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Ent Credit Union Awards $200K to Savers During Pandemic

Member Gets Cancer-Free Notification, Wins $50K Ahead of the Holidays

Colorado Springs, Colorado, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — When Ent Credit Union launched its “Save A Little, Win A Lot” program at the beginning of 2020, the goal was to help reinforce good saving habits among its members. Little did the credit union, and the participants, know the challenges that would lie ahead for the majority of 2020 as the topic of saving took on new importance during a period of record unemployment and pandemic-driven economic adversity.

Each month, 10 qualifying members were randomly selected to receive a $500 cash prize. Each quarter, five qualifying members received a $1,000 cash prize, and, at the conclusion of the program, four grand prizes would be awarded. One qualifying member would receive a $50,000 cash prize while three runner-up prizes of $25,000 would be awarded.

This week, Ent selected and notified the grand prize winners of its “Save A Little, Win A Lot” program:

• $50,000 winner – Dawn Schuerkamp – Goodyear, AZ

• $25,000 winner – Patricia Mascarenas – Pueblo

• $25,000 winner – Chelsea Lawson – Colorado Springs

• $25,000 winner – Jesse Terpstra – Colorado Springs

For grand prize winner Schuerkamp, winning $50,000 near the end of a very tough year had even more significance. “My husband has had cancer since February of this year and hasn’t worked since his diagnosis. He’s been through hell and back with several rounds of chemotherapy but he just got his scans back and, as of this month, he is cancer-free,” Schuerkamp exclaimed on a surprise video call with Ent leadership. “I’m so excited I won – winning this money takes a huge burden off us.” Though she now lives in Arizona, Schuerkamp and her husband have continued to be Ent members for more than 30 years.

Mascarenas indicated that paying bills would be the primary use of her winnings while Lawson was looking forward to using her prize money on a special trip to Europe, taking her recently departed mother’s ashes along with her. Terpstra indicated that paying for home improvements was on the docket for he and his wife, though he then added, “Don’t tell my wife but I’m pretty sure we’re getting a hot tub.”

Overall, 134 members shared in the $200,000 prize money, while 127 Ent team members won Paid Time Off (PTO), or a share of more than $20,000 in cash in a separate “Save A Little, Win A Lot” program that ran concurrently for employees.

How members qualified for Ent’s “Save A Little, Win A Lot” program:

• They earned an entry for every $25 they saved, up to a maximum of five entries per month

• Once they saved $1,000, they earned five bonus entries for that month

• Monthly entries counted toward monthly, quarterly, runner-up and grand prizes

About Ent

Founded in 1957, for the third consecutive year Ent is ranked Colorado’s #1 credit union by Forbes. Ent, a not-for-profit financial, community-chartered credit union is committed to improving members’ financial quality of life with better rates, lower fees and unparalleled products and services. With $7+ billion in assets, Ent serves more than 400,000 members at 43 convenient service centers across the Front Range. Ent is an Equal Housing Opportunity and Equal Opportunity Lender, insured by the NCUA. Visit Ent.com for more.

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Fred Jacobs
Ent Credit Union
(720)520-2894
[email protected]

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Celebrating the Season of Giving, JetBlue Donates Blankets, Pillows, Amenity Kits, Headphones and Other Supplies to Communities in Need

Celebrating the Season of Giving, JetBlue Donates Blankets, Pillows, Amenity Kits, Headphones and Other Supplies to Communities in Need

— As Part of the Airline’s Mint Refresh, Gently and Unused Retiring Products will Receive a Second Life and be put to Good Use by Local Shelters, Soup Kitchens, and Other Service Organizations, While Helping Divert Waste from Landfills —

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced significant product donations to local homeless shelters, missions, soup kitchens and education partners. In celebration of the season of giving, JetBlue is providing supplies to a variety of organizations and agencies including the City of New York and its Department of Social Services; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, Fla.; United Way of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Tacoma Rescue Mission in Seattle; Long Beach Rescue Mission in Los Angeles County, Calif., and local soup kitchens in Boston.

Last month, JetBlue announced the first major refresh of its Mint® service, the airline’s premium travel experience including the introduction of new products. As part of JetBlue’s focus on sustainability and its JetBlue For Good platform, retiring Mint items will be revitalized in an impactful way. The airline is providing unused and gently used and cleaned items like blankets, pillows, dishes and cutlery to those who need them most, while also diverting waste from landfills. JetBlue is also providing unused amenity kits and toiletries to homeless shelters, and headphones to some of the JetBlue Foundation’s education partners to assist students in virtual learning.

“As we refresh our Mint service, consistent with our mission to inspire humanity, it was important to us to put our previous product to additional good use,” said Icema Gibbs, director of corporate social responsibility and diversity, equity and inclusion for JetBlue. “Giving back is in our DNA. Instead of sitting in a warehouse or sending these gently and unused items to the landfill, we’re giving them a second life and helping the most vulnerable. Although this holiday season looks much different for many of us, we wanted to keep our tradition of giving back, especially as we ourselves have received help to survive the pandemic. Our resources are just one way we’re helping our charitable partners and assisting our neighbors in need.”

JetBlue’s donation of blankets, pillows and amenity kits to the City of New York and its Department of Social Services were coordinated through a collaboration with the Partnership for New York City – a nonprofit organization dedicated to the betterment of the city through its work with civic, business, labor and government leaders – will go directly to local shelters. This fall, JetBlue’s CEO Robin Hayes signed a pledge along with other business leaders across industries making a commitment to the city and asking the current administration to take on public safety and other quality of life issues that jeopardize economic recovery.

“This program reinforces JetBlue’s commitment to the city and supporting underserved communities,” said Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City. “JetBlue’s leadership during this challenging time and thoughtful approach to sharing resources with our public partners should serve as a model for the city’s economic recovery and how the private sector is currently filling gaps and extending public sector efforts.”

“Since the outset of this pandemic, DSS-DHS has moved mountains to prioritize the health and safety of vulnerable New Yorkers while ensuring that they continue to receive the vital resources and services they need to stabilize their lives,” said Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter. “We thank JetBlue for this thoughtful donation and are grateful for the support we continue to receive from private partners as we work to support and uplift the New Yorkers who we serve, especially during this unusual holiday season.”

Additionally, dishware and cutlerywill be donated to local soup kitchens through partnerships with the United Way of Broward County in Florida and local soup kitchens in Boston, among other organizations throughout JetBlue’s network, while headphones will be donated on behalf of the JetBlue Foundation to its education partners and grantees who will use them for virtual school and programming.

“We’re excited to present hundreds of kids in our program with headphones, thanks to the JetBlue Foundation, as part of our Share the Season celebration,” said Malena Mendez-Dorn, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “While our kids will use the headphones to listen to their favorite tunes, they’ll also plug them in to stay focused in their virtual classrooms, which is particularly important as many navigate school in an online setting. We’re thrilled that JetBlue has joined us in defending the potential of the young people we serve and appreciate their generous support.”

JetBlue is known for its unique culture and award-winning service as well as its focus on service and sustainability. Similarly, in 2014 when introducing the first uniform refresh in the airline’s history, JetBlue made sure that both its unworn and previously worn uniforms were put to good use after they had served their initial purpose. The airline donated more than 18.5 tons of uniforms, clothing and fabric to several non-profit partners including Planet Aid, a 501(c)3 organization that collects and recycles worn clothing and shoes. For information on JetBlue’s sustainability platform, visit www.JetBlue.com/sustainability.

Giving back is part of JetBlue’s DNA and is core to its mission of inspiring humanity® – Centered around volunteerism and service, JetBlue For Good focuses on the areas that are most important to the airline’s customers and crewmembers – Community, Youth/Education and the Environment. JetBlue’s core programs and partnerships directly impact the areas where its customers and crewmembers live and work by enhancing education and providing access to those that are traditionally underserved. JetBlue’s signature programs include its award-winning Soar with Reading initiative which has provided more than $3.75 million worth of books to kids who need them most; its Blue Horizons For Autism program which helps introduce air travel in a realistic environment to families and children affected by autism; and its “GreenUp” campaign which highlights the airline’s commitment to local environments. Join the #JetBlueForGood conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, check for regular updates, and get involved. 

About JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. For more information, visit jetblue.com.

Media:

JetBlue Corporate Communications

Tel: +1 718 709 3089

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Destinations Travel Other Transport Philanthropy Air Other Philanthropy Transport Logistics/Supply Chain Management Fund Raising Foundation Other Travel

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Spire named one of ‘America’s Most Responsible Companies’ by Newsweek

Natural gas utility earns national recognition for corporate citizenship efforts

PR Newswire

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Spire is ranked for a second consecutive year as one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” by Newsweek, recognizing the natural gas company for their strong performance as a corporate citizen.

In ranking the top 400 most responsible companies across 14 industries in the United States, Newsweek scored companies based on their commitment to the environment, social issues and corporate governance. In the new list posted Dec. 2 on Newsweek’s website, Spire stands out as one of only seven companies ranked from their home state of Missouri.

“A few years ago, we set out to reimagine what it means to be an energy company — one that exists to do the very best for people, communities and the planet,” said Suzanne Sitherwood, president and chief executive officer at Spire. “We’re honored that this commitment has named us among America’s 400 most responsible companies.”

The annual rankings are developed by the market and data research firm Statista. After screening the 2,000 largest public companies in the U.S., Statista conducted independent surveys among 7,500 U.S. citizens and then examined key performance indicators from public reports. In Spire’s case, that data comes from their 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, highlighting how Spire uses their energy for good, driving positive and significant change in the communities they serve.

For example:

  • Through pipeline upgrade efforts, Spire reduced methane emissions by more than 39% since 2005, and projects a nearly 54% reduction by 2025 – well ahead of international standards calling for commitments of a 26 to 28% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions nationwide by 2025
  • As part of Spire’s commitment to the environment, the company announced in 2020 they are one of the first natural gas companies in the United States to commit to being carbon neutral by midcentury
  • Spire’s “Day for Good” initiative, giving employees the opportunity to spend a paid day volunteering at an organization they are passionate about, placed 2,000 employees in the community, working thousands of volunteer hours in 2019
  • During the coronavirus pandemic, Spire increased the match to their Dollar Help program, raising nearly $1.9 million to help thousands of families and small businesses struggling to pay their gas bills as a result of the pandemic

In the community, Spire supports dozens of organizations and initiatives, investing nearly $5 million in 2019 to advance the communities they serve across Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas and Wyoming. Among recent projects in 2020:

  • Spire joined United Way Worldwide’s Global Corporate Leadership group, a select group of more than 100 global corporations who partner with United Way to help those in need. This partnership grew from a successful program between Spire and the United Way of Greater St. Louis that, since 2016, helped elevate Spire’s corporate social responsibility program

    “Spire uses its energy to champion people, every day,” said Stan Little, executive vice president and chief experience officer, United Way Worldwide. “We’re thrilled that our ‘globally local’ network, plus leadership from United Way of Greater St. Louis, could support Spire in achieving this milestone.”

  • Forest ReLeaf of Missouri and Spire planted 900 native trees across the Show Me State to provide environmental benefits, help residents save money and energy, and help with recovery after recent tornadoes

    “As they grow, these trees will replace canopy lost during recent tornadoes in Carl Junction, green neighborhoods across the Kansas City metro area, and create native forest habitat in St. Peters,” said Meredith Perkins, executive director, Forest ReLeaf. “We were so impressed with the enthusiasm of the Spire volunteers who helped distribute trees. Their energy, and their commitment to service made each event a success.”

  • A donation from Spire to Children’s of Alabama not only brought financial support for the pediatric hospital’s medical play program, it also led to a virtual teddy bear clinic for patients this November

    “The medical play program brings so much joy to each patient, especially when they open their bag and see Grahm, Spire’s signature stuffed bear, for the first time,” said Emily Hornak, director of cause marketing and corporate sponsorships at Children’s of Alabama. “We are so appreciative of Spire’s continued generosity.”

For more about the Newsweek rankings and to view the full list, click here.

About Spire
At Spire Inc. (NYSE: SR), we believe energy exists to help make people’s lives better. It’s a simple idea, but one that’s at the heart of our company. Every day we serve 1.7 million homes and businesses making us the fifth largest publicly traded natural gas company in the country. We help families and business owners fuel their daily lives through our gas utilities serving Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri. Our natural gas-related businesses include Spire Marketing, Spire STL Pipeline and Spire Storage. We are committed to transforming our business through growing organically, investing in infrastructure, and advancing through innovation. Learn more at SpireEnergy.com.

Media Contact:
Raegan Johnson
314-342-3300
[email protected]

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spire-named-one-of-americas-most-responsible-companies-by-newsweek-301195487.html

SOURCE Spire Inc.

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AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Chubb Limited and Its Subsidiaries

AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Chubb Limited and Its Subsidiaries

OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa+” of the subsidiaries of Chubb Limited (Zurich, Switzerland) [NYSE: CB], which include the members of the Chubb US Group of Insurance Companies (Chubb US Group) and the members of Chubb Bermuda Insurance Ltd. (Chubb Bermuda) and Chubb Tempest Reinsurance Ltd. (Chubb Tempest Re) (both domiciled in Bermuda).

In addition, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of “aa-” of Combined Insurance Company of America(headquartered in Chicago, IL) and Combined Life Insurance Company of New York (Latham, NY) (together known as the Combined companies). AM Best also has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of “a-” of ACE Life Insurance Company(ACE Life) (Stamford, CT).

Lastly, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICRs of “a+” and the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IR) of Chubb Limited (CB) and Chubb INA Holdings Inc. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (Please see the link below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.)

The ratings of the Chubb US Group reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as strongest, as well as its very strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The group’s risk-adjusted capitalization has consistently remained strongly supportive of the ratings, and it exceeds the threshold for the strongest categorization by a wide margin, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The group’s balance sheet strength also reflects a consistently prudent loss reserve position and the use of a comprehensive reinsurance program with high quality reinsurance partners.

Chubb US Group’s very strong operating performance is reflected by return measures that have materially outperformed those of the commercial casualty composite over the past five years. The Chubb US group has generated positive underwriting income, operating income and net income every year for the last 10 years, despite the impact of unusually high catastrophe losses in certain years. The group’s underwriting results will be pressured in 2020, due to heightened catastrophe activity in the United States and the impact of COVID-19. The continued robust pricing environment in the majority of its commercial business lines globally should be supportive of a return to the group’s typically very strong underwriting performance in 2021, assuming a return to normalized catastrophe activity.

Chubb US Group’s favorable business profile is supported by its position as the eighth-largest U.S. property-casualty insurer, based on 2019 direct written premiums (DWP). As of 2019, the group is the second-largest U.S. commercial lines insurer with $18.0 billion of DWP, and the 16th-largest personal lines insurer with $3.7 billion of DWP.

The ratings of Chubb Tempest Re and its member reflect their balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as strongest, as well as their very strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate ERM.

The ratings of Chubb Bermuda and its member reflect their balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as strongest, as well as their very strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also reflect the implicit support that they receives from CB, its ultimate parent.

The ratings of the Combined companies reflect their balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as their strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also reflect the companies’ strategic role in supporting the organization’s global accident and health segment.

The ratings of ACE Life reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, very limited business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also reflect the continued financial support received from its parent.

Each of these groups benefit from the financial flexibility provided by CB, which maintains financial leverage that is in line with its current ratings, as well as additional liquidity sources given its access to capital markets and line of credit. AM Best expects that earnings and cash flows from CB’s operating subsidiaries will allow it to support risk-adjusted capitalization should the need arise. At the same time, surplus growth at each group occasionally has been limited over the past five years by the payment of dividends. These dividends vary based on capital needs at the various subsidiaries.

A complete listing of Chubb Limited’s FSRs, Long-Term ICRs and Long- and Short-Term IRs also is available.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media – Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2020 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Gregory Dickerson

Associate Director

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5161

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

[email protected]

Michael Lagomarsino, CFA, FRM

Senior Director

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5810

[email protected]

Jim Peavy

Director, Communications

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: New Jersey United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Insurance Finance

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Strategic Investor Relations Client Data443 Risk Mitigation Announces Equity Investment by Triton Funds

Marks First Successful Direct Equity Investment in Agency Client in its Inaugural Year

SUMMIT, N.J., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Strategic Investor Relations, LLC, a leading full-service investor relations and financial communications agency that serves its clients with the most cost-efficient model in the industry, today announced that client Data443 Risk Mitigation (OTC: ATDS), the leading data security and privacy software company for All Things Data Security™ has entered into a common stock purchase agreement with Triton Funds, the nation’s largest student venture investment fund, managed entirely by students from UC San Diego located in Southern California. The announcement can be found by clicking HERE.

Matthew Abenante, IRC, Founder & President of Strategic Investor Relations, commented, “I couldn’t be prouder of my client, Data443 Risk Mitigation, and their CEO Jason Remillard, to have completed this important step in Data443’s growth trajectory. It has not been the easiest road ventured, to say the least. Faced with the inherent challenges of being a micro-cap public company, coupled with a global pandemic, we knew this would be a difficult endeavor. However, having known Data443 since its founding, I knew they would meet the challenge and exceed our expectations, a core attribute of all Strategic Investor Relations clients.

“Bringing Triton Funds in as a major investor is a perfect match with Data443. Triton’s strategy of investing in companies that will have a lasting positive impact on the Millennial generation, perfectly aligns with Data443’s strategy of providing the leading data security solutions for a growingly digital landscape. Importantly, Triton ‘gets it,’ understanding the unique and evolving challenges companies face in protecting their data, the massive growth in the industry, and the opportunity to invest in a fast-growing player like Data443 in its early stages.

“At Strategic Investor Relations, we are privileged to work with some of the most fascinating and compelling companies. We never take this responsibility lightly, delivering high quality, full-service investor relations programs with a strategic approach. Unlike our competitors that charge exorbitant retainers, we put our clients’ needs first, by only charging for services needed and rendered. Our efficient model has achieved rave reviews because we truly partner with our clients. I invite all companies to join us in changing the investor relations industry as we know it, and participate in our continued successes,” concluded Mr. Abenante.

About Strategic Investor Relations

Strategic Investor Relations was formed with the purpose of serving high-growth, under-followed companies. Our motto is “It’s always the small pieces that make the big picture,” to reflect the vital role of entrepreneurs and small businesses in our economy. This is our market, and we are fully committed to small businesses. The professionals at Strategic Investor Relations have a deep understanding of the challenges that companies face, and how to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape to develop and implement robust investor relations programs that generate material results.

‘Strategic’ is more than our name, it’s our commitment in tailoring our services to each client’s needs.

Contact:

Matthew Abenante, IRC
President
Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
646-828-8710
[email protected]
www.strategic-ir.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-ir
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewabenante/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Strategic_ir
Twitter: https://twitter.com/matt_ir_guru



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IIROC Trading Resumption – APC

Canada NewsWire

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 17, 2020 /CNW/ – Trading resumes in:

Company: Advanced Proteome Therapeutics Corporati

TSX-Venture Symbol: APC

All Issues: Yes

Resumption (ET): 1:45 PM

IIROC can make a decision to impose a temporary suspension (halt) of trading in a security of a publicly-listed company. Trading halts are implemented to ensure a fair and orderly market. IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.

SOURCE Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) – Halts/Resumptions

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Shane Jacobson Selected as New Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation for Cancer Research

Susan Braun to retire from role in January 2021

Cary, NC, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, welcomes Shane Jacobson as the new chief executive officer upon the retirement of Susan Braun in January 2021. Jacobson, currently president and CEO of the University of Vermont Foundation (UVM), brings with him two decades of record-breaking fundraising experience. Combining his passion for sports and eradicating cancer, this new role will allow Jacobson to build upon the V Foundation’s tremendous growth over the past decade.

“We are excited to welcome Shane to the V Foundation team,” said Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president of Oracle NetSuite and chair elect of the V Foundation Board of Directors. “He is a proven leader with a stellar track record in philanthropy. Jim Valvano challenged us to defeat cancer, and the V Foundation has had 28 years of exceptional leadership on the path to fulfilling that goal. Shane has demonstrated a deep appreciation for this history and possesses the energy and enthusiasm to push us further towards victory over cancer. We all look forward to working with him in the new year.”

Jacobson received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State University, and he completed the Harvard University Management Development Program. At UVM, Jacobson led a team that set an all-time record in fundraising through a highly successful $581 million campaign. Included in this total is nearly $300 million in support of academic medicine and patient care, as well as $43 million for athletics. Jacobson and his team also secured substantial investments in research and scientific discovery by more than doubling the number of endowed faculty professorships and chairs, with more than 125 positions now at the University.  Throughout his career, Jacobson has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Association of Governing Boards’ Council of Presidents and AGB Foundations Advisory Council, the UVM President’s Commission on Inclusive Excellence and the Vermont Business Roundtable. He and his teams have received multiple CASE Circle of Excellence Gold and Silver Awards. Additionally, he has spent time on Capitol Hill engaging members of Congress to discuss the role of philanthropy in America.

 

Susan Braun has served as chief executive officer of the V Foundation since 2012.

 

As a passionate advocate for people with cancer, Braun has spent more than 25 years working towards finding ways to diminish suffering caused by cancer and other conditions, at the individual and global levels. While at the V Foundation, she has overseen the creation of essential programs such as the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, the Robin Roberts Cancer Thrivership Fund and the Canine Oncology Research Consortium. Under her leadership, the V Foundation experienced a 107% growth in annual grant amounts awarded, accelerating the organization’s vision of defeating cancer. Among her appointments and responsibilities, Braun has served on boards and committees for several organizations, including: National Cancer Institute, American Society for Breast Disease, World Society of Breast Health, Duke ESAB, California Breast Cancer Research Program, AmeriCorps NCCC, National Dialogue on Cancer, Intercultural Cancer Council, ASCEND Foundation, Cancer Moonshot Initiative and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.

 

“Susan’s remarkable leadership is only surpassed by the fact that she’s quite simply a phenomenal human being,” said Steve Bornstein, V Foundation Board chair.  “Not only has she made a tremendous impact of leading the V Foundation into an exciting new era of grant making, but she’s also laid a solid foundation for the future.”

 

Jacobson will head a talented V Foundation leadership team and staff, and he will collaborate with an exceptional Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Committee. The Board is comprised of prominent business leaders, award-winning athletes and coaches, distinguished physicians and world-renowned entertainers. The V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee is responsible for reviewing grant applications and recommending awards. It is comprised of some of the nation’s leading physicians and research scientists from prominent universities and cancer centers.

 

For more information about the V Foundation and its mission, please visit v.org.      

 

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research  
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $250 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs.  The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

Attachment 



Cheyenne Padgett
The V Foundation for Cancer Research
5164109503
[email protected]

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Report: Americans Wising Up to Risks Surrounding Mobile Phones

New nationwide survey shows 81% of smartphone users think mobile security is very important and 59% download additional apps to help protect their security and privacy.

San Jose, Calif., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A nationwide study conducted by Avira has found that 59% of Americans have proactively downloaded an app to help protect their security and privacy on their mobile phone. It also found that 15% of Americans take no precautionary measures to protect their mobile data, however this figure is down by more than half from a similar study conducted in 2014. The full report can be found at: https://www.avira.com/en/mobile-security-report

 

Key Report Findings:

  • 59% of Americans download antivirus, password manager, VPN or scam call blockers
  • Only 15% of Americans take no precautionary measures to protect their phone, down from 34% in 2014.
  • Over 81% of smartphone users think it’s very important to take security measures on their mobile phones.
  • General mobile security concerns have increased for 28% of respondents since COVID-19
  • Concerns about mobile scams have increased for over a third (34%) of respondents since the onset of the pandemic.

The findings show that, as technology advances, so does the public’s willingness to further secure their devices, both via third-party software and built-in phone features.

Differences Between Android and iOS Users

While smartphone users overall, which today make up 81% of the US population, have become more privacy and security conscious, Android users are slightly less likely to take steps to protect their security and privacy than iOS ones: 18% of Android users do not use any tools or precautionary measures vs. 13% of iOS users.

COVID-19 Impact and the American Robocall

COVID-19 has also had an impact on the way Americans view mobile security. Over 34% of Americans reported an increased concern in mobile phone scams since the pandemic began.

A further concern for mobile users across the US has been the rapid increase in robocalls. In 2019 there were 58.5 billion robocalls made across the US, a 22% increase from 2018. This year has seen somewhat of an anomaly in the continuous rise, however, there have still been 46.5 billion robocalls made in 2020 through November, according to YouMail, US-based provider of call protection services. In November, approximately 40% of all robocalls were scams and a further 23% were like unwanted or potentially illegal telemarketing calls.

About Avira

Avira provides a consumer-focused portfolio of security and privacy solutions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, home networks, and smart devices (IoT). All Avira features are available as licensed SDKs and APIs. Working together, Avira and its partners protect more than 500 million devices globally. Avira solutions consistently achieve best-in-class results from independent security tests. 

Avira is headquartered near Lake Constance, Germany, with additional offices in the EU, the United States, and Asia. For more information about Avira visit www.avira.com.

Attachments 



Brittany Posey
Avira
+4915111342212
[email protected]

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Molex Acquires Fiberguide Industries to Extend Optical Fiber Industry Leadership and Drive Delivery of Customized, Integrated Solutions

– Fiberguide and Polymicro together offer broadest combined product portfolio in the industry

– Provides elevated customer support for medical, industrial and datacom applications

– Meets demands for specialty fiber and finished assemblies with advanced IP and technology

PR Newswire

LISLE, Ill., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Molex, a leading global connectivity and electronics solutions provider, announced the acquisition of Fiberguide Industries, a manufacturer of customized optical fiber solutions based in Caldwell, Idaho. Fiberguide will join Molex’s Polymicro business, a Phoenix-based provider of specialty optical fiber and fluidic-based products tailored for medical, industrial and datacom applications.

Molex acquisition of Fiberguide extends Polymicro business with broadest portfolio of specialty optical fiber products

“Today, Molex is setting a new standard of excellence in the industry while fulfilling our vision of becoming the leading provider of specialty optical fiber products,” said Jim Clarkin, GM of Polymicro. “Our combined capabilities give global customers a full array of products and complete solutions to meet emerging requirements for innovative laser-based optical systems.”

As a world leader in optical fiber arrays and cable assemblies, Fiberguide is uniquely positioned to help Molex address the stringent needs of medical applications, including high-power laser surgery, DNA sequencing and flow cytometry. Both Molex and Fiberguide bring extensive expertise in optical fibers, analytical probes and fully packaged assemblies to support  increasing demands for minimally invasive medical procedures. Additionally, a complementary portfolio of design capabilities provides customer-centric solutions for industrial monitoring and sensing as well as datacom applications that require reliable performance in extremely harsh environments. 

“Fiberguide contributes more than 40 years of technological innovation to Molex,” said Devinder Saini, Ph.D., VP of Technology for Fiberguide. “We share similar cultures and are united in our focus to deliver the most powerful, vertically integrated fiber solutions available.”

In addition to taking full advantage of the enhanced design prowess, intelligent digital supply chain and global manufacturing footprint, Molex will develop centers of optical fiber excellence in Phoenix and Caldwell to support new business opportunities from concept to production. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Polymicro was acquired by Molex in 2007. Today, Molex designs, develops and delivers Polymicro specialty optical fiber products and solutions for the medical, industrial and datacom industries.

About Molex

Molex makes a connected world possible by enabling technologies that transform the future and improve lives. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex offers a complete range of connectivity products, services and solutions for the data communications, medical, industrial, automotive and consumer electronics industries. For more information visit www.molex.com.

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SOURCE Molex Incorporated

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Donegal Group Inc. Announces Quarterly Dividend

MARIETTA, Pa., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Donegal Group Inc. (NASDAQ:DGICA) and (NASDAQ:DGICB) reported that its board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.15 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock and $.1325 per share of the Company’s Class B common stock. The dividends are payable on February 16, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 2, 2021.

Donegal Group Inc. is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries offer personal and commercial property and casualty lines of insurance in 20 Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, New England and Southern states. Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group Inc. conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group. The Donegal Insurance Group has an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent).

The Class A common stock and Class B common stock of Donegal Group Inc. trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols DGICA and DGICB, respectively. We are focused on several primary strategies, including achieving sustained excellent financial performance, strategically modernizing our operations and processes to transform our business, capitalizing on opportunities to grow profitably and delivering a superior experience to our agents and customers.

CONTACT: Jeffrey D. Miller
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (717) 426-1931
E-mail: [email protected]