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DealCloud’s New Relationship Intelligence Insights Leverage Dealmakers’ Networks to Drive Growth

Intapp

Intapp (NASDAQ: INTA), a leading provider of industry-specific, cloud-based software solutions that enable connected professional and financial services firms, today announced expanded relationship intelligence functionality within its DealCloud solution, helping firms grow business and improve outcomes using the power of professional networks. DealCloud relationship intelligence uses AI and predictive insights to help dealmakers improve deal sourcing, business development, fundraising, and related functions using the reach and strength of their personal networks and those of professionals across the firm. DealCloud relationship intelligence identifies who knows whom and establishes relationship scores based on the volume, recency, and type of engagements by passively harvesting metadata from Microsoft Exchange emails and events. The tool provides a new layer of insights that helps users find the clearest and most influential path to opportunity with other firms and dealmakers — with zero data input required. Key benefits of using DealCloud for relationship intelligence include: Sourcing deals through personal and professional networks — By relying on a deeper layer of relationship insights, deal professionals can intelligently scan their firm’s network for lucrative referrals and generate warm introductions at target companies. Maintaining and develop key relationships — With relationship intelligence, deal professionals can track the strength of relationships and nurture them to maintain or improve the effectiveness of their network through new business development initiatives. Reducing key-person risk and institutionalize knowledge — Relationship intelligence helps firms manage and monitor relationships, minimizing loss or damage to the firm by determining which relationships might be at risk due to employee attrition and transitioning those relationships to other professionals. DealCloud relationship intelligences uses dashboards and network diagrams to help firms visualize relationships, showing who maintains relationships with parties of interest, how strong those relationships are, and how long they’ve existed. By combining contact and relationship data with the DealCloud platform’s client and engagement lifecycle data, firms can achieve a competitive advantage resulting from data-driven business development and stronger collaboration. “Deal professionals often struggle to understand who knows whom at target companies and firms, especially across geographies, industries, and deal teams,” said Ben Harrison, President of Financial Services at Intapp. “Considering that a significant majority of deals are generated through a dealmaker’s professional contacts, this can pose a considerable challenge to business growth. DealCloud relationship intelligence helps dealmakers instantly understand the clearest and most influential path to a target company’s leadership while other firms are still cold calling.” For more information on DealCloud relationship intelligence, please visit our website or contact us for a personalized demo. About Intapp Intapp makes the connected firm possible. We help professional and financial services firms better connect their people, processes, and data through AI-powered software solutions. Trusted by more than 1,900 of the world’s premier private capital, investment banking, legal, accounting, and consulting firms, Intapp offers an end-to-end solution purpose-built to help modernize these firms. Intapp facilitates greater team collaboration, digitizes complex workflows to optimize deal and engagement execution, and leverages proprietary AI to help nurture relationships and originate new business. Intapp helps firms increase profitability and investment returns, operate more efficiently, and better manage risk and compliance. For more information, visit intapp.com and connect with us on Twitter (@Intapp) and LinkedIn. Contact Details Intapp Ali Robinson +1 612-232-0062 ali.robinson@intapp.com Company Website http://www.intapp.com

November 02, 2021 09:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Monarch Apartment Homes Reaches Milestone and Breaks Ground in Palm Springs

Community Housing Opportunities Corporation

The first affordable housing complex in Palm Springs in more than 12 years is moving forward. The Monarch Apartment Homes, a 60-unit affordable housing community located in Palm Springs, CA, officially broke ground on October 28. Under development by the Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC ), an organization dedicated to expanding affordable housing, the complex serves as an excellent example of how the affordable housing challenge can be solved in cities throughout the state. The CHOC Monarch Apartment Homes is expected to be completed in 2023. “It has been stated that housing is a human right,” said Manuela Silva, CEO of CHOC. “Affordable housing allows residents to live in cities that they would not otherwise have been able to afford. As a result, residents have better school choices.” Dignitaries present at the groundbreaking included California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Palm Springs Mayor Christy Holstege, City Councilmembers Lisa Middleton and Dennis L. Woods, Lift to Rise CEO Heather Vaikona, 4 th District Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and CHOC CEO Manuela Silva. Heather Vaikona was the event’s master of ceremonies. “Governor Gavin Newsom has allocated $500 million of state low-income housing tax credits over the last three fiscal years. That is significant in making projects like this,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “It also has made our bonds competitive because the state tax credits need to be combined with the bonds.” In partnership with the city under a Disposition Development Agreement (DDA), CHOC will develop the land with rental apartments consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The project is financed by California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA), the City of Palm Springs, the County of Riverside, Flagstar Bank, the California Community Reinvestment Corporation (CCRC), California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTAC), and California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC). “The full city council has unanimously supported this project and our partnership with CHOC includes donating this beautiful and valuable piece of land we are standing on today to the developer appraised at $840,000 contributing an additional $1.8 million of city funds to get this project done,” said Palm Springs Mayor Christy Holstege. “We covered $250,000 in permit fees so the total contribution of nearly $3 million to cover the gap to support CHOC to get this done.” “Like many of our cities, the area is heavily reliant on hardworking, low-income workers that are the backbone of many industries here, yet they often have to choose between paying for housing versus other necessities such as childcare, food, and healthcare,” adds Silva. “This is the first new affordable housing property in 12 years and there is more to come. I am proud of Riverside County, the City of Palm Springs, the mayor and our council members,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. The $31 million complex includes sloping rooftops that mimic the monarch butterfly, and natural desert plants to blend in with the surrounding communities. The development sits on a 3.62-acre vacant parcel of land owned by the City of Palm Springs Successor Redevelopment Agency. The property is located at the Southeast corner of N. Indian Canyon and San Rafael Drive in the Upper Westside One Palm Springs Neighborhood. In partnership with the city under a Disposition Development Agreement (DDA), CHOC will develop the land with rental apartments consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. All units will have balconies or patios with a community building for a computer classroom, a rental office, and a community lounge that can be used for group functions. Amenities include a dog park, a Monarch Park splash pad – which is a water feature with a deck area that is integrated into the main open space adjacent to a children’s play area as well as two BBQ areas. Designed under the direction of Maria Song, AIA, LEED & AP, principal with the Palm Springs-based architectural firm Interactive Design Corporation, (IDC) and HKIT Architects, the complex will blend in with the surrounding neighborhood, which is known for its mid-Century modern design influence. The property will be constructed by davisREED Construction, Inc., whose breadth of national experience ranges from five-star resorts to public works and other hotels including the Kimpton Rowan in Palm Springs, which was named among the Condé Nast Best New Hotels List. ### About The Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC): Founded in 1984, the Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) is a non-profit, affordable housing developer based in Fairfield, California with offices in Palm Springs, creates and manages equitable communities for individuals, families, seniors, and those with special needs. CHOC believes that economically integrated affordable housing is key to self-sufficiency and is achievable with enriching, supportive programs that give pride to residents, stabilize families, and improve local economies. Visit www.chochousing.org to learn more. Contact Details The Hoyt Organization Cinnamon Thompson +1 310-933-6836 cthompson@hoytorg.com Company Website https://www.chochousing.org/

October 29, 2021 12:53 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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Cyvatar Named Finalist in Computing Security Excellence Awards 2021

Cyvatar

Cyvatar today announced that it has been chosen as a finalist in Computing’s Security Excellence Awards 2021 for the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Security Solution Award. Computing celebrates the achievements of the IT industry's leading security companies, solutions, products, and personalities that keep every other part of the industry operating. Award categories include product- and project-related recognition, organizational achievements, and accolades for outstanding individual success. Computing selected Cyvatar for its cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) platform, designed with SMEs in mind. SMEs are increasingly at the mercy of ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and other cyber threats, but unlike larger orgs, most SMEs don’t have the budget or expertise to invest in comprehensive in-house security programs. Moreover, they struggle to show value from the security tools they do buy. Cyvatar CSaaS democratizes cybersecurity, making the best protection accessible and affordable for any SME regardless of budget, even if they have no cybersecurity expertise in-house. Customers can select the membership and pricing that meet their desired business outcomes in seconds; a freemium model ensures they can achieve tangible results fast with no out-of-pocket costs--an industry first. And they can cancel anytime--another industry first. “We don’t throw technology over the wall and expect our customers to figure it out themselves the way many product companies do,” said Corey White, Cyvatar co-founder and chief executive. “We deliver all three pillars of cybersecurity—the teams, technology solutions, and best practices—to SMEs that would not otherwise be able to implement them. Our subscription model ensures they don’t end up buying solutions they can’t use or don’t need, and our platform lets them see at a glance what’s going on in their environment to give them the best cyber prevention available.” Cyvatar offers its proprietary ICARM™ (install, configure, assess, remediate, maintain) methodology to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions, allowing SMEs to achieve security compliance and cyber-attack prevention faster and more effectively. ICARM ensures SMEs won’t get crushed under the weight of too many products, and guaranteed outcomes mean they get maximum value from their technology spend. Choose the Cyvatar membership with the best outcomes for your business today. About Cyvatar Cyvatar is committed to effortless cybersecurity for everyone. As the industry’s first subscription-based, cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) company, it’s our mission to transform the way the security industry builds, sells, and supports cyber solutions. We empower our members to achieve successful outcomes by providing expert practitioners, market-leading technologies, and proven best practices to guarantee business results. Our approach is rooted in a proprietary ICARM (installation, configuration, assessment, remediation, maintenance) methodology that delivers measurable security solutions for superior compliance and cyber-attack prevention, all bundled into a fixed monthly subscription that members can cancel anytime. Cyvatar is headquartered in Irvine, California, with locations around the world. Begin your journey to security confidence at cyvatar.ai and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Contact Details Cyvatar Dan Chmielewski +1 949-231-2963 dchm@madisonalexanderpr.com Company Website https://cyvatar.ai/

October 28, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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

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

Independent Proxy Advisory Firm ISS Recommends Common Stockholders Vote “FOR” All Special Meeting Proposals

Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Company” or “WHLR”) (NASDAQ: WHLR) today announced that independent proxy advisory firm, Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”), has recommended in its report issued on October 25, 2021 that WHLR common stockholders vote “FOR” all of the proposals in the Definitive Proxy Statement filed by the Company on October 4, 2021 relating to the removal of any cumulative dividend rights of holders of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock. WHLR notes that ISS is now the second independent proxy advisory firm to recommend stockholders vote “FOR” all of the proposals at the Company’s November 3, 2021 Special Meeting of Common Stockholders following the recommendation from another leading proxy advisor firm, Glass Lewis, in a report issued on October 7, 2021. In its report issued yesterday, ISS stated, [1] “The company has faced pressure from activist investors over the past several years, which has led to a fully reconstituted board and changes in executive management. The proposed changes to the terms of the preferred shares appear to be one of the steps of the turnaround effort undertaken by the board.” And “Notwithstanding the opposition from the holder of preferred shares [2], support for each proposal is warranted as the rationale for the proposed amendment appears reasonable given that the elimination of cumulative preferred dividends would improve the company's financial condition and not otherwise adversely impact the rights of common shareholders.” [1] Permission to use quotations neither sought nor obtained. [2] ISS, in its report, is referring to Steamboat Capital Partners and its Schedule 13D/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2021. WHLR common stockholders are reminded that their vote is important, no matter how many or how few shares they own. The Company’s board of directors recommends that common stockholders vote “FOR” all of the proposals at the Company’s November 3, 2021 Special Meeting of Common Stockholders. If you would like copies of the Definitive Proxy Statement filed by Wheeler in connection with the 2021 Special Meeting, have questions about any of the proposals, or require assistance voting your shares, please call the firm assisting us on this matter: Okapi Partners LLC 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 24th Floor New York, New York 10036 + 1 (212) 297-0720 (Main) + 1 (877) 566-1922 (Toll-Free) Email: info@okapipartners.com About Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. is a fully integrated, self-managed commercial real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on owning and operating income-producing retail properties with a primary focus on grocery-anchored centers. Please visit: www.whlr.us Forward-Looking Statements This press release and related discussions should be read in conjunction with the Companyâs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release and related discussions contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These forward-looking statements include information concerning the Companyâs plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues, performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. Such forward-looking statements reflect managementâs current expectations concerning future events and results of the Company. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, stockholders should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Unless required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or provide revision to any forward-looking statement at any time for any reason. Contact Details Proxy Information Okapi Partners LLC +1 877-566-1922 info@okapipartners.com

October 26, 2021 08:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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

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

Save Highlands Committee Seeks Justice Through the Legal System

Save Highlands

A group of homeowners working to protect the people whose livelihoods depend on travel and tourism, the personal rights already vested in individual property owners, and inclusivity in the Town of Highlands have taken legal steps to protect their neighbors and their rights. Asheville, North Carolina, law firm Allen Stahl + Kilbourne has filed a legal complaint on behalf of Save Highlands against the Town for its decision on August 24, 2021, to ban all vacation rentals in R1, effective January 3, 2022. “We are happy to give a voice to so many local workers, homeowners, and businesses who are adversely affected by this impetuous decision,” said Kristy Jones Favalli, a member of the Save Highlands group. “It’s unfortunate that we’re in this position and that no conciliatory efforts have been made on behalf of the Town. Simply put, this is a matter of due process – we truly believe the law is on our side and that justice will prevail.” The Town of Highlands has allowed vacation rentals for decades and has permitted many property owners to make substantial investments based on that policy. In order to protect property rights and the economic welfare of the community, Save Highlands is seeking declaratory relief from the Court to prevent the Town of Highlands from discriminating against property owners’ ability to use their property as they see fit, while providing favorable treatment to other property owners. They do not seek monetary damages from the Town of Highlands. The members of Save Highlands recently sent the following letter to Town residents regarding the issue: Fellow Lovers of Highlands, As you are all well aware, Highlands is an inclusive family of year-round residents, seasonal homeowners, visitors, restaurateurs, artists, landscapers, retailers, housekeepers, entrepreneurs, builders, realtors, plumbers, electricians, and many others. All these groups are inter-woven into the fabric that makes this town so special, and while some may not realize it, all of these groups benefit from vacation rentals. For four decades the Town of Highlands communicated to countless property owners and visitors that there were no restrictions on vacation rentals. The Town has happily accepted rental tax revenue and welcomed renters for decades. That changed this summer when a small but vocal HOA voted to bring legal action against the Town of Highlands. On August 19 th, the Town meeting opened with the statement “this is the beginning of a long discussion on vacation rentals,” and less than a week later the Board voted to ban them. The people and the businesses of Highlands were blindsided. In response, Save Highlands was created. Sadly, we are being positioned as faceless investors. The truth is that we have been part of the community for decades and many of us are full-time residents. One member has had property and family rooted in the town since the 1920s, another since the 1880s. We are not a group of faceless investors. We are your neighbors and, just like you, we want what’s best for this Town. On October 13, the Save Highlands group of homeowners took the first legal step to retain personal property rights in the Town of Highlands. To be clear, this is not an action we wanted to take. The Town Commission simply has no legal authority to ban all vacation rentals in R1. Unfortunately, neither Mayor Taylor nor anyone from the Town of Highlands have come to the table with negotiations or made any attempt to find common ground. In effect, all remaining options for cordially protecting the rights of property owners and saving Highlands have been exhausted. We firmly believe the law is on our side regarding this issue. Banning rentals will not only have a crippling financial effect on Highlands, but also fracture its people unnecessarily. In fact, it’s already happening. This action has created an artificial divide between neighbors when together we could address the issue thoughtfully, taking the entire community’s input into consideration. A vacation rental ban will have a substantial negative effect on tax and business revenue and lead to a devastating loss of income for countless Highlands residents. Banning rentals could mean an annual loss of 19.3 million dollars in direct income on Main Street and a 115-million-dollar total economic loss for the Town. These financial implications are far reaching and affect us all. While the Town is currently booming - fueled by the travel dynamics of the pandemic and a recovering economy - the financial effects of a vacation rental ban will be felt this winter and exponentially when the economic climate isn’t so strong. We want balance. Vacation rentals are a complicated subject for any town, which is why they were specifically addressed in the Draft Community Plan. And while loud voices have stated that vacation rentals are “simply against the law,” that is simply false. The Town of Highlands Use Regulations do not even mention vacation rentals. Even the State of North Carolina defines vacation rentals as “residential use.” But more than that, we feel that who we invite into our homes should be in our hands as the property owners – not the decision of the government. We love this town and its people. And we believe if we come together as a community, we can create an inclusive, well-planned future to save Highlands for generations to come. Sincerely, The Save Highlands Committee To read the legal filing in its entirety, visit www.savehighlands.net Contact Details Save Highlands Jill Lieberman, Adapt Public Relations +1 828-399-1588 jill@adaptpublicrelations.com Company Website https://www.savehighlands.net

October 19, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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