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NASBP & SFAA Publish Bond Information Kit for State Broadband Offices & ISPs Participating in BEAD Program

SFAA

The National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) and The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) issued a first-of-its-kind Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Surety Bond Information Kit. The Kit includes bond forms to address the announcement of the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce to accept surety bonds as an additional form of security in lieu of letters of credit (LOCs) for the BEAD Program. In November of 2023, NTIA issued a programmatic waiver to modify the requirement for LOCs as the sole means of security to secure the performance of recipients of BEAD grant funds to construct broadband infrastructure. After NTIA’s waiver announcement, NASBP and SFAA formed a surety working group to develop performance bond forms and model language to facilitate the use of surety bonds to meet BEAD Program security requirements. The surety working group developed two performance bond forms, model language for state broadband offices to insert into award agreements, and a sample letter template to confirm for state broadband offices the bond amount for which an internet service provider (ISP) or its construction contractor initially qualifies. Of the two bond forms, one addresses situations when the ISP can qualify for bonding and furnishes the bond directly to the state broadband office. The second bond form addresses situations where the contractor to the ISP building out the broadband system is better suited to qualify for bonding. “Broadband access is so crucial for communities to gain connections, information, and opportunities, especially in rural or underserved areas,” stated NASBP CEO Mark McCallum, “and permitting the use of surety bonds to protect federal and state funding of and investment in broadband infrastructure will ensure that these vital systems will be constructed and realized.” NASBP Director of Government Relations Larry LeClair added, “NASBP and SFAA over time have informed federal agencies responsible for rural broadband deployment of the time-tested benefits of surety bonds to safeguard broadband investments.” “After NTIA announced it would allow ISPs to furnish surety bonds as alternatives to LOCs, NASBP and SFAA then played an active role with the ISP community to educate it about the surety bond product,” related LeClair. “The additional security option instead of LOCs will benefit small internet service providers (ISPs) who were having difficulty securing LOCs,” said SFAA Vice President of Policy & General Counsel Julie Alleyne. “And most importantly, state broadband offices and taxpayers will have added protection because the surety company will only furnish a bond to those it believes can complete the work successfully based on the prequalification process. In comparison, a LOC issued by a bank and secured by deposited funds does not evaluate the contractor’s ability to perform the work,” continued Alleyne. As a hallmark of public procurement, surety bonds are widely used and accepted forms of performance security. They provide viable options for qualified companies that receive federal grant monies for the development of broadband infrastructure, and that wish to offer a form of security other than a bank LOC. The BEAD Program Surety Bond Information Kit is available to download here. The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all surety and fidelity industry segments. We promote the value of surety and fidelity bonding and its vital protections through advocacy, outreach, promotion, and education. The more than 425 member companies write 98 percent of surety and fidelity bonds in the U.S. SFAA is also licensed as a rating or advisory organization in all states, and state insurance departments have designated it as a statistical agent for reporting fidelity and surety experience. www.surety.org Founded in 1942, the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) is the association of and resource for surety bond producers and allied professionals. NASBP members specialize in providing surety bonds for construction contracts and other purposes to companies and individuals needing the assurance offered by surety bonds. www.nasbp.org Contact Details Peter Roth +1 703-401-0676 proth@surety.org Kathy Hoffman +1 240-200-1278 khoffman@nasbp.org Company Website https://surety.org/

July 09, 2024 11:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Unveils Expanded Small Business Awards Program

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/TdgmziOXvl8 In a moment of persistent inflation and market uncertainty, small businesses are vital growth drivers—yet few are recognized for their contributions to our economy in a meaningful way. To elevate the nation’s most innovative and resilient small businesses, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is recognizing businesses who are driving innovation, growth, and ingenuity in their communities. Small businesses are invited to apply for the CO—100, an exclusive list of the 100 best small and mid-sized businesses in America who have impressive growth strategies, innovative products and services, and an unwavering dedication to serving local communities. As entrepreneurs navigate the current economic landscape, programs like the CO—100 provide essential recognition and resources to help them thrive. The CO—100 is an awards program run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that recognizes and celebrates America’s Top Small Businesses. This exclusive list honors businesses that excel and stand out in 10 categories: Growth Accelerators, Community Champions, Micro-Business Leaders, Champions of Adaptability, Customer Champions, Global Stars, Digital Innovators, Enduring Businesses, The Disruptors, and Culture Champions. On June 25th, a media tour was conducted with Jeanette Mulvey, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Topics that were discussed by Jeanette Mulvey, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce included: · CO—100: This awards program and the U.S. Chamber’s support for small businesses as key growth drivers in America. · Innovation, Growth & Impact: Qualities that make for a successful small business—and how to highlight these traits on the CO—100 application and get noticed by an esteemed panel of judges. · Recognition, Exposure & Opportunity: The benefits of applying to be recognized on the CO—100 list and opportunities available to the honorees. For more information, visit CO100.COM Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

July 01, 2024 01:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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AmeriLife Expands Wealth Distribution Portfolio with Acquisition of WerksGroup

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, announced today a strategic partnership with WerksGroup, LLC and its primary business line, MyFedRetirementWerks, helping Federal Employees optimize their retirement and benefit options. This partnership will enhance the retirement and life insurance guidance available to federal employees, offering a more comprehensive range of solutions to help them achieve their long-term financial goals. Per the agreement, the terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Our company began with a simple phrase: ‘One big purpose,’” said Richard and Karen Wolfe, principals of WerksGroup, LLC. “We believe that financial guidance is more than just selling products. It is the pursuit of helping clients create and implement a plan to achieve their long-term life goals. Partnering with AmeriLife strengthens that mission, broadens our reach, and merges our core values seamlessly.” With over 60 years of combined retirement planning and life insurance expertise, WerksGroup, LLC has built its business on the idea that relationships are more important than sales. As such, the company has focused on nurturing a client base of those who serve the American people, including employees of the U.S. Postal Service, the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Central Intelligence Agency, and various other federal agencies and departments. “Our success and this partnership would not have been possible without the dedication of our management team and minority partners, Patrick Shehan from our sales division in the postal and federal market, and Mark Ross, who was critical in expanding our annuity market. Their contributions were exemplary in bringing our vision to fruition and building WerksGroup into a great organization,” added Richard and Karen. As part of AmeriLife Wealth Group, WerksGroup will gain access to a best-in-class platform that delivers efficiency, value, and access to diverse resources and services to increase their productivity and grow their bottom line. “We are immensely impressed with Richard and Karen and their dedication and expertise while growing WerksGroup,” said AmeriLife Chief Distribution Officer of Wealth Distribution Mike Vietri. “Their exceptional work in the life insurance and annuity sectors has played a pivotal role in ensuring the retirement comfort of their federal employee clients. We are excited to integrate their strengths into our portfolio and continue building on their success.” About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents, financial professionals, and over 100 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. About WerksGroup, LLC Founded on a simple yet profound principle, WerksGroup, LLC is committed to assisting clients nationwide in preparing for their immediate needs and future aspirations. With over 60 years of combined expertise in retirement and life insurance, our team understands that trustworthy financial guidance involves more than just offering products—it requires a deep, comprehensive understanding of each client's financial, familial, and estate planning goals. Contact Details Media Inquiries Jeff Maldonado media@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

July 01, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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US-China Legal Experts Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm Celebrates Their Tenth Chinese Client Successfully Listing On The US Stock Market

Benzinga

By Kimberly Adams As the global economic landscape shifts, Chinese companies are increasingly seeking to go public on prestigious US exchanges such as Nasdaq and NYSE. In this burgeoning market, one law firm stands out as one of the most active firms in the space: Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm. Over the past 12 months, Jiangsu Junjin has been the law firm of record, completing the necessary filings with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and other complex international legal work, for ten Chinese IPOs. The Surge in Chinese IPOs The Chinese IPO market is experiencing significant growth, driven by companies across various sectors aiming to tap into the deep pools of capital available in the US. In 2023 alone, Chinese companies raised billions of dollars through IPOs on US exchanges. This trend is expected to continue as more firms recognize the benefits of listing in the US, including greater access to investment capital, enhanced corporate visibility, and the prestige associated with being listed on globally recognized exchanges. Statistics reveal the momentum: in 2023, the number of Chinese companies listing in the US increased by 20% compared to the previous year. This surge is fueled by the dynamic growth in sectors such as technology, electric vehicles (EVs), and retail. These industries are at the forefront of innovation, attracting significant investor interest and driving up the demand for expert legal guidance to navigate the complexities of US-China integrated securities regulations. Growing Complexity of US Listings for Asian Companies Listing on US exchanges has become increasingly complex for Asian companies, particularly Chinese firms, due to evolving regulatory requirements and geopolitical considerations. According to NYSE's Kobe Ge, Head of China, the process is "getting complicated despite growing interest." This underscores the importance of working with market-vetted professionals who understand the nuances of both Chinese and US regulatory environments. The complexities involve stringent compliance requirements, frequent updates to disclosure regulations, and heightened scrutiny of financial practices. Additionally, there are challenges related to geopolitical tensions and the need for greater transparency to satisfy US investors and regulators. Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm: The Industry Leader Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm has firmly established itself as the go-to firm for Chinese companies looking to list in the US. Their impressive track record includes assisting ten Chinese companies in completing the necessary filings with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and subsequently listing on US exchanges. This accomplishment represents approximately 15% of the Chinese market share since the effectiveness of Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies on March 31, 2023, underscoring their pivotal role in this domain. Recent Success Stories Among the firms that Jiangsu Junjin has assisted are: Global Mofy Metaverse Limited (GMM): Listed on Nasdaq in October 2023. Mingteng International Corporation Inc. (MTEN): Listed on Nasdaq in April 2024. U-BX Technology Ltd. (UBXG): Listed on Nasdaq in March 2024. Longquan Haoma AI Driver Training Technology Holding Co. Ltd.: Completed the CSRC filing on January 9, 2024. Wing Yip Food Holdings Group Limited (WYHG): Completed the CSRC filing on February 6, 2024. Huachen AI Parking Management Technology Holding Co. Ltd. (HCAI ): Completed the CSRC filing on February 6, 2024. Skycorp Solar Group Limited (PN): Completed the CSRC filing on April 2, 2024. HUHUTECH International Group Inc. (HUHU ): Completed the CSRC filing on April 22, 2024. Li Bang International Corporation Inc. (LBGJ): Completed the CSRC filing on April 22, 2024. Park Ha Biological Technology Co. Ltd. (PHH ): Completed the CSRC filing on June 1, 2024. These successful listings highlight Jiangsu Junjin’s expertise in guiding companies through the complex IPO process, ensuring compliance with both Chinese and US regulations, and achieving successful market entry. Comprehensive Legal Services Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm offers a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Their offerings include: Corporate Structure Design: Advising on the optimal legal and corporate structures to facilitate a successful IPO. Compliance Review: Ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements in both China and the US. Document Drafting and Review: Assisting in the preparation and meticulous review of all necessary IPO documentation. Listing Financing: Providing strategic advice on securing financing for the listing process. The firm’s lawyers are well-versed in both Chinese and US securities laws, allowing them to provide a full range of support throughout the IPO process. This dual expertise is a significant advantage for clients, enabling seamless navigation of regulatory landscapes and maximizing the likelihood of a successful listing. Innovation Across Sectors Jiangsu Junjin’s impact spans various high-growth sectors, including technology, EVs, and retail. These industries are characterized by rapid innovation and a strong demand for capital to fuel expansion. Jiangsu Junjin’s ability to tailor its legal services to the specific needs of these sectors makes it an invaluable partner for companies aiming to go public. Technology Sector: The technology sector, in particular, has seen a flurry of IPO activity. Companies in this space are leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other cutting-edge technologies to drive growth. Jiangsu Junjin’s deep understanding of the tech industry and its regulatory environment enables it to provide targeted legal solutions that address the unique challenges faced by tech firms. Electric Vehicles (EVs): The EV sector is another area where Jiangsu Junjin has made significant inroads. As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, Chinese EV manufacturers are looking to raise capital in the US to fund research and development, expand production capacities, and capture a larger share of the global market. Jiangsu Junjin’s expertise in this field ensures that EV companies can navigate the IPO process smoothly and effectively. Retail & Consumer: In the retail sector, Chinese companies are seeking to capitalize on their growing domestic success by listing in the US. Jiangsu Junjin assists these companies in meeting the stringent regulatory requirements and positioning themselves for successful market entries. Why Choose Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm? Jiangsu Junjin’s success is built on a foundation of client-centric service, industry expertise, and a commitment to excellence. Their team of highly qualified lawyers, many of whom who have overseas education backgrounds, provide unparalleled support to their clients. By choosing Jiangsu Junjin, companies can be confident in receiving the highest quality legal services tailored to their specific needs. Conclusion As the Chinese IPO market continues to heat up, Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm remains the industry leader in providing sophisticated securities legal work. Their proven track record, comprehensive services, and sector-specific expertise make them the ideal partner for any Chinese company looking to go public in the US. For firms aiming to achieve successful listings on Nasdaq and NYSE, Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm is the clear choice. For further legal-related questions or how to access US capital markets please contact Jiangsu Junjin Law at dandan.tao@junjin-lawyer.com or xiaolin.yi@junjin-lawyer. com or call 0118641083553777 Featured image sourced from Shutterstock Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzinga’s opinions and has not been edited for content. This contains sponsored content and is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 28, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Flash Appoints Chris Donus as President

Flash Parking

Flash, the leading end-to-end parking technology platform, today announced that Chris Donus, the current CFO, has been appointed president of the organization. In the newly established role, Donus will expand his focus on day-to-day operations, working closely with the leadership team to execute transformative strategies that include the expansion of Flash’s burgeoning digital demand network, EV charging and parking platform scale, and driving the company’s regionalized branch organization to deliver unmatched partner experiences. Dan Sharplin will continue in his role as Chairman and CEO, focusing on international growth, strategic transactions, and ecosystem partnerships. “This promotion reflects Chris’s exceptional leadership and expertise at this time of tremendous momentum for Flash as we rapidly scale our industry-leading parking and EV charging digital ecosystem," said Flash CEO Dan Sharplin. “In the next 24 months, we anticipate more transformation in the parking industry than we’ve seen in several decades prior. Chris has the relevant experience to ensure we execute on our priorities that allow us to drive this industry transformation.” “We are building a parking and EV charging ecosystem where a seamless driver experience benefits everyone,” said Donus. “There is an incredible amount of innovation and hard work being done across Flash to build the platform and partnerships that further our position as the leader in parking and EV Charging technology. I look forward to ensuring the value we create is incomparable in my role as President of Flash.” Before Flash, Donus served as COO and CFO at Wheel Health, a venture-backed telehealth platform developer designed to connect companies and clinicians to deliver virtual care. He also served in senior leadership roles at Lyft as VP and Business Unit leader of Express Drive, the customer-facing fleet line of business, generating over $400 million in rental revenue and over $2 billion in Lyft rides. Prior to that, he was president of Silvercar from 2015 to 2018 alongside roles as COO, from 2017 to 2018, and CFO from 2012 to 2015. He has also served in leadership roles at Freescale Semiconductor, Hertz Global Holding, and Lucent Technologies. 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. The solution has arrived. Contact Details Razor Sharp PR Ray Young +1 512-694-6097 ray@razorsharppr.com Company Website https://www.flashparking.com/

June 27, 2024 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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FeedSpot Recognizes Take Pride in Retirement Podcast as a Leading LGBTQ+ Voice for Pride Month 2024

Retirement.Radio

Retirement.Radio, a premier network dedicated to providing essential retirement planning information, announced today that its Take Pride in Retirement podcast has been recognized as a must-follow Pride-related podcast by FeedSpot, one of the web’s foremost aggregators of the “best of” across the internet. This recognition not only underscores the podcast’s commitment to sharing diverse voices and stories from the LGBTQ+ community but also highlights the importance of empowering and representing this community as it navigates its unique challenges during the golden years of retirement. “I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Matt McClure, founder and host of Take Pride in Retirement. “I started Take Pride in Retirement because I saw a need in my community for retirement planning, education, and assistance. Knowing that the podcast is reaching its intended audience and making a difference in their lives is extremely fulfilling.” The Take Pride in Retirement Podcast, a one-of-a-kind platform, focuses on financial issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. It has had the privilege of hosting distinguished guests such as Gabrielle Claiborne, Co-Founder and CEO of Transformation Journeys Worldwide, who has shared invaluable insights on the unique challenges the trans community faces in retirement planning. The podcast has also featured Katie Leikam, a licensed therapist, who has underscored the importance of living wills and estate plans for the LGBTQ+ community. These unique and insightful perspectives testify to the podcast's importance and relevance. Matt reiterates in every episode that the Take Pride in Retirement Podcast remains steadfast in its mission that everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or who they love, deserves a retirement they can be proud of. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of our podcast. It is a testament to our dedication to ensuring that all voices are heard, and all needs are met, making our audience feel valued and included. “The Retirement.Radio team is deeply committed to amplifying these crucial conversations on our radio shows and affiliated podcasts,” said Sam Davis, executive producer for Retirement.Radio. “Our unwavering mission is to provide essential information, ensuring that every senior citizen and retiree, regardless of their background or identity, has the information they need to navigate retirement confidently and clearly. This recognition by FeedSpot is a testament to our dedication to inclusivity and our ongoing efforts to serve all communities.” FeedSpot’s ranking of the Best Pride Podcasts results from a rigorous evaluation considering podcast popularity, content quality, update frequency, and audience engagement. This recognition places the Take Pride in Retirement podcast in an exclusive league of content creators leading the way in celebrating and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and stories. Other podcasts are available through the Retirement.Radio Network, including the Peak Financial Freedom Hour, Retirement Results, Guaranteeing Your Retirement, and the Federal Retirement Show. For more information, visit TakePrideInRetirement.com and subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcast. ### About Take Pride in Retirement Take Pride in Retirement is Retirement.Radio podcast dedicated to retirement planning solutions for the LGBTQ community. During uncertain economic times, the safety of your principal is critical to planning a successful retirement. Our goal is to help educate you about ways to protect your hard-earned money while experiencing market-like growth at the same time. LGBTQ people face unique challenges when planning for their retirement future. Everyone's situation differs from legal barriers to a potential lack of family support. Tune in each week as we explore these obstacles and give you tips on overcoming them so you can get on the road to success. For more information, visit TakePrideInRetirement.com and subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. About Retirement.Radio Retirement.Radio is dedicated to providing essential retirement planning information to listeners across the United States. Our licensed financial professionals and insurance agents host weekly radio shows and podcasts, offering expert advice on various topics, including smart tax planning, retirement income strategies, and health care planning. Retirement.Radio is powered by national insurance distribution and marketing leader AmeriLife and features wide-reaching and impactful broadcasts. Our commitment is to help listeners invest wisely, plan effectively, and achieve successful retirement outcomes. Contact Details Retirement.Radio Sam Davis sdavis@amerilife.com Company Website https://retirement.radio/

June 26, 2024 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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FIRST AND LAST PR SUPPORTS BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS BRANDS INTRODUCING NEW PR SERVICES AT BEAUTY INDEPENDENT’S UPLINK EXPO CONFERENCE

First and Last PR

First and Last PR, a communications agency that specializes in public relations, influencer campaigns and social media marketing, renowned for an unparalleled delivery in serving communication solutions to legacy brands announces its two new public relations offerings, tailored specifically to meet the needs of indie and emerging beauty, wellness and lifestyle brands: PR Powerboost for emerging brands and Seasonal Spotlights that will focus on inclusion during key holiday times of the year. “With over 25 years of industry experience, the one thing that remains consistent is that emerging brands need support and should not have to choose between a great communications team and packaging,” said Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw, First and Last PR ’s CEO & Communicator-in-Chief. “When it comes to media relations and digital marketing, we are here to serve. We look forward to seeing more indie and emerging brands grow with our newest service offerings. Whether you're a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand with hopes of being in store or have recently landed at retail, we know that it's not enough to have shelf space. What you really need, is an experienced team with a strategic plan that will help push your brand’s visibility and awareness so that you remain on shelf. That's why we designed these programs for you.” First and Last PR has developed a proprietary communications formula for success that has been proven with a track record of long standing client relations and a range of case studies highlighting brands within beauty, wellness and lifestyle space and more. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry as of late, First and Last PR is leveraging their years of experience and deep understanding of the market by offering even more comprehensive solutions to new clients with two new offerings designed to cater to the distinct needs of brands: PR Powerboost Program: The new service tailors exclusively indie beauty, lifestyle and wellness brands looking to increase brand visibility and establish a strong presence in this saturated market. The PR Powerboost Program includes representation from First and Last PR’s experienced specialists who will actively craft press releases and media pitches, form media relations, create strategic PR plans including development into industry awards and more. With a focus on amplifying brand narratives and generating impactful media coverage, First and Last PR is committed to becoming a partner and empowering your brands to thrive in a competitive landscape. Seasonal Spotlights Pitch Program: As the holiday season quickly approaches, First and Last PR understands the importance of securing placements in top-tier gift guides, maximizing brand exposure and driving sales during the most important time of year. This exclusive new service offering is available to indie clients only, allowing them to stand out during three key holiday gifting times of the year. Each comprehensive four-month public relations campaign is available throughout key moments of the year such as Holiday season; Black History Month and Women’s History Month; Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Graduation time. This unique program will be highly focused and solely be dedicated to pitching beauty, lifestyle and wellness brands to the most top-tier holiday gift guides. With a strategic approach crafted from our seasoned publicists, this targeted outreach ensures your brands’ products will stand out as must-have gifts during the season. For more information on First and Last PR’s new and existing services, please visit FirstAndLastPR.com/Services. First and Last PR is looking forward to learning more about how they can partner with your brand to drive growth, build brand awareness and receive overall success together. About First and Last PR First and Last PR connects your company to the right people. Founded in 2012 by a frustrated beauty editor that wanted to change how brands were being represented in the market and the client experience, this highly regarded and influential public relations agency specializes in creating exceptional experiences and delivering unparalleled solutions to renowned public relations, social media marketing clients. The award-winning, results-focused and skilled at executing unique and purposeful messaging that leverages the power of connections, collaborations and conversations. Contact Details First and Last PR Camille Gordon hello@firstandlastpr.com Company Website https://firstandlastpr.com/

June 26, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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American Paper Plate Coalition Welcomes Preliminary Duties on Imports from China and Vietnam

American Paper Plate Coalition

Today, the U. S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its preliminary determination that the governments of China and Vietnam unfairly subsidize their paper plate industries, and the resulting duties on imports from each country: up to 313.14 percent on imports from China and up to 237.65 percent on imports from Vietnam. The American Paper Plate Coalition ("APPC") representing the majority of imports of Amercan paper pllate production, welcomes the decision to impose duties. "The unlawful subsidies received by Chinese and Vietnamese producers have given them an unfair advantage in the U.S. market - this has haad a direct negative impact on American producerrs and employees," said William P. Biggens, Jr., President and Co-Owner of APPC member Aspen Products, Inc. "Imposing duties to offset unlawful subsidies is an important first step to ensuring the future health of our industry. We are encouraged that Commerce has taken prelininary action to restore a level playing field." Today’s announcements address petitions filed by the APPC in January, detailing unfair trade practices to sell unlawfully subsidized paper plates at less than fair value. Commerce began investigating the AD and CVD claims in February. The countervailing duty investigations concerning imports from China and Vietnam are ongoing and may lead to higher final CVD rates. Final determinations in the China and Vietnam CVD investigations are expected in early November 2024. Preliminary determinations in the companion AD investigations of imports from China, Vietnam, and Thailand are due August 22, 2024. “Today’s announcement and the high duties being imposed validate the analysis we presented when we filed these cases and the extent of the problem that drove us to file in the first place,” said Robert Epstein, President and CEO of APPC member AJM Packaging Corporation. “We appreciate the Commerce Department’s hard work and diligent efforts to administer our trade laws as Congress intended.” For more on the petitions, see the APPC’s press release. For more on the ITC’s investigation, see the Commission’s press release. For more on the DOC’s investigation, see the agency’s press release. About the American Paper Plate Coalition The American Paper Plate Coalition, representing the leading U.S. producers of paper plates, is comprised of AJM Packaging Corporation of Bloomfield Hills, MI; Aspen Products, Inc. of Kansas City, MO; Dart Container Corporation of Mason, MI; Hoffmaster Group, Inc. of Oshkosh, WI; Huhtamaki, Inc., of De Soto, KS; and Unique Industries, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA. For more information, visit https://www.ajmpack.com/, https://www.aspenpro.com/, https://www.dartcontainer.com/, https://www.hoffmaster.com/, https://www.huhtamaki.com/en-us/north-america/, and https://www.favors.com/ The American Paper Plate Coalition is represented by Adam H. Gordon of The Bristol Group PLLC, a Washington, DC international trade law firm committed to defending American industry, agriculture, and manufacturing jobs. Contact Details Elizabeth Posthumus +1 202-445-9858 elizabeth@eahstrategiesllc.com

June 26, 2024 12:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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U.S. Commerce Department Imposes Heavy Preliminary Duties on All Imports of Russian Ferrosilicon

U.S. Ferrosilicon Producers

The U.S. Commerce Department (“Commerce”) today announced preliminarily antidumping duties (“AD”) of 283.27 percent and countervailing duties (“CVD”) of 748.58 percent on all imports of ferrosilicon from Russia. Commerce’s determination is in response to petitions filed by U.S. ferrosilicon producers, CC Metals and Alloys, LLC (“CC Metals”) and Ferroglobe USA, Inc. (“Ferroglobe”), requesting eight AD and CVD investigations into unfairly priced and subsidized imports of ferrosilicon from Russia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Brazil. All eight investigations were initiated on April 17, 2024. The significant duties announced today on Russian ferrosilicon imports address unfair pricing of Russian imports and improper subsidies received by Russian producers and exporters. CC Metals and Ferroglobe welcomed Commerce’s announcement. “Today’s announcement confirms that Russian producers and exporters received massive government subsidies that have allowed them to flood the U.S. market with unfairly traded ferrosilicon imports. This allowed Russia to be the dominant import source, accounting for over 30% of all imports in 2023,” said Marco Levi, Chief Executive Officer of Ferroglobe PLC. “These preliminary duties begin the process of removing the market and price distortions caused by improper Russian government intervention and support.” “Commerce’s decision validates our analysis that Russian producers and exporters have not been playing by the rules of international trade that they agreed to follow,” said Chris Cobb, Plant Manager of CC Metals and Alloys, Inc. “We are grateful to Commerce staff for its hard work and commitment to enforcing U.S. trade laws and ensuring that everyone complies with their international obligations. We look forward to seeing a level playing field restored.” Once Commerce’s determination is published in the Federal Register in the coming days, all importers of Russian ferrosilicon will be required to post cash deposits or a bond to secure the significant potential duties they may owe. Commerce also is continuing its investigations of imports from Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Brazil. In those investigations, preliminary CVD determinations will be made no later than August 12, 2024, and AD determinations will be made no later than October 24, 2024. If the determinations in those cases are also affirmative, provisional duties on imports from Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Brazil will be collected based on the preliminary margins calculated by Commerce. About the CC Metals and Ferroglobe CC Metals traces its roots back to 1949, when it was founded as a producer of large-volume commodity ferroalloys for the steel industry in Calvert City, Kentucky. Today CC Metals is an ISO 9001 certified leading manufacturer of more than 40 different products including 18 different ferrosilicons and more than 20 different magnesium ferrosilicon inoculants, high purity, 3%-9% magnesium and proprietary alloys. CC Metals ships over 100,000 metric tons of finished product annually from its manufacturing facility in Calvert City, KY via barge, rail and truck. Ferroglobe USA, Inc. is a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Ferroglobe PLC, a world leading producer of silicon metal and ferroalloys, serving a customer base across the globe in dynamic and fast-growing end markets, such as solar, automotive, consumer products, construction and energy. Through its subsidiaries, Ferroglobe operates metallurgical manufacturing facilities and mining sites in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia. For more information, visit https://www.ccmetals.com/ and https://www.ferroglobe.com/. Contact Details Elizabeth Heaton +1 202-445-9858 elizabeth@eahstrategiesllc.com

June 24, 2024 05:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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