F&M Bank Staff Honored at Rowan County United Way Annual Meeting

Apr 4, 2024 | Books, Business

SALISBURY, N.C. – April 2, 2024 – PRLog — F&M Bank proudly announces that three of our staff members were honored with prestigious awards for their outstanding contributions to the community at the Annual Meeting of the Rowan County United Way held January 19th.

“Every year we love to honor all of our volunteers, companies and supporters who get us through the year, who make all of our work possible. It’s one of our favorite events,” said Rowan County United Way Marketing and Communications Manager Tara Allen.

F&M Bank Chairman & CEO Steve Fisher received the esteemed Champion of Philanthropy Award. Fisher’s loyal commitment to philanthropic endeavors and his tireless support of the community have made him a true champion of giving back.

F&M Bank Director & President/CEO at Carolina Beverage Corporation Cliff Ritchie was recognized with the Power of Partnership Award. Ritchie’s exemplary leadership and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in fostering a meaningful partnership between Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling CO. and Rowan County United Way that has significantly impacted our community.

Additionally, Board Administrator/Assistant Vice President Janet Haynes was honored with the Humble Hero Award. An F&M Bank team member and United Way supporter for over 40 years, Haynes’ selfless dedication to serving others and her humble approach to making a difference have earned her the admiration and respect of her colleagues and the community alike. The Salisbury Post reports, “Janet Haynes, along with Mary Anne Moore, won the Humble Hero Award for their ‘exceptionality and kindness’ that remind us we all have the opportunity to be heroic to those in need by stepping forward to volunteer.”

“We are incredibly proud of our team for their well-deserved recognition at the Rowan County United Way Annual Meeting,” said F&M Bank Chairman & CEO Steve Fisher. “Their unwavering commitment to building lasting partnerships and serving the community truly embody our F&M Bank values. Their contributions not only enrich the lives of those in our community, but also inspire us all to strive for excellence in serving others.”

For more information about F&M Bank and our community initiatives, please visit https://fmbnc.com/connect/community-connection.com.

About F&M Bank
F&M Bank is a community bank established in 1909 and headquartered in Salisbury, NC. Operating throughout the Piedmont and the Research Triangle area, the bank has grown to over $900 million in assets with 11 offices in Rowan, Cabarrus and Wake counties. Focused on providing personal attention and convenience for every client, the bank offers a complete range of financial services for individuals and businesses. F&M Bank has been voted the Best Bank in Rowan and Cabarrus counties for over a decade. F&M Bank is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit us online at https://fmbnc.com.

Contact
F&M Bank
Ms. Bonnie Myers
***@gmail.com
704-762-2256

Unveiling Glamour: The Moguls Ball Takes Center Stage for an Evening of Elegance and Philanthropy

Apr 4, 2024 | Books, Business

Moguls Matter

Moguls Matter

RALEIGH, N.C. – April 1, 2024 – PRLog — Mark your calendars for the most anticipated event of the season! The Moguls Ball 2024 is set to take place on Thursday, May 9th, at The Fairview Raleigh, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. This exclusive black-tie affair promises an evening of elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy, all in support of the Moguls Matter Foundation.

The Fairview Raleigh (https://www.thefairviewraleigh.com/), renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and impeccable service, will provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night of glamour and generosity. Guests will be treated to a black-carpet arrival, followed by a cocktail reception featuring premium beverages and dinner crafted by award-winning chefs.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, influencers, and philanthropists, all while contributing to a worthy cause.

“My journey as a leader in both education and business has underscored the vital importance of providing opportunities for growth and success to those who need it most. This foundation is a natural extension of that belief, aiming to break barriers and inspire change in underserved communities through our three pillars: business education, financial literacy, and legacy leadership. The Moguls Ball represents our commitment to creating a platform for positive impact, where leaders from all sectors can come together to support a cause that truly matters.”- Dr. Sheria Rowe.

The Moguls Ball is dedicated to raising funds for the Moguls Matter Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting business education, financial literacy, and legacy leadership in underserved communities. A portion of the proceeds from the event will directly support the foundation’s initiatives, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

This year’s Mogul Ball includes an impressive lineup of notable guests. Joining are Grammy-Award-winning producer 9th Wonder, PrettyVee, a former student and mentee of Dr. Sheria, retired NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion Willie Parker, Brandon Gilpin from “PValley,” and Dutchess from Black Ink Crew. Their presence underscores the event’s celebration of achievement and mentorship.

Tickets for the Moguls Ball 2024 are available for purchase online at www.mogulsball24.eventbrite.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and organizations looking to align themselves with a prestigious event and support a worthy cause.

“We invite all members of the community to join us for an evening of philanthropy and celebration at the Moguls Ball 2024,” said Dr. Sheria Rowe, President of the Moguls Matter Foundation. “Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”

For more information about the Moguls Ball 2024 and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.mogulsmatter.org.

About Moguls Matter Foundation:

Moguls Matter Foundation is a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to fostering positive change in underserved communities. We focus on business education, financial literacy, and legacy leadership, believing in their transformative power. Our mission is to break barriers, challenge limitations, and create opportunities for individuals to thrive. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, we aim to make a tangible impact and empower communities for lasting change.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:

Clorissa Wright-Thomas: Cwright@synergyprservices.com

Actress Desreta Jackson slated to deliver influential speech in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Apr 3, 2024 | Books, Business

Desreta Jackson, a British Virgin Island native known for her iconic co-starring role as young Celie in “The Color Purple”, will be the keynote speaker at the St. Clair Institute 2nd Fundraising Gala, “Vintage Vogue: A Night of Opulence”.

Desreta Jackson

Desreta Jackson

ST THOMAS, Virgin Islands, U.S. – April 1, 2024 – PRLog — Actress, Author, Director, Producer, CEO, Philanthropist, Desreta Jackson has been selected as the Keynote Speaker for the 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala, “Vintage Vogue: A Night of Opulence” for the St. Clair Institute nonprofit on April 6, 2024, at Coral World in St. Thomas, VI.

The gala will also feature guest speaker Lt. Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., a public service leader, humanitarian, and thought leader.

Desreta Jackson, born in Tortola, British Virgin Islands is best known for her groundbreaking role of “young Celie” in the 1985 Oscar nominated film, “The Color Purple.”

At a young age Mrs. Jackson became a light of inspiration to individuals with prior justice system involvement by developing her own real estate investment company. She invested over 1.1 million dollars of personal finances into rebuilding her Watts, Los Angeles community. She dedicated time to invest in home restoration projects that provided victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, Homelessness, and their families with a home they could call their own. She pioneered a program that focused on educating and hiring community members in need, from residents to ex-cons looking for a second chance.

An example of resilience, dedication, and perseverance, Desreta is extremely committed to ensuring delivery of practical and effective learning opportunities through her powerful and engaging essential speeches as well as through her own podcast The Black Hair Conspiracy, (named after her award-winning book), she uses these platforms to help share her personal high and lows to help others through their journey of self-discovery.

Desreta Jackson is a multi-talented powerhouse blazing the trails for people from all walks of life.

About Desreta Jackson

Desreta Jackson is an actress, director, producer, author, philanthropist, and CEO.

Mrs. Jackson was honored in 2022 with 13 proclamations received from the United States Senate, Congress, and the mayors of Los Angeles, Inglewood, and Compton, California, for her work offering outstanding quality products and serving the community and her contributions to revitalizing the communities and providing an opportunity for the rehabilitation for felons making them productive citizens.

She is the CEO of D.B.J.R. Investment Group, LLC. and has established herself as an esteemed real estate developer with over three decades of experience and relationships developing many multi-family residential buildings, retail projects, and land acquisition. Her real estate activities involve a cumulative value of several hundred million dollars. Currently, Desreta is completing the redevelopment of the historical Goodman and Stark home in Louisiana, Missouri.

As a philanthropist and long-time supporter of natural hair, Desreta continues to promote her books and get the word out about the value of hair to the masses via her podcast named after her book, “The Black Hair Conspiracy”.

The book “The Black Hair Conspiracy“ is a part of The Blair Caldwell’s unique collection on Black Hair. The Blair Caldwell Reference Library and Museum is an association and a part of the world-renowned Smithsonian Museum.

Desreta P. Jackson (desretajackson.com) (https://desretajackson.com/bio/)

About St. Clair Institute, Inc.

St. Clair Institute, Inc. is a nonprofit organization concerned with improving the quality of life and circumstances for underserved populations that need mental health and supportive services. This also includes reducing cycles of crime, violence, substance use, family discord, and negative impacts.

National New Markets Fund Invests $17.5 M in TX Food Manufacturing Facility Expansion

Apr 3, 2024 | Books, Business

Rich Product S Brownsville, Tx Manufacturing Facil

Rich Product S Brownsville, Tx Manufacturing Facil

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – April 1, 2024 – PRLog — National New Markets Fund,  LLC (“NNMF”), an affiliate of Los Angeles-based SDS Capital Group, has invested $17.5 million of its New Markets Tax Credit allocation (“NMTC”) for the expansion of global food supplier Rich Products’ Brownsville, TX manufacturing facility. The cumulative impact of NNMF’s investment will result in the creation of 132 full-time jobs, 70% of which will be filled by minority individuals.

Rich’s Brownsville, TX plant produces frozen seafood and appetizer products. NNMF’s allocation will fund the acquisition of new equipment as part of the plant’s 150,000-square-foot expansion.

The NNMF investment utilizes capital from the NMTC program administered by the U.S. Treasury Department. Investment groups, such as NNMF, compete annually to receive NMTC awards. These selected allocatees sell the tax credits to institutional investors, using the proceeds to invest in projects benefiting low-income communities – such as Rich’s Brownsville manufacturing facility.

“We’ve seen a huge influx in customer demand within our growing seafood and appetizer business, so adding capacity is key for continued growth,” said Kevin Spratt, president, Rich Products’ U.S./Canada region. “As a proud member of the Brownsville community for over 60 years, we’re fully committed to strengthening our local impact with the right combination of associates, products and infrastructure. We’re grateful to NNMF for being a key supporting player in this project and are excited about the opportunities this will create for our business, the local community and the valued customers we serve every day.”

With limited skilled labor in the surrounding region, Rich’s will offer workforce training, such as computer literacy courses, in partnership with Texas Southmost College to community members at a discounted cost. The courses will prepare the local workforce for employment at Rich’s and throughout the region.

“The economic and community benefits from Rich’s expanded production line in Brownsville are noteworthy,” said Deborah La Franchi, CEO, National New Markets Fund. “This is a company that is committed to its associates—not only is it creating more than 130 jobs, but it’s offering quality wages and benefits in a community grappling with an 36% poverty rate.”

Rich Products received the NNMF allocation as part of a complex $25.5 million New Markets Tax Credit financing package. Dudley Ventures Community Investment Fund is the investor purchasing the NMTCs from each of the participating NMTC allocatees: NNMF and DV Community Investment Corporation (DV CID).

“Dudley Ventures is proud to support Rich’s expanded production line through our investment into the New Markets Tax Credits of NNMF and DV CID,” said Kyle Koupal, Vice President at Dudley Ventures. “We are committed to supporting projects that create accessible jobs in our nation’s most distressed communities.”

About National New Markets Fund

National New Markets Fund, LLC (https://www.sds.capital/nnmf/) , founded in 2005, has invested $752 million (51 investments) of its New Market Tax Credit allocations into projects located in the Great Lakes region and the Deep South. Each investment has provided critical community services or quality jobs to high-distress communities – such as hospitals, charter schools, and food banks, as well as job-creating manufacturing expansions.

Contact
Bruce Beck
DB&R Marketing Communications, Inc.
***@dbrpr.com

ASAI Symposium: Exploring AI’s Impact on Valuation Professionals

Apr 3, 2024 | Books, Business

HERNDON, Va. – April 1, 2024 – PRLog — ASA is pleased to announce the ASAI Symposium, taking place Thursday, June 27, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 PM EDT. This virtual event promises to deliver invaluable insights into the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the valuation profession.

With AI rapidly reshaping various industries, the ASAI Symposium aims to provide valuation professionals with a comprehensive understanding of AI’s implications within their field. From illuminating discussions on emerging tools to a detailed examination of the intersection between AI and USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice), attendees can expect to gain actionable knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of valuation.

Event Session Highlights:

Introduction to AI
Led by esteemed professionals including Karen Lascelle, CPA, CVA, CFE, Managing Director at John G. Burk & Associates, CPAs, PC, and Greg Endicott, ASA/CPA/ABV, CEIV, Managing Director at Strategic Value Group, LLC & President, Valuevision, Inc., this talk will provide attendees with an overview of AI tools and their potential applications in valuation.

Panel Discussion: The Intersection of AI and USPAP
Featuring industry leaders such as Michelle Czekalski Bradley, SRA, ASB Chair at Appraisal Foundation, and Jay Fishman, FASA, FRICS, Managing Director at Financial Research Associates, this panel will explore the nuanced relationship between AI and USPAP, offering valuable insights into navigating ethical and regulatory considerations.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of AI’s impact on valuation. For more information or to register for the ASAI Symposium visit ASA online at https://bit.ly/43p7YYF or call (800) 272-8258.

Group Discounts Available:
Organizations registering five or more individuals are eligible for a 10% discount off the current registration fee. To take advantage of this offer and for further registration details, please contact ASA Member Services at +1 800-272-8258 or +1 703-478-2228, or via email at asainfo@appraisers.org.

ABOUT ASA
ASA is a world-renowned and respected international organization devoted to the appraisal profession. As the oldest and only major appraisal organization that represents all appraisal specialists, ASA is dedicated to providing the highest possible standards in all areas of ethics, professionalism, education, and designation criteria. For more information about ASA, the ASA designation program for appraisers, or their free Find an Appraiser Referral System, visit www.appraisers.org or call (800) 272-8258.

The Movie Trailer For “Innovators Of Black History Vol. 1” Has Been Released

Mar 30, 2024 | Books, Business

By: 360 Sound And Vision Ltd.

Innovators Of Black History Vol. 1

Innovators Of Black History Vol. 1

NEW YORK – March 28, 2024 – PRLog — Renowned research group Vision Laboratories, joins forces with production and distribution company 360 Sound And Vision Ltd. to release INNOVATORS OF BLACK HISTORY VOL. 1, an historical breath-taking documentary masterpiece.

Prepare yourself for a visual experience in Black History that will captivate your mind and uplift your spirit.  Acclaimed writer and director Dwayne Buckle, known for his exceptional work on films like, GREAT MYSTERIES OF THE SPHINX, ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS and ANCIENT SYMBOLS teams up with renowned narrator Myles Wright. Together they are set to release the anticipated film titled “INNOVATORS OF BLACK HISTORY VOL. 1” on July 9th, 2024.

“INNOVATORS OF BLACK HISTORY VOL. 1” is not another film; it represents a fusion of many remarkable talents. Featuring acting performances from up-coming actors Darnell Rose, John David Fenrich II, Madison Charlton and Jabari Davis, INNOVATORS OF BLACK HISTORY VOL. 1’s exceptional research, honed through years of in-depth research and analysis of history, historical  African-American figures and events, blends seamlessly with director Dwayne Buckle’s documentary production style promising a visual experience like no other. The film highlights 10 black historical figures who paved the way for everyone with their inventions in science, mathematics, medicine and beyond. With ten thought-provoking segments this documentary aims to push the boundaries of what black history really is and make a lasting impact on the genre.

This exciting visual production is brought to you by the label known as 360 Sound And Vision, based in New York City, this label has gained recognition for its dedication to pushing the boundaries of filmmaking and artistry. “INNOVATORS OF BLACK HISTORY VOL. 1” will be available for download as well as streaming, it will be available in DVD and BLU RAY formats on Amazon and other retail sites on July, 9th, 2024.  Ensuring that fans can enjoy the movie in their preferred way.

Vision Laboratories and 360 Sound And Vision have collaborated on an film that explores thought-provoking themes. These companies invite viewers to embark on a journey of self-reflection and exploration.

Black History month is every month, and if you’re curious about what’s in store in  “INNOVATORS OF BLACK HISTORY VOL. 1”, you can take a look at the films details on the films OFFICIAL IMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31180211/

For those who want to delve further into the world of “INNOVATORS OF BLACK HISTORY VOL. 1” the films trailer is available on YouTube. Immerse yourself in the captivating visuals and sound scapes that “INNOVATORS OF BLACK HISTORY VOL. 1” has crafted.
WATCH THE TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1l1R2HD_A4

“INNOVATORS OF BLACK HISTORY VOL. 1” is more than an movie; it’s an experience that traverses the realms of time, space, philosophy, and creativity. Mark your calendars for July 9th 2024 as this release promises to be a milestone in the realm of Black History and Motion Picture.

BUY INNOVATORS OF BLACK HISTORY VOL. 1 – ON AMAZON – JULY 09-2024
https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Black-History-Vol-DVD/dp/B0CYH8H884/