad applications beyond cement including the manufacture of aluminium, asphalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plasterboard, silver, solar-grade silica, steel, table salt and toothpaste. Lime is also used in agriculture and for water and sewage treatment.

Making 1 tonne of lime or cement clinker produces approximately 1 tonne of CO2

LEILAC's Breakthrough carbon capture technology

Between 50 to 60% of cement CO2 emissions derive from the process of heating or "calcination" of limestone, the chemical reaction that converts limestone (CaCO3) into lime (CaO) and CO2. These emissions are therefore unavoidable and a low-cost capture solution is essential.

The patented LEILAC kiln design separates CO2 emissions arising during lime and cement production without significant energy penalty. The LEILAC kiln is being developed to use a variety of input fuels and is also easily electrified, enabling complete decarbonisation of production by switching to renewable energy.

LEILAC technology was successfully piloted at 25ktpa scale at HeidelbergCement's Lixhe Cement plant in Belgium, and is being scaled up to 100kTpa scale in the "LEILAC-2" project for a HeidelbergCement plant in Hannover, Germany. LEILAC-2 is targeted to be in production by late 2023 / early 2024, and is being funded by €34m from the EU Horizon 2020 scheme through a combination of cash and in-kind contributions from industrial partners. In addition to HeidelbergCement, industrial partners helping in developing the technology include Cemex, Tarmac, Cimpor, Lhoist, Engie and Solvay.

Six commercial-scale cement and four commercial scale lime follow-on projects are being developed with several interested parties, with two projects now moving into more detailed planning under previously announced heads of agreement with CRH's UK subsidiary Tarmac and Adbri in Australia.

About Carbon Direct LLC

Carbon Direct provides both scientific advisory services and investment capital to the carbon removal & utilization ecosystem. Our advisory business works for clients to fulfill their carbon removal & utilization commitments. Carbon Direct's team of world-renowned carbon scientists has a nuanced understanding of the true risks and opportunities of emerging and mature carbon removal & utilization technologies. Our investment business makes direct investments into leading carbon removal & utilization companies. Carbon Direct was founded in 2019 by Jonathan Goldberg and has offices in New York City. To learn more, visit http://www.carbon-direct.com/

About Calix

Calix is a team of dedicated people developing a unique, patented technology to provide industrial solutions that address global sustainability challenges.

The core technology is being used to develop more environmentally friendly solutions for sustainable processing, advanced batteries, crop protection, aquaculture, wastewater and carbon reduction.

Calix develops its technology via a global network of research and development collaborations, including governments, research institutes and universities, some of world's largest companies, and a growing customer base and distributor network for its commercialised products and processes.

Because there's only one Earth - Mars is for Quitters.

Website: https://www.calix.global/

Twitter: @CalixLimited

YouTube: CalixLimited

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO Link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0915s2p-calix-leilac-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Calix decarbonising technology at the LEILAC plant in Belgium.

Multi-award-winning Australian technology company Calix Limited (ASX: CXL) ("Calix" or the "Company") is pleased to announce global decarbonisation investor Carbon Direct Capital Management has invested €15m for a 6.98% equity stake in Calix subsidiary, the LEILAC Group, which is dedicated to the commercialisation and ongoing development of Calix's LEILAC CO2 capture technology.

Related link: https://www.calix.global/

Real Estate Technology Firm Swift Homes Partners with iHeartMedia on Marketing Campaign

CHICAGO, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, Swift Homes announced a partnership with iHeartMedia on a multiplatform marketing campaign across multiple markets in the United States to help build awareness of Swift Homes' benefits and seller-friendly offerings that are available to consumers who are looking for real estate advice and services.

"Our partnership with iHeartMedia is important because of the scope and scale they provide," a Swift Homes senior executive said. "Their relationship with their audience allows Swift Homes to effectively communicate to prospective home sellers - educating audiences across the country about simplifying their home selling process."

Swift Homes is a technology company specializing in fast and easy home sales without the seller needing to list their property with a realtor. Their innovative platform provides home sellers with a fast cash offer and closing as quickly as thirty days after signing a contract. Home sellers pay no traditional broker fees, make no repairs, and close and receive cash as soon as thirty days after signing a contract.

Swift Homes stands out among its competitors because it operates across the United States, so sellers aren't limited to specific geographies. In addition, Swift Homes provides special seller-friendly offerings such as allowing sellers to remain in their homes with a rent back program. Even more, Swift Homes will typically make a purchase even if the home being sold is an investment home with tenants.

The marketing campaign has begun and is running across iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations in six markets including: Birmingham, Cincinnati, Fayetteville, Memphis, Raleigh, and St. Louis.

About Swift Homes

Swift Homes is the pre-eminent buyer of homes within the real estate tech space. Their technology has revolutionized and simplified the way a home is sold by streamlining the process and removing unnecessary fees and time that come from listing a home with a broker. With over 20,000 offers made, Swift Homes is one of the largest technology-based home buyers in the country, and their team has over 20 years of experience purchasing homes. In short, if sellers need to sell fast or for any reason, they can sell to Swift Homes in a few easy steps.

About iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 250 million people each month. It is number one in both broadcast and digital streaming radio as well as podcasting and audio ad tech and includes three business segments: The iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group; the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group; and the Audio and Media Services Group. Visit https://www.iheartmedia.com/ for more company information.

MORE INFORMATION:

Swift Homes is located at 875 North Michigan Avenue Suite 3218 in Chicago and can be reached by calling (877) 861-2466. For more information visit http://www.selltoswift.com/ or email hello@SelltoSwift.com.

Today, Swift Homes announced a partnership with iHeartMedia on a multiplatform marketing campaign across multiple markets in the United States to help build awareness of Swift Homes' benefits and seller-friendly offerings that are available to consumers who are looking for real estate advice and services.

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

FormFree integrates AccountChek 3n1 one-stop VOE/VOIE into Encompass®

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® has partnered with ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure,  to make its AccountChek 3n1 asset, income and employment verification service available in Encompass®, the mortgage industry's leading cloud-based loan origination platform.

The seamless API integration allows lenders to order, manage and review verification of asset (VOA) and verification of income/employment (VOIE) reports with a single provider selection in Encompass. By consolidating VOA and VOIE orders through a single vendor, mortgage lenders improve efficiency in the loan origination process, reduce per-loan costs and streamline vendor due diligence.

FormFree's AccountChek 3n1 securely delivers direct-source VOA and VOI/E data in less than a minute, significantly shortening loan application timelines and collecting critical underwriting documents earlier in the application process.

VOA (Asset Report)

For over 10 years, FormFree VOA has helped borrowers skip the paper chase when qualifying for a loan. Borrowers send their direct-source financial data straight to lenders in an underwriting-friendly format that reduces delays, manual errors and fraud risk. Real-time insight into borrowers' assets, income and employment enables better credit decisioning.

Key features include:

* Average connection time of just 22 seconds

* Available with 30, 60, 90 and 180-day refresh periods

* Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) rep and warrant relief eligible

VOIE (Income and Employment Report)

Several of today's popular VOI and VOE solutions have a success rate of less than 50%, requiring lenders to fall back on manual verification processes that are slow and result in a diminished borrower experience. FormFree's VOIE product covers 85% of all U.S. workers (over 100 million wage earners), saving lenders time and improving margins.

Key features include:

* Flat pricing significantly lower than market alternatives

* Up to 6 most recent pay stubs and 2 years of W-2s

* One free report refresh prior to close

"Now mortgage lenders can get all three core verifications - assets, income and employment - from one trusted partner within the familiar Encompass environment," said FormFree CEO Brent Chandler. "By combining VOA and VOIE, FormFree's AccountChek 3n1 eliminates the cost and headache of managing multiple vendors, helps loan teams work more efficiently and delivers a world-class borrower experience that expedites pre-approvals and increases loan pull-through."

About FormFree®

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

ICE Mortgage Technology combines technology, data and expertise to automate the entire mortgage process from consumer engagement through loan registration and every step and task in between. ICE Mortgage Technology is the leading cloud-based loan origination platform provider for the mortgage industry with solutions that enable lenders to originate more loans, lower origination costs, and reduce the time to close, all while ensuring the highest levels of compliance, quality, and efficiency. Visit https://www.icemortgagetechnology.com/ or call (877) 355-4362 to learn more.

About Intercontinental Exchange

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) is a Fortune 500 company that designs, builds and operates digital networks to connect people to opportunity. We provide financial technology and data services across major asset classes that offer our customers access to mission-critical workflow tools that increase transparency and operational efficiencies. We operate exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, and clearing houses that help people invest, raise capital and manage risk across multiple asset classes. Our comprehensive fixed income data services and execution capabilities provide information, analytics and platforms that help our customers capitalize on opportunities and operate more efficiently. At ICE Mortgage Technology, we are transforming and digitizing the U.S. residential mortgage process, from consumer engagement through loan registration. Together, we transform, streamline and automate industries to connect our customers to opportunity.

Trademarks of ICE and/or its affiliates include Intercontinental Exchange, ICE, ICE block design, NYSE and New York Stock Exchange. Information regarding additional trademarks and intellectual property rights of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. and/or its affiliates is located here: https://www.intercontinentalexchange.com/terms-of-use. Key Information Documents for certain products covered by the EU Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation can be accessed on the relevant exchange website under the heading "Key Information Documents (KIDS)."

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 -- Statements in this press release regarding ICE's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see ICE's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in ICE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 4, 2021.

Twitter: @RealFormFree @ICEMortgageTech #mortgageindustry #fintech #digitalmortgage

FormFree® has partnered with ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure,  to make its AccountChek 3n1 asset, income and employment verification service available in Encompass®, the mortgage industry's leading cloud-based loan origination platform.

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

Move For Hunger to Connect Food Donations with Local Distribution Centers in Partnership with Goldman Sachs Asset Management

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, today announced that they will partner with the Private Real Estate business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs) on a national program that leverages both organizations' networks to create scalable social impact through community-based food distribution channels.

This new partnership, the first of its kind with an institutional real estate investor, will help Move For Hunger transport more food to those in need and become a standard offering at eligible existing Goldman Sachs multi-family real estate investments, and future acquisitions. The program involves establishing a seamless and easy process that provides residents with a donation kit and instructions for packaging food that would

have otherwise been discarded. Through a national network of professional moving companies, Move For Hunger collects resident food donations from each participating property on a regular cadence and delivers the donated items to local food banks for distribution.

With thousands of units in more than 40 cities in the current multifamily portfolio, this represents a large-scale opportunity to create consistent and ongoing positive impacts in the communities where the team invests. In rental communities, a steady flow of resident turnover and lease expirations typically means an increase in items that end up in the onsite dumpsters. Among the many household items that are often disposed of during a move, pantry items and nonperishable foods are commonly found in the trash receptacles. This program is a strong example of how strategic relationships can enable market participants to connect the dots and make the user's and beneficiary's experiences, easy and streamlined. The impact is also clear with Move For Hunger collecting more than 5 million lbs of food (4 million meals) in 2020 alone.

On the partnership, Nicolette Jaze, a Vice President who manages operational ESG integration for real estate investments at Goldman Sachs Asset Management says, "The obvious benefit here is rescuing and delivering countless pounds of food to community-based organizations that can quickly activate to get these donations in the hands of those who need them most. The less obvious, yet highly impactful benefit is the connectivity that Move For Hunger is creating between properties and local communities. They are the facilitators of a classic neighbor-helping-neighbor framework that is critical to strengthening communities and creating sense of place."

"We are absolutely thrilled to add Goldman Sachs and their properties to the Move For Hunger network," said Adam Lowy, Executive Director and Founder of Move For Hunger. "Hunger is experienced in every zip code and the diversity of Goldman Sachs' portfolio will allow us to make a positive impact in cities all across the United States."

In the U.S., food insecurity is on the rise. Due to the pandemic, 5 million more Americans (42 million in total) are going hungry including 1 in 6 children. All the while, 35% of the food produced in the country is ending up in landfills. The new partnership between the two organizations will help get food in the hands of the people that need it most.

About Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Goldman Sachs Asset Management is the primary investing arm of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS). We provide investment and advisory services for some of the world's leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals. We invest across public and private markets through one world-class investing platform with more than $2 trillion in assets under supervision. Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial institution that delivers financial services across investment banking, securities, investment management and consumer banking to a large and diversified client base. Visit www.gsam.com for more information. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About Move For Hunger

Move For Hunger is a national non-profit organization that has created a sustainable way to reduce food waste and fight hunger. We have mobilized the leaders of moving, relocation, and multifamily industries to provide their customers, clients, and residents with the opportunity to donate their food when they move. Members of Move For Hunger also organize community food drives, participate in awareness campaigns, and create employee engagement programs. For more information, or to find out how you can host your own food drive, visit https://moveforhunger.org/.

Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, today announced that they will partner with the Private Real Estate business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs) on a national program that leverages both organizations' networks to create scalable social impact through community-based food distribution channels.

Related link: https://moveforhunger.org/

ICE Mortgage Technology Acquires eVault Technology from DocMagic for Encompass eClose

TORRANCE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure, today announced it will deploy an eVault solution for secure storage of digital mortgages and notes, based upon technology acquired from DocMagic, Inc.

The eVault technology will be integrated into ICE's mortgage closing platform, Encompass eClose, a leading-edge solution that helps to transform the way loans are electronically closed in the United States. Encompass eClose enables lenders to electronically facilitate every aspect of the eClosing workflow, from ordering documents to delivering loans to investors - and all steps in between - without ever having to leave Encompass, the industry's most recognized loan origination system.

"By creating an end-to-end solution and further automating the mortgage closing process, we're helping the industry transition to paperless closings and enabling more efficient processes for our customers," said Joe Tyrrell, President, ICE Mortgage Technology. "We acquired technology from DocMagic, who has deep experience in the mortgage space, and when this technology is integrated with our other services, Encompass eClose will enable customers to eliminate time and cost in the closing process and create better experiences for borrowers."

"ICE Mortgage Technology and DocMagic have been helping lenders implement digital mortgage processes for years," said Dominic Iannitti, president and CEO of DocMagic. "The migration towards digital mortgages is progressing quickly, and we're happy to have provided ICE with capabilities to enable fully-paperless lending workflows along with better supply chain connectivity."

Both ICE and DocMagic are committed to delivering technology to increase eClosing adoption in the mortgage industry.

ICE Mortgage Technology combines technology, data and expertise to automate the entire mortgage process from consumer engagement through loan registration. Today, more than 3,000 mortgage lenders, 45,000 agents, as well as technology partners and mortgage investors can use the powerful capabilities of ICE Mortgage Technologies solutions to drive efficiencies and profitability for their businesses.

About Intercontinental Exchange:

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) is a Fortune 500 company that designs, builds and operates digital networks to connect people to opportunity. We provide financial technology and data services across major asset classes that offer our customers access to mission-critical workflow tools that increase transparency and operational efficiencies. We operate exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, and clearing houses that help people invest, raise capital and manage risk across multiple asset classes. Our comprehensive fixed income data services and execution capabilities provide information, analytics and platforms that help our customers capitalize on opportunities and operate more efficiently. At ICE Mortgage Technology, we are transforming and digitizing the U.S. residential mortgage process, from consumer engagement through loan registration. Together, we transform, streamline and automate industries to connect our customers to opportunity.

Trademarks of ICE and/or its affiliates include Intercontinental Exchange, ICE, ICE block design, NYSE and New York Stock Exchange. Information regarding additional trademarks and intellectual property rights of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. and/or its affiliates is located here. Key Information Documents for certain products covered by the EU Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation can be accessed on the relevant exchange website under the heading "Key Information Documents (KIDS)."

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 -- Statements in this press release regarding ICE's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see ICE's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in ICE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 4, 2021.

About DocMagic:

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

© 2021 Ellie Mae, Inc., doing business as ICE Mortgage Technology. All rights reserved. Encompass(r) and the ICE Mortgage Technology logo are trademarks of the entities of ICE Mortgage Technology.

*LOGO link for media (DocMagic): https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0611s2p-docmagic-logo-300dpi.jpg

ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure, today announced it will deploy an eVault solution for secure storage of digital mortgages and notes, based upon technology acquired from DocMagic, Inc.

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

Beyond Benign Launches Its Green Chemistry Commitment 25×25 Initiative

WILMINGTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Beyond Benign, a green chemistry education nonprofit, today announced the launch of its Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) 25x25 Initiative, working to ensure that 25 percent of graduating chemists in the US have a background in green chemistry by 2025 with the support of Beyond Benign partner Dow (NYSE: DOW). The initiative comes at a time when today's societal challenges are immense, as articulated through the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Beyond Benign's Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) is dedicated to integrating green chemistry and toxicology concepts into chemistry programs with the goal of providing students with the skills to design chemical products and processes to reduce human and environmental hazards. With 64 US signers to date, accounting for 8% of graduating chemists, the GCC program is working to create a systemic change in chemistry education, inspiring additional institutions to pursue and integrate green chemistry. With this new initiative of ensuring 25 percent of chemistry students graduate with a background in green chemistry, Beyond Benign is taking new action to extend the GCC reach and resources to achieve this goal over the next four years. Learn more: https://www.beyondbenign.org/he-green-chemistry-commitment/.

"We believe that by supporting educators and students to teach and learn green chemistry, we are equipping the next generation of scientists and citizens to design and select products that support both human health and the environment," says Amy Cannon, Director and Co-Founder of Beyond Benign. "With chemistry at the foundation of any sustainable solution, we are excited about the potential this initiative brings to build a critical mass of green chemists in the workforce."

To achieve the ambitious goal of preparing the workforce for sustainable action, per the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG 4.7), Beyond Benign will provide resources and support to interested institutions. This support includes an assessment of current chemistry and green chemistry programs, recommended lessons to incorporate into their curriculum and labs, an annual Green Chemistry Commitment Summit to bring all signers together, financial resources and on-going support for mentors, teachers, faculty and staff.

"It is imperative that our incoming workforce is prepared to design, create and produce sustainable solutions for the well-being of humanity," says Eunice Heath, Corporate Director of Sustainability for Dow. "Through Beyond Benign's aggressive GCC 25x25 initiative, we will be able to make a lasting impact on education, science and the global market."

Since 2007, Beyond Benign has integrated green chemistry into K-12 and higher education institutions through teacher training, lesson plans, community networks, webinars, and events. Institutions that are interested in incorporating green chemistry in their classrooms and labs can inquire about participating in the Green Chemistry Commitment by visiting the Beyond Benign website to learn more: https://www.beyondbenign.org/he-how-to-commit/

About Beyond Benign:

Beyond Benign, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, envisions a world where the chemical building blocks of products used every day are healthy and safe for humans and the environment. Beyond Benign is fostering a green chemistry education community empowered to transform chemistry education for a sustainable future. Beyond Benign's continuum of sustainable science educational programs including, teacher and faculty training and curriculum development from K-20 are helping to build the next generation of scientists and citizens with the skills and knowledge to create and choose products that are safe for human health and the environment.

Over the past 13 years, Beyond Benign has an extensive history of service, having trained over 6,000 K-12 teachers in sustainable science and green chemistry, designed over 200 open-access lessons, reached over 25,000 youth and community members through outreach, & partnered with 75 universities to transform chemistry education. Together we can catalyze the development of green technological innovations that result in safer products and processes in support of a sustainable, healthy society.

Learn more at: https://www.beyondbenign.org/.

Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and on LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT
Nicki Wiggins
Director of Development
Beyond Benign
Nicki_Wiggins@beyondbenign.org
978-229-5443

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0402s2p-beyond-benign-300dpi.jpg

Ticker: NYSE:DOW / NY: DOW

Beyond Benign, a green chemistry education nonprofit, today announced the launch of its Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) 25x25 Initiative, working to ensure that 25 percent of graduating chemists in the US have a background in green chemistry by 2025 with the support of Beyond Benign partner Dow (NYSE: DOW).

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

Nocera, Inc. Signs Variable Interest Entity Agreements Resulting in 100% Controlling Interest in Xin Feng Construction Co., Ltd. and Shunda Feed Co., Ltd. in Taiwan

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Nocera, Inc. (OTC:NCRA) ("Company") today announced that it has formally signed Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") agreements with Xin Feng Construction Co. Ltd., (XFC) a Taiwan construction firm, and Shunda Feed Co., Ltd., (SFC) a Taiwan aquaculture feed firm resulting in 100% controlling interest in both companies. Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, the Company exchanged a total of 1,000,000 shares of restricted stock for 100% of the controlling interest, under the VIE agreements, of Shunda Feed Co., Ltd. and Xin Feng Construction Co., Ltd.

Jeff Cheng, President and CEO of Nocera, Inc., stated, "The VIE agreements with Xin Feng Construction and Shunda Feed are important milestones for our Company. These acquisitions provide our Company with strategic integration to better develop our land-based recirculating aquaculture systems ("RAS") and as an aquaculture food supplier in the Taiwanese market. We believe we are now better positioned to support the construction activities of our clients, and the development of Company owned and operated fish farms. Additionally, management believes that the Company will be better positioned to become a key supplier to other fish farm operators."

Nocera intends to provide technical consulting and related services to both companies and intends to direct through management input, the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of SFC, and XFC. The Company is responsible for the management of SFC, and XFC and has the exclusive right to exercise all voting rights of both acquisitions, under the VIE terms.

See the Form 8-K filing on the SEC EDGAR website at www.sec.gov or click on the following link to view the 8-K in its entirety: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1756180/000106594921000001/nocera8kdec312020.htm

About Nocera, Inc.

Nocera, Inc. designs, builds, and installs equipment for the fish farming industry, as well as provides technical assistance to fish farm operations. Learn more at: https://www.nocera.company/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are only predictions. Nocera, Inc. cautions readers that forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's analysis only on their stated date, and Nocera, Inc. takes no obligation to update or revise these statements except as may be required by law. More detailed information about the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in Nocera, Inc.'s Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is available on the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov/.

Nocera, Inc. Taipei Office:
3F (Building B), No. 185, Sec. 1, Datong Rd.
Xizhi Dist., New Taipei City 221, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Website: https://www.nocera.company/

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TICKER: OTC: NCRA / NCRA:OTC

Nocera, Inc. (OTC:NCRA) ("Company") today announced that it has formally signed Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") agreements with Xin Feng Construction Co. Ltd., (XFC) a Taiwan construction firm, and Shunda Feed Co., Ltd., (SFC) a Taiwan aquaculture feed firm resulting in 100% controlling interest in both companies.

Related link: https://www.nocera.company/

Galway Insurance Holdings Secures Majority Interest from Harvest Partners with New Equity Investments from Oak Hill Capital and The Carlyle Group

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Galway Insurance Holdings ("Galway"), the holding company for EPIC Brokers & Consultants ("EPIC") and JenCap Holdings ("JenCap"), which together represent one of the nation's largest insurance distribution firms, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement with vehicles controlled by Harvest Partners, LP and its affiliates ("Harvest") for a majority interest of Galway.

Galway's existing private equity investors, Oak Hill Capital ("Oak Hill") and The Carlyle Group ("Carlyle"), will reinvest alongside the management team and employee shareholders, who will remain significant shareholders. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

In total, Galway manages over $7 billion of insurance premiums, employs over 3,100 associates and operates over 100 offices serving all 50 states. EPIC and JenCap are ranked as the 14th and 8th largest retail and specialty distribution brokers by Business Insurance magazine, respectively.

John Hahn, co-founder and Chairman of Galway, said, "We are thrilled with the outcome and are excited to welcome Harvest on as partners. To have them alongside Oak Hill and Carlyle presents us with a formidable group of investors highly supportive of our vision to continue to build a differentiated business within insurance distribution. This recapitalization provides us with the ability to be opportunistic in today's market; to grow and expand each of Galway's related specialty strategies around retail brokerage, risk management, wholesale brokerage, program administration and underwriting management."

EPIC CEO, Steve Denton said, "The addition of Harvest Partners and the ongoing commitment of both Oak Hill and Carlyle allows our retail platform to continue our exponential growth in all aspects of our business which now includes comprehensive, nationwide solutions across industry focused practices in employee benefits and property & casualty along with dedicated resources in areas like risk management, small commercial and private clients."

John Jennings, co-founder and CEO of JenCap, said, "This is exactly why we joined the Galway platform; the business dynamics of the holding company are extremely attractive for investors and will allow us to pursue our aggressive growth goals, while building out further specialty expertise and depth across our platform for our twelve thousand retail clients."

Jay Wilkins, COO and Partner of Harvest, said, "John, Steve and John have built an exceptional business with the support of Oak Hill and Carlyle that we look forward to continue aggressively growing" with Steve Carlson, Partner, adding "It is an optimal time to invest in such a strong team to capitalize on favorable dynamics in the insurance distribution space."

Steve Puccinelli, Managing Partner of Oak Hill said, "Since our original 2017 investment in EPIC, John Hahn and his top-tier team have more than tripled the business, significantly expanding that company's unique platform and successfully joining it with JenCap to create Galway in June of this year. We are excited to continue to partner with the Galway management team, as well as Harvest and Carlyle, to build the preeminent growth platform in insurance distribution."

John Redett, Managing Director and Head of Carlyle's Global Financial Services group, said, "We're proud of our long-standing partnership with John Hahn and the rest of the management team. John and the Galway team have done a fantastic job growing the business since we initially invested in 2013 and we believe Galway is positioned to capitalize on a number of strategic initiatives going forward. The addition of Harvest Partners and continued investment from Carlyle, Oak Hill Capital, and management further strengthens our tenured partnership and creates a strong alignment among all stakeholders."

Equity capital for the investment will come from funds managed by Harvest Partners, L.P., Oak Hill Partners Fund V, and Carlyle Global Financial Services Partners II and III.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2020, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Evercore Group LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co LLC served as financial advisors to Galway. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel to Oak Hill and Galway. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as legal counsel to Carlyle. Ropes and Gray LLP served as legal counsel to Harvest.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

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

About JenCap Holdings

JenCap Holdings is a premier national specialty insurance distribution platform that includes managing general agencies, specialty program administrators, and transactional wholesale brokers. JenCap has assembled a management team with the sector insight and experience to drive organic growth and strategic acquisitions leveraging technology and advanced data analytics. JenCap is headquartered in New York. For more information on JenCap, visit: https://jencapholdings.com/.

About Harvest Partners

Founded in 1981, Harvest Partners is an established New York-based private equity investment firm that focuses on investments in middle-market companies in the business services & consumer, healthcare, industrial services, and manufacturing and distribution sectors. This strategy leverages Harvest Partners' nearly 40 years of experience in financing organic and acquisition-oriented growth companies. For more information, please visit https://www.harvestpartners.com/.

About Oak Hill Capital

Oak Hill Capital is a private equity firm managing funds with approximately $15 billion of initial capital commitments and co-investments since inception. Over the past 34 years, Oak Hill Capital and its predecessors have invested in over 90 private equity transactions across broad segments of the U.S. and global economies. Oak Hill Capital applies an industry-focused, theme-based approach to investing in the following sectors: Media & Communications; Services; Industrials; and Consumer, Retail & Distribution. Oak Hill works actively in partnership with management to implement strategic and operational initiatives to create franchise value. For more information, please visit: https://oakhill.com/.

About The Carlyle Group

The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across four business segments: Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Credit and Investment Solutions. With $230 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2020, Carlyle's purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. The Carlyle Group employs more than 1,800 people in 31 offices across six continents. For more information, please visit https://www.carlyle.com/.

Galway Insurance Holdings ("Galway"), the holding company for EPIC Brokers & Consultants ("EPIC") and JenCap Holdings ("JenCap"), which together represent one of the nation's largest insurance distribution firms, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement with vehicles controlled by Harvest Partners, LP and its affiliates ("Harvest") for a majority interest of Galway.

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

SimpleNexus Collaboration with Progressive Insurance Brings Home Insurance to Mobile Mortgage App Used by Nearly 3 Million Borrowers

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced the availability of home insurance quotes from Progressive® (NYSE: PGR, https://www.progressive.com/) within the SimpleNexus digital mortgage app.

Home insurance is a requirement for nearly all single-family home purchase and refinance loans. If a borrower fails to provide proof of home insurance in time for the loan closing, the loan cannot be finalized and funded. Such delays are costly to lenders and inconvenient for all parties. SimpleNexus' collaboration with Progressive makes it easy for borrowers to secure a home insurance policy in the same app they use to complete other loan-related tasks. Borrowers can also use Progressive's HomeQuote Explorer(tm) to compare quotes from multiple carriers.

"With SimpleNexus, any mortgage lender can give its customers a cohesive experience from home search to home closing - and now that includes home insurance," said SimpleNexus Founder and CEO Matt Hansen. "We're delighted to collaborate with a household name like Progressive to make it easy for borrowers to close their loans on time and obtain much-needed peace of mind."

"Working with SimpleNexus, we're excited to offer more choices to millions of U.S. borrowers as they become homeowners or are refinancing their existing loans," said Progressive Business Leader of Direct Property Quoting Tammy Loucks. "A home is likely a person's most valuable asset, and this integration makes it easy to obtain a home insurance policy."

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers, real estate agents and settlement service providers to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus @Progressive #digitalmortgage #homeinsurance

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SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced the availability of home insurance quotes from Progressive® (NYSE: PGR) within the SimpleNexus digital mortgage app.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

LBA Ware’s LimeGear Business Intelligence Platform Brings Performance Dashboards and Scorecards to Users of Fiserv’s Mortgage Director LOS

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware(TM), a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence (BI) software solutions for the mortgage industry, has partnered with Fiserv Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV) to provide out-of-the-box business dashboards and reports to users of the Mortgage Director loan origination system (LOS). With the integration of LBA Ware's LimeGear BI platform into Mortgage Director, banks, credit unions and independent mortgage lenders gain immediate access to sophisticated tools for improving efficiency, productivity and profitability.

Formerly known as PCLender, Mortgage Director is the modern LOS at the core of the Fiserv lending ecosystem. It enables lenders to offer a seamless, self-service mortgage experience that exceeds consumer expectations while improving service levels, streamlining operations and reducing loan manufacturing costs.

LimeGear is a turnkey BI platform that enables mortgage lenders to deploy unified data strategies across their organizations for actionable insights into productivity and efficiency. Branch and area managers can use data insights from LimeGear's dashboards to keep loan pipelines moving, zero in on decisions that support profitability and evaluate and inspire team performance.

"Financial institutions rarely have the luxury of assigning a dedicated data team to evaluate mortgage leads, pipelines, productivity and performance in real-time - yet business insights drawn from end-to-end loan lifecycle data are exactly what lenders need to maintain a competitive edge in any market," said LBA Ware Founder and CEO Lori Brewer. "LimeGear's data connection with Mortgage Director gives banks, credit unions and independent mortgage bankers a fast path to powerful dashboards and scorecards that supercharge their efficiency."

Fiserv will showcase LimeGear's integration with Mortgage Director in a virtual event this afternoon, November 10, from 2-3 p.m. ET. For registration details, contact your Mortgage Director account manager.

About LBA Ware:

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

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

Twitter: @LBAWare @Fiserv #mortgageindustry #mortgagetechnology #mortgagelending #LimeGear #BI #businessintelligence

LBA Ware, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence (BI) software solutions for the mortgage industry, has partnered with Fiserv Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV) to provide out-of-the-box business dashboards and reports to users of the Mortgage Director loan origination system (LOS).

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

SimpleNexus Extends Ellie Mae Integration with Hybrid eClosings for Mortgage Lenders and Borrowers

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced the availability of its recently launched hybrid eClosing feature on the Ellie Mae(R) Digital Lending Platform.

Ellie Mae, now a part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), is the leading cloud-based loan origination platform provider for the mortgage industry. The Ellie Mae Digital Lending Platform empowers lenders and investors to engage homebuyers and efficiently originate, close, sell and purchase loans that maximize ROI across their business all from a single system of record. The platform delivers a true digital mortgage experience across the entire mortgage workflow for every channel, every loan transaction and every customer type.

"A lender's need for simple, effective eClosing solutions has never been greater," said SimpleNexus CEO Matt Hansen. "SimpleNexus eClosing delights borrowers and turbocharges closing team efficiency, resulting in loans that can be sent off to investors sooner and with fewer errors. By shrinking the gap between loan funding and shipping, lenders can save money by reducing their dwell time on warehouse lines of credit. Additionally, borrowers now have one single portal from home search to home closing."

"We are thrilled to have SimpleNexus join our existing eClosing partners to extend the availability of hybrid eClosing solutions within the Ellie Mae Digital Lending Platform," said Ellie Mae Vice President of Business Development Bob Hart. "This partnership is a key step in expanding our ability to provide our lender customers with easy access to digitally closing loans quickly and safely."

SimpleNexus eClosing enables lenders to conduct hybrid closings for purchase and refinance loans, resulting in higher quality loans and faster delivery of those loans to investors. In a hybrid eClosing, borrowers electronically sign (eSign) home loan documents that do not require notarization before meeting with a settlement agent or notary to finalize the closing. Closing appointments are reduced to only a few minutes, since relatively few documents require in-person signatures.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers, real estate agents and settlement service providers to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus @EllieMaeInc #digitalmortgage #mortgagelending #domore #eClosing

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SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced the availability of its recently launched hybrid eClosing feature on the Ellie Mae Digital Lending Platform.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

Beyond Benign Partners with Dow to Expand Green Chemistry in Higher Education

WILMINGTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Green chemistry education nonprofit Beyond Benign partnered with Dow (NYSE: DOW) at the start of 2020 to encourage academic institutions to engage in the adoption of green chemistry in higher education. Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that generate the least amount of harm and waste possible while maintaining excellent quality. Since 2007, Beyond Benign has integrated green chemistry into K-12 and higher education institutions through teacher training, lesson plans, community networks, webinars, and events.

"The team at Beyond Benign is very excited to partner with Dow," says Amy Cannon, Beyond Benign's Director and Co-Founder. "Chemistry and materials science companies design the building blocks of all the products around us. By supporting Beyond Benign's Green Chemistry Commitment, Dow is demonstrating the importance of green chemistry skills and knowledge for their incoming workforce to enable the design of safer products and materials."

Dow's contribution through volunteer time and corporate sustainability expertise to engage academic stakeholders in companywide goals, as well as financial support, is allowing Beyond Benign to increase partnerships with university programs through its Green Chemistry Commitment program. The Green Chemistry Commitment program fosters a community of practice among higher education institutions to share resources and best practices in implementing green chemistry in their courses and programs.

Currently Beyond Benign's GCC program, includes signers from 70 institutions reaching over 1,300 faculty members who are united around a shared vision to:
* Expand the community of green chemists at their institutions,
* Grow departmental resources,
* Improve connections to industry and job opportunities in green chemistry, and
* Collaborate to affect systemic and lasting change in chemistry education.

"Dow is committed to advance the well-being of humanity through science, innovation and collaboration. It is vital that our university partners are aligned and engaged with Dow, across all our value chains, to help solve our world's sustainability challenges. Our partnership with Beyond Benign aligns with our 'Safe Materials for a Sustainable Planet' goal by ensuring our incoming workforce is prepared to design sustainable materials for the marketplace," says Eunice Heath, Corporate Director of Sustainability for Dow.

Beyond Benign's Green Chemistry Commitment program is dedicated to integrating green chemistry and toxicology concepts into chemistry programs with the goal of providing students with the skills to design chemical products/processes that have reduced human and environmental hazards. Seven of Dow's academic partners are signed on to Beyond Benign's Green Chemistry Commitment: University of Minnesota, University of California Berkeley, University of California Santa Barbara, Michigan State University, Prairie View A&M University, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and Wayne State University.

To learn more about this program and which universities have signed the pledge, please visit Beyond Benign's website: https://www.beyondbenign.org/he-green-chemistry-commitment/

About Beyond Benign:

Beyond Benign, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, envisions a world where the chemical building blocks of products used every day are healthy and safe for humans and the environment. Beyond Benign is fostering a green chemistry education community empowered to transform chemistry education for a sustainable future. Beyond Benign's continuum of sustainable science educational programs including, teacher and faculty training, and curriculum development from K-20 are helping to build the next generation of scientists and citizens with the skills and knowledge to create and choose products that are safe for human health and the environment.

Over the past 13 years, Beyond Benign has an extensive history of service, having trained over 6,000 K-12 teachers in sustainable science and green chemistry, designed over 200 open-access lessons, reached over 25,000 youth and community members through outreach, & partnered with 70 universities to transform chemistry education. Together we can catalyze the development of green technological innovations that result in safer products and processes in support of a sustainable, healthy society.

For more information about Beyond Benign, visit https://www.beyondbenign.org/

Also, find us on Twitter @beyondbenign, on Instagram @beyondbenign, and follow us on Facebook @beyondbenign or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-benign-inc/.

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Ticker: NYSE:DOW / NY: DOW

Green chemistry education nonprofit Beyond Benign partnered with Dow (NYSE: DOW) at the start of 2020 to encourage academic institutions to engage in the adoption of green chemistry in higher education. Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that generate the least amount of harm and waste possible while maintaining excellent quality.

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

FormFree Enhances Encompass Consumer Connect® Integration with Auto-Population of Borrower Data into 1003 Loan Application

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® today announced enhancements to the integration between its AccountChek® verification service and Encompass Consumer Connect®. Now, borrower data collected by AccountChek in Consumer Connect will automatically map to the Form 1003 (the Universal Residential Loan Application) in the Ellie Mae® Digital Lending Platform, saving lenders time and relieving them of the frustration and risk associated with manual data entry.

The upgrade also fully embeds AccountChek within the Consumer Connect user experience (UX) for easier borrower navigation and reduced application fall-out.

Ellie Mae, now a part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), is the leading cloud-based platform provider for the mortgage finance industry. The company's Consumer Connect is a mortgage point-of-sale platform that provides a scalable, intuitive experience for homebuyers while helping lenders close loans faster and convert more applications to closed loans.

FormFree's patented AccountChek and AccountChek Plus(tm) provide lenders actionable intelligence on borrowers' ability to repay loans by consolidating, analyzing and verifying asset account balances and details, employment data and income data obtained directly from financial institutions and other authoritative sources.

"FormFree expedites pre-approvals and increases loan pull-through by paperlessly verifying borrower asset, employment and income information in a single report at the point of sale," said FormFree Chief Technology Officer Brian Francis. "The latest enhancements to our Consumer Connect integration will make it easier and faster than ever for lenders to make informed credit decisions."

"As an Ellie Mae Consumer Connect user, we are excited about the recent enhancement to the AccountChek process. The enhanced integration means an easier application process, which supports our objective to continuously improve the member experience," said Dawana Manning, AVP of Loan Fulfillment, Residential Lending for Atlanta-based Delta Community Credit Union. "The increased efficiency gained by the automated addition of VOA [verification of asset] data to the loan application is a huge benefit to our lending team."

About FormFree:

FormFree is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek and Passport are changing the credit decisioning landscape and encouraging lenders nationwide to incorporate a more holistic view of each borrower's financial DNA. To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing over a trillion dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, reduces origination timelines by up to 20 days and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey(tm).

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

Twitter: @RealFormFree @EllieMaeInc @DeltaCommunity #ConsumerConnect #mortgageindustry #VOA

Ticker: NYSE:ICE / NY: ICE

FormFree today announced enhancements to the integration between its AccountChek verification service and Encompass Consumer Connect. Now, borrower data collected by AccountChek in Consumer Connect will automatically map to the Form 1003 (the Universal Residential Loan Application) in the Ellie Mae Digital Lending Platform, saving lenders time and relieving them of the frustration and risk associated with manual data entry.

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

New UniConverter v12 with Powerful Media Convert Feature Upgrade

SHENZHEN, China /ScoopCloud/ -- On July 08, 2020, Wondershare (SHE: 300624) launched UniConverter v12 to hit the market. The latest version has an overhauled navigation bar-based interface and claims to offer drastically improved performance of the 'Video Converter' tool.

The new version rolled out with a couple of new features and said to bid significantly enhanced end-user experience and workability. Some of the mention-worthy advancements that Wondershare promises the users will get with UniConverter v12 include:

* Designed using the industry-leading APEXTRANS technology exclusive to Wondershare, the updated app is said to convert or compress the videos with zero picture quality deterioration. If the claims are correct, in contrast to its predecessor, the improved GPU acceleration exploits the multicore processor to its maximum.

* With 64-bit support, UniConverter v12 could boost the video conversion process by 20% as compared to its elder sibling.

* The program allows lossless batch conversions where setting global output parameters, and multiple videos can be converted to a relevant format in a single go with absolutely no quality loss. The audio and video conversion processes can temporarily be halted with the 'Pause' feature should some other resource-intensive important task come up that must be treated with priority.

* Otherwise, The app can convert 4K and 8K videos and can perform batch conversion for those large files.

* HEVC is another format type that UniConverter v12 supports, and claims to convert the videos with no loss of picture quality.

* The 'Task Scheduler' feature can arrange your conversion tasks and system activities after conversion.

Learn more about the product at: https://videoconverter.wondershare.com/convert-video.html

Formerly known as Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate, the latest version, UniConverter v12, hit the market on July 08, 2020. The app has an updated UI, and with the exclusive APEXTRANS technology, the program offers improved performance as compared to all its predecessors released to date.

Website: https://videoconverter.wondershare.com

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TICKER: SHE: 300624 / SHE:300624

On July 08, 2020, Wondershare (SHE: 300624) launched UniConverter v12 to hit the market. The latest version has an overhauled navigation bar-based interface and claims to offer drastically improved performance of the 'Video Converter' tool.

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

DocMagic and Simplifile Team to Advance eClosing Adoption, eNotarizations, and eRecordings

TORRANCE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, regulatory compliance and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced it has partnered with leading real estate document collaboration and recording technology provider Simplifile to deliver new process efficiencies that further digitize the closing process, including post-closing automation. Simplifile is part of ICE Mortgage Services, which applies technology and high-capacity infrastructure to make the mortgage process electronic and more efficient.

DocMagic's Total eClose(TM) platform is a single-source platform that eliminates paper and offers major advantages over piecemealed providers that only address components of the overall eClosing process. The integration between Total eClose and Simplifile's Collaboration and Post Closing services includes access to Simplifile's eEligibility data for eNotarization acceptance.

Further, loan closings done through DocMagic's Total eClose platform can now be automatically routed to the settlement agent thorough Simplifile for electronic closing coordination, thus streamlining access to DocMagic's Total eClose room for the eClosing. The digital lift continues beyond the closing table with integrated eRecording with participating counties. Those recorded documents and the title policy are then returned electronically along with associated recording metadata to the lender.

"This integration further streamlines the post-closing process by extending the eClosing process to include county recordings," stated Dominic Iannitti, president and CEO of DocMagic. "Our partnership with Simplifile provides their vast network of more than 39,000 settlement agents with easy access to DocMagic's Total eClose services."

Using Simplifile, agents can seamlessly connect to all of DocMagic's eClose-enabled lenders in one place to exchange documents, data and closing logistics, thus enabling them to more easily support lenders' eClosing initiatives. In addition, Simplifile provides eClosing support and training to all agents to help drive adoption and success of eClosing efforts.

"Process consistency is key to driving eClosing adoption with lender closing teams and settlement agents, regardless of what percentage of loans qualify to be closed digitally or where individual loans fall on the digital spectrum," said Paul Clifford, president of Simplifile. "The combination of DocMagic's proven eClosing technology and Simplifile's settlement agent network creates a powerful foundation that enables lenders to scale their digital mortgage efforts as jurisdictional and investor requirements allow and capture every drop of efficiency and cost-savings possible."

DocMagic's Total eClose platform, coupled with its dynamic document generation service, establishes a single-source solution that intelligently digitizes documents from initial disclosures through closing documents. STRATMOR Group's 2019 Mortgage Technology Insight Study ranked Total eClose(TM) the eClosing leader based on market share, overall satisfaction and lender loyalty. Further, the survey also ranked the company as having the highest market share in the document generation category.

The integration with Simplifile extends automation of the process through post-closing to ensure final documents, data and fee information are returned to the lender after recording is complete, which provides lenders with greater control over the process.

About DocMagic:

DocMagic, Inc. is the leading provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, compliance, eSign and eDelivery solutions for the mortgage industry. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Torrance, Calif., DocMagic, Inc. develops software, mobile apps, processes and web- based systems for the production and delivery of compliant loan document packages. The company's compliance experts and in-house legal staff consistently monitor legal and regulatory changes at both the federal and state levels to ensure accuracy. For more information on DocMagic, visit https://www.docmagic.com/.

About Simplifile:

Simplifile, part of Intercontinental Exchange, is the nation's largest e-recording network, and connects settlement agents and county recorders via its e-recording service. It also offers collaboration tools and post-closing visibility for mortgage lenders and settlement agents working together on real estate documents. Through Simplifile, users can securely record, share and track documents, data and fees with ease. To learn more, visit https://simplifile.com or call 800.460.5657.

About Intercontinental Exchange:

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) is a Fortune 500 company formed in the year 2000 to modernize markets. ICE serves customers by operating the exchanges, clearing houses and information services they rely upon to invest, trade and manage risk across global financial and commodity markets. A leader in market data, ICE Data Services serves the information and connectivity needs across virtually all asset classes. As the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, the company is the premier venue for raising capital in the world, driving economic growth and transforming markets.

Trademarks of ICE and/or its affiliates include Intercontinental Exchange, ICE, ICE block design, NYSE and New York Stock Exchange. Information regarding additional trademarks and intellectual property rights of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. and/or its affiliates is located at http://www.intercontinentalexchange.com/terms-of-use. Key Information Documents for certain products covered by the EU Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation can be accessed on the relevant exchange website under the heading "Key Information Documents (KIDS)."

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 -- Statements in this press release regarding ICE's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see ICE's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in ICE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the SEC on February 6, 2020.

Media Contact:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0722s2p-docmagic-simplifile-300dpi.jpg

Tickers: NYSE: ICE / NYSE:ICE / NY: ICE

DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, regulatory compliance and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced it has partnered with leading real estate document collaboration and recording technology provider Simplifile to deliver new process efficiencies that further digitize the closing process.

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

Mortgage Insurance Ordering Made Seamless as OpenClose® Integrates Its LenderAssist™ LOS with Radian

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- OpenClose(R), an industry-leading digital mortgage fintech provider, announced it completed an interface with Radian Guaranty Inc., the mortgage insurance (MI) subsidiary of Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN). The integration leverages OpenClose's omni-channel loan origination system (LOS) and RESTful API suite, allowing Radian customers to order MI without exiting the LenderAssist(TM) LOS.

LenderAssist LOS users can now quickly, easily, and cost effectively obtain rate quotes and process delegated as well as non-delegated MI certifications. Data returned from Radian automatically populates into the applicable LOS fields, eliminating error prone manual data entry.

"We are constantly communicating with our customers and identifying opportunities to eliminate manual processes and the associated data integrity risk they present," said Vince Furey, CRO at OpenClose. "This integration automates the ordering and processing of mortgage insurance and provides our mutual customers speed, efficiency and accuracy, from any online environment - anywhere, at any time."

Radian offers lenders competitive pricing, unique programs, digital solutions and focused service that help close loans faster, generate more business and better manage their portfolios. The company's MI products help borrowers become homeowners sooner by qualifying for loans with smaller downpayments while mitigating investor risk.

"At Radian, we are committed to making it easier and simpler for our customers to do business with us," said Brien McMahon, chief franchise officer and co-head of real estate, Radian. "Partnering with OpenClose will allow for streamlined, direct and real-time access to private MI for lenders and borrowers, and we're proud to deliver that."

OpenClose offers an award-winning, 100 percent browser-based, end-to-end, workflow-driven fintech platform that effectively consolidates the consumer digital POS, LOS, PPE and Business Intelligence functions. Easily accessible from any computer or mobile device - all via a single-source provider.

About OpenClose:

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, OpenClose(R) is a leading enterprise-class, omni-channel loan origination system (LOS), POS digital mortgage and fintech provider that cost effectively delivers its digital platform on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis. The company provides a variety of innovative, 100 percent web-based solutions for lenders, banks, credit unions, and conduit aggregators. OpenClose's core solution, LenderAssist(TM), is comprehensive loan origination software that is completely engineered by OpenClose using the same code base from the ground up.

The company offers a RESTful API suite that standardizes system-to-system integrations, making them easier to develop, quicker to implement and more cost effective. OpenClose provides lending organizations with full control of their data and creates a truly seamless workflow for complete automation and compliance adherence. For more information, visit https://www.openclose.com/ / or call (561) 655-6418.

About Radian

Radian is ensuring the American dream of homeownership responsibly and sustainably through products and services that include industry-leading mortgage insurance and a comprehensive suite of mortgage, risk, title, valuation, asset management and other real estate services. We are powered by technology, informed by data and driven to deliver new and better ways to transact and manage risk. Visit https://www.radian.com/ to learn more about how Radian is shaping the future of mortgage and real estate services.

Media Contacts:

For OpenClose:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

For Radian:
Rashi Iyer
215-231-1167
rashi.iyer@radian.com

OpenClose Social Media: @OpenClose_LOS #OpenClose #LoanOriginationSoftware

Radian Social Media: @radian_us #QuoteQualityQuoteRadian #OneRadianInfiniteSolutions

OpenClose(R), an industry-leading digital mortgage fintech provider, announced it completed an interface with Radian Guaranty Inc., the mortgage insurance (MI) subsidiary of Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN). The integration leverages OpenClose's omni-channel loan origination system (LOS) and RESTful API suite, allowing Radian customers to order MI without exiting the LenderAssist(TM) LOS.

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

Veteran B2B Sales Leader Nick Belenky Joins Top of Mind as EVP of Sales

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, has hired veteran business-to-business sales leader Nick Belenky as executive vice president of sales. In this role, Belenky will direct Top of Mind's sales operations with a focus on client success and new customer acquisition.

Belenky joins Top of Mind from CardinalCommerce, a Visa (NYSE: V) company and global leader in authenticating digital transactions. As director of sales for the company's consumer authentication group, he oversaw new merchant sales and channel partnerships across North America and globally and led his team to triple-digit sales growth for four years running. Prior to that, Belenky was inside sales and solutions architect manager for 1 EDI Source, a leading provider of electronic data interchange (EDI) solutions and business visibility software.

"Nick's strategic, data-driven approach to growing sales revenue has helped shape the success of small companies and global tech providers alike," said Top of Mind CEO Bill Hayes. "He brings not only deep experience in business-to-business technology sales, but also a genuine enthusiasm for understanding and exceeding the needs of clients, which is a cornerstone of our company culture. We are proud to welcome Nick to the Top of Mind team."

"I cannot say enough about the mortgage marketing knowledge and professionalism of my sales team as well as the deep industry and functional experience our leadership team brings," Belenky said. "Top of Mind helps thousands of borrowers find a lending partner every day and I am proud to be a part of that."

Belenky's 13-year career in sales also includes management roles at CEIA USA, a global manufacturer of security equipment, and Edgerton Corporation, a developer of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for the materials handling industry. He began his career in the healthcare technology field, where he worked as a test engineering project manager for medical imaging product provider Codonics and as a computer programmer for EDI outsourcing provider Interactive Payer Network (later acquired by Emdeon, now Change Healthcare (NASDAQ: CHNG)). Belenky is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University with a degree in computer engineering.

About Top of Mind Networks:

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

@mortgagecrm #peoplemovers #industrymoves

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*Photo caption: Nick Belenky Joins Top of Mind as EVP of Sales.

TICKERS: NYSE:V / NY: V / NASDAQ:CHNG / NQ: CHNG /

Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, has hired veteran business-to-business sales leader Nick Belenky as executive vice president of sales. In this role, Belenky will direct Top of Mind's sales operations with a focus on client success and new customer acquisition.

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

VDC Display Systems Selected for MMD Program

COCOA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Video Display Corporation (OTC:VIDE) is pleased to announce that its VDC Display Systems subsidiary has been awarded a significant contract by a major US defense contractor for the delivery of its next generation Multi Mission Display (MMD) rugged display line.

The VDCDS 42-inch MMD Systems provides a state-of-the-art command and control and situational awareness display capability in a fully ruggedized package. The MMD System is designed for foundation mounting in Aegis class ships.

Each MMD System connects directly to the DiVDS video system, which provides a composite of 4 High Definition (HD) signals, and displays a single seamless image across a rigid Screen Panel system. In order to create this single seamless image, the system utilizes a pair of Power of Ethernet (PoE) feedback Calibration Sensors and specialized software to calibrate the imaging system. Finally, the MMD System provides a power interface module with conditioning and overload protection.

The VDCDS Multi-Mission Display (MMD) Driver Package (MMD-DP) is a software mechanism for graphics rendering that supports in situ image processing operations such as, but not limited to, geometry correction, image stitching and edge blending between multiple projectors. The MMD-DP presents a single desktop to the Operating System (OS) which contains the entire pixel space of the combined Projectors. The MMD System's available resolution is the composite pixel space of all attached Projectors less those pixels used for image processing.

About Video Display Corporation

Video Display Corporation designs, develops and manufactures unique solutions for display requirements for military, medical and industrial uses with emphasis on training and simulation applications. Its product offerings include rugged CRT and AMLCD displays as well as complete projection and direct-view display systems. For more information, visit the Company's web site at http://www.videodisplay.com.

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In addition, from time to time, Video Display Corporation or its representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. Such forward-looking statements may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases or oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer of the Company. Actual results could differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety of factors and conditions.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ronald D. Ordway
Chairman and CEO
Video Display Corporation
321-423-6921

TICKERS: OTC: VIDE / OP: VIDE / OTCMKTS: VIDE /

Video Display Corporation (OTC:VIDE) is pleased to announce that its VDC Display Systems subsidiary has been awarded a significant contract by a major US defense contractor for the delivery of its next generation Multi Mission Display (MMD) rugged display line.

Related link: http://www.videodisplay.com

Bank of Southern California NA Funds More Than $487.8 Million in PPP Loans

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, announced today that it has funded more than $487.8 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. These results, as of 9:30 p.m. PDT on May 7, 2020, provided 1,940 local businesses affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) with critical financing to retain or restore jobs for 51,523 individuals.

The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with financial resources to maintain their payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead. As an SBA Preferred Lender, Bank of Southern California felt a fundamental responsibility to support the business community and offered PPP loans to both customers and non-customers. Through this approach, the Bank was able to help even more businesses obtain funding, resulting in many new banking relationships.

Nathan Rogge, President and CEO of Bank of Southern California said, "Our employees continue to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to the business community-working around the clock to deliver for those in need. I am proud of the impact Bank of Southern California has made in providing vital funds to support small businesses and our local communities. As we look to the future, we will continue to build upon these new relationships and provide long-term value for our clients."

Bank of Southern California is still accepting PPP loan applications for Southern Californian businesses. To apply, visit us online at https://www.banksocal.com.

About Bank of Southern California

A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, CA, is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professionals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. The Bank currently operates eleven branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County.

For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com/ or call (858) 847-4780.

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Tickers: OTC Pink:BCAL / OTC:BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / OP: BCAL

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, announced today that it has funded more than $487.8 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. These results, as of 9:30 p.m. PDT on May 7, 2020, provided 1,940 local businesses affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) with critical financing to retain or restore jobs for 51,523 individuals.

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

Bank of Southern California, N.A. Announces Q1 2020 Results and Response to Pandemic

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL) today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020. Total assets increased to $852 million at March 31, 2020, up from $830 million in the prior quarter and an increase of 10.8% compared to March 31, 2019. Total loans increased to $683 million and total deposits increased to $689 million from $629 million and $636 million, respectively, at March 31, 2019. Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, was $1.91 million, compared to $1.64 million in Q4 2019 and $1.85 million in Q1 2019.

First Quarter 2020 Highlights
* Q1 2020 on track as Bank responds to pandemic
* Reorganization into Southern California Bancorp approved by shareholders
* CalWest Bancorp acquisition closing in Q2, pending shareholder approval

Nathan Rogge, President and CEO of Bank of Southern California said, "While we are pleased with our first quarter results, we are more focused on the current environment and supporting small businesses and communities impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) while remaining financially strong and positioning for growth." The Banks' focus on small business is reflected in first quarter results in C&I lending, which is up 19% in outstandings compared to the first quarter of the prior year, and also in undisbursed C&I commitments, which increased 25% during the same period. Non-interest bearing demand deposits, another reflection of our small business focus, have increased 26% compared to the first quarter of 2019.

"As we navigate these unique times, we remain committed to executing upon our strategic plan and supporting Southern California's business community. Most recently, we were able to assist customers and non-customers in obtaining critical funding in response to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). By the end of the first round, we helped over 900 local businesses secure PPP loans, thus providing over 35,000 jobs" concluded Rogge. The Bank also remains focused on our strategic merger with CalWest Bank, which will provide an expanded branch presence covering Orange County and the Inland Empire and well as operational synergies so we may better serve the business community.

John Farkash, Chairman of the Board said, "Aside from the solid first quarter results, I am proud of the impact our Bank has made in supporting small businesses and helping to restore our local economies. We look forward to growing our relationships with these new businesses as we look ahead and recover from this pandemic."

Additional Financial Highlights and Response to the Pandemic
With the onset of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic in the middle of March, Bank of Southern California has been taking measures to closely monitor its loan portfolio, operations, liquidity and capital resources while actively working to minimize the current and future impact of this unprecedented situation. While the full impact of the pandemic is not known at this time, the following highlights pertinent information in the Bank's response.
* Operations - While all branch offices remain operational, for the safety of our employees and customers, our branch offices have reduced hours and we highly encourage drive-through, where available, remote banking, and internet banking. We have installed protective shields at service areas and social distancing protocols have been implemented.
* Capital resources - The Bank closed a private placement of common stock in December 2019 in connection with its pending acquisition of CALWest Bancorp. The Bank's capital ratios at March 31, 2020 - 12.5% tier 1 leverage ratio and 16.5% total risk-based capital - are considered very strong and the Bank will remain "well-capitalized" after closing the pending merger.
* Liquidity - The Bank has sufficient liquidity resources to meet its customer's needs. In addition to balance sheet liquidity of over 10% of assets, the Bank has access to liquidity facilities from other banks, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, at which the Bank has over $100 million available borrowing capacity at March 31, 2020.
* Loan Portfolio - While nonperforming loans continue to be low as of March 31, 2020, which is consistent with prior quarters, the Bank has been working to assist its credit customers and minimize the Bank's exposure to potential loss given the current environment. Following is certain information and actions which have been taken regarding the Bank's credit portfolio.
o Risk Portfolio - The Bank's exposure to certain high-risk industries follows:

Industry	Balance	Number
Hospitality (hotel/motel)	$17,400,000	5
Restaurant and food service	15,000,000	33
Oil and Gas	0	0
Total	$32,400,000	38

o Since the end of March, the Bank has been actively engaging with its customers to maintain relationships and provide a bridge to economic recovery. The Bank has worked with the SBA to secure payment relief for dozens of SBA loan customers. Furthermore, the Bank has received and is granting numerous deferment requests for 3 to 6-month periods to assist borrowers during the economic slowdown.
* The CARES Act Payroll Protection Program ("PPP") - The Bank's focused efforts on assisting small businesses with obtaining PPP loans resulted in over 900 loans approved by the SBA for over $350 million and related loan fees of over $9 million (to be accreted over the term of the loan). This extraordinary effort has secured existing customers and created strong goodwill with new customers and in the community as the Bank continues to support small business during the second round of PPP, which is currently underway.

[Quarterly Financial Highlights Table Follows]

More details about our quarterly results are available on our website and through the following link to our most recent quarterly results and trends: https://www.banksocal.com/about-us/financials.

About Bank of Southern California
A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, CA, is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professionals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. The Bank currently operates eleven branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as a production office in West Los Angeles. For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com/ or call (858) 847-4780.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain comments or information that constitute forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and Bank of Southern California intends for such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of that Act. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management's views as of any subsequent date. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those presented, in this news release. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the economy and the Bank; the ability of the Bank to successfully execute its business plan; changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; changes in demand for products and services; changes in banking legislation or regulation; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; and changes in the national and local economy.
Bank of Southern California undertakes no obligation to update or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact: Amanda Conover
Bank of Southern California
aconover@banksocal.com
858.847.4762

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Tickers: OTC Pink:BCAL / OTC:BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / OP: BCAL / OTC:CALW

Bank of Southern California Quarterly Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
		Quarterly					1st Qtr Prior Years
($$ in thousands except per share data)		2020	2019	2019	2019	2019	2018	2017
		1st Qtr	4th Qtr	3rd Qtr	2nd Qtr	1st Qtr	1st Qtr	1st Qtr
EARNINGS
Net interest income	$	7,985	7,736	7,795	7,625	7,698	4,851	3,919
Provision for loan losses	$	300	200	300	200	300	300	169
NonInterest income	$	747	321	695	519	420	1,098	404
NonInterest expense	$	5,694	5,512	5,711	5,705	5,198	4,053	2,972
Income tax expense	$	827	709	763	667	771	524	472
Net income	$	1,911	1,636	1,716	1,572	1,849	1,072	710

Basic earnings per share	$	0.20	0.19	0.20	0.19	0.22	0.20	0.14
Average shares outstanding		9,408,940	8,578,102	8,410,522	8,410,522	8,409,272	5,281,297	5,140,497
Ending shares outstanding		9,412,690	9,405,190	8,410,522	8,410,522	8,410,522	6,953,720	5,140,497

PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average assets		0.90%	0.79%	0.87%	0.82%	0.99%	0.90%	0.67%
Return on average common equity		6.30%	5.93%	6.37%	6.02%	7.30%	8.53%	6.37%
Yield on loans		5.32%	5.23%	5.44%	5.59%	5.66%	5.13%	4.89%
Yield on earning assets		4.76%	4.88%	5.21%	5.24%	5.36%	4.78%	4.27%
Cost of deposits		0.78%	0.88%	0.99%	0.98%	0.96%	0.53%	0.34%
Net interest margin		3.98%	4.01%	4.24%	4.28%	4.41%	4.27%	3.95%
Efficiency ratio		65.21%	68.42%	67.26%	70.05%	64.03%	68.13%	68.75%

CAPITAL
Tangible equity to tangible assets		12.48%	12.58%	10.83%	11.62%	11.29%	14.14%	10.24%
Book value (BV) per common share	$	13.00	12.81	12.77	12.56	12.30	10.79	8.83
Tangible BV per common share	$	11.05	10.85	10.56	10.34	10.07	10.59	8.54

ASSET QUALITY
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)	$	(11)	(11)	36	(9)	(7)	(9)	(54)
Allowance for loan losses (ALLL)	$	5,674	5,363	5,153	4,888	4,679	3,385	3,143
ALLL to total loans		0.83%	0.79%	0.75%	0.78%	0.74%	0.83%	0.90%
Loan fair value credit marks (LFVCM)	$	1,649	1,906	2,030	2,249	2,479	759	1,311
ALLL and LFVCM to total loans		1.07%	1.07%	1.05%	1.14%	1.14%	1.01%	1.28%
Nonperforming loans	$	1,433	1,911	2,225	2,033	3,298	1,272	2,040
Other real estate owned	$	0	0	0	0	0	0	146
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.17%	0.23%	0.27%	0.27%	0.43%	0.24%	0.51%

END OF PERIOD BALANCES
Total loans	$	683,195	676,655	684,717	623,424	628,538	409,196	349,348
Total assets	$	852,052	830,186	839,060	766,730	768,823	522,118	430,334
Deposits	$	688,946	671,914	692,899	632,246	635,676	444,300	382,991
Loans to deposits		99.17%	100.71%	98.82%	98.60%	98.88%	92.10%	91.22%
Shareholders' equity	$	122,377	120,523	107,400	105,619	103,481	75,016	45,367
Full-time equivalent employees		92	97	96	100	96	73	65

AVERAGE BALANCES (QTRLY) \| \| (YTD)
Total loans	$	676,825	678,015	664,946	623,541	629,799	403,693	332,308
Earning assets	$	803,804	766,012	730,165	714,889	707,920	460,636	402,698
Total assets (net of AFS valuation)	$	855,397	818,989	783,043	766,960	755,842	484,628	426,831
Deposits	$	696,341	671,443	641,867	633,478	628,950	425,641	379,957
Shareholders' equity	$	121,773	109,464	106,853	104,745	102,707	50,983	45,175

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL) today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020. Total assets increased to $852 million at March 31, 2020, up from $830 million in the prior quarter and an increase of 10.8% compared to March 31, 2019.

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

Paragon Insurance Holdings Acquires Trident Public Risk Solutions from Argo Group

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, headquartered in Avon, Connecticut, a national MGA, announced today that it has closed on the purchase of Trident Public Risk Solutions (TPRS). Acquired from Argo Group (Argo), the transaction positions Paragon as one of the largest providers of commercial insurance coverage for public entities in the U.S. As part of the transaction agreement, Trident's business will continue to benefit from Argo policy and claims services.

"I am excited to work with the Paragon team, growing this great business and delivering tremendous value to our public entity customers," said Timothy Carter, Executive Vice President.

"We are excited to have Trident as part of our portfolio of companies and to be growing our business with Argo Group. Their collective expertise in public entity insurance and risk management will create a great partnership as we continue to grow together," said Ron Ganiats, CEO and co-founder of Paragon.

The business will continue to report to Sue Coates, President of TPRS - Guaranteed Cost Division and John Atherton, President of TPRS - Retained Limits.

ABOUT ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO), is an underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty market. Argo Group offers a full line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of businesses in two primary segments: U.S. Operations and International Operations. Argo Group's insurance subsidiaries are A.M. Best-rated "A-" (Excellent), and Argo Group's U.S. insurance subsidiaries are Standard and Poor's-rated "A-" (Strong). More information on Argo Group and its subsidiaries is available at https://www.argolimited.com/.

ABOUT PARAGON

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, is headquartered in Avon, Connecticut, and operates as a national MGA. Formed in 2014, the company writes all commercial lines of insurance across more than twenty insurance programs. Paragon's industry-specific and general underwriting facilities offer insureds, retail agents, carriers, reinsurers and service providers unique product, service, capability, and results. Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

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Tickers: NYSE:ARGO / NY: ARGO

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, headquartered in Avon, Connecticut, a national MGA, announced today that it has closed on the purchase of Trident Public Risk Solutions (TPRS). Acquired from Argo Group (Argo), the transaction positions Paragon as one of the largest providers of commercial insurance coverage for public entities in the U.S.

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

Bank of Southern California, NA and CalWest Bancorp, the Holding Company for CalWest Bank, Announce Changes to Merger Agreement

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL) and CalWest Bancorp (OTCBB: CALW), today announced that they have renegotiated the terms of their merger and have agreed to amend the initial Definitive Agreement announced on October 21, 2019 following shareholder meetings held on April 22, 2020.

The economic effects of COVID-19 prompted Bank of Southern California's shareholders to pause and adjourn their voting to pursue an amended merger agreement. According to the terms of the amended agreement, BCAL's all-cash offer is now $0.35 per CALW share compared to the initial Definitive Agreement which offered $0.43 per share. The amendment to the initial Definitive Agreement is expected to be presented to shareholders in mid-May with an expected close on May 29, 2020 pending all regulatory approvals.

About Bank of Southern California

A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, California, is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professionals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. The Bank currently operates eleven branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County. For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com or call (858) 847-4780.

About CalWest Bancorp

CalWest Bancorp is the holding company of CalWest Bank, a community bank recognized for its exemplary service to entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and non-profit organizations located throughout Southern California. The Bank serves the business community through its four branches located in Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine, Huntington Beach and Redlands. For more information, please visit https://calwestbancorp.com/ or call 949.766.3006.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain comments or information that constitute forward‐looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), and Bank of Southern California and CalWest Bancorp intend for such forward‐looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of that Act. These include statements as to the anticipated benefits of the merger, including future financial and operating results, cost savings and enhanced revenues that may be realized from the merger as well as other statements of expectations regarding the merger and any other statements regarding future results or expectations.

Forward‐looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs, such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." Forward‐looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management's views as of any subsequent date. Future events are difficult to predict. Forward‐looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those presented, either expressed or implied, in this news release. Factors which could have a material effect on the operations and future prospects of each of Bank of Southern California and CalWest Bancorp and the resulting company, include but are not limited to: the businesses of Bank of Southern California and/or CalWest Bancorp may not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the merger may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; revenues following the merger may be lower than expected; customer and employee relationships and business operations may be disrupted by the merger; the ability to obtain required regulatory and shareholder approvals, and the ability to complete the merger on the expected timeframe may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; the ability of the Bank of Southern California to successfully execute its business plan; changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; changes in demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and non‐traditional competitors; changes in banking legislation or regulation; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; the impact of technological advances; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; and changes in the national and local economy. Bank of Southern California undertakes no obligation to update or clarify forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Additional Information About the Merger

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote for approval of the merger. In connection with the proposed merger a joint proxy statement was provided to the shareholders of both institutions which provided detailed information about the merger and the two institutions. Shareholders are encouraged to read the joint proxy statement carefully before voting on the merger. The directors, executive officers, and certain other members of management and employees of Bank of Southern California and CalWest Bancorp may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of votes to approve the merger. Additional information regarding the interests of those participants and other persons who may be deemed participants in the merger may be obtained by reading the joint proxy statement.

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Tickers: OTC Pink:BCAL / OTC:BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / OP: BCAL / OTC:CALW

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL) and CalWest Bancorp (OTCBB: CALW), today announced that they have renegotiated the terms of their merger and have agreed to amend the initial Definitive Agreement announced on October 21, 2019 following shareholder meetings held on April 22, 2020.

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

iQ International AG Adds Industry Leaders to Its Advisory Board

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- iQ International AG (ISIN CH0451424300/WKN A2PAA5/Symbol IQL), a multinational Sustainable Technologies company publicly traded on the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with its global head office in Zug, Switzerland and North American headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, is adding three industry leaders to its Advisory Board to assist the Company in its expansion plans.

Dennis Brown: Dennis retired from Interstate Battery, where he served as Chief Marketing Officer from 2004 - 2015. His 40 years of industry experience also included various leadership positions with Johnson Controls International (JCI) Power Solutions, which is now Clarios, a subsidiary of Brookfield Business Partners.

Ray Brown: Ray has spent the past 35 years with a specific focus on the energy storage industry. He retired from JCI in 2010, where he served 30 years in various global leadership roles in the Power Solutions division build-up. Since then, he has served on multiple Boards of Directors, including Amara Raja Batteries Ltd. in India.

Allen Martin: Allen is an energy storage industry veteran of 12 years. He left JCI in 2013 after serving 30 years in multiple leadership positions, most recently as Vice President/General Manager, Global Aftermarket, Power Solutions division. Allen is currently an independent distributor and franchisee with Interstate Battery.

"It is an honor to work with these distinguished individuals who truly built this industry and its leading companies," said Kevin T. Loman, iQ International AG CEO. "iQ's executive management team and I are fortunate to have access to the wisdom and experience these gentlemen bring to the company as we grow to meet an ever-increasing industry demand."

As previously announced, iQ International AG is expanding its operations and integrating its technologies into existing manufacturing operations to secure capacity to meet the growing demand it is facing for batteries with its 360 Mixing(TM) technology. These three new members will join the Industry Advisory Board's chairman, Michael Tapp, who also serves as a member of the Company's Board of Directors, and they will be an integral part of iQ's integration process execution and oversight.

A growing market for SLI technology

Demand for higher performance SLI batteries continues to accelerate. To comply with increasing environmental regulations mandating CO2 emission reductions, OEMs are utilizing start-stop, passive boost, and regenerative breaking technologies. In addition, consumer demand for cutting-edge infotainment/comfort features and improved passenger safety requirements have led car manufacturers to install ever increasing numbers of electrical components in automobiles, significantly increasing the electrical load on auto batteries. iQ's 360° Mixing(TM) batteries are replacing major known national brands, and iQ and its distributors have won significant tenders in the UAE and U.S. with government and private fleets. iQ's technologies are seamlessly integrated into the existing production processes and offer one of the most cost-effective ways to meet these increasing battery performance requirements.

"We are so excited about the growth opportunities for this market and to be able to do it in a way that will have a positive impact on the environment," said Roland Koch, member of iQ International's Board of Directors. "Our goal is to increase our market share and help reduce the CO2 load that the transportation industry adds to the environment each year, helping car makers meet the stringent emissions reduction mandates."

It is estimated that by 2025, the market demand for Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Enhanced Flood Battery (EFB) with 360° Mixing(TM) battery types will be 150-180 million annually, nearly 30% of the total market. iQ's EFB with 360° Mixing(TM) matches or exceeds the performance of the more expensive and heavier AGM battery widely used and promoted by industry incumbents.

More information on iQ's expansion plans and leadership team is available on its website, https://www.iqint.com/.

About iQ International AG
iQ International AG is a multinational sustainable technologies company listed on the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The Company licenses parts of its IP portfolio, and manufactures/distributes highly efficient lead acid batteries that meet the increased need for cycle life in today's global automotive and storage markets. Its award-winning innovative technology is used to create superior, long-lasting, OEM-approved Starting-Lighting-Ignition (SLI) batteries.

Batteries with iQ International AG technologies are designed to generate better performance in today's highly electrified vehicles, particularly vehicles with Start-Stop applications. Studies have shown that if the Company's technology was the standard in the industry approximately 15 million tons of CO2 would be saved in the transportation industry each year, helping car makers meet the stringent emissions reduction mandates.

MEDIA CONTACT
Melissa Cox
469.288.2084
melissa@ACLARUSmarketing.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0422s2p-iqiag-board-membs-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: New Advisory Board Members: Dennis Brown, Ray Brown, and Allen Martin.

iQ International AG (ISIN CH0451424300/WKN A2PAA5/Symbol IQL), a multinational Sustainable Technologies company publicly traded on the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with its global head office in Zug, Switzerland and North American headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, is adding three industry leaders to its Advisory Board to assist the Company in its expansion plans.

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

Kroger, Mattress Mack and Mayor Sylvester Turner Announce Partnership on Senior Needs Drive for 10,000 Seniors

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- The Kroger Company (NYSE: KR) along with Mattress Mack of Gallery Furniture and Mayor Turner announced their partnership to feed over 10,000 seniors in need.

"There is an extremely large number of housebound seniors in our community who don't have access to the food and supplies they need," said Joe Kelley, President of Kroger Houston. "While many people can make a weekly trip to the grocery store, this specific group of individuals cannot. We want to make sure that our seniors are taken care of by ensuring they are fed and their pantries are full. These are people's parents and grandparents - and they need our help. That's why we wanted to get involved in the senior drive alongside Mack and Mayor Turner. Together, we can make a bigger impact in fighting hunger in our communities."

Customers can donate non-perishable food at any Houston area Kroger store or at Gallery Furniture 6006 N. Freeway or Gallery Furniture Grand Parkway every day from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Gallery Furniture is also accepting donations of cleaning supplies and toiletries.

"We are living in an unprecedented time that is affecting various areas of our communities in different ways. Many Houstonians are asking - what can we do to help?" said Mayor Sylvester Turner. "This is one easy way you can support those in need within our local community, whether it's through donating food and supplies or volunteering your time. We are Houston Strong, and helping is what we do best."

"Gallery Furniture would like to personally thank Kroger and the City of Houston for the incredible donations and continued support," said Mattress Mack. "Thousands have already benefited from the generosity of amazing Houstonians and we will continue to do our best to lead these efforts. Stay strong, stay safe, and remember the essence of living is giving!"

About The Kroger Co.

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone(TM) and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit(R). We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless shopping experience under a variety of banner names. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

Kroger newsroom: https://www.thekrogerco.com/newsroom/

About Gallery Furniture

Mattress Mack and the Gallery Furniture Family believe in hard work and community outreach. Jim McIngvale "Mattress Mack" and his wife Linda arrived in Houston in 1981 with $5000 and a dream. With great work ethic and perseverance, the couple became Houston's favorite furniture and mattress retailer. Houston has come to know that Mattress Mack has their back, and not only will he SAVE YOU MONEY but continues his calling to provide for his beloved city. Learn more: https://www.galleryfurniture.com/

Media Contacts:
The Kroger Co:
Clara Campbell (936) 777-0442

Gallery Furniture:
Angelica Folliard (713) 552-3461

City of Houston Press Office:
(832) 393-0830

IMAGE Links for Media:
Photo: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0330s2p-senior-relief-drive-300dpi.jpg

Logo: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0330s2p-kroger-logo-300dpi.jpg

The Kroger Company (NYSE: KR) along with Mattress Mack of Gallery Furniture and Mayor Turner announced their partnership to feed over 10,000 seniors in need. “There is an extremely large number of housebound seniors in our community who don’t have access to the food and supplies they need,” said Joe Kelley, President of Kroger Houston.

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

OpenClose Partners with Genworth Mortgage Insurance to Offer a Streamlined Mortgage Insurance Process from within its LenderAssist LOS

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- OpenClose®, the industry-leading multi-channel loan origination system (LOS) and digital mortgage fintech provider, announced it has partnered with Genworth Mortgage Insurance, an operating segment of Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW), establishing a direct integration to access mortgage insurance (MI) from the LenderAssist™ LOS platform.

The new integration works by leveraging OpenClose's RESTful API Suite, IntegrationAssist™, which makes interfacing with disparate systems easier to develop, quicker to implement and cost effective to maintain. Genworth is a full-service MI provider known for exceptional coverage, service and value. The Fortune 500 company has provided secure mortgage products for nearly 40 years. Its offerings are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

"Providing real-time access to mortgage insurance pricing and certification workflow from within OpenClose helps our customers further automate their lending workflow and reduce costs. Our integration partnership with Genworth allows our mutual customers to immediately tap into their quality MI products," said Vince Furey, chief revenue officer (CRO) at OpenClose. "We are the industry leader in customer service and ease-of-use and this integration highlights that reality."

OpenClose customers can expect a seamless user experience within the LenderAssist™ LOS that optimizes the mortgage insurance pricing and certification process, eliminates data re-entry and returns MI commitment data and documents to the LenderAssist™ LOS.

"We're excited to partner with OpenClose, one of the leading LOS vendors in the industry," said Kevin McMahon, senior vice president of Customer Solutions at Genworth Mortgage Insurance. "Making it easier and more efficient to order MI from start to finish makes the overall lending process smoother for homebuyers."

About OpenClose:

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, OpenClose® is a leading enterprise-class, multi-channel loan origination system (LOS), POS digital mortgage and fintech provider that cost effectively delivers its digital platform on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis. The company provides a variety of innovative, 100 percent web-based solutions for lenders, banks, credit unions, and conduit aggregators. OpenClose's core solution, LenderAssist™, is comprehensive loan origination software that is completely engineered by OpenClose using the same code base from the ground up. The company offers a RESTful API suite that standardizes system-to-system integrations, making them easier to develop, quicker to implement and more cost effective. OpenClose provides lending organizations with full control of their data and creates a truly seamless workflow for complete automation and compliance adherence. For more information, visit https://www.openclose.com/ or call (561) 655-6418.

About Genworth Mortgage Insurance:

Genworth Mortgage Insurance, an operating segment of Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW), is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and operates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Genworth Mortgage Insurance works with lenders and other partners to help people responsibly achieve and maintain the dream of homeownership by ensuring the broad availability of affordable low down payment mortgage loans. Genworth has been providing mortgage insurance products and services in the U.S. since 1981. Visit the company's website at new.mortgageinsurance.genworth.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
For OpenClose:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

For Genworth Mortgage Insurance:
Brittany Harris-Flowers
Genworth Mortgage Insurance
919-846-4417
brittany.harris-flowers@genworth.com

OpenClose Social Media: @OpenClose_LOS #OpenClose #LoanOriginationSoftware

Genworth Social Media: @GenworthMI #GenworthMI #MortgageInsurance

OpenClose®, the industry-leading multi-channel loan origination system (LOS) and digital mortgage fintech provider, announced it has partnered with Genworth Mortgage Insurance, an operating segment of Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW), establishing a direct integration to access mortgage insurance (MI) from the LenderAssist™ LOS platform.

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

Sokal Joins CDK Global Partner Program

RALEIGH, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sokal, a full service automotive advertising agency announced today that it has become a participant in the CDK Global Partner Program, the largest marketplace of third-party automotive applications and integrations. CDK Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDK) is the largest provider of integrated information technology solutions to the automotive retail industry.

As a member of the CDK Partner Program, Sokal will provide a more seamless analytics and sales attribution system for their clients who use the CDK DMS system. By using dealers' sales and service data to return industry leading attribution models, Sokal can help lower clients' advertising spend while increasing ROI.

"At Sokal, we pride ourselves on the constant innovation and marketing strategies our team produces," said Sokal COO Garrett Roach. "By joining the CDK Partner Program, we know that we will be able to better serve our clients on a daily basis."

Sokal is an award winning, full-service advertising agency that specializes in digital marketing and dealership services. Since its inception in 2010, Sokal has been at the forefront of the automotive advertising landscape, providing clients with personalized advertising strategies designed specifically with the dealer's brand and vision in mind.

"We're very pleased to introduce Sokal as the newest member of the CDK Global Partner Program," said Howard Gardner, vice president and general manager, CDK Data Services. "Sokal is a welcome addition to our vibrant program that provides dealers with a range of partner choices and the assurance that their programs can be seamlessly integrated with our applications."

About the CDK Global Partner Program

The CDK Partner Program now numbers more than 500 partner companies and 840 unique applications auto dealers can use to run their businesses. As part of the CDK ecosystem, the CDK Partner Program provides data and workflow integration to a wide range of third parties, OEMs and dealers. For a full list of partners and applications available through the program, visit cdkglobal.com/us/partners-list.

About CDK Global, Inc.

With $2 billion in revenues, CDK Global (NASDAQ: CDK) is a leading global provider of integrated information technology solutions to the automotive retail and adjacent industries. Focused on enabling end-to-end automotive commerce, CDK Global provides solutions to dealers in more than 100 countries around the world, serving approximately 30,000 retail locations and most automotive manufacturers. CDK solutions automate and integrate all parts of the dealership and buying process, including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, parts supply, repair and maintenance of vehicles. Visit cdkglobal.com.

About Sokal

Sokal is an award-winning advertising agency dedicated to growing business for their clientele through their marketing and advertising services. Using a range of advertising services, including digital, broadcast and print their mission is to get their client's name in the forefront of consumer consciousness. Learn more: https://www.gosokal.com/

Sokal, a full service automotive advertising agency announced today that it has become a participant in the CDK Global Partner Program, the largest marketplace of third-party automotive applications and integrations. CDK Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDK) is the largest provider of integrated information technology solutions to the automotive retail industry.

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

Reliant Holdings Inc. (OTC: RELT) Announces Strategy to Position the Company for Growth

AUSTIN, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Reliant Holdings Inc. (OTC: RELT) recently announced that it has recorded its best year yet in 2019. The past year has seen record-breaking revenues for the company, which has quickly grown into a construction conglomerate that offers comprehensive services in the residential construction realm, from design phases through to fine details post construction. The pools division increased revenues by approximately 20% over the prior year.

Austin is the third-fastest growing city in the U.S. right now, having already expanded its population by 22.5% from 2010 to 2017. Considering the rapid and explosive growth in Central Texas, the success of Reliant Holdings Inc. is of no surprise. This is especially true when considering the quality and scope of work provided by the professionals behind the company, each bringing with them a combined 40 years of experience.

Expansion for 2020. Our wholly-owned subsidiary Reliant Pools Inc. is poised for another great year of growth. We remain confident of our goals as we work hard on building new relationships and opportunities for the company. We have formed other wholly-owned subsidiary, Reliant Custom Homes Inc., a new and exciting construction company that encompasses all aspects of residential construction.

After a record-breaking year in 2019, Reliant Holdings Inc. has already had a successful start to the new year with plans to continue growing operations via strategic business models. Already with three companies under its belt, Reliant Holdings Inc. plans to add to its roster by acquiring new businesses and be heavily involved in the funding of new businesses.

About Reliant Holdings INC. (OTC: RELT)

Started as Reliant Pools LLC in 2013 and has since grown into Reliant Holdings Inc., a now publicly-traded company. Reliant Custom Homes was created to expand the businesses under the umbrella of parent company Reliant Holdings INC. The company plans to continue expanding its operations following record-breaking revenues in 2019.

More information: https://reliantholdingsinc.com/ and https://reliantcustomhomesinc.com/

Follow us on Twitter: @ReliantHoldings

Safe Harbor Statement

This communication contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements Include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of US Highland, Inc. and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based.

Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-statements Include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully, and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.

TICKERS: OTC:RELT / OP: RELT / RELT:US

Reliant Holdings Inc. (OTC: RELT) recently announced that it has recorded its best year yet in 2019. The past year has seen record-breaking revenues for the company, which has quickly grown into a construction conglomerate that offers comprehensive services in the residential construction realm, from design phases through to fine details post construction.

Related link: https://reliantholdingsinc.com/