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FEC Sued for Failure to Act on Massive Michael Bloomberg Campaign Finance Violation

Great America PAC

The Federal Election Commission has been sued to compel it to act on an administrative complaint filed against Michael Bloomberg’s 2020 campaign - more than three years ago. The lawsuit was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by Dan Backer on behalf of Great America PAC. Backer has a long history of winning FEC battles, including a 6-figure fine against Hillary for America and the Democratic National Committee for lying about their funding of the Russia hoax. The original Complaint against Michael Bloomberg (included as an Exhibit to the filing today) challenged the billionaire’s unprecedented violation of campaign finance law in which he laundered over $18 million of his personal funds through his short-lived presidential campaign account to the DNC—effectively contributing over 500 times the legal limit to a national political party committee and quite possibly tipping the balance of the 2020 presidential election. After sitting on their thumbs for 3 years – without any dispute as to the facts – the lawsuit seeks to force action before the FEC lets the statute of limitations run out. The lawsuit states in part, “…Despite the fact Michael Bloomberg has publicly admitted the material facts of his illegal scheme, the FEC has remained characteristically inert for the past three years, failing to initiate enforcement action against Bloomberg or the DNC…” “The Supreme Court, since 1976, has held that candidates can spend unlimited amounts of their own money on their own campaigns. The FEC allows candidates to deposit their money into their campaign accounts to make that happen. While campaigns can generally transfer unlimited amounts of campaign contributions they receive – from other donors - to national party committees, it didn’t create an $18 million loophole for Mike Bloomberg,” explained Dan Backer. “Federal election law allowed an individual to only contribute up to $35,500 per year to a political party – and that same limit applies to Mike Bloomberg’s transferred money. It is shameful that the FEC has allowed the “Bloomberg Billionaire Loophole” to remain unaddressed for more than three years.” “There were lots of ways Michael Bloomberg could spend more of his money that were clearly legal – including through his pet SuperPAC - but unless the FEC or courts rule otherwise this isn’t one of them. That is why we are forced to sue them, again,” Backer continued. “It shouldn’t be this easy to just buy off a political party.” “Former President Trump is beset upon by radical leftists for every imagined slight – but Michael Bloomberg has caused real damage to our campaign finance system, to the tune of $18 MM, and we’re not going to let them get away without some accountability,” Backer said. ### For more information or to interview Dan Backer please contact Gabriel Llanes at gabriel@greatamericapac.com. Contact Details Great America PAC Gabriel Llanes +1 786-522-7364 gabriel@greatamericapac.com Company Website https://www.greatamericapac.com/

April 13, 2023 04:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Industry Visionaries Share Perspectives on the Future of Marketing and Communications at The PR Net Future Focus Conference

The PR Net

The PR Net Future Focus Conference was held on March 31st at The Wall Street Hotel and brought together top global players in the marketing communications field, to discuss innovative ideas and visionary perspectives that are shaping the future of the industry. The conference featured six panels covering a range of topics from the future of media to the new rules of events, and attracted a diverse audience of senior executives from various sectors. To purchase professionally produced recordings of the conference, showcasing all panel discussions from the day for $49, click this link here. The Future of Media Moderator: Tiana Webb Evans, founder & CEO, ESP Inc. Panelists: Skye Parrott, Editor in Chief, Departures; Jessica Cruel, Editor in Chief, Allure; Erik Maza, Executive Style Director, Town & Country; Amanda Sims Clifford, Executive Editor, House Beautiful 'The Future of Media' panel assembled publishing leaders to discuss the changing landscape of media. Amanda Sims Clifford acknowledged the current state of the industry in a post-pandemic world, noting that "disruption has become a state of existence" due to the significant changes the media industry has undergone over the past few years. Jessica Cruel, Editor-in-Chief of Allure, stressed the importance of engaging with audiences across various brand touchpoints, pointing out that "Many of our readers are typing in a question on the internet and Allure's got the answer. That means we need to meet them where they are asking questions.” Erik Maza, Executive Style Director of Town & Country, shared his appreciation for the value and luxury of journalism, describing it as a "bespoke, carefully crafted product that’s expensive to produce.” Skye Parrott, Editor in Chief of Departures, shared insight into the publication's approach to bridging the gap between online and offline mediums, stating that they give the same level of attention to both digital and print features to create a luxurious experience across all touchpoints. Web3 + Metaverse: Powering Brand Marketing and Innovation Moderator: Megan DeMatteo, Independent journalist, CoinDesk Contributor Panelists: Akbar Hamid, Founder & CEO of The 5th Column; Brian Trunzo, Metaverse Lead, Polygon Labs; Neda Whitney, SVP, Head of Marketing Americas, Christie's; Justin Breton, Director of Brand Experiences & Partnerships, Walmart ‘Web3 + Metaverse: Powering Brand Marketing and Innovation’, presented by The 5th Column, discussed the emergence of Web3, its impact, and the importance of integrating the platform into brands' marketing approaches with longevity in mind. Akbar Hamid, the Founder & CEO of The 5th Column, stated, "Brands are slowing down the hype but actually speeding up in terms of innovation. We're seeing brands test and try different things as part of a long-term strategy, not just a one-off." Justin Breton, Director of Brand Experiences and Strategic Partnerships at Walmart, emphasized the importance of adopting and adapting to this new technology as a part of a future-proofed marketing strategy, saying, "I think brands that fail to embrace the metaverse today are at risk of being left behind as we enter this new era of commerce and engagement. We'll witness an interesting blend of content experiences, socializing, and commerce that have never been seen before." What's Next in Influencer Marketing? Moderator: Reesa Lake, VP, Head of Creator Expansion & Agency Partnerships, LTK Panelists: Nana Agyemang, Multimedia Journalist and CEO, EveryStylishGirl; Luke Meagher, Founder, HauteLeMode; Emily Yeston, Co-Founder & CEO, Doré; Permele Doyle, Founder & President, Billion Dollar Boy; Cynthia Andrew, Founder, Simply Cyn The 'What's Next in Influencer Marketing?' panel brought together content creators and influencer marketing experts to discuss recent developments and future predictions for the creator space. Emily Yeston, Co-Founder & CEO of Doré, a brand co-founded by Garance Doré, one of the original social media influencers, shared her thoughts on brand partnerships, stating, "There’s so much freedom for individual creators now, to have more power over what you say yes or no to." Luke Meagher, founder of HauteLeMode, emphasized the need for education and strategy when switching platforms, saying, "It doesn’t matter if people are talking about that new platform; you have to understand it. If not going completely through the door, at least crack the door to understand it." Permele Doyle shared her forward-looking predictions on the next phase of marketing spend, stating, "We’ve seen a return to earned and advocacy – clients are going to invest into gifting, seeding, press trips, events." The New Rules of Events Moderated by Jack Bedwani, founder & CEO, New Moon Panelists: Rachna Shah, Partner, Managing Director PR and Digital, KCD; Sue Chan, Founder, Care of Chan; Brian Feit, Founding Partner, BMF The 'New Rules of Events' brought together event planning and production experts to discuss the current state of post-pandemic events and best practices for success in the future. Sue Chan, Founder of Care of Chan, emphasized the importance of creating bespoke memorable experiences that cater to targeted communities and audiences, stating, "Monoculture is dead now – it’s all about niche culture. Brands are realizing they have to target niche markets in order to succeed." Rachna Shah added her perspective on the need for inclusivity and events that reach audiences beyond industry insiders, saying that "it's not just a press or VIP experience anymore – we're delivering to such a broader audience" and that "brands have to be in the market with their superfans, wherever they're located." Brian Feit, Founding Partner of BMF, rounded off the discussion by noting the influential movement of creating advertising content from the backdrop of an event, sharing, "The idea that events are to create content for ad campaigns is something new and exciting." Why Purpose & Impact Will be Inextricable from Tomorrow’s Marketing Strategy Moderator: Sophia Li, Award-winning Journalist and Climate Advocate Panelists: Janna Pea, Executive Vice President, BerlinRosen; Aidaly Sosa, Head of Marketing USA, Tony's Chocolonely; Anu Rao, SVP, Communications, Sustainability & Responsibility, Pernod Ricard During ‘Why Purpose & Impact Will be Inextricable from Tomorrow's Marketing Strategy,’ panelists discussed essential elements for brands to create an inclusive and impactful presence, including their mission, vision, purpose, team and sustainability. Janna Pea, Executive Vice President of Berlin Rosen, noted that "your North Star as a brand is to create moments and opportunities that are truly inclusive; so every person feels seen and heard." Anu Rao, SVP, Communications, Sustainability & Responsibility, Pernod Ricard, stressed the importance of prioritizing team values and beliefs, stating that "the ambassadorship for your beliefs and purpose starts with your team." By prioritizing these elements, brands can differentiate themselves from competitors, connect with customers on a deeper level, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future. Aidaly Sosa, Head of Marketing USA at Tony's Chocolonely, added that their focus is on being an "impact company that sells chocolate, not the other way around." Rao emphasized the importance of "doing the right thing and doing it right" before communicating about sustainability efforts as a summary of the talk's thesis. Is Traditional PR Dead? Moderator: Elizabeth Harrison, CEO & Co-Founder, H&S Communications Panelists: Lisa Frank, President and Founding Partner, Derris; Karina Sokolovsky, Chief Communications Officer, Sotheby's; Andrew Lister, Executive Vice President, Purple PR; Gabrielle Gambrell, Senior Communications Lead, Amazon; Brian Strong, Global Head of Communications, Bloomberg Media The highly anticipated panel, 'Is Traditional PR Dead?', delved into traditional PR's role in the fast-paced communications landscape. Panelists highlighted the need to adapt to new technologies while retaining some traditional PR techniques for effective communication. Lisa Frank shared essential skills for modern professionals: "Be a voracious consumer of various outlets. Observe trends to bring to clients. Be a thoughtful, concise writer." Relationship-building and adaptability emerged as key themes. Frank urged, "Relationships – make them ongoing, not just when you need a favor." Brian Strong concurred, "Relationships are a traditional part of PR that will not go away." The conversation also touched on storytelling, audience identification, and message medium selection. Andrew Lister remarked, "PR is not just about getting stories. We now advise on everything with clients." Gabrielle Gambrell noted the enduring significance of outlets like The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Discussing content selection, Gambrell advised using LinkedIn for self-publishing, while Karina Sokolovsky underscored the value of traditional media, mentioning Sotheby's success with well-placed articles in top-tier outlets, often leading to bids and clients. The Future Focus Conference was a resounding success, providing attendees with invaluable insights about the future of the marketing communications industry. The networking sessions peppered throughout the day were embraced by the audience, which included representatives from brands like Virgin Group, Airbnb, American Express, Sephora, Hilton Hotels, Dow Jones, COS, Tend, Mikimoto, Brunello Cucinelli, Small Luxury Hotels Group, Anthropologie, Four Seasons, Fritz Hansen, Proximo Spirits, Air France/KLM and Pernod Ricard, and agency leaders from MC Saatchi, Magrino, Finn Partners, Derris, Day One Agency, WE Communications, KWT Global and LaForce. ***ENDS*** PHOTOS: Socials & PR Panel: Link HERE (credit: BFA / Deonté Lee) Panels & Atmosphere: Link HERE (credit: Dusan Jovic ) Panelists: Link HERE (credit: Adele Makulova) ABOUT THE PR NET: The PR Net is the premier global network for marketing and communications professionals. It is a modern take on the classic networking club and an "industry insider favorite” for executives looking for a central platform for industry intelligence and connections. Founded by industry veteran Lisa Smith in 2015, The PR Net consists of online content that reads like a magazine, member-only services, and highly sought-after digital and in-person member events. Contact Details Sara Sturges +1 646-934-4631 ssturges@theprnet.com Company Website https://theprnet.com/

April 13, 2023 01:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time

In Proxy Memo, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Are Urged to Stay Out of Divisive Abortion Issue

National Legal & Policy Center

Following last year’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, advocates have continued their battle for unrestricted abortion access in a new forum: Corporate America. Under the guise of two shareholder proposals that demand reports on “Impacts of Reproductive Healthcare Legislation” as the result of newly enacted state laws that limit or ban abortions, activists seek to bully The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo Inc. into advocacy for their own policies on the controversial political issue, and for the companies to steer their campaign contributions accordingly. In responses filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission this month, National Legal and Policy Center argue why shareholders of the two multinational soft drink makers should oppose the resolutions sponsored by the radical pro-abortion proponents. NLPC’s reports to the SEC can be viewed at the following links: Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. As NLPC’s filings explain, the proponents of the two shareholder proposals cite biased research, selective data, slanted opinion polls, and preconceived outcomes to make their cases. For example, the sponsors assert that it will be more difficult for the companies to recruit women to their workforces in states where abortion limits or bans have been enacted into law. But the proponents stake their claim based on a “study” that one critic said suffered from “self-selection bias,” using “an unrepresentative, highly biased sample and misleading questions.” The boards of directors for Coca-Cola and PepsiCo also ask shareholders to vote against the proposals on their respective proxy statements, but for reasons that don’t address the misleading and even deceitful claims of the proponents. Coca-Cola, in its opposition, proudly points to its coverage of travel expenses for medical procedures that are “not available in-state.” PepsiCo repeatedly emphasizes its “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” policies that “improve the attraction, retention and advancement of women,” which include “a robust and highly competitive set of flexible benefits” with “reproductive health” coverage. “Although we wish their opposition was stronger, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are right to resist these thinly veiled attempts to push their companies to take a public stance on the divisive issue of abortion, which would undermine their fiduciary responsibility to all their shareholders,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “We hope the directors and company executives are finally starting to learn that capitulating to aggressive Leftist politics is a long-term loser for the bottom line.” The so-called “Reproductive Healthcare” resolutions that NLPC opposes are Proposal No. 9 on the Coca-Cola proxy statement, and Proposal No. 7 on the PepsiCo proxy statement. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### 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. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 13, 2023 09:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Bank of America Shareholders Asked to Increase Accountability for ‘Woke’ Chairman/CEO Brian Moynihan

National Legal & Policy Center

Bank of America ’s annual meeting is scheduled for April 25, and shareholders will be asked to vote on a proposal that would increase accountability for the company’s longtime Chairman and CEO, Brian Moynihan. National Legal and Policy Center is sponsoring Proposal No. 6 on the company’s proxy statement, which requests the Board of Directors to require the two powerful roles now filled by Moynihan to be held by two separate individuals. NLPC argues that Moynihan has inappropriately engaged the company in a multitude of divisive political issues that are not in the fiduciary interest of Bank of America or its shareholders. As an investor in the company, NLPC has filed a report to the Securities and Exchange Commission that explains its rationale for identifying an equally authoritative counterpart to keep Moynihan’s left-leaning political excursions in check. “Brian Moynihan has been around too long and has aggregated too much power, to the point where he seems to think and care little about the controversial political decisions he makes that implicate the company,” said Paul Chesser, director of the Corporate Integrity Project for NLPC. “For example, Bank of America has instituted lending and employee training programs that claim to promote racial advancement and healing, but instead are themselves racist.” In its report to the SEC, NLPC points out several examples of Moynihan’s leadership failures, including: a $421 million commitment to over 130 equity funds that provide capital exclusively to non-white and female entrepreneurs and small business owners; creating a discriminatory program that reduces interest rates for commercial borrowers that hit certain diversity quotas; zero-down payment, zero-closing cost mortgage advances for first-time home buyers only in black/African-American and Hispanic communities, without typically required home insurance or a credit score; a “Racial-Equity 21-day Challenge” training program for employees that teaches that the United States is a “racialized society” that “use[s] race to establish and justify systems of power, privilege, disenfranchisement, and oppression,” which “give[s] privileges to white people resulting in disadvantages to people of color”; handing over the financial data of 211 clients to federal agents following the January 2021 U.S. Capitol disturbance, based on those customers being profiled simply because they visited an ATM in Washington at the time of the “riot”; building a held-to-maturity (“HTM”) portfolio that is high-risk and double the size of such assets in 2020, and increasing it by over 50 percent in 2021 – a purchasing spree with over 80 percent of the securities maturing in over 10 years, giving the Company significant exposure to interest rates. Moynihan has been more than willing to place Bank of America in a globalist posture, subjugating shareholders’ interests under those of the World Economic Forum agenda of transhumanism, abolition of private property, consumption of bugs, social credit systems, and other “Great Reset” priorities. As chairman of the WEF’s International Business Council, he worked with the big four accounting firms to create stakeholder standards for companies to follow. Moynihan said after this year’s Davos confab about companies who fall short of such globalist standards, that “we shouldn’t do business with you.” WEF’s agenda, he said, “at the end of the day, will align capitalism with what society wants from it and get us going faster.” “Brian Moynihan’s ego and elitism are so far gone, that he thinks he gets to redefine ‘capitalism,’” Chesser said. “And now he assumes that he and his fellow Davos elites can establish a new social credit system that decides who is and who isn’t allowed to play in their newly redesigned ‘capitalism’ playground.” “It’s way past time for Bank of America to appoint a separate chairman to counterbalance Brian Moynihan’s proclivities – as long as the board doesn’t choose Klaus Schwab.” Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 12, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Administrative Professionals Report Feeling Fulfilled in Their Roles and Feel Appreciated Ahead of Administrative Professionals’ Day, According to a CardSnacks Survey

CardSnacks

Administrative professionals are largely happy in their roles and feel that their work is appreciated by supervisors, according to a new survey from CardSnacks, the leading platform for individuals and businesses to send personalized e-greetings and gift cards. Notably, at a time when other surveys show as many as 96% of workers are looking for a new job this year, just 38.24% of administrative professionals surveyed by CardSnacks said that they were actively seeking a new job. Nearly two-thirds said they feel fulfilled in their current roles. Additionally, these respondents also believed that they were not in danger of losing their jobs. Just 28.9% said they feared being laid off this year, as compared with other polls in the past year that showed as many as 80% of American workers are afraid of getting laid off. “Administrative professionals are a critical part of the foundation on which almost every business is built,” said Mark Wachen, founder and chief executive officer of CardSnacks. “With Administrative Professionals’ Day coming up this month on April 26, our recent survey shows they certainly are workers who deserve maximum appreciation and recognition.” The good news for managers and human resources executives is that most administrative professionals seem happy in their work. According to the survey, 68.1% said they feel appreciated for the work they do. When it came to describing their bosses specifically, 58.3% said they consider their supervisors appreciative, while 50.5% said their bosses were respectful. How do administrative professionals want to be recognized this Administrative Professionals’ Day? Receiving a card with some kind of gift enclosed was the top choice, with 32.8% of survey respondents opting for that choice, and 31.9% opting for an early afternoon off. Other answers included being taken to lunch (19.1%) and being publicly recognized in the office (16.2%). As for the type of gift enclosed in a card, a gift card was the clear choice. Nearly 82% said they wanted a gift card, compared with 18% for cash. A third of survey respondents said $50 was the ideal value to make them feel appreciated, with 25.5% choosing $100 and 17.6% selecting $20. Among other findings from the survey, which polled more than 200 administrative professionals across the United States: Stress levels at work are rising, with 38.2% saying they experienced more stress this year. Just 22.6% reported feeling less stress. Sixty-nine percent of administrative professionals say their workdays contain tasks that go beyond administrative work. A majority (51.5%) feel they are fairly compensated, though 44.6% said they felt they were underpaid. Many have returned to the office full time. Forty-two percent said they work five days a week in the office, and just 22% work fully from home. Administrative Professionals’ Day started as National Secretaries Day by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1952. The holiday’s name was changed in 2000 to reflect the growing complexity and diversity of the roles of administrative professionals. The date falls on the last Wednesday of April. As the leading platform for individuals and businesses to send personalized greeting cards and gift cards, CardSnacks for Business has been the preferred option for companies to send employees recognition and appreciation messages on Administrative Professionals’ Day and other recognition days throughout the year. To see our special collection of e-cards for Administrative Professionals’ Day, visit https://www.cardsnacks.com/business/ecards/administrative_professionals_day. About CardSnacks CardSnacks is the leading platform for individuals and businesses to send personalized e-greetings, invitations, and gift cards. It is based in New York, with employees in California, London, and Israel. CardSnacks is available in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and on the web. For more information, please visit us at https://www.cardsnacks.com. Contact Details CardSnacks Media press@cardsnacks.com Company Website https://www.cardsnacks.com/

April 12, 2023 09:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Velocity Global Announces Frank Calderoni as Chief Executive Officer

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading provider of global talent solutions, today announced the appointment of prominent software executive Frank Calderoni as its new Chief Executive Officer. Founder and former CEO, Ben Wright, will remain in his role as Board Chairman. Calderoni joins Velocity Global with extensive leadership experience in the technology industry, having led companies through numerous stages of scale and growth. Most recently, he was the Chairman and CEO of Anaplan, where he brought customer-focused agility, operational efficiency, and a culture-first approach to transform the business and drive meaningful impact for both customers and the industry at large. Over the course of his tenure, Calderoni took the company from a $1B valuation to IPO before the company’s transaction to Thoma Bravo for nearly $11B. Prior to Anaplan, he was the EVP and CFO of Red Hat and an EVP and CFO at Cisco. With Calderoni as the new CEO, Velocity Global will be well-positioned to have a market-leading impact on the industry as the demand to hire talent globally and compliantly accelerates. “When I started Velocity Global, I knew the world needed a better way to employ people globally. Nine years later, not only is that need still there, it’s more complex than ever,” said Ben Wright, Founder and Board Chairman, Velocity Global. “Today’s organizations need one platform to compliantly and consistently source and manage their workforce and I firmly believe that we are well-positioned to lead through this period of demand acceleration. The timing for a leader like Frank Calderoni - who I know will take us to the next level - couldn’t be better. I’m thrilled to transition the CEO responsibilities to Frank as I continue to support our broader vision as Chairman of the Board.” As CEO, Calderoni will work to scale and operationalize Velocity Global’s mission to accelerate and shape the future of work. The company recently announced that it has crossed the $200M ARR threshold, exceeding more than 40% organic growth YoY, revealing its growth and promising trajectory in the tech world as the desire for remote work continues to grow. “Velocity Global has built one of the most respectable EoR platforms in the industry, and they are at the forefront of shaping the future of work. I am honored to join the company at such a critical point as there is a tremendous opportunity ahead for us,” said Frank Calderoni, CEO of Velocity Global. “My career has been built on helping companies grow, scale, and transform through smart, compliant, innovative platforms that customers can rely on. I look forward to working with all the teams at Velocity Global to further establish ourselves as the leader in this industry.” For more information, visit www.velocityglobal.com. About Velocity Global Velocity Global helps you compliantly hire, pay, and manage anyone, anywhere. We simplify the employer and talent experience—combining cloud-based technology and unmatched human support in 185+ countries. Start hiring across borders at VelocityGlobal.com. Contact Details Media Contact press@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

April 12, 2023 07:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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DonorsTrust Givers Recommended $242 Million in Grants During 2022

Donors Trust

The DonorsTrust community of givers in 2022 recommended $242 million to more than 1,100 unique charities nationwide, supporting nonprofits during a year of economic uncertainty as inflation continued apace and the Federal Reserve tightened its monetary policy. “The fact our accountholders granted more dollars than ever before is a reflection of our givers’ deep-seated belief in our mission and in the power of philanthropy—not government—to change people’s lives in a meaningful way,” says DonorsTrust CEO and President Lawson Bader. The total grants to charities during 2022—$242 million—is a whopping 21% increase over the previous year, when DonorsTrust accountholders recommended granting $190 million to charity. The $190 million granted in 2021 was a 3% increase over 2020 when donors recommended $186 million. When compared to pre-pandemic grant levels, these numbers are even more significant. DonorsTrust accountholders in 2019 recommended a total of $163 million, a 33% increase compared to 2022. “Our donor-advisors’ record grant-making in 2022 is indicative of our ongoing growth as charitable givers continue to break ranks with the big banks and seek refuge with mission-driven giving-account providers that honor and share account-holders’ conservative and libertarian values.” DonorsTrust welcomed many new accounts last year and, of those accounts, 13% migrated from a big commercial bank to DonorsTrust in a bid to align their giving. This continued the trend of givers aligning their philanthropy with a giving-account provider that honors their values. Total Grant-Making in 2022 Nearly Eclipses Total Account Contributions Another remarkable thing about 2022 is that total grant-making nearly eclipsed total account contributions. DonorsTrust account-holders in 2022 contributed $299 million to their respective accounts. Compare that to the $242 million that went out the door. What’s more, all of that giving happened during a year in which the International Monetary Fund forecast half as much economic growth compared to the previous year and the annual inflation rate nearly doubled over the previous year, a hard reality that prompted one copywriter at The Economist to pen a headline that reads “ 2022 has been a year of brutal inflation.” These numbers sent an important message to DonorsTrust givers: Give even more—and that’s exactly what account-holders did, deploying much-needed dollars out of nimble giving accounts filled with charitable reserves intended for critical charities during times of crisis. DonorsTrust Givers Respond to Higher-Ed, ESG Crises During a year in which America’s top 50 donors gave a staggering amount of money to higher education, DonorsTrust givers likewise granted a considerable amount to universities, including Catholic University of America and George Mason University Foundation. DonorsTrust account-holders also directed a hefty amount of money to public-policy organizations like Consumers’ Research, an organization actively tracking anti-ESG legislation nationwide and putting corporations on notice for their liberal-leaning environmental agendas. After the Wall Street Journal reported last year that investment firm BlackRock was gobbling up real estate on behalf of public-pension funds and others (all the while pricing individuals and families out of the real-estate market), Consumers’ Research came out swinging. “It’s not so much that people are clamoring for Larry Fink and BlackRock to solve all the problems of the world; it’s that Larry would like to be in charge and he uses the immense amount of capital provided to him... to basically dictate terms to the rest of the American economy,” Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, says in an episode of Giving Ventures. Established in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) public charity, DonorsTrust is a community of donors devoted to creating a better future. Its donors support charities they believe protect our nation’s constitutional liberties and strengthen civil society through private institutions rather than government programs. Its boutique size lets it offer our donors personal attention and advice that helps them achieve their philanthropic goals. It ensures donor intentions are protected and offers simple, effective, and tax-advantaged ways to give. Since its inception, DonorsTrust has granted more than $2.5 billion to thousands of charities that protect our constitutional liberties and strengthen civil society without government funding. ### To learn more about DAFs and DonorsTrust, please visit http://www.donorstrust.org and listen to the Giving Ventures Podcast here https://www.donorstrust.org/podcast/. To schedule an interview with a DonorsTrust spokesperson, contact Carolyn Bolton at 703-535-3563 or cbolton@donorstrust.org. Contact Details DonorsTrust Carolyn Bolton +1 703-535-3563 cbolton@donorstrust.org Company Website https://www.donorstrust.org/

April 11, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Shareholders of Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo Asked to Oppose ‘Net Zero’ Proposals

National Legal & Policy Center

Ahead of the annual meetings for four major banks during the last week of this month, National Legal and Policy Center is asking its fellow shareholders to oppose 10 proposals on proxy statements brought forth by activist groups who seek to destroy the fossil fuel industry. The proposals, in similar form and wording, demand that Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and Wells Fargo align their “climate transition” and “fossil fuel lending” policies with their futile and economy-killing “net-zero” emissions goals. NLPC filed exempt solicitation reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this month, which oppose the radical shareholder proposals at each of the banks. The reports can be found at the following links: Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and Wells Fargo. In their attempt to make their cases to defund the oil and gas sectors, the activist proponents have unleashed a torrent of unrealistic forecasts infected by insufficient data and deeply flawed science, all issued by a cabal of dubious “authorities.” As NLPC explains in its report on Bank of America: The proponents rely on corporate media-driven narratives which portend extreme climate catastrophe, that is inconsistent with sound scientific principles and are unlikely. Therefore, above and beyond the Company’s flawed rationale for opposing the three proposals, the urgent climate mitigation strategies demanded by the proponents are unjustified. Instead, we ask shareholders to consider the dubious “risks” of climate change versus the actual global economic and health risks of energy shortages caused by the activists’ war against fossil fuels, and versus the unviable, unrealistic near-term transition to renewable energy. In each of its reports on the four banks, NLPC points out the flaws in the activists’ proposals regarding: “Research” that isn’t really research, but is instead the product of the politicized United Nations, so-called “Net Zero” alliances, and the ineffective and non-binding Paris Climate Agreement; “Research” that is distorted by, for example, the discredited “hockey stick” chart that was removed from UN IPCC reports for years until it magically reappeared in its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6); Exaggerated emphasis on unrealistic, worst-case scenario outcomes that are embraced by sensationalist corporate media organizations; Absurd expectations placed upon nonviable renewable power sources that cannot be expected to replace fossil fuels to meet ever-increasing energy demand; Ignored environmental and humanitarian impacts due to the emphasis on renewables, such as their need for massive metals extractions, land use and destruction, and dependence on slave labor. Among the demands by the climate activist shareholders are for the banks to implement a “time-bound phase-out of…lending and underwriting to projects and companies engaging in new fossil fuel exploration and development.” Regrettably, rather than stand up to the climate activist bullies, the banks’ responses to their proposals state that they are addressing Net Zero and emissions goals, and thus the proposals are unnecessary. “These and other big banks have cowered in fear for decades before the propagandists who have brought climate alarm to every shareholder meeting the last couple of decades,” said Paul Chesser, director of the Corporate Integrity Project for NLPC. “It’s time for these boards of directors and C-suite occupants to grow a spine, gain an understanding of the actual science as informed by real, observed data, and perhaps take a remedial course in Energy Physics 101.” Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### 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. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

April 11, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Alana and Ramon Alvarez Grow Minuteman Press Franchise in Colorado Springs

Minuteman Press International Inc

Alana and Ramon Alvarez have owned their Minuteman Press franchise in Colorado Springs since August of 2019. Minuteman Press in Colorado Springs has been operating for 15 years since 2008 and is located at 6870 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80918. After taking over the business nearly 4 years ago, Alana and Ramon have consistently grown their business and increased sales “by nearly 400% since we started,” according to Ramon. Journey to Minuteman Press Alana and Ramon “met at work 31 years ago” and the rest is history, according to Ramon. He shares, “Alana is my forever partner. After leaving the company, we lived throughout the West Coast and South America throughout our time together. I continued to work in the corporate world and Alana managed our household and led the raising of our children.” In 2019, it was time for a change. Ramon says, “Fast forward to August 5, 2019. That is when we began our small business journey, owning our Minuteman Press center in Colorado Springs. Minuteman Press International RVP Jack Panzer was instrumental in helping us acquire this existing location, which has been doing business in Colorado Springs since 2008. Jack helped us throughout the purchasing and on-boarding process, just as he does now in supporting us to grow along with excellent field support talent like Todd Golberg at the time (who is now RVP in New England), and now Sky Hittle.” Operating the Business & Ongoing Support Nearly 4 years after purchasing the business, Ramon remains excited about working with Alana, sharing: “Today, Alana and I continue commuting to our business together, excited to spend quality time with each other while creating outstanding experiences for our clients, just as we did 31 years ago when we first met. We are fortunate to be serving many clients in the Pikes Peak Region, having grown our sales by nearly 400% since we started.” Specifically, Ramon says, “Our small business has evolved into a one-stop shop for our clients, providing design, print, promotional items, direct mail, and more! We are now providing vehicle and window graphics, along with building sign replacements. We won’t stop there, ensuring we continue to listen to our clients, and treating each of them like a VIP. In spite of the digital transformation that marketing has experienced, print is everywhere, and continues to be leveraged by businesses launching or striving for growth. Print simply looks different today, with a critical role in creating an omnichannel experience for clients, like adding QR codes to drive the client’s audience to a website, scheduling form, or otherwise.” As he reflects on what it’s been like to transition from the corporate world to small business owner, Ramon says, “Having led large teams with large budgets in the Americas, I felt that being a small business owner would be relatively easy. It’s actually the hardest role I’ve ever had, yet it’s the most rewarding by far.” Ramon explains how the support he’s received as a Minuteman Press franchise owner has helped him along the way: “Minuteman Press has been supporting us in many ways, setting us up for success. In my career, I was previously an operations executive and so I wanted a proven brand, a proven system, and a proven structure to allow us to succeed as small business owners. Minuteman Press International has given us all of that.” He continues, “The Minuteman Press FLEX software, which allows us to connect with our clients for quoting, invoicing, work orders, marketing, and more, has been invaluable. The support team is also outstanding in urgently reacting to our needs, as they have extensive experience and an aptitude to serve.” Marketing & Being Active in the Community When it comes to marketing the business, Ramon shares, “No silver bullet exists in marketing our small business, and Minuteman Press has supported owners successfully who may not be experts in the industry. We focus on providing outstanding experiences for our clients through our high-performing team, delivering quality, speed, and reliability. Every customer is a VIP. We leverage direct mail, use digital marketing, networking, and other marketing opportunities, just like businesses in all industries do, focusing heavily on our target audiences and key clients.” Being active in the community is also key to Alana and Ramon’s local outreach efforts. Ramon says, “We also engage with our community, advocating for local business growth through various volunteer efforts. I serve as the current Chair of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, on the Board of Directors for the Southern Colorado Better Business Bureau, on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Consult for the Pikes Peak Region Small Business Development Center, and help drive economic development in our region for our local businesses any way I can.” Ramon concludes, “By helping our community of businesses prosper, opportunities for prosperity are available for all.” Minuteman Press in Colorado Springs is located at 6870 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80918. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/colorado-springs20/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

April 10, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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