Market Newsdesk

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Qualia, the leading digital real estate closing platform, today announced the launch of its new Physical Document Service at the company’s fall session of its Future of Real Estate Series (FORES). With the launch of Qualia’s Physical Document Service, mortgage lenders can now automate the management of paper trailing documents from title partners through Qualia. Qualia then fully manages the collection, sorting, and quality assurance of physical trailing documents and ensures an on-time shipment and delivery to investors. This service solution is part of Qualia’s suite of tools that enable mortgage lenders to create automated processes that work in tandem with title & escrow companies for greater efficiency and reduced costs. 

With the arrival of Physical Document Service, lenders can reduce inefficient back-and-forths, fluctuating costs, late fees, and compliance penalties. The improved speed and accuracy of trailing document processing, a crucial post-closing step, also strengthens partner relations by ensuring that auditors and investors will be impressed with the pace and quality of work from their mortgage lending partner. 

“This year loan volumes have increased by more than 200 percent across the United States,” said Qualia Co-founder and CTO Joel Gottsegen. “This dramatic increase in volume has taken a toll on lenders, who must adapt to keep up with the surge in refinances. While digital transformation has empowered lenders to dedicate their time where it’s needed most, the Physical Document Service guarantees a fully-automated process for lenders and much needed operational efficiency.”

Earlier this year, Qualia launched Qualia Post, a post-closing solution for mortgage lenders. Qualia Post integrates with the lender’s Loan Origination System (LOS) to automate the retrieval of closing and post-closing documents from title companies. That solution, coupled with Physical Document Service, provides lenders with a more digital and scalable solution for the post-closing process. 

To learn more about Qualia’s innovative mortgage industry service solutions, please visit our blog. 

About Qualia

Qualia is a digital real estate closing technology company that provides the infrastructure to streamline the home closing experience. The company offers a suite of products that brings together homebuyers and sellers, lenders, title & escrow agents and real estate agents onto one secure shared platform. Qualia was founded in 2015 by Forbes 30 Under 30 Award recipients Nate Baker, Joel Gottsegen and Lucas Hansen. Since launching, the company has been named an ALTA Elite Provider, grown to over 300 employees, and recognized with the Great Place to Work Certification. The company is a leader in industry security and was the first technology company to join the Coalition to Stop Real Estate Wire Fraud. Qualia is headquartered in San Francisco, CA and has offices in Austin, TX. For more information on Qualia, visit www.qualia.com.

Press Contact:
Matt Kaufman
Qualia
Email: [email protected]

DENVER, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the U.S. and China continue to battle over trade, technology, and intellectual property rights, people living in rural America are getting caught in the middle. The ban on Chinese-made telecom equipment, ripe with uncertainties surrounding compliance rules and government funding, is creating significant headaches for rural wireless operators. It is also putting rural residents at risk of losing critical communications services at a time when they are needed the most.

According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the confluence of these events could not have come at a worse time as the pandemic has forced people to rely on communication services to live, learn, and work like never before. The report examines the challenges facing rural operators as they are forced to overhaul their networks, and how the current environment is impacting rural residents.

The Secure and Trusted Communications Networks (STCN) Act enacted in March was designed to prevent communications equipment or services that pose a national security risk from entering U.S. networks. The act, largely designed to target Chinese companies, requires U.S. operators to rip and replace all non-compliant equipment in their networks and includes $1 billion of funding for operators with less than 2 million subscribers to pay for changes mandated in the new law. 

“The funding is not only insufficient it has yet to be appropriated by Congress,” said Jeff Johnston, lead communications economist at CoBank. “And at this point, the Federal Communications Commission has yet to formalize the rules operators need to follow, which keeps them in a holding pattern that impedes their ability to develop a network transition strategy.”

Rural operators cannot start signing contracts and procuring new equipment until Congress appropriates the $1 billion that was included in STCN. These uncertainties and restrictions paralyze an operator’s ability to make the necessary investments in their network to support the surge in data traffic stemming from home-bound consumers, and the associated massive digital transformation that’s underway.

As operators with non-compliant equipment wait for the FCC and Congress to go through their processes, they also run the risk of not complying with pending FCC requirements. For instance, the upcoming STIR/SHAKEN mandate, which deals with reducing robocalls, requires operators to implement their solution by June 30, 2021. Operators who fail to meet FCC mandates are at risk of being fined, but until money is appropriated and FCC rules are established, implementing the required technologies to be in compliance is problematic.

For rural American residents, the fallout from STCN would be less of an issue if they had options from other service providers such as T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. But despite the speculation and anticipation surrounding national operators expanding their service to rural America, there simply isn’t evidence that this is happening in any meaningful way. For many rural residents, the service offered by rural wireless operators is their only option.

This puts some rural residents in an untenable situation. With many affected rural operators unable to access replacement parts, rural residents are at risk of losing their critical communications services. Given how the pandemic has upended the way people live and work—with no end in sight—not having access to communication services has far-reaching consequences.

Watch a video and read the full report, Funding Uncertainties Wreak Havoc for Rural Communications at the Worst Time Possible.

About CoBank

CoBank is a $148 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 70,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.

CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

Novi, MICH, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Learning Care Group is offering families a window into their child’s day at preschool. While heightened health and safety protocols have paused parents’ in-person classroom visits, live streaming video is now enabling them to see learning breakthroughs, peek in at naptime, and stay engaged throughout the school day. The early education leader is introducing WatchMeGrow parent streaming video throughout its 900+ locations as a complimentary feature.

“Our secure parent streaming video gives families the convenience and peace of mind of being able to watch their children have a great day with us as they learn, play and grow – in real time,” said Mark Bierley, Chief Executive Officer, Learning Care Group. “It demonstrates our commitment to transparency, as well as the confidence we have in our outstanding team and the high level of care we provide. We know that being apart can be a challenge, and we want our families to feel as close to their children as possible during school hours.” 

WatchMeGrow – Any Time, from Anywhere

Whether working from home, busy at the office, military deployed, or traveling, parents can view their child’s classroom on any smart device or computer through WatchMeGrow. The intuitive, easy-to-use feature is encrypted and tightly controlled, with every account activated individually. Connections are private and secure; only authorized users have access.

With the onset of the global health crisis, Learning Care Group accelerated the roll-out of its parent streaming video. More than 600 of its preschools now offer the feature, enabling thousands of customers to share in their children’s hands-on learning and classroom fun. The company’s entire portfolio of schools – including Childtime, Children’s Courtyard, Creative Kids Learning Centers, Everbrook Academy, La Petite Academy, Pathways Learning Academy, Montessori Unlimited, and Tutor Time preschools – is slated to be equipped with WatchMeGrow by the end of the year.

“WatchMeGrow is North America’s most-trusted provider of streaming video for child care and early education, giving parents a secure, convenient connection to their child’s day,” said John Lewison, Chief Executive Officer, WatchMeGrow. “We’re thrilled to partner with Learning Care Group as they make this feature available for all of their school families, particularly during these extraordinary times.”   

Check out this video

for a closer look at WatchMeGrow parent streaming video.  

Timely Notifications for Busy Families

Learning Care Group’s parent streaming video feature joins another tech offering that has helped keep its customers connected and engaged for several years: a mobile parent app. The app gives families a personal connection to their child’s day with photos, videos and quick reminders. Using the brightwheel software platform, teachers and school management share “wow” moments and important notifications through real-time, secure communications.  Parents can opt to receive custom updates on milestones, learning experiences, meals, diaper change information, nap time and more.  Check out this videofor a closer look at the mobile app. 

About Learning Care Group

Learning Care Group
is a leader in early childhood education, with more than 50 years of experience in inspiring children to love learning. Headquartered in Novi, Mich., the company is the second largest for-profit early education and care provider in North America. Learning Care Group provides early education and care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years through eight unique brands:  Childtime Learning Centers, The Children’s Courtyard, Creative Kids Learning Centers, Everbrook Academy, La Petite Academy, Montessori Unlimited, Pathways Learning Academy, and Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Centers. It operates more than 900 schools (corporate and franchise) across 36 states, the District of Columbia and internationally, and has a capacity to serve more than 130,000 children. Learning Care Group’s proprietary School Readiness Pathway supports the development of the academic and social skills needed for a smooth transition to elementary school. For more information, please visit http://www.learningcaregroup.com

Attachment

• LCG for WMG

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Basanite Industries, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Basanite, Inc. (OTCQB: BASA) (collectively, hereafter referred to as “Basanite” or the “Company”), today announced that has reached full operational status. Further, in response to strong market demand, the Company plans to accelerate its growth plans, starting with a major expansion of its Pompano Beach manufacturing facility in 2021.

In the middle of August of 2020, Basanite began scaling manufacturing operations and commenced the manufacture of its initial stock of inventory of BasaFlex™, its proprietary basalt fiber reinforced polymer reinforcing bar (or rebar). Also during this timeframe, the Company filled key positions within its production facility and reached its primary goal of full capacity single shift operations. Basanite has begun selling across its complete product line and is currently working on securing larger orders for next year. The Company has also been preparing multiple test articles for customers who are now conducting testing for specific applications. Based on market demand, Basanite is now working towards beginning two shift operations early in the new year.

Management has also been recruiting key positions in the Company, focused initially on product development; driving sales growth; and expanding the Company’s market presence. Our hiring focused on key areas of excellence, including quality assurance; operations and other technical resources; engineering; and sales and marketing. Basanite has completed its initial hiring plan of recruiting and hiring the following key personnel for leadership positions, with over 140 years of industry experience in the industry combined:

Earlier in 2020, Basanite contracted with an independent software company to develop BasaPro™, a design software specifically for use with BasaFlex™. This development effort has been completed and the operational software is being installed at Basanite this month. The software will allow both Basanite’s engineers and Basanite’s customers to normalize the use of BasaFlex™ in place of steel rebar in all types of concrete applications. It allows for both the conversion to BasaFlex™ from steel in existing concrete designs, or for original designs using BasaFlex™, and is based upon the application of ACI 440 and ACI 318 standards. The software is capable of showing all calculations and pictorial design work in conjunction with applicable building codes. This means Basanite can now communicate with the design community in their own language.

Basanite has been receiving multiple inquiries from a range of customers for its products, including very high levels of market interest for BasaFlex™. A large portion of these inquiries are for very large potential orders for new construction. However, these orders would be problematic to undertake at our current capacity and there is no guaranty that these orders will actually be made. However, Basanite plans to expand its production capabilities at the Pompano Beach facility, with the initial goal of reaching 5 times its current capabilities by Q3 of 2021, and ultimately 7 times its current capacity by 2022. As part of this expansion plan, Basanite is developing customized manufacturing equipment, specifically designed for the manufacture of BasaFlex™ using Basanite’s patent pending process. A version of this equipment will offer double the capacity of our current equipment (per machine), and each machine will run significantly faster. A prototype is expected to be available for testing in Pompano Beach during Q1 of 2021. Based on a successful trial, Basanite is planning a plant expansion involving 10 of these new machines, with a goal of being fully operational in Q3 of 2021.

About
Basanite, Inc. and Basanite Industries
: Basanite Industries, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Basanite, Inc. (OTCQB: BASA), a publicly traded company with primary interests in the manufacture of composite reinforcement products made from Basalt fiber reinforced polymers (BFRP).  

Basanite Industries is positioned to become the industry leading supplier of engineered BFRP composite products for the concrete industry. The Company today is running full single shift manufacturing operations and is engaged in expanding both its operational capacity and capabilities. As America begins to address rebuilding and repairing its bridges, tunnels, highways, dams, ports, buildings and other structures, Basanite is striving to take the lead in the next generation of infrastructure technology, with the availability of its highly engineered, green, and sustainable concrete reinforcement products. The many key advantages of all Basanite’s Basalt fiber-based products are clearly understood by the construction industry, and each product represents the best value proposition for the future in its segment.

About
BasaFlex™: BasaFlex™, a composite reinforcement bar or “rebar,” is a state-of-the-art, sustainable alternative to steel in concrete reinforcement. The manufacturing methodology, resin matrix, and profile design of BasaFlex™ are proprietary and Patent Pending. BasaFlex™ is engineered to add intrinsic value in a concrete structure by eliminating corrosion problems associated with typical steel reinforcement – saving both time and money over the lifecycle of a concrete structure. BasaFlex™ has a 100-year design life; is non-corrosive; is just 25% of the weight of steel but has a strength to weight ratio 2.5 times greater; is transparent to magnetic fields, radar frequencies and other high electro-magnetic fields; is resistant to acids and alkali; is both electrically and thermally non-conductive; and is easy to use and much safer to handle on the job site. Because of its core advantages and competitive price point, Basanite believes BasaFlex™ will become the construction industry’s #1 choice in concrete reinforcement.

Forward-looking statements:  This release contains the company’s forward-looking statements which are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions as of November 12, 2020, regarding the company’s business and performance, its prospects, current factors, the economy, and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances, and results and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe,” “goal,” “feel,” “may,” “plan,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release reflect Basanite’s current analysis of existing trends and information and represent Basanite’s judgment only as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ materially from current expectations based on a number of factors affecting Basanite’s business. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Basanite (including the risk of us continuing as a going concern), please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, including but not limited to the discussion under “Risk Factors” therein, which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 6, 2020 and may be viewed at http://www.sec.gov.

For more information: Dave Anderson, EVP/COO
(954) 532-4653 Ext. 102

BOSTON, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On September 28, 2020, Interface, Inc. (NASDAQ: TILE) announced the conclusion of the long-awaited investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission into Interface’s historical quarterly earnings per share calculations and rounding practices. Interface agreed to pay a $5 million fine to resolve the matter, and was ordered to cease-and-desist from violating the federal securities laws. On this news, shares of Interface common stock fell precipitously.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the SEC had charged Interface for reporting earnings that did not comply with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for multiple quarters in 2015 and 2016. Interface allegedly made unsupported, manual accounting adjustments, often when internal forecasts indicated the Company would fall short of Wall Street estimates, the SEC found. Per the SEC, Interface would then report earnings that met or exceeded those consensus estimates. In addition to the Company’s $5 million fine, two of Interface’s former executives agreed to pay penalties of $45,000 and $70,000.

Block & Leviton LLP (www.blockleviton.com), a national securities litigation firm, is investigating whether Interface and certain of its executives may be liable for securities fraud. If you purchased or acquired shares of Interface and have questions about your legal rights or possess information relevant to these investigations, please contact Block & Leviton attorneys at (617) 398-5600, via email at [email protected], or at https://www.blockleviton.com/cases/tile.

Block & Leviton LLP is a firm dedicated to representing investors and maintaining the integrity of the country’s financial markets. The firm represents many of the nation’s largest institutional investors as well as individual investors in securities litigation throughout the United States. The firm’s lawyers have recovered billions of dollars for its clients.

This notice may constitute attorney advertising.

CONTACT:
BLOCK & LEVITON LLP
260 Franklin St., Suite 1860
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (617) 398-5600
Email: [email protected] 
SOURCE: Block & Leviton LLP
www.blockleviton.com 

Arlington, Va., Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Maher & Maher was recently awarded a five-year Industry Intermediary contract by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Office of Apprenticeship in order to expand access to apprenticeships in the field of Information Technology (IT).

Maher, a subsidiary of the American Institutes for Research (AIR), will work with its strategic partner CompTIA, the world’s leading technology trade association, to drive new Registered Apprenticeship Programs that will increase the IT talent pool for employers across the country. 

The current social and economic climate has amplified the demand for qualified IT professionals as shifting business strategies call for a move toward virtual work. In addition to addressing this growing demand, Maher and CompTIA will focus on increasing opportunities and pathways to employment for populations traditionally underrepresented in the IT industry, including women and those who are Hispanic and African American. Through targeted outreach to education institutions, businesses, and other organizations, the project will develop a network to introduce a  diverse pool of individuals and employers to the value and opportunity of apprenticeship.

Since 2016, USDOL has invested heavily in expanding apprenticeship to ensure America’s workforce has the skills needed to match today’s most in-demand jobs, and the jobs of the future.  Apprenticeships are a promising pathway for providing jobseekers from diverse backgrounds with the skills and experience needed to secure well-paying jobs that grow the economy. According to USDOL, 94 percent of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship program retain employment, with an average annual salary of $70,000.

Maher’s experience in expanding apprenticeship programs and CompTIA’s expertise in IT education and certification will be leveraged to help grow tech apprenticeships across the country in a variety of industries.  

“Over the last decade, Maher has been deeply involved in expanding apprenticeship programs and we are thrilled to partner with CompTIA to drive the growth and diversity of IT apprenticeships nationwide,” said Beth Brinly, Vice President of Workforce Development at Maher. “We appreciate USDOL’s investment in this partnership and are proud to take part in one of the most exciting talent development movements taking place right now in the United States.”

To learn more about Maher’s expertise in apprenticeship and other work-based learning models, visit www.mahernet.com/work-based-learning.

About Maher & Maher

Maher & Maher is a consulting firm providing business integration, change management, and leading-edge training solutions. For over a decade, Maher & Maher has worked with private and public organizations at the national, state, and local levels to design talent solutions that meet the talent needs of learners, jobseekers, and businesses. Maher & Maher is a company of IMPAQ, a subsidiary of the American Institutes for Research.

About AIR

Established in 1946, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of education, health and the workforce. AIR’s work is driven by its mission to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR has offices across the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit www.air.org.