Tag: Georgia Business

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today released a practical summary of the employee benefits provisions contained in the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. While the legislation spans a wide range of tax and policy changes, SBA's summary highlights the bill's most significant impacts on employer-sponsored retirement plans, health and welfare benefits and payroll operations.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced a strategic partnership with FirstHome IQ, a nonprofit empowering the next generation of homeowners through modern, accessible financial education and tools for industry partners.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today announced the appointment of Andy Clonts as director and senior benefits consultant. In this role, Clonts will be responsible for driving business growth while leveraging his extensive experience in employee benefits strategy, healthcare navigation and client engagement to deliver tailored solutions to SBA's expanding roster of clients.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Internationally acclaimed pianist and Steinway Artist Boris Cepeda announces the release of his latest solo album, "Andamios," now available on all major digital platforms. Featuring works by Isaac Albéniz, Maurice Ravel, Astor Piazzolla, Gerardo Guevara and Leonardo Cárdenas, "Andamios" blends Latin American and European musical traditions in a deeply personal and emotionally resonant recording.

DECATUR, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Alair Homes Decatur is proud to announce that it has received three prestigious honors as a 2025 National Remodeler of the Year (RotY) from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). These national awards follow the team's recognition as a Southeast Regional RotY winner across five categories and seven Atlanta Chapter wins.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading provider of technology that connects homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that Envoy Mortgage (Envoy) will implement DPR's suite of software tools across its national footprint. The move follows a successful pilot and reflects Envoy's commitment to expanding down payment assistance (DPA) offerings while maintaining operational efficiency and reducing repurchase risk.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q1 2025 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. The report saw the number of entities offering homebuyer assistance programs increase by 55 year-over-year (YoY). The number of programs increased by 43 during the first quarter, bringing the total number of available programs to 2,509.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Apparo, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing nonprofit effectiveness through skilled corporate volunteering and technology solutions, is calling on Atlanta's corporate community to join their mission. Over the past three years, Apparo has expanded their footprint in Atlanta, collaborating with local nonprofits to drive digital transformation and operational efficiency. Through their partnership, leading corporations and Apparo are helping nonprofits streamline operations, secure funding, and amplify their community impact.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Alliance Group is proud to announce four significant promotions within its leadership team, reinforcing the company's commitment to excellence and growth. Additionally, two talented new team members have joined the organization, bringing valuable expertise to support Alliance Group's expanding initiatives.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that it has been named the 2025 ICE Innovation Technology Partner of the Year by Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, announced today that it has honored Mosi Gatling of New American Funding (NAF) with the 2024 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award, and Skyler Lemons of Exit Strategy Realty with hits inaugural Emerging Leader Award.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today announced that its Founder and CEO Rob Chrane has been named a RISMedia 2025 Real Estate Newsmaker. RISMedia Newsmakers are individuals whose efforts are positively impacting the consumers and communities they serve. This is the second year in a row Chrane has been named to the Newsmakers list.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, has been named to HousingWire's 2025 Mortgage Tech100 list, which recognizes "the companies and solutions that are revolutionizing the mortgage process - from origination to closing, and servicing to secondary markets."

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Alliance Group is proud to announce the eighth annual Living Benefits Awareness Month (LBAM), kicking off this January with the theme, Get the Most Out of Life. The month-long campaign aims to educate consumers about the transformative value of Living Benefits life insurance, which ensures policyholders get more value from their life insurance premiums by offering powerful, free features that traditional policies lack.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire - National News/ -- Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) has been honored by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of Atlanta's top employee benefits and compensation companies of 2024. This is the sixth consecutive year SBA has made the Chronicle's annual list, which highlights metro Atlanta's largest employers of benefits consultants. The accolade underscores SBA's steady growth and success in delivering expert consulting and benefits delivery services to public and private-sector employers across North America.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, is highlighting homebuyer assistance programs to support Veterans, service members and their surviving spouses in conjunction with Veterans Day and Military Family Appreciation Month, both observed in November. While service members are eligible for any of the 2,400-plus U.S. homebuyer assistance programs, DPR found there are 49 programs offering up to $117,000 in assistance specifically developed to help our military community members build, buy or make accessibility-related home renovations.

ATLANTA, Ga. /California Newswire/ -- The Real Estate Staging Association® (RESA®), the leading authority in professional real estate staging, is excited to announce RESA Connect 2025, taking place at the Americas Mart in Atlanta on January 14, 2025. This special one-day event offers a full day of high-impact educational sessions open to all ticket holders, followed by an exclusive evening celebration honoring the 2024 Home Staging Industry Awards winners, the Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate Staging, and select industry influencers.

California Newswire: -- FormFree®, a leader in financial technology since 2007, today announced several enhancements to its customer acquisition marketplace, FormFree Exchange (FFX). Topping the list of enhancements is the auto-matching capability, connecting borrowers and lenders in seconds.

ATLANTA, Ga., July 31, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced 20-year mortgage industry veteran Brad Cardwell has joined DPR as its vice president of sales and business development.

ATLANTA, Ga., July 23, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q2 2024 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. The Q2 report saw the national homebuyer assistance programs increase by 42 to 2,415 - the highest count on record. Much of this quarter's increase in program count was due to local agencies pulling more heavily from federal funding to support homebuyer assistance.

ATLANTA, Ga., July 9, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In celebration of Disability Pride Month in July, Down Payment Resource (DPR) is highlighting 18 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs that are specifically designed to support people with disabilities and their family caregivers on their journey toward homeownership. While people with disabilities may be eligible for any of the 2,300-plus U.S. homebuyer assistance programs in DPR's database, 18 are specifically developed to promote accessibility and inclusivity for aspiring homeowners with disabilities.

ATLANTA, Ga., July 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced the addition of three new team members to support growing demand for down payment assistance (DPA) programs.

ATLANTA, Ga., May 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced a new integration using the latest API framework from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) for mortgage technology. Available via the Encompass Partner Connect™ API Platform, the integration makes it easier for lenders to support homebuyers with the nation's 2,300-plus down payment assistance (DPA) programs.

ATLANTA, Ga., April 29, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that it has joined The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry. As a member of TMC's Preferred Partner Network, DPR will provide its software, which provides operational support for utilizing its database of more than 2,300 down payment assistance (DPA) programs, at a discounted rate to TMC members.

ATLANTA, Ga., April 24, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q1 2024 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. In a quarter where year-over-year (YoY) home prices jumped 6%, the YoY national down payment assistance count increased by 204, the largest annual jump since DPR began reporting on this data in Q3 2020.

ATHENS, Ga., April 18, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FormFree®, a leader in financial technology since 2007, today announced significant enhancements to Passport Wallet®, an innovative app that transforms how everyday people access loans. Available now in the Apple App Store and Google Play, the latest version of Passport Wallet is designed to make it easier than ever for consumers to understand their ability to pay and match with lenders.

ATLANTA, Ga., April 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Alliance Group, a leading IMO in the life insurance and annuity sectors, is pleased to announce Carlos Vazquez's transition to a full-time role as Marketing Coordinator within the company's esteemed marketing team. After an impactful 15 months serving as a Special Assistant to the CEO, Vazquez will now lend his talents to the coordination, prioritization, and execution of daily tasks for the marketing team, further enhancing the support and resources available to Alliance Group's independent agents, agencies, and partners.

ATLANTA, Ga., April 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Alliance Group, a leading national IMO in the life insurance industry, recently announced the promotion of Chrissy Disco to Vice President of Agent Experience. Having dedicated nine years to the company, Disco has been a cornerstone in establishing a cohesive style and brand identity for Alliance Group in her previous role as Creative Director. Her significant contributions have been pivotal in crafting the exceptional agent experience that has become synonymous with the Alliance Group name.

ATLANTA, Ga., March 6, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that Vice President, Housing Finance Authority (HFA) Relations, Veronica Khandelwal, has been named to the 2024 Women of Inspiration list by National Mortgage Professional, an American Business Media publication.

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 6, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that its Founder and CEO Rob Chrane has been named a RISMedia 2024 Real Estate Newsmaker. Newsmakers are recognized for their contributions to the real estate industry and their efforts to positively impact the consumers and communities they serve.

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Divergent CRO, a leading provider of clinical services to biotech and device companies, is pleased to announce the official launch of its new Contract Research Organization (CRO). This new venture aims to revolutionize the research and development process by offering comprehensive and tailored clinical services to meet the unique needs of the biotech and device industries.

ATLANTA, Ga., Jan. 3, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced its Executive Vice President of Product and Operations Sean Moss has been selected as an Industry Titan by National Mortgage Professional (NMP) magazine. The award recognizes experienced professionals who show exceptional dedication, compassion and integrity who are improving the mortgage industry for both industry professionals and the clients they serve.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Dec. 21, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Alliance Group, a leading IMO in the insurance industry, is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with four-time Olympian and American high jump record holder, Chaunté Lowe, for Living Benefits Awareness Month (LBAM) in January 2024. In a demonstration of their shared commitment to spreading consumer awareness about Living Benefits, National Life Group has also stepped in as a co-sponsor of this pivotal event.

ATLANTA, Ga., Dec. 18, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced a $10,000 donation to the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership to be used as a grant to help an eligible homebuyer working with the local nonprofit housing agency.

ATLANTA, Ga. and WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 14, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Distinguished climate activist and founder of the HBCU Green Fund, Felicia Davis, took center stage at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, making groundbreaking announcements that underscore the organization's commitment to global climate action and youth empowerment.

ATHENS, Ga., Dec. 12, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FormFree® today announced its President Eric Lapin has been selected to speak at the MISMO Winter Summit taking place January 8-11, 2024, at The Woodlands Resort just outside of Houston, Texas. Lapin will speak on a panel titled "Demystifying Artificial Intelligence, Digital Identity and Blockchain" during a brown-bag lunch session on January 9 from 12:30 pm-1:25 pm CT. He will be joined by fellow panelists Devin Caster, principal, product solutions at CoreLogic; Rishi Godse, principal technical architect at USAA; and Shawn Jobe, vice president and head of business development at Informative Research.

ATHENS, Ga., Dec. 6, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FormFree® today announced the appointment of former hip-hop/rap recording artist-turned-techpreneur Victor D. Lombard, professionally known as DIVINE, as head of culture. DIVINE is the CEO and founder of Solvent, a fintech focused on financial empowerment for marginalized groups.

ATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 10, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, is highlighting homebuyer assistance programs to support Veterans, service members and their surviving spouses in conjunction with Veterans Day and Military Family Appreciation Month, both observed in November.

ATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 8, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, reports that homebuyer assistance program administrators are responding to the mounting home affordability crisis by rapidly rolling out new homebuyer assistance programs and funding buydowns.

ATLANTA, Ga., Oct. 16, 2023 (SEDN2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday October 21, 2023. The Wealthy SIS Network is proud to present the Inaugural "SIS-Expo Atlanta." The Global mission of the Sis-Expo is to redefine how entrepreneurship is viewed with women leading the charge in economic impact. This event is dedicated to fostering community and the empowerment among women of all backgrounds and stages of business development.

ATLANTA, Ga., Oct. 16, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced it has onboarded six mortgage lenders this September. DPR's expanded client base includes Elevations Credit Union, Embrace Home Loans, Homeowners Financial Group, HomeStreet Bank, RWM Home Loans and a regional bank. This significant milestone reflects the growing need for solutions that promote accessible and sustainable homeownership.

ATHENS, Ga., Oct. 13, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FormFree today announced the fourth quarter debut of FormFree Exchange (FFX®), a dynamic online marketplace that matches lenders with qualified borrowers for a faster, better and fairer lending experience. FFX has been meticulously designed to address the challenges facing lenders and borrowers in the modern financial landscape.

ATHENS, Ga., Oct. 4, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FormFree® has partnered with serial entrepreneur Kevin Harrington of "Shark Tank" fame to promote Passport®, a free service that makes it easy for consumers to quantify their borrowing power and share their verified assets, employment, annual and residual income and rent payment history with their preferred lender in just minutes from any web-enabled device.

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Sept. 6, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- ZKTeco USA, a globally recognized leader and manufacturer of physical security solutions, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Lockt, LLC, an organization renowned for delivering powerful security solutions. SecureAccess software from Lockt now supports ZKTECO USA's Atlas Access control panels using the z9/op=n interoperability platform from Z9 Security.

ATHENS, Ga., Aug. 22, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FormFree today announced it has joined the American Credit Union Mortgage Association (ACUMA) as an affiliate member. Through its membership, FormFree aims to help credit unions provide more inclusive pathways to homeownership by introducing them to residual income analytics, a methodology for gaining enhanced insight into borrowers' ability to repay loans.

ATLANTA, Ga., Aug. 15, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced it has earned a spot on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. This marks DPR's inaugural year on the list.

ALPHARETTA, Ga., July 25, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Today, WaterSignal, LLC is thrilled to share some truly exciting news: WaterSignal, LLC has been acquired by Metron Farnier, LLC! WaterSignal, LLC is delighted to embark on this new journey, which will undoubtedly benefit its valued clients and further enhance its commitment to water conservation and efficiency.

ATLANTA, Ga., July 10, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In celebration of Disability Pride Month, Down Payment Resource (DPR) has issued a report on the 23 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs that are specifically designed to support people with disabilities and their family caregivers on their journey towards homeownership. While people with disabilities may be eligible for any of the 2,300-plus U.S. homebuyer assistance programs, this report sheds light on programs specially developed to promote accessibility and inclusivity for aspiring homeowners with disabilities.

CUMMING, Ga., May 23, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- DeJazz Woods has always had a love for sports. He has been around athletic equipment since childhood football, leading him to play at the collegiate level as an outside linebacker for the University of Illinois from 2010 - 2014. As a Business Development Manager for three major athletic equipment manufacturers, Woods would cross paths with Jeff Hodge, President of H.E. Hodge Company, and Bud Hodge, the company's founder, who are both huge college football fans.

ATHENS, Ga., May 17, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FormFree® today announced that it has brought on Jonathan Nahil as chief technology officer (CTO). Nahil possesses more than 20 years of experience as a software architect and leader of development teams at renowned technology organizations.