Jun, 24
2022
Business, Free News Articles, Regional Events

Galantines Day Gala Celebrates Success and Preps for National Growth: Sherri J. White Brings Together Women to Innovate and Inspire

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Inspired by remarkable women business leaders and innovators, entrepreneur Sherri J. White launched the Galentines Day Gala in 2021 to award and celebrate standout women across industries and professions. After witnessing nearly 50 percent year-over-year growth in 2022, Thinkzilla Consulting Group is announcing Women in Business nominations are now open for the 2023 Houston event.

White, a well-recognized business consultant and childcare guru, is also preparing to expand her event nationally, adding Women in Business awards and a special event in Houston in 2023.

"My goal has always been to raise women up and celebrate their outstanding accomplishments in the world of business, with the aim of becoming the 'Grammys' for women in business today," White said. "Launching a new program and awards show during a pandemic was a challenge to say the least, but the response has been phenomenal and we look forward to celebrating even more amazing women in both Atlanta and Houston next year."

The annual February Galentines Day Gala convenes women business leaders with an awards program and an educational program that share additional resources, support the economy and inspire others. The new Houston event, known as "The Take Off," will consist of a weekend of networking events combined with a luxury retreat, all designed to give attendees more time to connect.

"Our previous attendees shared interest in spending more time together, which inspired us to develop this one-of-a-kind weekend filled with everything from mixers to breakout sessions to brunch and luxury business engagements," White added. "The sky is truly the limit when it comes to recognizing and reveling in the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs today and we look forward to even more growth in the years to come."

Registration for 2023 events is also open at https://www.thegalentinesdaygala.com/registration.

About the Galentines Day Gala:

Founded in 2021 to celebrate outstanding women in business, the Galentines Day Gala and Women in Business awards recognize the best in women entrepreneurs. The awards events also incorporate education and economic impact. To learn more, submit a nomination or register for an upcoming event, please visit https://www.thegalentinesdaygala.com/

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Jun, 17
2022
Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles

Glam Scrubwear Partners with KARE to Support National Healthcare Workers

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Bringing more glam and purpose to those who need it the most, Glam Scrubwear is partnering with KARE, a labor marketplace that connects qualified caregivers and nurses with senior care facilities, to offer discounted and trendy healthcare uniforms to caregivers, better known as KARE Heroes, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

Launched during the pandemic by nurses and mother and daughter duo Katrice Thompson and KaShirah Thompson-Monroe, Glam Scrubwear features innovative, stylish and comfortable uniforms that merge with futuristic concepts in work wear. KARE connects qualified caregivers and nurses with senior care communities and nursing homes through its app that gives its team of heroes the flexibility to create a schedule that works for them as well as the ability to get paid the next day.

"Both of our organizations take great pride in giving back, so this is a perfect partnership that supports the amazing healthcare heroes across the globe," said Katrice Thompson, co-owner of Glam Scrubwear. "With a little style, a little swagger and a nice discount, we are honored to dress some of the finest people and healthcare professionals around."

To thank the KARE Heroes, Glam Scrubwear, which was recently featured by Yahoo, is offering a 10 percent discount on its Get Glam Bling embellished set in orange or black with a special promotional code.

"We are proud to partner with Glam Scrubwear to help our Heroes be empowered, confident, and look and feel their best while at work," said Katie Rhone, VP of HERO Development for KARE. "This partnership is even more special knowing, Katrice and KaShirah, the founders of Glam Scrubwear are also KARE Heroes."

Glam Scrubwear was created to allow healthcare professionals of all backgrounds and interests to wear groundbreaking trends that are equally fashionable, functional and cost-effective.

About Glam Scrubwear:

Created by mother and daughter nurses on the frontlines, Glam Scrubwear provides healthcare professionals with the latest in work-wear. With a vision to elevate self-esteem, inspire creativity and inspire innovation, Glam Scrubwear feels as good as it looks, giving new and aspiring professionals a competitive edge.

For more information, please visit https://glam-scrubwear-llc.myshopify.com/

About KARE:

KARE is the first labor marketplace dedicated solely to the Senior Housing and Post-Acute industry. KARE connects qualified caregivers and nurses with Senior Care Communities and Nursing Homes. The KARE app gives caregivers the flexibility to create a schedule that works for them, and it gives communities the ability to quickly fill open shifts, delivering a revolutionary approach to solving staffing challenges. Learn more: https://www.doyoukare.com/hero-experience/

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Jun, 13
2022
Entertainment, Free News Articles

Atlanta Native Singer Tony Hightower Kicks Off the New Jazz Concert Season at Friday Jazz at The High Museum in Atlanta Friday, June 17

ATLANTA, Ga. -- At a time when Jazz music could truly use a boost in listenership, singer Tony Hightower is on a mission to be the bridge to help a younger generation of appreciators crossover. With his sophomore album LEGACY entering the marketplace in June 2022, all-around singer/entertainer Hightower - a protégé of the late Freddy Cole - is leveraging his R&B and Hip-Hop roots to entice more young people to dig jazz.

RESPECTED HIP-HOP / R&B DRUMMER FOR OUTKAST - JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS - LIONEL RITCHIE, GOODIE MOB AND OTHERS

"I want young people to know that Jazz is not old - Jazz is cool as a mug," Hightower enthuses! "So many of your childhood memories from the movies, television, and cartoons to some of the music you listen to on the radio - especially Hip Hop of the `90s were full of jazz or influenced by it - and you may not have even known it.

"Good melody and grooves are good melodies and grooves no matter what genre. Growing up in the Hip Hop and R&B generation myself, I was still listening to Jazz - real jazz. You are hearing more of it in my new record than ever before. I intend to merge the two worlds - retaining the integrity, of course, but allowing the appeal to expand. The audience can't all be older or of a certain demographic. I believe that if artists such as myself and Jazzmeia Horn can persuade listeners to dig us, they may reach back to appreciate the singers that influenced us. That will be beneficial to them and Jazz itself."

HIGHTOWER HAS PERFORMED IN VARIOUS TYLER PERRY MOVIES TV SHOWS & STAGE PRODUCTIONS

"I didn't have a choice about doing this music," Hightower confesses. "My mother, Theresa Hightower, lived her life onstage. She was a fiery and versatile vocal pro by age 16 and had me when she was 19. So, you could say I've been performing since the womb." Growing up under a local legend mother - a Funk-Rocker who could sing anything and mentored many singers coming behind her - Tony learned music first-hand from Bobby Blue Bland and the Platters to Mother's Finest.

Tony Hightower Docuseries https://youtu.be/zHl_04mPlP0

TONY HIGHTOWER'S NEW RECORDING -- LEGACY -- DEBUTS FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH

https://www.thetonyhightower.com/

SINGER TONY HIGHTOWER IN CONCERT

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2022

Friday Jazz @ The High Museum of Art

1280 Peachtree Street, NE

Atlanta, GA 30309

Showtimes: 6pm - 10pm ET

Members: Free

Non-members: $25

https://high.org/Program/friday-jazz/

For more information on Tony Hightower, contact:

J'ai StLaurent-Smyth

Inque Public Relations & Marketing - 917.627.9161

inquepublicity.pr@gmail.com

KEEP UP WITH TONY BY VISITING:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyhightowerstandard

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TonyHightowerStandard/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tony_hightower

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4bieJ1z_Yx__leYAZTFZgA/videos.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/zHl_04mPlP0

Related link: https://www.facebook.com/tony.tower

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Jun, 07
2022
Business, Free News Articles, Reports and Studies

Down Payment Resource analysis finds that 33% of declined mortgage applications are declined for reasons addressable with homebuyer assistance

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the nationwide database for U.S. homebuyer assistance programs, today announced findings from an analysis showing that a substantial share of mortgage loan applications are both declined for reasons that can be addressed with homebuyer assistance and eligible for homebuyer assistance programs.

Methodology:

Findings were derived by analyzing HMDA data for tens of thousands of declined purchase mortgage loan applications representing $3.7 billion in volume furnished by mortgage lenders. Loan applications declined for either insufficient cash-to-close or disqualifying debt-to-income (DTI) ratios were categorized as potentially recoverable with homebuyer assistance. Homebuyer assistance eligibility for this group of applications was determined by running loan application data - including location, home price, loan amount, income and homeownership history - through the DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE® database.

Matching assistance programs were then applied to each loan to determine how applying homebuyer assistance to eligible declined loan files would have impacted loan-to-value (LTV) ratios.

KEY FINDINGS

Key findings are as follows:

* A large share of declined loan files were eligible for homebuyer assistance. 33% of all declined purchase mortgage loan applications were declined for either insufficient cash-to-close or disqualifying DTI ratios and also eligible for homebuyer assistance at the time of declination. The large share of loans potentially recoverable with homebuyer assistance highlights a significant, low-cost opportunity for lenders to increase purchase volume.

* Declined loan applications were typically eligible for multiple programs. On average, declined loan applications were eligible for 10 homebuyer assistance programs, indicating there are often multiple options available to homebuyers financing with homebuyer assistance.


* Many declined loans could have been recovered with homebuyer assistance. Applying homebuyer assistance to eligible declined loan applications would have reduced LTV by an average of 5.85%, making many of the loan applications recoverable. Lowering LTV can open the door to better and more affordable first mortgage scenarios, including conventional (rather than FHA) financing, reduced mortgage insurance costs and better interest rates.

"In light of National Homeownership Month and the state of the housing market, it is important for the mortgage industry to reflect on ways it can improve financing outcomes for homebuyers," said DPR CEO Rob Chrane. "Our analysis definitively shows that homebuyer assistance programs are the most promising pathway to homeownership for a sizable share of the homebuyer population. Yet, homebuyer assistance programs are seldom offered as an option. It is my hope that this information will help lenders better serve their communities by showing that qualified homebuyers who need down payment assistance are not a niche market, but a major market that continues to grow."

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is a nationwide database of down payment assistance and affordable lending programs. The company tracks funding status, eligibility rules, benefits and more for approximately 2,200 programs in 11 categories. Its award-winning technology helps the housing industry connect more homebuyers to the down payment help they need. DPR has been recognized by Inman News as "Most Innovative New Technology" and the HousingWire Tech100(tm). DPR is licensed to Multiple Listing Services, Realtor Associations, lenders and housing counselors across the country. DPR's subscription-based service, Down Payment Connect, helps agents and loan officers match buyers to available programs. For more information, please visit https://downpaymentresource.com/ and on Twitter at @DwnPmtResource.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Jun, 02
2022
Awards and Honors, Business, Environment and Ecology, Free News Articles, Green Business

Students Complete HBCU Green Fund’s Fellowship – Primed for Growing Opportunities in Clean Energy

ATLANTA, Ga. -- After successfully completing a rigorous fellowship that exposes students to opportunities in clean energy and sustainability, Serena Echols was awarded an internship assisting a community in Florida that was exposed to contaminated groundwater. One of twelve students selected by the HBCU Green Fund to participate in their inaugural Atlanta University Center (AUC) Fellows Program, Echols will document the experiences of the residents and seek resources for long overdue environmental justice.

A partnership between the HBCU Green Fund and the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), the AUC Fellows Program connects students at Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College with entrepreneurs and professionals that provided training, mentoring and internships in energy and STEM industries. A grant to RICE from the U.S. Department of Energy provides resources for the program.

"The inaugural AUC fellowship was a huge success," said Illai Kenney, national program director, HBCU Green Fund. "Whether you look at the increase in catastrophic climate events or the impacts of oil on the global economy, the critical need for a swift transition to clean energy is clear. This program will help expand the pipeline of skilled professionals required to achieve energy independence. We're proud that AUC Fellows are primed to train their peers, educate their communities, and capitalize on emerging green infrastructure opportunities."

The students were introduced to various energy careers and gained hands-on training in renewable energy technologies. They conducted energy audits of buildings in Atlanta, received instruction on electric vehicle charging stations, and learned to mount solar panels. The program emphasized information on starting an energy-related business and identifying business opportunities. The fellows also attended the annual BIPOC Climate Justice Dialogue, a discussion between climate justice scholars, organizers, academics, and government officials about opportunities in President Biden's Justice40 Initiative.

"It was very helpful to be able to question someone who works in sustainability daily and has created a profitable business in the area," adds Echols, an environmental science major headed into her senior year at Spelman College. "I am excited about the internship the HBCU Green Fund helped me secure at the University of South Florida where I will explore the cultural construction of risk in a peri-urban African American community whose groundwater was contaminated by chlorinated solvents from the former American Beryllium Corporation site."

The AUC Fellows were trained by successful Black entrepreneurs and executives who work in the energy sector; many of them are also HBCU graduates. Dr. Anthony Kinslow, CEO of Gemini Energy Solutions; Sheryl E. Ponds CEO of Dai Technologies; Gilbert Campbell, CEO of Volt Energy Utility LL; Kristal Hansley, CEO We Solar Energy; and the WDC Solar team provided instruction. AUC faculty mentors Dr. Armita Davarpanah and Dr. Fatemah Shafiei (Spelman College), Dr. Cynthia Hewitt (Morehouse College), Dr. Olu Olatidoye and Dr. Myron Williams (Clark Atlanta University), along with Spelman Facilities Director, Arthur E. Frazier.

The 2022 AUC fellows are:

Sophia Boyd (Spelman), Serena Echols (Spelman), Indrianna Bowleg (Spelman), Brionna Findley (Spelman), N'Dya Jeffries (Clark Atlanta), Conrad Mctavish (Morehouse), Jason Gill (Morehouse), Ihunanya Destiny Agomuoh, (Spelman), Noah Bacon-Angevine (Morehouse), and Andre Brown (Morehouse). Two additional fellows joined late in the semester: Jonathan Banks (Morehouse) and Kahlea Henry (Spelman).

About The HBCU Green Fund:

The HBCU Green Fund is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization working to advance campus-wide sustainability at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and promote student engagement in green initiatives. The organization produces the HBCU Green Report, a ranking of green initiatives on HBCU campuses.

For more information on the HBCU Green Fund and AUC Project check out video here: https://youtu.be/RVB2Iai1Bz0

Learn more: https://www.hbcugreenfund.org/ (*note: website maintenance 6/2/22; if unable to reach site, try back later).

Related link: https://hbcugreenfund.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

May, 26
2022
Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Safety and Security Solutions, Software

ZKTECO USA integrates STiD Mobile ID for Advanced Contactless Access Control Offering

ATLANTA, Ga. -- STid announced today that ZKTecoUSA has integrated the STiD Mobile ID® application with ZKTecoUSA's ZKey mobile credential app for a more comprehensive, advanced contactless access control offering. The combined, enhanced mobile application offers four unique modes for contactless identification to ensure users have multiple options to meet their individual needs and preferences in addition to secure and dynamic QR code support.

STid's Mobile ID is currently compatible with ZKTecoUSA's Atlas and Pro series access control panels and will be integrated into many other hardware and software solutions from ZKTecoUSA moving forward.

STid's Mobile ID simplifies managing and issued cards by using virtual cards on smartphones that can be used with or without conventional cards. Virtual access cards can be stored on STid Mobile ID App, for Android or iOS, available free of charge in app stores, for near instant issuing of credentials.

The four unique modes include:

* Badge mode: smartphone or wearable is presented like a convention access card

* Slide mode: hand becomes the access card

* Tap Tap mode: double tap the smartphone in a pocket for access

* Hands-free mode: ID is automatically detected

Hosted on the cloud or on-premises, STid's Mobile ID offers managers ease of use with multi-user or multi-site options and quick, easy management of virtual cards.

"Integrating with STid has allowed us to provide solutions for our customers that were not able to be previously met," said Prata Khadilkar, marketing manager, ZKTecoUSA. "Advanced features like Pocket & Wave mode allow us to stay ahead of the trends in the access control world. We have even been able to integrate the credentials into our existing ZKey mobile credential app already supporting our secure & dynamic QR codes for truly contactless access."

The new mobile application is available for use with the ZKTecoUSA Atlas Access Control Panel, which features an easy-to-use interface with fingerprint reader to ensure building managers can control and grant access to only those users who are authorized and supports both Wiegand & OSDP protocols. Mobile ID is also available with the popular Pro series tripod turnstiles for indoor environments.

STid's Mobile ID will also be added into ZKTecoUSA's BioSecurity software and solutions for a direct connection to create and send credentials to the users, Cielo 365 cloud solution and Atlas 360 hybrid-cloud solution later this year. Multiple ZKTecoUSA hardware kits will include an STid Mobile ID option moving forward.

"We're happy to combine strengths and expertise with another industry leader to deliver the best solutions to end users," said Frederick Trujillo, U.S. Director of Operations, STid. "Our Mobile ID operates worldwide with any other open solutions and offers the widest range of usage options to ensure adoption. We look forward to expanding our relationship with ZkTecoUSA to deliver more innovation access control solutions."

Learn more: https://www.zktecousa.com/products-new

About ZKTecoUSA:

ZKTecoUSA is a globally renowned enterprise focused on delivering biometric verification technology designed to help make the world a safer and wiser place for all its inhabitants. ZKTecoUSA brings to market a wide range of solutions including Smart Identity Authentication Applications, Smart Entrance Control Applications (for both pedestrians and vehicles), and Smart Office Applications. Products range from simple RFID & QR code readers to advanced biometric door controllers, turnstiles, walkthrough metal detectors, and even x-ray inspection scanners. For more information, please visit https://www.zktecousa.com/.

About STid Group:

STid's mission is to protect people, their property and data through secure access and identity. For more than 25 years, STid has created and marketed identification solutions for high security physical and logical access control, as well as Automatic Vehicle Identification. STid has the widest range of OSDP(tm)-Verified readers on the market today. The Company aims for businesses, residential, governments and industry to simplify and protect their digital identity management by developing non-proprietary intelligent identification solutions that use state-of-the-art RFID, NFC, Bluetooth® and Internet things of Things (IoT) technology.

Related link: https://zktecousa.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

May, 25
2022
Elections and Politics, Free News Articles, Government

Helen Butler, GCPA Executive Director, Statement On Election Integrity In Georgia Primary

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Helen Butler, executive director of the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda (GCPA), issued the following statement about election integrity during the Georgia Primary on May 24, 2022:

"We are still assessing the impact of the numerous problems Georgia voters reported across the state, and will provide a formal briefing in the near future. Today, based on reports from coordinators and coalition members across the state, we can say that several locations opened late, machines were broken, and we had reports of voters receiving error messages. A few precincts, including Savannah High, reported that machines were not operating for the first few hours and they didn't provide provisional ballots until after 9 a.m.

"We received several complaints about voters who got the incorrect voting precinct on MVP. Once voters found out they received erroneous precinct information, rather than have a system to accommodate those voters, some voters were sent to another wrong polling place. The mix-up appears to be related to an inadequate amount of time to provide voters with correct precinct information between the acceptance of redistricting maps and the date of the primaries. Elections officials anticipated this problem and requested to change the date of the primaries, however, the Georgia legislature decided not to reschedule.

"Details matter. To protect the integrity of the election we must give election officials and staff enough time to disseminate correct information. The only way for every eligible voter to cast a ballot that counts is for them to receive accurate information from their board of elections. Voters have jobs, families and other responsibilities and should not have to travel from precinct to precinct in search of a place to vote. Instead of focusing on ways to make voting harder, our legislature and elected officials should make voting easier and ensure that we have fail-safe backup systems for people who are provided inaccurate information by the board of elections.

"Another issue we encountered was people who changed their names on their drivers license but the name wasn't automatically updated in the system. One person that had this issue went home to get their passport but with the strict ID requirements, some voters don't have an alternate acceptable form of ID and others don't have time or transportation to go home for more ID. We must make sure that the automatic voter registration system is automatic.

"Clearly, as we progress to the General Election, Georgia officials need to spend less time thinking of ways to restrict voting and more time focused on protecting the integrity of our elections by providing reliable information to voters, maintaining working voting machines, opening all precincts on time, and improving systems to ensure that democracy works for all voters."

ABOUT THE PEOPLE'S AGENDA:

Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization performing year-round voter registration, education and mobilization in Black communities throughout Georgia. Led by board chair, Rev. J. A. Milner, and Butler, the organization has headquarters in Atlanta and offices in Athens, Albany, Macon, Augusta, LaGrange and Savannah.

For more information visit http://thepeoplesagenda.org, email coalition@bellsouth.net or call the People's Agenda at (404) 653-1199.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Edrea Davis
PH/Text:818.613.9521
email: edmedia@dogonvillage.com

Related link: https://www.thepeoplesagenda.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

May, 17
2022
Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Real Estate

OneKey MLS names Down Payment Resource partners as designated provider of down payment assistance tools

ATLANTA, Ga. -- OneKey® MLS, the largest multiple listing service (MLS) in New York, today announced that it has partnered with Down Payment Resource (DPR), the nationwide database for U.S. homebuyer assistance programs, to indicate MLS residential listings that may be eligible for down payment assistance and other homebuyer affordability programs.

OneKey MLS has 45,000 MLS subscribers and specializes in listing residential and commercial real estate in nine New York counties covering Long Island, the Hudson Valley and all five NYC boroughs. In addition to providing home directories to its subscribers, OneKey MLS enables consumers to search home listings on a public-facing search site.

"Many prospective buyers do not realize the wealth of down payment assistance programs available to them, even at the state and regional levels," said OneKey MLS CEO Jim Speer. "Thanks to our partnership with DPR, our subscribers can swiftly connect borrowers with the homebuyer education and assistance programs they need to achieve their financial dreams."

DPR's toolset is the latest of many time-saving resources that OneKey MLS offers consumers and subscribers. Through its new partnership with DPR, OneKey MLS will now flag listings eligible for homebuyer assistance programs on both its public- and subscriber-facing search pages. Down Payment Resource has already identified 54 programs available in OneKey MLS' area coverage for which 62% of its residential listing inventory is potentially eligible.

"Home prices across the United States have soared in the past year. New York state is no different, with low inventory driving the state's median home price up by 19.4% in 2021," said DPR CEO Rob Chrane. "Now, New Yorkers that are hoping to buy a home can count on OneKey MLS and its Realtor subscribers for homebuyer affordability guidance they may have never encountered otherwise."

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is a nationwide database of down payment assistance and affordable lending programs. The company tracks funding status, eligibility rules, benefits and more for approximately 2,200 programs in 11 categories. Its award winning technology helps the housing industry connect more homebuyers to the down payment help they need. DPR has been recognized by Inman News as "Most Innovative New Technology" and the HousingWire Tech100(tm). DPR is licensed to Multiple Listing Services, Realtor Associations, lenders and housing counselors across the country. DPR's subscription based service, Down Payment Connect, helps agents and loan officers match buyers to available programs. For more information, please visit https://downpaymentresource.com/ and on Twitter at @DwnPmtResource.

About OneKey® MLS:

OneKey MLS, made possible by the merger of MLSLI and Hudson Gateway MLS, is one of the nation's leading Multiple Listing Services, serving over 45,000 REALTOR® subscribers and 4,300 participating offices throughout Long Island, Manhattan, and the Hudson Valley. OneKey MLS is dedicated to providing more comprehensive coverage, up-to-date statistics, and the best real estate tools and resources.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

May, 10
2022
Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Real Estate, Software

realMLS enhances listing service with Down Payment Resource to help subscribers connect consumers with homebuyer assistance programs

ATLANTA, Ga. -- realMLS, serving 11,000 members in Northeast Florida, today announced that it has partnered with Down Payment Resource (DPR) to enhance its platform with DPR's suite of real estate agent tools that help MLS customers connect homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs.

realMLS is a multiple listing service (MLS) which provides advanced tools and reliable listing data to their MLS members serving Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns County, Florida. According to DPR analysis, 44 homebuyer assistance programs are available for up to 63% of realMLS listings, including 35 down payment assistance programs, six affordable first mortgage programs, two mortgage credit certificates (MCCs) and one other program.

As a subscriber benefit, realMLS has integrated DPR with its listing data so properties that qualify for one or more homebuyer assistance programs will be searchable and flagged with the DPR icon. Additionally, realMLS subscribers will receive Down Payment Connect, a unique lead generation landing page that allows visitors to search for homeownership programs and Realtors to collect prospect contact information. Subscribers will also be given access to DPR's library of marketing resources, which includes graphics, social media images and customizable flyers.

"The median home price in realMLS' coverage area has spiked 25.5% over the last year, increasing the cost of a 3% down payment by tens of thousands of dollars for most homes," said DPR CEO Rob Chrane. "DPR tools equip realMLS subscribers to sustainably grow their business by helping families overcome one of the most frequently cited barriers to homeownership: the cost of a down payment."

"realMLS is focused on providing technology such as DPR which empowers our members to best serve consumers," said realMLS CEO Nicole Jensen. "DPR gives our subscribers an edge by making them the source on homebuyer opportunities to proactively address the homebuyer affordability challenges facing people living and working in our communities."

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is a nationwide database of down payment assistance and affordable lending programs. The company tracks funding status, eligibility rules, benefits and more for approximately 2,200 programs in 11 categories. Its award winning technology helps the housing industry connect more homebuyers to the down payment help they need. DPR has been recognized by Inman News as "Most Innovative New Technology" and the HousingWire Tech100(tm). DPR is licensed to Multiple Listing Services, Realtor Associations, lenders and housing counselors across the country. DPR's subscription based service, Down Payment Connect, helps agents and loan officers match buyers to available programs. For more information, please visit https://downpaymentresource.com/ and on Twitter at @DwnPmtResource.

About realMLS:

realMLS (a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEFAR) is a Multiple Listing Service for over 11,000 members in Northeast Florida focused on promoting a healthy marketplace, for members and their clients, by providing innovative tools and comprehensive listing data. realMLS partners with exceptional service providers to give members an array of choices to fit their business model. Members have access to statistical data products that are customizable, along with extensive property record data through their integration with Metro Market Trends, Inc., which provides detailed and accurate property information to its customers in Florida and Alabama. To learn more about realMLS go to https://www.realmls.com/.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

May, 10
2022
Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Sports and Activities

FormFree opens registration to its third annual Heroes Golf Classic 2022 benefiting the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. -- FormFree® today announced it has opened registration to the organization's third annual Heroes Golf Classic, which will be held on September 9, 2022, at Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course in Buford, Georgia. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance and preparedness education to communities affected by disaster.

FormFree invites companies and individuals to participate in the Luau on the Lake themed charity golf tournament by registering to play or sponsoring the event. Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum sponsorships are available in addition to two new interactive sponsorship opportunities. The Power Red premier hole sponsorship, named to honor the life-saving impact of blood donations, features a golf cannon that allows players to launch balls up to 300 yards on a Par 3 hole. The Pillowcase Hole premier sponsorship, named for the Red Cross Pillowcase Preparedness Program, is led by a golf professional who will make the first shot, setting golfers up to make a Par 5 hole in two shots.

"When natural disasters or other emergencies threaten the safety of our community, the Red Cross of Northeast Georgia is there to help," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "The FormFree team and I are honored to dedicate our time, money and effort to help support this life-saving work."

Located less than an hour north of Atlanta and situated along the shores of Lake Lanier, the award-winning Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course features 18 holes designed to delight golf enthusiasts. Charming, tranquil and rich with wildlife, the course is distinguished by its exceptional quality and commitment to service.

The 2021 Heroes Golf Classic brought together more than 100 golfers and volunteers at the Château Élan Winery and Resort in Braselton, Georgia. The event raised $57,030 to benefit Red Cross-sponsored disaster relief services, blood drives and educational programs. This year, FormFree has set a fundraising goal of $75,000.

"Since FormFree was founded in 2008, it has supported the American Red Cross by participating in blood drives, food drives and fundraisers," said Marlon Trone, executive director of the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia. "Now over a decade later, FormFree is one of our most cherished supporters. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing our work together."

The American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia provides direct service to 23 Georgia counties by supporting the collection, testing and distribution of blood and blood components in the region, providing emergency resources for military families, facilitating lifesaving training and helping communities impacted by disasters. FormFree CEO Brent Chandler joined the organization's board of directors in 2017, and FormFree was named the Northeast Georgia chapter's 2021 Corporate Blood Sponsor of the Year.

To register for FormFree's third annual Heroes Golf Classic, visit https://HeroesClassic22.givesmart.com.

Those who are unable to attend the tournament can support the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia's humanitarian work by making a donation at https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/.

About FormFree:

As the industry's go-to provider for direct-source VOA and VOI/E data, FormFree® helps lenders understand credit risk like never before. Our patented AccountChek® and Passport® products open doors to more inclusive credit decisioning by revealing each customer's true ability to pay (ATP®). We have completed over $3 trillion in loan verifications that help lenders lower operating costs while improving the borrower experience.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

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