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PerVista, a company dedicated to addressing the increasing issue of mass shootings in the United States, today announced that Dan Simons, co-founder and co-owner of Founding Farmers and Farmers Restaurant Group, is investing in PerVista's Wefunder campaign.

Investment from experienced founders like Dan Simons is further validation that PerVista's technology and team is well positioned to be a leader in digital security. In the first week alone, PerVista successfully raised more than 50% of their targeted goal of their Wefunder campaign.

"We are delighted to welcome Dan Simons to the PerVista family as an investor," said Vennard Wright, founder of PerVista. "His background in building and scaling Farmers Restaurant Group will be incredibly valuable as we ensure public spaces across DC, Maryland, and Virginia are protected. Given we have both spent the majority of our careers working locally in this community, this is a mission we share."

Today, PerVista's cutting-edge solutions have been deployed by the Baltimore Orioles, Prince George's County, and schools across Maryland, monitoring the safety and security of everyone entering these spaces each day. Funds from the Wefunder campaign will be used to further expand the company's operations and product, which are designed to be the most cutting edge solutions in the detection space. 

"Our missions are more aligned than they may seem at first glance. Safety and wellness go hand in hand —a healthy lifestyle means nothing if our children and our neighbors are not safe," said Dan Simons, founder of Founding Farmers. "I am proud to participate in this Wefunder campaign to take PerVista to the next level."

For more information about PerVista and its mission to combat school shootings, please visit https://pervista.com and https://wefunder.com/pervista.

About PerVista

Located in the Washington, DC region, PerVista is a company dedicated to preventing school shootings through innovative technology and comprehensive solutions. By leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, and proactive intervention strategies, PerVista aims to create a safer environment for students and educators. The company also provides training programs and resources to educate schools and communities on early detection, crisis management, and intervention strategies. For more information, visit https://pervista.com.

Media Contact

Vennard Wright

vwright@pervista.com

Media Contact

Vennard Wright
vwright@wavewelcome.com

Fast-growing UK hair brand Glaze—a subsidiary of parent company Waldencast UK Limited—expands its presence in North America with its first U.S. physical retail partner, launching with Target starting today into 354 brick and mortar stores nationwide and on target.com.

Founded in 2021, Glaze creates accessible, easy-to-use, high-performance hair products that deliver confidence boosting, salon-worthy, glossy hair all day, every day. The brand is PETA-Certified Vegan & Cruelty-Free making it well positioned to capture the hearts of Zillennial, and the Target shopper. The brand first launched with a category game-changing semi-permanent color conditioning gloss with its distinctive, easy-to-use squeezy round bottle. They have since expanded the range into Care with GlaziPlex 4-IN-1 Super Bond Repair Treatment in September 2023 with new innovation to come being announced Spring 2024.

Rolling out into Target, and supported with a nationwide U.S. influencer campaign will be:

• SuperGloss Conditioning Gloss ($18.00 RRP): like a tinted moisturizer for the hair, SuperGloss is powered by KINDColor Technology to condition, care, hydrate and repair the hair as it colors for healthier, glossier, more vibrant hair in 10 minutes. In 16 shades, from a universal gloss to specific shades for highlights along with blondes, brunettes and redheads. Five of the brand’s best-selling shades will be available in-store—universal Sheer Glow, Brilliant Bronde, Glaze Cherry, Sleek Espresso and Luminous Liquorice.

• GlaziPlex 4-IN-1 Super Bond Repair Treatment ($22 RRP): infused with our QuadBond Technology, this conditioning treatment transforms damage to shine in just four minutes. It protects, strengthens, protects and glazes, and designed to treat all four types of damage from styling and color to chemical and heat.

Waldencast Brands' Chief Business Officer, Dani Viloria says, “At Glaze we are all about providing accessible, easy-to-use, high-performance products with head-turning hair results. We are so excited to be launching with Target, a retail partner who shares our vision to help U.S. consumers nationwide achieve salon-worthy results right from their own shower.“

About Glaze

Founded in 2021, Glaze creates accessible, easy-to-use, high-performance hair products across color, care and styling that deliver confidence boosting, salon-worthy, glossy hair all day, every day. With care at their core, they are PETA-Certified Vegan & Cruelty-Free and have no parabens, no sulfates and no ammonia in any of their products. Available in the U.S. on Amazon and Glazehair.co and in the UK on Amazon and in Superdrug.

For more Information on Glaze:

Website: glazehair.co

Instagram: @glaze_hair

TikTok: @Glaze_Hair

Facebook: @glaze_hair

Pinterest: @glaze_hair

Media Contacts

Amanda Smeal

amanda@amandasmeal.com

Aimee Moss

aimee@aimeemoss.net

Media Contact

Amanda Smeal
amanda@amandasmeal.com

Wefunder, a public-benefit corporation with a goal to fund 20,000 more founders by 2029, today announced that on Wednesday, February 28 at 5:30 p.m. at Soho House Chicago, Serg Rodenzuela, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Wefunder, will host a closed-door conversation with Andy Dunn, a $300-million exited founder and best-selling author. This session will kick off the Founder Secrets series, where Serg will interview 15 of the most compelling founders of our generation to share real stories about financing, scaling, and best practices in cities across the U.S., including San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Austin, Boston, Atlanta, Detroit, Boulder, Miami, and Los Angeles.

This event is significant as it provides a platform for experienced founders to share their knowledge and insights with aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. By connecting successful founders with new entrepreneurs, Wefunder aims to foster a supportive community and provide valuable mentorship opportunities.

Wefunder's mission as a public-benefit corporation, with a goal to fund 20,000 more founders by 2029, aligns perfectly with the Founder Secrets kick-off event. By supporting and empowering founders, Wefunder is driving innovation and economic growth while creating opportunities for diverse and underrepresented entrepreneurs.

According to Rodenzuela, "We are thrilled to kick off the Founder Secrets event series with Andy Dunn. This platform will enable us to inspire and educate the next generation of entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive startup ecosystem."

In the future, Wefunder plans to expand the series to additional cities across the country, providing even more founders with access to valuable insights and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.

For more information and to register, visit the event listing on Pie here.

Media Contact

Serg Rodenzuela
serg@wefunder.com

The joint organizers behind the first annual global Sui conference, Sui Basecamp, today announced the initial wave of confirmed speakers for the Parisian event taking place on April 10 and 11, 2024. Sui Basecamp is a celebration of the developers and entrepreneurs building on Sui, the innovative Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform, and will feature speakers and thought leaders from all over the world and throughout the greater Web3 ecosystem.

Sui Basecamp’s initial wave of speakers includes:

• Arianna Simpson, General Partner at a16z
• Balaji S. Srinivasan, Angel Investor, Tech Founder and author of The Network State
• Meltem Demirors, Aspiring Cult Leader
• Evan Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Mysten Labs and Original Contributor to Sui
• Nikola Plecas, Global Head of Product GTM and Product Commercialization at Visa Crypto
• Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer at Binance
• Sam Blackshear, Chief Technology Officer at Mysten Labs and Creator of Move
• Vincent Chok, Chief Executive Officer of First Digital Trust
• Logan Jastremski, Managing Partner at Frictionless Capital
• Adeniyi Abiodun, Chief Product Officer of Mysten Labs
• Benoît Pellevoizin, Head of Marketing and Communications at CoinShares France
• Robert Knight, Features Writer at Cointelegraph
• Greg Siourounis, Managing Director of Sui Foundation

Hosted by Mysten Labs and Sui Foundation, Sui Basecamp will take place at two select venues—the first day and opening night party, Sui Soiree, will be at Pavillon Cambon Capucines, the former headquarters of Crédit Foncier de France, before attendees migrate to Pavillon Vendôme for the second day’s festivities. Both locations are adjacent to Paris Blockchain Week’s main event.

Early bird tickets, at the discounted prices of $99 USD, are available today through March 1. Ticket prices will remain discounted, at $149 USD, from March 2 through 31, then increase to the full price of $299 from April 1 until the event.

Registration is now open at https://sui.io/basecamp.

About Sui

Sui is a first-of-its-kind Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform designed from the bottom up to make digital asset ownership fast, private, secure, and accessible to everyone. Its object-centric model, based on the Move programming language, enables parallel execution, sub-second finality, and rich on-chain assets. With horizontally scalable processing and storage, Sui supports a wide range of applications with unrivaled speed at low cost. Sui is a step-function advancement in blockchain and a platform on which creators and developers can build amazing, user-friendly experiences. Learn more: https://sui.io

About Mysten Labs

Mysten Labs is a team of leading distributed systems, programming languages, and cryptography experts whose founders were senior executives and lead architects of pioneering blockchain projects. The mission of Mysten Labs is to create foundational infrastructure for web3. Learn more: https://mystenlabs.com

About the Sui Foundation

The Sui Foundation is an independent organization that is dedicated to the advancement and adoption of Sui. The Sui Foundation supports the Sui community and its projects that enable individuals and creators to have unprecedented ownership over their data and content.

Media Contact

Lexi Wangler

lexi.wangler@mystenlabs.com

Sui Foundation

media@sui.io

Media Contact

Sui Foundation
media@sui.io

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (“the Trust”) today posted the estimated Federal income tax information of the Trust’s 2023 earnings to its website. Final information is anticipated to be posted no later than March 30, 2024. The information can be downloaded here.

Nothing contained herein or therein should be construed as tax advice. Consult your tax advisor for more information. Furthermore, you may not rely upon any information herein or therein for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Certificateholders are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to their specific tax treatment of the Trust’s distributions.

Additional information can be obtained on the Trust’s website.

About Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (the “Trust”) was established to acquire 160 retail properties and 6 warehouse distribution centers (the “Properties”) from J.C. Penney as part of its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The Trust’s operations consist solely of owning, leasing and selling the Properties. The Trust’s objective is to sell the Properties to third-party purchasers as promptly as practicable. The Trustee of the trust is GLAS Trust Company LLC. The Trust is externally managed by an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC. The Trust is intended to be treated, for tax purposes, as a liquidating trust within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-4(d). For more information, please visit https://www.ctltrust.net/.

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements”. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “our vision,” “plan,” “potential,” “preliminary,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” or “would” or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology and include, but are not limited to, the Trust’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events and stock price performance. The Trust has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Trust believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control. These factors, including those discussed in the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Trust’s filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. The Trust cautions you that the list of important factors included in the Trust’s SEC filings may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may not in fact occur. The Trust undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

Media Contact

Jessica Cummins

+1 847-313-4755

jcummins@hilcoglobal.com

Media Contact

Jessica Cummins
jcummins@hilcoglobal.com

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (“the Trust”) today posted amended Federal income tax information of the Trust’s 2022 earnings to its website. The previously posted tax information was amended to provide clarification on Schedule A row 170, Other Trust Income / (Expenses). This clarification does not apply to any of the Trust’s Monthly Report filings or its 2022 10-Q’s or 10-K. The information can be downloaded here.

Nothing contained herein or therein should be construed as tax advice. Consult your tax advisor for more information. Furthermore, you may not rely upon any information herein or therein for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Certificateholders are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to their specific tax treatment of the Trust’s distributions.

Additional information can be obtained on the Trust’s website.

About Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (the “Trust”) was established to acquire 160 retail properties and 6 warehouse distribution centers (the “Properties”) from J.C. Penney as part of its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The Trust’s operations consist solely of owning, leasing and selling the Properties. The Trust’s objective is to sell the Properties to third-party purchasers as promptly as practicable. The Trustee of the trust is GLAS Trust Company LLC. The Trust is externally managed by an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC. The Trust is intended to be treated, for tax purposes, as a liquidating trust within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-4(d). For more information, please visit https://www.ctltrust.net/.

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements”. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “our vision,” “plan,” “potential,” “preliminary,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” or “would” or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology and include, but are not limited to, the Trust’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events and stock price performance. The Trust has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Trust believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control. These factors, including those discussed in the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Trust’s filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. The Trust cautions you that the list of important factors included in the Trust’s SEC filings may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may not in fact occur. The Trust undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

Contact Details

Jessica Cummins

+1 847-313-4755

jcummins@hilcoglobal.com

Media Contact

Jessica Cummins
jcummins@hilcoglobal.com

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, proudly announces its new 2024 Board of Directors, led by Mike Camnetar, CAFM, Fleet Services Manager for General Mills Inc. NAFA’s Board of Directors comprises professionals from many sectors and enterprises, including technology firms, urban municipalities, foodservice enterprises, healthcare entities and more.

“As we dive into the heart of our bylaws and strategic plan this year, it's clear that we're charting a course towards a stronger, more cohesive NAFA,” said Mike Camnetar, CAFM, NAFA Board President. “By embracing inclusivity in our governance and refining our strategic focus, we're not only enhancing the association's vitality but also fostering a more vibrant community for our members. This year's Board of Directors, with its diverse expertise and unwavering commitment, stands ready to spearhead this transformative journey, ensuring that every decision made reflects our dedication to advancing NAFA's mission and serving the needs of our esteemed members.”

The following individuals serving on NAFA’s 13-member 2024 Board of Directors:

• President: Mike Camnetar, CAFM, Fleet Services Manager for General Mills Inc.
• Senior Vice President: Maria Neve, Vice President – eFMC Services for Inspiration Mobility
• Vice President: Kevin Fisher, CAFM, Fleet Professional
• Secretary/Treasurer: Beth Cooley, CAFM, Director for the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Fleet Management
• Immediate Past President: Raymond Brisby, CAFM, Manager of EMS Fleet Operations for Alberta Health Services
• Sara Burnam, CAFM, Member, Director of Fleet Management for Palm Beach County, FL Fleet Management
• Al Curtis, Member, Fleet Director for Cobb County, GA Fleet Management
• David Hayward, CAFM, Member, Global Fleet Manager for ABM Industries
• Amy McAdams, CAFM, Member, Fleet Manager for Climate Pros
• William McCarty, Member, Chief Operating Officer for Illinois Central Management Services
• Bob Mossing, Member, Manager of Fleet Support and Operations for The Davey Tree Expert Company
• Alexis Reece, CAFM, Member, Fleet Analyst for Ferguson Enterprises
• Steven Saltzgiver, CAFS, Member, Director of Strategic Innovation for RTA Fleet Management Software

NAFA is pleased to welcome these expert fleet professionals and skilled individuals to the 2024 Board of Directors. Their dedication to the fleet and mobility world inspires innovation, creates progress and truly keeps the industry moving. For more information on NAFA, visit: https://www.nafa.org/

About NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes; and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year.For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Media Contact

Keaveny Hewitt

khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com

919-622-5276

Media Contact

Keaveny Hewitt
khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com

Led by top thought leaders and researchers from around the world, stakeholders gathered in Orlando, February 14–16, 2024, for the 3rd Kratom Symposium to discuss breakthroughs in kratom science and the barriers preventing further progress. The three-day event provided a platform for more than 15 speakers to share scientific research, discuss policy considerations, and emphasize the importance of responsible consumer protection efforts in the evolving landscape of kratom science and regulation.

The conference focused on the natural herbal substance kratom. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves have long been used as a mood booster and energy enhancer. Despite being used traditionally in leaf form for centuries, kratom's regulatory status and safety are debated in countries around the world, including the U.S., where it is available in various forms, such as ground leaf, extracts, concentrates and isolates.

The Kratom Symposium aimed to build a more comprehensive understanding in the scientific community and encourage evidence-based decision-making within industry and regulators alike.

Science. Research presented at the event covered kratom's potential therapeutic benefits, including its role in endurance and productivity enhancement. Researchers also described kratom's abuse potential, adverse cognitive effects, and its impact on public health, particularly regarding its interactions with other substances and the extent of possible dangerous habit-forming potential. Presenters expressed a need for further scientific research, standardization of kratom products, better consumer education, and the importance of understanding kratom's pharmacology, safety profile, and potential benefits in clinical trials.

Policy. Policy discussions surrounding kratom focused on country-by-country guidelines and restrictions. Experts also discussed its regulatory status in the U.S. and the need for balanced approaches that ensure consumer safety while preserving access. Experts pointed to the need for comprehensive regulations governing the various forms of kratom sales and distribution, highlighting the importance of monitoring and promoting responsible marketing practices. Experts also described the potential impact of kratom on public health, including its use for endurance and productivity enhancement. Overall, stakeholders emphasized the need for evidence-based policymaking, collaborative efforts between researchers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, and further research to inform decision-making regarding kratom's legal status and regulation on two main fronts:

Processor responsibility. Researchers made it clear that ‘not all kratom is equal’, and as such, manufacturers of kratom extracts should maintain product consistency in line with the composition of native leaf material, minimize contamination risks, and ensure accurate labeling of kratom products in order to enhance consumer confidence and safety. Participants also discussed the need for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Consumer protection. Speakers described the need for clear information about potential risks and benefits and providing access to credible, evidence-based resources for consumers to make informed decisions. Symposium discussions highlighted the importance of implementing regulations, such as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, to establish quality control standards, product testing requirements, and labeling guidelines to protect consumers from adulterated or mislabeled kratom products. Stakeholders emphasized the need for consumer education initiatives to raise awareness about safe kratom use practices, potential interactions with other substances, and the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before using kratom.

"As kratom grows in popularity around the world, so does scrutiny," said conference organizer Christopher R. McCurdy, PhD, Associate Dean for Faculty Development, University of Florida. "Kratom holds promise in many areas, such as a potential replacement therapy for opioids, and may offer novel avenues for pain management, but comprehensive research is imperative to elucidate its efficacy, safety, and potential risks."

The active compounds found in leaf kratom are called alkaloids. Mitragynine, an indole alkaloid, is the most abundant psychoactive compound. Some of the minor alkaloids are speciociliatine, speciogynine, and paynantheine, among others. These alkaloids interact with receptors in the brain, influencing mood and energy levels. However, Leaf Kratom’s mechanism of action is complex and not fully understood.

In the U.S., kratom is gaining in consumer awareness and acceptance, with an estimated 15 million consumers. Kratom is consumed in various forms, such as leaf powders, extracts, concentrates, and isolates. It is often categorized as an herbal supplement, though its classification varies by region and country.

"The Leaf Kratom Coalition firmly believes that conducting thorough research on all forms of kratom is essential to ensure the well-being of consumers and to provide them with accurate information about its potential benefits and risks, ultimately enhancing the safety and integrity of kratom products available to consumers," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Leaf Kratom Coalition. "This and future Kratom Symposiums will aid in exchanging knowledge, discussing best practices, and collaboration on the way to a safe and regulated kratom market."

About the Leaf Kratom Coalition 

The Leaf Kratom Coalition (LKC) exists to protect and expand access to leaf-based kratom around the world. The organization represents the interests of advocates committed to positive change benefiting consumers. The organization supports education, and the development of kratom science which is central to the LKC’s mission – to empower individuals worldwide with access to safe and responsibly sourced kratom products by advancing scientific research and sensible regulation.

The LKC operates on five key values:

• Access: The belief that individuals should have a choice as to how they look after their health, informed by the latest unbiased information available.
• Education: Providing accurate, evidence-based information about kratom (including on our website), allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
• Advocacy: Serving as a united voice for kratom consumers worldwide, seeking fair and sensible regulations that prioritize consumer safety, freedom of information, and good sourcing and manufacturing practices.
• Community: Fostering a global group of enthusiasts, experts, vendors, and advocates to promote the benefits of kratom and fight for informed and responsible use.
• Responsibility: Promoting the responsible use of kratom and encouraging vendors to adhere to strict quality and safety standards so that consumers have access to products that are safe, well-manufactured, and appropriately labeled.

Please follow us at:

Website: https://leafkratomcoalition.org/

Twitter: @kratomcoalition

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kratom_coalition/

Media Contact

Matthew Lowe

mlowe@leafkratomcoalition.org

Media Contact

Matthew Lowe
mlowe@leafkratomcoalition.org

Salus GRC (or the “Company”) recently welcomed Jacqueline Hallihan as Chief GRC Officer and member of the Board of Directors. Ms. Hallihan is responsible for spearheading the Company’s global GRC (governance, risk and compliance) strategies, with a focus on maximizing growth opportunities. As a pioneer in the compliance consulting industry, with a proven record as an entrepreneur who founded multiple regulatory compliance and technology companies, she joins Salus GRC’s executive team at an exciting time in its growth and strategic evolution. Salus GRC’s unique strategic vision and rapid growth trajectory are attracting talented, deeply experienced, and highly respected resources across the compliance, regulatory and GRC field, reinventing service excellence in a people-oriented business supported by revolutionized technology processes. To date, Salus GRC has amassed clients with over $200 billion in assets.

Salus GRC provides a comprehensive suite of tech-enabled regulatory support to investment advisers, private fund managers and other SEC- and FINRA-regulated financial services firms. Offerings include regulatory registration and filing services, compliance program development and ongoing support, managed services, regulatory exam assistance, compliance training and education, regulatory due diligence, and cybersecurity solutions. As it continues its ascent to be the employer of choice in the GRC space, the Company is rapidly attracting experienced professionals who bring a singular focus on providing the highest level of client service with tech-enabled risk management and deep regulatory expertise.

Ms. Hallihan brings more than 30 years of experience founding, managing, and growing dominant organizations in the compliance-related industry, including as a founding Partner of Ascendant Compliance Management and founder and CEO of National Regulatory Services. Most recently she served in an Executive Director role at a compliance services organization within a RegTech firm. She is a founder and life-time member of the National Society of Compliance Professionals (NSCP).

“I am thrilled to have Jackie as our Chief GRC Officer, a member of the executive management team, and a strategic partner,” said Bill Mulligan, Salus GRC CEO. “I’ve known Jackie for many years and blending her vast background in growing compliance and regulatory compliance organizations with our unique GRC vision is a winning combination. She has achieved exceptional results over her career, building sustainable and high-profile businesses.” He added, “Jackie is the right strategic leader to join our great team, focusing on growth opportunities at Salus GRC. Her passion for innovation, customer service, and building brand awareness, along with her deep commitment to people, will be invaluable as we continue helping clients maximize our tech-enabled GRC solutions.”

“It’s a true privilege to join this incredible team as we work to build the industry’s leading provider of GRC services. Bringing technology, compliance governance, and risk management together with our team’s focused commitment on innovation and redefining service excellence aligns beautifully with Salus GRC’s strategic vision,” said Ms. Hallihan. “I truly believe we are building something special at Salus GRC, at a time when Chief Compliance Officers and SEC-regulated firms desperately need expertise and support, and I’m honored to be a part of the Company’s next growth chapter.”

About Salus GRC

Launched in the Spring of 2023, in partnership with financial sponsor Charlesbank Capital Partners, Salus GRC provides GRC services to private fund managers, registered investment advisers, CFTC-registered managers, and broker-dealers. Offerings include SEC and other regulatory registration and filing services, compliance program development and ongoing support, regulatory exam assistance, compliance training and education, regulatory due diligence, and cybersecurity solutions. For more information, please visit www.salusgrc.com.

About Charlesbank Capital Partners

Based in Boston and New York, Charlesbank Capital Partners is a middle-market private investment firm with more than $17 billion of capital raised since inception. Charlesbank focuses on management-led buyouts and growth capital financings, and engages in opportunistic credit and technology investments. The firm seeks to build companies with sustainable competitive advantage and excellent prospects for growth. For more information, please visit www.charlesbank.com.

Media Contact

Salus GRC

Monique Stehle

mstehle@salusgrc.com

Charlesbank

Ryan FitzGibbon / Dan Ivers / Peter Gavaris

pro-charlesbank@prosek.com

Media Contact

Monique Stehle
mstehle@salusgrc.com

Small Business Administrator Isabel Guzman and National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard announced at a White House event last Wednesday that the partnership between Stifel North Atlantic (NYSE: SF) and ASTRO America is the first recipient of a “Green Light” to raise private capital for an SBIC Critical Technologies (“SBICCT”) fund.

Officially called the AM Forward Critical Technologies SBIC, the Fund is actively fundraising and moving forward with the final SBA licensing process.

The SBA-DoD SBICCT initiative is the first program under a historic SBA-DoD collaboration, launched by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and SBA Administrator Guzman in December 2022. By pairing private capital with SBA administered leverage, the initiative will support private sector investment in US national security-vital component-level technologies and production processes. The structure will achieve the important mission of bolstering U.S. national security and the Defense Industrial Base without reliance on deficit funding, while supporting American small businesses.

“This new Fund is important to both our national security and American competitiveness,” said ASTRO co-founder and President, Neal Orringer. “Not only will it provide essential financial support to small and medium-sized manufacturers, but it will help modernize key supply chains, helping accelerate adoption of technologies such as metal 3D printing that are increasingly important to America’s defense and aerospace industries.” He continued, “We are grateful for the DoD and SBA’s leadership in developing innovative approaches for catalyzing the injection of private capital into critical defense supply chains, at no cost to the taxpayer.”

ASTRO America leads the White House’s AM Forward initiative, which includes a compact between the Administration and seven iconic American lead system integrators. The AM Forward member companies identified access to capital as a key barrier to eliminating bottlenecks, modernizing and increasing resiliency within their supply chains, particularly in metal castings and forgings. In early 2023, ASTRO selected Stifel North Atlantic as the financial partner to manage the SBIC Fund based on Stifel’s rich history of support for small and middle market companies and extensive experience managing SBIC Funds. ASTRO will lead the Fund’s Technical Advisory Board.

“We are deeply committed to both our unique partnership in the SBICCT fund as well as with the SBA more broadly,” shared Victor Nesi, Stifel Financial Co-President. “The SBA has made remarkable progress in developing innovative ways to reach out, support and nurture the small business ecosystem that is so foundational to our organization. We are also grateful for the thought leadership provided to this project by key AM Forward member Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).”

Mike Nitka, Managing Director at Stifel North Atlantic offered, “This fund is a rare opportunity to mix purpose and passion. We are advancing the adoption of mission-ready production technology for the US aerospace and defense supply chain while supporting the journey of emerging US small businesses. Through this revolutionary partnership with the SBA, DoD, ASTRO America, and our anchor investors, we have the opportunity to create jobs and build US manufacturing capacity. I applaud all involved as this is a truly unique non-partisan approach to solving for a universal American need—national security.”

During the event, in addition to key Biden-Harris Administration officials from the White House, SBA and DoD, Stifel and ASTRO executives also met with leading investors from the financial industry and executives from major aerospace and defense companies.

With committed strategic and financial investors, Stifel North Atlantic and ASTRO expect to complete the final phase of the SBICCT licensing process and execute a first closing on the Fund in the coming months. After the initial closing, the Fund will begin actively investing in small business manufacturers to help strengthen the U.S. aerospace and defense supply chains.

The White House readout of the event can be read here and the SBA overview of the event can be read here.

More information on the SBA-DoD SBICCT initiative can be found here.

About the Applied Science and Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America)

The Applied Science and Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-partisan Research Institute and Think Tank. It was established in 2018 to advance the public interest through manufacturing technology and policy. Led by manufacturing professionals with broad public and private sector experience, ASTRO America supports collaborations by government agencies and companies to address supply chain challenges in highly regulated industries, including aerospace and defense. Find out more: https://www.astroa.org

About Stifel Financial Corp.

Established in 1890, with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Stifel is a full-service financial services firm with a distinguished history of providing securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, institutions, corporations, and municipalities.

Media Contact

Elizabeth Heaton

+1 202-445-9858

elizabeth@astroa.org

Media Contact

Elizabeth Heaton
elizabeth@astroa.org

HomeSphere, the leading platform connecting building product manufacturers to mid-market homebuilders, today announced its latest partnership with a homebuilding industry service provider. 

Aterra Designs will offer its high-end residential lighting, electrical, and home automation design services, including Aterra Premium, Luminosity, and I3 Interactive Floor Plans, to HomeSphere’s network of 2,700+ builders who collectively construct more homes than the top five public builders combined.

“Aterra Designs is the ideal partner as we continue to add products and services that greatly benefit the construction industry,” said HomeSphere President and CEO Greg Schwarzer. “This latest partnership demonstrates our commitment to unlock the unprecedented value of HomeSphere’s platform for more key constituents in homebuilding.”

Single-family and multifamily builders use the HomeSphere platform to gain a competitive advantage. Aterra Designs aligns with that goal with a program that streamlines home lighting and electrical planning by connecting the home buyer, contractor and builder. Their proprietary software integrates with any trade or manufacturer, but HomeSphere builders have an exclusive opportunity to increase returns when they pair brands like Leviton Manufacturing and Progress Lighting with Aterra’s services. 

“Historically, our builders have doubled and sometimes even tripled their sales of lighting, electrical and home technologies. All this, along with receiving better documentation which reduces field errors,” said Aterra Designs President Paul Salmonson. “We look forward to extending this opportunity to HomeSphere builders so they can improve their profitability, connect to a new way of lighting their homes, and create a better customer experience.” 

Aterra Designs’ recently revamped Luminosity services offer a virtual electrical design tool with real-time lighting and pricing tied directly into the supply chain. Based on builder options, Luminosity generates orders and trade-specific information for installation, purchase orders, and bills of materials, saving homebuilders additional time and costs while increasing the beauty and efficiency of a new home. 

“We are continually adding valuable partnerships that enable our builders to construct better homes, improve margins and increase customer satisfaction,” said Schwarzer. “Aterra is a new offering, a new category and their services give our builders a new way to attract buyers. It's a win-win-win.” 

About HomeSphere 

Established in 1999, HomeSphere connects local and regional homebuilders to exclusive rebate offerings. HomeSphere’s builder network constructs and closes more than 250,000 new homes and units per year, making it the largest homebuilding group in the country by volume. Using HomeSphere-HQ, HomeSphere’s award-winning rebate management platform, builders capture incentives on completed homes, discover new products for their future projects and develop key relationships with the 80-plus manufacturers in HomeSphere’s preferred partner network. For more information about HomeSphere’s products and solutions for homebuilders and manufacturers, visit www.homesphere.com.

About Aterra Designs 

For 25 years, Aterra Designs has brought home builders, contractors, and home buyers together to achieve a common goal: Creating homes as unique as their owners.  Our residential designers are experts in lighting, electrical, and home automation design. As such, they can provide a range of coordinated options and create customized lighting solutions. Our focus on maximizing efficiency simplifies the building process and saves time, all while mitigating field errors. And, because we partner directly with top manufacturers, our design consultants can offer innovative new products to home buyers, allowing them to create the home that meets their specific needs. For more information on lighting and electrical solutions, visit www.aterradesigns.com.

Media Contact

For HomeSphere:

Tracy Henderson

tracy@centerreachcommunication.com 

For Aterra Designs:

lor Flores

flor.flores@aterradesigns.com

Media Contact

Tracy Henderson
tracy@centerreachcommunication.com

In an effort to spur hope and celebrate community care, ACE Resource Network is launching the Together in Healing campaign today, designed to reach Sacramento individuals and families affected by the lasting effects of childhood trauma and other early adversity. The campaign, which runs through May, is intended to provide information and resources, foster a sense of solidarity and understanding, and highlight community connection as a vital source of ongoing support.

The bilingual initiative addresses the lasting effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), other childhood adversity, and toxic stress using an accessible approach that integrates awareness-building, digital engagement, personal narrative, and resource sharing. Central to the campaign are online landing pages in English (NumberStory.org/together) and Spanish (HistoriaDeTuNumero/juntos), as well as bilingual social media channels (@MyNumberStory on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X), which serve as hubs for information, resources, and virtual community. These platforms offer an array of healing activities, evidence-based strategies for stress reduction, and a collection of Sacramento County and national resources curated for helping empower and support community members.

“The Together in Healing campaign reflects our support for a world where we can be real about the challenges we’re facing, be empowered by understanding the effects of our early life experiences, and be encouraged to show up for ourselves and each other with care,” says Joy Thomas, Director of Communications and Community Engagement for ACE Resource Network, the team behind the campaign. “We heal in relationship, in connection, in community. This campaign celebrates our capacity to create lasting change for ourselves and future generations.”

Early life experiences can affect health and well-being well into adulthood. Without enough support, ACEs or other early adversity can increase the risk of serious physical and mental health conditions, along with other challenges. ACEs and their negative effects can be passed from one generation to the next. To help address this through a lens of hope, Together in Healing leans into individual and collective strengths and strategies for healing and prevention.

Together in Healing is bolstered by support from leading creative and media partners, including HypeSmack, Tribune, iHeart, Amazon, Lamar, Clear Channel Outdoor, Fizzy Labs, Bloggin’ Mamas, and California Bountiful, ensuring the campaign’s messages are delivered across a range of platforms, from digital ads and billboards, to bus shelters and beyond. Widespread visibility helps normalize conversations around childhood trauma and health, emphasizing that healing and prevention are possible, and lifting up the role of community.

To learn more, visit NumberStory.org/together or HistoriaDeTuNumero.org/juntos. Anyone can help spread the word and join this vital movement to help empower and transform lives within their community and beyond.

About ACE Resource Network

ACE Resource Network‘s mission is to reduce childhood adversity and trauma by promoting a greater understanding of childhood trauma and toxic stress; advancing research; and increasing healing spaces and resources. Number Story was launched by ACE Resource Network as the first national public awareness campaign focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

About HypeSmack

HypeSmack, a division of Heather Lopez Enterprises LLC, specializes in targeted marketing strategies and content creation. With a proven track record of success with California and Hispanic-targeted clientele, such as Chicano Hollywood, Creep I.E. Con, Cinco de Mayo LA, Nissan, Bean and Chisme, Georgia Latino Film Festival, Nuestro Stories, and more; HypeSmack excels in connecting brands with diverse audiences through innovative digital and event marketing solutions. Their role in the Together in Healing campaign, in collaboration with ACE Resource Network, underscores their commitment to empowering Hispanic families in Sacramento County with resources to address childhood trauma.

Media Contact

Rosalie Hagel Martin

+1 954-683-0027

rosalie.hagel@bluewhalepr.com

Media Contact

Rosalie Hagel Martin
rosalie.hagel@bluewhalepr.com

Real Estate Equity Partners (REEP Equity) announced “Unraveling the Multifamily Market: Trends & Strategies for 2024,” a live webinar that will take place on February 29, 2024. Anyone curious about investing in multifamily real estate in Texas is invited to register for the free event and tune in at 7:00 p.m. CST to learn from REEP Equity founders Jacob and Arleen Garza, as well as special guest Mark Brandenburg, Senior Managing Director at JLL Capital Markets.

Those with questions about the multifamily market, seeking emerging investment opportunities in Texas, or those hoping to better understand fluctuating interest and cap rates are invited to attend. Webinar attendees can expect to learn the following:

• The benefits of multifamily investing with a trusted operator
• The economic forces that drive the Texas multifamily market and how Texas differs from the national market
• Owner strategies for buying and financing deals in the current market
• Market dynamics and how the ever-shifting trends can inform and help your investment strategies

“There is so much noise in the media about multifamily. Many are unsure what to believe or who to trust. We’re excited to pull back the curtain for curious investors and share our thoughts and insights to help provide clarity,” said Jacob Garza, Founder of REEP Equity.

“We often get asked, ‘Is multifamily in Texas a good investment? What great opportunities are you seeing?’ and ‘What strategies do you recommend for the best returns?’ We’ll answer these questions and more on February 29,” said Arleen Garza, Founder of REEP Equity.

REEP Equity was founded in 2012 by Jacob and Arleen Garza, who are experts in acquiring multifamily properties in Texas that are underperforming but nevertheless generate income. Since its founding, REEP Equity has bought, sold, and managed $720M worth of multifamily assets across San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. The company has taken nine properties full cycle, with an average historical investor return of 2.17 x equity multiple, an average of 24% IRR, and 34% AAR. Its current portfolio includes 23 properties with a total of 4,171 units.

Mark Brandenburg is a Senior Managing Director in the Dallas office of JLL Capital Markets, Americas. He has been involved in commercial real estate since 2000, with his primary area of responsibility being the capitalization of commercial real estate, including multi-housing, office, retail, industrial, mixed-use, hotels, seniors housing, and self-storage. Mark has facilitated structured finance solutions in conventional permanent financings, joint ventures, mezzanine debt, bridge loans, and construction financing. Over his time with JLL, Mark’s direct transactional experience exceeds $3.5 billion.

The webinar is free to attend. Learn more and save your spot here.

To learn more about REEP Equity, visit reepequity.com. To learn more about JLL Capital Markets, visit us.jll.com.

About Real Estate Equity Partners

Real Estate Equity Partners (REEP Equity) is focused on acquiring underperforming, income-producing, multifamily investment opportunities in Texas. Headquartered in San Antonio, REEP Equity is vertically integrated with its in-house management company, REEP Residential, and this unique setup allows the two enterprises to work together, ensuring that the entire acquisition process is effectively managed, thereby creating value for investors while improving tenants' lives. Since its establishment, REEP Equity has bought, sold, and managed 5,500+ units, taking nine properties full cycle.

About JLL Capital Markets

For over 200 years, JLL Capital Markets (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage, and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $20.9 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, its more than 103,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by the company’s purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, they help their clients, people, and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAY℠.

Media Contact

Ilissa Goldenberg

+1 973-769-6108

ilissa@rprfirm.com

Media Contact

Ilissa Goldenberg
ilissa@rprfirm.com

The Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship, a ministry that embodies the essence of fellowship and community, extended today the invitation to join Pastor James K. McKnight, Our Authors Study Club, and Commissioner William West for a faith-filled Black History Month worship service and fellowship on Sunday, February 25 at 10 a.m. This event is a celebration of faith, history, and fellowship, bringing together members of the community to honor and worship together.

This event is significant as it highlights the commitment of The Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship to promoting unity, love, and inclusivity within the community. By coming together to celebrate Black History Month, the church continues its long tradition of social justice and action, spreading a message of love and togetherness.

Lura Daniels-Ball, President of Our Authors Study Club, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, "We are thrilled to host this special worship service and fellowship in honor of Black History Month. It is a time to come together, celebrate our shared history, and strengthen our bonds as a community of faith."

"At CCCF we seek to 'honor God, connect people, develop Christians, and love everybody," states Pastor McKnight. "All are welcome here."

The service will include a powerful message from McKnight, praise and worship, special music, poetry and dance in celebration of the national theme: African Americans and the Arts. A special tribute to Greek and Black collegiate alumni is slated as well. Children and adults will participate in this exciting and inspirational program.

A fellowship will be held immediately following the service. OASC membership, stamps, and Kente stole will be available for purchase to support the scholarship program.

The fellowship is hosted by Commissioner William West and Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (https://oascla.org).

Looking ahead, The Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship remains committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for all individuals seeking fellowship and spiritual growth. Through a variety of programs and events, the church will continue to nurture a community of believers who are dedicated to honoring God, developing Christians, connecting people, and spreading love to everybody.

For more information on The Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship and upcoming events, please visit https://www.christianfellowshipla.org.

Media Contact

Lura Ball
vassie@oascla.org

On February 15, Our Authors Study Club, Inc. welcomed over 100 distinguished guests to celebrate acclaimed artist Mark Steven Greenfield at the historic Pico House, where he was presented with the first OASC Trailblazer Award and a special framed proclamation from Mayor Karen Bass by Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Hamilton.

individuals gathered to enjoy the iconic setting of the first modern three-story hotel in Los Angeles and pay tribute to one of the city's most distinguished talents.

The highlight of the evening was the insightful and often comedic conversation led by Charmaine Jefferson, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the California Institute for the Arts and owner of Kélan Resources.

What gave the presentation even more depth is the fact that Greenfield and Jefferson have been friends since childhood. The audience was treated to a visual and verbal tour through each of his artistic phases.

A mixture of soul and contemporary cuisine were serve to the delight of the attendees by a young team headed by Chefene's Culinary Creations.

This event is significant as it highlights the commitment of Our Authors Study Club to recognize and amplify the contributions of Black artists like Mark Steven Greenfield. By honoring individuals who have made a profound impact blazing a trail for African Americans and the African diaspora.

This event also recognizes the African American role in the founding of Los Angeles, nothing that 26 of the founders were African or of African descent. Additionally, Pio Pico, the builder of the Pico House was the last governor of California under Mexican rule and was half Black.

OASC continues to fulfill its mission of making the world more aware, connected, and invested in Black history and culture.

According to Lura Daniels-Ball, President of Our Authors Study Club, "We are thrilled to celebrate Mark Steven Greenfield and his remarkable achievements in the art world. His work embodies the spirit of creativity, resilience, and even resistance that we aim to showcase and celebrate through our initiatives."

In the future, Our Authors Study Club plans to continue honoring trailblazers in the Black community, hosting events that promote cultural understanding and appreciation, and expanding its reach to engage with a wider audience.

Sponsors for this event includes the Los Angeles Urban League, The Los Angeles Sentinel, Councilman Curren Price (District 9), El Pueblo Park Association (EPPA, which supports El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument), Mayor Karen Bass, and Danny Bakewell, Jr. (2024 OASC African American Heritage Month Honorary Chair).

For more information about Our Authors Study Club and upcoming events, please visit https://oascla.org.

About Our Authors Study Club

Our Authors Study Club was founded by Vassie D. Wright, who was also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. In 1945, she and a group of postal workers formed OASC to study the true history of African People. She is responsible for LA's first city wide Negro History Week celebration, which evolved to the current citywide Black History Month celebration in Los Angeles in partnership with every mayor since Mayor Bowron in 1950.

OASC aims to make the world more aware of, more connected to, and more invested in the African American and African diaspora experience. To ignite conversations that inspire new books, films, artistic expressions, music, podcasts, and social interactions across diverse populations. They advocate against the dilution of Black heritage and legacy, which has been underrepresented in mainstream history, literature, and media. Their goal is to support libraries, museums, schools, and media in promoting Black lives and to recognize, amplify, and honor the contributions of Black Americans.

For more information, visit https://oascla.org. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OurAuthorsStudyClub.

Media Contact

Lura Ball
vassie@oascla.org

Our Authors Study Club, Inc. announced today that actor and educator William Allen Young will be joining the judges panel at the upcoming Carter G. Woodson Oratorical Finals on Saturday, February 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Airport Police Community Center, located at 9160 South Loyola Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Young, an award-winning actor and director with a prolific career, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the event. The Finals are free and RSVP is highly suggested: www.tinyurl.com/OratoryFinals24.

The inclusion of actor and educator William Allen Young in the judges panel at the Carter G. Woodson Oratorical Finals highlights Our Authors Study Club's commitment to including diverse community members who have a vested interest in the growth and well-being of our youth.

Lura Daniels Ball, President of Our Authors Study Club, expressed her excitement about Young's participation, stating, "We are thrilled to have actor and educator William Allen Young join us at the Carter G. Woodson Oratorical Finals. His expertise and passion for developing young minds align perfectly with our mission to promote Black history and culture."

William is a USC graduate and former #1 College Speaker in the Nation for two consecutive years, when he led the Trojan Debate Squad to a National Championship. He holds a master's degree in Sociolinguistics, a bachelor's degree in Rhetoric & Debate, and has lectured at major colleges and universities nationwide.

As founder/president of the nonprofit Young Center for Academic and Cultural Enrichment, he has helped transform lives and create opportunities for countless underserved youth to obtain a college education. Students from over 250 schools have participated in the organization's award-winning programs, and its distinguished alumni have been accepted at more than 80 U.S. colleges and universities to date.

Other judges include:

• Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, Principal of Esther Collins & 37th Street Early Education Centers for the Los Angeles Unified School District
• Isaias Martinez, Administrator of the Office of Staff Relations, Los Angeles Unified School District
• Ernest McCullough, Complex Project Manager, Los Angeles Unified School District
• Brad Rumble, Principal, Esperanza Elementary Los Angeles Unified School District
• Jermaine Shelton, founder of Shelton Media Group, a talent management and media production company based in Los Angeles

In the future, Our Authors Study Club plans to expand its reach and impact by hosting more events, collaborating with diverse communities, and creating new opportunities for people to engage with Black history and heritage.

Remember to RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/OratoryFinals24.

The Oratorical Finals are sponsored by Councilmember Traci Park (District 11), Los Angeles Sentinel, The Weingart Foundation, and Lura's Kitchen.

For more information about Our Authors Study Club and upcoming events, please visit https://oascla.org.

About Our Authors Study Club

Our Authors Study Club was founded by Vassie D. Wright, who was also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. In 1945, she and a group of postal workers formed OASC to study the true history of African People. She is responsible for LA's first city wide Negro History Week celebration, which evolved to the current citywide Black History Month celebration in Los Angeles in partnership with every mayor since Mayor Bowron in 1950.

OASC aims to make the world more aware of, more connected to, and more invested in the African American and African diaspora experience. To ignite conversations that inspire new books, films, artistic expressions, music, podcasts, and social interactions across diverse populations. They advocate against the dilution of Black heritage and legacy, which has been underrepresented in mainstream history, literature, and media. Their goal is to support libraries, museums, schools, and media in promoting Black lives and to recognize, amplify, and honor the contributions of Black Americans.

For more information, visit https://oascla.org. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OurAuthorsStudyClub.

Media Contact

Lura Ball
vassie@oascla.org

Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (TSXV: BMR) (OTCQB: BTRMF) (“Battery” or “BMR” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has closed a third, and final, tranche of the private placement (the “Private Placement”) of senior unsecured convertible debentures (the “Debentures”), which was previously announced on October 17, 2023, October 19, 2023, November 3, 2023, December 19, 2023 and February 2, 2024 (the “Offering”).

Gross proceeds for the third tranche total US$1,000,000 (C$1,349,300). Together with the first tranche of the Offering, which closed on October 19, 2023 for gross proceeds of US$1,370,000 (C$1,871,557), and the second tranche of the Offering, which closed on November 3, 2023 for gross proceeds of US$1,915,000 (C$2,660,234), the Company raised an aggregate of US$4,285,000 (C$5,881,091) under the Offering. Weston Energy II LLC, an existing shareholder of the Company, participated in the third closing in the amount of US$1,000,000 (C$1,349,300).

The proceeds from the Debentures will be applied towards working capital and the restart of copper concentrate production at its Punitaqui copper project in Chile (the “Restart”).

Offering Terms (as previously disclosed)

As previously announced, the Debentures will mature on September 30, 2026 (the “Maturity Date”) and will bear interest at 10% per annum, compounding annually on September 30 of each year, not in advance. Interest accrued from the date of issuance up to and including March 30, 2025, will be paid by way of issuance of common shares of the Company. Interest accrued following March 30, 2025, will be, at the option of the holder, paid either in cash or by way of issuance of common shares of the Company. The issuance of common shares as payment of interest will be at the then current market price of the Company’s common shares at the date the interest becomes payable and will be subject to the prior acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities laws.

The holder of a Debenture may, at their option, at any time from March 31, 2024, and prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the Maturity Date, convert all, but not less than all, of the principal amount of such Debenture into common shares of the Company at the conversion price of US$0.22 per share (approximately C$0.30 per share).

All Debentures issued in the Private Placement and in connection with the debt consolidation are subject to a four month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws and under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Debenture issuances are subject to final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Exchange Rates

All USD amounts for which CAD equivalent amounts are given in this news release were calculated at CAD/USD exchange rate of 1.3493, the exchange rate published by the Bank of Canada on February 15, 2024.

MI 61-101 Matters

Weston Energy LLC and Weston Energy II LLC are “related parties” to BMR pursuant to pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). Prior to giving effect to the transactions disclosed in this news release, Weston Energy LLC and Weston Energy II LLC and its affiliates owned or controlled (directly or indirectly) 107,578,740 BMR Common Shares on an undiluted basis and 175,201,710 BMR Common Shares assuming the conversion of the Company’s Debentures (representing approximately 60.60% of the outstanding BMR Common Shares on an undiluted basis, and approximately 65.66% of the outstanding BMR Common Shares assuming the conversion of the Company’s Debentures).

Weston Energy II LLC’s participation in the Private Placement constitutes a “related party transaction” for the purposes of MI 6-101. The transaction is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 as BMR is not listed on a specified market that would require compliance with such formal valuation requirements (as set forth in Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101) and is further exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of Section 5.7(e) of MI 61-101 which provides that a related party transaction is exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements if the issuer is in serious financial difficulty, the transaction is designed to improve the financial position of the company (among other criteria) and there is no other requirement to hold a meeting of shareholders to approve the transaction.

Disclaimers

The Debentures (including any issued in future closings) will be sold in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and will be sold only to persons reasonably believed to be accredited investors in the United States under Rule 506 under the Securities Act and outside the United States only to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The Debentures and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures, if any, have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an applicable exemption from such registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Debentures or any shares of common stock potentially issuable upon conversion of the Debentures nor shall there be any sale of Debentures (or shares issuable upon conversion thereof) in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state.

There can be no assurance that any future offerings of Debentures will be completed.

About Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

BMR is a battery minerals company providing shareholders exposure to the global mega-trend of electrification while being focused on growth through cash-flow, exploration, and acquisitions in favourable mining jurisdictions. BMR’s mission is the discovery, acquisition, and development of battery metals (namely cobalt, lithium, graphite, and copper), in North America, South America and South Korea and to become a premier and responsible supplier of battery minerals to the electrification marketplace. BMR is currently pursuing a near-term resumption of operations of the Punitaqui Mining Complex, a past copper-gold-silver producer, in the Coquimbo region of Chile. BMR is the largest mineral claim holder in the historic Gowganda Cobalt-Silver Camp in Ontario, Canada, and continues to pursue a focused program to build on the recently announced, +1-million-pound high-grade cobalt resource at McAra. In addition, Battery Mineral owns 100% of ESI Energy Services, Inc. (including ESI’s wholly owned USA operating subsidiary, Ozzie’s, Inc.), a profitable mainline pipeline and renewable energy equipment rental and sales company with operations in Alberta, Canada and Arizona, USA. Battery Mineral Resources is based in Canada and its shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “BMR” and on the OTCQB under the symbol “BTRMF”. Further information about BMR and its projects can be found on www.bmrcorp.com.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of the Company on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing (including through the Private Placement) to complete exploration and development activities, the ability of the Company to close further tranches of the Private Placement, the completion, timing and size of the proposed Private Placement, the intended use of the proceeds of the Private Placement, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the ability of the Company to meet its anticipated development schedule, government regulation and fluctuating metal prices. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Battery undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. For further information regarding the risks please refer to the risk factors discussed in Battery’s most recent Management Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR+.

Media Contact

Martin Kostuik, CEO

+1 604-229-3830

info@bmrcorp.com

Media Contact

Martin Kostuik
info@bmrcorp.com

The prestigious Retirement Management Advisor® Certification can now be completed at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business as part of the immersive Chicago Booth RMA® Capstone experience.

In partnership with The University of Chicago Booth School of Business—ranked the No. 1 Best Business School by the US News & World Report in 2023–2024—the Institute’s RMA Certification program offers strategies and practical tools to build custom retirement income plans, mitigate clients' risks, and master the retirement planning advisory process. Designed specifically for today’s leading retirement professionals, this program’s cutting-edge curriculum will empower advisors with elevated, specialized capabilities, helping to differentiate their practices in a crowded and growing marketplace.

The RMA® Capstone is a core component of the RMA® Certification program, and may be completed entirely online, or as part of a two-day, in-person executive education experience on the campus of the Chicago Booth School of Business. While onsite, candidates will have direct access to top industry practitioners and academic experts, including Clinical Associate Professor of Strategic Management, Kathleen Fitzgerald, and Merle Erickson, Ph.D., distinguished Professor of Accounting.

“Chicago Booth is extremely proud to administer both the Retirement Management Advisor certification curriculum and the RMA® Capstone experience for today’s most successful retirement advisors,” said Mark Lewis, Executive Director of Executive Education at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. “Our partnership with the Institute already runs deep, teaching advanced curriculums for the Institute’s industry leading CIMA® and CWPA® certifications, and the addition of the RMA® program completes a world-class triumvirate.”

Advisors accepted into this cohort will be eligible to attend the onsite Chicago Booth RMA® Capstone experience in downtown Chicago from October 9–10, 2024. Taking place at the Gleacher Center on the Chicago Booth campus, this two-day education and test-prep symposium will culminate with the RMA® Certification Exam on October 10.

“Today’s professional retirement management advisors are staring at a truly generational business opportunity. Mass-affluent and high-net-worth Baby Boomers are already retiring in enormous numbers, and this trend will only gain momentum as the next two decades unfold,” said Mike Kurz, Director of Programs at the Investments & Wealth Institute. “Therefore, the exceptional advisor will be looking to position themselves with the practical knowledge and skills to expertly serve this quickly expanding market—but also to achieve industry acclaimed designations and credentials that will help them differentiate and successfully market their retirement management expertise. The RMA® certification with Chicago Booth’s executive education experience provides exactly what these motivated entrepreneurs will need to compete successfully in the future.”

Registration is now open. Interested advisors must complete their RMA® application by April 1, 2024 to take part in the 2024 Capstone offering at Chicago Booth.

All advisors accepted into the upcoming RMA® cohort will experience a foundational, five-month intensive executive education program, beginning in May 2024. The core curriculum offers guided self-study modules of on-demand readings, recorded lectures, case studies, analysis with worksheets, use of a specialized financial calculator, and periodic sectional quizzes. The RMA® program teaches proficiency and excellence in retirement planning, including the management of the decumulation life stage, which is a critical need for many clients. It also increases proficiency in building custom retirement income plans through holistic discussions and discovery processes that reflect a client’s unique retirement situation. To be certified, candidates are also required to meet a three-year experience threshold, pass a comprehensive background check, complete online education modules, and pass a 115-question certification examination.

Interested parties can learn more about the RMA® Certification program here and can apply for the program online. An introductory webinar is available here.

Private cohorts for corporate clients are also available; please contact Kari Estes at kestes@i-w.org for information. Learn more about the new RMA® Capstone program here.

About Investments & Wealth Institute

Founded in 1985, the Investments & Wealth Institute is the premier professional association, education provider, and standards body for financial advisors. Through its award-winning events, publications, courses, and acclaimed certifications — Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) — the Institute delivers Ivy League-quality, highly-practical education to more than 30,000 practitioners annually in over 40 countries. Members of the Institute include the industry's most successful investment consultants, advanced financial planners, and private wealth managers who embrace excellence and ethics in applying a broad set of knowledge and skills in their daily work with clients. Learn more at https://investmentsandwealth.org/.

About The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business has a long history of groundbreaking advancements that have revolutionized the financial industry. Chicago Booth is home to ten Nobel laureates who have helped define the study of economics and the nature of today’s financial markets—including 2013 recipient Eugene F. Fama, widely recognized as the “father of modern finance,” and 2017 recipient Richard H. Thaler, a “founding father” of behavioral economics. Chicago Booth is the alma mater of countless alumni in the investment management industry—making it the ideal setting for financial professionals who want to elevate their understanding of investment management and portfolio construction, gain access to renowned faculty and industry experts, and expand their clientele. Chicago Booth has campuses in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong. Learn more at https://www.chicagobooth.edu/executiveeducation.

Media Contact

Allison Edmondson

+1 303-850-3207

aedmondson@i-w.org

Media Contact

Allison Edmondson
aedmondson@i-w.org

Bank of the Lowcountry, announced the opening of its newest full-service branch in West Ashley. Located at 1923 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, this expansion aims to bridge the gap between the existing Mt. Pleasant and Ravenel branches while providing community-focused and relationship-driven banking services to current and new customers.

"We are excited to expand our franchise into the West Ashley area of Charleston, SC," Marc Bogan, CEO of Bank of the Lowcountry, commented. "We have a great team, led by our Market President, Chase Talbert, and can’t wait to bring our style of community banking to this growing area of Charleston."

EVP and Market President for Bank of the Lowcountry Chase Talbert noted, "The opening of our West Ashley branch furthers our goal of expanding the bank's Charleston footprint to better serve our current and future clients. Centrally located between our Mt Pleasant and Ravenel branches, the new location on Sam Rittenberg Blvd is the ideal next step. As a West Ashley resident myself, I look forward to sharing our bank and its relationship-focused culture with this amazing community."

"We are thrilled to be open in West Ashley!" announced new branch manager, VP, and Consumer Lender Raymond Murray. "As a resident of West Ashley for over 50 years, it is nice to be able to bring Bank of the Lowcountry’s style of community banking to my home area. Our local knowledge and decision-making will be assets to the West Ashley community!"

With the successful launch of its newest branch, Bank of the Lowcountry expects to strengthen relationships with the Charleston community. The West Ashley team is looking forward to an official grand opening ceremony in the future but in the meantime, they encourage customers, friends, and community members to stop by 1923 Sam Rittenberg Blvd to visit and celebrate this milestone with them. 

About Bank of the Lowcountry

Headquartered in Walterboro, Bank of the Lowcountry provides a variety of traditional and online banking solutions to meet the needs of customers throughout the Lowcountry. Find out more at BankLowcountry.com and follow Bank of the Lowcountry on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Samantha Murdaugh

+1 843-782-5531

smurdaugh@banklowcountry.com

Media Contact

Samantha Murdaugh
smurdaugh@banklowcountry.com

PerVista, a company dedicated to addressing the increasing issue of mass shootings in the United States, announced today that it has launched a $1.235 million seed round on Wefunder. This funding will enable PerVista to expand its operations and further develop innovative solutions to prevent such tragic incidents. Notably, Cedric Nash, also known as "Your Millionaire Mentor," an acclaimed entrepreneur, wealth coach, and founder of The Black Wealth Summit, has invested in this round, recognizing the importance of PerVista's mission.

In the past decade, there has been a disturbing escalation in the number of school shootings across the country. Ten incidents were reported in 2010, while a staggering 346 occurred in 2023. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for effective measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and faculty. PerVista's initiative to raise capital on Wefunder reflects its commitment to addressing this pressing issue and implementing innovative solutions.

PerVista is focused on providing comprehensive and technology-driven approaches to prevent mass shootings. By leveraging advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and predictive modeling, PerVista aims to identify potential threats and intervene proactively. Additionally, the company offers training programs and resources to educate schools and communities on early detection, intervention strategies, and crisis management.

Vennard Wright, founder of PerVista, stated, "We are thrilled to launch this investment campaign on Wefunder with the support of Cedric Nash and other prominent investors. This funding will enable us to accelerate our efforts in combating the rise of school shootings and work towards creating a safer environment for students and educators. We are determined to make a lasting impact and bring about positive change through our innovative solutions."

Looking ahead, PerVista plans to utilize the raised capital to further enhance its technological capabilities and expand its reach to more schools and educational institutions nationwide. The company aims to collaborate with key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, and community organizations, to create a comprehensive network for preventing school shootings.

For more information about PerVista and its mission to combat school shootings, please visit https://pervista.com and https://wefunder.com/pervista.

About PerVista

Located in the Washington, DC region, PerVista is a company dedicated to preventing school shootings through innovative technology and comprehensive solutions. By leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, and proactive intervention strategies, PerVista aims to create a safer environment for students and educators. The company also provides training programs and resources to educate schools and communities on early detection, crisis management, and intervention strategies. For more information, visit https://pervista.com.

Media Contact

Vennard Wright

vwright@pervista.com

Media Contact

Vennard Wright
vwright@pervista.com