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Velocity Global Welcomes Johan Land and Carol MacKinlay to Its Leadership Team As It Enters Its Next Phase of Growth

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading expert on global workforce management, today announced the appointments of Johan Land as Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Carol MacKinlay as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). As CPO, Johan will be instrumental in driving the company's product vision and strategy to exceed customer expectations. As CHRO, Carol will lead Velocity Global’s human resources strategy and operations, ensuring the company has the right global talent to meet their customers’ needs. "I am excited to welcome Johan and Carol - they have impressive track records of growing innovative organizations that have disrupted their industries," says Francoise Brougher, CEO at Velocity Global. “Their exceptional leadership qualities come at a pivotal moment for Velocity Global, and I am confident they will have a significant positive impact on our customers and employees.” Johan brings a wealth of experience in building and scaling product teams, advocating for product-led growth, and driving innovation. He most recently served as CPO of TomTom, where he led a team of over 200 people through a pivot moving from hardware to software offering. His previous roles include transformative leadership positions at Kobalt Music, Waymo, YouTube and Google. "I am passionate about fostering teams that drive product innovation and create exceptional user experiences," states Johan Land. "I see a tremendous opportunity to disrupt and lead in our field, and I am thrilled to contribute to Velocity Global's potential." Carol is an experienced people leader, board member, and advisor with more than three decades of experience across all aspects of HR. Striking the balance between talent, culture, and efficient processes, she has created and scaled diverse teams at companies across different stages of growth from early seed rounds through IPO and as post-public companies. Most recently, Carol was the Chief People Officer at Binance.US, a technology and brand licensee of Binance.com, where she built the people team, grew in over 15 countries, and oversaw an eight-fold increase in headcount to a workforce of over 800. "Scaling companies and building strong financial foundations through strategic team assembly and a focus on culture is my forte," shares Carol MacKinlay. "I am eager to bring my expertise to Velocity Global and contribute to its next phase of growth and success." Velocity Global continues to redefine the global employment landscape by combining its AI-powered Global Workforce Platform with exceptional expertise and customer service. With the addition of Johan Land and Carol MacKinlay to their leadership team, the company is poised to lead the charge in empowering businesses across the globe to hire anyone, anywhere with confidence. For more information on how Velocity Global makes opportunity borderless for people everywhere, visit www.velocityglobal.com. About Velocity Global Velocity Global gives you the power to build your team everywhere—combining seamless technology and local expertise in 185+ countries. We make it simple to compliantly hire, pay, manage, and retain talent anywhere. With Velocity Global, the world is yours. Contact Details Media contact +1 720-650-4348 press@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

December 04, 2024 10:05 AM Pacific Standard Time

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Media and Democracy Project Urges FCC to Establish a 'Bright-Line Test' with Hearing on FOX Affiliate’s Broadcast License

Media and Democracy Project

Today, the Media and Democracy Project (MAD), joined by a bipartisan coalition of prominent former FCC officials, legal experts, and media advocates, filed further comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging the agency to designate the WTXF-TV broadcast license application for a hearing. In its filing, the coalition asserts that this matter is not controversial nor political and that action by the Commission is a straightforward application of its statutory obligations. “Our petition is not about speech or political slant—it’s about the deliberate business decision by the Murdochs and Fox to lie to the American people about the 2020 election to protect the company’s profits,” said Brian Hansbury, Co-Founder of the Media and Democracy Project. “That decision cannot be squared with the character requirements of the Communications Act, and the FCC has the opportunity to prove that its public interest policy matters.” The filing argues that this case is “easily distinguishable from routine complaints by politicians about the political slant of a particular channel or classic journalistic prerogatives.” The group calls for the Commission to establish a “bright-line test to provide clear guidance on when a hearing is required.” The filing continues, “[p]roviding this guidance also would be a crowning addition to this Commission’s legacy.” “Commissioner Carr’s recent threat against the broadcast industry (an echo of Trump’s threat against ABC and CBS – against whom there has been no judicial finding) illustrates the importance of this commission adopting a more clear bright line test that invokes the character provision of the communications act only after there has been a judicial finding,” said former Murdoch lobbyist Preston Padden. “If the FCC fails to act, it risks setting a dangerous precedent that undermines its own authority and the public’s trust in broadcast media.” In urging Commission action, the group also called on the FCC to pay particular attention to three passages from earlier informal comments: In an earlier filing from Former FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes, the radio station owner recounted preparing his first application for a station license. It required him to commit to operate in the ‘public interest.’ He recalled wondering whether that language was “just some bureaucratic construct or a legally enforceable requirement.” Later, after serving as Chairman of the Commission, he notes that “the answer is still elusive.” In an informal objection, Former FCC Commissioner Ervin S. Duggan and former Editor of The Weekly Standard Bill Kristol, cited Judge Davis’s findings in US Dominion, Inc. v. Fox News Network, emphasizing that Fox’s behavior “is not consistent with the FCC’s character requirements for broadcast licensees who are supposed to operate their stations in the public interest first and foremost.” The pair continued, “given that the Murdoch/Fox lies contributed to the January 6 riot in the Capitol and duped millions of Americans into believing that the election was stolen, their actions shocked the conscience.” In informal comments from preeminent defender of media First Amendment rights, Floyd Abrams, he recounted his long history of serving as counsel to media organizations whose First Amendment rights were threatened. Notwithstanding that history, Abrams states, “but knowing and repeated distortion of information about a forthcoming election is precisely what a broadcaster may not do, and that the Commission may consider in determining whether license renewal is appropriate.” The joint informal comments were filed by Brian Hansbury, MAD’s Co-founder; Alfred Sikes, former Republican Chairman of the FCC, Ervin S. Duggan, former Democratic FCC Commissioner and former PBS President, William Kristol, longtime Editor of The Weekly Standard, William Reyner, longtime lead regulatory and commercial outside counsel To Murdoch/Fox, and Preston Padden, former executive of Fox Broadcasting Company and former lead lobbyist for Rupert Murdoch/News Corporation/Fox. A copy of the informal comments is available here. A link to a timeline of MAD’s petition is available here. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots organization focused on strengthening a free and independent media in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.Org. Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/

November 19, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America Congratulates Newly Elected Officials and Stands Ready to Work with Members of Both Parties to Advance Key Industry Priorities

SFAA

Following last week’s election, The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) extends congratulations to all newly elected officials and reaffirms its commitment to working across the aisle to advance the industry's interests. As a leading voice for the surety and fidelity industry, SFAA is dedicated to collaborating with policymakers on solutions that support economic growth, enhance public and private sector resilience, and protect taxpayers. “Now more than ever, we believe in the importance of bipartisan cooperation to advance our industry's top priorities before Congress, the Administration, and the States,” said SFAA President & CEO Ryan Work. “We look forward to working closely with new and returning leaders at every level of government to promote policies that empower businesses, safeguard consumers, protect workers, and strengthen our economy.” The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry. Based in Washington, D.C., SFAA works to promote the value of surety and fidelity bonding by proactively advocating on behalf of its members and stakeholders. The association’s more than 425 member companies write 98 percent of surety and fidelity bonds in the U.S. For more information visit www.surety.org. Contact Details Peter Roth +1 703-401-0676 proth@surety.org Company Website https://surety.org/

November 15, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

NLPC: Special Counsel Jack Smith Must Close Shop

NLPC

National Legal and Policy Center Counsel Paul Kamenar and Chairman Peter Flaherty issued the statements below regarding the future of federal prosecutions of Donald Trump. “It appears that Special Prosecutor Jack Smith is coming to his senses and preparing to drop the two federal prosecutions against President-elect Donald Trump, ” said Paul Kamenar, counsel to NLPC. Although he vowed this summer to continue the prosecutions up until Inauguration Day if Trump got elected, neither of the two pending prosecutions, one in the District of Columbia for alleged election interference and the other in Florida regarding the classified documents case, could be tried before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. “The public jury has spoken overwhelmingly on election day that these political prosecutions be dropped,” said Peter Flaherty, NLPC Chairman. Once he becomes President, Trump can order his Acting Attorney General that Jack Smith be fired and the two cases be dismissed plus under Justice Department policy, a sitting president cannot be prosecuted. The most that Jack Smith can do now is write his report and submit it to Congress before he is fired. NLPC has been critical of Jack Smith’s prosecutions since they began. Indeed, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the Florida Mar-a-Lago case based on the unconstitutional appointment of Jack Smith, the very issue which NLPC supported in the legal challenge to Robert Mueller’s appointment in the Russia hoax case. As for the two remaining state cases, Trump lawyers are asking that those cases also be dropped. The sentencing in the biased New York hush money was already postponed to November 17 and there are immunity issues in that case as well stemming from the Supreme Court’s decision granting Trump immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken in office. The Georgia case is on appeal regarding the legality of prosecutor Fani Willis staying on the case but should also be dismissed. According to Flaherty, “For the sake of the Rule of Law, it is a good thing that Trump won. If he had not, these prosecutions would continue, and future Republican candidates for President and other offices would face a barrage of lawsuits calculated to destroy their candidacies, livelihoods and reputations. Hopefully, the ‘lawfare’ warriors have learned their lesson, and we can return to free and fair elections.” For more information or to schedule an interview with Peter Flaherty or Paul Kamenar, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

November 08, 2024 11:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

PrestigePEO Acquires Georgia-Based PEO, Teamwork Services Expanding Reach and Increasing Service Offerings

PrestigePEO

PrestigePEO, a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO), announced the acquisition of Teamwork Services, Inc., headquartered in Brunswick, Georgia. This strategic transaction, finalized on October 25, 2024, represents a pivotal step in expanding PrestigePEO's geographic footprint and service capabilities. Expanding Capabilities and Market Reach The acquisition of Teamwork Services will allow PrestigePEO to extend its market reach in the Southeastern United States, providing a broader network of clients and benefits brokers with high-quality Fortune 500-level employee benefits, compliance and risk management solutions, and extensive HR support. This acquisition strengthens PrestigePEO’s mission to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with the tools they need to scale and succeed in a competitive landscape. " Bringing Teamwork Services into the PrestigePEO family represents an incredible opportunity to enhance our service delivery and expand our reach," said Andy Lubash, CEO of PrestigePEO. " Our shared commitment to providing premium benefits and personalized service will enable us to make a meaningful difference for businesses and broker partners across the Southeast, helping them grow and thrive in an evolving marketplace.” Strategic Value and Executive Insight PrestigePEO and Teamwork Services share a strong client-centric approach grounded in innovation, professionalism, and deep industry expertise. The collaboration will provide expanded solutions for clients while maintaining the high service standards each company is known for. Robyn Rusignuolo, COO of PrestigePEO, commented, " This acquisition is a great match between companies with proven leadership and a commitment to providing an excellent service experience. We are thrilled to welcome Teamwork Services’ clients, employees, and partners into our network, and we look forward to leveraging our combined expertise to support PrestigePEO’s market expansion." Pam Morris, President of Teamwork Services, expressed her enthusiasm: " We are excited to join forces with PrestigePEO and bring expanded resources and benefits to our valued clients. PrestigePEO's innovative approach to HR and compliance aligns perfectly with our mission to provide personalized and effective HR solutions. This partnership will only strengthen the support and expertise we can offer." About PrestigePEO PrestigePEO is one of the nation's leading PEOs, offering premium employee benefits, comprehensive HR solutions, compliance guidance, payroll management, retirement plan options, and more. PrestigePEO supports benefits brokers and their small and medium-sized business clients by providing personalized services and Fortune 500-caliber benefits, empowering businesses to scale confidently and successfully. Headquartered in Melville, NY, PrestigePEO operates nationwide, focusing on client support and industry-leading service. To learn more about, visit www.prestigepeo.com and follow PrestigePEO on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. About Teamwork Services, Inc. Founded in 1989, Teamwork Services, Inc. is a Brunswick, Georgia-based PEO specializing in payroll management, HR consulting, risk management, and business planning services. Teamwork Services has a long-standing reputation for providing customized solutions to businesses across various industries, emphasizing trust, support, and reliable expertise. The company's commitment to its clients is paramount, making this partnership with PrestigePEO a natural progression in its mission to provide the highest level of HR support. Contact Details PrestigePEO Jay Zamft, Director of Marketing +1 516-692-8202 jzamft@prestigepeo.com Company Website https://www.prestigepeo.com/

November 04, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Velocity Global Recognized as Leader in Everest Group’s Global EOR PEAK Matrix® for Third Time Running

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading expert on global workforce management, proudly announces its designation as a Leader in Everest Group’s 2023 PEAK Matrix® Assessment for Employer of Record (EOR) Solutions. This prestigious recognition marks the third consecutive year that Velocity Global has earned this accolade, reaffirming its role as a trailblazer and trusted partner for businesses scaling internationally. In its evaluation of 23 EOR solution providers, Everest Group assessed companies on their vision, capabilities, and impact in 2023. Velocity Global’s repeated success underscores its innovation and unwavering commitment to helping organizations expand their global reach effortlessly. “Velocity Global has been recognized as a Leader in Everest Group’s EOR Solutions PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2023 for the breadth and depth of its services that span across EOR, supplemental benefits and perks, and equity management along with local expertise across multiple geographies. Its focus on compliance and continuous investment in compliance, advanced analytics, technology sophistication, and improving the customer experience along with a strong product roadmap is well aligned with the market needs and expectations to position it well in the EOR market,” stated Priyanka Mitra, Vice President, Everest Group. The Leaders in this report distinguish themselves through their ability to meet diverse customer needs—from onboarding to offboarding and beyond. They continuously innovate, delivering solutions that elevate the customer experience and drive real-time benefits for both employers and employees across the globe. Since its inception, Velocity Global has been a driving force in revolutionizing global workforce solutions. Evolving from a point solution provider to a strategic global growth partner, the company empowers businesses of all sizes with its unique combination of technology and expertise. Velocity Global’s Global Work Platform™ offers a seamless experience, combining self-service functionality with deep legal and HR expertise to ensure compliance across 185+ countries. Everest Group recognized Velocity Global as a Leader for their customer support, compliance management, and country-specific payroll, benefits, mobility, and legal expertise. As a pioneer in global workforce management, Velocity Global offers: Comprehensive Global Expansion: Velocity Global enables companies to hire, manage, pay, and retain a global workforce worldwide. With services that include statutory and supplemental benefits, companies can scale confidently across borders, fully supported by Velocity Global’s extensive offerings. Tech-Driven Innovation: Velocity Global continuously enhances its Global Work Platform™, empowering clients to onboard, manage, and pay global employees compliantly—all through one intuitive platform and augmenting its capabilities and market impact in the EOR market. With seamless bi-directional data integrations, businesses can synchronize their core HR functions with leading HR systems. Expert-Led Customer Support: Velocity Global’s dedicated teams of global payroll, benefits, immigration and mobility experts, coupled with in-country HR and legal expertise, provide unmatched support. Customers have consistently praised Velocity Global for its exceptional customer service and unmatched compliance management. “When it comes to addressing talent gaps or expanding into new markets, the ability to hire anyone, anywhere is a game-changer for companies,” said Francoise Brougher, CEO of Velocity Global. “To succeed in the global workforce, businesses need more than just speed—they need a frictionless user experience and reliable and trustworthy compliance. Our legal and HR expertise, combined with our cutting-edge technology, delivers all three, allowing our customers to focus on what really matters - growing their business.” To learn more about what differentiates us, download the report here. For more information on how Velocity Global makes opportunity borderless for people everywhere, visit www.velocityglobal.com. About Velocity Global Velocity Global gives you the power to build your team everywhere—combining seamless technology and local expertise in 185+ countries. We make it simple to compliantly hire, pay, manage, and retain talent anywhere. With Velocity Global, the world is yours. Contact Details Media contact +1 720-650-4348 press@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

October 30, 2024 11:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties Warn of Possible Unintended Consequences of Proposition 33 on Los Angeles Housing Market

K3 Holdings

K3 Holdings, a privately held real estate investment firm with extensive holdings throughout the United States and Alpine LA Properties, a leasing company providing newly remodeled apartments at affordable rates in Los Angeles voiced concern today about debate over California Proposition 33. Proposition 33 moves the decision of rent control laws into the hands of municipalities. While the proposal is intended to support vulnerable renters, via rent control and/or vacancy control solutions, many within the real estate and housing industries are raising concerns about its potential impact on housing availability. As municipalities create new legislation and regulations, many of these policies may have unintended negative consequences, especially for low-income families. Some experts are warning that Proposition 33 may result in fewer affordable housing options and discourage investment in new development, exacerbating the city's housing crisis. “As a property management company with deep roots in the Los Angeles community, we are committed to supporting renters and ensuring the availability of safe, affordable housing options,” stated Michael Kadisha, a Principal of K3 Holdings. “We have long been a resource to local leaders and policymakers, offering insights into the needs of renters and the realities of the housing market, and we look forward to further collaboration.” “While we understand and respect the goals behind Proposition 33, we are concerned that its unintended consequences will be harmful to the very communities it aims to protect. Proposition 33 could reduce the supply of housing options, especially for low-income families, by discouraging new development and forcing out existing property owners. This could exacerbate the housing crisis, not alleviate it,” Michael Kadisha continued. “By making it financially untenable for real estate owners and developers to operate, this proposal may inadvertently limit the number of available homes, leading to fewer choices for renters and higher prices in the long term,” Nathan Kadisha a K3 Principal added. “Surely this is not what local leaders, and the community is intending with these proposals.” “Our goal is to remain a partner in crafting balanced, effective housing policies that protect renters while also ensuring a healthy, sustainable housing market. We stand ready to work with city leaders to find solutions that benefit both renters and property owners alike,” Nathan Kadisha continued. While K3 does not endorse or reject any specific legislation and refrains from political involvement, its sole focus remains on building strong communities and helping renters thrive. About K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties are committed to creating strong, vibrant communities through thoughtful property management and a focus on fostering neighborly connections. By hosting community events and providing quality living spaces, we strive to make our neighborhoods places where residents feel a sense of pride and belonging. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a K3 spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or dan@danrene.com Contact Details K3 Holdings/Alpine LA Properties Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 dan@danrene.com Company Website https://k3holdings.com/

October 29, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Ohio Pension Funds Sue Boeing and Former Chairman Over Plane Failures

NLPC

Why is former Boeing Chairman Larry Kellner – who led the company’s governance oversight during last year’s infamous Alaska Airlines door plug blowout – now head of the safety committee on ExxonMobil’s board of directors? That’s what a shareholder in both companies – National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) – is asking. And now two pension funds for the State of Ohio are demanding answers from Boeing and its board members (both current and former) about the devaluation of their investment. Attorney General Dave Yost announced Tuesday that he is suing the board of directors for the Washington, DC-based jet manufacturer, “seeking accountability for a pattern of safety and compliance failures that have harmed the company and its investors.” Yost is representing the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio in the litigation, and accuses Boeing board members of breaching their fiduciary duties by failing to properly oversee the company. The lawsuit alleges the members knew “about the ongoing unsafe practices but even today fail to address them, choosing instead to prioritize profits over safety and regulatory compliance.” Among the defendants singled out by Yost is former Boeing chairman Kellner, who departed from the company under a cloud earlier this year, following the Alaska Airlines incident and other safety failures, in what CNN described as “a complete decapitation” of leadership. Among the allegations pointed out in the Ohio lawsuit about Kellner was that he: served on the board’s Aerospace Safety Committee since 2019; solicited votes from shareholders with other directors who “issued materially false or misleading statements with knowledge of their falsity or reckless disregard for their truth” in both 2023 and 2024; with other directors, “knowingly or with reckless disregard made false or misleading statements of material fact and omitted material information concerning the safety of Boeing’s airplane manufacturing…”; was opposed by proxy advisor Glass Lewis for re-election to the board in 2021 and 2022, “given his role as Audit Committee Chair during the [737] MAX Crashes” in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Yost summarizes the lawsuit against Boeing directors, including Kellner, by alleging they issued “false or misleading” statements “with knowing intent to deceive, manipulate, or defraud.” Yet today Kellner enjoys a soft landing on the board of directors for ExxonMobil, where he chairs the oil giant’s Environment, Safety and Public Policy Committee, with millions of dollars in stock awards and remuneration. This is after Boeing on Wednesday reported a third-quarter loss of more than $6 billion in the wake of the financial, reputational and litigation disaster left behind in the wake of Kellner’s failed leadership. “In the part of his career and experience which is supposed to highlight the majority of his credentials to serve in his current role on ExxonMobil’s board, Larry Kellner has been an unmitigated disaster,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project, an investor in both Boeing and ExxonMobil. “Exxon is not without safety and environmental failures in its history that have cost lives, injuries and destruction. How can it say with a straight face that Mr. Kellner is the best person to oversee the company’s environment and safety policies and practices?” Earlier this year in advance of ExxonMobil’s annual meeting, NLPC filed a proxy memo with the Securities and Exchange Commission, detailing Kellner’s shortcomings for the director role and asking fellow shareholders to oppose his candidacy for the board. NLPC also released a short video in May that highlighted Boeing’s mishaps under Kellner’s leadership. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 24, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

ASTRO America’s AM Forward Initiative Receives Final Approval for Private Equity Fund

ASTRO America

Applied Science & Technology Research Organization ( ASTRO ) of America executives will join senior officials from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and Small Business Administration (SBA) at the Pentagon today to mark a major milestone in its “ AM Forward ” initiative. This effort, launched by ASTRO President Neal Orringer and U.S. President Joseph R. Biden in May 2022, accelerates small businesses’ adoption of additive manufacturing (“AM”, or 3D printing) technology to advance key aerospace and defense supply chains across the country. Today’s announcement of final federal approval for the Fund (formally known as the ‘Stifel North Atlantic AM-Forward Fund’) marks a historic moment in the nation’s effort to build, scale and accelerate public-private investments in critical technologies, a key component of AM Forward. This Fund, earning a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) license in partnership with the DOD under the SBIC Critical Technology (SBICCT) initiative, aims to use a range of financing structures targeted to the specific needs of small businesses, with a focus on increasing additive and advanced manufacturing capabilities in the domestic supply chain. The initial investors of the Fund include significant capital commitments from industry-leading companies Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, and ASTM International, among others. “Two years ago, we launched AM Forward to build up resilience in America’s key supply chains,” said Neal Orringer, President of ASTRO America. “Our partners– most notably, Lockheed Martin and GE Aerospace– have demonstrated what it means to be strong stewards of America’s Defense Industrial Base. Today, we are grateful to have them and two other critical organizations, Stifel North Atlantic and ASTM International, contributing important resources, expertise, and mentorship to support the backbone of America’s economy– small and medium sized manufacturers.” ASTRO leads AM Forward’s implementation– a compact of seven leading companies as well as key federal agencies– focused on helping small businesses expand their adoption of metal 3D printing technology through: access to capital, machine validation processes called “qualification,” and workforce development. ASTRO selected Stifel North Atlantic (NYSE: SF) as the financial partner to support AM Forward’s access-to-capital efforts by managing the Fund, based on its rich history of support for small and middle market companies and extensive experience managing SBIC Funds. ASTRO leadership will remain involved with the Fund as advisors to the Fund’s Technical Advisory Board. “We are pleased to receive this license from the SBA,” said Victor Nesi, Stifel Co-President. “In collaboration with our strategic partners, we are proud to give America’s emerging small businesses the capital and strategic support they need to advance innovation that supports our supply chain, creates domestic jobs, amplifies manufacturing capacity and importantly, increases national security.” Earlier this year, ASTRO America and Stifel North America announced the Fund became the first recipient to receive an initial ‘green light’ to raise private capital under the SBIC Critical Technologies (“SBICCT”) program. The Applied Science and Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-partisan Research Institute and Think Tank. It was established in 2018 to advance the public interest through manufacturing technology and policy. Led by manufacturing professionals with broad public and private sector experience, ASTRO America supports collaborations by government agencies and companies to address supply chain challenges in highly regulated industries, including aerospace and defense. Established in 1890, with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Stifel is a full-service financial services firm with a distinguished history of providing securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, institutions, corporations, and municipalities. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Bradley Sinkaus +1 570-446-7585 bradley@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://astroa.org/

October 23, 2024 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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