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Chaney Enterprises to Open New Concrete Plant in Leesburg, Virginia

Chaney Enterprises

Chaney Enterprises, a ready-mix concrete, aggregates, custom blends, and related construction supplies provider, announces a new concrete plant location in Leesburg, Virginia due to open operations first quarter of 2022. Chaney Enterprises’ new ready-mix concrete plant in Loudoun County will be located at 42824 Durham Court and will service the thriving Leesburg market. This new facility will be a state of the art, completely enclosed Treyco Outlaw with a high-capacity output, capable of 200 yards per hour. “We are elated to announce this addition to our footprint in Northern Virginia. In addition to this ultramodern facility, local customers in the northern Virginia construction market will have access to numerous technology offerings as well as our remarkable team members who make up the best and most passionate in the industry,” stated Francis “Hall” Chaney, III, chief executive officer for Chaney Enterprises. Customers in this market can also access Chaney’s portable concrete plants and new concrete pumping division, CE Pumping. To keep track of orders, customers are encouraged to take advantage of the convenient Chaney Customer App. This app allows for both concrete and aggregate customer to check their order status, verify their delivery date, change the quantities of products ordered, and most importantly get the real time location and delivery status of their order. The new Leesburg concrete plant will be Chaney Enterprises’ seventh concrete plant in the Northern Virginia market along with Lorton, Gainesville, Bealeton, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George. About Chaney Enterprises Founded in 1962 by Eugene “Babe” Chaney and built on a foundation of integrity, every member of the Chaney Enterprises team pours their heart and soul into every job. Chaney is passionate about providing ready-mix concrete, sand, gravel, stone, blended soils, and related construction supplies to its customers throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Delaware by land, sea, and rail. From its headquarters in Gambrills, Md., the company operates 40 ready-mix concrete plants, 12 sand and gravel facilities, CE Pumping, and BuilderUp, a professional building supply operation with locations in Waldorf and Owings, Md. For more information visit ChaneyEnterprises.com. Contact Details Erica Magdelinskas +1 301-932-5855 emag@chaneyenterprises.com

October 26, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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THRIVE HOME BUILDERS A TWELVE-TIME WINNER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GRAND AWARD IN HOUSING INNOVATION

Thrive Homebuilders

Denver-based Thrive Home Builders is now a 12-time Grand Award winner in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Housing Innovation Awards. The award recognizes U.S. builders deemed experts in the field of high-performance, energy-efficient homebuilding and whose homes meet the rigorous technical requirements specified by the DOE’s Zero Energy Ready program. Thrive received the Grand Award in the Single-Family Home category for its Zero Energy Revive model, a 3,393-square-foot, five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home located within the master-planned community of Central Park, formerly known as Stapleton, in Denver. The Revive plan is part of Thrive’s Vitality Collection of homes priced starting at just over $1 million. “It’s never been more important to build healthy, energy-efficient homes that are priced for families,” said Thrive Home Builders CEO Gene Myers. “Despite the difficulties of the past year, our team truly believes that we need to make our communities and world a better place.” Both Thrive and its pioneering founder Gene Meyers have been recognized since the DOE founded the Housing Innovation Awards in 2013. As one of the largest builders of Zero Energy Ready homes in the country, Thrive is known for its industry-leading, LEED-certified, Zero Energy Ready homes throughout metro Denver. Vitality is a collection of 39 Zero Energy homes that incorporate cutting-edge, zero energy building techniques with uncompromised functional and authentic design resulting in zero-carbon, all-electric, LEED Platinum-certified, Indoor airPLUS-qualified, solar-powered single-family homes. “Thrive Home Builders and its fellow winners are leading a major housing industry transformation that improves the way Americans live by substantially reducing or eliminating utility bills, ensuring engineered comfort way beyond traditional homes, protecting health with a comprehensive package of indoor air quality measures, and helping owners maximize the largest investment of their lifetime,” said Sam Rashkin, former Chief Architect at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office. Built in collaboration with Pro Builder Magazine and EEBA, the Energy & Environmental Building Alliance, the Revive Model Home is referred to as “The Ultimate Z.E.N. (Zero Energy Now) Home.” Pro Builder Magazine followed and reported on the construction of this home and ultimately featured the home on the cover of its October 2020 issue. The home was the featured attraction during EEBA’s 2021 High-Performance Summit in Denver. Only a select group of the top builders in the country meet the extraordinary levels of excellence and quality specified by the U.S. Department of Energy, but as the market for residential zero energy (ZE) buildings continues to grow across the United States, Thrive is leading the way. About Thrive Home Builders Thrive Home Builders has been a leader in the design and construction of energy-efficient homes since 1992. Thrive has long been recognized as a pioneer in zero energy building, and the company is repeatedly recognized by industry associations for its sustainable construction of single-family homes and rowhomes. The company continues to lead the homebuilding industry into the next frontier by building well-crafted homes that promote both energy efficiency and homeowners’ wellness. Every home is built LEED certified, Indoor airPLUS qualified and solar powered, and Thrive is the largest builder of Zero Energy Ready homes in the country. Its award-winning homes are available throughout Denver and its suburbs. For more information, visit www.thrivehomebuilders.com. Contact Details Center Reach Communications Tracy Henderson +1 720-989-3530 tracy@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://www.thrivehomebuilders.com/

October 26, 2021 09:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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PCMA PRIVATE CLIENT LENDING ANNOUNCES 3RD QUARTER RESULTS & 2022 GROWTH PROJECTIONS

PCMA

PCMA, the pioneer and category leader in Non-Bank Private Client Lending, announced 2021 third quarter results and is accelerating growth projections into 2022. Direct Retail Private Client Originations (NQM-Expanded Prime) in the 3rd quarter reached $179,898,000.00, an increase of 34% over 2nd quarter results. 12-month aggregate loan volume for 2020/2021 reached $436,735,000.00 with projected loan volume for the total year of 2021 to exceed $625MM. “It has been quite the journey overcoming the obstacles COVID has inserted into the financial system. Since the Reboot, we have faced crippling vendor delays, clearing legacy assets frozen in the system, economic uncertainty, you name it, we dealt with it, “said John Lynch, CEO and founder of PCMA. “I am so proud of my team in how they faced these challenges and rebooted our operational capacity to deliver another strong quarter of profitability and volume growth.” In the third quarter PCMA continued to expand its leadership in the private client category by launching a multi-state television campaign targeting affluent communities, vertically integrated the firm with the addition of its newly formed asset manager, key executive management team acquisitions, increased margin execution, and expanded its funding capacity. “The PCMA brand is starting to resonate and is becoming synonymous with the Private Client community,” said Lynch. We are very grateful for the success we have had to this point; however, we are very focused on the opportunity that is unfolding for us in 2022 and beyond.” Origination metrics and credit performance continues to defy industry norms quarter over quarter. PCMA expanded prime assets are heavily sought after and oversubscribed in the secondary market by tier one investors that like the low convexity, consistent income, and high credit performance of our private clients. PCMA is well positioned to further its growth projections and continued leadership in private client lending for many years to come. About PCMA PCMA is the nation's leading Non-Bank Private Client Lender serving the complex credit needs of their High-Net-Worth clientele. PCMA offers qualified individuals and institutions bespoke lending solutions across all major residential asset classes. PCMA is a diversified financial enterprise offering private client solutions through a direct to consumer and distributed retail business model. PCMA strives to build trusting and enduring relationships by putting clients and professional partners at the center of all they do. PCMA is headquartered in Orange County, CA. Additional information is available at www.pcma.us.com Contact Details PCMA Private Client Lending Jason L Jepson +1 949-394-7033 jason.jepson@pcma.us.com Company Website https://pcma.us.com

October 25, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Craig Davis Properties Closes Deal on Hampton Roads Luxury Multifamily Property

Craig Davis Properties

Craig Davis Properties, Inc. (CDP) and its partners, L.M. Sandler & Sons and Harbour Group closed on the sale of Lumen Apartments on September 27, 2021, reaching a record-breaking price per unit sale in the Hampton market. The 300-unit multifamily community is located in one of the area's most notable and growing economic regions, helping set lease-rate records at full capacity after only eight months, and out-performing initial pro forma projections. The commercial real estate development company, CDP, is North Carolina based with projects throughout the Southeast. The top-of-the market multifamily Hampton Roads community is situated amidst prominent economic drivers, including Langley Air Force Base, Huntington Ingalls Industries and other Fortune 500 companies. This prime location positioned Lumen Apartments as a desirable site in the growing metropolitan area. Lumen Apartments brings new life to the business park area while exemplifying CDP’s ability to customize projects for local communities and provide luxury living for residents. "This project exceeded expectations with its record-breaking sale following a remarkable full capacity lease rate," said Craig Davis, CDP Founder and CEO. "The Lumen project is an excellent example of the luxury niche market that is driven by modern tenants seeking greater amenities while at home. I'm pleased to have been able to deliver this success for our investors who had faith in the project and this market." Lumen Apartments offer top-of-the-line amenities, unrivaled in the current market. The units feature smart home technology, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling windows. Notable community amenities include a resort-style pool, activated entertainment spaces and on-demand fitness rooms. To further enhance the resident experience, CDP worked with local officials through an in-depth variance process to ensure proper signage and placemaking features designed to encourage resident interaction while meeting the needs and personality of the surrounding community. About Craig Davis Properties Founded by Craig Davis, former NCSU basketball player and Triangle resident in 1988, Craig Davis Properties (CDP) has grown into an industry leader in the development community - building projects throughout North Carolina and the Southeast. CDP's broad portfolio of projects range from commercial to multifamily communities that offer a diverse, modern lifestyle and an appealing environment to live and work. The company has developed over 8 million square feet of multifamily, office, industrial and mixed-use products throughout North Carolina and the Southeast and has an additional 2,000 multifamily units currently in the pipeline in the Carolinas. To learn more visit https://www.craigdavisproperties.com Contact Details Craig Davis Properties Scott Hellmuth +1 919-678-4212 Scott.Hellmuth@CraigDavisProperties.com Company Website https://craigdavisproperties.com/

October 21, 2021 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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New Legal & General Study on Millennials and Housing Looks at the Effects of Wage Stagnation on Home Ownership

Legal & General

36% of millennials find home ownership hard to afford where they currently live An additional 20% of millennials find home ownership extremely hard to afford Only half of recent millennial graduates managed to find a job matching their skills and education right after graduating – of these, 28% are still looking With broad economic concern about the Fed raising interest rates and the knock-on effect of increased borrowing costs, millennials’ attitudes around housing turn to the decades-long failure of wages to keep up with the cost of housing. Today, the third part of a broad new study conducted by Legal & General Group, U.S. Millennials and Home Ownership – A Distant Dream for Most, is released, zeroing in on how millennials’ income, and in particular the long-standing issue of wage stagnation, has contributed to the reality of housing unaffordability for millennials. This third segment of the data-rich study, Wage Stagnation Has Flipped the Housing Equation for Millennials, takes a deep dive into the effects of sluggish income growth versus the skyrocketing cost of housing on specific demographics within the 25- to 40-year-old U.S. millennial population. The long-term consequences are still unfolding, but according to the survey data, many millennials were living with their parents, and more than half of those surveyed found housing in their area to be cost prohibitive. Legal & General Group Chief Executive Nigel Wilson commented: “We’re seeing similarities between many parts of the U.S. and the U.K. in terms of the supply-demand imbalance, which further compounds the last few decades of median wage stagnation, something we are addressing at Legal & General. And while many millennials may have reasons beyond affordability to delay home ownership, the overwhelming majority of those who would like to become property owners continue to face significant challenges. It’s time to take action— and create solutions that will address the wage issue, as well as create a larger stock of affordable homes.” Study Co-Author and Legal & General Corporate Affairs Director John Godfrey notes: “With affordability and job opportunities at the top of millennials’ list of reasons why they would move, there clearly needs to be a rebalancing of priorities in order for this demographic to step onto the housing ladder. Median income for millennials in the U.S. has risen 24 percent since 2012, but the median cost of a home has risen by 86 percent, nearly four times that. This discrepancy is unsustainable.” Legal & General’s study looks not only at housing affordability, but also at geographic and demographic choices based on age and life stage, and at various drivers shaping these choices, including the duality of wage stagnation and the rising cost of housing. Future segments will look in depth at the intergenerational housing gap; home ownership on U.S. Millennials’ bucket list; student debt and the cost of healthcare; and where Millennials stand on retirement and other savings vehicles. # # # Media Contact: For more information on the 2021 U.S. Millennials and Home Ownership study, or to see a copy of Part 3 of the report, please contact: Meir Kahtan: mkahtan@rcn.com +1 917-864-0800 Meir Kahtan Public Relations, LLC Notes To Editors The information contained in this press release is intended solely for journalists and should not be relied upon by private investors or any other persons to make financial decisions. About the Study Legal & General undertook proprietary research into the attitudes and changes, as well as geographic shifts, U.S. Millennials are experiencing in relation to home purchases and affordable housing. The U.S. Millennials and Home Ownership research was compiled using original survey data 875 U.S. based Millennials who don’t own a property, then segmented into three distinct age groups and other demographic markers. The survey work was carried out by Legal & General. Fieldwork was undertaken during March and April 2021. All surveys were carried out online. About Legal & General Group Established in 1836, Legal & General is one of the UK’s leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with international businesses in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia. With over $1.4 trillion in total assets under management, Legal & General is the UK’s largest investment manager for corporate pension schemes and a UK market leader in pension risk transfer, life insurance, workplace pensions and retirement income. About Legal & General Group Established in 1836, Legal & General is one of the UK’s leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with international businesses in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia. With over $1.4 trillion in total assets under management, Legal & General is the UK’s largest investment manager for corporate pension schemes and a UK market leader in pension risk transfer, life insurance, workplace pensions and retirement income. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.legalandgeneralgroup.com/

October 14, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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South Florida Real Estate Trends for Fall 2021

Miami Luxury Waterfront Homes

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and work-from-home orders, buyers have been flocking to Miami and nearby areas in South Florida. And it's not just homeowners — companies including Microsoft, JetBlue Airways and Goldman Sachs have recently moved their headquarters to Florida. The city is also luring in Tech crowds thanks heavily to the Mayor, Francis Suarez, who has been targeting Silicon Valley. These trends have seen billionaire businesspeople make the move to Miami while the local economy has seen a boom as of late. Although it's hard to say if this particular trend will continue as COVID-19 carries on, it's not unbelievable to think that workers and businesses alike may continue to take up permanent residence in the area. When it comes to real estate, luxury homes and condos continue to be in high demand through the fall months and with listings moving fast and limited availability, average home prices have risen exceptionally in the last year. Miami recently surpassed L.A. as the most expensive housing market, coming in second only to New York City. Florida has seen a massive trend of transplants from big cities, including New York & California, where homeowners are used to paying top-dollar for real estate and higher taxes. As such, luxury properties have been flipping for record profits with some garnering nearly three times the original investment within a short span. Last month, a waterfront estate in Miami Beach was flipped for nearly a 50% gain in just 4 months. It sold for $19 million in May of 2021 and for $28.1 million in September. Flips for luxury single-family homes are becoming more common due to the low inventory of houses available for sale in South Florida. "This market is truly unique," says Samantha Joelle Elenson, a realtor with ONE Sotheby's International Realty for nearly a decade. Miami is thriving with its growing population. The local entertainment and culture scenes are expanding to accommodate the city's newest residents. "Miami is at the forefront for the place to be," Elenson says. The city saw a surge of restaurants open and supper clubs are gaining momentum. Last season, New Yorkers notoriously booked reservations in Miami's top restaurants months in advance so locals planning a night out would be wise to book ahead — something Miami locals may need to adjust to. "Our city is attracting various industries and people for different reasons," Samantha explains. "I was getting calls from out-of-state clients looking to escape to Miami for their freedom as they put it. There was also a tech wave and all of a sudden Silicon Valley was looking at Miami. After the Presidential election and proposed tax adjustments, we began seeing a migration of billion-dollar businesses relocate headquarters here along with their employees. The surge of new residents caught the attention of top hospitality groups like Major Food Group from New York, which opened the almost impossible to get into Carbone and ZZ's. The city is evolving quickly and as a result new opportunities are emerging." When it comes to real estate pricing, it's clear to see this trend continuing well into the fall of 2021 according to the data presented by Samantha's Brokerage, ONE Sotheby's International Realty, which is a leading luxury firm in South Florida. The Trends report can be viewed at https://www.onesothebysrealty.com/trends. It presents the only market report focused on Florida’s East Coast. Data is presented from a macro perspective down to a city level from Miami to Cocoa Beach. October is now well underway and although the market in neighborhoods throughout South Florida shows signs of a shift toward seasonal trends, buyer competition, particularly among domestic newcomers, is expected to continue. Pricing for single-family homes and condominiums should hold steady or see a slight decrease through the remainder of 2021. Thanks to buyer competition, in August 2021, more than 27% of homes were sold above the asking price. By comparison, February 2021 saw just 13% of the area's homes sold above asking. In August 2021, Miami-Dade County saw the highest average sales price. Single-family homes sold for an average of $995,538 — a 32% increase over the August 2020 average, while condos sold for an average of $556,225 — also a 32% increase over August 2020 numbers. "Buyers are struggling to get properties at asking with phenomenal terms," Samantha shares. The county saw more than 1,247 transactions close in August after an average of 41 days on the market. Homes in neighborhoods such as South Miami, Miami Beach, Surfside, Golden Beach and Bay Harbor had average sales prices exceeding $1 million with luxury homes Bay Harbor Islands boasting the highest average sales price at $8.625 million and homes in South Miami selling for an average of $1,184,063 — 26% more than in August 2020. Throughout Miami-Dade County, available listings have increased slightly over the past few months, with 3% more available listings in August than in July 2021, when available listings hit a record low. As the availability of homes for sale increases in South Miami and other neighborhoods throughout Miami-Dade, average sales prices are seeing a slight downward trend. However, the Miami housing market remains hot and competition among buyers is at an all-time high, meaning homes are selling fast and sellers are seeing full-price offers and bidding wars over properties. As fall progresses, it's expected that competition for luxury homes in South Miami and other sought-after communities in the area will continue. "Clients traveled this summer as countries reopened but the housing demand remained high even without their presence," she says. "I expect as the season approaches those who were unsure of an address in Miami, will return to the sunshine state where they happily found refuge last season with all of their friends." Overall, the South Florida real estate market continues to thrive in the fall of 2021. Competition is at all-time highs while average sale prices remain among the highest in the country. About Miami Luxury Waterfront Homes One of ‘America’s Best Real Estate Agents’ as ranked by REAL Trends WSJ, native Floridian Samantha Joelle Elenson specializes in waterfront luxury properties, beachfront condominiums, and upscale property developments in and around Miami and Broward County. Raised in Golden Beach, Florida, Samantha is a third-generation real estate professional who draws on more than 40 years of family real estate development and investment experience. Since joining ONE Sotheby’s International Realty in 2012, Samantha has achieved residential real estate sales totaling more than $75 million. Her goal is to connect clients with the finest real estate properties in South Florida and provide each buyer or seller with personalized customer service complemented by her exclusive network, shrewd negotiating skills, and professional expertise. Her concierge approach to her clients and unrelenting passion for real estate are hallmarks of her service. Visit https://www.miamiluxurywaterfronthomes.com/. Contact Details Miami Luxury Waterfront Homes Samantha Joelle Elenson +1 786-393-4793 selenson@onesothebysrealty.com Company Website https://www.miamiluxurywaterfronthomes.com/

October 14, 2021 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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QX Global Group further augments its US Leadership Team

QX Global Group

QX Global Group, a leading knowledge process outsourcing company with a growing presence in North America, has brought onboard Mr Kyle Wilbur as Vice President, Sales, QX Finance & Accounting, further strengthening its senior management team in the US. At QX, Mr Wilbur will play an important and strategic role in the company’s expansion plans for the US. He was previously associated with University Loft Co. as Director of Sales and brings with him a wealth of experience in the student housing and property management sectors. His knowledge and expertise in leadership roles includes university housing expansion projects, on-site production management, and vendor relation management, while exceeding sales targets and providing on-floor sales training. Sharing his comments on the appointment, Mr Ravi Kurani, Country Head, North America, said, “With the addition of Kyle to our Senior Management team in the US we are confident of achieving the growth and success we have planned for the region. His grasp of the student housing and property management sectors will help strengthen our plans for these specific domains.” “The unique offerings of QX Global Group would add significant value to organizations that seek to enhance and transform their business processes. I am looking forward to working closely with the team to bring to fruition our ambitions for the US.” said Mr Kyle Wilbur, VP, Sales, QX F&A. The US is a strategic growth market for QX Global Group with close to 70 active clients in accounting, finance and recruitment processes. The company plans to double its number of clients and add offices in New York, Austin and Chicago, in addition to its existing headquarters in New Jersey. Follow Us On Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube To know more about our capabilities and success stories, Click Here About QX Global Group QX Global Group is a leading provider of business process management services. With over 17 years of accounting and recruitment process outsourcing experience, we help our clients unlock business value by improving process efficiencies and automation in the accounting and recruitment function to enable business transformation. We are based out of the UK with offices in the USA, Canada, Australia and India. Contact Details QX Global Group Vishal Kurani +1 646-693-9693 vishal.kurani@qxglobalgroup.com Company Website https://qxglobalgroup.com/

October 13, 2021 11:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Leviton Expands Partnership With HomeSphere

HomeSphere

Leviton, America’s most widely used electrical wiring device brand, today expanded its partnership with HomeSphere, an exclusive digital marketplace connecting residential homebuilders and building product manufacturers. The maker of breakthrough products, including smart switches, dimmers and outlets, now offers significant rebates on its core wiring device products, light fixtures and Decora Smart family of automated lighting options to both multifamily and single-family builders. “We have manufactured innovative, safe and efficient lighting products for more than a century,” said Leviton Director of National Builder Sales Tom West. “This is the right time to support residential builders and HomeSphere is the right partner. With its technology, relationships and know-how, HomeSphere will connect us to a new segment of the market.” By bundling multiple rebate-eligible products, HomeSphere helps single-family and multifamily homebuilders access rebates and other savings on Leviton brands, ranging from its wiring devices and data products to its automated and premium home products. New rebate-eligible brands for the luxury residential market include Birchwood Lighting, ConTech Lighting and Intense Lighting. “We are constantly evolving to serve the ever-changing needs of the industry,” said HomeSphere President and CEO Greg Schwarzer. “Leviton’s best-in-class lighting brands are a welcome addition to its suite of smart products that have already seen great success on our platform.” Leviton joins a growing platform that delivers a new way to procure building products. HomeSphere’s more than 2,600 U.S. home builders use My HomeSphere® to access exclusive incentives from and connect with leading building product manufacturers to claim millions of dollars every year. About HomeSphere Established in 1999, HomeSphere connects America's local and regional homebuilders to exclusive product incentives through My HomeSphere®, its award-winning rebate management platform. Previously only available to the largest national homebuilders, more than 2,600 single-family and multifamily builders trust My HomeSphere® to grow their returns by quickly capitalizing on product incentives available through HomeSphere's network of 80+ manufacturers and brands. For more information about HomeSphere's products and solutions for homebuilders and manufacturers, visit www.homesphere.com. About Leviton Every day, Leviton is engineering possibilities that make the future happen, meeting the needs of today’s residential, commercial and industrial customers globally. From electrical, to lighting, to data networks and energy management, Leviton develops thoughtful solutions that help make its customers’ lives easier, safer, more efficient and more productive. Driven by its commitment to its customers, the ingenuity of its employees and the safety and quality of its products and solutions, with Leviton, the FUTURE IS ON. For more information, visit http://www.leviton.com, www.facebook.com/leviton, www.twitter.com/leviton, or www.youtube.com/Levitonmfg. Contact Details Tracy Henderson +1 720-989-3530 tracy@centerreachcommunication.com HomeSphere Liz Polson lpolson@homesphere.com

October 05, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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IIDA Commercial Interior Design Association Calls on California Legislators to Update Work Regulations to Reflect Critical Role of Those Who Ensure Safety and Efficacy of Public Spaces

IIDA

Did you know that California is the only state utilizing a private board to oversee interior design regulation? The Northern and Southern California chapters of IIDA (the commercial international interior design association) today recommended that a state board oversee the process. That and other joint proposals are part of IIDA’s legislative slate for critical updates to the state’s regulatory process for the commercial interior design profession. In early 2022, the Business and Professions committee of the California Legislature will undertake a sunset review of the regulation of the interior design occupation as established in 1990. The legislature originally scheduled the review in 2021 but deferred it due to the exigencies of the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic brought to light greater public awareness about the essential work that commercial interior designers do to ensure that public spaces are designed to support the health and well-being of the people who use and occupy them every day. Commercial interior designers conceive and create the systems and aesthetics around space usage, air quality, surfaces and access in commercial spaces that include office buildings, government buildings, entertainment venues, airports, schools and hospitals. “We know – and the pandemic has shown - that commercial interior design plays a key role in promoting the health, safety and welfare of the public. Design also has the power to heal and bring people together,” said Verda Alexander, president of IIDA Northern California. “California’s regulations and standards for the commercial design profession lag far behind those of other states. The upcoming sunset review is the ideal moment to bring California up to the industry standard.” “With respect to public health, racial equity and climate change, we are living in unprecedented times,” added Meena Krenek, president of IIDA Southern California. “Commercial interior designers use design as a tool for championing social and environmental concerns and they represent the full diversity of California. Their professional standing should be regulated on an equal basis with our architectural colleagues.” Commercial interior designers are trained to identify and apply creative and technical design solutions to the interiors of commercial buildings – from offices and hospitals to restaurants and concert halls. Their goal is to understand the human experience within these spaces, and improve how people use them, while keeping the public safe and healthy. Their work must conform to local and state building and public health codes. Commercial design professionals understand these regulations and follow through to ensure compliance. IIDA recommends the following updates to California’s professional standards: IIDA supports the continuation of a voluntary certification or registration for interior designers, including commercial interior designers who practice in the code-impacted environment. Due to the health, safety, and welfare impacts of commercial spaces, the public’s best interest is served when commercial interior design is recognized and regulated. IIDA advocates for commercial interior designers to be regulated by a state board. IIDA believes regulating the industry by a state board provides transparency and equity for interior designers and the public. The current regulation is overseen by a private board. California is the only state in the country utilizing a private board to oversee interior design regulation. IIDA submits that the qualifying exam for certified or registered commercial interior designers be the NCIDQ exam. The NCIDQ exam is the industry’s national standard, and many states require this for certification or registration. California currently requires a unique exam that is not recognized by any other state. IIDA argues for commercial interior designers’ ability to stamp & seal drawings within a defined scope and for the acceptance of that stamp to be codified in state law to ensure consistent acceptance at building departments throughout California. Currently, Certified Interior Designers do not have codified stamp and seal privileges and experience inconsistencies in various jurisdictions when submitting drawings for review across the state. IIDA recommends that “commercial interior designers” be included in California’s definition of “design professional,” which also includes architects, engineers, landscape architects and land surveyors. Without this recognition, the thousands of commercial interior designers practicing in California are legally excluded, despite their critical role working in code-impacted environments. About IIDA The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) chapters of Northern California and Southern California are not-for-profit philanthropic organizations that represent more than 1,000 commercial interior designers. These IIDA chapters support and promote the commercial interior design profession through education, knowledge sharing, best practices, advocacy and research. The work of commercial interior designers touches the health, safety and well-being of millions of people every day. For information about IIDA Northern California, please visit www.iidanc.org. For information about IIDA Southern California, please visit: https://iida-socal.org/. # # # Contact Details Christina Marcellus +1 310-963-2023 Christina@capitoladvisors.org Company Website https://iida.org/

September 28, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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