Monthly Archives: December 2019

Berman Tabacco Announces Client Recovery in $6.5 Million Self-Litigated False Claims Act Settlement Involving Eight Former Executives and Employees of Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2019 / Berman Tabacco announces a $6.5 million settlement in a False Claims Act case brought against eight former executives and employees of Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Aegerion" or the "Company") by three former employees. The current settlement resolves claims alleging that defendants defrauded Medicare by causing the submission of payment claims for the prescription drug Juxtapid after promoting it for unapproved uses. The Company previously reached a civil false claims settlement with the United States and certain individual states for $28.8 million and agreed to pay a criminal fine and forfeiture of $7.2 million, bringing the total recovery to the United States and certain individual states in this matter to $42.5 million.

The three whistleblowers or "Relators" were former sales representatives at Aegerion, each with decades of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and health care industries. They were each drawn to Aegerion by the promise of helping patients with a rare genetic disorder obtain potentially life-saving drug therapy.

Juxtapid is an orphan drug approved by the FDA to treat patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia ("HoFH"), an extremely rare genetic disorder with low life expectancy. In July 2013, shortly after the FDA approved Juxtapid, the whistleblowers brought their action alleging that the defendants aggressively promoted and distributed Juxtapid by targeting patients who did not suffer from HoFH. For example, the whistleblowers alleged that Aegerion made false and misleading statements to doctors in order to have them prescribe Juxtapid more widely, notwithstanding the FDA's efficacy and safety concerns that had prompted it to limit Juxtapid's use to the treatment of HoFH.

In 2017, the United States intervened in the whistleblowers' action for purposes of settling claims with Aegerion under an arrangement where Aegerion agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges. The United States declined to intervene in the whistleblowers' claims against Aegerion's senior management and other individual defendants. Since 2017, whistleblowers have self-litigated the action against these individuals and defeated multiple motions to dismiss the case. Following a mediation, the parties agreed to a settlement whereby defendants collectively will pay $6.5 million to the United States, of which the whistleblowers will share approximately $1,787,500. Defendants deny liability.

"This settlement draws to an end six years of litigation and represents a significant recovery for the United States," commented Berman Tabacco partner Patrick Egan, lead attorney on the case. "By self-litigating against the senior executives at Aegerion, the whistleblowers demonstrated their commitment and courage to take on the alleged architects of the scheme."

"We are very proud of our clients. Not only did they alert the government to what they witnessed firsthand, but they continued to fight on even after Aegerion had settled," commented Rory Delaney, one of whistleblowers' counsel from the outset.

The whistleblowers are represented by the attorneys of Berman Tabacco's Boston office, including Patrick T. Egan, Bryan A. Wood, Stephen Ryan, Jr., and Nicole Maruzzi, alongside attorneys from Delaney Kester LLP, including Royston H. Delaney and Ilyas J. Rona of Boston, Massachusetts; and Charles F. Kester of Los Angeles, California.

Berman Tabacco is a national law firm representing whistleblowers nationwide in actions filed under the False Claims Act, as well as before the SEC, CFTC, IRS and state regulators in connection with their enforcement of federal and state laws. The firm also represents institutions and individuals in lawsuits seeking to recoup losses caused by corporate board misconduct and violations of securities and antitrust laws. The firm has 37 lawyers in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California. This notice may constitute attorney advertising.

Contact:

Patrick T. Egan
pegan@bermantabacco.com
(617) 542-8300

SOURCE: Berman Tabacco

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priMED Medical Products Welcomes Anna Dechamplain as Vice President, Operational Excellence

Global Medical Product Manufacturer Renews Focus on Transformation of Business Structure for Future Growth

EDMONTON, AB / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2019 / priMED Medical Products recently welcomed Anna Dechamplain to their executive team as Vice President, Operational Excellence. This new role provides leadership, strategic direction, and guidance to priMED's Sourcing, Information Technology, Customer Service, Logistics, Supply Chain and Operations Planning teams.

Highlighting an exciting 24-year period of growth and to better position the company for the future, the role of Vice President, Operational Excellence was created to align with priMED's recently announced vision to protect 6 million people per day.

"Anna's experience in streamlining complicated supply chains and processes coupled with her expertise in strategic sourcing elevates priMED's position to provide the best value in high quality medical products."

"Establishing the role of Vice President, Operational Excellence reflects our evolving business structure, strategy and way we communicate with customers, partners and employees," says David Welsh, priMED's President and CEO. "Anna's experience in streamlining complicated supply chains and processes coupled with her expertise in strategic sourcing elevates priMED's position to provide the best value in high quality medical products."

Dechamplain brings a strong background and proven knowledge of Operational Excellence from leadership positions at the City of Edmonton, Acklands Grainger, and Fountain Tire to name a few. "I am thrilled to take on this important role and to be part of a growing organization like priMED. I admire what the company has accomplished and see an exciting future ahead."

For more information:

Media Contact:

Craig Blackburn, Senior Manager, Brand and Engagement
Craig.Blackburn[at]priMED.ca

priMED Medical Products
#200, 2003-91 Street SW

Edmonton, Alberta T6X 0W8
Phone: 780 497 7600
Web: https://priMED.ca

About priMED Medical Products:

priMED Medical Products Inc. is a dynamic, global medical product manufacturer specializing in high-quality personal protective apparel. On a mission to protect people from harmful substances and infectious disease, priMED is a leading Canadian provider to hospitals, clinics, labs and long-term care facilities, and offers branded, co-branded and private label products and services to its customers and international partners.

SOURCE: priMED Medical Products

ReleaseID: 570957

The Top 20 Business Leaders You Need To Pay Attention To In 2020

NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 18, 2019 / As 2019 ends, we welcome 2020 and the many wonderful things that can come with it. This past decade (2000-2019) will be forever known for the rise of new start-ups and fast growing businesses. What can we expect in 2020?

Most importantly, we should look forward to following the steps of business leaders who were able to grow their companies, businesses, and brands these past years.

So who are they?

This year, VIP Media Group put together an impressive list of what they consider to be some of the top business leaders to pay attention to in 2020. Not only because of their skills when it comes to their markets but also because of their attributed when it comes to their brand both online and offline.

Meet The Business Leaders Class of 2020.

-Alex Miller

Date of Birth: June 13, 1979.

Website: www.alexmillercreditrepair.com

Alex Miller is the credit repair and debt validation expert behind Alex Miller Credit Repair. Over the years he has analyzed thousands of credit reports giving him extensive knowledge on credit trending. Alex is certified on consumer credit laws including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair and Accurate Transaction Act. Alex has helped thousands of consumers enforce their credit rights and dramatically improve their credit and quality of life. He has become well known in both consumer and business credit arenas for helping consumers dramatically improve their credit profiles and scores. In the near future, Alex wants to help non custodial fathers who want to be in their children's lives but cannot because of their financial and credit situation. He wants to help them with their credit so they can get approved for houses and start businesses.

-Sean Castrina

Date of Birth: March 17, 1967.

Instagram Username: @sean.castrina

Sean Castrina is the bestselling author of 8 Unbreakable Rules for Business Startup Success and the fictional tale The Greatest Entrepreneur in the World. He is also the host of the 10 Minute Entrepreneur Podcast, which can be found in the top 10 podcasts in the business category. Sean's books and podcasts draw from his experience starting more than 20 successful companies and currently leading multiple business. It is his day in and day out experience that keeps his message and insights relevant. Sean is an ambassador of the idea that you need to add a new profit steam to your business annually as if your life depended on it. Moving forward, Sean's companies continue to grow at an astonishing 20% rate every year.

-David Albanese

Date of Birth: June 4th, 1982.

Instagram Username: @thinkbigworksmall

For the past 10 years, David Albanese has worked in the real estate market. He first started as an agent and in his first year as an agent he made less than $40,000. However, in his second year, he was able to make over $500K in sales, which is why he decided to become a broker. David soon realized he had leadership qualities and started to recruit individuals who wanted to go into real estate to train and mentor them. In the last five years he began to acquire businesses, selling them or restructuring them, getting investors so that these failing businesses can flourish. One of David's biggest accomplishment is being able to communicate with people and mentor them, thus becoming a better leader.

-Cody Fortune

Date of Birth: July 20, 1993.

Instagram Username: @cody_fortune

Cody Fortune grew up with a love for the outdoors and sports. His family spent summers and winters on the lake, hunting, snowmobiling, boating, jet skiing, and camping. Family is the most important to them, and they bond by spending time together and running multiple family businesses. As Cody grew up, he was taught immediately by his father how to be an entrepreneur. From flipping cars, bikes, snowmobiles, and any other toys he could get my hands on, he jumped into the family business in construction space. In his early 20's he stepped into the business and niched down in the glass shower door space and created a multi million dollar business, while building the most unique showroom in the midwest. Cody has developed connections overseas with manufacturers and engineers which has allowed him to create a booming import business with private label goods, custom clothing, and much more.

-Ben Deveran

Date of Birth: October 3rd, 2000.

Instagram Username: @bendeveran_

At just 19 years old, the social media and marketing expert, Ben Deveran​, has been able to build an impressive marketing and digital company all within the power of instagram and social media. From social media growth, engagement, content creation, digital sales trainings, and branding, Ben Deveran caters to hundreds of entrepreneurs across The United States, Europe, and beyond.

-Rauve Haley

Date of Birth: January 22nd, 1988.

Instagram Username: @Rauvesuave

Rauve Haley graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science in 2011. Then he began working as a personal trainer, and used this position to learn and study the business side of personal training. In 2013 he started his first company called 4x Fitness, a personal training private studio and online business. Rauve decided to make this company not only an in-person service but also an online training service as well. In 2015, Rauve then decided to partner with an online company called ShedFat. With his help this company grew to net over 2 million dollars in sales over the course of 2 years. In 2018, Rauve decided to take the knowledge he had acquired through the successes and failures from this company and start his own online company and application called Good Fitness. Currently this Company has over 30,000 subscribers through their App, and is making extreme profits monthly.

-Vladdy Aminov

Date of Birth: March 18, 1985.

Instagram Username: @vladdysdiamonds

Vladdy Amnov is a jewelry artist with immense love and passion for jewelry, which is why he created one of New York City's most famous jewelry shops, Vladdy's Diamonds. Vladdy believes in the craftsmanship that goes behind every piece he puts out. He customs all of his jewelry, and also handpicks every local and international piece of jewelry that he offers in his New York boutique, Vladdy's Diamonds. He has served some of the hottest faces of the moment, and is responsible for creating some of the most iconic jewelry pieces of our time. With over 105 thousand followers on Instagram, and a loyal following of A-list celebrities, including Hip Hop Artists such as Jada Kiss and Dream Doll, and Baseball Player, Amed Rosario, Vladdy Aminov continues to grow his business.

-Coach Legend

Date of Birth: October 8, 1985.

Instagram Username: @coachlegendary

Hanso Denis (also known as Coach Legend) is a Haitian-American businessperson, a world-renowned public speaker, mentor, coach, and one of the most influential leaders in the industry of network marketing. He is a multi-lingual marketing strategist who has countless years of solid and diverse professional experience in the areas of business development and leadership. Hanso has trained thousands of people on how to build a successful network marketing business and has helped many people improve and strengthen their personal and leadership skills with his specialized mentorship training programs. Coach Legend's success is due to incredible persistence, charisma and sincere desire to help people succeed. His laser-like focus, years of diligent work and ongoing self-development, along with total dedication have resulted in an evidenced strong leadership that delivered massive and excellent benefits to all ethnic groups, especially in his Haitian community.

-Darren Fryer

Date of Birth: April 16, 1992.

Instagram Username: @darrenfryer.co

Darren Fryer was born and raised in Maui, Hawaii. He dropped out of college in 2013 to pursue network marketing full time, and within his first 12 months he was already making a six figure income with a team of thousands in a travel company called Wakeupnow. Throughout the next year and a half he grew his business to almost 10,000 distributors. In 2015 he was introduced to a 40+ year old company from Japan called Enagic, which produced medical grade Kangen Water machines. Darren instantly loved the health and sustainability aspect of the product so he started building his global Enagic direct sales business, which has produced over $10M in sales. All of this led Darren to start Pro2tect, the most innovative ocean conservation company the world has ever seen. Darren commits 100% of his time to Pro2tect, networking and making connections to help fund and support his cause. Now Darren is a professional skimboarder, eco influencer, content creator, CEO and philanthropist.

-Blake Sherwood

Date of Birth: February 4th, 1999.

Instagram Username: @blasher @greek.tank

Blake Sherwood is a junior at the Kelley School of Business studying finance and real estate at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Sherwood is one of the creators of New Heights LLC and Managing Partners of Greek Tank, a subsidiary company under New Heights LLC. Greek Tank started out as an apparel company that is a one-stop-shop for all products unique to Fraternity and Sorority Life. Greek Tank has partnered up with Hi-Fi Social, a hospitality management group that specializes in unique destination travel and Megatunes, an open-sourced music sharing platform that hosts different concerts around the country. Through this partnership, Greek tank plans to bring unique experiences to college campuses across the country by providing a full concierge service. This year alone, Greek Tank and Megatunes have hosted 25 different concerts across the country at different Fraternities or music venues with artists such as Two Friends, Lost Kings and Young Bombs. Together, Greek Tank and HiFi Social are set to travel over 60,000 students throughout the country in 2020. As for the future of Greek Tank, Sherwood said this is only the beginning and he cannot wait to keep expanding the company.

-MonClaire

Date of Birth: August 20th, 1995.

Instagram Username: @monclairemusic

MonClaire is a music artist from New York. He has been making and producing music for five years, covering the musical genres of Pop and Hip-Hop with a diverse discography. MonClaire is also a licensed Crucial Music INC. artist with multiple songs in the licensing companies catalog. With his strong work ethic and ability to string together fan favorite songs such as "Lights Out" and "Bruce Wayne," MonClaire is making a strong push to become one of the industry's most popular independent artists. In addition, he has performed alongside some of the industry's biggest artists. MonClaire's first studio album "Substance" reached new heights of success for the young artist's career. With many streams worldwide this was MonClaire's first moment of legitimacy in the music industry.

-Mack aka 750 Credit Guy

Date of Birth: N/A

Instagram Username: @750creditguy

Mack is an example of how Corporate America and the American Dream have failed many people in the United States. He migrated from Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere when he was a child, which was a dream come true for his family given that they were broke. His mother had to work three jobs to put food on the table, and after he went to school, Mack knew it was time to start working. He thought he would also have to work multiple jobs and depend on the 9 to 5 corporate schedule. "being on welfare was like living luxury," even though his mother had to work two to three jobs to put food on the table. After going to school and getting good grades, it was his time to start working, but he also had to work multiple jobs, and depend on the 9 to 5 corporate schedule, and he soon got tired of it.But then he heard about the Credit Repair business through a friend, and decided to get involved. Today, Mack has one the fastest growing Credit Repair business in a very competitive industry doing a minimum of $1.2 millions in sales his first year.

-Ahmad Harb

Date of Birth: May 15, 1994.

Instagram Username: @executivestyles @habbisjourney

Ahmad Harb is a renowned fashion expert, businessman, tastemaker, stylist and actor, a man of many trades. He runs ExecutiveStyles, which is a studio salon that provides the right service, giving clients a luxurious treatment. To promote his business, he has gone on sponsoring travels partnering with celebrity influencers, models and athletes from all around the work. In fact, Ahmad's biggest accomplishment was taking ExecutiveStyles from being just one local salon studio to becoming an up and coming brand worldwide. While his company progresses, Ahmad tries to keep himself busy with other work. He has always thought of acting as a dream, so he is currently pursuing acting in Los Angeles.

-D.Melik Monal

Date of Birth: March 12, 1988.

Instagram Username: @melikmonal

D.Melik Monal is a former track athlete, who was at the peak of his career back in 2010, before being injured. But in that moment everything changed for him. Despite being a graduate of East Tennessee State University, having received multiple scholarships from universities all over the United States, D.Melik Monal had dealt with the failures of his career as an athlete in addition to the absence of his parents. He lost his father at an early age and his mother died in the devastating earthquake that took place in Haiti in 2010. In spite of having experienced very hard situations in his life, he used these as motivation to achieve his desired financial freedom by building his own business in the financial industry. Currently, D.Melik Monal is in the process of building Monal Capital a financial education platform to help individuals build and maintain their personal finances and understand the importance of cash flow, credit and Real Estate.

-Del McClain

Date of Birth: August 13, 1987.

Instagram Username: @del.mcclain

Del McClain is a credit specialist, but he is overall a genuine person with integrity and leadership. When Del set out on a journey, he put everything he had into it. All or nothing. His experience has been a full blown cycle of ups and downs. Some of his biggest accomplishments include finally getting the answers to his life long questions: is this it? This Why am I? What am I? Del believes that through his business he has found something that he never knew he would find. He used to think he only needed money, he did not ever think about credit. Being able to find out that credit and this business was the answer to every question he had about himself and life itself has been his greatest accomplishment. Del has found a way to help people financially without having to give them money, by teaching financial literacy and the importance of credit.

-Carlos Smith

Date of Birth: June 14th, 1978.

Instagram Username: @the_credit_god

Raised in Memphis, TN, Carlos Smith had his options laid out before he even stepped outside his door. Smith grew up in a three bedroom house with seventeen family members. "They shooting get down" was a common term used in his home. Growing up in one of the poorest and 2nd highest major crime cities in America provided Smith with structure in his life. Life lessons were engraved by him preparing for his daily survival. All these lessons gave him resilience and drive. Smith decided to use his poor financial situation as a means to escape the life he was living. He began focusing on how to be wealthy, spending hours researching. Since 2008, Smith began investing in his community with the knowledge of how to do things and run his own businesses. He now runs a six-figure business with a team of people who are dedicated to helping others achieve their financial goals. At Smith Financials LLC, Smith and his team mentor their clients to help them meet their Goals. They educate them, and show them how powerful credit can be if used correctly. Most importantly, they help restore individuals credit.

-Kaleef Williams

Date of Birth: January 31, 1989.

Instagram Username: @KoachKamillion

Kaleef Williams helps people achieve achieve excellent credit. Through his company, he accomplishes this by leveraging the Fair Credit Reporting Act which was approved by Congress. The process is pretty simple, whatever negative items on a client's credit report will be disputed in order for them to be deleted. Clients start seeing results in just 45-90 days with Kaleef. It is their goal that clients within 3-6 months of our services, are equipped with the financial literacy and have the results to accomplish their short and long term goals. One of Kaleef's biggest accomplishments are the daily texts and messages from clients who thank him for his help.

-Niki Zoumpouli

Date of Birth: January 26, 1993.

Instagram Username: @nikizoub

Niki Zoumpouli is a full time mother and entrepreneur, co-founder of Good Fitness and the Good Fitness App. She has been a fitness coach for the past 7 years. It is her mission to bring confidence and pride to women all around the world. Niki's goal is to show women how to transform and change their lives. She quit her job and started her own company because she loves the opportunity to help people. With so much negativity and misinformation in the fitness industry, she finds it incredibly uplifting to work on solutions with a real positive impact in people's lives. Building Good Fitness from 0 to what it has become today was invigorating for Niki, and having the opportunity to help so many women allowed her to be her fullest and most complete self.

-Jovon L. Sims

Date of Birth: August 28th, 1982.

Instagram Username: @jovonlsims

Jovon Sims is the founder of Jovon Sims Credit Repair, which is a platform that helps equip and empower individuals to take control of their credit and their finances. Jovon focuses his entrepreneurial interests on value creation, connection and contribution to the entrepreneur community. His coaching style blends a mix of encouragement, tough love, strict discipline, hyper accountability and a strong sense of urgency. Jovon's mission is to help as many individuals as possible to change their life through credit and to begin the process of creating lasting wealth. Helping people walk away from their full-time jobs to start their own businesses, is in fact, one of the biggest accomplishments for Jovon.

-Trevor Anthony Morgan

Date of Birth: August 2, 1998.

Instagram Username: @tmggroupservices

Trevor Anthony Morgan is a sales oriented entrepreneur with a strong work ethic. Ever since he can remember he wanted to start a business. When he was only 14 years old he opened his first LLC selling his own branded clothing on social media. By 15 he was working for Absopure Water Company, and by 16 Plastipak Packaging. During his first two years of college starting when he was 17 he worked in many fields at Whiteline Express LTD, a logistics company, including carrier sales, finance, and HR. Once he became a junior at Michigan State University, he decided to meet every person he possibly could. He met James Shockely, the founder of Social Movement Media, a startup social media marketing agency, and was brought on as a sales rep. After 4 months he became Director of Sales and was leading a team. Working closely with so many clients, he realized the necessity for brand recognition through digital media. Trevor learned how to bring immense value to a brand by leveraging the many skills and partnerships he picked up throughout his life. He then co-founded a marketing consulting firm, TMG Group, LLC, with his partners Mitch Gonzalez and Matt Carroll. He realizes the value in surrounding himself with like minded individuals who have expertise in areas that he does not. At TMG Group LLC, they are focused on growing any brand, business, or person through media and advertisements increasing credibility, visibility and revenue.

Contact Information:

Paula Henderson
202-539-7664
phendersonnews@gmail.com

About VIP Media Group

VIP Media Group is a hybrid PR agency. Their diverse client base include top class entrepreneurs, public figures, influencers, and celebrities.

SOURCE: VIP-Media

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DRIVE Foundation’s 1st Annual Christmas Cheer Event Helps Macomb County Children in Need

ROMEO, MI / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2019 / On December 15, 2019, the DRIVE Foundation held a special "Christmas Cheer" event at Danny J's Brick Tavern in Utica, with two charitable initiatives, supporting over 100 local children.

DRIVE partnered with the Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (MCREST), which provides homeless and displaced individuals the opportunity for successful transition to independence. DRIVE set out to help families currently enrolled in the MCREST program have a more festive holiday season this year. DRIVE provided families with a fun evening with food and activities for kids, including games, photos with Santa, a candy buffet and rounds of gifts. DRIVE also included additional local families in their "Christmas Cheer" event who reached out to the foundation directly for help via the DRIVE Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DRIVEFamilyFoundation). These families were welcomed with a warm meal, photos with Santa, a Santa given gift, and took home packages of "wish list" items for their children to receive on Christmas morning.

DRIVE is part of the R&E Family Foundation, led by the team of R&E Automated, an automation, engineering and prototype build company, based in Romeo, Michigan. Through fund-raising, volunteer efforts and partnerships, DRIVE seeks to create brighter futures for Michigan children. From basic health and wellness needs to advanced education pursuits, it strives to do what it can to help children live happy, healthy lives and have more promising futures.

DRIVE Founder and R&E Automated president Dan Jaraczewski commented, "We could not have pulled off this amazing event without our family of volunteers from DRIVE and R&E Automated, and the many supporting companies and friends who donated funds, gifts and time. I'd also like to thank our corporate sponsors for their support." Corporate sponsors included Ewellix, REI-Day & Ross, Henshaw, L&L Products, Lanzen Fabricating, Mac Mold Base, P&K Technologies, Romeo Technologies, INTEC Automated, TED NDT of Troy, Four Corners Diner, Romeo Café and Romeo Family Diner.

For more information about the DRIVE Foundation, please visit www.driveforchildren.org, or DRIVE's social channels. Facebook: www.facebook.com/DRIVEFamilyFoundation. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drivefamilyfoundation. Twitter: https://twitter.com/DriveFamily.

Photo caption: Volunteers help out with some of the youngest guests while mom enjoys her dinner

Contact:

Cheryl Russell
Phone: 586.752.6381
Email: crussell@allseasonscommunications.com

SOURCE: DRIVE- an R&E Family Foundation

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Aston Bay Holdings Closes First Tranche of Non-Brokered Private Placement

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2019 / Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSXV:BAY)(OTCQB:ATBHF) ("Aston Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has today closed a first tranche of the Company's non-brokered private placement, previously announced on November 14, 2019 (the "Offering"). Pursuant to this first tranche of the Offering, the Company has issued 6,689,640 units (each a "Unit") at a price of $0.06 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $401,378. The closing is subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Units continue to be available as part of the Offering, in which the Company may raise up to an additional $600,622. The Company expects to close a second tranche of the Offering in the near future. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one full warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire an additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.12 per Warrant for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

In connection with the closing of the first tranche of the Offering, Aston Bay has paid aggregate cash finder's fees of $5,641 to three arm's length finders, representing 6% of the proceeds raised from subscriptions by certain placees introduced by the finders. The Company has issued to the finders share purchase warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") entitling the purchase of an aggregate 94,020 common shares, on the same terms as the Warrants.

All shares acquired by the placees under the first tranche of the Offering, and shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of the Warrants and the Finder's Warrants, are subject to a hold period until April 21, 2020, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation. Warrants and Finder's Warrants issued in the first tranche of the Offering are exercisable at $0.12 to purchase one common share of the Company until December 20, 2021.

Proceeds of this Offering will be used for exploration activities at the Company's Virginia gold properties and for general corporate purposes.

Two insiders of the Company participated in this first tranche of the Offering, which resulted in related party considerations pursuant to TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on Section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the formal valuation requirement and Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the transaction insofar as the transaction involved interested parties did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

About Aston Bay Holdings

Aston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for gold and base metal deposits in Virginia, USA, and Nunavut, Canada. The Company is led by CEO Thomas Ullrich with exploration in Virginia directed by the Company's advisor, Don Taylor, the 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award winner for his discovery of the Taylor Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in Arizona

The Company has also acquired the exclusive rights to an integrated dataset over certain prospective private lands at the Blue Ridge Project and has signed agreements with timber and land companies which grants the company the option to lease the mineral rights to 11,065 acres of land located in central Virginia. These lands are located within a gold-copper-lead-zinc mineralized belt prospective for Carolina slate belt gold deposits, as well as sedimentary VMS, exhalative (SEDEX) and Broken Hill (BHT) type base metal deposits. Don Taylor, who led the predecessor company to Blue Ridge and assembled the dataset, has joined the Company's Advisory Board and will be directing the Company's exploration activities for the Blue Ridge Project. The Company is actively exploring the Buckingham Gold Project in Virginia and is in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands in the area.

The Company is also 100% owner of the Aston Bay Property located on western Somerset Island, Nunavut, which neighbours Teck's profitable, past-producing Polaris (Pb-Zn) Mine just 200km to the north. The Aston Bay Property hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit with drill-confirmed presence of sediment-hosted copper and zinc mineralization.

The Company's public disclosure documents are available on www.sedar.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements made in this press release, including those regarding the closing and the use of proceeds of the private placement, management objectives, forecasts, estimates, expectations, or predictions of the future may constitute "forward-looking statement", which can be identified by the use of conditional or future tenses or by the use of such verbs as "believe", "expect", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "anticipate", "project", "plan", and words of similar import, including variations thereof and negative forms. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect, as of the date of this press release, Aston Bay's expectations, estimates and projections about its operations, the mining industry and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements in this press release that are not supported by historical fact are forward-looking statements, meaning they involve risk, uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Aston Bay believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which apply only at the time of writing of this press release. Aston Bay disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by securities legislation. We seek safe harbour.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

THIS PRESS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (416) 456-3516

SOURCE: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd.

ReleaseID: 570951

Attorney James Hardy, from Connecticut, Reflects on Noteworthy Past Trial Victory

Criminal defense attorney James Hardy takes a look back on a noteworthy, not guilty verdict secured in a past trial held in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2019 / Praised by clients across the board, Connecticut-based lawyer James Hardy is proud to be among the hardest criminal defense fighters in the state. Two years on, Hardy, a multi-award-winning attorney from the Fairfield County town of Stratford, takes a brief look back on a particular case of note from January 2018.

"In January of 2018, I secured a not guilty verdict in a sexual assault trial in Bridgeport, Connecticut," explains Hardy. The client subsequently posted a review about attorney James Hardy on Avvo.com, where the lawyer has since been recommended for Avvo's highly prestigious Clients' Choice Award. He's also received similar recommendation on Lawyers.com, and, earlier this year, was granted Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion status for 2019.

"I ended up with a complete exoneration in a criminal litigation thanks to hard work put forth by Connecticut attorney James Hardy," remarked the client at the time. "Among many others' professional qualifications, I admire James Hardy's prompt responsiveness, passion, dedication, and competence," they add. "I can truly say, I'd found perfect representation," says Hardy's client, wrapping up their Avvo.com testimonial, titled 'Great Satisfaction,' and in which they rate the Connecticut-based attorney a full five stars.

Just one of more than 100 reviews for James Hardy on the platform, Avvo.com-founded in Seattle, Washington, by tech-savvy lawyer Mark Britton to make legal matters easier, and to help people find a lawyer-is now awash with glowing feedback from attorney Hardy's clients dating back to 2014.

"I was very pleased with the way attorney James Hardy represented me in my criminal case," says his first-ever review on the platform. "I thought all was lost until I was referred to him," they add. "The thing that I appreciated the most about James Hardy," the testimonial continues, "is that he was upfront, honest, and easy to get a hold of."

A total of more than 98 percent of Hardy's clients have rated the Connecticut-based attorney-who achieved a Juris Doctorate, the highest law degree in the United States, from the University of Massachusetts School of Law upon graduation in 2010-five stars, according to Avvo.com.

Today licensed for more than eight years, attorney James Hardy, from Stratford, Connecticut, is proud to offer free consultations to all prospective clients. To find out more, head to https://www.hardylegalct.com/.

CONTACT:
Caroline Hunter
Web Presence, LLC
+1 7862338220

SOURCE: Web Presence, LLC

ReleaseID: 570960

Dr. Scott Zack Wishes Clients Well as he Wraps up a Fantastic Year for Chiropractic Care

Detroit metropolitan area chiropractor Dr. Scott Zack thanks clients and fellow healthcare professionals as he wraps up the year.

WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2019 / From the positive effects of chiropractic care in treating arthritis to ties between chiropractic medicine and improved sleep, Dr. Scott Zack, a primary care provider and chiropractor from Michigan, having also considered the latest trends in practice throughout 2019, reflects on a fantastic year for chiropractic care and wishes his clients well for the New Year.

"This has been a fantastic year for chiropractic care," says Dr. Scott Zack, a chiropractor from the Detroit metropolitan area charter township of West Bloomfield in Oakland County, Michigan, "particularly in the United States, but also elsewhere around the world, too."

Dr. Zack has spoken at length during 2019 on topics including a new bill set to revolutionize chiropractic Medicare coverage and potential plans to include chiropractic treatment under the military's TRICARE program. "The military's TRICARE program is often deemed to represent the gold standard for medical coverage," suggests the Michigan-based chiropractor, "so it's excellent to see chiropractic medicine being considered for inclusion."

Dr. Scott Zack has spent considerable time during the past 12 months sharing a professional insight into chiropractics. The expert has revealed numerous surprising conditions treatable with chiropractics, explained when to see a chiropractor, and reflected on rapid growth in the chiropractic care market while counting down to National Chiropractic Month, held annually each October.

In August, meanwhile, Dr. Zack explored a new American Medical Association study into the efficacy of chiropractic care, before, shortly after, further delving into the so-called Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2019, an amendment to the title of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage for physician services furnished by doctors of chiropractic within the scope of their licenses.

More recently, Dr. Scott Zack has this week thanked his many clients and fellow chiropractors for another fantastic year in the field. "Thank you, first and foremost, to my wonderful clients," said the primary care provider. "Thank you, too, to my fellow chiropractors and others from the world of healthcare for continuing to champion this incredible field of medicine," he continues.

"With as many as 80 percent of Americans suffering from severe back or neck pain at some point in their life," adds Dr. Zack, wrapping up, "it's important, as we move into 2020, that we continue to champion the incredible benefits of chiropractic care both in the U.S. and internationally."

CONTACT:

Caroline Hunter
Web Presence, LLC
+1 786-551-9491

SOURCE: Web Presence, LLC

ReleaseID: 570956

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: WSG AZZ MMSI: The Law Offices of Vincent Wong Reminds Investors of Important Class Action Deadlines

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2019 / The Law Offices of Vincent Wong announce that class actions have commenced on behalf of certain shareholders in the following companies. If you suffered a loss you have until the lead plaintiff deadline to request that the court appoint you as lead plaintiff. There will be no obligation or cost to you.

Wanda Sports Group Company Limited (NASDAQ:WSG)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at: http://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/wanda-sports-group-company-limited-loss-submission-form?prid=4996&wire=1
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 17, 2020
Class Period: Wanda Sports' securities pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus issued in connection with Wanda Sports' July 26, 2019 initial public offering.

Allegations against WSG include that: (1) the lack of major sporting events for its Digital, Production, Sports Solutions ("DPSS") and Spectator Sports segments for its second quarter of 2019, ending before the initial public offering, would negatively impact revenue for the second quarter of 2019; (2) Wanda Sports had suffered a year-over-year decrease in revenue in its second quarter ended June 30, 2019 and would for its fiscal year 2019, primarily related to lower reimbursement revenues accounted for in its DPSS segment and lack of Spectator Sport segment offsets; and (3) as a result, Defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Azz, Inc. (NYSE:AZZ)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at: http://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/azz-inc-loss-submission-form?prid=4996&wire=1
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 3, 2020
Class Period: July 3, 2018 to October 8, 2019

Allegations against AZZ include that: (1) the Company's internal controls over financial reporting were not effective; (2) the Company improperly implemented ASC 606 which resulted in improper revenue reconciliations; and (3) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MMSI)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at: http://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/merit-medical-systems-inc-loss-submission-form?prid=4996&wire=1
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 3, 2020
Class Period: February 26, 2019 to October 30, 2019

Allegations against MMSI include that: (a) the integrations of acquired companies Cianna Medical, Inc. and Vascular Insights, LLC, including their products, sales people, and R&D facilities, had caused operational disruptions and reduced sales and were months behind schedule; (b) sales of acquired company products had slowed substantially due to pre-acquisition pipeline fill, in particular for Vascular Insights products which, as late as July 2019, had zero orders during FY19; and (c) in light of the foregoing, the Company's reported financial guidance for FY19 and FY20 was made without a reasonable basis.

To learn more contact Vincent Wong, Esq. either via email vw@wongesq.com or by telephone at 212.425.1140.

Vincent Wong, Esq. is an experienced attorney who has represented investors in securities litigations involving financial fraud and violations of shareholder rights. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Vincent Wong, Esq.
39 East Broadway
Suite 304
New York, NY 10002
Tel. 212.425.1140
Fax. 866.699.3880
E-Mail: vw@wongesq.com

SOURCE: The Law Offices of Vincent Wong

ReleaseID: 570959

Communications Leader Karina Rusk Recognized for Year-Round Volunteer Commitment with Top Nonprofit Organizations

An accomplished broadcast news journalist with decades of contributions, Karina Rusk is dedicated to giving back to the community and continues to have a positive impact on lives through volunteering with numerous nonprofit organizations and outreach programs. Over the years her generous support has benefitted such organizations as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, Special Olympics, Kinship Center, CASA, American Cancer Society, the SPCA of Monterey County and the Monterey County Reads program, created by The Panetta Institute for Public Policy.

MONTERAY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2019 / Over the years, Karina Rusk has demonstrated her value as an experienced communications leader, award-winning healthcare marketing executive, and former broadcast news journalist. She consistently and passionately uses her time and talents to support nonprofits in the region. Based out of Monterey, California, Rusk's current professional work consists of developing strategic communication plans and content for complex organizations and networks. Her expertise encompasses public relations, media relations, government relations, marketing, health and wellness initiatives, and employee engagement.

From 2000 to 2013, Karina Rusk's primary broadcast news career focus was on Silicon Valley, its innovations, company IPOs, dynamic entrepreneurs, business growth, and expanding economy. She also conducted much of her work during this time on the impact the historic recession of 2008 had in the area.

Volunteering and giving back has always been a cornerstone of her work ethic. In 1998, The Volunteer Center of Monterey County honored Karina Rusk with The Rusty Stratton Award, earning her recognition from the California State Senate. Now more than 20 years later, SVMHS is congratulating her as a top performer within the organization for her volunteer efforts.

Besides carving out an extensive career in broadcast news, healthcare marketing and communications strategy, Karina Rusk has also worked as a media coach for high-status clients. Her valuable skill set led her to coach CEOs of major organizations, politicians, and established and rising entrepreneurs. However, many in California recognize her for her volunteerism and charity work as a dedicated advocate and event/fundraising emcee for non-profit organizations.

A respected volunteer contributor at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS), last year, Karina Rusk led the marketing team to new heights, earning ten national healthcare marketing awards. The prior year, under her leadership, the team picked up seven national marketing awards. She has performed hundreds of hours of community service this year with SVMHS, while helping to transform their system wide communications strategy and initiating an intranet that will integrate a network of specialty and primary care clinics, urgent care centers, and a 263-bed acute care hospital.

This year, working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, Rusk facilitated sponsorship funding for successful outreach programs and to support the Clubs mission to inspire and empower local youth to realize their full potential to become responsible, healthy, productive, and successful citizens. View Karina Here Volunteering as emcee of the prestigious Youth of the Year event, the nonprofit and generous donors raised $160,000 in one evening, surpassing a fundraising goal to empower underserved youth.

She is a recognizable volunteer with the Monterey County Reads program, created by the Panetta Institute for Public Policy. The Reads program seeks to increase literacy on all levels while the Panetta Institute is dedicated to providing a variety of study opportunities in government, politics and public policy, and sponsors a range of other programs.

She's earned many distinctions for her volunteerism over the years and her commitment continues to benefit the community. Earlier this year, while working with the Monterey County Reads program, Karina Rusk received the Monterey County Reads program Golden Thread Award for five years of consecutive service improving literacy among school children.

CONTACT:

Caroline Hunter
Web Presence, LLC
+1 7862338220

SOURCE: Web Presence, LLC

ReleaseID: 570955

The Klein Law Firm Reminds Investors of Class Actions on Behalf of Shareholders of BAX, ET and EXC

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2019 / The Klein Law Firm announces that class action complaints have been filed on behalf of shareholders of the following companies. There is no cost to participate in the suit. If you suffered a loss, you have until the lead plaintiff deadline to request that the court appoint you as lead plaintiff.

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX)
Class Period: February 21, 2019 to October 23, 2019
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 24, 2020

The complaint alleges that throughout the class period Baxter International Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) certain intra-Company transactions, undertaken for the purpose of generating foreign exchange gains and losses, used foreign exchange rate conventions that were not in accordance with GAAP and enabled intra-Company transactions to be undertaken after the related exchange rates were already known; (2) the Company lacked effective internal control over financial reporting; (3) as a result, the Company's financial statements were misstated and would likely require correction or amendment; (4) due to the Company's internal investigation, Baxter would not be able to file its quarterly report for the period ending September 30, 2019, with the SEC on Form 10-Q in a timely manner; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' statements about the Company's business and operations lacked a reasonable basis.

Learn about your recoverable losses in BAX: http://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/baxter-international-inc-loss-submission-form?id=4995&from=1

Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET)
Class Period: February 25, 2017 to November 11, 2019
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 21, 2020

The complaint alleges that during the class period Energy Transfer LP made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Energy Transfer's permits to conduct the Mariner East pipeline project in Pennsylvania were secured via bribery and/or other improper conduct; (ii) the foregoing misconduct increased the risk that the Partnership and/or certain of its employees would be subject to government and/or regulatory action, thereby depreciating the Partnership's unit value; and (iii) as a result, the Partnership's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

Learn about your recoverable losses in ET: http://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/energy-transfer-lp-loss-submission-form?id=4995&from=1

Exelon Corporation (NYSE:EXC)
Class Period: February 9, 2019 to November 1, 2019
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 14, 2020

According to the complaint, Exelon Corporation allegedly made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Exelon and/or its employees were engaged in unlawful lobbying activities; (ii) the foregoing increased the risk of a criminal investigation into Exelon; (iii) Exelon subsidiary Commonwealth Edison's revenues were in part the product of unlawful conduct and thus unsustainable; and (iv) that, as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

Learn about your recoverable losses in EXC: http://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/exelon-corporation-loss-submission-form?id=4995&from=1

Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. If you suffered a loss during the class period and wish to obtain additional information, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or visit the webpages provided.

J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:
J. Klein, Esq.
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
59th Floor
New York, NY 10118
jk@kleinstocklaw.com
Telephone: (212) 616-4899
Fax: (347) 558-9665
www.kleinstocklaw.com

SOURCE: The Klein Law Firm

ReleaseID: 570953