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Caliber Embarks on Private Build-to-Suit School Expansion with Rancho Solano Preparatory School

Caliber Co.

CaliberCos Inc., a fully integrated real estate company, announced today a significant milestone within Caliber. The Company has embarked on a school expansion in Scottsdale, Arizona that will benefit the community and should serve as an attractive investment for its Opportunity Zone investors. Caliber recently closed on the acquisition of Rancho Solano Preparatory School, a 26,646 square foot property in Scottsdale, Arizona. The total project cost is $11.5 million and is the first venture Caliber has invested in since the pandemic started in March 2020. $4.5 million in equity was offered with Caliber’s Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund leading the investment, which was maxed out within three weeks of the offering. Commenting on the transaction, Chris Loeffler, Co-Founder and CEO of Caliber stated, “The impact from the current pandemic has touched every part of the global economy, and education has not gone untouched. Now, more than ever, there is higher demand for private education as many private schools remained opened throughout the pandemic. These institutions are providing a needed resource for parents who are unable to effectively home-school their children. Caliber’s open architecture allowed investors in our Fund, high-net worth direct investors, and a respected family office to combine forces and provide the necessary capital to build this asset for the community.” As a result of the increased demand, Caliber will construct a new campus for Rancho Solano. In conjunction with this construction project, Rancho Solano will close its small, North Scottsdale facility and consolidate it with the existing main campus in Central Scottsdale. The new campus expansion will serve all grades pre-K through 12th grade. In addition, there is an excess piece of land that is adjacent to the school that could lead to another project. Rancho Solano will lease the space from Caliber for a period of 20 years with a 10-year option. Upon receipt of occupancy, Rancho Solano will be given the option to purchase the building and will be offered that option again after the first and second years. Caliber believes that this project will produce positive cash flow as well as create attractive asset appreciation for its Opportunity Zone Fund investors. Additional information on the project can be found on Caliber’s website at Rancho Solano - Caliber (caliberco.com). Caliber is seeking additional schools with a desire to expand into Qualified Opportunity Zone locations throughout the Southwest and Mountainwest matching the goals of long-term investors to the needs of local communities. About Caliber – The Wealth Development Company Caliber is a market leader in providing individual accredited investors and registered investment advisors with well-structured alternatives to traditional investments. The Company builds wealth by forming and managing real estate private equity investments, either through individual assets or multi-asset funds. The Company offers an approachable, full-service investment experience managing over $440M in fair value assets under management and an estimated $550M in assets under development in commercial, residential, multi-family, self-storage and hospitality real estate in AZ, CO, NV, UT and AK. Caliber’s vertical integration of support services delivers a unique and efficient 360º approach to investing in real estate. The Company is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ with business operations focused throughout the greater Southwest region. Visit www.CaliberCo.com for more information. About Rancho Solano Preparatory School Rancho Solano Preparatory School is a PK-12 international learning community for high achieving students that offers a highly individualized education experience completely unique to Arizona. Additional information can be found on the website at About Rancho Solano • Rancho Solano Preparatory School Contact Details Caliber Victoria Rotondo +1 480-295-7600 victoria.rotondo@caliberco.com Public Relations Mary Jensen +13105261707 mary@irrealized.com Company Website https://www.caliberco.com/

April 13, 2021 12:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time

CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL TO HOLD 2021 FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL ON MAY 5

CSG

CSG ® (NASDAQ: CSGS) invites you to participate in a conference call on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 5:00pm EDT to discuss the company's first quarter 2021 earnings results. The conference call will feature CSG President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Shepherd and CSG Chief Financial Officer Rollie Johns. To reach the conference, call 1-833-508-4355 and ask the operator for the CSG Systems International conference call. Click here to join a webcast of CSG’s earnings call in live or archived format. # # # About CSG For more than 35 years, CSG has simplified the complexity of business, delivering innovative customer engagement solutions that help companies acquire, monetize, engage, and retain customers. Operating across more than 120 countries worldwide, CSG manages billions of critical customer interactions annually, and its award-winning suite of software and services allow companies across dozens of industries to tackle their biggest business challenges and thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. CSG is the trusted provider for driving digital innovation for hundreds of leading global brands, including Airtel Africa, América Móvil, AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DISH, Formula 1, Hutchison 3 Indonesia, Inmarsat, Mastercard, Maximus, Microsoft, Mobily, MTN, New Leaf Service Contracts, State of California DMV, TalkTalk and Telstra. To learn more, visit our website at csgi.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Copyright © 2021 CSG Systems International, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“CSG”). All rights reserved. CSG® is a registered trademark of CSG Systems International, Inc. All third-party trademarks, service marks, and/or product names which are referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners, and all rights therein are reserved. Contact Details CSG John Rea +1 210-687-4409 john.rea@csgi.com Company Website https://www.csgi.com

April 13, 2021 06:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Barry Landowski Sparks Local Business Growth in Germantown, Wisconsin During COVID-19 Pandemic

Minuteman Press International Inc

As Barry Landowski begins his 30th year in business this month, the long-time owner of Minuteman Press in Germantown, WI has spent the past year leading the charge to support local businesses in his community. “The pandemic has created a close bond between all small business owners around here. We’re all in this together and we need to stick together. That’s the feeling I get. No one wants to see anyone fail.” Print is Essential Barry’s Minuteman Press franchise is an essential business providing critical printing, marketing, and direct mail services. “Because I’ve been a leader in the community for so long, I’ve had several owners asking how we are doing and telling me they need us. I’ve tried to be very compassionate with them and I tell them not to give up.” Because of his empathy as well as his ability to offer high-demand products and services, Minuteman Press in Germantown has continued to remain open and stay strong throughout the pandemic. “One of the smartest things I’ve done was triple our investment in Minuteman Press International’s internet marketing program. This year, we have received more requests and orders from companies I hadn’t heard of before. This was really helpful while everyone has been on lockdown, as buyers have found us online. We then work to turn them into satisfied clients who want to continue to do business with us.” To be in business for nearly 30 years, Barry has successfully adapted his business to meet the needs of his clients. “I listen, learn, and change with the times. My Minuteman Press franchise of 2021 is a different business from my shop in 1992. Based on Minuteman Press’ recommendations, I have diversified my products and services. We added a large format printer to produce signs and banners in-house as well as a dye sublimation system and an embroidery machine for custom apparel orders.” Barry continues, “We are now a certified USPS mailing center fulfilling bulk mailing and Every Door Direct Mail orders several times per week. These services are in high demand right now from our clients looking to reach out to their target customers, and we can do the entire project from custom design and printing to mailing.” He adds, “For several years, we have also been selling many different types of custom promotional products. There are so many different ways companies can benefit from branded items, and customers always like receiving a little something extra for free.” Barry also credits Minuteman Press International for supporting him all the years he has been in business including during the pandemic. “Minuteman Press is always there for me. This past year, we have had constant communications and additional resources to help us market our business. We have amazing vendor relationships with suppliers. Every time I attend the Minuteman Press World Expo, I come back with new ideas and ways to grow. Just when I think I know everything Minuteman Press gives me incredible advice or rolls out a new product and shows me why it’s important to always keep learning.” Owning a Business vs. Having a Job Barry reflects on his journey to entrepreneurship and his life before owning his own business. “In my prior life, I was on the corporate ladder. My last position was Corporate Director of Procurement for a billion dollar corporation. I was responsible for about $250 million in annual purchases. I simply got sick and tired of the toxic corporate culture so I decided that I’d rather work hard for myself and be my own boss.” He continues, “I had a pre-law degree but had no desire to go to law. I also had a real estate license but didn’t have the time to build an empire on my own. A friend and I went to a franchise show in Milwaukee in 1991. I didn’t like much of what I saw until I met with Minuteman Press. The wheels started turning and I liked the idea of printing. It’s simple to follow and everyone is a potential customer. I knew nothing about printing or running a business, and yet here I am 29 years later thanks to Minuteman Press.” “Barry Landowski has done a fantastic job with his Minuteman Press franchise in Germantown. He truly cares about his clients and today he continues to be a community leader and an inspiration to other local businesses,” says Steve Szymanski, Minuteman Press International Midwest Regional Vice President. Rewards & Advice to Others When asked about the rewards of owning his own business, Barry answers, “I’ve had some really good times and made some mistakes, but they were my mistakes and I got smarter and tougher when learning from them. My biggest reward has been the opportunity to work with my daughter for 2 years, my son for the past 15 years, and my brother for 25 years. I probably should have retired 7 years ago, but I love to come to work.” Barry adds, “As I’ve tried to illustrate, the support from Minuteman Press is the only way that I could have started up and continued to operate for the past 29 years. They have laid the foundation and provided ongoing support, programs, and advice on products, equipment, marketing and staffing. This has all been essential to my existence.” For people who ask Barry what it’s like to get started in business, he says, “Starting your own business is like cliff diving. You stand on the cliff looking down at all of the rocks below and it can seem scary. However, once you jump, never look back, and focus on what’s ahead of you.” He concludes, “Minuteman Press will give you everything you need to operate a successful business with the exception of one thing – work ethic. You’ve got to get that yourself.” For more information on Minuteman Press Germantown, Wisconsin, visit https://www.germantown.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

April 12, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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CORRECTING AND REPLACING: SwingJuice.com accelerates expansion with MLB Players, Inc. licensing agreement

SwingJuice

SwingJuice.com, a lifestyle clothing and apparel brand, has reached an agreement with MLB Players, Inc. (MLBPI) to create a custom line of lifestyle clothing inspired by the vibrant personalities of some of baseball’s most popular Players. “We could not be more pumped-up about this partnership,” said Jon Mason, Creative Director at SwingJuice. “We began as a golf-inspired clothing brand but soon realized our passion for sports extended far beyond the fairway. When we spoke with MLBPI, we were instantly energized and we couldn’t wait to express our creativity and passion to baseball fans everywhere.” SwingJuice MLBPI apparel collection launched Opening Day of the MLB season, April 1 and is now available at swingjuice.com and other SwingJuice retail partner locations. SwingJuice and MLBPI will work collaboratively to design and promote this unique collection. “We are excited about the SwingJuice partnership. They have established themselves as a prominent lifestyle brand,” said Evan Kaplan, Managing Director of MLB Players, Inc. “I’m looking forward to seeing their vision for showcasing the personalities and styles of our Players.” “We intend to bring the same fire into our MLB Players collection that our long-standing golf community has enjoyed for nearly a decade,” says SwingJuice CEO Steve “Dakota” Happas. “While our brand continues to expand in exciting new directions, we will always remain focused on designing great gear that will turn heads and create conversation.” ABOUT SWINGJUICE SwingJuice began as a golf-inspired clothing and apparel brand that trailblazed the philosophy that molds were made to be broken and that clothing should be a conversation-starter. SwingJuice apparel allows consumers to display their passion for sports in a more fun, unique and approachable way. SwingJuice is also a community – established through the love of golf and expanded through the passion for all sports. The staff at SwingJuice are sports junkies just like the consumers they serve and they are always dreaming up new ways to bring unique personality to the products they design. For more information, please visit www.swingjuice.com. Keep up-to-date with all of the SwingJuice news on social media: Instagram Facebook About MLB Players, Inc. MLB Players, Inc. is the for-profit corporate subsidiary of the Players Association. It is charged with managing all commercial activities of the organization. At the core of MLBPI’s business today, it brings to market products and services featuring the publicity rights (name/image/likeness) of our Players. MLBPI grants these rights to its 100+ partners all over the world when more than two Players are featured. MLBPI negotiates agreements with companies to ensure Player-licensed products are part of the suite of baseball-related items fans want - when and where they want them. Contact Details Swing Juice, LLC Jon Mason +1 781-710-9374 jon@swingjuice.com MLB Players, Inc Anthony Solis +1 516 532 7410 asolis@mlbpa.org Company Website https://www.swingjuice.com

April 08, 2021 04:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast RISE Awards An Additional 19 BIPOC-Owned, Small Businesses in Twin Cities with Marketing and Technology Resources and Makeovers

Comcast West Division

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) today announced the second round of Comcast RISE award recipients in the Twin Cities—19 businesses will receive consulting, media and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on the specific needs. To date, the Twin Cities has announced 32 recipients including a diverse roster of small business, from Duck Donuts in Woodbury, The Zen Bin in Minneapolis, and The Creative Studio in St. Paul. The new Comcast RISE recipients in the Twin Cities include: AG on the Cut, St. Paul Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy, Woodbury Atrebla Early Learning Center, Minneapolis Big Cutz Barbershop, Columbia Heights Center for Communication & Development – KMOJ-FM, Minneapolis Cilantro Restaurant, Woodbury Cravings Wine Bar & Grille, Woodbury DFS Consultants LLC, St. Paul H & S Booking LLC, New Hope HercLÃ©on, St. Paul K & M Construction of MN LLC, Lake Elmo Lions Gym and Wellness Center, Robbinsdale Morris Services LLC, Minneapolis Premiere Staffing Group, St. Paul Queen Anna House of Fashion, Minneapolis The Black Threadist, Brooklyn Park The Pole Barn Studio LLC, Stillwater Urban Mass Media Group/BMA, Minneapolis Work of Art Barbershop & Shave, Robbinsdale Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” focuses on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses in the U.S., those hit hardest by the pandemic according to a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. New applications are now open to eligible BIPOC-owned, small businesses through May 7, 2021 at www.ComcastRISE.com. “At a time when so many in our small business communities are struggling, it’s incredibly humbling to be able to give back and share our knowledge and resources with those hit hardest by the pandemic. We want to help our partners and communities rise,” said J.D. Keller, regional senior vice president, Comcast Twin Cities. “I could not be more pleased to be supporting the BIPOC community and continue this positive momentum.” “The past year has seen unprecedented challenges for our business community, especially for those small-to-medium size operations owned by BIPOC entrepreneurs,” said B Kyle, president and CEO, St. Paul Area Chamber. “That’s why we’re so pleased that Comcast is offering valuable support through Comcast RISE with marketing, advertising and technical expertise. We stand behind their efforts and encourage our local businesses to apply for this important program.” Comcast RISE provides the opportunity for BIPOC-owned, small businesses nationwide to apply for one or more of the following support focus areas: Marketing Services: The following services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic, are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including: Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period. Creative Production: Turnkey:30 TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and 90-day media placement schedule. Consulting: Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effectv marketing, research and creative teams to gain insights on how to drive business. Technology Makeovers: The state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer equipment as well as Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for technology makeover services.) Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched in 2020. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Comcast Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Comcast Dave Nyberg 651-341-6401 Dave_Nyberg@comcast.com Company Website https://twincities.comcast.com

April 08, 2021 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time

Public Relations Global Network Enters Into Distribution Agreement With News Direct

News Direct

The Public Relations Global Network [ PRGN ], a consortium of 50 leading PR agencies known for their local market expertise, has entered into an affinity relationship with News Direct, providing its members with access to the industry's most innovative content distribution platform. Member agencies will be able to provide their clients with added value, and significantly heightened ROI, by leveraging News Direct's expansive global distribution network, flat rate pricing model (including international distributions with human prepared translations), actionable analytics, and the ability to distribute standalone multimedia assets. News Direct has created a new industry paradigm for news distribution through its intuitive workflow, disruptive rate structure, and industry-leading security utilizing the latest cloud isolation technology. With member agencies on six continents, PRGN offers the scale of a large international PR agency but differentiates itself with its intimate knowledge of local market conditions. The result is a customized communications solution, often the collective work of multiple agencies working in unison with the shared goal of ensuring client success. "We welcome the opportunity to make our services available to PRGN's global membership," noted Gregg Castano, founder and CEO of News Direct. "Just as PRGN provides a turnkey global solution to its clients, News Direct similarly provides PRGN agencies with a seamless, singular solution for all their distribution needs, regardless of targeted geographic region, or industry sector." “Independent agencies are increasingly proving their strength in uncertain times. We see clients turn to PRGN member agencies more than ever these days for their boots on the ground experience and approach. And we applaud News Direct for being among those service providers who recognize this trend and the important role independent agencies play in the communications arena,” PRGN President Robert Bauer said. “I’m convinced our member agencies – as well as their clients – will greatly benefit from having an easier access to News Direct’s content distribution platform and the ROI it generates for them.” About News Direct News Direct provides news and content distribution for PR, IR, Corporate Communications and Marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely-reimagined, intuitive workflow, industry-leading security, transparent, flat-rate pricing and actionable analytics. Further, News Direct has deployed an array of innovation including advanced automation, isolation cloud technology and custom software for the most dynamic, efficient and flexible platform available today. To learn more visit newsdirect.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. About the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) Clients across six continents depend on the combined resources of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) to deliver targeted public relations campaigns in markets around the world. PRGN is one of the world’s largest international networks of independent public relations agencies, measured by revenue. PRGN harnesses the resources of 50 independent public relations firms in 52 locations and close to 1,000 communications professionals to connect international companies and organizations with individual and culturally diverse markets globally. Visit PRGN online at www.prgn.com or on Twitter at @PRGN Contact Details Martha Pearlstone +1 203-295-7566 martha.pearlstone@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

April 08, 2021 09:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time

COMCAST ANNOUNCES RURAL BROADBAND EXPANSION IN WHATCOM COUNTY

Comcast West Division

Comcast today announced it will expand service to 815 homes in the City of Sumas, a rural community of Whatcom County. Over the next two years, Comcast will invest $4.2 million, to bring the entire suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services to the citizens and businesses of Sumas. The planned network expansion is the latest example of the company’s investment made in Washington state. Comcast has invested over $990 million in capital expenditures in Washington over the past three years, including investments in the company's network. “This is welcome news for Sumas residents, especially in a world where we are increasingly reliant on a broadband connection to work, learn, and teach. Washington has some of the world’s largest technology companies but too many residents still don’t have affordable and reliable internet access,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01). “Bold investments like these will help families during this difficult time and beyond.” “Thank you to Mayor Christensen and to the City Council in Sumas for working with Comcast to bring high speed internet infrastructure to the people of Sumas,” said Senator Doug Ericksen, 42nd Legislative District. “America was built by private sector innovation and private sector innovation will continue to lead in building a better Washington State for all of us." “We are very excited to have Comcast coming to Sumas. They provide quality services and have a solid infrastructure,” said Kyle Christensen, Mayor, City of Sumas. “This will be a big benefit to our residents and businesses.” Sumas residents will have access to the entire Xfinity product suite, including Xfinity Internet, Xfinity Mobile, Xfinity X1, Xfinity Home and Internet Essentials, the largest and most comprehensive low-cost Internet adoption program for low-income Americans. Since 2011, Comcast has connected 560,000 low-income individuals statewide to broadband internet over the last decade, including 15,200 residents in Whatcom County. The Sumas businesses community will have access to the full suite of Comcast Business Internet, voice, and video services, including WiFi, Voice, TV and managed enterprise solutions for businesses of all sizes. We’re pleased to invest in our infrastructure in Whatcom County and excited to expand our network to the City of Sumas,” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. “As connectivity becomes ever more important, we’re working hard to expand our smart, reliable network that delivers fast Internet speeds for customers to browse, videoconference, stream and game.” Comcast serves more than 1.6 million residential and business customers throughout Washington state. Comcast is Washington’s leading provider of Xfinity video, high-speed Internet, smart home and phone services. To learn more about Comcast in Washington, visit: https://washington.comcast.com/ About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Andy Colley +1 425-248-5438 Andy_Colley@Comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

April 07, 2021 08:55 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Focused Image President Toby Eckhardt Appointed to Forbes Council

Focused Image

Toby Eckhardt, founder and president of Focused Image, Inc., one of the top communications firms in the D.C. area, has been appointed to the Forbes Agency Council, an exclusive group of thought leaders from successful advertising, public relations and digital marketing agencies across the nation who publish insights and articles on the prestigious Forbes business news platform. “I am honored to have been welcomed into the Forbes Agency Council,” said Toby Eckhardt, CEO of Focused Image. “I applaud Forbes’ mission to bring together successful and knowledgeable industry leaders and create this community of collaboration and expertise sharing to benefit others across our industry. I look forward to being a part of the national conversations that shape our industry, and to sharing insights from our work and experiences over the past 35 years with leading brands in aerospace, defense, consumer and emerging technology.” Eckhardt had more than 40 years’ experience in communications and founded Focused Image in 1985. Since then, the firm has become and remained a top agency in the greater Washington Metropolitan area, playing a key role in major campaigns over the years, including supporting AOL’s rapid growth and success, launching XM Satellite Radio, and helping many GovCon brands catapult to the top of the government services market. As a member of the Forbes Agency Council, Eckhardt will share insights through original business articles on Forbes.com and contribute to published Q&A panels alongside other industry experts. “We are honored to welcome Toby into the community,” said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes Forbes Agency Council. “Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.” Eckhardt was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance into the council include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors. Eckhardt’s latest article, “ 5 Ways To Encourage Creativity And Productivity Within Remote Teams,” provides ideas for leaders across any type of organization about ways to encourage productivity and creativity as many continue to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to remote work has made it increasingly difficult for creative collaboration among teams, which is why companies must create new strategic processes and steps to engage their team virtually and boost company productivity. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/39FPmtr. About Focused Image, Inc. Focused Image Inc. is an award-winning marketing communications agency that specializes in branding, advertising, public relations and digital marketing. Based in Falls Church, Va., the agency is a recognized leader in the greater Washington Metropolitan area communications industry. Focused Image was founded more than 35 years ago by Toby Eckhardt, a leading national authority on strategic marketing and branding. Since then, it has been helping clients from Fortune 500 companies to fast-growing technology startups build brands and launch new products with strategies and creative communications concepts and programs that deliver results. More information about the agency is available at www.focusedimage.com. About Forbes Council Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive. For more information about Forbes Agency Council, visit forbesagencycouncil.com. To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit forbescouncils.com. Contact Details Focused Image Kristina Messner +1 703-678-6023 kmessner@focusedimage.com Company Website https://www.focusedimage.com/

April 06, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Velocity Global acquires iWorkGlobal to accelerate remote work and global expansion platform; receives $100M growth investment from FFL Partners

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading provider of global expansion solutions, today announced its acquisition of iWorkGlobal, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gary D. Nelson and Associates, and a $100 million growth investment from private equity firm FFL Partners. The combined company, under the Velocity Global name, creates the largest U.S. domestic and global Employer of Record (EoR) and accelerates the future of remote work for companies around the world. The investment from FFL Partners, a firm focused on growth investments in middle market companies, will also be deployed by Velocity Global to support additional strategic acquisitions, technology development, and to further expand the company’s global footprint. “This strategic acquisition combines scale and expertise in a single platform for companies to employ top talent in another state or another country, quickly and compliantly,” said Ben Wright, Velocity Global founder and CEO. “We welcome the iWorkGlobal team, its clients, supported employees, and partners to the Velocity Global family at an inflection point for companies as we exit a pandemic that fundamentally removed the worker from the workplace.” “At iWorkGlobal, we viewed ourselves as a strategic partner to our clients and this outlook aligns with the ‘People First’ brand of Velocity Global,” said Jeff Phelps, iWorkGlobal co-founder and CEO. “Combining our strengths allows us to deliver complementary expertise, capabilities, and new geographies to clients and their supported employees in the U.S. and around the globe.” “As workforces have become more distributed, iWorkGlobal positioned itself as a leader in talent engagement solutions,” said Craig Nelson, Board Chairman of Gary D. Nelson and Associates. “It’s a testament to Jeff's leadership and the hard work and dedication of the iWorkGlobal team that Velocity Global proactively sought out this combination of market leaders." Expanded Services in Domestic U.S. and Globally Brands rely on Velocity Global’s expertise and global infrastructure to hire compliantly without the cost or complexity of setting up their own foreign legal entities or state registrations. As the Employer of Record, Velocity Global manages in-country and in-state compliance, payroll, and benefits for its clients’ supported employees. As a result of this transaction, Velocity Global expands its offering to include EoR services in all 50 United States in addition to its industry-leading EoR capabilities in more than 185 countries. The combined company also offers Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors globally. Velocity Global’s platform combines these elements with a personalized customer experience, best-in-breed technology, and increased scale for companies to grow their remote workforce. Velocity Global now guides, counsels, and serves more than 700 brands and their 4,000 supported employees. Clients include small start-ups to enterprise businesses. The combined company has supported remote teams for hundreds of public companies with an aggregated market capitalization of more than $2 trillion, and private companies funded by more than $60 billion. “We serve as a single partner for a business to scale its remote workforce from one employee to multinational teams,” said Wright. “We have a global footprint that will grow to nearly 50 wholly-owned foreign legal entities in the most desired international markets by year’s end, and now in all 50 states, to enable companies to compliantly employ top remote talent across a state line or country border.” Market Growth The rapidly maturing global EoR and AoR industries are key drivers of the “future of work” or gig economy worth $4.5 trillion according to a 2020 report from Staffing Industry Analysts. The investment from FFL Partners will help ensure Velocity Global is able to not just meet demand, but extend its market leadership position. “We have all seen the nature of work evolve drastically over the past 12 months, and we are very excited to make this investment in Velocity Global, a pioneer in this space fast-tracking the future of work,” said Cas Schneller, FFL Managing Partner. “Velocity Global achieved a 400% organic growth rate over the past three years while maintaining disciplined financials and delivering an exceptional customer experience. We are confident FFL’s deep business services experience can help accelerate this remarkable success.” Combined Company Velocity Global welcomes 40 iWorkGlobal employees as part of the transaction, growing its team to approximately 300 employees worldwide. Ben Wright leads the company headquartered in Denver with regional headquarters in Amsterdam, Bogotá, and Singapore. The combined company operates additional regional offices in Bangalore, Dubai, London, Mexico City, São Paulo, and Toronto. Local Velocity Global employees in 16 countries contribute cultural and market knowledge for clients and a personalized supported employee experience. Maria Goyer joins the Velocity Global executive team as Chief Innovation Officer, reporting to Wright, after serving as senior vice president of Strategy for iWorkGlobal. She will drive strategic initiatives and innovative best practices across the organization to serve the growing global customer base. Goyer applies more than 20 years of industry and strategic expertise in the development of all aspects of Business Process Outsourcing, including pioneering work in the Managed Service Providers (MSP), Vendor Management Systems (VMS), payroll, and compliance industries through Software as a service (SaaS) applications for global contingent workforce programs. View Velocity Global leadership here. ABOUT VELOCITY GLOBAL Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its platform enables businesses to employ remote teams and expand internationally through global expertise, best-in-breed technology, and scale. More than 700 brands rely on its Employer of Record model and infrastructure in 185 countries and all 50 United States to compliantly employ thousands of supported employees, access global talent, and grow revenue. Named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall, Velocity Global is a strategic partner to its clients through additional comprehensive services including Immigration, Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors globally. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with regional headquarters in Amsterdam, Bogotá, and Singapore, with local employees in 16 countries. ABOUT FFL PARTNERS Founded in 1997, FFL Partners is a San Francisco-based private equity firm with over $4.5 billion under management. FFL pursues thematic investments in business services and healthcare services partnering with exceptional management teams where the firm's high engagement operating model and extensive network can help accelerate growth and unlock value. Growing our businesses has provided over 75% of the value created by FFL for its investors. For additional information please visit  www.fflpartners.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 johnhall@velocityglobal.com For FFL Partners Kelly Holman +1 (646) 502-3509 KHolman@Stantonprm.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

April 06, 2021 05:30 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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