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Don’t Get Scammed: NICB Insights on How to Avoid Fraud After a Natural Disaster

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/dJPZJMemFCA With hurricane, tornado, and wildfire seasons in full swing in many parts of the country, property damage and loss will be unavoidable in affected areas. The National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning those living in areas that could suffer from a natural disaster to not only be prepared for the disaster but to be aware of the potential for fraudulent contractors and vendors taking advantage of victims in its aftermath. Last year was a historic year for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in the U.S., with 28 separate events costing at least $1 billion. In the 1980s, the average time between billion-dollar disasters was 82 days. In 2023, it was just 12 days, with these disasters totaling more than $93 billion in catastrophe losses. Upwards of 10 percent or $9.3 billion is lost to post-disaster fraud, which not only impacts individuals, but also impacts insurance premiums throughout the industry. Oftentimes, these deceitful actors target neighborhoods affected by disasters and make an unsolicited stop at your home. They will take your money - often overcharging - and do shoddy or no work at all, promising that your insurance company will pay for it all. On Tuesday, May 21, a nationwide media tour was conducted featuring NICB President & CEO David J. Glawe discussing how to avoid home repair fraud after a natural disaster and many other consumer friendly topics. Questions and Topics Mr. Glawe discussed Included: · Why is contractor fraud becoming more prevalent, and who is committing these acts? · What is NICB doing to help stop contractor fraud from occurring? · What steps can and should homeowners take prior to a natural disaster and how can preparation help reduce chances of becoming a victim of fraud? · What signs should disaster victims be on the lookout for that may indicate a dishonest contractor and what steps can people take to avoid being scammed? · What resources are available to help homeowners and other disaster victims avoid potential fraudulent actors or report fraud when they encounter it? NICB recommends following these tips before hiring a contractor: Be Proactive · Assess Damages: If you think you have catastrophe-related damage, reach out to your insurance company, and ask for clarification on your coverage. · Recruit a Professional: Seek out a licensed, insured, and well-reviewed contractor before any potential fraudulent contractors come knocking on your door. Research and Verify Before Signing Anything · Research and Verify: Before hiring a contractor, research their credentials, reputation, and track record. Check for licenses, certifications, and reviews from previous clients. Verify their insurance coverage and inquire about any past complaints or legal issues. · Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain bids from multiple contractors for comparison. Be wary of significantly low bids, as they may indicate substandard work or hidden costs. Aim for a balance between affordability and quality. · Beware of Red Flags: Be alert to red flags such as high-pressure sales tactics, vague or evasive answers, or reluctance to provide written estimates or contracts. Trust your instincts and proceed with caution if something seems off. Stay Involved and Take Account · Written Contracts: Always insist on a written contract detailing the scope of work, materials, timeline, and a payment schedule that does not include large upfront payments. Review the contract carefully, ensuring that all terms and conditions are clearly outlined and agreed upon by both parties. · Stay Involved: Stay actively involved in the project by regularly communicating with the contractor and monitoring progress, while keeping records of all work communications. · Seek Legal Advice if Necessary: If you suspect contractor fraud or encounter significant problems during the project, seek legal advice promptly. A legal professional can help you understand your rights, explore options for resolution, and take appropriate action to protect your interests. Report Fraud Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422). To learn more, visit NICB.org About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 29, 2024 04:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Halving of BTFS Storage Rewards

BitTorrent

Singapore, May 28, 2024 – To sustain the growth and success of the BitTorrent ecosystem, BTFS is set to implement a halving on the next round of rewards for storage miners on the BTFS network. From 00:00 (UTC) June 25, 2024, the daily rewards for storage miners on the BTFS network will be halved from 15 billion BTT to 7.5 billion BTT. The BitTorrent File System (BTFS) is a decentralized file storage system that utilizes blockchain technology and peer-to-peer transmission. It allows users to store their files across multiple nodes in a distributed manner, enhancing file security and reliability. BTFS also offers rapid file transfer and access, giving users greater convenience in managing and sharing files. By integrating key features of the BitTorrent Chain (BTTC), such as cross-chain connectivity and multichannel payment options, BTFS significantly enhances user experience. Currently, the BTFS network is experiencing rapid growth with over 8 million nodes across the network, including more than 6 million super miners, according to BTFS SCAN. To support the efficient operations of these nodes, BTFS initiated a rewards program and has provided an aggregate of 25 trillion BTT since the launch of BTFS Mainnet in 2019. Every two years, the BTFS rewards halving will occur causing the rewards for all storage miners across the network to be cut in half. (Halving roadmap) Moreover, halving will also prompt miners to improve node performance by optimizing node operation and reducing waste. In addition, an upgrade of the official website for the BTFS technical community and the release of BTFS v3.0 Mainnet will be scheduled in sync with the halving. These developments are expected to improve the efficiency of the BTFS protocol, expand the user base, and enhance its overall functionality. Looking ahead, BTFS is committed to continuously refining its storage rewards strategies. The goal is to expand the network of nodes participating in file storage on BTFS, providing developers with an efficient, secure, and reliable storage solution boosting both the capacity and the transaction efficiency of the BTTC network. About BTFS The BitTorrent File System (BTFS) is both a protocol and a web application that provides a content-addressable peer-to-peer mechanism for storing and sharing digital content in a decentralized file system, as well as a base platform for decentralized applications (Dapp). The BTFS team has been working on the latest network operations and BTT market sentiment, etc., to make a series of dynamic adjustments such as upload prices and airdrop reward schemes. About BitTorrent Founded with a leading peer-to-peer sharing technology standard in 2004, BitTorrent, Inc. is a consumer software company based in San Francisco. Its protocol is the largest decentralized P2P network in the world, driving 22% of upstream and 3% of downstream traffic globally. Its flagship desktop and mobile products, BitTorrent and µTorrent, enable users to send large files over the internet, connecting legitimate third-party content providers with users. With over 100 million active users, BitTorrent products have been installed on over 1 billion devices in over 138 countries worldwide. Since November 2018, TRON (TRX), Binance (BNB), and Bitcoin (BTC) holders have the opportunity to purchase one-year subscriptions of BitTorrent or µTorrent products, including Ads Free and Pro for Windows. Pro includes anti-virus and anti-malware screening, file converting and playability in HD. Users can visit bittorrent.com or utorrent.com to learn more. Website | Telegram | Medium | X | Media Contact John Chen press@bittorrent.com Contact Details John Chen press@bittorrent.com

May 28, 2024 07:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Agents Who are REALTORS® Preview Housing Market Trends for the Summer and Beyond

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: Click here to view With the spring homebuying season in full swing, many Americans are contemplating whether it’s a good time to buy or sell a home. Higher mortgage rates, limited housing inventory and competition for the few houses on the market are some of the many reasons sellers and buyers should work with an agent who is a REALTOR® to find the right home and negotiate the terms of sale. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, single-family existing-home prices nationwide climbed 5% over the past year to a median price of $389,400. Greater than 90% of the country’s metro areas experienced home price growth in the first quarter of 2024 despite facing the highest mortgage rates in two decades. While mortgage rates are nearly double those seen during the first two years of the pandemic, they are still considered historically low. Moreover, homeownership continues to be a catalyst for Americans to build generational wealth. Over the past decade, the median-priced home in the U.S. gained nearly $200,000 in value, making the typical homeowner 40 times wealthier than if they had not purchased a home or remained a renter. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you achieve the dream of homeownership and create long-term wealth and financial stability for your family. To learn more about REALTORS® and to find a real estate agent, visit Realtor.com®. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 21, 2024 02:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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HOME "SMART" HOME

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

May 20, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tribe Property Technologies sees record revenue as company posts 4th quarter and year end results

Tribe Property Technologies

Tribe Property Technologies CEO Joseph Nakhla joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the company's financial results for the fiscal year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023. Nakhla began by highlighting the company's revenue growth, with total revenue reaching $19.39 million, marking an 8.8% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. This growth was attributed to various factors, including an expansion in software and service fees driven by an increased number of properties on the Tribe platform, higher financial services revenue associated with banking partnerships, software licensing fees, and the acquisition of Meritus. Additionally, Nakhla noted a significant improvement in gross profit, which amounted to $6.63 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $5.75 million in the previous year. This increase in gross profit and gross profit percentage was attributed to the addition of service contracts through organic growth, acquisitions, and restructuring efforts. Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2023 showed improvement as well, with an outflow of $6.56 million, representing a 19.8% improvement compared to the previous fiscal year. This improvement was driven by increased revenue and cost-cutting initiatives. Looking ahead to 2024, Nakhla expressed optimism about the company's prospects for improved revenue growth, profitability, and expanding margins. Tribe aims to achieve this through various strategies, including increasing monthly recurring revenue by securing new property management agreements, onboarding more communities onto the Tribe platform, winning new software licensing agreements, and boosting digital services revenue. The company also has a robust pipeline of profitable acquisition opportunities. Furthermore, Tribe remains committed to investing in its software platform and adding functionality to its suite of products to maintain its industry leadership position and continue providing innovative solutions to its clients. With its strong financial performance and strategic initiatives in place, Tribe Property Technologies is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the property management sector and drive value for its shareholders. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

May 08, 2024 02:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ballast Rock Announces Launch of Sunbelt Multifamily Fund III

Ballast Rock

Ballast Rock, the diversified investment management firm, today announced it has launched Sunbelt Multifamily Fund III LP (“SB3”), the third private equity real estate fund in its Sunbelt series. Ballast Rock is targeting a raise of $100 million for the fund, which, like the previous Sunbelt Funds, will focus on acquiring and renovating a diversified portfolio of workforce multifamily properties in the U.S. Southeast. Ballast Rock has identified and is performing due diligence on a value-add property that would represent the first acquisition for the new fund. “The broader real estate market has experienced tremendous uncertainty, given the rise in interest rates and disruptions in the credit markets. The team have patiently been assessing the long-term impacts of these changes on our target markets and are excited to have found a potential first investment for SB3” said Thomas Carroll, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ballast Rock. “We have remained constructive on our core focus, which is workforce multifamily value-add, specifically in the Southeast.” “Our team has diligently been underwriting deals since our last acquisition in early 2023 and has looked at close to 400 assets in that time,” said Ian Garcia, Chief Operating Officer and Portfolio Manager for the Sunbelt Funds. “We are extremely conservative on our underwriting and will only ever consider investing in a deal if we have a high degree of confidence that it is going to clear our stringent investment objectives.” Prior Sunbelt Funds Ballast Rock launched Sunbelt Multifamily Fund I (“SB1”) in 2019 and between February 2019 and January 2021 acquired nine properties totaling 1,110 apartment units for $63,630,000. SB1 began dispositions in early 2022, generating gross proceeds of $60,450,000 from the first four properties sold. The 593 apartment units involved were acquired at an average cost of $53,583 per unit and sold at an average cost of $101,939 per unit. Ballast Rock anticipates exiting the remaining five assets in SB1 opportunistically over the next 12 to 18 months. Sunbelt Multifamily Fund II (“SB2”), launched in 2021 and between February 2021 and January 2023 acquired nine properties totaling $101,408,000, with 1,039 apartment units. In April of 2023 Ballast Rock launched Ballast Rock Capital, its broker-dealer. Ballast Rock Capital is a member of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). About Ballast Rock Group Ballast Rock Group is an integrated investment management company specializing in delivering risk-adjusted returns, accurate, and timely advice, high quality frequent reporting, and direct access to management. Ballast Rock Group operates Ballast Rock Asset Management, Ballast Rock Private Wealth, and Ballast Rock Capital. Ballast Rock Asset Management comprises Ballast Rock Real Estate, which includes the firm’s Sunbelt multifamily real estate funds, and Ballast Rock Ventures, comprising venture capital and private equity teams. Ballast Rock Private Wealth is a registered investment advisor, with a focus on alternative strategies. Ballast Rock Capital is awaiting approval to become a FINRA-registered broker-dealer. Ballast Rock is committed to being a driver of positive change. The diversity of our team members brings valuable new perspectives to our industry for the benefit of our stakeholders and the broader community. Investment Disclosure The information contained in this press release has been prepared by Ballast Rock Holdings LLC (“Ballast Rock”) without reference to any particular reader’s investment requirements or financial situation. Potential investors are encouraged to consult with professional tax, legal, and financial advisors before making any investment into a private offering of securities. An investment in private securities would be speculative and would involve a high degree of risk. Investors must be prepared to bear the economic risk of such an investment for an indefinite period of time and be able to withstand a total loss of their investment. Please carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, transaction costs, and other expenses related to an investment prior to deciding to invest. Ballast Rock Capital LLC (“BRC”), MEMBER: FINRA / SIPC. BRC’s registered head office is 460 King Street, Suite 200, Charleston, SC, 29403. Tel: 800-204-2513. To check background information about BRC and its representatives, visit FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Please see important disclosure information in our Form CRS. Contact Details For Ballast Rock press@ballastrock.com Company Website https://www.ballastrock.com/

May 07, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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5thScape to list its first game “MMA Cage Conquest” on Meta Store: Ultimate Virtual MMA Experience

Spark Metro PR

Mixed Martial Arts fans and enthusiasts, your virtual fighting dreams have arrived! 5th Scape delivers a transformative experience with "MMA Cage Conquest," stepping far beyond traditional fighting games into true sensory immersion. Step into the iconic MMA cage, feel the roar of the crowd and become the champion you always envisioned. The 5thScape Project is an ambitious venture that aims to create a comprehensive Virtual Reality ecosystem. In this VR ecosystem many developers, gamers and experts from various industries can collaborate. This is a VR gaming studio startup in which they focus on developing games, movies, animations etc. Apart from this, they are also planning to launch a special VR headset and a VR Chair which is an ergonomically perfect chair for long gaming sessions. Now, coming back to the game, - "MMA Cage Conquest" redefines virtual combat. Its skill-based system demands true martial arts strategy along with honed reflexes. Learn and master strikes like a real-life wrestling professional. It includes (not limited to) powerful grappling throws and the intricacies of ground control to secure your victories. Feel the impact of every blow, the thrill of a perfectly executed submission, and the tension of a match fought on the razor's edge. Training lies at the heart of "MMA Cage Conquest." This journey transcends button-mashing and enters the realm of personal development. Start as an eager underdog, mastering the fundamentals through rigorous simulations. Refine your striking, defense, and ground game, tracking your progression and building unshakeable confidence. With each session, you don't just play the game – you live the fight. MMA Cage Conquest is all set to make gaming experiences more vigorous and a powerhouse for the senses. Feel the rush in your bones as you climb the leaderboards, and establish yourself as the ultimate MMA cage conqueror. Ready to unleash your inner champion? " MMA Cage Conquest " will be available on the Meta platform. Submitted for listing on May 2, 2024, the developers await approval from Meta. Visit 5thscape.com for trailers, release updates, and the latest news on your journey to become the undisputed MMA Cage Conqueror. Contact Details 5th Scape 5thScape Team +1 302-597-6768 Team@5thscape.com Company Website https://5thscape.com

May 03, 2024 06:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Flash Wins California Energy Commission $5.8M Grant for EV Charger ‘Innovation Lab’ in Oakland

Flash Parking

The California Energy Commission (CEC) and Flash, a pioneer in parking + charging solutions, today announced Flash secured a $5.8 million grant from CEC for a large-scale electric vehicle (EV) charger demonstration project in Oakland, California. The first-of-its-kind project will deploy at least 446 low-cost Level 2 EV chargers over a two-year period in convenient, high-density, high-visibility installations in a 1.5-mile area around downtown Oakland. With $24 million in funding from California’s Clean Transportation Program, the CEC grant to Flash and other awardees aims to demonstrate replicable and scalable business and technology models to deploy Level 2 charging infrastructure and improve public awareness of and confidence in Level 2 charging access. The project will also include installation of two Battery Energy Storage Systems that will help safeguard EV charger affordability during periods of peak energy demand. “Bay Area residents’ early commitment to the EV transition uniquely positions this community to serve as an ‘Innovation Lab’ for electrification projects in California and nationwide,” said Matt McCaffree, Vice President of Utility Market Development for Flash. “This collaboration with CEC will not only show what’s possible in high-density smart cities like Oakland but also keep the charging gap for early adopters from becoming a confidence gap for the next wave.” Bay Area EV adoption continues to outpace the national average by a factor of three. By installing reliable, affordable, and convenient public chargers, Flash and the CEC aim to close the charging gap and encourage further EV adoption—particularly among downtown residents, for whom dependable public charging is a prerequisite for ownership in lieu of at-home chargers. The success of the project would establish quality public charging as a standard among the practical, convenient, and environmentally-friendly “smart cities” of the future. “For residents living in downtown areas where at-home charging isn't an option, reliable and convenient public charging is key for continued EV adoption,” said CEC’s Lead Commissioner for Transportation Patty Monahan. “The CEC is looking forward to Flash's deployment of hundreds of Level 2 chargers throughout downtown Oakland to be a model of successful public charging.” The project will also generate invaluable data regarding battery capacities, operating costs, replicable price points, and emergency procedures, as well as insights toward stimulating demand and increasing return on investment. This information can then be used to expand and improve upon the Oakland deployment and inform electrification efforts throughout California and beyond. About Flash Flash is a pioneering technology company bringing seamless parking and EV charging experiences to drivers through a first-of-its-kind digital ecosystem. Flash’s platform connects reservable parking and charging in the apps drivers use every day with garage, surface lot, event, and valet parking locations — connected and controlled via a cloud-based operating system with unrivaled intelligence. Customer-obsessed brands partner with Flash to deliver digital, easy-to-use, reliable, and increasingly frictionless experiences to drivers eager to pay for a solution that eliminates wasted time, excess emissions, and stress from driving. The solution has arrived. Visit www.flashparking.com to learn more. Contact Details Flash Ray Young +1 512-694-6097 ray@razorsharppr.com Company Website https://www.flashparking.com/

May 02, 2024 08:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Atrato Capital CIO discusses strategic French market expansion with Carrefour acquisition

Supermarket Income REIT PLC

Atrato Capital chief investment officer Steven Noble joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with news that Supermarket Income REIT PLC (LSE:SUPR, OTC:SUPIF) has acquired a portfolio of 17 omnichannel supermarkets in France from Carrefour through a sale and leaseback transaction valued at €75 million. The deal ensures a leaseback to Carrefour for 12 years, yielding an initial return of 6.3% with the advantage of annual uncapped inflation-linked rent reviews. Noble emphasized that this move aligns with Atrato Capital's ongoing strategy to focus on omnichannel stores, crucial for both online and in-store grocery sales. The acquisition not only fits its existing investment strategy but also expands its addressable market to the French grocery sector, valued at €284 billion. France was specifically chosen due to its significant online growth potential and Carrefour's strong market position and omnichannel capabilities. Although the UK remains its core market, Noble hinted at possible future acquisitions in Europe to increase shareholder value, maintaining its strategic approach towards omnichannel grocery property investments. This expansion into France with Carrefour is viewed as a natural progression of Supermarket Income REIT's business model, providing promising growth and long-term valuation opportunities. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

May 01, 2024 09:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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