Mortgage Rates Remain Flat

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), showing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 2.71 percent.

“Mortgage rates remain at record lows, resisting their typical correlation to Treasury yields, which have recently been moving higher,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Mortgage spreads – the difference between mortgage rates and the 10-year Treasury rate – are declining from their elevated levels earlier this year. Although today’s mortgage spread is about 1.8 percent and still has some room to move down if the 10-year Treasury continues to rise, it’s encouraging to see that the spread is almost back to normal levels.”

News Facts


  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgage
    averaged 2.71 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending December 10, 2020, unchanged from last week. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.73 percent.

  • 15-year


    fixed-rate mortgage
    averaged 2.26 percent with an average 0.6 point, unchanged from last week. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.19 percent.

  • 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage
    (ARM) averaged 2.79 percent with an average 0.3 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.86 percent. A year ago at this time, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.36 percent.

The PMMS is focused on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home purchase loans for borrowers who put 20 percent down and have excellent credit. Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining the mortgage. Visit the following link for the Definitions. Borrowers may still pay closing costs which are not included in the survey.

Freddie Mac makes home possible for millions of families and individuals by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Since our creation by Congress in 1970, we’ve made housing more accessible and affordable for homebuyers and renters in communities nationwide. We are building a better housing finance system for homebuyers, renters, lenders, investors and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com, Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Mac’s blog FreddieMac.com/blog.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Angela Waugaman

703-
714-0644

Angela_Waugaman
@
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ac.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30f79b52-c461-425e-b9bf-b50669a5f181



Verizon Business offers touchless payment capability with Clover from Fiserv

Clover® point-of-sale platform and merchant services are available to Verizon Business customers

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Dec. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verizon Business and Fiserv (NASDAQ: FISV), a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology solutions, today announced a new relationship that allows Verizon Business to provide customers access to Clover Flex, a mobile point-of-sale device that can enable touchless payments. In addition, the relationship will allow Verizon customers to utilize Fiserv merchant services, including debit and credit card processing with a range of payment acceptance options, including online, mobile and in-person.

In making the announcement TJ Fox, President of Business Markets for Verizon Business stated, “Businesses are investing in technologies to advance and grow their businesses, address customer needs and adapt to today’s environment. Providing a touchless experience is another example of our dedication to empowering small businesses with the tools they need to succeed and meet customer demands.”

Verizon Business customers have access to the Clover point-of-sale platform from Fiserv, including the all-in-one mobile Clover Flex, which can enable touchless payments. When used by Verizon business customers, the Clover Flex device is embedded with a Verizon SIM Card to facilitate reliable payment acceptance via the Verizon network.

The Clover platform and merchant services from Fiserv, enables retailers, restaurant owners and other small business owners to provide their customers with in-demand payment experiences. For restaurants, this includes the ability to accept orders online for carryout or curbside pickup and to create an entirely touchless ordering and payment experience for customers choosing to dine in. A mobile solution like Clover Flex provides businesses with the flexibility needed to adapt to these changing demands.

In fact, according to the Verizon Business Small Business Recovery Survey, 55% of small businesses are concerned with delivering services efficiently amid social distancing regulations due to COVID-19.

“Verizon has a reputation for providing businesses with superior connectivity, and shares our commitment to working closely with small business owners to enable their success,” said Devin McGranahan, Head of Global Business Solutions at Fiserv. “We continue to broaden our distribution network in tandem with trusted service providers like Verizon that want to make it easier for small and mid-sized businesses to access modern solutions like Clover that can help them adapt and grow.”

Clover is a market-leading point-of-sale platform with more than one million devices distributed globally, processing more than $130 billion in annualized payment volume. Clover is a complete business-management platform enabling businesses to maximize their operating efficiencies and grow, while allowing customers to pay using a debit or credit card or via mobile payment options such as Apple Pay®, Samsung Pay®, and Google Pay®.

In addition to Verizon Business’ new offerings from Fiserv, customers can find out more about new unlimited business plans as low as $30 per line1, with unlimited talk, text and data and Verizon’s Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband, available in parts of select cities, and Nationwide network, available in more than 1800 cities.

1) Monthly fee per line w/5 or more lines. Taxes & fees apply. Device payment smartphone purchase, Auto Pay & paper-free billing required.

About Fiserv

Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV) aspires to move money and information in a way that moves the world. As a global leader in payments and financial technology, the company helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation and excellence in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover® cloud-based point-of-sale solution. Fiserv is a member of the S&P 500® Index and the FORTUNE® 500, and is among FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Companies®. Visit fiserv.com and follow on social media for more information and the latest company news.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019. The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

Media Contact:

Claudia Russo
[email protected]

 



CarDr.com Raises $5M to Launch Artificial Intelligence-Powered ‘MRI for Used Cars’

Auto lenders, dealers, and car buyers turn to next-gen inspection technology to detect fraud and better understand the health of second-hand vehicles

CHICAGO, Dec. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The used car market in the U.S. is worth $89 billion, and continues to grow every year. But even with 41 million used cars changing hands annually, consumers, dealers, and lenders struggle to know their true value before purchase or sale.  

To give lenders, dealers, and buyers a more comprehensive picture of vehicle health and a more accurate valuation of used cars, CarDr.com today announced its launch and seed funding of $5M from Red Fort Capital.

CarDr.com’s artificial intelligence-powered (AI) used car inspection is the first of its kind. CarDr.com’s proprietary On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) scanner pulls 300+ vehicle diagnostic data points and generates a comprehensive vehicle inspection report and reliability rating.

“The combination of CarDr.com’s state-of-the-art AI-powered inspection protects used car buyers, dealers, and lenders from unnecessary risks and costly mistakes,” said Parry Singh, chairman and founder of CarDr.com.

“CarDr.com provides deep insight into a car’s health and protects a buyer from purchasing a faulty or overpriced used car,” Singh added. “CarDr.com’s AI Suggested Fair Market Valuation gives buyers, dealers, insurance companies, and lenders more confidence in their used car purchase or financing decisions.”

CarDr.com pulls and analyzes vehicle health data to detect:

CarDr.com’s vehicle inspections benefit:

  • Banks and Credit Unions – CarDr.com brings more certainty to auto lenders by giving better insight into what a car is worth, allowing banks and credit unions to capitalize on the $89 billion used-car market.

  • Auto Dealers – CarDr.com provides a competitive advantage for car dealers by enabling them to accurately appraise trade-ins and existing used car inventory, as well as detect odometer and VIN fraud.

  • Buyers – CarDr.com gives buyers greater transparency into the health of a used car to avoid car trouble down the road and negotiate a fair market price for the vehicle.   

“You can think of a typical car inspection as a routine wellness check or physical exam,” said Singh. “CarDr.com gives a much more comprehensive look into car health by providing the equivalence of an in-depth MRI.”

To learn more about CarDr.com and the science behind AI-powered car inspections, visit


CarDr.com


.  

About CarDr.com, Inc.


CarDr.com
provides transparent and comprehensive used car inspections for auto lenders, dealers, buyers, and sellers nationwide. Its fleet of trained auto inspectors leverage CarDr.com’s state-of-the-art AI to analyze vast amounts of car diagnostic data to more accurately assess vehicle health, prevent fraud, and determine a car’s true value.

The CarDr.com On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) scanner, when coupled with the CarDr.com Vehicle Inspection App, detects odometer fraud with 99% accuracy, VIN fraud with 100% accuracy, and generates a vehicle inspection report, reliability rating, and fair market valuation within minutes.

Launched in 2020, Chicago-based CarDr.com is backed by Red Fort Capital, the $1.2 billion private equity firm and S&P investment grade finance company Singh founded in 2003. 

About Red Fort Capital  

Founded by Parry Singh in 2003, Red Fort Capital is a $1.2 billion real estate fund that has financed over 30 million square feet of residential and commercial space worldwide. The firm, ranked by PERE Magazine as a Top Ten Emerging Manager, has an investment strategy uniquely focused on transaction structuring, execution, and asset management expertise.

Red Fort Capital has multiple financing vehicles, including private equity funds, non-bank finance, and a global special situation principal group. Red Fort Capital NBFC, a regulated non-bank finance company that focuses on corporate debt, senior debt for logistics, education, bridge financing, and more, is an S&P investment grade-rated company.

Media Contact:

Siri Morrone
[email protected]
(800) 932-1120

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/818dc12d-5fb1-408b-8f85-1859ce4f6129

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0edc8afd-3b26-4f3f-9d61-9d17fc9d5753



Clarity Software Solutions, Inc.’s Net Promoter Score® Increases to 52

Surpasses National Benchmark Average in the Health Insurance and Software Industries

MADISON, Conn., Dec. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clarity Software Solutions, Inc., an industry leader in healthcare communications, has announced the results of their 2020 Net Promoter Score survey, a measure of customer experience and satisfaction. The company’s Net Promoter Score increased since the last distribution in 2019 and continues to surpass benchmark averages in the health insurance and software industries.

“We continue to gather feedback from our clients at several touchpoints. Their input is vital to the continued growth of Clarity,” said Steve Mongelli, President & CEO. “In addition to the NPS® survey, we send out interim surveys twice per month as clients complete specific milestones. This more immediate feedback allows us to make adjustments as needed throughout the year. We work hard to exceed our client’s expectations because their satisfaction is of critical importance to Clarity’s ability to grow and succeed. We are extremely appreciative of their feedback.”

The Net Promoter Score survey is sent to Clarity’s clients with a single question, “On a scale from 0-10, how likely are you to recommend Clarity to a friend or colleague?” and the option to provide additional feedback. The Net Promoter Score gauges a customer’s satisfaction and loyalty to the product or brand with an index that ranges from -100 to 100.

A benchmark report published by NICE Satmetrix evaluated the average NPS for 23 industries in 2020. In the “Software & Apps” category, the average NPS was 34 and in “Health Insurance” the average score was 19. Clarity Software Solutions achieved a Net Promoter Score of 52.

In addition to the NPS question, clients can also share feedback. One client wrote, “The Clarity team is responsive, collaborative and always willing to go that extra mile! The technology is great!” Clarity will continue to actively monitor client satisfaction and use their feedback to better understand the company’s overall performance.

About Clarity Software Solutions, Inc.

Clarity Software Solutions, Inc. provides technology driving healthcare engagement through multimodal communications. As an industry leader, Clarity assists clients to optimize customer relationships by enhancing flexibility and control over the management and delivery of their communications. Clarity is headquartered in Madison, Connecticut, serving various healthcare organizations throughout the country. Clarity’s custom solutions are built within secure web-based technology, are easy to use and allow a single communication to be published to any media type – print, web, mobile, or email. For more information, visit www.clarityssi.com.

U.S. Consumer 2020 Net Promoter Score Benchmarks. Retrieved September 15, 2020 from https://www.satmetrix.com/infographic/2020-us-consumer-benchmarks/.



CONTACT:

April Begin
[email protected]
(203) 453-3999 x 501

ReelTime to Acquire 15 Year-old Discount Media Powerhouse Discount Ad Brokers, Gaining Millions in Revenue, Longstanding Marquis Clients, and over 2 Million in Prime Media Inventory — Marks Major Progress Towards NASDAQ Qualifications

Seattle, WA, Dec. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  via NewMediaWire — ReelTime VR/ReelTime Media (OTC:RLTR) has entered into a formal binding letter of agreement where it will acquire 100 percent ownership of  Discount Ad Brokers, a 15-year-old media company operating within a unique niche of the advertising industry.

Discount Ad Brokers focuses on providing clients top tier placements at pricing levels at or below remnant inventory rate structures through a unique inventory acquisition model utilizing contracted capacity buys and aggressive bulk inventory based contracts with major US media properties The acquisition valued at 2.7 million dollars is being completed without the use of toxic debt instruments and is expected to formally close by the end of the year whereas the financials will be consolidated with ReelTimes. 

Discount Ad Brokers will maintain the majority of its current staff with operations expected to move from their current location in Washougal, Washington and be consolidated into ReelTime’s location during 2021, where it will merge with the ReelTime sales, support and production staff to increase sales and overall capabilities by bringing the companies together.

Discount Ad Brokers have consistently been the agency of choice for discount media placements for notable marquis clients such as Hooters, Hard Rock Resorts International, Toys for Tots, Tony Robins,  Glucose Health, SeaWorld,  and numerous national brands within the hospitality, finance and As Seen On TV sectors generating over 30 million dollars in revenues from these accounts, which will be maintained in accordance with the agreement. 

Annual gross billings have averaged over $20 million per year over the last 3 years resulting in net placement revenues averaging $2.6 million per year.  Net revenues have historically risen from, 4.2 million in 2018, to 5.1 million in 2019, yet are expected to be reduced to just over $1 million in 2020 due to an elimination of ads from restaurant and travel clients that have historically been a large percentage of the company’s mainstay business. This has begun to shift and is intended to exceed past performance once restrictions on travel and dining are lifted as is expected early in 2021. There is a pent-up demand for travel and restaurant advertising driven from both an industry and a consumer demand standpoint. 

Barry Henthorn, CEO, stated: “This initial acquisition has been in the works for some time and represents a major step towards building our company and in meeting the requirements in order to be listed on the NADSAQ Capital Markets. The companies have worked closely together for many years but bringing them together under the ReelTime umbrella is undoubtedly a game-changing event.”

Marc Hatch, President of Discount Ad Brokers, exclaimed: “ReelTime’s cutting edge production capabilities and strong attention to technological advantages will allow Discount Ad Brokers to grow in ways it simply would not be able to without this merger. Both Discount Ad Brokers’ parent company NWBB Inc. and I personally have been long term investors in RLTR, and now more than ever I am committed to its future and will continue to be among its most prolific and strongest supporters.” 

ReelTime has formally submitted an application as a Seasoned Company Seeking to Transfer Equity and/or Debt Securities from Another U.S. Exchange to be listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market Exchange. The application has been logged in the NASDAQ Listing Center, all applicable fees have been paid, and a listing analyst has been assigned to ReelTime to assist throughout the process. In addition, the request for a new symbol (NASDAQ:RT) to be reserved for ReelTime to trade under once the Company has met all quantitative and qualitative criteria, including certain corporate governance requirements has been approved.

ReelTime will continue to submit additional information and documentation as it is required based on comments from its assigned Listing Analyst and others at NASDAQ who will be assisting ReelTime, assuring that they satisfy all the required qualifications for NASDAQ Capital Markets securities in Rule 4300 and or any other applicable regulatory requirements. ReelTime will also need to adhere to the corporate governance standards set by NASDAQ. In addition, ReelTime must comply with NASDAQ’s requirements relating to audit committees, the director nomination’s process, the compensation of officers, board composition, executive sessions, quorum, and code of conduct among others. 

ReelTime will continue to trade on the OTC Markets under the symbol (OTC:RLTR) throughout the process and up until the move to the NASDAQ Capital Market becomes effective at which time the ticker symbol will become (NASDAQ:RT). 

The NASDAQ Capital Market provides companies the required capital in order to grow their business. The NASDAQ Capital Market also provides a listing venue that promises to accommodate the different stages of the corporate lives of the companies. All companies that are listed on NASDAQ Capital Market need to satisfy all the required qualifications for NASDAQ securities in Rule 4300. The companies also need to adhere to the corporate governance standards set by NASDAQ. 

In other news:

ReelTime’s VR capabilities which were showcased in Inc. Magazines’ March 24th issue solves the monetization problem of high production cost in relationship to the size of the potential audience that has thwarted VR content creation. Using ReelTime process and Ubiquiview technology, content can be shot in VR yet made available to major networks and other flat content portals as well. By expanding the number of potential viewers from only those with a VR headset to nearly all widely used formats, traditional monetization via product placement, embedded advertising, pre, and post-roll sponsorships, etc. become possible.

Earlier ReelTime VR topped the list published in Virtual Reality Insider of three unknown public companies set to drive the explosion of the AR/VR worlds as access and adoption/adaptation become commonplace. The full article can be seen at www.virtualrealityinsider.com . The article makes special mention of the potentially industry-shaping significance of ReelTime’s patent Number 10,761,303 that was just issued by the USPTO on September 1, 2020. The patent covering apparatus and method claims for technology involving simultaneous capturing of 360 X 360 degree Spherical Panorama Images and Video.

Earlier this year ReelTime VR appeared in TIME Magazine where it was singled out as companies “Among those most likely to gain from the growing virtual reality market” and where it cited ReelTime’s “In Front of View” as “The World’s No. 1, VR Travel Show”.

About NASDAQ Capital Markets: Nasdaq is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. A diverse selection of over 4,000 companies choose to list on Nasdaq’s U.S., Nordic and Baltic exchanges, representing industries such as retail, health care, finance, and technology. In the U.S., Nasdaq is the listing venue of choice for many of the world’s most exciting companies. The Nasdaq Stock Market has three distinctive tiers: The Nasdaq Global Select Market® , The Nasdaq Global Market® and The Nasdaq Capital Market® . Applicants must satisfy certain financial, liquidity, and corporate governance requirements to be approved for listing on any of these market tiers.

About ReelTime Rentals, Inc. d/b/a ReelTime Media: www.reeltime.com, is a publicly-traded company based in Seattle, WA (OTCPK:RLTR). ReelTime Media provides end to end production capabilities and discount media purchasing that is redefining how companies are evaluating and purchasing their TV, radio, print, and other new media. ReelTime is also is in the business of developing, producing and distributing Virtual Reality Content and technologies. We have an end to end production, editing, and distribution capabilities for internal and external projects. ReelTime Currently produces three ongoing series for the Samsung Gear VR platform and distributes them over numerous VR delivery portals including Gear VR, Oculus, Veer VR, HTC Vive, YouTube 360, Facebook, and others. ReelTime Media also publishes the book “It Was Always Me Edward Edwards the most Prolific Serial Killer of all time” which has been the subject of a cover story on People Magazine, Rolling Stone, In Touch, and a six-part series on Paramount network, www.itwasalwaysme.com.

Contact:

Barry Henthorn
[email protected]



Investing in Local News – Postmedia Launches 80+ Redesigned Community Newspaper Websites

Investing in Local News – Postmedia Launches 80+ Redesigned Community Newspaper Websites

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
From Airdrie to Woodstock, today Postmedia relaunched more than 80 community newspaper websites, bringing loyal readers a richer user experience and closer community connections.

“We know readers come to us for information that matters to them and news about their community and region is their top priority,” said Lucinda Chodan, Senior Vice President Editorial, Postmedia. “This investment in our community websites supports local journalism, and brings our readers, local businesses and communities closer together.”

News Nearby

The first section of the site is local – your local newspaper website’s top stories. The next section is News Nearby – prioritizing news feeds from nearby communities in your region. As you scroll down from your local news, you’ll find a collection of relevant stories from communities near you. If you’re visiting the High River Times, stories from the Cochrane Times, Bow Valley Crag & Canyon and Airdrie Echo are just a click away.

All of Postmedia’s community newspaper websites are getting the same performance makeover recently rolled out to Postmedia’s larger market daily newspaper websites over the past year. Designed and built with both audiences and advertisers in mind, key features include:

  • Faster websites that work across desktop, tablet and mobile devices
  • A streamlined user experience that makes it easier to consume content
  • Improved search effectiveness to find what you’re looking for faster
  • New ways to discover content in your region through News Nearby
  • New ways to engage including single sign-on, a rich commenting platform that lets readers follow or block users, social sharing options and more
  • Powerful editorial tools that enable our newsrooms to ensure you’re always getting the biggest, most relevant stories on the top of our homepage
  • Inline advertising relevant to you without disrupting your story experience
  • Accessibility improvements including the option of mouse-free navigation and other technical enhancements that will help you navigate our sites with accessibility devices

The initiative is being supported by an integrated advertising campaign produced in-house by Postmedia’s marketing team.

Community Newspaper Websites Launching Today

Chatham-Kent This Week, Clinton News Record, Cornwall Standard-Freeholder, Devon Dispatch, Edmonton Examiner, Exeter Lakeshore Times-Advance, Fairview Post, Fort McMurray Today, Goderich Signal Star, Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune, Grey-Bruce This Week, Hanna Herald, Kenora Miner & News, Kingston This Week, Kirkland Lake Northern News This Week, La Nouvelle Beaumont News, Londoner, Nipawin Journal, Norfolk & Tillsonburg News, North Bay Nugget, Peace Country Sun, Pembroke Observer & News, Record-Gazette, Sarnia & Lambton County This Week, Sault This Week, Seaforth Huron Expositor, Shoreline Beacon, Simcoe Reformer, St. Thomas Times-Journal, Strathroy Age Dispatch, The Airdrie Echo, The Belleville Intelligencer, The Bow Valley Crag & Canyon, The Brantford Expositor. The Chatham Daily News, The Cochrane Times, The Cochrane Times-Post, The Cold Lake Sun, The Community Press, The County Weekly News, The Courier Press, The Drayton Valley Western Review, The Fort Saskatchewan Record, The Gananoque Reporter, The Graphic Leader, The Grove Examiner, The High River Times, The Journal, The Kincardine News, The Kingston Whig-Standard, The Leduc Rep, The Leduc-Wetaskiwin County Market, The Lucknow Sentinel, The Mayerthorpe Freelancer, The Mid-North Monitor, The Mitchell Advocate, The Nanton News, The Napanee Guide, The Owen Sound Sun Times, The Paris Star, The Pincher Creek Echo, The Post, The Recorder & Times, The Sarnia Observer, The Sault Ste. Marie Sault Star, The Sherwood Park • Strathcona County News , The Standard, The Stony Plain Reporter, The Stratford Beacon Herald, The Sudbury Star, The Timmins Daily Press, The Trentonian, The Vulcan Advocate, The Wetaskiwin Times, The Whitecourt Star, The Wiarton Echo, Timmins Times, Today’s Farmer, Vermilion Standard, West Elgin Chronicle, and Woodstock Sentinel-Review.

About Postmedia Network Inc.

Postmedia Network Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B), is a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 120 brands across multiple print, online, and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. For more information, visit www.postmedia.com or www.postmediasolutions.com.

Phyllise Gelfand

Vice President, Communications

Postmedia

(647) 273-9287

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: North America Canada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Communications Internet Publishing Blogging Advertising Communications Technology Other Technology

MEDIA:

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ICPT INVESTOR DEADLINE ALERT: Bernstein Liebhard LLP Reminds Investors of the Deadline to File a Lead Plaintiff Motion in a Securities Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Bernstein Liebhard, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Intercept” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ICPT) from September 28, 2019,  through October 7, 2020 (the “Class Period”). The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you purchased Intercept securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Intercept Shareholder Lawsuit or contact Joseph R. Seidman Jr.  toll free at (877) 779-1414 or [email protected].  

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Defendants downplayed the true scope and severity of safety concerns associated with Ocaliva’s use in treating PBC; (ii) the foregoing increased the likelihood of an FDA investigation into Ocaliva’s development, thereby jeopardizing Ocaliva’s continued marketability and the sustainability of its sales; (iii) any purported benefits associated with OCA’s efficacy in treating NASH were outweighed by the risks of its use; (iv) as a result, the FDA was unlikely to approve the Company’s NDA for OCA in treating patients with liver fibrosis due to NASH; and (v) as a result of all the foregoing, the Company’s public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On May 22, 2020, Intercept reported that the FDA “has notified Intercept that its tentatively scheduled June 9, 2020 advisory committee meeting (AdCom) relating to the company’s [NDA] for [OCA] for the treatment of liver fibrosis due to [NASH] has been postponed” to “accommodate the review of additional data requested by the FDA that the company intends to submit within the next week.” On this news, Intercept’s stock price fell $11.18 per share, or 12.19%, to close at $80.51 per share on May 22, 2020.

On June 29, 2020, Intercept issued a press release announcing that the FDA had issued a Complete Response Letter (“CRL”) rejecting the Company’s NDA for Ocaliva for the treatment of liver fibrosis due to NASH. According to that press release, “[t]he CRL indicated that, based on the data the FDA has reviewed to date,” the FDA “has determined that the predicted benefit of OCA based on a surrogate histopathologic endpoint remains uncertain and does not sufficiently outweigh the potential risks to support accelerated approval for the treatment of patients with liver fibrosis due to NASH.” The press release further advised, among other things, that the “[t]he FDA recommends that Intercept submit additional post-interim analysis efficacy and safety data from the ongoing REGENERATE study in support of potential accelerated approval and that the long-term outcomes phase of the study should continue.” On this news, Intercept’s stock price fell $30.79 per share, or 39.73%, to close at $46.70 per share on June 29, 2020.

Then, on October 8, 2020, news outlets reported that Intercept was “facing an investigation from the [FDA] over the potential risk of liver injury in patients taking Ocaliva, [Intercept’s] treatment for primary biliary cholangitis, a rare, chronic liver disease.” On this news, Intercept’s stock price fell $3.30 per share, or 8.05%, to close at $37.69 per share on October 8, 2020.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 4, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn’t require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.

If you purchased Intercept securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit https://www.bernlieb.com/cases/interceptpharmaceuticalsinc-icpt-shareholder-class-action-lawsuit-stock-fraud-331/apply/ or contact Joseph R. Seidman Jr.  toll free at (877) 779-1414 or [email protected]

Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal’s “Plaintiffs’ Hot List” thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. © 2020 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. The lawyer responsible for this advertisement in the State of Connecticut is Michael S. Bigin. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

Contact Information

Joseph R. Seidman, Jr.

Bernstein Liebhard LLP
https://www.bernlieb.com
(877) 779-1414
[email protected]

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SOURCE Bernstein Liebhard LLP

Special Session of Legionella Conference to Address Emergent Health Crisis

NSF Health Sciences and the National Environmental Health Association to co-host virtual conference March 9-10, 2021

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A virtual special session of the annual Legionella Conference co-hosted by NSF Health Sciences and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) will focus on disease prevention from waterborne pathogens during a public health crisis. Previously set for January 2021 in Chicago, this special session of the conference has been rescheduled as an interactive virtual event due to the ongoing pandemic.

Hosted by NSF Health Sciences, LLC., an NSF International company, and NEHA, the Legionella Conference is an annual national event that brings together hundreds of stakeholders to discuss issues and challenges related to building water systems.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the special two-day virtual session of the Legionella Conference, Prevention of Disease and Injury From Waterborne Pathogens During an Emergent Health Crisis, will take place March 9-10, 2021 to address how industries such as health care, water utilities, manufacturing and hospitality, as well as health departments and regulators, can better respond to water-related challenges during a major health crisis.

The global pandemic has driven commercial, educational and industrial facility shutdowns as well as low occupancy rates in buildings, posing the unintended consequence of Legionella growth or significant impacts on water quality and operation of building water systems. Legionella bacteria, which can cause the sometimes fatal Legionnaires’ disease, can amplify in the biofilm of water systems with no or low flow, tepid water temperatures or a depleted disinfectant residual. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detailed risks of Legionella and other bacteria growth in stagnant water in buildings shuttered during the pandemic and has published guidance on steps to take before reopening.

The special session will feature prominent national and international speakers such as Dr. Susanne Surman-Lee (Leegionella Ltd.), Dr. Sebastián Crespí (Biolinea) and various speakers from the water industry and environmental health agencies, including Dr. William J. Rhoads (Eawag Aquatic Research), Steve Deem (Washington State Department of Health), Kelley Dearing Smith (Louisville Water Company) and Mandy Cawby (Water One). This virtual event will provide opportunity for experts from leading organizations to share insights and global perspective on an interactive platform. Specific topics include technical risk management and sampling strategies, safe reopening of buildings, and state-issued COVID-19 guidance related to water management, emergency planning and resiliency strategies to return to normal operations and prevent further public health hazards during a crisis.

The virtual format leverages a fully interactive, highly engaging platform and will offer keynote addresses as well as breakout sessions. Participating organizations will have the opportunity to set up virtual vendor booths and engage with conference speakers and other attendees.

Email [email protected] or visit the conference registration page for additional details.

NSF International is a global public health organization experienced in supporting businesses to develop, implement and maintain COVID-19 best practices.

Throughout the pandemic, NSF Health Sciences and NEHA experts have responded through public outreach and thought leadership, outlined risk management actions to slow and prevent the spread of Legionella in water systems and compiled information and resources for environmental health professionals.

 

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Editor’s Note: For more information or media interviews, please contact Fran LeFort at [email protected].

 

About NSF Health Sciences LLC and NSF International

NSF International is an independent, global organization that facilitates standards development, and tests and certifies products to minimize adverse health effects. NSF International provides risk assessments, testing, inspection and certification services for the water industry from source to tap. Separate from these services, NSF Health Sciences LLC, an NSF International company, provides auditing, training, risk assessments and water safety plan development for building owners and managers concerned about water safety.

 

About National Environmental Health Association

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) currently serves nearly 7,000 members to advance the environmental health and protection professional for the purpose of providing a healthful environment for all. Professionals who earn a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian credential from NEHA are recognized as having achieved an established standard of excellence. These environmental health professionals master a body of knowledge (which is verified by examination) and acquire sufficient experience to satisfactorily perform work responsibilities in the environmental health field.



Fran LeFort
NSF International
+1 734 773 4253
[email protected]

ScottMadden’s Latest Energy Industry Update Explores the Future of Offshore Wind Energy

Big Wave of Development Expected

Atlanta, GA, Dec. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ScottMadden, Inc., one of North America’s leading management consulting firms specializing in energy, recently released its latest edition of The ScottMadden Energy Industry Update (EIU). Themed “Running Up That Hill,” this report explores how in the midst of and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, many efforts in the energy industry can feel like running uphill, yet progress continues.

Development of offshore wind facilities is growing worldwide. Offshore wind offers unique advantages compared to other renewable energy technologies. These include an abundant supply of wind in coastal regions with large loads, a steadier speed compared to onshore wind, and it is strongest during peak-load hours. Technology improvements are also lowering energy costs and increasing potential capacity. However, challenges exist for the emerging industry. 

Offshore wind energy will need to overcome several hurdles to continue its progress in the United States. One is the current lengthy leasing and approval process. In federal waters where states do not have jurisdiction, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management administers the commercial-leasing process, which includes four distinct phases and can span several years. Other challenges include high-technology costs, supply chain obstacles, environmental concerns, and limited interconnection and transmission capabilities.

Despite these challenges, offshore wind is advancing. The International Energy Agency forecasts offshore wind capacity to grow 15 times more than its current level by 2040. The United States has one offshore wind project in operation off Rhode Island and another under construction off coastal Virginia. States have jockeyed for more than a decade to spur early offshore wind development, hoping to attract the economic benefits that building a new industry brings.

“It’s been exciting to watch offshore wind gain traction across the United States. Most activity is in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, where seven states have made procurement commitments. Regulatory approvals issued in the first half of 2021 will spur investment in additional projects,” says Paul Quinlan, clean tech manager at ScottMadden.

To learn more about the future of offshore wind energy, you can access our latest report here.

If you were not able to join our Energy Industry Update webcast, the complimentary recording and presentation are now available. Hear what our industry experts have to say about wholesale electricity markets, ambitions for hydrogen in the energy system of the future, and near-term plans to move toward net-zero CO2 emissions.

About ScottMadden’s Energy Practice

We know energy from the ground up. Since 1983, we have served as energy consultants for hundreds of utilities, large and small, including all of the top 20. We focus on Transmission & Distribution, the Grid Edge, Generation, Energy Markets, Rates & Regulation, Enterprise Sustainability, and Corporate Services. Our broad, deep utility expertise is not theoretical—it is experience based. We have helped our clients develop and implement strategies, improve critical operations, reorganize departments and entire companies, and implement myriad initiatives.

About ScottMadden, Inc.

ScottMadden is the management consulting firm that does what it takes to get it done right. We consult in two main areas—Energy and Corporate & Shared Services. We deliver a broad array of consulting services ranging from strategic planning through implementation across many industries, business units, and functions. To learn more, visit www.scottmadden.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn.



Savannah Russell
ScottMadden, Inc.
910-528-0310
[email protected]

Tractor Supply Names Noni Ellison Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Tractor Supply Names Noni Ellison Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Current EVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Ben Parrish to retire after more than a decade of service

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Tractor Supply Company(NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail chain in the United States, today announced that Noni Ellison has been named Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and will join the Company’s Executive Committee, effective January 11, 2021. Ellison will report directly to Hal Lawton, President and CEO of Tractor Supply. In addition to managing the legal department, Ellison will also lead the Company’s risk management, government relations, licensing and quality assurance/customs compliance, as well as the Company’s environmental, social and governance efforts. Ellison succeeds Ben Parrish, who previously announced his plans to retire from the Company following the appointment of a successor and a transition period.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201210005211/en/

Tractor Supply Company names Noni Ellison Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, effective January 11, 2021. (Photo: Business Wire)

Tractor Supply Company names Noni Ellison Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, effective January 11, 2021. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are excited to welcome Noni to Tractor Supply as our new general counsel and a member of our Executive Committee. Noni comes to us with an impressive background and a proven track record of accomplishments. She brings deep experience across multiple industries and an ability to navigate complex legal issues and build strong teams. We are looking forward to her contributions to help us continue to drive growth and strengthen our business,” said Tractor Supply President and CEO Hal Lawton. “Since joining Tractor Supply in 2010, Ben has played an integral role in Tractor Supply’s growth and success and has served as a trusted and experienced counselor to the Company and the Board of Directors. In my first year at Tractor Supply, Ben has been a great business partner to me, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

About Noni Ellison

Noni Ellison brings over two decades of legal and business experience in global corporations and private practice to her new role. Most recently, Ellison served as Carestream Dental’s General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary and a member of the Executive Leadership Team. In this capacity, she managed legal and business professionals based in North and South America, Asia and Europe. In addition, Ellison oversaw regulatory affairs, quality assurance, environment, health and safety, facilities, security and real estate worldwide.

Prior to joining Carestream Dental, Ellison served as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary at Grainger, where she was responsible for leading the support on finance, treasury and governance issues globally.

Before Grainger, Ellison held roles of increasing responsibility at Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc., where she managed licensing, marketing, intellectual property and international matters. Earlier in her career, Ellison worked at Scripps Networks as Director of Legal Affairs and practiced law with two prominent national law firms as a corporate finance and securities associate.

Among her awards and honors, Ellison has been included in The Legal 500 GC Powerlistthat consists of the most influential in-house lawyers in business. She has been named one of the nation’s Top Corporate Counsel Women by Women Inc.,recognizing corporate executives blazing trails in the legal profession. Ellison has also been honored by the YWCA of Greater Atlanta as a Woman of Achievement in recognition of extraordinary contributions to her workplace and community.

Ellison received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University, magna cum laude. She earned her law degree and MBA from the University of Chicago.

About Tractor Supply Company

Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has been passionate about serving its unique niche, as a one-stop shop for recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle, for more than 80 years. Tractor Supply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer service that addresses the needs of the Out Here lifestyle. With more than 40,000 Team Members, the Company leverages its physical store assets with digital capabilities to offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday low prices they deserve. At September 26, 2020, the Company operated 1,904 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.TractorSupply.com.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At September 26, 2020, the Company operated 183 Petsense stores in 25 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www.Petsense.com.

Tractor Supply Company

Mary Winn Pilkington (615) 440-4212

KEYWORDS: Tennessee United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Legal Other Retail Specialty Professional Services Other Natural Resources African-American Consumer Agriculture Retail Natural Resources

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Tractor Supply Company names Noni Ellison Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, effective January 11, 2021. (Photo: Business Wire)