Communications

Advertising Communications Graphic Design Internet Marketing Media Publishing SEO
News Release Digital Asset Direct

COMCAST PARTNERS WITH OLYMPIAN SIMONE MANUEL TO ANNOUNCE FREE WIFI FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT 20 OAKLAND COMMUNITY CENTERS

Comcast West Division

As part of its ongoing commitment to help connect low-income students and families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, Comcast today announced plans to equip 20 Oakland community centers and parks and recreation facilities with free WiFi for the next three years. As part of its Lift Zones initiative, the company will provide robust WiFi coverage in these safe spaces, to help ensure thousands of low-income students can remain online during the school year and continue to participate in distance learning. The announcement was made today during a special event with 2x Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Simone Manuel, who spoke virtually with Oakland students about perseverance and the importance of following their dreams. “The current health crisis has had a disproportionate effect on many students from communities of color, and I want these kids to know that there are people rooting for them,” said Simone Manuel, the first African American female swimmer to win gold in an individual swimming event at the 2016 Rio Games. “ The lack of Internet access in low-income homes adds unique challenges to families that are trying to manage distance learning. I’m pleased to partner with Comcast to bring awareness to this important issue and help close the digital divide.” In addition to providing free WiFi at the various Lift Zone locations, Comcast contributed $100,000 to the City of Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation and gave 1,000 students their own free laptop computer and free Internet at home for 12 months (to eligible families) through its Internet Essentials program. “We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation to install free WiFi and provide digital skills training to ensure students can stay connected with their schools during this challenging time,” said John Gauder, regional senior vice president, Comcast California. “The COVID-19 crisis continues to put many low-income students at risk of being left behind, accelerating the need for comprehensive digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support them. Whether connecting to the Internet at home with our Internet Essentials program, or providing free WiFi at community centers, we’re helping to ensure students have multiple options to get online.” “The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on many inequities in our society including the digital divide. Parents who are essential workers or those who can’t work from home have been questioning how to handle distance learning for their children,” said Oakland’s Mayor Libby Schaaf. “That's why we are grateful that Comcast has partnered with the City of Oakland to provide these crucial technology resources and stepped in to fill an important need in the community.” Last September, Comcast announced a multi-year program to launch more than 1,000 WiFi-connected "Lift Zones" in community centers nationwide, working with its network of thousands of nonprofit partners and city leaders. Lift Zone sites complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which has helped connect more than eight million low-income people to the Internet at home. This includes more than one million residents across the state of California, which is the number one state in terms of overall participation in the Internet Essentials program. Since the Internet Essentials program’s launch in 2011, Comcast has donated tens of thousands of free laptops to students and families across the country, and invested $700 million in digital literacy, skills training and awareness programs that have reached 11 million people. Comcast recently announced that it was doubling the program’s Internet download speed to 50 Mbps and increasing the upstream speed to 5 Mbps for all new and existing customers at no additional cost. The company continues to offer 60 days of free service to any new Internet Essentials customer who signs up before June 30, 2021. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Adriana Arvizo +1 925-200-1919 Adriana_Arvizo@comcast.com

February 25, 2021 04:34 PM Pacific Standard Time

Image

CaliberCos Inc. Announces Strategic Relationship with Alchemy Acquisition Corporation

Caliber Co.

Henry Huang, Managing Partner of Alchemy commented “This investment reflects our high conviction in Caliber’s management team, and we believe that Alchemy’s extensive resources and expertise will help enable Caliber to further capitalize on its strong momentum and significant growth potential. We are very excited to work with Caliber’s talented founders to continue to provide best-in-class solutions to the real estate investment management industry.” SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – CaliberCos Inc., a fully integrated real estate company, announced today that it has formed a strategic relationship with global merchant banking firm, Alchemy Acquisition Corp. (“Alchemy”). Alchemy has committed equity capital through a direct investment in Caliber’s Series B. Caliber will utilize Alchemy’s investment and merchant banking services to focus on real estate development projects in the Southwest and Mountainwest regions of the United States. This transaction aligns two organizations that are well positioned to create efficiencies of scale across both of their respective investing platforms. Alchemy provides institutional equity and wall street expertise to enhance Caliber’s investment funds and offerings, which are focused on middle market investments across the Southwest and Mountainwest Region. Details surrounding the transaction will be announced on a stepped-up basis. Commenting on the news, Chris Loeffler, Co-Founder and CEO stated, “We believe this strategic partnership is a precursor to yet another potential milestone for Caliber. As an alternative investment manager and developer, capital is the life-blood of our growth and we believe this partnership with Alchemy will drive project level capital as well as shareholder value." ABOUT CALIBER CaliberCos Inc., provides alternative investment opportunities to individual and institutional investors through well-structured, private equity real estate investments. The Company invests in a diverse portfolio of properties, including commercial, warehousing, multi-family, hospitality and tax-advantaged Opportunity Zones and engages in acquiring, owning, operating and developing these assets. Caliber recently sponsored one of the largest Opportunity Zone Funds focused on the Southwest and Mountainwest regions. ABOUT ALCHEMY Alchemy Acquisition Corp. is a global merchant banking firm with deep industry expertise that specializes in principal investments, private placements and global advisory. The firm transacts primarily in three sectors: (1) Real Estate & Infrastructure, (2) Technology, Media, Telecommunications and Sports (TMT-S) and (3) Renewables. Alchemy also advises its clients globally on strategic and financial matters including mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and capital formation. Caliber is offering securities through the use of an Offering Statement that has been qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Tier II of Regulation A. A copy of the Final Offering Circular that forms a part of the Offering Statement may be obtained from: Caliber: https://www.seedinvest.com/calibercos Contact Details Caliber Victoria Rotondo +1 480-295-7600 victoria.rotondo@caliberco.com IRRealized, LLC Mary Jensen 310-526-1707 mary@irrealized.com Alchemy Acquisition Corporation Henry Huang 480-295-7600 info@alchemyrecap.com Company Website https://www.caliberco.com/

February 25, 2021 12:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

MEDIA ADVISORY: Comcast, Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Manuel & Mayor Libby Schaaf to Surprise Youth with Announcement Regarding Internet Access in Oakland

Comcast West Division

On Thursday, February 25, 2021, Comcast, 2x U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Simone Manuel, Mayor Schaaf, and City of Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development will announce an important new initiative that will help create greater digital equity and provide valuable resources at a critical time for thousands of families who have been severely impacted by COVID-19 in Oakland. When: Thursday, February 25, 2021 3:30 PM PT Where: Manzanita Recreation Center 2701 22nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606 Visual Details: Media planning to attend and cover the event must agree in advance to adhere to all CDC COVID-19 safety protocols, which includes wearing masks, practicing social distancing, following the organization’s guidelines and using Boom Mics only. B-Roll: Footage of the event and still photography will be made available along with pre-recorded interviews and images of Simone talking virtually with students. Media RSVP: If you plan to attend please contact Adriana Arvizo at (925) 200-1919 for coordination. Contact Details Adriana Arvizo +1 925-200-1919 Adriana_Arvizo@comcast.com

February 25, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

COMCAST ANNOUNCES RURAL BROADBAND EXPANSION IN SPOKANE COUNTY

Comcast West Division

Comcast today announced it will expand service to more than 447 homes in rural areas of Spokane County. Over the next two years, Comcast will invest approximately $2 million, to bring the entire suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services to the rural unincorporated community of Chattaroy. “I am appreciative of the efforts taken up by Comcast and all of our private sector partners to help us achieve broadband service across the state that is quality, affordable, and reliable. Even before we felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew that too many Washingtonians had limited or no access to broadband,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Continued private investment, such as Comcast’s commitment, is essential to making sure that as many Washingtonians as possible have access.” “Today’s announcement is great news for families, workers, and students who have been struggling with the connectivity that is fundamental to our everyday lives in Eastern Washington. I applaud Comcast for their commitment to expanding critical broadband to our rural and unserved communities,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). “I will continue to lead in Congress to help close the digital divide so students can excel in the classroom, patients can access reliable telehealth services, and everyone has access to the resources needed to succeed in our 21st century digital economy.” Spokane County residents will have access to the entire Xfinity product suite, including Internet Essentials, the largest and most comprehensive low-cost Internet adoption program for low-income Americans. Since 2011, it has connected more than 85,000 low-income households statewide, many for the first time. Businesses will have access to the full suite of Comcast Business Internet, voice, and video services, including WiFi, Voice, TV and managed enterprise solutions for businesses of all sizes. “We’re excited to expand our network into these rural communities. Connecting people to the power of technology is important and life-changing” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. “We will continue investing in our state. In one year alone, we spent $988 million in Washington to maintain and upgrade our network, help local charities, and keep children connected during school closures.” Comcast has more than 4,200 of employees who serve more than 1.6 million residential and business customers throughout Washington state. Comcast is Washington’s leading provider of Xfinity video, high-speed Internet, smart home and phone services. Comcast operates Xfinity retail stores throughout Washington, which feature a welcoming and modern retail environment that highlights the complete line of Xfinity home and Comcast Business technology offerings, including Xfinity Mobile, Xfinity X1, Xfinity Home and Xfinity Internet. To learn more about Comcast in Washington, visit: https://washington.comcast.com/ About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Andy Colley +1 425-248-5438 andy_colley@comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

February 25, 2021 08:01 AM Pacific Standard Time

COMCAST ANNOUNCES RURAL BROADBAND EXPANSION IN SNOHOMISH COUNTY

Comcast West Division

Comcast today announced it will expand service to 1,667 homes in rural areas of Snohomish County. Over the next two years, Comcast will invest $7.6 million, to bring the entire suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services to the rural unincorporated communities of Sisco Heights, Burns Road, and Frontier Air Park. “I am appreciative of the efforts taken up by Comcast and all of our private sector partners to help us achieve broadband service across the state that is quality, affordable, and reliable. Even before we felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew that too many Washingtonians had limited or no access to broadband,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Continued private investment, such as Comcast’s commitment, is essential to making sure that as many Washingtonians as possible have access.” “This is welcomed news for Snohomish County residents, especially in a world where we are increasingly reliant on a broadband connection to work, learn, and teach. In our region, where we have some of the world’s largest technology companies, we still have too many residents without affordable access to the internet,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01). “Bold investments like these will help families during this difficult time and beyond and help make sure students don’t fall behind because of their connectivity. It’s incumbent upon state and federal lawmakers to also help fill the connectivity gap in our rural communities and partner with the private sector.” “Snohomish County welcomes Comcast’s significant investment in our rural communities and the expansion of broadband access,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Sommers. “This investment will support workforce development, virtual education, overall quality of life, and greater access to high speed internet for our residents. I appreciate Comcast’s commitment to expanding broadband access in critical areas of Snohomish County.” “This is excellent news for our rural communities, especially with kids online attending classes and parents working from home, said Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro Wooley. “The need for fast and secure internet service has never been greater and I’m glad to see Comcast step-up to help our underserved neighborhoods.” “I’m thrilled to hear this news. For today’s generation, communication services are a necessity, not a luxury. This expanded network service will help thousands of individuals, families and businesses in our region. I’d like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this change a reality,” said Rep. Carolyn Eslick, R-Sultan, 39th LD. Snohomish County residents will have access to the entire Xfinity product suite, including Internet Essentials, the largest and most comprehensive low-cost Internet adoption program for low-income Americans. Since 2011, it has connected more than 85,000 low-income households statewide, many for the first time. Businesses will have access to the full suite of Comcast Business Internet, voice, and video services, including WiFi, Voice, TV and managed enterprise solutions for businesses of all sizes. “We’re excited to expand our network into these rural communities. Connecting people to the power of technology is important and life-changing” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. “We will continue investing in our state. In one year alone, we spent $988 million in Washington to maintain and upgrade our network, help local charities, and keep children connected during school closures.” Comcast has more than 4,200 of employees who serve more than 1.6 million residential and business customers throughout Washington state. Comcast is Washington’s leading provider of Xfinity video, high-speed Internet, smart home and phone services. Comcast operates Xfinity retail stores throughout Washington, which feature a welcoming and modern retail environment that highlights the complete line of Xfinity home and Comcast Business technology offerings, including Xfinity Mobile, Xfinity X1, Xfinity Home and Xfinity Internet. To learn more about Comcast in Washington, visit: https://washington.comcast.com/ About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Andy Colley +1 425-248-5438 andy_colley@comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

February 25, 2021 08:01 AM Pacific Standard Time

COMCAST ANNOUNCES RURAL BROADBAND EXPANSIONS IN SNOHOMISH AND SPOKANE COUNTIES

Comcast West Division

Comcast today announced it will expand service to more than 2,100 homes in rural areas of Snohomish and Spokane Counties. Over the next two years, Comcast will invest $9.4 million, to bring the entire suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services to the rural unincorporated communities of Sisco Heights, Burns Road, Frontier Air Park and Chattaroy. Additionally, Comcast is nearing completion of its network expansion with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, which includes service to more than 600 previously unserved homes in the area. “I am appreciative of the efforts taken up by Comcast and all of our private sector partners to help us achieve broadband service across the state that is quality, affordable, and reliable. Even before we felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew that too many Washingtonians had limited or no access to broadband,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Continued private investment, such as Comcast’s commitment, is essential to making sure that as many Washingtonians as possible have access.” “Today’s announcement is great news for families, workers, and students who have been struggling with the connectivity that is fundamental to our everyday lives in Eastern Washington. I applaud Comcast for their commitment to expanding critical broadband to our rural and unserved communities,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). “I will continue to lead in Congress to help close the digital divide so students can excel in the classroom, patients can access reliable telehealth services, and everyone has access to the resources needed to succeed in our 21st century digital economy.” “This is welcomed news for Snohomish County residents, especially in a world where we are increasingly reliant on a broadband connection to work, learn, and teach. In our region, where we have some of the world’s largest technology companies, we still have too many residents without affordable access to the internet,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01). “Bold investments like these will help families during this difficult time and beyond and help make sure students don’t fall behind because of their connectivity. It’s incumbent upon state and federal lawmakers to also help fill the connectivity gap in our rural communities and partner with the private sector.” Sisco Heights, Burns Road, Frontier Air Park and Chattaroy residents will have access to the entire Xfinity product suite, including Internet Essentials, the largest and most comprehensive low-cost Internet adoption program for low-income Americans. Since 2011, it has connected 85,000 low-income households statewide, many for the first time. Businesses will have access to the full suite of Comcast Business Internet, voice, and video services, including WiFi, Voice, TV and managed enterprise solutions for businesses of all sizes. “We’re excited to expand our network into these rural communities. Connecting people to the power of technology is important and life-changing” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. “We will continue investing in our state. In one year alone, we spent $988 million in Washington to maintain and upgrade our network, help local charities, and keep children connected during school closures.” Comcast has more than 4,200 employees who serve more than 1.6 million residential and business customers throughout the state. Comcast is Washington’s leading provider of Xfinity video, high-speed Internet, smart home and phone services. Comcast operates Xfinity retail stores throughout Washington, which feature a welcoming and modern retail environment that highlights the complete line of Xfinity home and Comcast Business technology offerings, including Xfinity Mobile, Xfinity X1, Xfinity Home and Xfinity Internet. To learn more about Comcast in Washington, visit: https://washington.comcast.com/ About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Andy Colley +1 425-248-5438 Andy_Colley@Comcast.Com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

February 25, 2021 08:01 AM Pacific Standard Time

AdvisorVault Revolutionizes 17a-4 Archiving for Small FINRA firms

AdvisorVault

AdvisorVault’s new features are a game changer for small FINRA firms who want to use the cloud but are worried about 17a-4. With their unique consolidated platform AdvisorVault now combines email and electronic records archiving to give centralized access to data stored in the cloud. “This changes everything for small firms because now they can take advantage of services like Office 365 and G Suite and AdvisorVault will seamlessly plug into the cloud and act as their 17a-4 D3P, making the cloud instantly compliant for them. “ Said Allan Lonz, President of AdvisorVault, “Our direct cloud connector supports all major cloud platforms and will archive electronic records as well as emails for full retention and supervision,” Added Lonz. AdvisorVault continually adds new features to its cloud archiving platform to make sure small firms have a one stop D3P for everything. Some key features of AdvisorVault’s cloud archiving platform: Direct Cloud Connector AdvisorVault’s remote archiving software connects directly into all popular cloud services such as Office 365, OneDrive, SharePoint, Dropbox, and the Google Suite. Also, AdvisorVault instantly captures full data sets from the cloud. This means firms can restore everything including office docs in their native format, full Office 365 and Gmail accounts with contacts and calendars, as well as all data stored in SharePoint sites with access to records saved in personal or group/team drives. Automatic Detection of New Cloud Data AdvisorVault’s software automatically detects new cloud data sets as they are created. For example, as a firm adds new users in Office 365, SharePoint, or OneDrive sites, its automatically added to our 17a-4 archive. This applies to G Suite as well where user accounts are frequently added including their personal or team drives. With our automatic detection, compliance officers don’t need to notify us every time new employees are added to the cloud. Electronic Records Retention AdvisorVault applies a 7-year blanket retention rule to ALL customer data relating to their business. This simplifies the whole data archiving retention process because with this policy firms don’t need to separate different data types then try to apply a unique retention policy to each set, which is impossible to maintain, especially for a small firm without an IT dept. Downloading and Data Retention At the end of the day, the reason AdvisorVault acts as the D3P for its customers is to help them maintain access to their archived electronic records or emails when needed. AdvisorVault includes a secure Web portal for customers to access their 17a-4 data archive. Lastly, we retain cloud data for customers that have been removed and keep them in our 17a-4 archive for 7 yrs. Keeping electronic records from users that have been removed from the cloud will also help with compliance since old employee data is often requested during audits. About AdvisorVault AdvisorVault is the only D3P that has designed their software to help small FINRA firms archive cloud data to meet 17a-4. Focusing on solving this unique problem, our consolidated solution gives firms one vendor to help them satisfy today's demands surrounding data archiving and supervision. We have created a centralized archiving option that captures data and emails no matter where they are stored - in-house or in the cloud: total peace of mind - out of the box. Contact Details AdvisorVault Allan Lonz +1 416-985-0310 alonz@advisorvault.org Company Website https://www.advisorvault.org

February 24, 2021 06:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

Comcast NBCUniversal Commits $500,000 to Support Winter Storm Uri Relief Efforts

Comcast West Division

Our hearts go out to the people of Houston, including thousands of our employees and customers who have been impacted by the extreme and devastating effects of Winter Storm Uri. To help support those impacted by the disaster, Comcast NBCUniversal is committed to providing $500,000 in support to Houston-area relief efforts, including cash and in-kind contributions. The $500,000 commitment includes $250,000 in cash that will be shared between the Greater Houston Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Houston. Additionally, the company will donate advertising time on its cable systems to these organizations to run public service announcements to help educate concerned citizens about how they can assist with relief efforts. “Winter Storm Uri has truly highlighted the importance of businesses taking care of the community,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO for United Way of Greater Houston. “We thank Comcast for stepping up and making this donation that will provide a lifeline to Houston residents who are struggling due to the devastating effects of this extreme weather.” Comcast NBCUniversal’s pledge is another step in the company’s commitment to providing a combination of financial and additional resources to assist with the relief efforts in Houston. Last week, Comcast opened more than 800,000 Xfinity WiFi hotspots around the Houston area to help all area residents and emergency workers to connect during Winter Storm Uri. “Comcast believes it is our responsibility to continue our support to strengthen the community, said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region. “We hope this donation will help accelerate the recovery process and provide the support Houstonians need at this challenging time.” The outpouring of support from Comcast NBCUniversal employees across the country has been tremendous. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the storm, and we will continue to identify ways to give back as rebuilding efforts begin. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Michael Bybee +1 281-605-9658 Michael_Bybee@comcast.com Comcast Misha McClure 832-547-6783 Misha_McClure@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

February 23, 2021 11:30 AM Central Standard Time

GSBA AND COMCAST EXPAND RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS WASHINGTON STATE WITH SECOND ROUND OF “READY FOR BUSINESS FUND”

Comcast West Division

SEATTLE, February 22, 2021 – Following the success of the Ready for Business Fund in 2020, GSBA – Washington’s LGBTQ and allied chamber of commerce – and Comcast Washington are expanding Ready for Business Fund relief efforts this spring to provide $2,500 grants to additional small businesses seeking financial assistance as the COVID-19 economic crisis continues. The Ready for Business Fund will now expand its reach beyond the Seattle metro area to qualifying small businesses throughout Washington, with $50,000 in additional funding from Comcast and GSBA reprising its role as the program and fund manager. Grants from the Ready for Business Fund are made possible by securing contributions from companies and individuals. GSBA is seeking to raise $150,000 by Friday, March 26. This round of the Ready for Business Fund was made possible by contributions from BECU, Comcast, T-Mobile, Symetra, Microsoft, and Harborstone Credit Union, but GSBA is still counting on large companies and investors across the state to show up for small businesses in need. During GSBA’s virtual 40th Annual Business & Humanitarian Awards last Thursday, February 18, $10,000 was raised for the fund thanks to generous donations from the public, raising the current total to $60,000. The Ready for Business Fund was established in the summer of 2020 with a $100,000 investment from Comcast and GSBA as the fund administrator. The fund distributed $2,500 cash grants to more than 60 BIPOC-, LGBTQ-, and women-owned small businesses in the Seattle metro area last year. This second round of funding will also focus on providing support for qualifying small businesses located in rural areas of Washington who have been particularly impacted by the pandemic and lack of proximity to resources. “Within a month of the Ready for Business Fund application being open last summer, we received nearly 500 applications from local businesses owned by marginalized community members,” said Ilona Lohrey, GSBA VP of Membership & Programs. “The sheer amount of applications we saw as well as the information business owners provided about how they’ve been impacted by the economic challenges of 2020 really painted a picture of how much businesses were struggling, and we know that things have only gotten worse as the pandemic has gone on. $2,500 may not seem like much, but for these small business owners, the grant can be what helps them pay their power bills to keep their lights on, built an outdoor seating area, or pay their staff.” Business owners who applied to the Ready for Business Fund last year reported a devastating impact, including up to 85 percent annual revenue loss, laying-off employees, and significant loss of business. When asked how the grant money would support their business, the most common responses included necessities such as paying for rent, bills, payroll, and groceries. “Small businesses are so critical to the fabric of our communities. They need our continued support, especially through the ongoing pandemic and we want to help them,” said Diem Ly, Community Impact Director, Comcast Washington. “That is why we are continuing to partner with GSBA as we have done for some time now and are pleased to expand the Ready for Business Fund. Now small businesses across Washington state, including those in rural areas of Washington may benefit from the relief effort.” Companies and individuals may find more information and contribute to the Ready for Business Fund by contacting Ilona Lohrey (she/her) at IlonaL@thegsba.org / (206) 363-9188, or visiting the webpage at theGSBA.org/ready-for-business. BIPOC, LGBTQ, and women-owned small businesses located in Washington that have been in business since March 2, 2020 may find more information at theGSBA.org/ready-for-business. Applications are open from Monday, March 15 through Friday, March 26, 2021. All grant applicants will be notified the week of April 12. The grant application is short and easy to complete. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee made up of a diverse group of volunteers from the GSBA and at-large community members. All grant recipients will receive wrap-around services from GSBA, including membership and consulting. Qualifying recipients who applied in the summer of 2020 but were not selected for a grant will remain in the pool and be considered during the second round. About GSBA Established in 1981, GSBA is Washington State's LGBTQ and allied chamber of commerce and is the largest of its kind in North America. The chamber represents over 1,400 small business, corporate, and nonprofit members who share the values of promoting diversity, equity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace. GSBA proudly serves as a connector across the region, bringing communities together through business while advocating for civil rights and small business. GSBA also promotes LGBTQ tourism through Travel Out Seattle, advocates for small businesses in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Neighborhood through the Capitol Hill Business Alliance (CHBA) and invests in the next generation of LGBTQ and allied leaders through the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast NBCUniversal Andy Colley +1 425-248-5438 Andy_Colley@Comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

February 22, 2021 02:00 PM Mountain Standard Time

1 ... 280 281 282 283 284 ... 308