Georgia Business News

Georgia Business News – including entertainment, finance, health and medical, non-profit, public policy and technology news from Georgia, U.S.A. (Ga., GA), as issued by the Send2Press Newswire service.


Strategic Benefits Advisors recognized among Atlanta’s top employee benefits and compensation companies for sixth year

ATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 19, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — 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.

Down Payment Resource highlights 49 homebuyer assistance programs offering up to $117,000 in funds for Veterans and service members

ATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 11, 2024 (SEND2PRESS 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.

Real Estate Staging Association® Announces RESA Connect 2025 in Atlanta: A Day of Education and Influencer Celebration Featuring Local Talent

ATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 8, 2024 (SEND2PRESS 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.

FormFree announces enhancements to customer acquisition marketplace, FormFree Exchange

ATHENS, Ga., Oct. 25, 2024 (SEND2PRESS 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.

Down Payment Resource finds 2,444 down payment assistance programs nationwide in its Q3 2024 data analysis

ATLANTA, Ga., Oct. 21, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q3 2024 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. The Q3 report saw the number of national homebuyer assistance programs increase by 29 to 2,444.

Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable Mobilizes Women and Youth to ‘Overload the Polls’ on First Day of Early Voting

ATLANTA, Ga., Oct. 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In a powerful show of civic engagement, state and local leaders converged upon the C.T. Martin Recreation Center polling location on Tuesday for a press conference in support of “Overload the Polls,” a statewide voter mobilization effort kicking off the first day of early voting. Spearheaded by Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR), Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda (People’s Agenda), RISE, Black Youth Vote, and other advocacy organizations, the initiative rolled out in 32 counties across the state, aiming to drive a surge in voter participation.

Down Payment Resource highlights 48 Native American homebuyer assistance programs in honor of Native American Heritage Month

ATLANTA, Ga., Oct. 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, is highlighting 48 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs in 13 states that are specifically designed to support Native Americans (American Indians and Alaska Natives) in conjunction with Native American Heritage month in October.

Voting Rights Groups Mobilize Voters on First Day of Early Voting in 25 Georgia Counties, Including Fulton, Bibb, Chatham, Muscogee, Bulloch, DeKalb, Henry, and Fayette

ATLANTA, Ga., Oct. 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — At 12 PM and 4 PM on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 the first day of early voting, the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, RISE, Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable, GA Black Youth Vote, Equity for All, and other women’s and youth groups are launching “Overload the Polls,” an initiative mobilizing women and students in 25 counties across Georgia to turn out to vote en masse.

FormFree named TAG ADVANCE Award Winner

ATHENS, Ga., Aug. 28, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FormFree®, a leader in financial technology since 2007, has been named a 2024 ADVANCE Award winner by The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). Part of the Fintech South conference, the ADVANCE Awards program recognizes innovative U.S. fintech companies with a strong connection to Georgia.

HBCU Green Fund Presents GreenFest 2024: A Celebration of Sustainability, Culture, and Community Unity

ATLANTA, Ga., Aug. 28, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The HBCU Green Fund is proud to announce GreenFest 2024, a vibrant celebration of sustainability, culture, and the power of unity within the Black community on Saturday, September 7, at Truly Living Well Farm in Atlanta, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The free, public event will feature food, live performances, eco workshops, activities for children, and an opportunity to meet V-103s Big Tigger who will broadcast live from the event.

Mortgage industry veteran Brad Cardwell joins Down Payment Resource as vice president of sales and business development

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.

Alliance Group’s Oscar Lievano Joins the Georgia First Generation Foundation to Empower First-Generation Students

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., July 25, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Alliance Group proudly announces that its esteemed Spanish Marketing Expert, Oscar Lievano, has been appointed as the Marketing and Development Committee Chair on the Board of Directors of the Georgia First Generation Foundation. This appointment underscores Alliance Group and Oscar’s commitment to community engagement and educational empowerment, especially for first-generation students.

Federal funds fuel quarterly growth in U.S. down payment assistance programs, which now number 2,415

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.

Luvme Hair Celebrates Success with Atlanta Pop-Up Shop

ATLANTA, Ga. and NEW YORK, N.Y., July 19, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Luvme Hair, a leading brand in the human hair wigs industry, successfully hosted its first pop-up shop in Atlanta, Georgia from July 12th to 14th, building on the success of previous events in New York City and Houston. The event celebrated beauty, innovation, and community.

Alliance Group’s Carlos Vazquez Elected to The University of Georgia’s Latino Alumni Council

ATLANTA, Ga., July 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Alliance Group is proud to announce that Carlos Vazquez, its esteemed Marketing Coordinator, has been elected to the University of Georgia’s Latino Alumni Council. Carlos will serve a two-year term, spanning July 2024 to July 2026. The University of Georgia Alumni Association extended their heartfelt congratulations to Carlos.

The Legacy of Civil Rights Leader Rev. Fred Taylor to be Honored with a March, Tribute and Celebration of Life – Public Invited to Attend

ATLANTA, Ga., July 9, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) National, Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, AD King Foundation, Rosa Parks Consortium, and other organizations in the civil rights community will convene for a two-day celebration of the life of Rev. Frederick Douglass Taylor, a revered leader in the civil rights movement and former lieutenant to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks.

Eighteen homebuyer assistance programs offering up to $117,000 are available to help people with disabilities and family caregivers purchase or modify a home

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.

Down Payment Resource expands team to keep pace with a rising number of DPA programs and increasing demand

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.

Depth promotes Johnna Szegda to vice president role

ATLANTA, Ga., May 30, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies within the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech) and regulatory technology (regtech) industries, announced the promotion of Johnna Szegda to vice president.

Down Payment Resource integration with ICE Mortgage Technology embeds down payment assistance program support into core mortgage origination software

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.

WellVisor Partners with FlexCare Digital Health to Expand Services for Clients

ATLANTA, Ga., May 2, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — WellVisor, a nationwide leader in Integrated Health & Wellbeing, announced today its partnership with FlexCare, LLC, to provide employers and benefit plans the most comprehensive, integrated health and wellness solution available. This partnership allows WellVisor’s employers and their members to benefit from FlexCare’s comprehensive solution. WellVisor and FlexCare will start their partnership immediately to further simplify the delivery of employee benefit tools for improving lives and lowering costs.

Down Payment Resource brings its award-winning homebuyer assistance software to The Mortgage Collaborative as a preferred partner

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.

Down Payment Resource reports highest annual down payment assistance program count growth on record

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.

FormFree upgrades Passport Wallet with simpler UI, VantageScore integration and streamlined asset validation

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.

Alliance Group Promotes Travis Grenier to Vice President of Marketing

ATLANTA, Ga., April 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Alliance Group, a leader in the life insurance and annuity sectors, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Travis Grenier to Vice President of Marketing. Grenier, a ten-year veteran at Alliance Group, has been instrumental in developing the company’s internal video marketing production studio and program, setting a new standard in the independent marketing space within the life insurance and annuity industries.

Carlos Vazquez Enters New Role as Marketing Coordinator at Alliance Group

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.

Chrissy Disco Promoted to Alliance Group VP of Agent Experience

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.

Can We Reverse Record Overdose Deaths? Foundation for a Drug-Free World Says ‘Yes’ and the Key Is Prevention

ATLANTA, Ga., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — This year’s Rx and Illicit Drug Summit highlighted a grim fact of life: “Overdoses and deaths involving synthetic opioids have reached record rates, and every community across our nation is feeling the impact.” According to the CDC, more than half of opioid overdose deaths in 10 states studied tested positive for fentanyl. It’s time to slam the pedal down on prevention, says Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

Heartland Multiple Listing Service implements Down Payment Resource to raise homebuyer awareness about down payment assistance programs in the Greater Kansas City community

ATLANTA, Ga., April 9, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) has implemented its tools to notify real estate agents when homebuyers may be eligible for down payment assistance. According to a DPR analysis, 87% of Heartland MLS’s listings are eligible for one or more homebuyer assistance programs.

A 16-year-old’s first job at Chick-fil-A® who learned ‘second-mile service’ saves operators an estimated $35 million over the years

ATLANTA, Ga., March 21, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — James Finlinson, co-founder of OneClickApp.com™, develops a software solution for his restaurant’s director at 16 years old. In 2017, James Finlinson was a busy high schooler in Ammon, Idaho. His cheerful attitude made him a perfect fit for his first job at the local Chick-fil-A® restaurant. One day James noticed his director, Jessica, spending several hours daily transcribing schedules from her computer to paper. He offered to help fix the problem and that is how OneClickApp™ was born.

Down Payment Resource’s Veronica Khandelwal named to National Mortgage Professional’s 2024 Women of Inspiration list

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.

Down Payment Resource CEO Rob Chrane honored as 2024 RISMedia Newsmaker

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.

Down Payment Resource presents Housing and Education Alliance Founder and Executive Director Sylvia Alvarez with 2023 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 5, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that it selected Sylvia Alvarez, founder and executive director of Housing and Education Alliance (HEA), as the winner of its 2023 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award.

FormFree celebrates its 10th appearance on the HousingWire Tech100

ATHENS, Ga., Feb. 2, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FormFree® today announced it has been honored as a HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage award winner for a tenth year. The fintech was recognized for the launch of its Residual Knowledge Income Index(tm) (RIKI(tm)), an innovative method for measuring consumers’ ability to pay for mortgages and other loans based on cash-flow analysis.

Divergent CRO Announces Launch of New Contract Research Organization

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.

Down Payment Resource reports 135 homebuyer assistance programs were introduced in 2023 to combat the least affordable housing market in decades

ATLANTA, Ga., Jan. 30, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q4 2023 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. During a year when home affordability hit a nearly four-decade low, housing agencies introduced 135 homebuyer assistance programs and expanded eligible inventory to make homeownership more accessible.

Down Payment Resource’s Executive Vice President Sean Moss honored in National Mortgage Professional’s 2024 Industry Titans awards program

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.

Alliance Group and Four-Time Olympian Chaunté Lowe Join Forces for 2024 Living Benefits Awareness Month, National Life Group Joins as Co-Sponsor

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.

Depth 2023 growth drives key hires in strategic marketing and content development as residential mortgage and real estate industries poise for reboot

ATLANTA, Ga., Dec. 19, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies in the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech), real estate technology (REtech) and related regulatory technology (regtech) industries, will close 2023 with a significantly larger internal team and client roster in anticipation of continued rebound for mortgage and real estate volume.

Down Payment Resource donates $10,000 to help an Atlantan buy a home this holiday season

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.