(Brawley, CA) April 22, 2022 — California Ethanol and Power (CE+P) today announced it has advanced through Part I of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) Loan Programs Office Title XVII Innovative Energy Loan Guarantee Program and Renewable Energy Projects and Efficient Energy Projects Solicitation, a rigorous first stage of consideration to qualify projects eligible for the program. As a result, CE+P has been invited to submit a Part II Application for a Federal Loan Guarantee, according to Ron Blake, California Ethanol + Power’s Chief Financial Officer.
“This important milestone demonstrates that Sugar Valley Energy meets the rigorous initial evaluation standards set by the Department of Energy for innovation in renewable energy, as an invitation to Part II is not something the Loan Programs Office extends lightly,” said Ron Blake. “Advanced biofuels represent a critical part of our nation’s energy future, and domestically produced sugarcane ethanol will provide a quality renewable resource to meet our energy needs with much lower carbon intensity than imported sources.”
If awarded, the DOE loan would be used for construction of Sugar Valley Energy, California Ethanol + Power’s planned and permitted 160-acre campus, combining an advanced ethanol biorefinery, bioelectric and biogas generation along with wastewater treatment facilities in Imperial County, CA.
CE+P is currently in the process of securing equity and bond financing for Sugar Valley Energy, with construction expected to begin this year.
The sugarcane ethanol to be produced at Sugar Valley Energy is expected to have a Carbon Intensity (CI) score considerably lower than today’s domestically produced corn ethanol, and the planned biorefinery will incorporate next-generation measures to reduce emissions throughout its operation.
A significant part of California Ethanol + Power’s vision for Sugar Valley Energy is to contract with local agricultural producers to establish an estimated 48,000 acres of sugarcane production in the Imperial Valley. The sugarcane feedstock will produce more than 70 million gallons of low-carbon ethanol each year along with up to 49 Megawatts of electrical power, helping meet California’s established emissions reduction, renewable energy, and low-carbon energy goals.
CE+P has obtained all the major necessary permits and environmental certifications for the development of the Sugar Valley Energy project and has entered into a long-term purchase and marketing agreement with agribusiness leader CHS, Inc. to sell the ethanol produced at the new energy campus.
According to a third-party economic analysis, Sugar Valley Energy is projected to have a $1.7 billion positive economic impact through construction and year one of operations, and support more than 15,000 direct and indirect jobs in the surrounding region over the same period. The development of Sugar Valley Energy will also establish critical infrastructure for future growth in Imperial Valley by delivering access to a critical water treatment plant and energy capacity nearby.
PLEXUS Solutions is advising Sugar Valley Energy on its loan guarantee application with the DOE. PLEXUS provides Advisory and Investment Management services to clients in the Sustainability Infrastructure industry. The core focus is evaluating and implementing capital solutions for Sustainable Asset Developers, Manufacturers, Institutional Investors, Family Offices and Service Providers. PLEXUS is based in New York and San Francisco. More information is available at www.plexussolutions.services.
DOE Loan Programs Office Disclaimer
The DOE Loan Programs Office (LPO) invitation to California Ethanol +Power to submit a Part II application for a loan guarantee reflects LPO’s determination that the project satisfies the technical eligibility requirements set forth in the applicable LPO solicitation, based on the materials submitted to DOE as of the date of its determination. DOE’s invitation to submit a Part II application is not, however, an assurance that DOE will invite CE+P into the due diligence and term sheet negotiations process, that DOE will offer a term sheet or that the terms and conditions of a term sheet will be consistent with terms proposed by the applicant. The foregoing matters are wholly dependent on the results of the DOE review and evaluation of a Part II application and DOE’s determination whether to proceed.
About California Ethanol + Power (CE+P)
CE+P is a development company that intends to develop, construct, operate and own numerous facilities that will convert locally grown sugarcane into Essential Ethanol ™ sustainable, renewable, and extremely low carbon transportation fuel that will assist California in meeting its groundbreaking AB32 requirements. CE+P is committed to employing processes and equipment that are both commercially proven and financeable, while also meeting California’s stringent environmental regulations.
Contact Information
Barbara Caruso, barbara@c-squaredpr.com, 714/328-3273
Phil Vandermost, phil@pvastrat.com, 949/289-3632
Call for Entries: 2022 International Photography Competition
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts announces a call for entries for the 2022 International Photography Competition
- All entries must be received by May 9, 2022
- Best in Competition winner will receive $1,000 and consideration for a solo exhibition at FMoPA
- The winning images will be on view at FMoPA from June 10 through July 17, 2022
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is announcing a call for entries to its annual 2022 International Photography Competition.
The winners will be selected in seven categories: Conceptual; Abstract; Still Life; Documentary/Photojournalism; Nature/Science/ Animals; Places/Landscapes/Drone; People/Portraits. A flagship project of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, the International Photography Competition has been running for two decades commemorating the museum’s commitment to positioning photographic art as central to everyday life and culture. The competition is sponsored by Hahnemühle FineArt GmbH and Blick Art Materials.
To submit entries to the competition, please visit bit.ly/3tggQOM
Photo entries will be judged based on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact, artistic merit, and otherwise determined by the judges. Every 2022 International Photography Competition (IPC 2022) winner will have their images printed and displayed as part of a group exhibition in the FMoPA Community Gallery. In addition, this year’s Best in Competition winner will receive $1,000 and consideration for a solo exhibition at FMoPA. All winning entries will be considered for featuring in FMoPA’s promotional materials.
Last year, the panel of jurors selected 21 winning images from over 1,200 submissions. Los Angeles-based artist Austin Irving was named Best in Competition for her dramatic depiction of the Dau Go cave in Halong Bay, Vietnam, which explores the humans-first approach of modern tourism.
About FMoPA
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA)is a museum dedicated to exhibiting important photographic art as central to contemporary life and culture. FMoPA also enriches the community by operating outreach programs to educate children and adults. Founded in 2001, FMoPA occupies the atrium of the architecturally-significant Cube building in Tampa’s Waterfront Arts District. FMoPA is one of fewer than ten museums in the United States dedicated exclusively to photography and one of two such museums in Florida. The museum is home to high-impact community programs, such as the Children’s Literacy through Photography program for at-risk children, as well as adult photography classes, workshops, and children’s summer camps. For more information, please visit www.fmopa.org
Contact Information
Name: Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Email: communications@fmopa.org
Job Title: Communications & Outreach
Toxicologist Dr. Barbara D. Beck Awarded Women in Toxicology’s Smith and Hook Distinguished Service Award
Gradient scientist Barbara D. Beck was awarded the Smith and Hook Distinguished Service Award for long-term dedication to promoting women toxicologists at the 61st Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting.
[April 12, 2022, Boston, MA] – Gradient is pleased to announce that Barbara D. Beck has been named the winner of the Smith and Hook Distinguished Service Award by Society of Toxicology (SOT) Women in Toxicology (WIT) Special Interest Group.
The Smith and Hook Distinguished Service Award “honors an individual for their long-term dedication to promote career development opportunities and recognition of the accomplishments of women toxicologists, and for their service and longstanding support to the SOT and/or WIT Special Interest Group.” The award was presented March 30 at a reception as part of the 61st SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo held in San Diego, California.
This mentorship award was founded in recognition of Dr. Jaqueline Smith and the late Dr. Jerry Hook, who share a history of supporting women in toxicology and whose generosity has been instrumental in honoring the accomplishments of women toxicologists. Read more about Women in Toxicology Special Interest Group Awards.
Dr. Beck is a toxicologist and human health risk assessment scientist. Her broad experience in risk assessment includes toxicological evaluations of many different types of chemicals, along with the development of evaluation methodologies. Dr. Beck is the author of over 100 book chapters and journal articles. Dr. Beck’s participation in advisory committees and expert panels, such as the National Research Council, the International Life Sciences Institute has spanned over 30 years.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Beck on receiving this award!
Gradient is an environmental and risk sciences consulting firm renowned for scientific excellence. We provide cutting edge risk sciences consulting services to design and strategize responsive and protective solutions to environmental and human health challenges.
Contact Information
Name: Bethany Vasecka
Email: bvasecka@gradientcorp.com
Job Title: Marketing Director
AMERICANS EMBRACE SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS THAT CUT WASTE, SAVE MONEY BUT MAINTAIN CONVENIENCE
New CR Research Reveals Responsibility of Individuals, Businesses and Government in Protecting the Planet
YONKERS, N.Y. – As consumers across the country continue to face the danger posed by climate change and the impact on their wallets, Americans say their individual actions can make a difference, according to a nationally representative survey from Consumer Reports (CR), the nonprofit consumer research, testing, and advocacy organization.
The survey of 2,174 adults, which was fielded in January, found six out of ten (61 percent) Americans agree or strongly agree that their actions have a “meaningful impact on the environment.” In addition, seven out of ten (72 percent) people agree or strongly agree that their actions can help protect the environment.
When presented with a list of specific activities that could reduce impact on the environment, including recycling, avoiding products because the product is harmful to the environment, composting food waste, and using alternative means of transportation, recycling was the clear winner. Seven out of ten Americans (70 percent) say they often or always recycle used cans, bottles, or paper. That’s almost double the number (37 percent) who say they often or always avoid purchasing products because the product is harmful to the environment, and 29 percent who say they often or always buy products because their labels or advertising claim they are environmentally safe.
“Americans are embracing some sustainable behaviors, but convenience is important, too,” said Kristen Purcell, Chief Research Officer at Consumer Reports. “People are making changes that fit with their lifestyles, especially in their homes. They want low-hassle products and experiences, which our research has also shown can save time and money.”
87 percent of Americans say they have installed LED lightbulbs either in the last year or prior to the past year. 66 percent say they have at some point purchased a reusable version of a traditionally disposable item such as reusable plastic bags, straws, food wrap, or coffee filters, and 65 percent have installed appliances designed to use less water or electricity, such as an energy-efficient dishwasher or low-flow showerhead.
Looking ahead, of those who said they had never done these sustainable activities, when asked if they would consider doing so in the coming year, the most common was, again, installing LED lightbulbs (37 percent), followed by starting a food or herb garden (29 percent) and purchasing a reusable version of a traditionally disposable item (27 percent).
“There is interest among consumers to do something,” said Purcell. “However, more believe governments and businesses should bear most responsibility for protecting the planet as opposed to individual consumers.”
While most Americans do believe individuals’ actions affect the environment, more people see most responsibility lying with governments (71 percent) or with private businesses (62 percent) than with individuals (56 percent).
Contact Information
Name: Barrie Rosen
Email: barrie.rosen@consumer.org
Job Title: Director, Communications
Max Crowdfund raises over €21 million and keeps breaking records
ROTTERDAM, the 7th of April 2022 – International real estate crowdfunding platform Max Crowdfund, launched in 2020, successfully raised more than €21 million for real estate developers and has over 7,000 registered users. The platform also raised €4.25 million in an equity round during 2021 and is putting this money to good use, as they have already increased its transaction volume by tenfold within one year. With this enormous growth, Max Crowdfund continues to break its records, and the platform had a fantastic start of 2022.
On the 10th of January 2022, the platform raised €786,500 within one day. Shortly after that, two new records were set within one loan, as a total of €1.24 million was raised by 421 investors in 22 days for one real estate project. This was the largest loan to date and was subscribed by the highest number of investors. On the 6th of April 2022, three loans went live on the platform. The first loan was published at 9.00 am and was fully funded within one hour by 160 investors. The second loan, published at noon, was funded within 7 minutes by 107 investors. Last but not least, the third loan of that day went live at 2.00 pm and was funded by 99 investors within just 2 minutes! Again, this demonstrates new records are being broken.
The Dutch and New Zealand financial authorities currently authorised the Max Crowdfund platform to market real estate backed loans in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The future target of the ambitious founders is to publish bigger loans in as many countries as possible. To achieve this, Max Crowdfund will submit their EU Crowdfunding license application. Max Crowdfund can expand into all EU countries and offer investment opportunities to all EU citizens with this license. Both retail and sophisticated investors can invest in all the real estate investment opportunities on the platform.
The successfully closed equity round was for this exact expansion program, and Max Crowdfund works with local partners in each interesting country. ¨With our joint venture model, we eventually want to launch Max Crowdfund in every country where it is possible¨, says CEO Felix Berkhout. Investors can start investing from as little as €100 on the platform, which truly makes real estate investing accessible to everyone. In addition, Max Crowdfund is the first international real estate crowdfunding platform that uses blockchain technology, and it is their goal to place every fundraiser on the blockchain for transparency purposes.
For more information visit their website and their social channels:
Contact Information
Name: Sharon Beumers
Email: pr@maxcrowdfund.com
Job Title: Content & PR Manager
Survey Finds Pay Inequities Are Driven in Part by Senior Leadership
New York City (April 7, 2022) – When it comes to perpetuating pay inequities in the workplace, one contributing factor may be the very function responsible for leading DEI efforts in most organizations: senior management. That’s according to human resources professionals at 322 US employers who responded to XpertHR’s 2022 Survey on Pay Equity.
The survey underscored the complex nature of the business world’s pay inequity problem, identifying several potential causes that contribute to its persistence. Of the companies surveyed that self-reported pay inequities within their organizations:
- 53% said senior leadership and individual pay decisions have a high impact on driving pay disparities within their workforce
- 42% attributed pay inequities to talent management; and
- 40% cited individuals’ salary histories or organizational structure.
“The survey results show that senior executives still have great responsibility to lead the change in pay equity in the workplace,” said Zara Nanu, CEO of Gapsquare, an XpertHR company. “Now is the time for company leaders to hold themselves accountable and engage in bold strategies that create real change.”
XpertHR’s survey also investigated effective solutions for ensuring pay equity, asking respondents to identify “somewhat effective” or “very effective” methods. These efforts are broadly categorized as:
- Data-centered: This includes pay equity audits, using analytics to make pay decisions, benchmarking pay equity trends, and conducting employee surveys.
- Training-focused: This includes training managers and others who may be in a position to influence employee pay, as well as providing employees with development opportunities to move into higher-paying roles.
- Transparency- and communication-driven: This includes providing pay ranges in job positing and informing employees of the pay range for their position.
Results also indicated an opportunity to address policies and procedures that could achieve pay equity. Short-term actions such as one-time pay adjustments (90%) and annual incentive program revisions (87%) were cited as effective means for ensuring pay equity. Hiring manager training (82%) and development opportunities for employees (79%) were identified as longer-term strategies for eliminating barriers to equal pay.
However, although many measures were highly rated for their perceived effectiveness, the use of these methods varied widely between responding organizations. For instance, while 93% of respondents endorsed using analytics for making pay decisions, just 38% actually did so.
“Data is a powerful resource that employers can use to hold themselves accountable and uncover the truth of what they are doing to address pay equity,” Nanu continued. “When paired with other key measures related to internal and industry-wide policy changes, elevated accountability and flexibility, businesses can enact genuine, meaningful change and work toward achieving transformational pay equity.”
XpertHR’s Survey on Pay Equity 2022 was conducted from Jan. 25-Feb. 11, 2022. The survey includes the responses from 322 US employers from various industries and workforce sizes. The total number of employees of responding organizations is 829,374. The survey addressed several topics including drivers of pay inequity, measures used to ensure pay equity and their effectiveness, what function leads pay equity efforts, and more.
About XpertHR:
XpertHR has been providing HR solutions since 2002, empowering organizations across the globe to build successful workforces and create a purposeful workplace for all. The platform delivers expert insight, trusted resources, data analysis and practical tools to help achieve greater efficiency, reduce risk, and increase employee engagement. XpertHR is developing smarter data analysis tools and cutting-edge technology to support future demands on HR in an increasingly digital world. To learn more visit xperthr.com.
About Gapsquare:
Gapsquare is at the forefront of pay equity and wage analytics. Its innovative software Gapsquare™ Pro provides businesses with instant insights into wage gaps across various demographics, such as gender, race/ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation. Gapsquare’s mission is to create a fairer world of work: one where work is inclusive, where pay meets value and diverse talent thrives. To learn more visit Gapsquare.com.
Contact Information
Name: Lauren Doyle
Email: ldoyle@wordsworthweb.com
Job Title: Communication Specialist
Psyched Services Launches Learning Management System for School Psychologists
Online courses support continuing education, professional development
SAN FRANCISCO, April 5, 2022 – Psyched Services, an agency that provides psychological and behavioral assessment and consultation services to families and schools, today announced the launch of its learning management system (LMS), entitled Learn.Do by Psyched Services, for school psychologists across the United States.
“Learn.Do provides cost-effective, accredited opportunities for school psychologists to obtain continuing education credits as required by state licensures,” said Kristyn Corley, co-owner of Psyched Services. “Courses are available on-demand and feature dynamic instructor teams and content. Learning is self-paced and easy to fit into your own schedule, because we understand the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of this industry.”
While requirements for practicing school psychologists vary, continuing education courses are considered best practice in the industry and are necessary to maintain licensure in some states. Current Learn.Do courses focus on professional development topics, including assessments and time management, with more scheduled to be added later in the year. Each class is active for one year from the purchase date, allowing school psychologists to complete courses at their leisure.
Since its founding in 2017, Psyched Services has offered a variety of virtual services to families and schools across the state of California. Through video conferencing, Psyched Services provides Pocket Coaching, enabling parents and educational teams to receive a targeted, easy-to-follow approach to tackle learning or social and behavioral barriers to a student’s educational success. The agency also provides virtual consultation and training, specially designed to meet the needs of parents or school teams. Now, the Learn.Do LMS supports training for school psychologists nationwide.
“This launch is the result of months of hard work by the entire Psyched team, including my business partner and Psyched Services co-owner Marlene Schwaighofer. We are incredibly grateful to industry peer Jack Naglieri, along with our team members Louise Sawyer, Rachael Payne, Jerry Turner, and Mary Smith for serving as expert instructors and sharing their experience and insight,” said Corley.
Learn.Do by Psyched Services can be accessed at www.psychedlearndo.com.
About Psyched Services
Psyched Services was founded in 2017 to provide the support families and schools need to help kids reach their full potential and get the most out of their education, through the use of comprehensive psychoeducational and behavioral assessments, as well as solution-oriented telecoaching services. We see the heart, soul, and long hours you put into helping others. We know it’s because you truly care, and you love what you do. At Psyched Services, we care too. We believe everyone deserves the joy that comes from seeing children thrive and the satisfaction that comes with knowing you helped make it happen. For more information, visit www.psychedservices.com.
Contact Information
Name: Beth Wilson
Email: beth@wilsonpublicrelations.com
Job Title: Chief PR Officer
LexisNexis Fellowship Program Announces New Cohort and Dramatically Increases Funding and Participation in Its Second Year
Fellowship program announces 2022 cohort of 18 exceptional candidates and will now award $180,000 to Historically Black College or University Law School Consortium students
NEW YORK – LexisNexis Legal & Professional, a leading global provider of information and analytics, today announced the second cohort for its LexisNexis Fellowship Program, which has grown to 18 candidates – 50% more than the program’s inaugural year. To make this expansion possible, the company’s leadership has committed $180,000 – 50% more than what was originally pledged in 2021. The increase in financial support and participation is a direct result of the program’s overwhelming success in its first year.
The LexisNexis Fellowship Program was launched in 2021 by the African Ancestry Network (AAN) and LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation as a part of LexisNexis’ commitment to eliminate systemic racism in legal systems and build a culture of inclusion and diversity at the company. The program was created in partnership with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Law School Consortium (HBCULSC), and this year’s fellows were selected from a large and competitive applicant pool representing all six law schools. The 2022 cohort includes:
- Florida A&M University College of Law: Nicolle Londono and Amari Roberts
- Howard University School of Law: Oyinade Adebayo, Aquilla Gardner, Joanne Louis and Talia Thomas
- North Carolina Central University School of Law: Dominique Douglas and Zuri Ward
- Southern University Law Center: Marian Anderson, Antavis L. J. Chavis, Brianna Joaseus, Lauren Skarupsky and Edrius Stagg
- Thurgood Marshall School of Law: Mikel Brown and Kristina Hall
- University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law: Nija Bastfield, Alexus McNeal and Songo Wawa
“Our fellows come from diverse backgrounds and have already achieved many significant accomplishments. The Fellowship is a convergence of their talent and passion to advance the rule of law with the power of LexisNexis products and technology to study and solve complex challenges. Their efforts will make an immediate impact and inspire many for generations to come,” said Ronda Moore, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at LexisNexis Legal & Professional.
Each fellow will be awarded $10,000 and spend nine months engaging in a unique experience that will accelerate their career, develop their leadership skills, and create opportunities to make a real difference. As with last year, LexisNexis employees will work with fellows on projects with the shared goal of implementing solutions to eliminate systemic racism in our legal system while advancing the four key elements of the rule of law – equality under the law, transparency of law, an independent judiciary, and accessible legal remedy.
“Advancement of the rule of law favorably impacts societies—including their most vulnerable members,” said Ian McDougall, President of LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation. “Any system becomes fairer and more equitable when the four key elements are enhanced.”
The cohort will participate in a Fellowship Innovation Retreat in Raleigh this May, where they will partner with the LexisNexis product team to uncover how technology can accelerate equity by utilizing LexisNexis products to bolster their projects. Additionally, the fellows will provide reciprocal consultative feedback to the product team on ways to further innovate for equity.
Virtual programming that showcases the fellows’ work will be shared with all LexisNexis employees, the HBCU schools and other key partners. At the culmination of the fellowship, fellows will present the results of their individual projects to LexisNexis CEO Mike Walsh, the executive team, and the HBCULSC deans.
Those interested in reading the findings from the 2021 fellowship cohort can download the report or watch video testimonials from fellows and mentors about the program.
Editor’s Note: Photos of the 2022 Fellowship cohort available upon request.
About LexisNexis Legal & Professional
LexisNexis Legal & Professional®provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis®and Nexis®services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 10,500 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.
The African Ancestry Network (AAN) is organized as an official network for employees of African descent at RELX. AAN embraces RELX corporate diversity initiatives aimed at improving the company’s competitiveness by increasing the representation, development, promotion, and retention of black employees.
About LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation
LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which has the mission to advance the rule of law around the world. The foundation efforts focus on the four key elements of the rule of law: transparency of the law, accessible legal remedy, equal treatment under the law, and independent judiciaries.
Media Contacts
Dana Greenstein
Director, Corporate Communications
LexisNexis Legal & Professional
212-448-2163
dana.greenstein@lexisnexis.com
Eric Sokolsky
Plat4orm PR
908-288-7201
eric@plat4orm.com
Contact Information
Name: Dana Greenstein
Email: dana.greenstein@lexisnexis.com
Job Title: Director, Corporate Communications
DeBlair Book Launch
Health and Wellness Coach and Former Celebrity Fitness Trainer DeBlair Tate Announces the Pre-Launch of New Book Resilient as F*CK: How to Fight for What You Deserve
New Book will take readers on a journey of finding potential and learning to fight for what you deserve
Atlanta, GA – After changing the lives of so many around her, Health and Wellness Coach and former celebrity Fitness Trainer DeBlair Tate is on a mission to take back the life that found her giving so much of herself and not getting the same in return. Tate strips bare and shares untold stories of her life never shared before in her new book Resilient as F*CK: How to Fight for What You Deserve to help others redefine success, recommit to themselves and reactivate their personal goals.
Growing up in a small town in rural Mississippi, outside of the city limits of a city that wouldn’t see its first forced mixed-race prom until April 2008, Tate had no concept of racism or segregation, just everyday life. It wouldn’t be until she managed to leave the normalcy of her city that she began to realize that the life she recognized as ordinary life for all people was, in actuality, very different.
Seeing the world through different lenses, first as a college student and then military training instructor in the Air Force, Tate began to reflect on her life growing up in Winona, MS, and how it could have cost her everything.
With a new appreciation and understanding of what being resilient meant for her at the time, Tate would go on to hold a variety of titles, including certified Health, Wellness, and Fitness Coach, former professional figure competitor, and successful owner of the 8Figured Brand before finally discovering her why, and her purpose in this life – something that is a question usually reserved for the clients she trained.
Growing up in a small town, especially in Mississippi – you’re often overlooked. You have to work harder and be more competent to break those barriers and claim the success you deserve. This is why my book, Resilient As F*ck, means so much to me. We all have our internal fights- whether our health or just our day-to-day battles- we still have to stay strong and remember our purpose for doing what we do. There is substance in what I believe- and my story is why I will always value life.
Diagnosed with an auto-immune disease in 2009, Tate’s appearance on the popular news platform NowThis would catalyze reclaiming her identity, finding her why, and pouring the words of her life into her most personal title to date, author.
Resilient as F*CK: How to Fight for What You Deserve will be available for pre-order on April 6, 2022. To stay up to date with launch news and pre-order information, text ResilientAF to 770-685-6709 or follow her on Instagram. To interview DeBlair or book her as a speaker at upcoming conferences or events, please email adrienne@theipyagency.com.
ABOUT DEBLAIR TATE
DeBlair Tate is a certified Fitness & Life Coach, Master Resilience Trainer, former Professional Figure Competitor, Military Training Instructor, and the owner of the 8Figured Brand. With a primary focus on health, wellness, and making people confident, DeBlair’s goal is to help those she encounters to redefine success, recommit to themselves, and reactivate self-discipline to achieve their personal goals. Her passion centers on helping others to break through barriers and fully realize their ability to live happy, healthy, and prosperous lives.
Contact Information
Name: Adrienne Alexander
Email: adrienne@theipyagency.com
Job Title: Owner
Brook-Hollow Announces New Leadership
The undisputed leader in legal fee tax deferral, Brook-Hollow promotes from within to guide
the next chapter of its innovation in the mass tort, class action, and personal injury markets.
(Pensacola, FL – April 5, 2022) Brook-Hollow Capital and Brook-Hollow Financial today announced the promotion of Tate Johnson to President, effective immediately. Tate recently served as Chief Operating Officer of both companies. Chief Financial Strategist, Joseph Pupel, along with Chief Business Development Officer, Adrienne Carter, will continue to work closely with Tate as Brook-Hollow leads the industry with innovative, safe, and secure legal fee tax deferral solutions.
“As Brook-Hollow continues to evolve, our clients have embraced our tax-deferral solutions and continue to ask for enhanced features and benefits to meet the unique needs of contingent fee attorneys,” said Tate Johnson, Brook-Hollow’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “In addition to the solutions we currently provide, our clients demand and deserve high-level, personalized service. A big part of our focus moving forward will be to develop more client touch points, better access to information, and new ways to bring unique solutions to the plaintiff attorney market. Every enhancement we’ve ever made has come directly from client suggestions and feedback.”
In announcing the new leadership, Brook-Hollow also recognizes the passing of colleague and friend Brian Michaels who succumbed to cancer last month. Brian was a smart, kind, and innovative attorney who was key to the development of Brook-Hollow’s pioneering solutions. Brian will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.
Brook-Hollow also acknowledges the departure of B.J. Etscheid who has stepped away to develop a new business. A visionary founder and leader, B.J. Etscheid stepped back from day-to-day operations with Brook-Hollow over the past year to pursue a new venture after relocating to Puerto Rico. Etscheid’s new business, Elevate Family Office, will focus on developing solutions that cater to the unique needs of high net-worth attorneys and other professionals in Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Partnering with Douglas Gerrard, a financial planning and insurance professional, Etscheid and Gerrard will provide a full array of personal financial service offerings ranging from asset management, estate planning, accounting, insurance, and other services designed to provide client-centric managed financial services. “I am so very proud of how far Brook-Hollow has come over the past 14 years, and I know Brook-Hollow’s clients are in great hands with Tate, Joe, and Adrienne at the helm,” Etscheid said.
“B.J.’s strengths align perfectly with this new venture. There’s nobody better at developing innovative financial solutions and delivering those solutions through deep, personal connections with clients,” Johnson said. “B.J.’s insight and experience say that contingent fee attorneys, particularly, are looking for a full scope financial team who understands the complex and unique nature of their business. I’m confident Etscheid and Gerrard will deliver just that.”
In keeping with regulatory requirements, all inquiries regarding Brook-Hollow’s legal fee tax deferral solutions should be directed to Tate Johnson (tate@brook-hollow.com) or Adrienne Carter (acarter@brook-hollow.com). B.J. Etscheid may be contacted at (bj@elevatefamilyoffice.com) or 312.933.6465.
About Brook-Hollow Capital and Brook-Hollow Financial:
Founded in 2007, Brook-Hollow Capital and Brook-Hollow Financial are pioneers and leaders in the legal fee tax deferral market catering to mass tort, class action, and personal injury lawyers. Brook-Hollow Financial serves as the U.S.-based sales and marketing agent for Kenmare Assignment Company Ltd., based in Dublin, Ireland. Kenmare is a single purpose, independent assignment company that accepts assignment of contingent legal fees for market investment to fund future payments to attorney beneficiaries. Kenmare is unaffected by the leadership changes at Brook-Hollow and will continue to deliver world class service to its attorney beneficiaries. Brook-Hollow Capital is a separate entity providing loans to contingent fee attorneys to help them manage the ebb and flow of contingent fee practice.
Contact Information
Name: Tate Johnson
Email: tate@brook-hollow.com
Job Title: President and Chief Operating Officer