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VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Eat Beyond Global Holdings (CSE: EATS) (“Eat Beyond” or the “Company”), an investment issuer focused on innovation in the global plant-based and alternative food sector, is pleased to announce that Don Robinson, who previously joined the Company to serve on the board of directors, and previously served as CEO of Mars Canada, has been appointed to Chairman of the Board.

At Mars Canada, he transformed the business from an unprofitable operation losing $20M annually to a business with $25M in profit, with annual sales in excess of $500M.

“Eat Beyond stood out as the perfect opportunity for me to put my decades of experience to use for a movement I personally feel so passionate about. I myself went vegan about a year and a half ago, and it has had innumerable benefits for me. I believe that we will see the trend toward plant-based eating continue to grow, the environment and our collective health depend on it,” said Mr. Robinson. “This is why I am so personally excited about working with the team on identifying the next generation of great products and innovations that will move us toward a healthier and more sustainable future.”

Mr. Robinson’s experience spans three decades and four continents and includes leadership roles with industry giants including Mars Inc., Mars Canada, CARA Operations Ltd., and Kraft/Nabisco.  Most recently, he served as Chairman, CEO and President of CARA Operations Ltd. (2006-2013), where he was responsible for successfully leading a $1.8B business with an EBITDA of $70M for a period of 7 years, this included 700 restaurants, 35,000 people and 5 restaurant chains.

“Mr. Robinson has brought tremendous value to the team as we have continued to scout and assess hundreds of companies in the global, plant-based, and alternative food sector,” said Patrick Morris, CEO of Eat Beyond. “We are very excited that Don has agreed to be our chairman of the board. His leadership and operational experience are key. We are not just providing capital to our portfolio companies, we are actively involved in the companies to help them scale and grow effectively.”

Mr. Robinson is also the Chairman of the Confectionery Manufacturers Association of Canada and is the Executive Vice-Chair of the Food and Consumer Products Association of Canada.

About Eat Beyond Global Holdings
Eat Beyond Global Holdings Inc. (“Eat Beyond”) is an investment issuer that makes it easy to invest in the future of food. Eat Beyond identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech as well as plant-based and alternative food products. Led by a team of food industry experts, Eat Beyond is the first issuer of its kind in Canada, providing retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food sector, and access companies that are leading the charge toward a smarter, more secure food supply. Learn more: https://eatbeyondglobal.com/

Find Eat Beyond on Social Media on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For investment inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

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SOURCE Eat Beyond Global Holdings Inc.

XIAMEN, China, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Hat Interactive Entertainment Technology (“Blue Hat” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BHAT), a leading producer, developer and operator of augmented reality (“AR”) interactive entertainment games, toys and educational materials in China, today announced that the Company’s controlling subsidiary Xunpusen (Xiamen) Technology Co., Ltd. (“Xunpusen”) has signed an agreement with China Mobile Communications Group Guangdong Co., Ltd. (“China Mobile”) for a series of Telecom value-added service and Internet Data Center (“IDC”) contracts.

The establishment of the business cooperation with China Mobile is an evidence of the Company’s marketing and promotion efforts in order to effectively manage customer relations, improve the quality of delivery services, and enhance customer loyalty. At the same time, value-added services based on the Internet Plus model, as a new source of customer data collection, have created favorable conditions for customer management. The cooperation with China Mobile will effectively expand the coverage of the Company’s customer base, further improve and enhance the Company’s business promotion capabilities and brand awareness.

Xiaodong Chen, CEO of Blue Hat, said, “Blue Hat’s cooperation with China Mobile has broadened new channels for our products, as we immediately began seeing greater traffic for our mobile products. In addition, we were able to provide a more flexible and efficient service and marketing model, and thus improved the interaction and service with end customers. We believe that this business cooperation may generate a stable and sustainable profit and further the expansion and brand recognition of our products.”

About Blue Hat

Blue Hat Interactive Entertainment Technology is a producer, developer and operator of AR interactive entertainment games and toys in China, including interactive educational materials, mobile games, and toys with mobile game features. The Company’s interactive entertainment platform creates unique user experiences by connecting physical items to mobile devices, which creates a rich visual and interactive environment for users through the integration of real objects and virtual scenery. Distinguished by its own proprietary technology, Blue Hat aims to create an engaging, interactive and immersive community for its users. For more information, please visit the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.bluehatgroup.com. The Company routinely provides important information on its website.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the Company’s SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

                                                                       

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SOURCE Blue Hat Interactive Entertainment Technology

BALTIMORE, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ-GS: TROW), announced today that in support of the firm’s continued focus on generating strong investment results for clients, it will establish T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Inc. (TRPIM), as a separate U.S.-based SEC-registered investment adviser. TRPIM will have its own investment platform and veteran leadership, with more than 100 associates, including at least 85 investment professionals.

The firm intends to move the US Capital Appreciation, US Mid-Cap Growth Equity, US Small-Cap Core Equity¹, US Small-Cap Value Equity, US Smaller Companies Equity², and US High Yield Bond Strategies into TRPIM. There are no planned portfolio manager changes associated with this transition and no change is expected in the day-to-day management of client assets. Pending all approvals, the transition of these strategies from T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (TRPA), to TRPIM is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2022. As of September 30, 2020, the six strategies represented $167 billion in assets under management.

Over time, having two distinct investment platforms with independent research teams will allow the firm to generate new capacity while retaining its scale benefits and positioning the investment teams for continued success on behalf of clients. Aligning the strategies in this way will give the firm’s U.S. equity strategies increased flexibility to own more of certain holdings and maximize investment capacity for both TRPIM and TRPA, while maintaining the firm’s investment culture at both entities.

There will be no impact to the structure or approach of the firm’s target date portfolios or other multi-asset products.

To support the build out of the research platforms, the firm has been on an accelerated pace of analyst hiring for the last two years and has been integrating these investors into their respective teams. While the majority of hiring has taken place, the firm plans additional hires over the next year. Average portfolio manager and analyst tenure for TRPIM and TRPA is expected to be similar.

As with TRPA, dedicated trading, quantitative expertise, responsible investing, and corporate governance resources will complement TRPIM’s fundamental research efforts. Leveraging the firm’s scale, both entities will share corporate functions, including investment operations, client service and operations, technology, risk management, human resources, and legal.

Stephon Jackson, currently associate head of U.S. Equity and a 13-year veteran of T. Rowe Price’s Equity Division, will become head of TRPIM and will join the T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., Management Committee, as of January 1, 2021. The directors of research for TRPIM will be Steven Krichbaum and Thomas Watson, both of whom joined the firm in 2007 and are currently directors of equity research, North America. Tammy Wiggs, who also joined the firm in 2007 and is currently an equity trader, will be head of equity trading for TRPIM. Ric Weible, who has been with the firm for 18 years and is currently director of operations for the U.S. Equity Division, will become director of operations and business management for TRPIM.

The portfolio managers moving to TRPIM are seasoned investors and strong investment thought leaders and include Brian Berghuis (US Mid-Cap Growth Equity Strategy) and David Giroux (US Capital Appreciation Strategy), both of whom are winners of Morningstar’s Fund Manager of the Year award. Mr. Giroux will also serve as the CIO for TRPIM. The other portfolio managers include Frank Alonso (US Small-Cap Core Equity Strategy), Kevin Loome (US High Yield Bond Strategy), Curt Organt (US Smaller Companies Equity Strategy), and David Wagner (US Small-Cap Value Equity Strategy). Together, these six portfolio managers average 25 years of investment experience and 24 years at T. Rowe Price.

The firm does not expect the transition to be deemed a change of control or management of TRPA, nor does the firm expect any changes to fees or services provided to the funds and client accounts.

QUOTES


William J. Stromberg, President and CEO, T. Rowe Price
“Having two strong, yet separate, research platforms will enable us to continue delivering excellent investment performance for our clients. Leadership from Steph, Steven, Tom, Tammy, and Ric, combined with that of several long-tenured and seasoned portfolio managers and analysts with excellent investment track records, will ensure that the T. Rowe Price investment process; culture; and long-term, client-first orientation will be as foundational to T. Rowe Price Investment Management as it is for T. Rowe Price Associates.”

“We recognize that this is a change for our clients, and in keeping with our custom of carefully communicating major investment and leadership shifts well in advance, we’ll take the next 18 months to fine-tune and execute our operating plans while working with our clients to help them prepare for the changes. A cross-functional team has been hard at work putting everything in place to ensure a smooth transition.”

Rob Sharps, Head of Investments and Group CIO, T. Rowe Price
“Managing capacity to support performance is in our DNA and has long been a hallmark of our investment process and our fiduciary responsibility to our clients. This additional step will ensure that over time our portfolio managers can continue to select the right securities, in the right amounts, at the right time, while also adhering to risk management and regulatory guidelines, with the goal of delivering superior investment performance for clients.”

“Making this move now while further building out our research teams and capabilities across investment platforms will also protect and enhance our ability to attract and retain top investment talent. We are ensuring a balance of experience and strong performance history across both platforms and close collaboration has already been taking place within each investment team.”

Eric Veiel, Co-head of Global Equity and Head of U.S. Equity, T. Rowe Price Associates
“It is a testament to our culture that our team has worked so selflessly to do what is best for all our clients. By building TRPIM with seasoned TRPA veterans and then adding experienced lateral hires to both entities, we are developing two world-class investment organizations steeped in our culture of investment excellence, collegiality and collaboration, trust and mutual respect, and with a long-term time horizon.”

“We have taken a very thoughtful and deliberate approach to deciding which strategies are shifting to the new platform and which are staying within TRPA and have focused on ensuring each has a strong platform. The portfolio managers, directors of research, analysts, and other investment professionals within TRPA are well positioned to continue executing the strategic investing approach that is the foundation of how we seek to deliver investment excellence to our clients.”

Stephon Jackson, Head of T. Rowe Price Investment Management
“T. Rowe Price has deep experience building and managing strong-performing investment platforms and a history of successfully incorporating business changes that best serve our clients. Leadership and the investment team are confident that TRPIM has the right mix of investment professionals to continue delivering the investment excellence that is the bedrock of our culture.”

“Equity and fixed income collaboration has been a foundation of our investment success. Having these particular strategies together within T. Rowe Price Investment Management will enable the equity teams to leverage the high yield team’s fixed income insights, provide the US High Yield Bond Strategy’s team with new access to equity insights and improved corporate access, and retain the US Capital Appreciation Strategy’s ability to tap fixed income trading, which is an important aspect of its investment approach. In addition, bringing a mix of equity strategies that span large-, mid-, and small-cap, as well as growth, core, and value styles, will maximize TRPIM’s ability to generate insights.”

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
Management of T. Rowe Price will host a live audio webcast today at 11 a.m. eastern time. Access to the webcast will be available via the firm’s Investor Relations website at troweprice.gcs-web.com. A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the meeting and archived online for a period of one year.

BIOS

Frank Alonso, Portfolio Manager, US Small-Cap Core Equity Strategy

Frank Alonso is the portfolio manager of the US Small-Cap Core Equity Strategy. His investment experience began in 2000 when he joined T. Rowe Price, beginning in the U.S. Equity Division. Prior to this, Mr. Alonso was employed by Morgan Stanley as an assistant to several financial advisors. He earned a B.S. in economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Brian Berghuis, Portfolio Manager, US Mid-Cap Growth Equity Strategy

Brian W.H. Berghuis is the lead portfolio manager for the US Mid-Cap Growth Equity Strategy and a member of the U.S. Equity Steering Committee. He received Morningstar’s Fund Manager of the Year award for 2004. Mr. Berghuis’ investment experience began in 1983, and he has been with T. Rowe Price since 1985, beginning as a research analyst following the retail sector in the U.S. Equity Division. In 1992, he became the lead portfolio manager for the US Mid-Cap Growth Equity Strategy. Prior to T. Rowe Price, Mr. Berghuis was a summer associate in research at Dominion Securities Pitfield. He also spent two years at Kidder, Peabody & Co. as a deferred admission associate in utility corporate finance. Mr. Berghuis earned an A.B., cum laude, from Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He also has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.

David Giroux, Portfolio Manager, US Capital Appreciation Strategy
David Giroux is the portfolio manager of the US Capital Appreciation Strategy and currently serves as CIO, Equity and Multi-Asset. He is a five-time nominee and two-time winner of Morningstar’s Fund Manager of the Year award in the allocation category.³ The Capital Appreciation Fund has also won 13 “Best Fund” awards from Lipper.⁴ His investment experience began in 1998 when he joined T. Rowe Price, beginning as a research analyst in the U.S. Equity Division, where he had analytical responsibility for the firm’s investments in the industrials, building products, and automotive sectors. Mr. Giroux earned a B.A., magna cum laude, in finance and political economy from Hillsdale College. He also has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst^® designation.

Stephon Jackson, Head of T. Rowe Price Investment Management

Steph Jackson is currently the associate head of the U.S. Equity Division and a member of the Equity Steering Committee. Mr. Jackson’s investment experience began in 1986, and he has been with T. Rowe Price since 2007, beginning in the U.S. Equity Division as a portfolio specialist, supporting several U.S. small-cap and mid-cap strategies. After that, he was a director of Equity Research, leading the U.S. Associate Analyst team, and served as a director of Equity Research–Europe in the International Equity Division. Mr. Jackson is a former member of the International Steering, Equity Research, and Risk Management Oversight Committees. He also is the former chair of MOSAIC, a business resource group that identifies issues and opportunities relevant to talent, business practices, and culture in support of the firm’s diversity and inclusion strategy. Prior to T. Rowe Price, Mr. Jackson was a senior portfolio manager and a managing director with Brown Capital Management, where he managed mid-cap and large-cap growth portfolios. Prior to that, he was a growth portfolio manager and director of equity research with NCM Capital Management. Mr. Jackson earned a B.S. in business administration from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar, and an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst^® designation.

Steven Krichbaum, Director of Research, T. Rowe Price Investment Management

Steven Krichbaum is currently a director of Equity Research, North America. He is also a member of the Investment Advisory Committee of the US Capital Appreciation Strategy. Previously, Mr. Krichbaum served as head of U.S. Equity Product and associate portfolio manager of the US Capital Appreciation Strategy. He has 13 years of investment experience, having joined T. Rowe Price in 2007 as an investment analyst. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Krichbaum was an economist and statistical analyst for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. He earned a B.A., cum laude, in economics from Pomona College and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business. Mr. Krichbaum has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst^® designation.

Kevin Loome, Portfolio Manager, US High Yield Bond Strategy

Kevin Loome has lead portfolio management responsibilities for the US High Yield Bond Strategy. His investment experience began in 1990, and he has been with T. Rowe Price since 2017. Mr. Loome rejoined the firm as a result of T. Rowe Price’s acquisition of the Philadelphia-based Henderson High Yield Opportunities Fund. Prior to the acquisition, he was head of U.S. credit with Henderson Global Investors and was responsible for managing its High Yield team. Before that, Mr. Loome was employed by Delaware Investments as head of high yield investments and as a senior portfolio manager. He also was previously a credit analyst and associate portfolio manager at T. Rowe Price and an investment banking analyst at Morgan Stanley. Mr. Loome earned a B.S. in commerce from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business. He also has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst^® designation.

Curt Organt, Portfolio Manager, US Smaller Companies Equity Strategy

Curt Organt is the portfolio manager of the US Smaller Companies Equity Strategy and an associate portfolio manager of the US Small-Cap Core Equity Strategy. His investment experience began in 1993, and he has been with T. Rowe Price since 1995, beginning in the U.S. Equity Division. Prior to this, Mr. Organt was employed by DAP Products, Inc., as a financial and marketing analyst. He earned a B.S. in finance and philosophy from LaSalle University and an M.B.A. from Wake Forest University. Mr. Organt also has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst^® designation.

David Wagner, Portfolio Manager, US Small-Cap Value Equity Strategy

David Wagner is the lead portfolio manager for the US Small-Cap Value Equity Strategy. His investment experience began in 1999, and he has been with T. Rowe Price since 2000, beginning in the U.S. Equity Division as an analyst covering financial services after serving as a summer intern with T. Rowe Price in 1999. Prior to this, Mr. Wagner was employed by National Economic Research Associates as an associate analyst. He earned a B.A., summa cum laude, in economics from the College of William & Mary and an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business. Mr. Wagner also has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst^® designation.

Thomas Watson, Director of Research, T. Rowe Price Investment Management

Thomas Watson is currently a director of Equity Research, North America. He is cochair of the Equity Research Advisory Committee and a member of the Equity Steering Committee. In addition, Mr. Watson is co-portfolio manager of the US Structured Research Equity Strategy and is a member of the portfolio oversight team. He has 13 years of investment experience, all with T. Rowe Price. Prior to joining the firm in 2007, Mr. Watson was employed as a strategy analyst for Forrester Research. He earned a B.A. in economics and English literature from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Mr. Watson has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst^® designation.

Ric Weible, Director of Operations and Business Management, T. Rowe Price Investment Management

Ric Weible is currently director of operations for the U.S. Equity Division and has been with the firm for 18 years. Before taking his current position, he was the chief risk officer of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., having responsibility for the strategic oversight and ongoing operation of the firm’s risk management activities, including investment, market, and operational risks. Prior to that, Mr. Weible was general manager for Investments, partnering closely with the head of Investments and group chief investment officer, with responsibility for business management activities and strategic initiatives across Investments. Prior to joining the firm, he was a senior manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Weible earned a B.S. in accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park. He also earned an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland. Mr. Weible is a certified public accountant in the state of Maryland.

Tammy Wiggs, Head of Equity Trading, T. Rowe Price Investment Management

Tammy Wiggs is currently an equity trader, where her responsibilities include trading for the US Capital Appreciation Strategy. She has 19 years of total trading experience, 13 of which have been at T. Rowe Price. Prior to joining the firm in 2007, Ms. Wiggs was a vice president of Institutional Equity Trading at Merrill Lynch, where she was a position trader for six years. She earned a B.S., cum laude, in finance from Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business, and an M.B.A. from the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business.

OTHER MATTERS
Certain statements in this press release may represent “forward-looking information,” including information relating to the timing and nature of the transitions, and the potential benefits to be realized. For a discussion concerning risks and other factors that could affect future results, see the firm’s Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2020 and 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE
Founded in 1937, Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (troweprice.com), is a global investment management organization with $1.30 trillion in assets under management as of October 31, 2020. The organization provides a broad array of mutual funds, subadvisory services, and separate account management for individual and institutional investors, retirement plans, and financial intermediaries. The company also offers sophisticated investment planning and guidance tools. T. Rowe Price’s disciplined, risk-aware investment approach focuses on diversification, style consistency, and fundamental research.

Important information

Call 1-800-638-7780 to request a prospectus, which includes risks, fees, expenses, and other information that you should read and consider carefully before investing.

This material is being furnished for general informational purposes only. The material does not constitute or undertake to give advice of any nature, including fiduciary investment advice, nor is it intended to serve as the primary basis for an investment decision. Prospective investors are recommended to seek independent legal, financial, and tax advice before making any investment decision. The T. Rowe Price group of companies, including T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., and/or its affiliates, receive revenue from T. Rowe Price investment products and services. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investment involves risks. The value of an investment and any income from it can go down as well as up. Investors may get back less than the amount invested.

The material does not constitute a distribution, an offer, an invitation, a personal or general recommendation, or a solicitation to sell or buy any securities in any jurisdiction or to conduct any particular investment activity. The material has not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in any jurisdiction.

Information and opinions presented have been obtained or derived from sources believed to be reliable and current; however, we cannot guarantee the sources’ accuracy or completeness. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass.

The views contained herein are as of the date noted on the material and are subject to change without notice; these views may differ from those of other T. Rowe Price group companies and/or associates. Under no circumstances should the material, in whole or in part, be copied or redistributed without consent from T. Rowe Price.

Additional Information regarding David Giroux’s Awards:

Morningstar’s Manager Research Group consists of various wholly owned subsidiaries of Morningstar, Inc. including, but not limited to, Morningstar Research Services LLC. Morningstar’s Manager Research Group produces various ratings including the Morningstar Analyst Rating for funds and the Morningstar Quantitative Rating for funds. The Analyst Rating is derived from a qualitative assessment process performed by a manager research analyst, whereas the Morningstar Quantitative Rating uses a machine-learning model based on the decision-making processes of Morningstar’s analysts, their past ratings decisions, and the data used to support those decisions. In both cases, the ratings are forward-looking assessments and include assumptions of future events, which may or may not occur or may differ significantly from what was assumed. The Analyst Ratings and Quantitative Ratings are statements of opinions, subject to change, are not to be considered as guarantees, and should not be used as the sole basis for investment decisions. This press release is for informational purposes only; references to securities should not be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell the securities.

©2020 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Rankings for other periods differ.  For Lipper Best Individual Funds, the calculation periods extend over 36, 60 and 120 months. The highest Lipper Leader for Consistent Return (Effective Return) value within each eligible classification determines the fund classification winner over 3, 5 or 10 years as of the period end and no other time periods. Only one share class (the one with the best Lipper Leader score) is used for each portfolio in determining asset class and overall awards.  A high Lipper rating does not necessarily imply that a fund had the best total performance or that the fund achieved positive results for that period. Lipper ratings and Lipper Fund Awards are not intended to predict future results. For detailed explanation, please review the Lipper Leaders Methodology document on lipperalpha.financial.thomsonreuters.com/lipper

From Thomson Reuters Lipper Awards, © 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Used by permission and protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States. The printing, copying, redistribution, or retransmission of this Content without express written permission is prohibited.

T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc.

¹ U.S. mutual fund name is the T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock Fund.
² Available to investors outside the U.S. as a SICAV and in the UK as an OEIC.
³ Established in 1988, the Morningstar Fund Manager of the Year award recognizes portfolio managers who demonstrate excellent investment skill and the courage to differ from the consensus to benefit investors. The Fund Manager of the Year award winners are chosen based on research and in-depth qualitative evaluation by Morningstar’s Manager Research Group. To qualify for the award, managers’ funds must have not only posted impressive returns for the year, but the managers also must have a record of delivering outstanding long-term risk-adjusted performance and of aligning their interests with shareholders’. Managers’ funds must currently have a Morningstar Analyst Rating™ of Gold or Silver. David Giroux won the award for Allocation Funds in 2012 and Allocation/Alternative Funds in 2017.
⁴ The Capital Appreciation Fund received the 2018 Lipper Fund Classification Award for Best Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund over the 10-year period ended 12/31/2017, and the 2017 Lipper Fund Classification Award for Best Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund over the 10-year period ended 12/31/2016, and the 2016 Lipper Fund Classification Award for Best Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund over the 3-year, 5-year and 10-year period ended 12/31/2015, and the 2015 Lipper Fund Classification Award for Best Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund over the 10-year period ended 12/31/04, and the 2014 Lipper Fund Classification Award for Best Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund over the 10-year period ended 12/31/2013, and the 2013 Lipper Fund Classification Award for Best Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund over the 10-year period ended 12/31/2012, and the 2012 Lipper Fund Classification Award for Best Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund over the 10-year period ended 12/31/2011, and the 2011 Lipper Fund Classification Award for Best Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund over the 10-year period ended 12/31/2010. and the 2010 Lipper Fund Classification Award for Best Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund over the 5-year and 10-year period ended 12/31/2009, and the 2009 Lipper Fund Classification Award for Best Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund over the 10-year period ended 12/31/2008. Rankings for other periods differ. 

 

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SOURCE T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va., Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. (PREMIER), (NASDAQ/GMS: PFBI) a $1.9 billion financial holding company with two community bank subsidiaries announced today that it will pay a fourth quarter cash dividend of $0.15 per share on its common stock.  At its regularly scheduled November meeting, the board of directors declared a $0.15 per share dividend to common shareholders of record on December 15, 2020.  The cash dividend will be paid to shareholders on December 31, 2020.

Certain Statements contained in this news release, including without limitation, statements including the word “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects” or words of similar import, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Premier to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of Premier expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among others, general economic and business conditions, changes in business strategy or development plans and other factors referenced in this press release.  Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.  Premier disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

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SOURCE Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.

LANHAM, Md., Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), a global leader in education technology, will deliver an expanded portfolio of 10 new professional online short courses in Health and Wellness, Leadership and Management, Digital Transformation in Healthcare, and Innovation and Research developed by the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE). These courses will be available to global learners through GetSmarter, 2U’s short course brand.

The need for high-quality, accessible health education is especially relevant in today’s environment as developments in the health and wellness space occur at an increasingly rapid pace and as COVID-19 places new demands on healthcare professionals across disciplines. For over a decade, 2U has collaborated with non-profit universities to provide learners, regardless of geography, with rigorous, relevant, and engaging online learning opportunities in fast-growing healthcare fields.

“Health and wellness has never been more relevant to families, organizations, and society as a whole,” said Andrew Hermalyn, President of Global Partnerships at 2U. “We’re excited to expand our agreement with Stanford Center for Health Education and offer a broader portfolio of online short courses covering timely and important topics in healthcare.”

The new short courses will build on SCHE’s existing offerings with 2U. Earlier this year, 2U launched SCHE courses in Exercise Physiology and Psychology of Addiction and Recovery following a successful pilot with Nutrition Science; a course on Employee Wellness & Stress Management is expected to launch in spring 2021. SCHE short courses, offered by 2U, are designed for healthcare practitioners, wellness professionals, and business leaders, with content typically spanning 6-8 weeks.

About 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU)
Eliminating the back row in higher education is not just a metaphor—it’s our mission. For more than a decade, 2U, Inc., a global leader in education technology, has been a trusted partner and brand steward of great universities. We build, deliver, and support more than 475 digital and in-person educational offerings, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, professional certificates, Trilogy-powered boot camps, and GetSmarter short courses. Together with our partners, 2U has positively transformed the lives of more than 275,000 students and lifelong learners. To learn more, visit 2U.com. #NoBackRow

Contact:

Kate Welk

[email protected]

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SOURCE 2U, Inc.

WENZHOU, China, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — ZK International Group Co., Ltd. (ZKIN) (“ZK International” or the “Company”), a designer, engineer, manufacturer, and supplier of patented high-performance stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products primarily used for water and gas supplies, today announced the official approval of a new national standard for water conservation in China. The new standard that is going to be rolled out throughout China is referred as the “Water Saving Design Standards in Civil Building” (coded with GB 50555-2020) (the “Water Saving Design Standards”). This new national standard was promulgated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (“MOHURD”) and was jointly developed by ZK International and the China Architecture & Research Group.

Water conservation is one of the most critical problems in China and one which is only increasing in importance with continuing population growth and deteriorating effects of global warming. The heavy demand for domestic water use in municipal areas as well as the difficulties associated with building new reservoirs are also critical factors contribute to water shortages in municipal areas. Given such challenges, various government agencies in countries around the world are endeavoring to spread the concept of water conservation among their populaces. Consistent with this global trend, the MOHURD proposed the green building concept and introduced a group of design standards prioritize water conservation through high efficiency plumbing fixtures and building equipment designs. The Water Saving Design Standards are aimed to enforce standardized water saving designs for new construction, reconstruction and expansion projects across China.

The Technical Specification marks another national standard primarily developed by ZK International and is expected to effectively promote the water saving designs in the domestic market. ZK International has previously led or participated in the development of multiple national, industry, or group standards relating stainless steel and carbon steel pipes and fittings, including GB/T19228.2-2011, GB/T29038-2012, GB/T50378-2019, 10S407-2, CJ/T466-2014, CJ/T151-2016, CJ/T 152-2016, CJJ/T110-2017, CECS229:2008, and CECS 277:2010. The Company also participates in the development of other 17 national, industry, or group standards.

“With the establishment of these new national water standards which will be rolled out throughout China and as it becomes policy to use high efficiency plumbing fixtures and building equipment designs like those made by the Company, puts the Company in an excellent position to expand on its revenue and increase its customer base”, states Mr. Huang the Chairman of the Company.

About ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. is a China-based designer, engineer, manufacturer, and supplier of patented high-performance stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products that require sophisticated water or gas pipeline systems. The Company owns 33 patents, 21 trademarks, 2 Technical Achievement Awards, and 10 National and Industry Standard Awards. ZK International is Quality Management System Certified (ISO9001), Environmental Management System Certified (ISO1401), and a National Industrial Stainless Steel Production Licensee that is focused on supplying steel piping for the multi-billion dollar industries of Gas and Water sectors. ZK has supplied stainless steel pipelines for over 2,000 projects, including the Beijing National Airport, the “Water Cube”, and “Bird’s Nest”, which were venues for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  Emphasizing superior properties and durability of its steel piping, ZK International is providing a solution for the delivery of high quality, highly sustainable, environmentally sound drinkable water not only to the China market but also to international markets such as Europe, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For more information please visit www.ZKInternationalGroup.com. Additionally, please follow the Company on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Weibo. For further information on the Company’s SEC filings please visit www.sec.gov.

Safe Harbor Statement 

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate” or “continue” or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantee of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of ZK International. Actual results may differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties, as well as other risk factors that are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although ZK International believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in forward-looking statements will be realized.  In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by ZK International or any other person that their objectives or plans will be achieved. ZK International does not undertake any obligation to revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Investor Contact:

Sherry Zheng

Weitian Group LLC
Email:

[email protected]

 
Phone: +1 718-213-7386

 

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SOURCE ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

 Just in time for the release of its best-selling new Ethos collection, RYU customers can now use Afterpay to pay in four interest-free installments.¹

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – RYU Apparel Inc. (TSXV: RYU) (PINK: RYPPF) (FWB: RYAA) (“RYU” or the “Company“), creator of award-winning urban athletic apparel, today announced its global partnership with Afterpay (ASX: APT), the leader in “Buy Now, Pay Later” payments.

Afterpay partners with top fashion, beauty and lifestyle retailers to give consumers a flexible way to spend their own money by paying over time, and now RYU is among them. RYU customers can select Afterpay at checkout in order to buy now and pay later. The payment service can be used to purchase items from RYU’s full product offering, including its new Ethos Collection, which features various hoodies, crewnecks, bomber jacks and other fall apparel for both men and women across multiple color options.

On average, Afterpay’s Shop Directory generates 19 million referrals per month to its merchant partners, helping customer conversion rates increase by more than 20% and average order values increase by more than 25% compared to all other payment methods.²

“On the heels of our launch in Canada earlier this year, we are extremely excited to partner with Vancouver-born RYU to bring Afterpay to North American customers,” said Melissa Davis, Afterpay’s Head of North America. “The brand has a strong reputation for the performance and quality of their products, and we admire that they’re increasing efforts to produce their clothing lines locally. We look forward to helping them grow their customer base in North America and around the world.”

“Partnering with Afterpay will directly benefit our customers and improve the overall customer experience at RYU. We’re thrilled to be part of their merchant network, and to complete another key step in our omni-channel strategy,” said Cesare Fezari, CEO of RYU.

About RYU Apparel
RYU Apparel (TSXV: RYU, OTCQB: RYPPF), or Respect Your Universe, is an award winning urban athletic apparel and accessories brand engineered for the fitness, performance and lifestyle of the athletic man and woman. Designed without compromise for fit, comfort, and durability, RYU exists to facilitate optimal human performance. For more information, please visit the RYU website at: http://ryu.com

About Afterpay Limited
Afterpay Limited (ASX: APT) is transforming the way we pay by allowing customers to receive products immediately and pay for their purchases over four installments, always interest-free. The service is completely free for customers who pay on time  – helping people spend responsibly without incurring interest, fees or extended debt. As at September 30, 2020 Afterpay is offered by nearly 63,000 of the world’s favourite retailers, and is used by more than 11 million active customers globally.

Afterpay
 is currently available in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom, where it is known as Clearpay.  Afterpay is on a mission to power an economy in which everyone wins.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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SOURCE RYU Apparel Inc.