Duke Energy establishes relationship with Optus Bank to support minority-owned businesses

– Duke Energy deposits $5 million into Black-owned bank headquartered in South Carolina

– Boosts funding to support Optus Bank’s efforts to address economic inequality and close the racial wealth gap

PR Newswire

GREENVILLE, S.C., Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) announced today it has deposited $5 million into Optus Bank, a Black-owned bank based in South Carolina, furthering the company’s support for diverse and minority-owned businesses, individuals and low income communities. The transaction was completed at the end of 2020.

One of approximately 20 banks designated as Black or African American owned in the U.S., Optus Bank will use the money Duke Energy deposited to provide other minority-owned businesses and underserved communities equal access to capital loans and financial services.

“This is so much more than a deposit in a bank. It’s an investment in people and communities that continue to face barriers to mainstream funding and support,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president. “Duke Energy is proud to be part of the solution.”

This marks the largest deposit Duke Energy has made with a Black-owned bank in the U.S. and the company expects to evaluate additional similar opportunities in the future. And, this historic relationship expands Optus Bank’s depositors to include the utility sector.

Optus Bank’s Chairman Paul Mitchell added that “Duke Energy’s deposit will significantly fuel our ability to help all people build wealth and improve their lives, regardless of their background or situation. We are thankful that the South Carolina Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) brought us together, and hope that other utilities follow Duke Energy’s leadership in delivering on their commitment to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.”

This deposit provides additional capital to help more people like Accountant Kadenia Javis with Javis Tax Service pursue their dreams and survive in the current economic climate and beyond. “Optus Bank has been there for me in both good and difficult times, helping us grow our business and support us during the pandemic. Optus Bank also allowed us the opportunity to purchase our first commercial building with a drive-thru window. This assisted the accounting firm to offer contactless support to taxpayers,” added Ms. Javis. 

“We are proud to work with Optus Bank and excited that this collaboration shines a brighter light on the important role Black-owned banks play in our financial ecosystem,” said Callahan.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 29,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities and 2,300 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.

Duke Energy is transforming its customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit’s regulated utilities serve 7.8 million retail electric customers in six states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to 1.6 million customers in five states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Renewables unit operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., as well as energy storage and microgrid projects.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2020 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers” list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Optus Bank

Optus Bank’s origins date back to 1921 when a group of visionary and courageous African American leaders founded a bank on the principle that all people should have access to the American Dream, regardless of their circumstances. Optus Bank is a federally designated Minority Depository Institution, a U.S. Treasury Certified Community Development Financial Institution and an FDIC insured depository. If you believe that all people should have access to wealth building opportunities, visit us at www.optus.bank.

Contact: Madison McDonald
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-establishes-relationship-with-optus-bank-to-support-minority-owned-businesses-301208632.html

SOURCE Duke Energy

Serco Canada Recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers for the 5th Year in a Row

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, Jan. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Serco Inc. is proud to announce that its team in Canada (Serco Canada) has been named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers for 2021, a title the company has earned for 5 consecutive years. Now in its 12th year, Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes the employers in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.

“This designation is the culmination of years of dedication and commitment to our employees,” says Natasha McLean, Vice President of Serco Canada Services. “Our HR team and dedicated leadership have worked hard to identify and implement policies and programs that resonate with our employees. And our employees work hard to bring Serco’s policies and employee programs to life every day, making Serco a wonderful and fulfilling place to work”.

Some highlights from Serco Canada’s winning submission to Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers include:

  • Retirement Planning Assistance Program: Serco offers its employees a strong retirement planning assistance program along with a defined contribution pension plan. In direct response to the current pandemic, Serco temporarily changed the rules of this plan, allowing employees the option to withdraw from their plan, providing those who need it with financial flexibility.
  • Maternity/Paternity Leave Top-Up: Serco’s maternity and paternity leave top-up program provides new moms with a top up to 93% of their salary for 52 weeks, and new dad’s and non-birth parents with up to 93% of their salary for 37 weeks.
  • Learning & Development Programming: Serco actively helps to keep employees’ skills current through a variety of training options, as well as generous tuition subsidies for courses that are both related and indirectly related to their position in the company.

Employee-focused programming is not new to Serco. In fact, the Company’s long-standing commitment to a healthy workplace recently led to Serco Canada receiving ACADA’s Industry Excellence Recognition Award for Gender and Diversity Excellence. At Serco, it is well understood that the company’s success is directly linked to the health and well-being of its employees.  

“At Serco we are focused on nurturing a supportive and welcoming culture where we can leverage the diversity of our people to enhance the value of our solutions and the services we provide to our customers. More importantly, we are focused on embracing differences among our people to create a place where people are truly proud to work,” says Dave Dacquino, Chairman and CEO of Serco Inc.

For more information about Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers, click here.

About Serco Inc.:  Serco Inc. is a leading provider of professional, technology, and management services, and has approximately 8,500 employees and annual revenue of $1.2 billion. Serco Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Serco Group plc, a $4 billion international business that helps transform government and public services around the world. 

Established in 1929, Serco Canada employs 1,245 people nationwide, including many indigenous Canadians, and has business activities valued at approximately $150 million. It operates in many locations throughout Ontario, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Saskatchewan.  Serco Canada Services delivers military base services, logistics support, air traffic control, NAVAIDS O&M, and facilities management solutions to defence and national security customers. Serco Canada Marine provides complex ship and submarine design, naval architecture, marine engineering and complex project management.



Alan Hill
Serco Inc
703-263-6500
[email protected]

New Horizons Global Partners to Consolidate International Growth with Appointment of Guillaume Vergnaud as Asia Pacific Managing Director

SHANGHAI, Jan. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New Horizons Global Partners, a Global Professional Employer Organization (Global PEO) that eases global expansion in more than 150 countries, is pleased to announce the appointment of Guillaume Vergnaud as its Asia-Pacific Managing Director. Guillaume brings a wealth of international management experience to this position, having dedicated the last decade to growing international businesses across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific.

Most recently based in Shanghai, Guillaume led the Asia-Pacific expansion of several global companies. In his new role as Asia-Pacific Managing Director, Guillaume will be based in their Singapore office.

Guillaume notes, “This is an exhilarating time to be joining New Horizons at our Singapore base. In the past six months we have doubled our number of clients in the Asia-Pacific. I look forward to working with our team to support international clients setting up operations across the region.”

In his role as New Horizons Global Partners’ Asia-Pacific Managing Director, Guillaume will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and direction to the company’s international executive team. By steering the company’s business operations, Guillaume will support New Horizons Global Partners to achieve its long-term strategic goals.

About New Horizons Global Partners

New Horizons Global Partners supports companies seeking overseas expansion by establishing legally compliant employment solutions in countries around the world. With an original focus on the Asia-Pacific region, New Horizons now provides global expansion solutions in over 150 global locations.

Their employment solutions enable clients to onboard staff anywhere and at any time, without having to incorporate local entities. New Horizons Global Partners takes care of in-country hiring, recruitment, payroll, tax withholding, and employment compliance. This allows clients to focus on their core business in a new location, without the time-consuming task of local legal and tax compliance.

For further information, please contact Pierre Pradier, New Horizons Global Partners’ Head of Corporate Strategy, tel. +86 21 6066 2151.



Ameriprise Financial Announces Schedule for Fourth Quarter 2020 Investor Conference Call

Ameriprise Financial Announces Schedule for Fourth Quarter 2020 Investor Conference Call

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) plans to announce its fourth quarter financial results on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 after the close of the New York Stock Exchange. The company will host a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at approximately 9:00 a.m. (ET).

Live audio of the conference call, presentation slides and an audio replay will be available on the Ameriprise Financial Investor Relations website at ir.ameriprise.com.

At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 125 years. With a nationwide network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors and extensive asset management, advisory and insurance capabilities, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors’ financial needs. For more information, visit ameriprise.com.

© 2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Paul Johnson

Ameriprise Financial

612.671.0625

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Minnesota United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Finance

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Send Love from Near and Far with the Hickory Farms Valentine’s Day Collection

Assortment Features Premium Wines, Charcuterie Sets, Decadent Chocolates and Much More!

CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As we approach another holiday made difficult by social distancing, America’s Favorite Food Gift Retailer, Hickory Farms, is unveiling dozens of festive and delicious options in its Valentine’s Day 2021 collection that will certainly help people feel the love.

The new collection, launching today on HickoryFarms.com, includes sweet and savory options in beautifully designed packaging, including their Hot Stuff Summer Sausage & Cheese Gift Box, Premium Charcuterie & Chocolate Gift Box with Wine, Itty Bitty Sweetheart Flight and much more.

“After seeing unprecedented demand throughout 2020, it’s clear that people are craving ways to feel connected to loved ones,” said Diane Pearse, CEO at Hickory Farms. “We’re delighted to unveil our Valentine’s Day collection to help people send love and feel a real connection at a time when it’s needed more than ever.”


Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas from Hickory Farms



  • Hot Stuff Summer Sausage & Cheese Gift Box

    – Give a spicy twist on our best-selling, most loved gourmet gift! This meat and cheese gift box is perfect for your Valentine who loves snacks with a kick. They can combine our Signature Beef Summer Sausage and Spicy Beef Summer Sausage with a selection of Smoked Gouda Blend, Jalapeño Cheddar Blend, and Smoked Cheddar Blend cheeses. Along with Spicy Sriracha and Sweet Hot Mustards, these tasty bites are ready to dip and delight. The signature designed Valentine’s Day box adds a fun touch to this gift. ($49.99)


  • Sweets & Rosé Gift Basket

    – Sweets for your sweetie! This gift basket is filled with decadent chocolates and adorable Valentine’s Day treats. The included bottle of Generosity Cellars California Rosé is the perfect wine to enjoy with these sweets. Surprise your best friend or someone special with this thoughtful gift for Valentine’s Day. ($72.99)


  • Premium Charcuterie & Chocolate Gift Box with Wine

    – Give the gift of the perfect date night in, complete with wine! This premium meat and cheese gift box lets recipients create savory flavor combinations with Signature Beef and Sweet & Smoky Turkey Summer Sausages, Original Dry Salami, Smooth & Sharp Cheddar Blend, Mission Jack Blend, Smoked Gouda Blend, Hot Pepper Bacon Jam, Smoky Onion Mustard, and Cranberry Pistachio Crisps. Cranberry & Sesame Nut Mix is the perfect addition to their meat and cheese spread, and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaways and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels make this gift extra indulgent. They can be enjoyed with a glass of Generosity Cellars California Cabernet Sauvignon for an elevated flavor experience! ($89.99)


  • Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne Gift Basket

    – Make every celebration really pop! This champagne gift basket is the perfect way to impress. Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé Champagne is deliciously paired with decadent sweets and snacks like Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, a box of Tasty Treats that contains either dried fruit, nuts, or candies sourced from California. Marich Dark & White Chocolate Strawberries from California’s Central Coast, Sea Salt Pistachios, and a Salted Caramel Dreaming Bar from Southern California’s Chuao Chocolatier. ($159)


  • Valentine’s Day Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    – Chocolate covered strawberries are a classic treat to show someone you care. We’ve taken our mouthwatering strawberries and covered them in luscious Belgian chocolate, then dressed them up for Valentine’s Day with festive sprinkles and colored accents. This delicious gift comes with four milk chocolate and two dark chocolate strawberries so you don’t have to choose. Treat your sweetie — or yourself — to these indulgent treats. ($29.99)


  • Valentine’s Day Sweet & Savory Gift Tower

    – This Valentine’s Day gift is a stack of signature-designed boxes filled with treats they’ll love. Signature Beef Summer Sausage, Smooth & Sharp Cheddar Blend, and Belgian Ale Mustard pair perfectly to create savory bites. Heart Pretzels, Milk Chocolate Covered Sandwich Cookies, and Cherry Sours add sweetness to this gift. Send as a special way to celebrate with your favorite snack lover. ($42.99)
  • Much more here!

This month and next, Hickory Farms will be offering special promotions such as free shipping and more. Make sure to follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for the latest news.

*All alcohol gifts have shipping restrictions. Generosity Cellars, Aunar, and Contollo wines are shippable to all but the following states: AK, AL, AR, DE, HI, KY, MS, RI, SD, UT. Brand name wines and champagne are available to ship to CA, FL, MN, and DC. Find out more at www.hickoryfarms.com

ABOUT HICKORY FARMS, LLC

Since 1951, Hickory Farms LLC has been a leading retailer of food gifts and specialty foods available online, in catalogs, and in leading mass merchants, supermarkets, and a variety of seasonal retail shopping locations in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.HickoryFarms.com or join the conversation on Instagram; Facebook; Pinterest; or Twitter.

Media Contacts:

Diana Davis
Hickory Farms
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 312.361.3469

Jeannie Evanchan
Praytell Agency
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 317.385.5752

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb3273ef-84ca-4ef5-9781-7a8bcb045a32

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97318027-99a0-44cc-a25c-d4681882864f



Marsh & McLennan Announces Carbon Reduction Commitments

Marsh & McLennan Announces Carbon Reduction Commitments

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Marsh & McLennan (NYSE: MMC), the world’s leading expert in risk, strategy and people, today announced two important commitments in the effort to combat climate change. First, the Company has pledged to be carbon neutral in 2021 through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in its own operations and the purchase of verifiable offsets. Second, the Company has committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 15% below 2019 levels by the year 2025. The specifics of these commitments will be set out in greater detail in the company’s upcoming 2020 ESG report in March.

“At Marsh & McLennan, we recognize the opportunity, and indeed the obligation, that we have to be good stewards of the environment. We are committed to the principle of responsible capitalism. These climate initiatives represent a tangible step toward building a more sustainable environment for our colleagues, clients, shareholders and future generations,” said Dan Glaser, President and CEO, Marsh & McLennan.

These commitments also complement important climate work that is occurring across the company. In 2020, Marsh’s Global Power & Energy Group launched the first integrated global renewable industry practice in insurance broking. Marsh is also helping clients measure and manage the risks to their assets and operations from hurricanes, floods and other natural perils in a changing climate.

Oliver Wyman’s climate and sustainability experts work with clients across a range of sectors such as financial services, energy and transportation, to reimagine end-to-end supply chains, de-carbonize business models, and integrate new technologies to support the transition to a low carbon economy.

Mercer was recently ranked the No. 1 responsible investment consultant and has led the way in quantifying climate risks in investment portfolios for institutional clients. Mercer also provides climate analytics and advice for institutional investors who want to transition to a 1.5°C scenario of global warming as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Guy Carpenter helps insurers quantify the impact of natural catastrophe risk and respond to new regulatory climate stress tests. As the frequency and severity of natural catastrophes increase, Guy Carpenter’s experts work with clients to anticipate and mitigate climate threats in particularly high-risk areas.

About Marsh & McLennan Companies

Marsh & McLennan (NYSE: MMC) is the world’s leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. The Company’s 76,000 colleagues advise clients in over 130 countries. With annual revenue of $17 billion, Marsh & McLennan helps clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex environment through four market-leading businesses. Marsh advises individual and commercial clients of all sizes on insurance broking and innovative risk management solutions. Guy Carpenter develops advanced risk, reinsurance and capital strategies that help clients grow profitably and pursue emerging opportunities. Mercer delivers advice and solutions to help organizations reshape work, retirement, investment and health outcomes for a changing workforce. Oliver Wyman serves as a critical strategic, economic and brand advisor to private sector and governmental clients. For more information, visit mmc.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter or subscribe to BRINK.

Media:

Erick Gustafson

Marsh & McLennan

+1 202 263 7788

[email protected]

Investors:

Sarah DeWitt

Marsh & McLennan

+1 212 345 6750

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: New York United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Insurance Human Resources Finance Consulting Banking Accounting

MEDIA:

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Empire Life Investments Acquires Shares of CES Energy Solutions Corp

TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Empire Life Investments Inc. (“ELII”) announced that it has filed an early warning report with respect to the acquisition of common shares of CES Energy Solutions Corp. (the “Issuer”) held by certain funds managed by ELII. This press release is being filed to report certain acquisitions made by ELII through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

ELII is an investment manager as defined in National Instrument 62-103 in relation to securities over which it exercises discretion to vote, acquire or dispose without the express consent of the beneficial owner, subject to applicable legal requirements, general investment policies, guidelines, objectives or restrictions.

ELII exercises control or direction, but not direct ownership, over certain common shares of the Issuer held by various funds managed by ELII. As of the date hereof, ELII exercises control or direction over 26,554,694 common shares of the Issuer, representing approximately 10.20% of the 260,271,215 common shares issued and outstanding.

A copy of the early warning report will appear on SEDAR at sedar.com and may be obtained upon request from Empire Life Investments at 165 University Avenue, 9th Floor, Toronto, ON M5H 3B8.

About Empire Life Investments Inc.

Empire Life Investments Inc. (ELII) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Empire Life Insurance Company. The company manages and offers mutual funds and is the portfolio manager of the Empire Life segregated funds. Follow Empire Life Investments Inc. on Twitter @EmpireLifeInv or visit www.empirelifeinvestments.ca for more information.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed and past performance may not be repeated. This communication is not to be construed as a public offering to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Such an offer can only be made by way of a prospectus or other applicable offering document and should be read carefully before making any investment. This release is for information purposes only. Investors should consult their financial advisor for details and risk factors regarding specific strategies and various investment products.

Contact: Julie Tompkins, VP Corporate Services and Chief Communications Officer, 613-548-1890, x3301, [email protected]



Access-Power & Co., Inc. is pleased to announce a bright outlook for 2021

GRAND HAVEN, Mich., Jan. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Access-Power & Co., Inc., (“ACCR or the Company”), a Grand Haven based diversified holding Company is pleased to announce we have incorporated and integrated all of our non-tangible assets to the balance sheet. “We have a value that needs to be injected into our balance sheets. We must be careful in the preparation of our financial statements. We are in our final stages of preparation for the submission of documents to OTC Markets,” commented Patrick J Jensen, the sold Director of ACCR. We must be precise and accurate in our submission of documents when we apply to the PINK CURRENT INFORMATION tier soon at OTC Markets.

Again, Patrick J Jensen has guaranteed all monthly expenses the Company for 2021.

“2021 will bring us a new beginning. Onto another topic, the Company recently received 3 requests in the last 24 hours, to buy out all of the Company shares,” Patrick J Jensen exclaimed. “I told all parties NO. They see our Company market capitalization rising and NOW want in….I am currently working with our consultant. We are so pleased with our consultant. How this all evolved was a gift from GOD. Our consultant already serves with other publicly traded companies, and he is AWESOME. My new partner advised he has an idea on a Company to merge into ACCR once we go PINK CURRENT INFORMATION.”

There is risk everywhere, however, our Director Patrick stated, “My Dear Shareholders deserve the BEST, and only deserve the very BEST! With a reverse merger to bring in a really big Company that generates income. We plan to audit the incoming private Company, and then integrate its equity into ACCR.” In all Patrick stated, “We only have substantially less than 90,000,000 in our direct FLOAT. This represents a market capitalization of about $500,000 based on current valuation levels.” Patrick owns 186,984,379 total shares of the Company, and will not dilute our Shareholders today, PERIOD.

CLONES BY DRONES and CLONES BY CARS are worth millions to our Director. These are 100% legal business models and inventions and they are incredible. However, our consultant will be very careful in the integration of our intangible assets. He advised that we need proper valuation integrated into the balance sheet. We seek a legal advisor.

Patrick our sole Director since March 2012 rejoiced, “A reverse merger or merger is my goal for 2021. We have a clean share structure. I plan to do this the right way. Use company equity in a very responsible way, a little at a time, whenever needed for our growth strategies. ACCR has strong management disciplinary skills to handle this. In the end, all of my dear Shareholders deserve this done the right way.”

Established in 1996, Access-Power, Inc. is a Florida based for-profit Corporation with operations in West Michigan.

There are various risk factors that should be carefully considered in evaluating our business; because such factors may have a significant impact on our business, our operating results, our liquidity and financial condition. As a result of these various risk factors, actual results could differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently consider to be immaterial, may also impact our business, result of operations, liquidity and financial condition. If any such risks occur, our business, its operating results, liquidity and financial condition could be materially affected in an adverse manner. Under such circumstances, if a stable trading market for our securities is established, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE COMPANY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND, THEREFORE, SHOULD BE CONSIDERED EXTREMELY SPECULATIVE. THEY SHOULD NOT BE PURCHASED BY PERSONS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE POSSIBILITY OF THE LOSS OF THE ENTIRE INVESTMENT. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD READ ALL OF THE COMPANY’S FILINGS, INCLUDING ALL EXHIBITS, AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER FACTORS THE VARIOUS RISK FACTORS THAT MAY BE PRESENT.

BEWARE OF NAKED SHORTING IN OUR COMMON SHARES

You should be aware that there are many substantial risks to an investment in our common stock. Carefully consider these risk factors, along with any available information currently reported by the Company (of which there are note), before you decide to invest in shares of our common stock.   If these risk factors were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or future prospects could be materially adversely affected. If that happens, the market price for our common stock, if any, could decline, and prospective investors would likely lose all or even part of their investment.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the Company’s business, based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and probably will, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors.

Contact Information:

Patrick J. Jensen
Director
Tel:  616.312.5390
Email:  [email protected]
Corporate Website:  http://www.myaccess-power.com

“Our corporate website is currently under construction to soon reflect our new business model in the Michigan Medical Marijuana Clone sector.”

Product Website
http://www.mycbdpets.com

http://www.clonesbydrones.com

https://www.hempster19.com


http://www.clonesbycars.com

Access-Power & Co., Inc. 
OTC Ticker:  ACCR



INVESTIGATION ALERT: The Schall Law Firm Announces it is Investigating Claims Against Belden Inc. and Encourages Investors with Losses to Contact the Firm

INVESTIGATION ALERT: The Schall Law Firm Announces it is Investigating Claims Against Belden Inc. and Encourages Investors with Losses to Contact the Firm

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors in Belden Inc. (“Belden” or “the Company”) (NYSE: BDC) for potential breaches of fiduciary duty on the part of its directors and management.

If you are a shareholder, click here to participate.

We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm’s website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected].

The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

The Schall Law Firm

Brian Schall, Esq.

310-301-3335

[email protected]

www.schallfirm.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Legal Professional Services

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New Data at the 2021 ASTS Winter Symposium to Showcase Benefit of Serial Prospera™ Testing

PR Newswire

SAN CARLOS, Calif., Jan. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRA), a pioneer and global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, today announced it will present new data on the Prospera test at the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) 21st Annual Winter Symposium, taking place January 14-16, 2021.

Natera will present five posters, featuring case studies that detail the use of the Prospera test to detect active rejection and injury of kidney transplants.

“Donor-derived cfDNA testing is becoming an increasingly powerful tool to better assess kidney transplant rejection, and I’m delighted to collaborate with Natera, who is at the forefront of this research,” said Dr. Obi Ekwenna, MD, FACS, Transplant Surgeon at the University of Toledo Medical Center, and first author of two of the studies to be presented. “In our studies, we show that serial testing with the Prospera test provides valuable information about allograft health, and enables transplant providers and nephrologists to better manage patients and reduce the risk of graft failure.”

Details about the abstracts are as follows:

Abstract # 2020-A-151-ASTS | Poster Presentation

Presenter: Obi Ekwenna, MD, FACS

Elevated donor-derived cell-free DNA in patients with delayed graft function

We present a retrospective study of Prospera test results in 16 kidney transplant recipients who developed delayed graft function (DGF). 56.2% of them had elevated donor-derived cfDNA (dd-cfDNA) levels at the first blood draw following transplant with a mean dd-cfDNA of 1.32%. Persistently elevated dd-cfDNA levels were associated with prolonged DGF, while decreasing levels were associated with resolution of DGF, suggesting that dd-cfDNA dynamics over time can potentially serve as a predictive marker for resolution of DGF.

Abstract # 2020-A-135-ASTS | Poster Presentation

Presenter: Obi Ekwenna, MD, FACS

Serial testing with donor-derived cell-free DNA test to monitor dual and en bloc kidney transplants for active rejection

This is a case series of nine patients who have undergone dual or en bloc kidney transplants. In both of these clinical scenarios, increased allograft volume or other factors not yet defined may contribute to increased basal levels of dd-cfDNA. This study demonstrates the utility of serial monitoring with the Prospera test, starting early in the clinical course of the recipient, to better surveil renal allografts.

Abstract # 2020-A-52-ASTS | Poster Presentation

Presenter: Mark Fajardo, MHA, BSN, RN

Assessment of donor-derived cell-free DNA for allograft rejection in kidney transplant patients and its incorporation into clinical practice

This abstract is a real-world clinical experience study describing the use of the Prospera test in more than 1,000 kidney transplant recipients. Renal allograft biopsies performed within two weeks of a positive Prospera test result showed active rejection 64.3% of the time, which is a considerably higher rate than is seen with other rejection biomarkers and superior to what is described in previously published validation studies in patient populations at average risk of rejection, indicating that physicians are using dd-cfDNA to make better decisions around biopsy.

Abstract # 2020-A-142-ASTS | Poster Presentation

Presenter: David Ono, MD

Clinical utility of donor-derived cell-free DNA testing for allograft rejection in patients with limited access to biopsy

We present a retrospective analysis of four cases where serial dd-cfDNA testing was used to remotely monitor kidney transplant rejection as an alternative to biopsy. In all cases, dd-cfDNA levels were consistent with biopsy results or physician assessment of rejection status, highlighting the clinical utility of the Prospera test in patients with limited access to biopsy.

Abstract # 2020-A-131-ASTS | Poster Presentation

Presenter: Prince Mohan, MD

Anti-rejection therapies in renal transplant patients may influence background cell-free DNA, impacting the quantification of donor-derived cell-free DNA

This is a case study of a kidney transplant recipient who was serially monitored with the Prospera test while on anti-rejection therapy. The patient had a sudden decrease in dd-cfDNA levels, with a simultaneous increase in host-derived background cfDNA, which coincided with administration of anti-rejection therapy. These data suggest the patient’s immunosuppressive therapy may influence the dd-cfDNA fraction and potentially impact dd-cfDNA results, thus highlighting the importance of longitudinal monitoring with independent assessment of dd-cfDNA and background cfDNA.

In addition to the poster presentations, Natera will be sponsoring a number of virtual sessions with several key transplant leaders. For more information, visit: natera.com/organ-health/asts-2021.

About the Prospera Test
The Prospera test leverages Natera’s core single-nucleotide (SNP)-based massively multiplexed PCR (mmPCR) technology to identify allograft rejection non-invasively and with high precision and accuracy, without the need for prior donor or recipient genotyping. The test works by measuring the fraction of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in the recipient’s blood. It may be used by physicians considering the diagnosis of active rejection, helping to rule in or out this condition when evaluating the need for diagnostic testing or the results of an invasive biopsy. The Prospera test has been clinically and analytically validated for performance regardless of donor relatedness, rejection type, and clinical presentation. The Prospera test has been developed and its performance characteristics determined by Natera, the CLIA-certified laboratory performing the test. The test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). CAP accredited, ISO 13485 certified, and CLIA certified.

About Natera


Natera
 is a pioneer and global leader in cell-free DNA testing from a simple blood draw. The mission of the company is to change the management of disease worldwide with a focus on women’s health, oncology, and organ health. Natera operates ISO 13485-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in San Carlos, California and Austin, Texas. It offers proprietary genetic testing services to inform obstetricians, transplant physicians, oncologists, and cancer researchers, including biopharmaceutical companies, and genetic laboratories through its cloud-based software platform. For more information, visit natera.com. Follow Natera on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements
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Contacts
Investor Relations: Mike Brophy, CFO, Natera, Inc., 510-826-2350
Media: Paul Greenland, VP of Corporate Marketing, Natera, Inc., [email protected]

 

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SOURCE Natera, Inc.