Market Newsdesk

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

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.

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• Shane Jacobson Photo 2

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.

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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]

OAK BROOK, Ill., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hub Group (NASDAQ: HUBG), announced today that it has been awarded Supply & Demand ChainExecutive’s (SDCE) Green Supply Chain Award and Food Logistics 100+ Top Software and Technology Providers.

SDCE’s Green Supply Chain Award recognizes companies making green or sustainability a core part of their supply chain strategy and are working to achieve measurable sustainability goals within their own operations. The award also recognizes providers of supply chain solutions and services assisting their customers in achieving measurable sustainability goals.

The annual Food Logistics 100+ Top Software and Technology Providers honors leading software and technology providers that ensure a safe, efficient and reliable global food and beverage supply chain.

“This year’s 13th-annual award recognizes enterprises that leveraged green practices and solutions to further drive sustainable improvements in their supply chain,” says Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics. “From software solutions to transportation management systems to several other initiatives designed to reduce carbon footprint and improve the re-use of materials, sustainability continues to rank as a key component to a stronger, safer and more efficient supply chain.”

“Hub Group is proud to receive these two industry awards that reinforce our commitment to sustainability in the supply chain,” said David Yeager, Hub Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our solutions not only drive long-term success for our customers, but also long-term success for the environment.”

Winners of Supply & Demand ChainExecutive’s (SDCE) Green Supply Chain Award can be found online, at www.SDCExec.com and in the December 2020 print issue. Additionally, companies on this year’s 2020 FL100+ Top Software and Technology Providers list will be profiled in the November/December 2020 issue of Food Logistics, as well as online at www.foodlogistics.com.

ABOUT SUPPLY & DEMAND CHAIN EXECUTIVE: Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the executive’s user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints, and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage. Visit us on the web at www.SDCExec.com.

ABOUT FOOD LOGISTICS: Food Logistics is published by AC Business Media, a business-to-business media company that provides targeted content and comprehensive, integrated advertising and promotion opportunities for some of the world’s most recognized B2B brands. Its diverse portfolio serves the construction, logistics, supply chain and other industries with print, digital and custom products, events and social media.

ABOUT HUB GROUP: Hub Group offers comprehensive transportation and logistics management solutions. Keeping our customers’ needs in focus, Hub Group designs, continually optimizes and applies industry-leading technology to our customers’ supply chains for better service, greater efficiency and total visibility. As an award-winning, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: HUBG) with $3.7 billion in revenue, our 5,000 employees across the globe are always in pursuit of “The Way Ahead” – a commitment to service, integrity and innovation. For more information, visit https://www.hubgroup.com.

Majority of LPs Plan to Increase Allocations to Alternative Investments

ROWAYTON, Conn., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new survey from Eaton Partners, one of the largest capital placement agents and fund advisory firms, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF), finds a majority of institutional investors plan to increase their private market allocations next year, and expect those investments to either meet or exceed performance benchmarks.

The latest “Eaton Partners LP Pulse Survey” questioned leading limited partners (LPs) from around the world, over the past two weeks, about their views on alternative investments heading into 2021. Key findings include:

• 57% of those surveyed say they will modestly or significantly increase their private market allocations, with 43% planning to make no changes at this time. Importantly, no respondents anticipate cutting allocations.
• Investors are expecting solid performance from their private market investments. Three-quarters (76%) of those surveyed believe performance will meet or exceed their benchmarks, although 21% concede there are too many unknown variables to forecast potential returns.
• Private equity (62%) is seen as the most attractive alternative asset class heading into 2021, followed by real assets (23%) and private credit (15%).
• More than one-third of those surveyed (34%) believe the COVID-19 trajectory will have the most significant impact on their investing strategies in 2021, ahead of economic conditions (33%), market valuations (21%), or potential policy changes under the new Biden administration (10%).

“We anticipate a strong start to 2021 in fundraising as a result of pent-up demand by institutional investors,” said Jeff Eaton, Partner at Eaton Partners. “The fundraising environment is going to be very competitive, where strong track record performance will be paramount. Our survey found that 72% of institutional investors consider the prior success of a manager the single most important factor when evaluating a new investment.”

“LPs will also be looking to capitalize on recent market dislocation, with survey respondents most interested in buyout (48%) and venture (40%) strategies,” added Peter Martenson, Partner at Eaton Partners. “We also expect investors will seek unique and differentiated fresh ideas as the year unfolds, undoubtedly creating opportunities for emerging mangers to capture market share. In fact, our survey found that an overwhelming majority (71%) of respondents say their interest in emerging and first-time fund managers is about the same, or even greater, than in 2020.”

While fund closings were down sharply in 2020, the survey finds more than half of respondents (52%) anticipate a push for closings in the first half of 2021. One-fifth (20%) think closings will be concentrated in the back half of the new year, and 28% say it’s too hard to predict given the economic and pandemic uncertainty.

Finally, while investors have gotten comfortable making investments without physically meeting managers, 70% of survey respondents say virtual meetings are just a backstop until COVID-19 is behind us and travel opens up again. Only 20% consider virtual meetings a fine substitute for face-to-face interactions. As such, a gradual uptick is expected of high-value in-person meetings complemented by the continued use of virtual interactions as 2021 progresses.

Click here to view the full survey results.

The online survey of 61 top institutional investors was conducted from November 30, 2020, through December 10, 2020.

About Eaton Partners

Eaton Partners, a Stifel Company, is one of the world’s largest capital placement agents and fund advisory firms, having raised more than $100 billion across more than 140 highly differentiated alternative investment funds and offerings. Founded in 1983, Eaton advises and raises institutional capital for investment managers across alternative strategies – private equity, private credit, real assets, real estate, and hedge funds/public market – in both the primary and secondary markets. Eaton Partners maintains offices and operates throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Eaton Partners is a division of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Member SIPC and NYSE. Eaton Partners subsidiary Eaton Partners (U.K.) LLP is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Eaton Partners subsidiary Eaton Partners Advisors (HK) Limited is approved as a Type 1-licensed company under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong. Eaton Partners and the Eaton Partners logo are trademarks of Eaton Partners, LLC, a limited liability company. ^® Eaton Partners, 2020

Stifel
Company
Information

Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC and Century Securities Associates, Inc. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

Media Contacts

Neil Shapiro, (212) 271-3447
[email protected]

Jeff Preis, (212) 271-3749
[email protected]

State College, PA, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mission Critical Partners announced today the launch of three new solutions to help public safety and justice agencies integrate data into their daily operations: DataLink, DataSphere and DataScape. Each solution leverages open standards-based software that MCP subject matter experts adapt and configure based on the individual needs of each client.

Public safety, justice and other mission-critical entities have a great need to integrate and analyze data, a need that largely is unmet today. Public safety and justice agencies need to capture data effectively and efficiently. Data then needs to flow seamlessly between agencies, departments and their field personnel, and between disparate networks and systems. The data needs to be actionable so that it can inform the decision-making process and be made available to any authorized user whenever they need it.

MCP’s new solutions are as follows:

DataLink^TM Interface Solution—This solution enables secure, bidirectional data flow between two specific endpoints, such as applications or databases, on a one-to-one basis. Examples include data exchange between a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and a records management system (RMS) and between an RMS and a state- or federal-level computerized criminal history data repository, such as the National Incident-Based Reporting System or the National Crime Information Center, both maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

DataSphere^TM Integration Solution—This solution enables data exchange on a many-to-many basis—think of it as a compilation of many DataLink connections. The idea behind DataSphere is similar to that of DataLink, but its scope is larger by orders of magnitude—it is architected to enable all authorized entities within an ecosystem, as well as multiple ecosystems, to seamlessly exchange data and to manage it effectively.

DataScape^TM Analytics Solution—This platform leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) technology to make sense of a tremendous amount of unstructured data. DataScape enables data gathering from a great many sources, without any need to convert the information into a specific platform. Once the data is gathered, the platform’s AI and ML capabilities are leveraged to “slice and dice” the data, i.e., it is analyzed and contextualized. Patterns then emerge that no one would have imagined before. These patterns greatly enhance the ability to investigate crime and, even better, predict it.

DataScape can be described generically as a “data lake.” But DataScape differs significantly from generic data lakes due to MCP’s intimate knowledge of the public safety and justice landscape, which significantly factors into how the solution is customized for each client.

“Data has been described as the oil of the 21^st century, but raw data, like oil, has no utility unless it can be harnessed and refined effectively,” said Kevin Murray, MCP’s founder, chairman and chief executive officer. “In the public safety and justice community, this means the ability to exchange data seamlessly, and to analyze and contextualize it so that it is actionable. MCP’s new DataLink, DataSphere and DataScape solutions are architected to accomplish these goals, and ultimately, have the power to improve outcomes for our clients.”

About Mission Critical Partners (MCP)
Mission Critical Partners is a leading provider of data integration, consulting and network and cybersecurity solutions specializing in transforming mission-critical communications networks into integrated ecosystems that improve outcomes in the public safety, justice, healthcare, transportation and utility markets. Our comprehensive experience and vendor-agnostic approach helps us develop modernized solutions for our clients that achieve maximum value and optimal efficiency while mitigating risk. Additional information and career opportunities are available at www.MissionCriticalPartners.com.

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Houston, TX, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The world’s largest barbecue franchise Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is continuing to develop new locations in their home state as they announce their latest move to develop an expansive location in the Houston, TX suburb of Clear Lake.

Retired firefighter Josef Gregory inked the deal with Dickey’s earlier this year to bring the brand’s authentic, Texas-style barbecue to the Clear Lake community.

Dickey’s is on track to open in the waterfront residence also referred to as the Bay Area and most notoriously known as the destination for the NASA Space Center in early 2021.

The native-born Texan and Dickey’s franchise Owner/Operator is local to the Clear Lake area and is venturing into his first official barbecue restaurant with his wife and three sons.

“My family and I have always had a passion for slow-smoked barbecue and when the restaurant across the street from the NASA facility shutdown we decided it was our opportunity to open our own barbecue franchise,” said Gregory.

In addition to the full line-up of Dickey’s classics such as competition-style brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs and slow-smoked chicken wings, the former first responder is planning to incorporate a full-service bar into his expansive Clear Lake location. To accommodate outdoor dining during the area’s seasonally-long warmer months, the Dickey’s Clear Lake location will also feature a large patio area for guests to enjoy.  

“As a brand rooted in Texas barbecue history, we’re proud to have Josef join our family and carry on the Dickey’s legacy in his Houston-area community,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Josef’s leadership skills as a former first responder will serve him well in this new endeavor and we look forward to his future success.”

To learn more about Josef’s journey with the Dickey’s brand watch this short testimonial video.

Learn more about franchising with Dickey’s Barbecue Pit by visiting franchise.dickeys.com or call (866) 340-6188. To find your nearest Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location, visit dickeys.com/locations.

To learn more, follow Dickey’s on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Download the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the world’s largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey. For the past 79 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ At Dickey’s, all our barbecued meats are smoked on-site in a hickory wood burning pit. Dickey’s proudly believes there’s no shortcut to true barbecue and it’s why they never say bbq. The Dallas-based family-run barbecue franchise offers several slow-smoked meats and wholesome sides with ‘No B.S. (Bad Stuff)’ included. The fast-casual concept has expanded worldwide with two international locations in the UAE and operates over 500 locations in 44 states. In 2016, Dickey’s won first place on Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” list and was named a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur in 2018. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Fox News, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, QSR Magazine, Forbes Magazine and Nation’s Restaurant News. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com.

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• Josef Gregory Head Shot