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Agora Data’s Steve Burke Joins The Independent Dealer Podcast Showcasing Innovation in Auto Finance

Agora

Steve Burke, CEO of Agora Data, Inc., joined The Independent Dealer Podcast to talk about his firm’s recent industry-first crowdsourced securitization and the immense positive impact that future Agora crowdsourced securitizations will have on the auto industry and its consumers. During a recent episode, Burke joined the podcast’s hosts Jeff Watson of 4 Seasons Auto Sales and Luke Godwin of Godwin Motors for a 48-minute conversation on how Agora Data is changing the world of auto financing for Buy Here Pay Here auto dealers and smaller finance companies. Burke’s appearance on the show comes on the heels of Agora Data’s developing and executing the auto industry’s first-ever subprime crowdsourced securitization on December 29, 2020. This groundbreaking development in the world of structured finance provides Buy Here Pay Here auto dealers and small to mid-sized finance companies access to affordable capital markets funding. “There is a reason all the big dealers and banks are all in the capital markets,” Burke told Watson and Godwin on the podcast. “Enabling Joe’s Auto Sales with a $3 million portfolio to access the capital markets and be recognized adds an unbelievable number of intangibles and financial value to their dealership including significant growth. Now, the same exact capital that the big box dealers and finance companies have access to is available for Joe’s Auto Sales. AgoraCapital is bringing Wall Street to Main Street.” Prior to Agora, direct access to the capital markets with its more favorable financing terms was limited to only the largest institutional lenders and auto dealers. With Agora’s crowdsourced securitization program, subprime originators of all sizes now have a unique and viable financing option to obtain lower-cost capital with massively favorable terms thereby providing liquidity and fueling growth. In addition, Agora Data also recently announced its latest product offering – AgoraCredit. AgoraCredit was designed to transition originators from their current senior lender into interim credit lines that work in harmony with the AgoraCapital securitization program. AgoraCredit was created with the specific goal of not locking originators into expensive and risky lines of credit, but instead initiating the freedom of providing a smooth glidepath into the world of crowdsourced securitizations. Burke said, “The Independent Dealer Podcast by Jeff Watson and Luke Godwin is a source for independent used car dealers who want to get educated on how to improve their business and their life, and I applaud them for what they do for the dealer community.” Watson and Godwin talk to industry experts and dealers that are doing it right. Podcast #159 – Connecting Your Dealership To Wallstreet Money with Steve Burke is available on Apple, Spotify and where podcasts are found. About Agora Data, Inc Agora is re-inventing auto finance for Buy Here Pay Here dealers and finance companies with a crowdsourcing platform that bridges access to the capital market. Easy to use and analytically robust business tools empower the untapped and diverse portfolios of the BHPH auto market connecting dealers, sub-prime buyers, and capital market lenders with results-driven resources to enhance financial growth. Founded in 2017 by a best-in-class team of top professionals in auto finance and leading data scientists, the company has successfully combined billions in historical loan performance data to develop its AI-Infused predictive loan technology and machine learning models. www.agoradata.com. For more information, please contact Agora at (877) 592-4672 or contactus@agoradata.com. Contact Details Agora Data, Inc. Shelly Vandeven +1 682-282-4130 media@agoradata.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

March 08, 2021 10:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with HKA Technology Solutions

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with HKA Technology Solutions, an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) consulting company providing a wealth of GRC solutions for clients from the U.S. Government to the private sector. This unique partnership will extend efforts to identify and include proven capabilities within the CMMC COE Marketplace to improve cybersecurity protection and resilience for the global defense industrial base network of contractors, vendors, and suppliers. By facilitating results that customers want to reduce costs and risks, HKA provides the CMMC subject matter expertise that creates business value co-creation to help the DIB contractor think critically about establishing, documenting, and testing their CMMC administrative, technical, and physical controls to support the nation’s warfighters. Furthermore, HKA uses a unique Service Value System (SVS) to ensure that within the CMMC Practices and Processes Lifecycle, DIB CMMC practices and processes continuously co-create value with all stakeholders. The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative engagement between HKA Technology Solutions and the CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor, vendor, and supplier community of providers creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organizations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and HKA Technology Solutions partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. "Through the partnership with the CMMC-COE, HKA Technology Solutions scopes, tailors, and publishes CMMC policies, procedures, and standards to safeguard data Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability for our Defense Industrial Base members who support our nation's warfighters." said Mr. Glenn Axelrod, President & CEO. The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that will include resources that support the overall effort, including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more that will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org, email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on HKA Technology Solutions, please visit https://www.hkatechnolgysolutions.com/ About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

March 08, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Minuteman Press Franchise in Fredericksburg, VA Supports Local Businesses During COVID-19

Minuteman Press International Inc

Minuteman Press Fredericksburg Has Remained Open Throughout COVID-19 As An Essential Business Owner Doug Walton Shares Insights On Operating During the Pandemic and How Minuteman Press is Helping Local Businesses Bounce Back For nearly 15 years, Doug Walton has owned the Minuteman Press design, marketing, and printing franchise located at 10699 Courthouse Road. Because printing is considered an essential business, Minuteman Press Fredericksburg has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “It feels good to remain open and help other local businesses navigate the pandemic economy. We have been able to help them market themselves through direct mail, provide banners and signage to help with social distancing, and we have even supplied many with acrylic sneeze guards and masks to help keep their employees and customers safe.” Print Is Essential As a longtime local business owner in an essential industry, Doug is uniquely positioned to be able to help organizations and businesses as they continue to reopen and recover. “We’ve expanded our products and services over the years and when the pandemic first hit we were ready to provide high-demand items such as direct mail, signage, and sneeze guards. Businesses have come to us for banners, posters, yard signs, floor decals, and branded clothing, which has been a good source of growth. When everyone’s graduation ceremonies were canceled, we were able to help students and their families celebrate with lawn signs.” Doug continues, “The response from the community has been incredible. They know we have been here for a long time, and they appreciate our ability to provide custom printing of all kinds to help keep people safe. We also have been helping businesses reach out to their customers through marketing and direct mail campaigns. When restaurants need new menus or businesses have important updates and special promotions, Minuteman Press Fredericksburg is here as their trusted local provider.” “The printing industry has been designated as essential for a reason. The products and services we provide support almost every other business and allow them to continue to operate. We print for many different kinds of customers from HVAC contractors to the local Sheriff’s office and more. They all depend on us to do their jobs, and we are happy to be there to help them with everything they need during this unprecedented time.” -Doug Walton, owner, Minuteman Press Fredericksburg, VA Bounce Back Fredericksburg One of the ways Doug and his team are giving back is through Bounce Back Fredericksburg, a free community platform that provides businesses with free local listings and COVID-19 awareness and prevention posters. To date, 60 participating businesses have posted special offers and promotions that community members can take advantage of to support local and shop local. Doug says, “I would encourage every business owner to advertise more. There is no such thing as too much marketing. Take advantage of Bounce Back Fredericksburg, start a direct mail campaign, or simply take a look at your marketing materials and make sure everything is professional and up to date.” As the economy continues to recover, Doug sees opportunities for businesses to come back strong. “I’d like to think that we are proof it is possible to operate and market during the pandemic. As more and more of the local economy comes back, my message is to refocus and stay positive. I hope my own positive attitude encourages my fellow business owners to realize we will get through this together and that brighter days are ahead.” As for his own marketing efforts, Doug has used every tool available to him as part of the Minuteman Press franchise family. “We have depended on direct mail, email, and social media to advertise. We have kept the message simple by saying ‘we are here to help, and we are all in this together.’ The response has been very encouraging. Many have thanked us for being there when people need us at this critical time.” He adds, “As a franchisee, the support we’ve received from Minuteman Press International has been great. At the beginning, we received daily updates of what was going on in our industry, tips for pushing forward, words of encouragement, and tons of new resources including the launch of the Bounce Back USA program. They have continued to share success stories from across the nation and provide recommendations and industry news as well as new marketing templates and strategies to help us grow.” Benefits of Franchising Prior to owning his own business, Doug worked in construction. He was able to successfully switch industries and change careers by going the franchise route. As printing industry leaders, Minuteman Press offered Doug comprehensive training and ongoing support that he continues to benefit from today. Doug says, “Minuteman Press is outstanding. They are always there for support. I couldn’t imagine navigating this pandemic without them. Over the years they have always been there when I need them and they are always looking for ways to help us be more successful. Minuteman Press truly cares about their franchisees.” Reflecting on the rewards of business ownership, Doug adds, “It comes down to my improved quality of life. I don’t miss any of my daughter’s school or sports events. I can make my own schedule. It’s as simple as that and I wouldn’t want it any other way.” “Doug Walton has simply done a tremendous job as the owner of Minuteman Press Fredericksburg for nearly 15 years,” says Bob Heimbuch, Minuteman Press International Regional Vice President, Virginia / DC / Maryland. “I am especially proud of his efforts in helping the local business community through Bounce Back Fredericksburg as well as all of the ways he has been supporting local businesses during the pandemic. Doug is truly dedicated to his clients and his community and he lifts others up with his positivity while providing outstanding products and services.” Advice for Others When asked for what advice he would give to other business owners, Doug answers, “Put your blinders on and don’t pay any attention to bad news. Do everything you can to service your customers. Advertise more. This is not the time to cut back. Keep a positive attitude and encourage everyone in your community to support local businesses.” “And remember, we are all in this together.” For more information on Minuteman Press Fredericksburg, visit https://www.fredericksburg.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

March 05, 2021 09:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Cloud Conventions 2021 – The Premier Telecom/Cloud Channel Virtual Event Returns Live May 12-14

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions 2021 will open its 2nd annual virtual conference and tradeshow on May 12-14 offering a unique experience for channel professionals in the telecom/cloud, hosted voice, connectivity, IT and managed services and mobility industries. Co-sponsored by media partner, TR Publications and managed by the MCI Group, this premier industry event redefines the attendee and exhibitor experience for a virtual event with industry and business content, discussions opportunities, networking and strategy sessions, along with more ways to connect individually with peers and exhibitors. “Channel Strategies to Navigate the ‘New Normal’ is the focus of Cloud Conventions 2021,” said Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of Convey Services, founding partner of the event. “We teamed with the MCI Group as our event management partner and TR Publications and their related media to build on the success of our Cloud Conventions 2020 event expanding offerings and audience. Our experience delivering dozens of virtual tradeshows, conferences, summits, and kick-off meetings for our clients has taught us how to design an virtual expo avoiding the pitfalls of events that fail to create an engaging experience for attendees and deliver sales leads to exhibitors and sponsors." "Cloud Conventions 2021 has the potential to bring together one of the largest audiences of channel partners, MSPs, VARs, IT service providers and carriers for an unparalleled virtual event,” said Doug Green, publisher of TR Publications. “Strategies to deliver cloud solutions, connectivity, mobility and managed services are evolving, along with the business models of channel organizations that provide them to business customers. Cloud Conventions 2021 brings together resources, thought leaders, technology and business solutions to ensure that the channel has the tools to thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.” “Managing Cloud Conventions 2021 opens up a vast new market opportunity for the MCI Group,” said James Kelley Director of Business Development, Virtual Events at MCI USA. “Our team has partnered with Convey and their Cloud Conventions virtual event platform to deliver large virtual tradeshows and conferences for the past year. We offer added value to a show like this through marketing and our event management experience and support for exhibitors and sponsors. The MCI Group is committed to growing the Cloud Conventions 2021 event and returning in the spring of 2022 with an even larger live and hybrid industry expo.” In May of last year, the Cloud Conventions 2020 event attracted thousands of attendees over 4 days, with industry sponsors, social engagement and networking, and 78 educational sessions to help channel partners develop pathways to get business back on track and help their customers pivot to a digital work environment in the face of the pandemic. The 2021 virtual event will help channel partners navigate the ‘new normal’ by offering connections to colleagues and providers, powerful educational sessions, along with strategies to stay personally and professionally resilient, agile, and informed. Attendance at Cloud Conventions 2021 is free to qualified industry professionals. Past attendees will receive an invitation to pre-register. New attendees and potential exhibitors can sign up at www.cloudconventions2021.com. The Cloud Conventions 2021 conference and expo is hosted and managed on the industry leading Cloud Conventions virtual event platform, powered by Convey Services. About Telecom Reseller TR Publications reports on UC, UCaaS, CPaaS, mobility, telehealth, SD-WAN, direct routing, collaboration are among the many topics covered. Written for both buyer and seller, IT director and channel leader, TR’s qualified readers include enterprise end users, channel partners, MSPs, CLECs. Content includes news, blogs, podcasts, Educasts, and webinars. TR reaches 25,000 readers daily by eBulletin, 80,000 readers every weekend with their Sunday Report, and 1,900 people daily online. www.telecomreseller.com. About MCI Group MCI is a global engagement and marketing agency. We design human-centric solutions that unleash the power of people to deliver innovation and growth for our clients. Our offering includes live & virtual events, strategic & digital communications, consulting & community solutions. We help brands, companies, associations and not-for-profits solve their challenges, bringing their people together to shape their tomorrow. MCI is an independently owned company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a global presence in 60 offices across 31 countries. www.mci-group.com About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Community™, Cloud Kickoffs™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Convey Services Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

February 26, 2021 02:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

Infographic: Permanent Changes in Behavior and Expectations Beyond COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Metova Inc.

Contact Details Metova Anders Steele +1 323-909-2341 anders.steele@metova.com Company Website https://metova.com/infographic-expectations-beyond-covid-19/

February 26, 2021 09:19 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Rechat Launches Innovative Mobile Platform to Empower Real Estate Agents and Brokerages to Work Anytime, Anywhere

Rechat

Rechat, the real estate technology company that’s optimizing the way agents and brokerages do business from the palm of their hand, today announced the launch of its digital platform, designed to empower on-the-go real estate professionals and brokerages to maximize efficiencies from lead to close, wherever they are. Unlike anything currently available, Rechat is the first platform to offer intuitive, fully integrated tools that add unlimited value to an agent’s or a brokerage's brand. Founded by PropTech veteran and software engineer Shayan Hamidi, Rechat is built by real estate professionals for real estate professionals. The 360-degree solution was designed to address the challenges Hamidi experienced first-hand when he created and operated a tech-enabled real estate brokerage, and can be used by individual agents or as a one-stop-shop and white-labeled solution for brokerages. “The pandemic has changed the way real estate agents work, and this new easy-to-use platform empowers them to manage their contacts and relationships, market themselves and their listings, and actually close transactions -- all in a single app,” said Rechat’s CEO Hamidi. “Agents simply sign-up and instantly gain access to a fully-integrated platform that was designed with real estate professionals’ needs in mind, enabling them to build their own personal brands from the palm of their hands.” Featuring an integrated MLS system, marketing and social engagement management, sales flow automation and more, Rechat gives users freedom to do what they do best without spending countless hours figuring out the “how.” Rechat empowers agents and brokerages to provide a full suite of services from a single, intuitive mobile app: market listings, connect with other real estate professionals, and elevate their personal brands. “Rechat’s fully integrated digital platform and app have been game changers for us,” says Robbie Briggs, President and CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty in North Texas. “Rechat allows our team to stay connected at every point in the sales process and exceed client expectations, even when we’re not always face-to-face -- for example, during the pandemic. The fact that our agents can customize workflows and build personal brands using these tools has directly translated into increased impressions and traffic, causing a positive network effect that has put us light-years ahead of where we had planned to be by 2021.” At launch, Rechat’s renowned customers include multiple Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates, Douglas Elliman Real Estate and a series of independent brokerages nationwide. The company has raised nearly $6 million and grew its subscriber base by over 900 percent in 2020. In addition, Rechat recently brought on two industry heavyweights, Director of Sales Jay Stifolter, formerly Director of Sales at Realtor.com, and Chief Integration Officer Kevin Smith, a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits who was formerly the Acting CIO of Yahoo! and the Vice President of Technology at Broadcast.com. With aggressive growth projected in 2021, Rechat’s advanced platform, combined with its dedication to personalized customer service, allows any brokerage or agent to remain ahead of the industry as it ebbs and flows. For more information on Rechat and to set up a demo, visit www.rechat.com or download the app in the Apple App Store. About Rechat Rechat is an innovative mobile and desktop platform that empowers busy, on-the-go real estate agents and brokers to do business anytime, anywhere. Founded in 2015 by PropTech veteran and software engineer Shayan Hamidi, Rechat is the first platform to offer simple and intuitive fully-integrated tools that any agent or broker can use to maximize their workflow from lead to close. The platform is a 360-degree solution designed to address the pain points of real estate professionals, including managing contacts and relationships, targeting and marketing listings, working with other agents and brokers, building personal brands, closing transactions on the go and more. Rechat is an easy-to-use one-stop shop for busy individual agents and a white-labeled solution for brokerages. Visit https://rechat.com Contact Details April Margulies +1 347-870-9402 rechat@trustrelations.agency Company Website https://rechat.com/

February 25, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Out with the Old, in with the New PR Tech Stack: How AI is Transforming Journalism and PR Alike

PRophet

For years, the tech stack, driven by fast-paced innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, has been fundamentally changing the marketing industry. Now, it’s PR’s turn to join the stack. The PR industry is on the cusp of a major change – thanks to AI, the job of the PR pro has the potential to be thoroughly reimagined, improving the work of humans without replacing them. This will be the topic of discussion at a marquee panel during the PRovoke North America Public Relations Summit on Wednesday, February 24, titled “Robots Won’t Take your Job, But AI Can Now Help You Perfect Your Pitch.” The panel will feature IBM’s VP of corporate communications Sarah Bruning Meron and The New Yorker contributor John Seabrook, author of 2019’s “Can a Machine Learn to Write for The New Yorker” about the possibilities of predictive text and its impact on journalism. Aaron Kwittken, founder and CEO of PRophet, the first-ever AI-driven platform for the PR community to help predict media interest, will moderate the discussion, focusing on the role of AI in the modernization of media relations and media relationships. The session will explore questions such as how AI and machine learning will change media relations forever, and whether AI can identify story angles and refine pitches more effectively than humans. “AI and machine learning have the prospect of shaping media relations as never before,” said Aaron Kwittken, founder and CEO of PRophet. “By discussing the capabilities and practical applications of these technologies – and the impact they are likely to have on how both journalists and communications professionals do their jobs – this panel will offer a compelling and insightful window into the future of news and public relations.” The virtual event marks PRovoke’s 8th North America PR summit, which will feature a half-day of content coalescing around the theme “Reset” – exploring the pressing communications issues that have emerged as we navigate the aftermath of 2020. The summit will be followed by the Innovation SABRE Awards – North America 2021 online gala. To receive complementary access to the panel and event, email sales@prprophet.ai. PRophet is the first-ever AI-driven software-as-a service (SaaS) platform designed by and for the PR community that samples past stories to better predict future media interest, sentiment, and spread through natural language processing and machine learning. PRophet is owned by Ahteed, LLC, an MDC Ventures company and was founded by marketing industry thought leader and entrepreneur Aaron Kwittken alongside former political strategist, technologist, and author Mark Penn, currently President of Stagwell Group and chairman and CEO of MDC Partners and formerly with Microsoft. To learn more, visit prprophet.ai/home. Contact Details KWT Global for PRophet Jason Fagan +1 646-761-1206 jfagan@kwtglobal.com Company Website https://www.prprophet.ai/home

February 22, 2021 10:04 AM Eastern Standard Time

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Manny Castro Fulfills Lifelong Dream of US Citizenship

Minuteman Press International Inc

After being a permanent resident for over 35 years, Manny Castro has fulfilled his lifelong dream of achieving his US citizenship. As Minuteman Press franchise owner in Downey, CA for 14 years, Manny credits the support of his family and the team at Minuteman Press International with helping him achieve his dream. “I officially became a US Citizen on November 20, 2020, and it feels just great! This is my home; I have been living in the States most of my life and now I can vote. I am really proud of being a Citizen of the greatest country in the world, a land of opportunities for all!” From El Salvador to Entrepreneurship Originally from El Salvador, Manny is proud to be a shining example of achieving the American Dream both in his life and in his career. He says, “To get my US Citizenship after all this time is just an incredible accomplishment. I came to this beautiful country 38 years ago without a dollar in my pocket, no skills, no academic degrees, no English, not even a high school diploma. Just a young teenager at that time, running away from a very conflicted civil war in El Salvador, looking for a better life.” Reflecting back on those painful struggles and thinking about where he is today, Manny exclaims, “All I can say now is God is great, and may God continue to bless this great country that offers people from all walks of life, hope, endless opportunities, and a second chance in life.” Manny has owned his Minuteman Press franchise in Downey, CA since May 2007. During that time, he has successfully built his business while receiving crucial training and support from his franchisor. “My Regional Vice President Dan Byers and Steve Szymanski have always had my back since day one. They both wrote a beautiful letter of recommendation for me, to support my application for my citizenship. It meant so much to me and my family. Dan and Steve were delighted to help when I asked; everything I obtained when applying contributed to me being granted my citizenship. My kids were born here, and my entire family have already become citizens. It was time for me now to take that next step as well and join the millions of proud Americans. I love this country so much, and I’ve met great people along the way. God has opened up so many doors for me here. It is a land of opportunity for all. If you work hard, the sky is the limit.” Journey to Minuteman Press Dan Byers has known Manny Castro for 15 years. He says, “I first met Manny at a Franchise Expo in Pasadena in February 2006 and he was determined to own a business. At the time, he was working at a company that was downsizing and he saw business ownership as a means to financial independence, the opportunity to step up to a new challenge, and a way to regain control of his time.” Manny explains, “I was a distribution zone manager for a weekly publication company. I had researched many other companies and different industries for a while, but none of them gave me the level of confidence that I needed to motivate me and move forward that Minuteman Press did. Once my decision was made and we moved forward with training and opening up my center, they gave me a real solid foundation, and second-to-none ongoing support to this day.” Dan continues, “In an effort to be close to home, Manny converted an independent printing company in Downey to a Minuteman Press franchise in 2007. Time and time again, Manny has been able to successfully manage his business by working hard and treating people – customers, vendors, and employees – fairly and with the utmost respect. Whether it was the Great Recession of 2008 or the COVID-19 pandemic today, Manny has managed to stay positive and remain focused on growing his business by following the Minuteman Press franchise system.” Managing the Business Through the COVID-19 Pandemic Because Minuteman Press Downey is an essential business, Manny and his team have continued to remain open through the pandemic. He says, “We are an essential printing business and able to assist local businesses in any industry – medical, financial, retail, restaurants – and all businesses that continue to operate.” Manny adds, “For our clients, A-Frame signage, banners, floor decals, brochures, and direct mail have all been crucial in keeping their businesses operating safely while communicating with their customers. 99% of our customer base are other local businesses, and I see people are hungry to get back to work, to open up their doors safely, and we are helping them reach out and reopen safely. I’m very optimistic that things are turning back into full force. We have positioned ourselves to be there for our business community and meet their needs.” During the pandemic, Minuteman Press International has once again proven to be there for Manny to support him. He says, “Minuteman Press ongoing support during these unprecedented times has been tremendous. They’ve been there for us since COVID-19 started and provided us with extensive communications, guidance, marketing strategies, and additional resources. For example, when two of my employees needed to be home, Minuteman Press immediately provided me with additional field support to help me out with everything I needed. They are always there and quick to act whenever I need a helping hand or advice.” “We are an essential printing business and able to assist local businesses in any industry – medical, financial, retail, restaurants – and all businesses that continue to operate.” -Manny Castro, Minuteman Press franchise owner, Downey, CA Rewards of Business Ownership + Advice for Others When asked about the rewards of owning his business, Manny answers, “The most rewarding thing is having full control of your life and your financials. It’s very fulfilling to have your own business. I know that if I work hard, I reap the benefits.” His advice for others is this: “I will say Minuteman Press is a great company to partner up with. They are a leader in the printing industry and with over 45 years of experience. For someone like me who did not know about paper sizes and stocks 14 years ago, this meant the world to me. People can review the Minuteman Press franchise and see there are no hidden agendas. There was no pressure to buy the franchise, and they’ve supported me from day one and continue to work with me in achieving my company goals with ongoing coaching and marketing strategies to get there. Our success is their success as well. Minuteman Press has helped me do everything from getting started and achieving my dream of owning a business to helping my essential business during the pandemic.” Manny reflects once more on his incredible journey to US Citizenship, saying, “And now, Minuteman Press has helped me fulfill my other lifelong dream of becoming a US Citizen. For someone from El Salvador to be able to accomplish all of this, I needed to have help along the way. I couldn’t ask for a better franchise to be a part of or better people who are working on behalf of Minuteman Press International to support me with everything I do. Minuteman Press simply has my back, and I couldn’t ask for anything more than that in my business and in my life.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Downey, CA, visit https://www.downey.minutemanpress.com. 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

February 22, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with SteelCloud

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with SteelCloud, a leading provider of capabilities to automate policy compliance, configuration control, and Cloud security. This unique partnership will extend efforts to identify and include proven capabilities within the CMMC COE Marketplace to improve cybersecurity protection and resilience for the global defense industrial base network of contractors, vendors, and suppliers. ConfigOS is SteelCloud’s patented software compliance suite that allows anyone to quickly establish a STIG ( Security Technical Implementation Guide ) and or CIS ( Center for Information Security ) - cyber security compliant environment. The patented software is a complete solution offering scanning, automated remediation, compliance reporting, and external interfaces to other tools. ConfigOS is the only COTS solution on the market that fully automates remediation out of the box, saving countless hours of information assurance labor while establishing enterprise compliance consistency. It addresses policy remediation automation for Windows and Linux operating systems and applications. Learn more at https://www.steelcloud.com/cmmc/ The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative engagement between SteelCloud and the CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor, vendor, and supplier community of providers creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Source qualified CMMC/ cyber professionals to serve as advocates. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organisations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and SteelCloud partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. “SteelCloud is excited to forge this partnership with the CMMC-COE,” said Mr. Brian Hajost, SteelCloud President & CEO. “CMMC is a vital program to secure the DoD’s contractor supply chain in order to protect critical U.S information. By working with the CMMC-COE, we can deliver our compliance automation technology and reduce the cost and complexity of CMMC compliance for the broadest range of DIB customers.” The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that will include resources that support the overall effort, including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more that will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on SteelCloud, please visit https://www.steelcloud.com/ About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

February 22, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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