26, Aug 2023
NAFA Advocates Against Regulatory Overreach in SEC v. Cutter Amicus Filing
Washington, DC, August 26, 2023 — NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, filed an amicus curiae brief in the Securities and Exchange Commission v. Cutter Financial Group, LLC and Jeffrey Cutter lawsuit currently before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. NAFA’s brief was filed in support of the Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss and urges the court to dismiss the SEC’s allegations contained in its Amended Complaint against Mr. Cutter and his registered investment advisory firm, CFG, as it relates to the application of the Investment Advisers Act with respect to his and his RIA’s sale of fixed indexed annuities.
NAFA’s brief argues that the SEC’s application of the Advisers Act on indexed annuity transactions (1) relies on a flawed and unsupported reading of the Advisers Act that is inconsistent with the framework of federal securities law as it relates to insurance versus securities matters; (2) contravenes the primacy accorded to state insurance regulation as established under the McCarren-Ferguson Act, the Dodd-Frank Act and numerous relevant Supreme Court decisions; (3) is unnecessary given the protection of consumers provided by extensive state regulation of insurance; (4) infringes upon the jurisdictional authority of state regulators to achieve a national best interest standard of conduct for annuity transactions; (5) runs afoul of the Major Questions Doctrine; and (6) injects needless uncertainty over disclosures and duties with respect to indexed annuity transactions.
“For years, our industry has faced significant threats to fixed indexed annuity distribution. In Mr. Cutter’s case, the SEC’s attempts at regulatory overreach simply go too far,” said Chuck DiVencenzo, president and CEO of NAFA. “The sale of annuities is highly regulated through a robust state-based framework, with elevated consumer protections thanks to the continued adoption of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ revised suitability rule, which holds annuity professionals to a best interest standard. The conflation of insurance and securities law only stands to undermine an effective regulatory regime that ensures consumer access to the products and professional advice Americans need to retire more securely.”
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- By Rabindra
26, Aug 2023
Introducing the Recipient of the Inaugural Dayne Yeager Scholarship for Student Entrepreneurs
Cleveland, TX, August 26, 2023 — The Dayne Yeager Scholarship for Student Entrepreneurs takes immense pride in unveiling the distinguished awardee of its inaugural scholarship program—an initiative devoted to empowering aspiring young intellects destined to shape the future of the business landscape. This prestigious scholarship, with a substantial award of $1,000, is dedicated to providing essential support to students undertaking a business major and those ardently determined to carve their own entrepreneurial paths. The scholarship has been bestowed upon the victor of an intellectually stimulating essay competition, furnishing participants with an exceptional platform to showcase their inventive acumen, resourcefulness, and aspirations for unparalleled success within the dynamic sphere of commerce.
Established under the strategic guidance of Mr. Dayne Yeager, a venerated entrepreneur and accomplished leader, this scholarship signifies a profound commitment to nurturing the subsequent cohort of business pioneers. Serving as a testament to Mr. Yeager’s indomitable ardor for entrepreneurship, the scholarship embodies his unwavering commitment to education and his resolute quest to effect positive transformations within the community.
Eligibility Criteria: The Dayne Yeager Scholarship for Student Entrepreneurs sought applications from candidates who rigorously adhered to the following criteria:
Current enrollment within an accredited university, with a focused dedication to a business major, particularly embracing those students aspiring to spearhead their own enterprises.
High school students in the preparatory phase of embarking on their academic journey in business studies were cordially invited to partake.
Submissions were to demonstrate unwavering originality, meticulously tailored for this prestigious scholarship endeavor.
Essay Competition Nuances: The nucleus of this scholarship lies in the essay competition, an arena wherein applicants were cordially invited to elucidate their visionary perspectives on the following subject: “How would you delineate success for your future business?”
This essay provided an exceptional pedestal for students to expound upon their groundbreaking concepts, strategic finesse, and tenacious entrepreneurial zeal—attributes that are quintessential for any triumphant business leader.
Application Procedure: Aspiring candidates expeditiously submitted their essays alongside the requisite application form via the official Dayne Yeager Scholarship for Student Entrepreneurs website: https://dayneyeagerscholarship.com/dayne-yeager-scholarship/. The esteemed scholarship committee duly acknowledged all submissions received prior to the deadline on July 15, 2023. Late submissions, unfortunately, could not be entertained.
Selection and Announcement of Honoree: A judicious panel comprising distinguished business stalwarts and seasoned entrepreneurs meticulously evaluated each submission through the lenses of creative prowess, lucidity of expression, and profound alignment with the scholarship’s thematic underpinning. The deserving recipient of this scholarship accolade was triumphantly announced on August 15, 2023, showcased across the scholarship’s official website and prominent social media platforms.
26, Aug 2023
Sri BioAesthetics developed three new microbial products for soil health and fertility management
Hyderabad, August 26, 2023…….Sri BioAesthetics, a Hyderabad-based Integrated AgribioTech Center set up recently at an investment of INR 30 crore developed three new microbial products for soil health and fertility management at our R&D facility, Hyderabad.
Disclosing this in a press note issued in the city today, Dr KRK Reddy, Managing Director of Sri BitoAesthetics Pvt. Ltd who is also the President of BIPA, a trade body of BioAgri Input Producers in India said the three futuristic products with a future full of promise are a microbial consortium was developed through the technology transfer from ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal to mitigate saline stress in Rice.
ICAR-CSSRI is a Central Soil Salinity Research Institute. It is a premier research institute dedicated to pursuing interdisciplinary research on salinity/alkalinity management and the use of poor-quality irrigation waters in different agroecological zones of the country.
The second product is Prof. Ajith Verma’s (JNU/Amity Univ) discovery, Serendipita Indica, a desert fungus that helps in drought mitigation and nutrient acquisition. Serendipita indica is a fungal species of the order Sebacinales. It is an endophytic root-colonizing species, discovered from orchid plants in the Thar desert in Rajasthan, India by Prof. Ajit Verma and group, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
The third product is the Indigenously developed Root Organ Culture Mycorrhiza for water and nutrient absorption through symbiotic association
The three products will be formally launched in Vijayawada by Dr Janaki Ram, Vice Chancellor, YSR Horticulture University, a state University in Andhra Pradesh; Dr Sarada Jayalakshmi, Vice Chancellor, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) and Scientists from ICAR and Amity University will be gracing the occasion.
25, Aug 2023
Author Joanne Lawrence’s New Book, Daniel the DisAbled Donkey
Seahurst, WA, August 25, 2023 – Joanne Lawrence has completed her new book, “Daniel the DisAbled Donkey”: a charming tale of a young disabled girl who quickly bonds with a young donkey born on her parent’s farm who has a disability similar to hers. Together, the two face the jeers and laughter of Janie’s peers and end up doing incredible work to impact the lives of others.
“Daniel is born disabled and meets his best friend and companion Janie,” writes Joanne. “Together they face many obstacles, prejudices and hard times. Their kindly neighbors suggest a plan for Daniel and Janie. They both work very hard alone and together and overcome those obstacles to face a wonderful and successful future.”
Published by Newman Springs Publishing, Joanne Lawrence’s engaging tale is a heartfelt journey that reveals the ridicule and obstacles disabled people often face in today’s society, oftentimes simply for existing. With vibrant artwork to help bring Lawrence’s tale to life, “Daniel the DisAbled Donkey” will help readers of all backgrounds understand the challenges disabled people must face, while discovering the incredible things that disabled people can accomplish.
25, Aug 2023
Danielle Christy’s Newly Released Light in the Darkness
Heath, OH, August 25, 2023 – “Light in the Darkness”: a potent collection of emotionally charged poems. “Light in the Darkness” is the creation of published author Danielle Christy, a resident of Ohio and dedicated educator.
Christy shares, “Poetry is a great way to express yourself. Danielle wrote poems to help her express her thoughts because she has a hard time verbally expressing them. The book shows the journey through depression and self-harm. It is a personal journey of Danielle—not all people with depression will have the same experiences. She hopes to inspire you to continue to push through those hard times.”
Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Danielle Christy’s new book will resonate with many who faced similar uphill battles against the invisible illnesses that effect so many of us.
25, Aug 2023
Laura Lee March’s Newly Released You Stole from Me My Childhood
New York, NY, August 25, 2023 — “You Stole from Me My Childhood”: a message of encouragement to anyone who has faced similar traumas. “You Stole from Me My Childhood” is the creation of published author Laura Lee March, who lives in Kansas with her husband. She enjoys visiting with young people and sharing God’s word. She is confined to a wheelchair and has limited use of her legs. She loves her little beagle dog and finds great comfort having her close by. Laura Lee lives with chronic pain due to scoliosis in her lower back. She shares in Bible study daily with her husband and weekly with a friend in Florida. Before cancer took away her health she loved to go on long walks, fish, hunt and do crafts. Laura Lee continues to live with memories of her past but keeps her eyes upon Jesus and his promise.
March shares, “I am the victim of child sexual abuse. It started at the age of four and continued until I was old enough to run. I ran, and ran, and ran until I couldn’t run anymore. As hard as I tried to explain my situation with my Dad, I was accused of making it up or just exaggerating. This pushed me farther and farther into the darkness. I lived in the darkness for the first 30 years of my life. Then I finally grasped the hand of God. He led me out of the darkness and into the light. The last 40 years of my life I have held on to his loving grace. Now, I have let go of God at times and fallen back into the darkness of sin, but God has never let go of me. He gently pulls me back out into the light and shows me his goodness.”
Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Laura Lee March’s new book will tug at the heartstrings as readers witness a determined woman’s journey through the peaks and valleys of life.
25, Aug 2023
Professionally Managed Estate in Southern Pike County, Mississippi Up for Auction
Magnolia, MS, August 25, 2023 – Bonnette Auction Company unveils a unique opportunity to secure a piece of Mississippi’s rich heritage with the auction of a 60-acre estate, originally known as the Reed Lampton house, located east of Magnolia in the heart of Southern Pike County at 1010 Union Church Road. The live and online auction event will be on Thursday, September 28 at 6 pm CST.
Diving deep into the history books, the Reed Lampton house traces its origins back to the 1930s. A hub of enterprise, the Lampton’s owned the local mercantile, cotton gin, and numerous other businesses, thereby cementing their status in the local community.
But the tale doesn’t end there. Randy Braswell, the ambitious entrepreneur behind tractor and auction enterprises, oil exploration ventures, and farming operations, later acquired the property, living there for an impressive 48 years. What started as a mere 60-acre purchase expanded massively under his vision, as Braswell ambitiously acquired adjoining properties through 18 individual transactions, transforming it into a sprawling 2,000± acre estate.
Interestingly, the house, initially a modest one-bedroom dwelling, underwent a phenomenal transformation. Braswell, demonstrating his keen eye for detail, collaborated with a renowned architectural firm from New Orleans, expanding the property in three distinctive stages. A turn of fate, the birth of quadruplets to his daughter, propelled this evolution. The estate now showcases an Olympic-size pool, a guest house, and robust columns crafted from steel pipes. Moreover, with the house constructed from cypress and boasting brick floors.
Braswell’s influence extended far beyond the estate. His philanthropic efforts were evident when he built the Tabernacle Baptist Church. In a gesture of enduring community spirit, this establishment was donated to the South Pike Public School and renamed the Braswell Education Center. Now, it serves the community as a venue for meetings and as a voting precinct.
Braswell even secured approval for a family cemetery within the property bounds, further enriching its historical significance.
One of the most notable features of this estate is the potential for oil drilling, as it sits on the marine shell play. According to the previous owner, LSU shows that there are approx. 7 billion in reserves in the Marine Shell Play marking it an attractive investment for those looking for potential future gains. 50% mineral rights will convey with geological studies in hand, and a mineral report available. The land has never been used for commercial purposes.
The estate, a convergence of history, ensures that 50% of the property’s mineral rights will be conveyed, a rare feature for properties in Mississippi.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a monumental chapter of Southern Pike County’s illustrious past. Interested parties are encouraged to register for the auction without delay. bit.ly/3sq92gP
This auction is being conducted in conjunction with Jeff Martin Auctioneers, Inc., renowned for their expertise in conducting premier auctions across various asset categories.
25, Aug 2023
California Coast Credit Union Names Kellen Gill Chief Audit and Risk Officer
San Diego, CA, August 25, 2023— California Coast Credit Union, the longest-serving financial institution based in San Diego, with over $3.5 billion in assets, has named Kellen Gill as Chief Audit and Risk Officer.
In his role at Cal Coast, Gill will oversee internal audit, compliance, risk management, and legal for the credit union.
Gill brings a strong compliance and audit background to Cal Coast. For the past sixteen years, he has worked in several roles of increasing responsibility at Sempra Energy and San Diego Gas and Electric Company including corporate tax, accounting, compliance, internal audit, legislative policy, and regulatory affairs. He has also worked as an Adjunct Professor of Accountancy at the University of San Diego and teaches the CPA examination preparation course for Becker Professional Education.
Todd Lane, President & CEO of California Coast Credit Union, said: “We are excited to have Kellen join our team at Cal Coast. His experience will help Cal Coast continue to strengthen our internal controls, minimize risk to the organization, and ultimately serve our loyal members by building on our track record of strength and stability.”
Gill has a Master of Science degree in Tax from San Diego State University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of San Diego. He is also a Certified Public Accountant, licensed to practice in the state of California. When he is not working, Kellen and his husband Justin enjoy trying new restaurants, cooking, wine tasting and traveling.
25, Aug 2023
Manchu Vishnu inaugurates 3day Sports Expo India 2023
Expo showcases thrilling sports, ancient sports, competitions
Hyderabad, August 25, 2023……Manchu Vishnu, film star and the President of the Movie Artistes Association Inaugurates Sports Expo India 2023 at Hitex which features thrilling activities, stunts on bicycles, Mallakhamb (ancient sport), and box cricket among others for the next three days.
Speaking on the occasion, the film star, who is also a fitness freak said, referring to the proposed NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2023, the Marathon Partner to Sports Expo, which will be held this weekend, said Running is an addiction. Once you start, you will never quit it. Exercise is an addiction. So is running. It is a lifelong activity. I believe the Hyderabad Marathon is the second-largest Marathon in the country. We must cultivate a running culture in the city to keep fit. Being a Hyderabadi I am proud that many fitness activities like Sport Expo India, NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2023 and others are held. Running is the best fitness activity. Be fit, and live life to the fullest, he told his fans and people in general. Eat whatever you want, but, stay fit, live long, was his message to all.
Mr. Srinivas Gutti, IDFC Regional Head, Branch Banking, Mr Srikanth T.G, Business Head, Hitex Business Center; Mr Abhijeet Madnurkar President, Hyderabad Runners; Mr. Prashant Morparia, Race Director – NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, Arun Kaliappan Secretary, Hyderabad Runners joined Manchu Vishnu in the inauguration.
It is the sixth edition of Sportex India 2023. It is a 3-day Fitness and Sports Related Expo, which will continue till 27th August and is being held at Hitex, Madhapur. It is organised by Hitex.
100 exhibitors are showcasing games, facilities, fitness products and services. It is open from 9 am to 8 pm. All are welcome. There is no entry fee. Nearly 30,000 visitors are expected to visit it during the three days
It is the biggest Sporting Festival in Hyderabad. It features thrilling activities and stunts on bicycles among many interesting sports. SportExpo India 2023 is a destination for sports, fitness and related activities from Yoga to Mallakhamb to Box Cricket to Cyclothon to Body Building, the Sport Expo has everything for everybody, informed Srikanth TG
The exhibition is a small step towards the fitness revolution in our society. For the first time it is going to be a sports and wellness ecosystem on a single platform, Mr. TG Srikanth added.
Various sports championships, Cyclothon, Mr.Sportex Bodybuilding Championship etc. are being held as part of the expo.
The Bhagyanagar Bodybuilding Association is organising The MR. THE SPORTEX CLASSIC INDIA event on August 27, 2023. It is approved by the Telangana Bodybuilding Association. It has a total prize money of Rs. 5 lakhs in cash awards, the competition includes Bodybuilding Weight Categories ranging from below 55 kg to above 85 kg.
Hyderabad Runners is the marathon partner to the Sports Expo. NMDC Hyderabad Marathon will be held for the 5K- a curtain raiser run on 26th August at 7 AM at Hitex. It will start and end in Hitex. On 27th August the three runs will flagged off. The Full Marathon will kick off at 4.30 AM, Half Marathon and 5.30 AM, both will be flagged off from People Plaza, Necklace Road and conclude at Gachibowli stadium. The 10K Run will be flagged off at 6.30 AM from Hitex, Madhapur and will join Half and Full Marathon route near IKEA Circle and will finish at Gachibowli Stadium informed Mr. Prashant Morparia, Race Director. 21000 runners on the whole are expected to participate, of which 6500 will participate in 5K run and the balance 15500 will participate in 10K, Half and Full Marathon, informed Mr. Arun Kaliappan Secretary, The Hyderabad Runners.
Sports Expo is also serving as a platform for Sports-Related Startups. One startup worth mentioning here is Up-Liv. It does breathe, posture, and stance analysis and provides therapies.
3×3 basketball, badminton, table tennis and box cricket championships are some of the highlights of this edition
A 5 km Aptronix Cyclothon will be held inside HITEX on day 3. It will be organised by HCG, AD11 Sports, and HITEX, on August 27th, 2023, at HITEX, Hyderabad.
In the showcase segment, Calisthenics, a form of strength training will be showcased.
A Battery Management System (BMS) bikes; Mallakhamb, a form of ancient sport intended as a training aid for wrestlers and ancient warriors; FreeStyle Football; and Taekwondo will be demonstrated and trained sportspersons to introduce them to the visitors.
It has an exclusive Yoga Pavilion that will hold yoga and related activities on all three days by reputed yoga organisations—namely, Art of Living, Sahaja Yoga and Navyoga.
Hyderabad Cyclist Group will promote cycling to make Hyderabad the cycling capital of India
The schedules of some of the activities are as follows
Callisthenics (a form of strength training) will be showcased at 2om on the 26th and 27tg August; Box Cycling and Skateboarding at 1om on the 26th and 27th; Malkhamb at 4 p.m. on the 26th and 11 a.m. on the 27th and Taekwondo at 3 pm on 26th and 12pm on 27th.
25, Aug 2023
Paul Howe’s Newly Released The Summer of My Life is a Touching Celebration of an Unexpected and Lasting Love
Lakeland, FL, August 25, 2023- “The Summer of My Life”: a powerful testimony to the blessings of true love and connection. “The Summer of My Life” is the creation of published author Paul Howe, who resides in Lakeland, Florida, and is a full-time professor at Polk State College, as well as teaching graduate courses online at Johnson & Wales University, Webber International University, Purdue Global University, and Herkimer County Community College. He was teaching graduate courses at Assumption University in Bangkok during the summer of 2019 when he met Cheryl while in Pattaya for a graduate orientation. His education includes a PhD in organization and management and a master’s degree in hospitality management.
Howe shares, “It was a picture-perfect night out—the moon was full, and a warm tropical breeze was gently rustling the palm trees. As we were walking across the parking lot of the Dusit Thani, I felt an extremely overwhelming urge to kiss her, as she looked gorgeous and her perfume smelled heavenly. I gathered every ounce of my courage and gently grabbed her arm and pulled her into me and kissed her. She didn’t seem to resist, and we kissed for several moments, and it felt amazing.
“After we broke our embrace, she poised herself, as English people are very proper, and said, ‘What was that all about?’ I was totally embarrassed and began apologizing profusely, saying, ‘I am so sorry. I apologize. Please forgive me, I should have asked—’ when she suddenly grabbed my arm and began kissing me passionately. To hold her in my arms knowing she was the one that wanted to kiss this time had me enthralled as we stood in the middle of the parking lot kissing in the warm, tropical, moonlit night. It was truly magical, an evening I will never forget, a night of all nights.
“As we slowly released each other from our second embrace, she said, ‘I have never been kissed like that.’ I was stunned she said that, but I felt the very same way; it sent waves of ecstasy throughout my entire body. I never felt like that before, and it seemed ultramagnetic and so erotically romantic in the moonlight, holding her in my arms and with her tongue and lips passionately kissing me. It was the night of all nights in the summer of my life.”
