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GBAB Announces Effectiveness of Investment Policy Modifications and Name Change

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, as previously announced, the Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Managed Duration Trust (“GBAB” or the “Trust”) made modifications to certain non-fundamental investment policies along with a corresponding name change. The modifications are primarily intended to provide the Trust with greater investment flexibility while remaining consistent with the Trust’s overall investment objectives.  

The Trust expanded its non-fundamental 80% investment policy to include, in addition to taxable municipal securities, other investment grade, income-generating debt securities, including debt instruments issued by non-profit entities (such as entities related to healthcare, higher education and housing), municipal conduits, project finance corporations, and tax-exempt municipal securities. In addition to the 80% investment policy change, the Trust (i) removed certain limitations on the composition of the other 20% of its net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes (“Managed Assets”), (ii) removed the limitation on illiquid investments, (iii) added a policy to invest at least 50% of its Managed Assets in taxable municipal securities and (iv) changed the level at which the Trust seeks to maintain its leverage-adjusted duration from generally less than 10 years to generally less than 15 years.

In connection with the investment policy modifications the Trust’s name changed to: Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust. The Trust will continue to trade on the NYSE under its current ticker symbol, “GBAB”.

No other changes to the Trust’s other investment policies or the Trust’s portfolio management team are currently anticipated, nor is it currently anticipated that there will be substantial portfolio turnover in conjunction with these changes in the immediate future.

No action is required by shareholders of the Trust in connection with these investment policy modifications or the change in the Trust’s name.

For updated information and a discussion of the risk considerations associated with an investment in the Trust, please visit the Trust’s website at guggenheiminvestments.com/GBAB.

About Guggenheim Investments

Guggenheim Investments is the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), with $233 billion* in assets under management across fixed income, equity, and alternative strategies. We focus on the return and risk needs of insurance companies, corporate and public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations, consultants, wealth managers, and high-net-worth investors. Our 300+ investment professionals perform rigorous research to understand market trends and identify undervalued opportunities in areas that are often complex and underfollowed. This approach to investment management has enabled us to deliver innovative strategies providing diversification opportunities and attractive long-term results.

* Assets under management as of 09.30.2020 and include leverage of $14bn. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, and Guggenheim Partners India Management.

This information does not represent an offer to sell securities of the Trust and it is not soliciting an offer to buy securities of the Trust. There can be no assurance that the Trust will achieve its investment objectives. An investment in the Trust involves operating expenses and fees. The net asset value of the Trust will fluctuate with the value of the underlying securities. It is important to note that closed-end funds trade on their market value, not net asset value, and closed-end funds can trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.


Investors should consider the investment objectives and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of any investment before they invest. For this and more information, visit


www.guggenheiminvestments.com

or contact a securities representative or
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60606, 800-345-7999.

Analyst Inquiries

William T. Korver
[email protected]

Not FDIC-Insured | Not Bank-Guaranteed | May Lose Value

Member FINRA/SIPC (11/20) 45792



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Ceylon Graphite Announces Granting of Options and Debt Conversion

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ceylon Graphite Corp. (“Ceylon Graphite” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: CYL) (OTC: CYLYF) (FSE: CCY) today announced it has granted an aggregate of 7,250,000 stock options to its directors, officers and employees. Each option is exercisable at $0.215per common share at any time until November 18, 2023.

Ceylon Graphite would also like to announce that it has negotiated a debt conversion agreement (the “Debt Agreement”) with a non-arm’s length party.

Pursuant to the terms of the Debt Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue an aggregate of 750,000 common shares (“Debt Shares”) to the non-arm’s length party in exchange for the cancellation of $150,000 in debt owing to the party. The Debt Shares are being issued at a deemed price of $0.215.

The issuance of the Debt Shares is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued pursuant to the debt conversion are subject to a statutory four (4) month hold period


About Ceylon Graphite Corp.

Ceylon Graphite is a public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, that is in the business of mining for graphite, plus the exploration for and development of graphite mines in Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka has granted the Company an IML Category A license for its K1 site and exploration rights in a land package of over 120km². These exploration grids (each one square kilometer in area) cover areas of historic graphite production from the early twentieth century and represent a majority of the known graphite occurrences in Sri Lanka. Graphite mined in Sri Lanka is known to be some of the purest in the world, and currently accounts for less than 1% of the world graphite production.

Further information regarding the Company is available at www.ceylongraphite.com

Bharat Parashar, Chairman and & Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
Corporate Communications
+1(202)352-6022

Neither 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

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This news release contains forward-looking information as such term is defined in applicable securities laws, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management’s current expectations and assumptions. The forward-looking information includes statements about Ceylon Graphite’s grids, Ceylon Graphite’s plans to undertake additional drilling and to develop a mine plan, and to commence establishing mining operations. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to Ceylon Graphite, including the assumption that, there will be no material adverse change in metal prices, all necessary consents, licenses, permits and approvals will be obtained, including various Local Government Licenses and the market. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information include, among other things, an inability to reach a final acquisition agreement, inaccurate results from the drilling exercises, a failure to obtain or delays in obtaining the required regulatory licenses, permits, approvals and consents, an inability to access financing as needed, a general economic downturn, a volatile stock price, labour strikes, political unrest, changes in the mining regulatory regime governing Ceylon Graphite, a failure to comply with environmental regulations and a weakening of market and industry reliance on high quality graphite. Ceylon Graphite cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive.

These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, Ceylon Graphite does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com)



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IIROC Trading Halt – IP

Canada NewsWire

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 19, 2020 /CNW/ – The following issues have been halted by IIROC:

Company: ImagineAR Inc.

CSE Symbol: IP

All Issues: Yes

Reason: At the request of the Company Pending News

Halt Time (ET): 3:29 PM

IIROC can make a decision to impose a temporary suspension (halt) of trading in a security of a publicly-listed company. Trading halts are implemented to ensure a fair and orderly market. IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.

SOURCE Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) – Halts/Resumptions

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EasyCare’s Dealer Blog Receives Prestigious 2020 Automotive Communications Award

EasyCare Honored for Excellence in Business-to-Business Communications at the 2020 AAPEX Virtual Event

Norcross, GA, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EasyCare, a dealer solutions provider and administrator of F&I products offered by auto dealers, received a 2020 Automotive Communications Award at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Virtual Event held on November 3. This recognition marks the twelfth Automotive Communications award the company has received since 2014. 

EasyCare’s dealer-focused blog won in the Business-to-Business Article/Blog/Content Piece category, earning the title of one of the automotive industry’s leading B2B blogs. With articles focused on timely topics ranging from F&I best practices to compliance and employee development, the blog has gained national attention and has become an invaluable resource for dealers across the country.

“In today’s market, effective communication and informative content are more important than ever. As a leading voice in the industry, it’s our responsibility to provide dealers with the strategic, practical, and meaningful information they need to succeed,” says Scot Eisenfelder, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Planning. “This award is a testament to our Marketing team’s commitment to providing high-quality content that, along with our F&I products and dealer solutions, provides real value to our partners and the industry as a whole.”  

The annual Automotive Communication Awards, sponsored by Women in Auto Care and supported by the Automotive Communication Council, recognize companies and agencies that provide automotive information to consumers and trade professionals through a combination of outstanding marketing, advertising, merchandising, and effective PR strategy. New in 2020, the award submissions were judged by volunteer members of the Auto Care Association Marketing and Communications Committee and the Automotive Communications Council (ACC).

To subscribe to the EasyCare Dealer Blog, click here.

About EasyCare

Since 1984, EasyCare has been helping some of the most successful dealerships in the nation drive results in their stores with a full suite of F&I products, forward-thinking training, dealership development, consultative participation programs, and a best-in-class claims experience. EasyCare has the only F&I products named a “MotorTrend Recommended Best Buy” for franchised dealers and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. EasyCare is part of the APCO Holdings, LLC, family of brands, which has protected over 11 million customers and paid over $3.5 billion in claims. For more information about EasyCare, please visit easycare.com. For more information about the APCO Holdings family of brands, please visit apcoholdings.com.

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Ashley Braswell
APCO Holdings
678-615-1142
[email protected]

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Walmart.com Offers Organic, Vegan-Friendly Tints of Nature Hair Color

Tints of Nature Continues Expanding its Presence in America

PALM BEACH, FL, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Organic, vegan-friendly and natural Tints of Nature—Simply Healthier Hair Color now is available at Walmart.com.

“American consumers can now purchase Tints of Nature organic and natural hair colors at one of the largest online retailers in the world — Walmart.com,” says Raoul Perfitt, CEO and formulator of Tints of Nature, a United Kingdom-based company.  

“Walmart shoppers now have the choice of salon-quality hair color that is gentler on their skin and hair,” Perfitt says.

In the 1990s Tints of Nature was one of the first companies to offer natural and safer hair color products without all the harsh chemicals found in traditional offerings.

“At that time, women didn’t have a lot of options in natural hair color,” he says. “They were forced to use products containing chemicals, such as ammonia, parabens, gluten, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, silicone, mineral oils, and color stripping salts.

“Tints of Nature does not contain any of these chemicals. We’ve replaced them with kinder, more natural ingredients,” he says.

Tints of Nature contains more than 75 percent certified organic and 95 percent naturally derived ingredients across its range.

Not only was Tints of Nature a trailblazer in 1995 when it first came out with organic, vegan-friendly hair color, but it also chose to be a socially responsible company that served as an example for others to follow.

“The ingredients in our hair color never have been, and never will be, tested on animals,” Perfitt says. “This is important to me.  Tints of Nature also educates and informs our customers about the benefits of using naturally derived ingredients.”

Perfitt says Tints of Nature ethically sources its ingredients to make sure everyone in the supply chain is treated fairly.

These efforts have been officially recognized with Tints of Nature being awarded B Corp™ certification.

B Corp™ are businesses that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

“Our vision and ethics that put people and planet before profit are important to us and our customers,” Perfitt says.

Tints of Nature, which already has a presence in the United States, plans to expand its retail distribution network in 2020.

“We’ve proven that you can replace the dangerous chemicals used in traditional hair products with natural and organic ingredients,” Perfitt says. “We’ve given women professional-quality ethical hair color that lasts.”

To purchase Tints of Nature products, visit Walmart.com.

Attachment 



Robert Grant
Tints of Nature
561-421-3045
[email protected]

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TECHNATION Leading the Charge in Flipping Government Procurement Orthodoxy

Mississauga, ON, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TECHNATION, Canada’s leading technology industry association, today gathered industry leaders, government officials and small-medium technology enterprises (SMEs) to demonstrate how adopting more agile and accessible government procurement as the ‘new normal’ can result in cutting-edge innovation adoption and improved service delivery to Canadians, while fueling economic growth.

At the foundation is CANADA’S DIGITAL MARKETPLACE, powered by TECHNATION which delivers a platform for change around the future of industry-government collaboration and agile technology procurement. Supported by a growing alliance of nine National Partners, 16 Community Outreach Partners, and 338 registered technology companies from across the country, the Digital Marketplace is paving the way towards innovative technology adoption and digital government transformation across Canada.

“Ensuring technology innovators of all sizes and types can participate in the government procurement process across all levels of government is a key focus for TECHNATION, and another step towards truly digital government in Canada,” said Angela Mondou, president, TECHNATION. “The goal is improved service delivery to Canadians, a more competitive global economy, technology solutions that will drive innovation and creativity, and a greater ability to adapt to whatever the future holds.”

TECHNATION’s recently-announced collaborative agile procurement pilot with Shared Services Canada (SSC), leveraging the Digital Marketplace, provides significant benefits to both government and industry, including enabling greater outreach, improved access and participation with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the challenge-based procurement process. And a new initiative within the pilot, ‘SCALE UP’, will target minority-led / minority-owned tech firms in Canada.

 “With this new approach to procurement, there is a real opportunity to engage with SMEs early in this very complex ecosystem servicing the Government of Canada,” added Coreen Bouchard, founder, PureLogic IT Solutions.  “Thanks to the improved process, we anticipate a better use of SME’s limited resources to respond to government procurement opportunities along with the ability to engage in paid prototypes and the transparent evaluation grids that will better equip the SME community in showcasing innovation to the Government.”

The win-win end result for Canada is the alignment of economic opportunities that federal purchasing power represents with urgent needs of government for digital solutions to execute virtual shovel ready projects delivered by innovative technology firms, particularly SMEs, across our nation.

For more information about today’s speakers and panels, please visit https://technationcanada.ca/en/events/canadas-digital-marketplace-powered-by-technation/. 


About TECHNATION

TECHNATION is the industry-government nexus for technology prosperity in Canada. As a member-driven, not-for-profit, TECHNATION unites Canada’s technology sector, governments and communities to enable technology prosperity from coast to coast. TECHNATION champions technology prosperity by: providing advocacy, professional development and networking opportunities across industry and governments at all levels; connecting Canadian scale-ups with global tech leaders; engaging the global supply chain; and filling the technology talent pipeline. TECHNATION has served as the authoritative national voice of the $210 billion ICT industry for over 60 years.   More than 43,200 Canadian ICT firms create and supply goods and services that contribute to a more productive, competitive, and innovative society. The ICT sector generates more than 666,500 jobs and invests $7.5 billion annually in R&D, more than any other private sector performer. www.technationcanada.ca



Janet Gibson Eichner
TECHNATION Canada
416-357-8908
[email protected]

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Chubb Limited Board Declares Quarterly Dividend and Authorizes Share Repurchase Program

PR Newswire

ZURICH, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ –The Board of Directors of Chubb Limited (NYSE: CB) today declared a quarterly dividend equal to $0.78 per share, payable on January 8, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 18, 2020.  The dividend will be payable out of legal reserves and will be made in United States dollars by the company’s transfer agent, as described in the Chubb Limited 2020 proxy statement. This will be the third installment as approved by the company’s shareholders on May 20, 2020.

The Board also announced authorization of a new share repurchase program of up to $1.5 billion through December 31, 2021. The company’s existing share repurchase authorization will remain effective through December 31, 2020 and, while effective, would be used before the share repurchase program authorized today. The timing and volume of any share repurchases under this authorization will be determined by management at its discretion and pursuant to the company’s capital management strategy. 

Share repurchases, which are subject to market conditions, other business considerations and applicable legal requirements, may be made in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, block trades, accelerated repurchases and/or through option or other forward transactions.

About Chubb
Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 33,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Forward-looking statements made in this press release, such as statements regarding dividends or share repurchases and our expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts, reflect the company’s current views with respect to future events and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. For example, payment of scheduled dividends could be affected by extraordinary company events or capital constraints or similar factors that could require the company to adjust, delay or withhold dividend payments.  Additional information regarding factors that could cause differences from these forward-looking statements appears in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chubb-limited-board-declares-quarterly-dividend-and-authorizes-share-repurchase-program-301177623.html

SOURCE Chubb Limited

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MTV Entertainment Group Launches “Culture Code,” a Comprehensive DE&I Orientation for Its Entire Creative Community, Including Staff, Talent and Production Partners

MTV Entertainment Group Launches “Culture Code,” a Comprehensive DE&I Orientation for Its Entire Creative Community, Including Staff, Talent and Production Partners

The Museum of Tolerance, Color of Change, GLAAD, Anti-Defamation League, The Jed Foundation, MPAC, RAINN, RespectAbility and Storyline Partners inaugural partners to help develop the program

The employee-led initiative’s goal is to construct a communal set of values, understanding and baseline cultural norms to create a more inclusive and welcoming creative community

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group (formerly Entertainment & Youth) today announced “Culture Code,” a comprehensive DE&I immersion initiative that will offer best-in-class training through a multidisciplinary approach.

In collaboration with social justice partners – The Museum of Tolerance, Color of Change, Anti-Defamation League, The Jed Foundation, MPAC, RAINN, RespectAbility, Storyline Partners and GLAAD –this pioneering endeavorwill expand beyond employees to also include ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group projects, production companies and talent.

“We live in an increasingly divisive world and yet as storytellers, we believe in the power of content to give the gift of empathy and understanding,” said Chris McCarthy, President, ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group (formerly Entertainment and Youth). “We’re developing our Culture Code to nurture our creative community and outline a communal set of values, respect and mutual understanding that centers around the celebration of inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We are humbled to be doing it in partnership with an incredible set of organizations who have dedicated their own lives to changing the world for good.”

Partner quotes

Museum of Tolerance:

“Simon Wiesenthal Center and its Museum of Tolerance have long believed that storytelling is a powerful way to engage hearts and minds for positive change. As partners of ViacomCBS, we share in the vision and commitment that America needs to move away from a cancel culture to a counsel culture. We are honored to join as a Culture Code partner to collaborate with others in advancing cultural competency and social justice in the entertainment industry. The best way to defeat hatred is to go beyond stereotypes and put a human face on the ‘other,’ said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean and Global Social Action Director.

Color of Change:

“Color Of Change is proud to join ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group in its new initiative to provide the entertainment industry with a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary and inclusive education,” said Rashad Robinson, president of Color Of Change.“It will take partnerships like this to transform the media landscape and create a more humane, less hostile world for Black people, in which they are empowered to create their art and thrive. The legacy of racism in Hollywood is long and unforgivable: excluding Black talent, silencing Black voices, derailing Black careers, and using the economic power of the industry to prop up police departments in the very real world. The work of Culture Code is an important step in challenging and eliminating racism within the industry and the content it produces.”

Anti-Defamation League:

“We are thrilled and grateful to join ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group in its launch of the Culture Code initiative,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL Chief Executive Officer and National Director. “The importance of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the workplace and with powerful companies like ViacomCBS will contribute to racial and social justice in media and society. We look forward to working together to make meaningful change.”

The Jed Foundation:

“The Jed Foundation has been working with MTV and ViacomCBS to expand the conversation around mental health for nearly 15 years, so we know firsthand the organization’s commitment to creating stories, campaigns and an internal environment where everyone feels seen, heard and understood,” said Courtney Knowles, The Jed Foundation. “We’re living in a time where taking care of our mental health, supporting each other and exploring the intersection of mental health and the other issues Culture Code addresses, is so important. We’re proud to join such an amazing group of partners for this work.”

MPAC HOLLYWOOD BUREAU:

“For decades, Muslims have been vilified by stories that were inaccurate, racist, and careless. Harmful, yet successful TV series and films were written about Muslim communities, many of which went unchecked by people of conscience. Our presence and voice in the writers’ room has been missing for the longest time,” said Sue Obeidi, Director, MPAC Hollywood Bureau. “ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group’s Culture Codeis a welcomed initiative that is being launched at the perfect time. America is on the cusp of a new era and so is the entertainment industry. Underrepresented communities have been eager to see their deep and rich stories told authentically, fairly, and in a nuanced manner, and Muslim communities are high on that list. MPAC Hollywood Bureau is proud and honored to be part of the Culture Code initiative where we can work in tandem in telling better stories about and by Muslims. Here’s to a new beginning.”

RESPECTABILITY:

“RespectAbility is honored to join ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group in support of the Culture Code initiative. By ensuring a comprehensive look at DE&I, the Culture Code initiative will ensure that diversity and equity-focused conversations are intersectional in nature,” said Lauren Appelbaum, Vice President, RespectAbility. “While one-in-five people in the U.S. has a disability, which includes nonvisible disabilities such as mental health and learning disabilities, most initiatives historically did not include disability. Disability cuts across every other demographic and in order to ensure full inclusion for all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and more, disability needs to be part of the conversation. We applaud ViacomCBS for recognizing the importance of this.”

STORYLINE PARTNERS:

“The current moment supports our calls to have media, content, and cultural production be anti-racist, intersectional, and ecologically considerate,” said Sanaz Alesafar, Program Director, Storyline Partners. We are thrilled to partner with ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group to ensure authentic representation and equitable practices to support their content and creative community.”

GLAAD:

“Our participation in Culture Code builds upon decades of partnership with ViacomCBS and brings an intersectional, best in class collection of organizations to collaborate with,” said Rich Ferraro, GLAAD’s Chief Communications Officer and Executive Producer, GLAAD Media Awards. “So many of the most powerful early media images of LGBTQ people appeared on MTV and ViacomCBS’ brands. With Culture Code, the MTV Entertainment Group is once again raising the bar for how the industry should work with and include our community. The overdue conversations on diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality happening across the industry often leave out the key step of behind-the-scenes education. When content creators and staff truly understand diverse identities, it leads to more authentic stories and projects. This new initiative will no doubt lead to culture-changing media projects that entertain, inspire, and enrich audiences.”

The MTV Entertainment Group plans to pilot internal training by the end of 2020 with the larger rollout kicking off in early 2021.

Jo Flattery

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Entertainment Other Consumer Consumer TV and Radio General Entertainment Online Mobile Entertainment

MEDIA:

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NATE MORRIS FOCUS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY VIDEO SERIES

Morris Industries Founder and George Washington University Alumnus interviewed by Dean Anuj Mehrotra

Lexington, KY, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nate Morris, the Founder of Morris Industries, is the subject of a new George Talks Business video interview with Anuj Mehrotra, dean of the George Washington University School of Business.

The George Talks Business series is a series of interviews with notable alumni and respected thought leaders in the business, government and nonprofit arenas. Guests share insights on technology, leadership, global developments, ethics, and other relevant topics. The program features a host of leaders in their respective fields, with past guests including David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group, and Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank.

Morris and Mehrotra spoke about business, entrepreneurship, how to raise capital, the trend of Environmental Social Governance (ESG), and more in the wide-ranging interview.

Morris is the founder of Morris Industries, a Lexington, Kentucky-based conglomerate that is reimagining the industrial economy. His passion to solve the environmental threats posed by global waste was pivotal in his founding of Rubicon, a software company focused on waste and recycling, and the signature asset of Morris Industries. A ninth-generation Kentuckian, Morris was born in Lexington and raised by a single mother with help from his grandmother and grandfather, an Army veteran and former President of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 862.

In the interview, Morris gives insight into the creation of Rubicon.

“Waste is a massive industry,” Morris said. “Even if we were just a little bit right we could have a tremendous impact on the environmental movement, and help reframe debate over the environment.”

Morris said Rubicon’s roots date back to 2008, amidst the economic turmoil of that year.

“Right after the crash of 2008, we got started when most people were running for cover,” he said. “That is the time to take big risks. We are living in a pandemic right now. Now is the time to be bold and take action, and I believe the market will reward that action. We need thought leaders to step up and get the economy moving again. Even in the worst of times, great things can happen.”

Morris is a George Washington University alumnus. “George Washington University was a magical experience for me as a student,” he said. “Getting to go to school in Washington, DC, was a dream come true for me.”

Morris also described how he and his wife Jane Mosbacher Morris founded the Morris Foundation, charitable organization that helps with issues of rural poverty, education for women and girls, and veterans’ issues.

“We have been so fortunate,” said Morris. “I would say that only in America can you make money with garbage.”

Due to COVID-19, George Talks is currently being produced virtually, and streamed digitally at: https://business.gwu.edu/george-talks-business



Jay Rosser
[email protected]
316-208-7982

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The First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Express Will Deliver Free Toys & Masks to First Responder Families and First Responder Agencies in Pennsylvania

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today is the official launch of the First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Express launched in Pennsylvania. This national program will help spread joy to children across the country during the 2020 holiday season.

First Responders Children’s Foundation’s Toy Express will deliver more than 250,000 free toys and masks to first responder agencies and hospitals which will then distribute the holiday cheer to children of first responders and to children in first responder communities. Every child will also receive a mask with their toy. Regional toy distribution events will take place in locations across Pennsylvania including Connellsville, Gettysburg, Littlestown, Yeadon, Trainer and Marcus Hook. More information on the dates and locations of the distribution events will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We’re saying happy holidays and thank you to the heroic first responders who show up when we dial 911,” said Jillian Crane, President of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “Toy Express will help make a happy holiday for the children of our first responders which include nurses, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, medical personnel, and 911 dispatchers. Our first responders are on the frontlines of the pandemic, and they continue to risk their own health every day in selfless service to their local communities across the country. So, please help us help them. You can send toys & masks at 1stRCF.org or by texting TOY to 24-365.”

First Responders Children’s Foundation established the Toy Express with a generous toy donation worth more than $1,000,000 in retail value from Mattel and American Girl
including 5,000 signature 18” American Girl dolls and more than 45,000 in other Mattel products such as Hot Wheels®, Barbie® and Mega Bloks®. Additional sponsors include CSX, Good360, Hess Toy Truck, Jakks Pacific, MaskUSA.com, and Toys for Tots. In addition, generous individuals across the nation are helping bring holiday cheer to first responder families by making donations of toys and money. Transportation of toys and masks across the country is coordinated and provided by Total Quality Logistics (TQL) and their Moves that Matter program.

First Responders Children’s Foundation began in the wake of 9/11 when Founder and Chairman, Alfred R. Kahn, hosted the first annual Thanksgiving Day Parade Breakfast just weeks after the 9/11 attacks. That year, more than 800 children and family members of first responders lost in the line of duty were invited to watch the Thanksgiving

Day Parade from private, front-row viewing which began an annual tradition of welcoming devastated first responder families into a supportive environment to face the challenges of the start of a holiday season without a loved one. 19 years later, the Foundation continues to support the families of first responders across the country with critical assistance including college scholarships and financial grants including paying for funeral bills of first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. During the 2020 pandemic, the Foundation has assisted more than 677,638 first responders through its COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. This holiday season, First Responders Children’s Foundation’s Toy Express will help provide cheer and happiness to children and families of first responders. Media assets for Toy Express can be found at https://1strcf.org/toy-express/.

Media Contact:

FRCF
Joanna Black
+1 (646) 912-2681
[email protected]

About First Responders Children’s Foundation

For almost 20 years, First Responders Children’s Foundation has been providing college scholarships to the children of first responder parents who have been injured or lost in the line of duty. The Foundation also awards grants to families enduring significant financial hardship and supports educational activities and programs created by first responder organizations to benefit children or the communities in which they live. The First Responders Children’s Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund was established in March, 2020 to provide financial hardship grants, PPE, and hotel accommodations to first responders on the front lines of the pandemic. The Foundation also pays for funerals of first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice. More information about First Responders Children’s Foundation is available at www.1stRCF.org. Follow First Responders Children’s Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1stRCF.