Monthly Archives: January 2020

Blackhawk Bancorp Achieves Record Earnings for 2019

BELOIT, WI / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2020 / Blackhawk Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX:BHWB) reported net income of $2.35 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, a 31% decrease as compared to the $3.42 million earned in the most recent quarter ended September 30, 2019, but a 12% increase over the $2.10 million earned the fourth quarter of 2018. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 was $0.71, a decrease of $0.32 as compared to $1.03 for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 but an increase of $0.07 as compared to $0.64 for the same quarter a year ago. The fourth quarter 2019 results produced an annualized Return on Average Equity (ROAE) of 9.60% and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) of 0.97%.

The decrease in earnings as compared to the most recent quarter was driven by a $273,000 decrease in net interest income, a $400,000 increase in the provision for loan losses and a $1.03 million decrease in net gain on sale of securities and other assets.

The increase in earnings as compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 was attributable to increases of $1.51 and $1.0 million in net interest income and non-interest income, respectively. These revenue increases were partially offset by an $830,000 increase in the provision for loan losses and a $1.19 million increase in operating expenses.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the company reported record net income of $9.60 million, an 18% increase over the $8.14 million reported for 2018. Diluted earnings per share for 2019 increased by $0.43, or 17%, to a record $2.91 compared to $2.47 in 2018. The annual results produced an ROAE of 10.49% and an ROAA of 1.02%. The 2019 results include non-recurring acquisition related expenses totaling $1.45 million (net of tax), which negatively affected EPS by $0.44, and ROAE and ROAA by 1.58 and .15 percentage points, respectively. The negative effect of the acquisition related expenses was partially offset by gains on the sale of securities of $843,000 (net of tax), which contributed $0.25 to EPS, and .92 and .09 percentage points to ROAE and ROAA, respectively.

Excluding the non-recurring acquisition related expenses and securities gains, 2019 core earnings increased 25% compared to 2018. The growth in core earnings was driven by increases of $6.21 and $2.46 million in net interest income and non-interest income, respectively. These improvements were offset by an $830,000 increase in the provision for loan losses and $4.9 million increase in operating expenses, excluding the acquisition related expenses.

"The past year has been an exciting and productive one for Blackhawk," said Todd James, the Company's Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to achieving record earnings, we successfully integrated the First McHenry acquisition and continued to make investments in the talent and technology required to drive future growth," he added. "However, we are a little disappointed in how we finished the year. Our fourth quarter was negatively affected by an increase in the provision for loan losses, and about a $15 million decrease in total loans outstanding. Excluding intentional reductions in exposure to certain credit relationships, gross loans outstanding were essentially unchanged from the previous quarter end," stated James.

Total assets increased by $146.6 million, or 18%, to $963.9 million at December 31, 2019, compared to $817.3 million as of December 31, 2018. Total gross loans increased by $79.6 million, or 14%, during 2019 to $633.8 million compared to $554.3 million at December 31, 2018. This includes $37 million in net organic growth as the acquisition of First McHenry included $42.5 million of total loans at closing. Total deposits increased by $144.0 million, or 21%, to $829.6 million as compared to $685.6 million at the end of 2018, and included $150.5 million of total deposits at closing from the First McHenry acquisition. With the acquisition of First McHenry and the core deposit base that came with it, the company was able to reduce institutional deposits by $29.8 million and Federal Home Loan Bank advances by $26.5 million during 2019. The reduction in Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings was partially offset by a $14 million increase in senior debt added at the Holding Company level used to partially fund the First McHenry acquisition.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2019 totaled $8.57 million, decreasing $273,000, or 3%, compared to $8.84 million for the previous quarter and up $1.35 million, or 19%, from the fourth quarter of last year. The net interest margin was 3.83% for the fourth quarter of 2019 as compared to 3.93% for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, and 3.91% for the fourth quarter of last year.

The decrease in net interest income compared to the most recent quarter ended September 30, 2019 included a $73,000 decrease in net accretion of loan and deposit fair value marks, which was $56,000 in the fourth quarter compared to $129,000 in the third quarter. The third quarter amount was elevated due to pre-payments. In addition, the three rate cuts by the Federal Reserve Bank in the second half of 2019 increased pressure on the company's net interest margin, as much of the C&I portfolio is indexed to prime. The increase in net interest income for the fourth quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago was due to growth in earning assets and core deposits, including organic growth and the effect of the First McHenry acquisition. Average total loans for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 equaled $642.4 million, a $9.2 million, or 2% increase over the previous quarter and a $106.7 million, or 20% increase, over the same quarter a year ago. Average total deposits for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 equaled $830 million a $2 million, or 0.23% decrease, from the previous quarter and a $142.4 million, or 21% increase, over the same quarter a year ago.

Net interest income for 2019, increased by $6.21 million, or 23%, to $33.68 million as compared to $27.47 million in 2018.The net interest margin for 2019 decreased by three basis points to 3.88% compared to 3.91% in 2018. Average total loans for 2019 were $610.5 million, an increase of $97.9 million, or 19%, as compared to $512.5 million for 2018, with the First McHenry acquisition contributing approximately $35.0 million to the 2019 year to date average balance. Average total deposits for 2019 were $813.7 million, an increase of $140.2 million, or 21%, as compared to $673.5 for 2018 with the First McHenry acquisition contributing approximately $125.0 million to total average deposits for the year.

Provision for Loan Losses and Credit Quality

The provision for loan losses for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 totaled $980,000, as compared to $580,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, and $150,000 for the fourth quarter of 2018. The provision for loan losses was $2.01 million for the full year 2019, increasing by $830,000 compared to 2018. The increase in the fourth quarter and full year provision was related to a credit tied to the Northern White frac sand industry. The provision taken reflects what management believes to be a worst case scenario for that credit, which is the company's only exposure to the industry. Net charge-offs for 2019, equaled $1.41 million, with $1.22 million related to the frac sand industry credit mentioned above.

Total nonperforming assets, which include troubled debt restructures, that are performing in accordance with their modified terms equaled $13.6 million as of December 31, 2019 compared to $9.10 million as of September 30, 2019 and $6.2 million at December 31, 2018. The increase in the fourth quarter of 2019 was attributable to one commercial relationship that is experiencing financial difficulty and was moved to nonaccrual status, although no principal loss is expected. At December 31, 2019, the ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets equaled 1.41%, as compared to 0.93% at September 30, 2019, and 0.76% at December 31, 2018. The allowance for loan losses to total loans was 1.25% as of December 31, 2019, as compared to 1.28% at September 30, 2019, and 1.32% as of December 31, 2018. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans was 59% as of December 31, 2019, compared to 95% at September 30, 2019, and 120% at December 31, 2018.

Non-Interest Income and Operating Expenses

Non-interest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 totaled $3.87 million, a $773,000 decrease compared to $4.65 million the prior quarter, and a $1.01 million increase over the $2.87 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018. The decrease compared to the most recent quarter included an $866,000 decrease in gain on sale of securities. The increase in non-interest income compared to the same quarter a year ago includes an increase of $320,000 from the sale and servicing of mortgage loans, and increases of $153,000 and $193,000 in deposit service charges and debit card interchange, respectively.

Non-interest income for the year 2019 increased $3.59 million to $15.13 million as compared to $11.54 million for 2018. Excluding the $1.13 million increase in the gain on sale of securities, non-interest income increased by $2.46 million, including increases of $527,000, $503,000 and $686,000 in deposit service fees, revenue from sale and servicing of mortgage loans, and debit card interchange, respectively.

Operating expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, totaled $8.49 million, essentially unchanged compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2019, and increasing by $1.2 million, or 16%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase over the fourth quarter of 2018 included the increased staffing and occupancy and equipment expenses related to the acquired locations.

Operating expenses for the year 2019, totaled $34.6 million, a $6.9 million, or 25% increase over 2018. That increase includes the $1.98 million in non-recurring acquisition related expenses. Excluding the acquisition related expenses, operating expenses increased $4.9 million, or 18%. The increase is partially driven by ten months of operations of the First McHenry locations in 2019, and includes $398,000 of amortization of the deposit intangible related to the acquisition.

Outlook

Blackhawk expects to grow by pursuing creditworthy and profitable business and consumer relationships in its Wisconsin and Illinois markets, emphasizing the value of its personal attention and service that remains unmatched by larger competitors. In addition to the organic growth opportunities, Blackhawk may also pursue growth through selective acquisition opportunities. Growth, combined with the Company's strong credit quality, is expected to lead to continued earnings improvement. Growth and earnings could, however, be tempered by such occurrences as uncertain economic conditions, competitive pressures, changes in regulatory burden and the interest rate environment.

About Blackhawk Bancorp

Blackhawk Bancorp, Inc. is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin and is the parent company of Blackhawk Bank. The combined entity operates eleven full-service banking centers and a dedicated commercial office, which are located in Rock County, Wisconsin and the Illinois counties of Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, and Kane. The Company's footprint stretches along the I-90 corridor from Janesville, Wisconsin to Elgin, Illinois and into the Northwest collar counties of the Chicagoland area. The company offers a variety of value-added consultative services to its business customers and their employees related to the financial products it provides.

Disclosures Regarding non-GAAP Measures

This report refers to financial measures that are identified as non-GAAP that the Company believes help to evaluate and measure the Company's performance, including the presentation of the net interest margin ratio and efficiency ratio calculations on a taxable-equivalent basis. Non-GAAP measures are also used to assist investor comparison by identifying nonrecurring events such as the 2019 acquisition-related expenses, nonrecurring securities gains and the impact such items have on the performance measures of return on average assets, return on average equity, diluted earnings per share, and the efficiency ratio. This supplemental information should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures.

Forward-Looking Statements

When used in this communication, the words "believes," "expects," "likely", "would", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The company's actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause such a variance to occur include, but are not limited to: heightened competition; adverse state and federal regulation; failure to obtain new or retain existing customers; ability to attract and retain key executives and personnel; changes in interest rates; unanticipated changes in industry trends; unanticipated changes in credit quality and risk factors, including general economic conditions particularly in the Company's markets; potential deterioration in real estate values, success in gaining regulatory approvals when required; changes in the Federal Reserve Board monetary policies; unexpected outcomes of new and existing litigation in which Blackhawk or its subsidiaries, officers, directors or employees is named defendants; technological changes; changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States; changes in assumptions or conditions affecting the application of "critical accounting policies"; inability to recover previously recorded losses as anticipated, and the inability of third party vendors to perform critical services for the company or its customers. The inclusion of forward-looking information should not be construed as a representation by the Company or any person that future events or plans contemplated by the Company will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or otherwise.

Further information is available on the company's website at www.blackhawkbank.com.

Blackhawk Bancorp, Inc.

Todd J. James, Chairman & CEO
tjames@blackhawkbank.com
Phone: (608) 364-8911

BLACKHAWK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND DECEMBER 31, 2018
(UNAUDITED)

 

 
December 31,
 
 
December 31,
 

Assets

 
2019
 
 
2018
 

 

 
(Dollars in thousands, except
 

 

 
share and per share data)
 

Cash and due from banks

 
$
12,320
 
 
$
16,677
 

Interest-bearing deposits in banks and other

 
 
27,086
 
 
 
2,760
 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 
 
39,406
 
 
 
19,437
 

Equity securities at fair value

 
 
2,365
 
 
 
2,250
 

Securities available-for-sale

 
 
235,083
 
 
 
198,670
 

Loans held for sale

 
 
6,540
 
 
 
5,164
 

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

 
 
742
 
 
 
1,643
 

Loans, less allowance for loan losses of $7,941 and $7,339

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 
 
619,359
 
 
 
541,760
 

Premises and equipment, net

 
 
21,025
 
 
 
14,874
 

Goodwill

 
 
10,228
 
 
 
5,037
 

Core deposit intangible

 
 
2,227
 
 
 

 

Mortgage servicing rights

 
 
3,106
 
 
 
2,969
 

Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance

 
 
11,118
 
 
 
10,812
 

Other assets

 
 
12,662
 
 
 
14,671
 

Total assets

 
$
963,861
 
 
$
817,287
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Liabilities

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Deposits:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Noninterest-bearing

 
$
155,978
 
 
$
121,024
 

Interest-bearing

 
 
673,631
 
 
 
564,615
 

Total deposits

 
 
829,609
 
 
 
685,639
 

Subordinated debentures and notes (including $1,031 at fair value at

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018)

 
 
5,155
 
 
 
5,155
 

Senior secured term note

 
 
14,000
 
 
 

 

Other borrowings

 
 
10,035
 
 
 
36,500
 

Other liabilities

 
 
7,738
 
 
 
5,701
 

Total liabilities

 
 
866,537
 
 
 
732,995
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Stockholders' equity

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized;

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3,399,803 and 3,369,192 shares issued as of December 31, 2019 and

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

December 31, 2018, respectively

 
 
34
 
 
 
34
 

Additional paid-in capital

 
 
33,989
 
 
 
33,478
 

Retained earnings

 
 
60,295
 
 
 
52,011
 

Treasury stock, 105,185 and 97,570 shares at cost as of December 31, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

and December 31, 2018, respectively

 
 
(1,408
)
 
 
(1,204
)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 
 
4,414
 
 
 
(27
)

Total stockholders' equity

 
 
97,324
 
 
 
84,292
 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 
$
963,861
 
 
$
817,287
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BLACKHAWK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

 

 
Twelve months ended December 31,
 

 

 
2019
 
 
2018
 

 

 
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest Income:

 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest and fees on loans

 
$
32,449
 
 
$
26,543
 

Interest on available-for-sale securities:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Taxable

 
 
6,089
 
 
 
3,653
 

Tax-exempt

 
 
1,587
 
 
 
1,554
 

Interest on interest-bearing deposits and other

 
 
528
 
 
 
381
 

Total interest income

 
 
40,653
 
 
 
32,131
 

Interest Expense:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest on deposits

 
 
5,806
 
 
 
4,292
 

Interest on subordinated debentures and notes

 
 
248
 
 
 
233
 

Interest on senior secured term note

 
 
591
 
 
 

 

Interest on other borrowings

 
 
324
 
 
 
135
 

Total interest expense

 
 
6,969
 
 
 
4,660
 

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

 
 
33,684
 
 
 
27,471
 

Provision for loan losses

 
 
2,010
 
 
 
1,180
 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 
 
31,674
 
 
 
26,291
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Noninterest Income:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Service charges on deposits accounts

 
 
3,715
 
 
 
3,188
 

Net gain on sale of loans

 
 
4,211
 
 
 
3,386
 

Net loan servicing income

 
 
369
 
 
 
691
 

Debit card interchange fees

 
 
3,402
 
 
 
2,716
 

Net gains on sales of securities available-for-sale

 
 
1,171
 
 
 
46
 

Net other gains (losses)

 
 
89
 
 
 
(63
)

Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance

 
 
306
 
 
 
299
 

Other

 
 
1,864
 
 
 
1,278
 

Total noninterest income

 
 
15,127
 
 
 
11,541
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Noninterest Expenses:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Salaries and employee benefits

 
 
19,382
 
 
 
16,277
 

Occupancy and equipment

 
 
4,115
 
 
 
3,373
 

Data processing

 
 
3,574
 
 
 
1,665
 

Debit card processing and issuance

 
 
1,574
 
 
 
1,302
 

Advertising and marketing

 
 
450
 
 
 
598
 

Amortization of intangibles

 
 
398
 
 
 

 

Professional fees

 
 
1,659
 
 
 
1,365
 

Office Supplies

 
 
405
 
 
 
357
 

Telephone

 
 
536
 
 
 
504
 

Other

 
 
2,520
 
 
 
2,290
 

Total noninterest expenses

 
 
34,613
 
 
 
27,731
 

Income before income taxes

 
 
12,188
 
 
 
10,101
 

Provision for income taxes

 
 
2,585
 
 
 
1,960
 

Net income

 
$
9,603
 
 
$
8,141
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Key Ratios

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Basic Earnings Per Common Share

 
$
2.91
 
 
$
2.47
 

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

 
 
2.91
 
 
 
2.47
 

Dividends Per Common Share

 
 
0.40
 
 
 
0.38
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net Interest Margin (1)

 
 
3.88
%
 
 
3.91
%

Efficiency Ratio (1)(2)

 
 
72.10
%
 
 
70.32
%

Return on Assets

 
 
1.02
%
 
 
1.06
%

Return on Common Equity

 
 
10.49
%
 
 
10.19
%

(1) Non-GAAP Presentations: Management discloses certain non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and measure the Company's performance, including the presentation of the net interest margin and efficiency ratio calculations on a taxable equivalent basis ("TE"). The net interest margin ratio is calculated by dividing net interest income on a tax equivalent basis by average earning assets for the period. Management believes this measure provides investors with information regarding comparative balance sheet profitability.

(2) The efficiency ratio is calculated as noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income on a TE basis, noninterest income less any securities gains (losses) or other gains (losses), and also includes a TE adjustment on the increases in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance.

BLACKHAWK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

 

 
For the Quarter Ended
 

 

 
December 31,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
June 30,
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 

 

 
2019
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 

 

 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 

Interest Income:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest and fees on loans

 
$
8,284
 
 
$
8,580
 
 
$
8,043
 
 
$
7,542
 
 
$
7,174
 

Interest on available-for-sale securities:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Taxable

 
 
1,496
 
 
 
1,591
 
 
 
1,659
 
 
 
1,345
 
 
 
1,062
 

Tax-exempt

 
 
331
 
 
 
356
 
 
 
451
 
 
 
448
 
 
 
431
 

Interest on interest-bearing deposits and other

 
 
107
 
 
 
133
 
 
 
130
 
 
 
158
 
 
 
41
 

Total interest income

 
 
10,218
 
 
 
10,660
 
 
 
10,283
 
 
 
9,493
 
 
 
8,708
 

Interest Expense:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest on deposits

 
 
1,400
 
 
 
1,485
 
 
 
1,458
 
 
 
1,463
 
 
 
1,336
 

Interest on subordinated debentures and notes

 
 
58
 
 
 
61
 
 
 
65
 
 
 
65
 
 
 
62
 

Interest on senior secured term note

 
 
165
 
 
 
173
 
 
 
186
 
 
 
67
 
 
 

 

Interest on other borrowings

 
 
24
 
 
 
97
 
 
 
98
 
 
 
105
 
 
 
89
 

Total interest expense

 
 
1,647
 
 
 
1,816
 
 
 
1,807
 
 
 
1,700
 
 
 
1,487
 

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

 
 
8,571
 
 
 
8,844
 
 
 
8,476
 
 
 
7,793
 
 
 
7,221
 

Provision for loan losses

 
 
980
 
 
 
580
 
 
 
180
 
 
 
270
 
 
 
150
 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 
 
7,591
 
 
 
8,264
 
 
 
8,296
 
 
 
7,523
 
 
 
7,071
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Noninterest Income:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Service charges on deposits accounts

 
 
1,002
 
 
 
1,019
 
 
 
885
 
 
 
808
 
 
 
849
 

Net gain on sale of loans

 
 
1,257
 
 
 
1,333
 
 
 
1,040
 
 
 
581
 
 
 
886
 

Net loan servicing income

 
 
119
 
 
 
(91
)
 
 
171
 
 
 
172
 
 
 
170
 

Debit card interchange fees

 
 
876
 
 
 
910
 
 
 
827
 
 
 
789
 
 
 
683
 

Net gains on sales of securities available-for-sale

 
 

 
 
 
866
 
 
 
146
 
 
 
159
 
 
 
(19
)

Net other gains (losses)

 
 
(87
)
 
 
81
 
 
 
94
 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance

 
 
75
 
 
 
74
 
 
 
74
 
 
 
83
 
 
 
73
 

Other

 
 
632
 
 
 
455
 
 
 
390
 
 
 
388
 
 
 
227
 

Total noninterest income

 
 
3,874
 
 
 
4,647
 
 
 
3,627
 
 
 
2,980
 
 
 
2,869
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Noninterest Expenses:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Salaries and employee benefits

 
 
4,964
 
 
 
4,992
 
 
 
4,841
 
 
 
4,585
 
 
 
4,279
 

Occupancy and equipment

 
 
1,038
 
 
 
1,085
 
 
 
1,000
 
 
 
992
 
 
 
824
 

Data processing

 
 
520
 
 
 
657
 
 
 
571
 
 
 
1,827
 
 
 
425
 

Debit card processing and issuance

 
 
449
 
 
 
402
 
 
 
389
 
 
 
334
 
 
 
334
 

Advertising and marketing

 
 
101
 
 
 
100
 
 
 
142
 
 
 
108
 
 
 
176
 

Amortization of intangibles

 
 
119
 
 
 
119
 
 
 
119
 
 
 
40
 
 
 

 

Professional fees

 
 
300
 
 
 
387
 
 
 
393
 
 
 
579
 
 
 
443
 

Office Supplies

 
 
118
 
 
 
112
 
 
 
89
 
 
 
86
 
 
 
91
 

Telephone

 
 
153
 
 
 
137
 
 
 
130
 
 
 
116
 
 
 
129
 

Other

 
 
730
 
 
 
505
 
 
 
701
 
 
 
584
 
 
 
605
 

Total noninterest expenses

 
 
8,492
 
 
 
8,496
 
 
 
8,375
 
 
 
9,251
 
 
 
7,306
 

Income before income taxes

 
 
2,973
 
 
 
4,415
 
 
 
3,548
 
 
 
1,252
 
 
 
2,634
 

Provision for income taxes

 
 
621
 
 
 
996
 
 
 
794
 
 
 
173
 
 
 
538
 

Net income

 
$
2,352
 
 
$
3,419
 
 
$
2,754
 
 
$
1,079
 
 
$
2,096
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Key Ratios

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Basic Earnings Per Common Share

 
$
0.71
 
 
$
1.03
 
 
$
0.83
 
 
$
0.33
 
 
$
0.64
 

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

 
 
0.71
 
 
 
1.03
 
 
 
0.83
 
 
 
0.33
 
 
 
0.64
 

Dividends Per Common Share

 
 
0.10
 
 
 
0.10
 
 
 
0.10
 
 
 
0.10
 
 
 
0.10
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net Interest Margin (1)

 
 
3.83
%
 
 
3.93
%
 
 
3.88
%
 
 
3.92
%
 
 
3.91
%

Efficiency Ratio (1)(2)

 
 
67.25
%
 
 
67.19
%
 
 
69.77
%
 
 
86.07
%
 
 
71.37
%

Return on Assets

 
 
0.97
%
 
 
1.40
%
 
 
1.15
%
 
 
0.50
%
 
 
1.05
%

Return on Common Equity

 
 
9.60
%
 
 
14.25
%
 
 
12.54
%
 
 
5.12
%
 
 
10.13
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1) Non-GAAP Presentations: Management discloses certain non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and measure the Company's performance, including the presentation of net interest income, net interest margin and efficiency ratio calculations on a taxable equivalent basis ("TE"). The net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income on a TE basis by average earning assets for the period. Management believes this measure provides investors with information regarding comparative balance sheet profitability.

(2) The efficiency ratio is calculated as noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income on an TE basis, noninterest income less any securities gains (losses) or other gains (losses), and also includes a TE adjustment on interest on tax-exempt securities, loans, and the increases in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance.

(UNAUDITED)

 
As of
 

 

 
December 31,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
June 30,
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 

 

 
2019
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 

 

 
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

Cash and due from banks

 
$
12,320
 
 
$
18,778
 
 
$
17,364
 
 
$
14,581
 
 
$
16,677
 

Interest-bearing deposits in banks and other

 
 
27,086
 
 
 
22,478
 
 
 
16,442
 
 
 
35,862
 
 
 
2,760
 

Securities

 
 
237,448
 
 
 
232,165
 
 
 
256,262
 
 
 
270,665
 
 
 
200,920
 

Net loans/leases

 
 
625,899
 
 
 
640,576
 
 
 
616,925
 
 
 
583,350
 
 
 
546,924
 

Goodwill

 
 
10,228
 
 
 
10,228
 
 
 
10,183
 
 
 
10,183
 
 
 
5,037
 

Other assets

 
 
50,880
 
 
 
52,133
 
 
 
52,295
 
 
 
51,795
 
 
 
44,969
 

Total assets

 
$
963,861
 
 
$
976,358
 
 
$
969,471
 
 
$
966,436
 
 
$
817,287
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Deposits

 
$
829,609
 
 
$
843,703
 
 
$
837,319
 
 
$
854,505
 
 
$
685,639
 

Subordinated debentures

 
 
5,155
 
 
 
5,155
 
 
 
5,155
 
 
 
5,155
 
 
 
5,155
 

Senior secured term note

 
 
14,000
 
 
 
14,000
 
 
 
14,000
 
 
 
14,000
 
 
 

 

Borrowings

 
 
10,035
 
 
 
10,042
 
 
 
13,992
 
 
 

 
 
 
36,500
 

Other liabilities

 
 
7,738
 
 
 
7,516
 
 
 
6,614
 
 
 
5,360
 
 
 
5,701
 

Stockholders' equity

 
 
97,324
 
 
 
95,942
 
 
 
92,391
 
 
 
87,416
 
 
 
84,292
 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 
$
963,861
 
 
$
976,358
 
 
$
969,471
 
 
$
966,436
 
 
$
817,287
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ASSET QUALITY DATA

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(Amounts in thousands)

 
December 31,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
June 30,
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 

 

 
 
2019
 
 
 
2019
 
 
 
2019
 
 
 
2018
 
 
 
2018
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Non-accrual loans

 
$
10,642
 
 
$
5,524
 
 
$
3,712
 
 
$
3,815
 
 
$
2,312
 

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

 
 

 
 
 
104
 
 
 
272
 
 
 

 
 
 
17
 

Troubled debt restructures – accruing

 
 
2,866
 
 
 
3,163
 
 
 
3,321
 
 
 
3,546
 
 
 
3,797
 

Total nonperforming loans

 
$
13,508
 
 
$
8,791
 
 
$
7,305
 
 
$
7,361
 
 
$
6,126
 

Other real estate owned

 
 
54
 
 
 
319
 
 
 
307
 
 
 
339
 
 
 
104
 

Total nonperforming assets

 
$
13,562
 
 
$
9,110
 
 
$
7,612
 
 
$
7,700
 
 
$
6,230
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total loans

 
$
633,840
 
 
$
648,900
 
 
$
624,674
 
 
$
590,895
 
 
$
554,263
 

Allowance for loan losses

 
$
7,941
 
 
$
8,324
 
 
$
7,749
 
 
$
7,545
 
 
$
7,339
 

 

 
$
625,899
 
 
$
640,576
 
 
$
616,925
 
 
$
583,350
 
 
$
546,924
 

Nonperforming Assets to total Assets

 
 
1.41
%
 
 
0.93
%
 
 
0.79
%
 
 
0.80
%
 
 
0.76
%

Nonperforming loans to total loans

 
 
2.13
%
 
 
1.35
%
 
 
1.17
%
 
 
1.25
%
 
 
1.11
%

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

 
 
1.25
%
 
 
1.28
%
 
 
1.24
%
 
 
1.28
%
 
 
1.32
%

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans

 
 
58.8
%
 
 
94.7
%
 
 
106.1
%
 
 
102.5
%
 
 
119.8
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
For the Quarter Ended
 

 

 
December 31,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
June 30,
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 

ROLLFORWARD OF ALLOWANCE

 
 
2019
 
 
 
2019
 
 
 
2019
 
 
 
2019
 
 
 
2018
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Beginning Balance

 
$
8,324
 
 
$
7,749
 
 
$
7,545
 
 
$
7,339
 
 
$
7,211
 

Provision

 
 
980
 
 
 
580
 
 
 
180
 
 
 
270
 
 
 
150
 

Loans charged off

 
 
1,463
 
 
 
52
 
 
 
11
 
 
 
102
 
 
 
76
 

Loan recoveries

 
 
100
 
 
 
47
 
 
 
35
 
 
 
38
 
 
 
54
 

Net charge-offs

 
 
1,363
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
(24
)
 
 
64
 
 
 
22
 

Ending Balance

 
$
7,941
 
 
$
8,324
 
 
$
7,749
 
 
$
7,545
 
 
$
7,339
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BLACKHAWK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET WITH RESULTANT INTEREST AND RATES
(Amounts in thousands)
(yields on a tax-equivalent basis) (1)

 

 
For the Twelve Months Ended
 

 

 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 

 

 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 

 

 
Balance
 
 
Interest
 
 
Rate
 
 
Balance
 
 
Interest
 
 
Rate
 

Interest Earning Assets:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest-bearing deposits and other

 
$
23,058
 
 
$
528
 
 
 
2.29
%
 
$
20,832
 
 
$
381
 
 
 
1.83
%

Investment securities:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Taxable investment securities

 
 
193,954
 
 
 
6,089
 
 
 
3.14
%
 
 
132,422
 
 
 
3,653
 
 
 
2.76
%

Tax-exempt investment securities

 
 
50,100
 
 
 
1,587
 
 
 
3.88
%
 
 
51,783
 
 
 
1,554
 
 
 
4.10
%

Total Investment securities

 
 
244,054
 
 
 
7,676
 
 
 
3.29
%
 
 
184,205
 
 
 
5,207
 
 
 
3.13
%

Loans

 
 
610,472
 
 
 
32,449
 
 
 
5.32
%
 
 
512,544
 
 
 
26,543
 
 
 
5.18
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Earning Assets

 
$
877,584
 
 
$
40,653
 
 
 
4.67
%
 
$
717,581
 
 
$
32,131
 
 
 
4.56
%

Allowance for loan losses

 
 
(7,778
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,648
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cash and due from banks

 
 
15,765
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17,373
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other assets

 
 
57,920
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40,623
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Assets

 
$
943,491
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
768,929
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest Bearing Liabilities:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest bearing checking accounts

 
$
254,228
 
 
$
1,483
 
 
 
0.58
%
 
$
228,838
 
 
$
1,141
 
 
 
0.50
%

Savings and money market deposits

 
 
286,719
 
 
 
2,237
 
 
 
0.78
%
 
 
225,207
 
 
 
1,702
 
 
 
0.76
%

Time deposits

 
 
116,814
 
 
 
2,086
 
 
 
1.79
%
 
 
95,939
 
 
 
1,449
 
 
 
1.51
%

Total interest bearing deposits

 
 
657,761
 
 
 
5,806
 
 
 
0.88
%
 
 
549,984
 
 
 
4,292
 
 
 
0.78
%

Subordinated debentures

 
 
5,155
 
 
 
248
 
 
 
4.81
%
 
 
5,155
 
 
 
233
 
 
 
4.51
%

Borrowings

 
 
27,145
 
 
 
915
 
 
 
3.37
%
 
 
6,178
 
 
 
135
 
 
 
2.18
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 
$
690,061
 
 
$
6,969
 
 
 
1.01
%
 
$
561,317
 
 
$
4,660
 
 
 
0.83
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest Rate Spread

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.66
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.73
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Noninterest checking accounts

 
 
155,936
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
123,516
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other liabilities

 
 
5,956
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,172
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total liabilities

 
 
851,953
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
689,005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Stockholders' equity

 
 
91,538
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
79,924
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Liabilities and

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Stockholders' Equity

 
$
943,491
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
768,929
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net Interest Income/Margin

 
 
 
 
 
$
33,684
 
 
 
3.88
%
 
 
 
 
 
$
27,471
 
 
 
3.91
%

(1) Management discloses certain non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and measure the Company's performance including a presentation of net interest income with a net interest margin ratio on a tax-equivalent (TE) basis. The net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income on a TE basis by average earning assets for the period. Management believes this measure provides investors with information regarding comparative balance sheet profitability. Nonaccrual loans are included in the above-stated average balances.

BLACKHAWK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ANALYSIS of AVERAGE BALANCES & TAX EQUIVALENT INTEREST RATES
(Dollars in thousands – unaudited)
(Yields on a tax-equivalent basis) (1)

 

 
For the Quarter Ended
 
 
 
 

 

 
December 31, 2019
 
 
September 30, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 

 

 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 

 

 
Balance
 
 
Interest
 
 
Rate
 
 
Balance
 
 
Interest
 
 
Rate
 
 
Balance
 
 
Interest
 
 
Rate
 

Interest Earning Assets:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest-bearing deposits and other

 
$
20,557
 
 
$
107
 
 
 
2.09
%
 
$
23,356
 
 
$
133
 
 
 
2.26
%
 
$
7,554
 
 
$
41
 
 
 
2.18
%

Investment securities:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Taxable investment securities

 
 
193,439
 
 
 
1,496
 
 
 
3.07
%
 
 
202,607
 
 
 
1,591
 
 
 
3.11
%
 
 
144,565
 
 
 
1,062
 
 
 
2.91
%

Tax-exempt investment securities

 
 
40,513
 
 
 
331
 
 
 
4.16
%
 
 
43,558
 
 
 
356
 
 
 
4.10
%
 
 
56,653
 
 
 
431
 
 
 
3.86
%

Total Investment securities

 
 
233,952
 
 
 
1,827
 
 
 
3.26
%
 
 
246,165
 
 
 
1,947
 
 
 
3.29
%
 
 
201,218
 
 
 
1,493
 
 
 
3.18
%

Loans

 
 
642,399
 
 
 
8,284
 
 
 
5.12
%
 
 
633,215
 
 
 
8,580
 
 
 
5.38
%
 
 
535,659
 
 
 
7,174
 
 
 
5.31
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Earning Assets

 
$
896,908
 
 
$
10,218
 
 
 
4.56
%
 
$
902,736
 
 
$
10,660
 
 
 
4.73
%
 
$
744,431
 
 
$
8,708
 
 
 
4.71
%

Allowance for loan losses

 
 
(8,154
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,860
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,277
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cash and due from banks

 
 
15,207
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16,131
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17,442
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other assets

 
 
59,337
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
59,817
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
39,495
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Assets

 
$
963,298
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
970,824
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
794,091
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest Bearing Liabilities:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest bearing checking accounts

 
$
255,516
 
 
$
361
 
 
 
0.56
%
 
$
258,808
 
 
$
399
 
 
 
0.61
%
 
$
220,536
 
 
$
267
 
 
 
0.48
%

Savings and money market deposits

 
 
294,580
 
 
 
513
 
 
 
0.69
%
 
 
295,746
 
 
 
547
 
 
 
0.73
%
 
 
232,669
 
 
 
559
 
 
 
0.95
%

Time deposits

 
 
118,497
 
 
 
526
 
 
 
1.76
%
 
 
118,910
 
 
 
539
 
 
 
1.80
%
 
 
107,599
 
 
 
510
 
 
 
1.88
%

Total interest bearing deposits

 
 
668,593
 
 
 
1,400
 
 
 
0.83
%
 
 
673,464
 
 
 
1,485
 
 
 
0.88
%
 
 
560,804
 
 
 
1,336
 
 
 
0.95
%

Subordinated debentures and notes

 
 
5,155
 
 
 
58
 
 
 
4.45
%
 
 
5,155
 
 
 
61
 
 
 
4.70
%
 
 
5,155
 
 
 
62
 
 
 
4.76
%

Borrowings

 
 
24,243
 
 
 
189
 
 
 
3.09
%
 
 
32,870
 
 
 
270
 
 
 
3.25
%
 
 
14,257
 
 
 
89
 
 
 
2.43
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 
$
697,991
 
 
$
1,647
 
 
 
0.94
%
 
$
711,489
 
 
$
1,816
 
 
 
1.01
%
 
$
580,216
 
 
$
1,487
 
 
 
1.02
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest Rate Spread

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.62
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.72
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.69
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Noninterest checking accounts

 
 
161,432
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
158,512
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
126,816
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other liabilities

 
 
6,641
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,603
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,956
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total liabilities

 
 
866,064
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
875,604
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
711,988
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Stockholders' equity

 
 
97,234
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
95,220
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82,103
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Liabilities and

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Stockholders' Equity

 
$
963,298
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
970,824
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
794,091
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net Interest Income/Margin

 
 
 
 
 
$
8,571
 
 
 
3.83
%
 
 
 
 
 
$
8,844
 
 
 
3.93
%
 
 
 
 
 
$
7,221
 
 
 
3.91
%

(1) Management discloses certain non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and measure the Company's performance including a presentation of net interest income with a net interest margin ratio on a tax-equivalent (TE) basis. The net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income on a TE basis by average earning assets for the period. Management believes this measure provides investors with information regarding comparative balance sheet profitability. Nonaccrual loans are included in the above-stated average balances.

SOURCE: Blackhawk Bancorp, Inc.

ReleaseID: 574764

Par Funding Warns Clients Against Debt Settlement Scammers

Summary: Business financing company, Par Funding, warns clients of debt settlement scammers who con people with false promises of lowering their debt. More information can be found on https://www.parfunding.com/.

PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2020 / Par Funding has recently issued a statement warning its clients of the dangers of falling prey to debt settlement scammers. There have been reports of some "companies" claiming they can have clients' debt reduced in return of a hefty sum of money which is charged upfront on the same day. These scammers convince Par Funding clients that they can have their agreement terms modified and reduce their payments.

Par Funding has reiterated its long-standing policy of never negotiating with any third-party debt consolidation company or individual. Par Funding executives will only discuss the terms of their agreement with their clients in order to reach a solution that works best for the client's business.

Debt Settlement Scammers

Par Funding clients have reported being reached to by "companies" who promise to have their debt settled in return of an upfront fee ranging between $1,300 to $2,500, which they demand on the same day. Once they receive the funds, the scammers will make a call to the creditor asking whether they can reduce the payment. Since Par Funding does not negotiate with anyone other than the individual assigned to the agreement, any efforts made by the possible scammer will be fruitless.

"It has come to our attention that certain scam companies have attempted to con our esteemed clients with false promises of settling their debt," states Par Funding's legal department. "Par Funding would like to warn all clients that any individual or company that charges you upfront fees and promises to lower your payments is in violation of the Federal Trade Commission and is a possible scammer. Par Funding will not negotiate the terms of your contract with any third party. We would advise you to protect your hard-earned money and steer clear of such scammers."

How to Avoid Being Scammed

Most debt settlements scams are run by unsuccessful loan brokers who read off a UCC list and make cold calls to potential victims. Par Funding has asked clients to avoid debt settlement companies at all costs and called doing business with them equivalent to "throwing money out of the window". Other than refusing to talk to scammers and blocking their calls, clients can report their number to the authorities.

There are several red flags to look for in order to identify a potential debt relief scam. The most obvious sign is that the scammer will promise to be part of a special government scheme of some sort. Another clear sign of a scammer is that they will charge an upfront fee without providing any service or before settling the client's debt. This practice is unlawful and in direct violation of the rules of the Federal Trace Commission. A representative of a scam company will make impossible promises but will shy away from explaining the risks involved and will not clarify exactly what services will be provided. They will refrain from legal paperwork as well.

If any Par Funding clients wish to amend the terms of their agreement, the company advises them to get in touch with their respective account executive. Account executives will try their best to reach a solution that works for all parties involved. Par Funding, a company known for its exceptional customer service, has several options to customize terms in order to make payment convenient and easy for clients. Therefore, instead of paying money to debt settlements scammers, clients can directly contact Par Funding if they wish to modify the terms of their contract.

About Par Funding

Par Funding is a leading provider of short-term capital to businesses in need and is known for quick turnaround time and exceptional customer service. The company was built on the foundation of helping small businesses gain access to funding solutions necessary for day-to- day operations and growth. The company offers honest and transparent financial options through an exceptional customer support platform. More information about the company can be found on https://www.parfunding.com/.

CONTACT:

Allen Brotsky
Media@parfunding.com
(215) 922-2636

SOURCE: Par Funding

ReleaseID: 574766

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: XYF BZUN OPRA: The Law Offices of Vincent Wong Reminds Investors of Important Class Action Deadlines

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2020 / 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.

X Financial (NYSE:XYF)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at: http://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/x-financial-loss-submission-form?prid=5385&wire=1
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 7, 2020
Class Period: X Financial American Depositary Shares pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's September 19, 2018 initial public offering.

Allegations against XYF include that: (i) the Company's total loan facilitation amount was not growing, but rather was contracting; (ii) the number of investors actively using X Financial's platform was shrinking; (iii) demand from small- and medium-sized enterprises for the Company's preferred loans was plummeting; (iv) the Company's preferred loans had performed so poorly that it had begun drastically scaling back its preferred loans in the first quarter of 2018, several months before the initial public offering ("IPO"), and was in the process of phasing out such loans completely; (v) demand for the Company's card loans was also plummeting; (vi) the revenue and loan facilitation growth provided in the registration statement leading up to the IPO was achieved by relaxed credit and due diligence standards, under which the Company had underwritten tens of millions of dollars' worth of poor quality loans that suffered from a disproportionately high risk of default as compared to the Company's earlier loan vintages; (vii) the Company was suffering from accelerated delinquency rates from poor quality loans that it had underwritten in the first, second, and third quarters of 2018, which had caused the Company's delinquency rate to sharply rise; (viii) the Company's product mix had significantly deteriorated; (ix) the Company's net revenue was on track to decline by 22% during the third quarter of 2018; and (x) as a result, the Registration Statement was materially false and/or misleading and failed to state information required to be stated therein.

Baozun Inc. (NASDAQ:BZUN)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at: http://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/baozun-inc-loss-submission-form?prid=5385&wire=1
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 10, 2020
Class Period: Baozun American Depository Receipts between March 6, 2019 and November 20, 2019

Allegations against BZUN include that: (a) Baozun was heavily reliant upon a single brand partner, Huawei, for the exponential service fee growth it had been reporting historically, which was in turn fueling its historical revenue growth; (b) compared to other brands Baozun had as brand partners, the Huawei work had historically included a lot of additional add-on service fees, increasing the revenue reported from Huawei vis-a-via its other brand partners; (c) Huawei, like other large brands, was actively preparing to bring its online merchandising in-house, meaning Baozun knew that it was losing a significant brand partner; and (d) as a result of the foregoing, the Company was not on track to achieve the financial results and performance Defendants claimed the Company was on track to achieve during the class period.

Opera Limited (NASDAQ:OPRA)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at: http://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/opera-limited-loss-submission-form?prid=5385&wire=1
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: March 24, 2020
Class Period: (a) Opera American depositary shares pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's initial public offering commenced on or about July 27, 2018 and/or (b) Opera securities between July 27, 2018 and January 15, 2020,

Allegations against OPRA include that: (i) Opera's sustainable growth and market opportunity for its browser applications was significantly overstated; (ii) Defendants' funded, owned, or otherwise controlled loan services applications and/or businesses relied on predatory lending practices; (iii) all the foregoing, once revealed, were reasonably likely to have a material negative impact on Opera's financial prospects, especially with respect to its lending applications' continued availability on the Google Play Store; and (iv) as a result, the Offering Documents and Defendants' statements were materially false and/or misleading and failed to state information required to be stated therein.

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: 574777

Bill Lerner Promises More Help for Disadvantaged Children Via Billy4Kids, His Charity

Billy4Kids has supplied over 3,000 children with a pair of adequate, reliable shoes, preventing thousands of possible parasitic infections.

New York, NY – January 30, 2020 /MarketersMedia/

Bill Lerner is the president and CEO of iPark and also the founder of the worldwide shoe-giving charity, Billy4Kids. He announced that the hard work of the trust will continue to expand. The plan has several aspects: increasing funding, reaching more developing areas, and improve national awareness of Billy4Kids. Lerner also reported an ambitious goal of providing 5,000 children with safe and comfortable footwear by the end of the year.

One of New York’s leading philanthropists for the past twenty years, Bill Lerner became inspired to found Billy4Kids in 2013, when he discovered an article detailing youth around the world suffering from life threatening diseases caused by parasitic infections. Upon further research, he learned that these children were most often in hard to reach, tropical regions, and that the majority of their ailments could be avoided if they were given access to reliable footwear. Later that year, Lerner co-founded Billy4Kids with the mission “to provide the basic needs of children all over the world in the form of shoes in order to foster a safer environment for them to live and play.” Relying on donations from people around the country, each week the foundation ships shoes to remote, impoverished townships throughout Ghana, Haiti and Brazil. In the near future, Lerner plans to further expand the number of countries his charity is able to reach.

To date, Billy4Kids has supplied over 3,000 children with a pair of adequate, reliable shoes, preventing thousands of possible parasitic infections. The foundation also pioneers support projects in the countries it serves, including Basketball to Uplift the Youth of Haiti. Emphasizing the importance of assisting the underprivileged who are unable to do so themselves, Lerner stressed that every contribution, no matter the size, form, or amount, plays an essential role in achieving the charity’s mission of building a safer world for these children. Anyone who wishes to donate can do so at collection areas located in schools, apartment buildings, supermarkets, and every iPark parking facility, as well as through the official Billy4Kids website, where there are further options to become involved by sponsoring a child, school, or becoming a volunteer.

Bill Lerner is a business owner and philanthropist best known for his achievements as the President of iPark, New York’s largest privately owned parking garage operator. Founded more than 60 years ago by his father as a single lot known as Imperial Parking Systems, Lerner took over as CEO in 1997 and aggressively expanded the business through the acquisition of highly sought after properties throughout Manhattan. Now with nearly 150 user-friendly facilities and partnerships with Tesla Motors and CarCharging, iPark is leading the parking industry’s technological evolution. As the co-founder of Billy4Kids, Lerner’s efforts have earned him the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the annual Edeyo Gives Hope Gala, and recognition from St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children for three consecutive years.

Bill Lerner – President and CEO of iPark: http://billlernernews.com

Bill Lerner – iPark Goes Green with EV Charging Stations: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/bill-lerner-ipark-goes-green-205700609.html

Billy Lerner (@billy_lerner) – Twitter: https://twitter.com/billy_lerner

Contact Info:
Name: BLN
Email: Send Email
Organization: BillLernerNews.com
Website: http://billlernernews.com

Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/bill-lerner-promises-more-help-for-disadvantaged-children-via-billy4kids-his-charity/88944664

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 88944664

Nevan Donahue Says The Real Senior Prom Is The Solution Against Loneliness

The project is underpinned by the belief that companionship is critical for the welfare of older adults

New York, NY – January 30, 2020 /MarketersMedia/

Social media was meant to bring people together and nurture a spirit of community and companionship. However, its rising popularity produced the opposite effect. In turn, this exacerbated the central social issues of modern times: isolation and loneliness. These are often compared to obesity or smoking, when it comes to their effects on the physical and mental health of a person. However, a study commissioned by US health insurance company Cigna established that 46% of Americans feel lonely, in addition to which the researchers concluded that the effect loneliness has on mortality equals the impact of smoking 15 cigarettes daily. While the problem appears to be spreading among younger generations due to the demands and complexities of life in the 21st century, the issue came to prominence courtesy of various studies focused on senior citizens. As one report noted, “There is strong evidence that many older adults feel isolated, and that loneliness is associated with poor health and higher rates of mortality.” It was media coverage of one such study that pushed Nevan Donahue and his wife, Sarah Berner, into action, inspiring them to launch The Real Senior Prom.

The project is underpinned by the belief that companionship is critical for the welfare of older adults and works even better when combined with age-appropriate physical activity. Given the social nature of human beings, face-to-face interaction and joint pursuits logically emerge as part of the solution, according to James Nevan Donahue. Following a memorable personal experience, he and Sarah had an epiphany: music and dance are nearly unrivaled when it comes to bringing people together, creating energy, positivity, and sheer entertainment value for everyone involved. The couple realized that such parties would be even more beneficial for seniors as the gatherings would provide much-needed companionship – an element sorely lacking in the lives of this demographic.

As Nevan Donahue often points out, The Real Senior Prom is intended to be “a party that integrates all ages and generations.” Moreover, it is not burdened by any of the considerations and concerns associated with proms: outfits, hairdos, and dates are irrelevant, as are dance skills. The aim is simply to get everyone involved in the fun, using music and dance to foster a sense of companionship while producing some physical benefits along the way. With assistance from a live band, the project hurls people into the whirlwind of dance, lighting up senior homes, centers, and residences with a burst of positivity, amusement, and energy. The motivation of the founders is perhaps best summed up by this statement: “The Real Senior Prom was created because everyone needs and deserves a killer dance party.”

James Nevan Donahue is responsible for strategy and business development at Comedywire.com – a collective of comedic writers catering to the needs of marketers, brands, and individuals. Drawing on the creative power of more than 10,000 content producers, the online social comedy platform provides original ideas in real time, helping clients meet the specific demands of communication in the digital age. Outside of work, Nevan Donahue is a passionate supporter of environmental causes, most notably ocean conservation, and is a board member at the Blue Sphere Foundation.

Nevan Donahue – Head of Strategy and Business Development at ComedyWire.com: http://www.NevanDonahueNews.com

James Nevan Donahue (@james_n_donahue) – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_n_donahue/

James N. Donahue – Head of Strategy and Business Development at Comedywire.com – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-n-donahue/

Contact Info:
Name: NDN
Email: Send Email
Organization: NevanDonahueNews.com
Website: http://nevandonahuenews.com%20

Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/nevan-donahue-says-the-real-senior-prom-is-the-solution-against-loneliness/88944662

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 88944662

West Yorkshire Modular Hybrid Home Construction Social Housing Guide Launched

A new guide to offsite Hybrid modular home construction has been launched by Modularesi. They provide consulting services for clients looking to provide affordable social housing.

Halifax, United Kingdom – January 30, 2020 /PressCable/

Modularesi has launched a new guide covering the benefits of building modular houses and the best ways to build a modular house off site. It discusses hybrid modular construction and volumetric construction and helps clients to determine the best option for their needs.

More information can be found at: https://www.modularesi.com/offsite-construction-modular-housing/

The site explains that Modularesi provides consultancy services to councils, housing associates and developers. This can be provided for all types of affordable and social modular housing. https://www.modularesi.com/affordable-social-modular-housing-consulting/

Modular homes are becoming increasingly popular as buyers try to find ways to move away from expensive traditional properties.

In a modular home, different elements of the building are constructed in a factory, then taken to the building site to be joined up in order to create a complete home.

Modularesi says that the phrase “modern methods of construction (MMC)” had a specific meaning when the government was trying to increase the take-up of non conventional homes. https://www.modularesi.com/affordable-modular-offsite-mmc-housing-systems/

Now however it has been widely adopted as a convenient shorthand for all forms of non-conventional construction.

Offsite MMC has been used by commercial organisations like hotels and restaurants for years. Recently it has become more popular in the housing market too.

There are a number of benefits to offsite methods, including the ease of quality control and monitoring. In addition to this, workforce training and management is easier. https://www.modularesi.com/vrc-homes-bopas-hybrid-modular-construction/

Another key benefit is that there is less inconvenience for neighbours, and clients benefit from receiving their finished property more quickly.

Modularesi launched their new guide for clients considering affordable approaches to social modular housing. https://www.modularesi.com/

They state: “There are two types of modern methods of construction MMC for modular houses and apartments that can be built, the advantages of both are that the construction time can be up to 50% less time than building traditionally, because of the time saving it should save money on project finance costs unless you are lucky enough to have the money to build your own house or development.”

Full details of the new guide can be found on the URLs above. https://www.modularesi.com/contact-us-for-modular-housing/

Contact Info:
Name: Bobby Barr
Email: Send Email
Organization: Modularesi Ltd
Address: Stainland Road Holywell Green, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX4 9AJ, United Kingdom
Website: http://www.modularesi.com

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 88944659

Alexa Rostovsky Discusses the Implications of Admissions Scandal for College Futures

As headlines and Instagram screamed the names of celebrities and venerable institutions involved in the scandal, a Harvard Westlake student, Alexa Rostovsky observed how educational establishments scrambled to contain the fallout and provide acceptable answers to the public.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – January 30, 2020 /MarketersMedia/

The admissions scandal that erupted in the United States earlier in 2019 revealed years of bribery at top colleges and universities, with over 50 people implicated in the conspiracy nicknamed “Operation Varsity Blues.” As headlines and Instagram screamed the names of celebrities and venerable institutions involved in the scam, educational establishments scrambled to contain the fallout and provide acceptable answers to the public while also struggling to come to terms with their internal failings. Alexa Rostovsky, a student at Harvard Westlake School, observes, “I have definitely heard that the US higher education system has always been permeated by elitist culture, and that big money and prestige affect Ivy League admission decisions. This admissions scandal may prove the last straw for an even worse cheating bubble and bring on the arrival of a new era for college or university applicants. Now is the time for the self-made and entrepreneurial attitudes that can hold as much credibility as a prestigious degree, meaning that where young people complete their higher education does not defines their future, and it does not it guarantee it.”

The bribery scandal broke during the year when Alexa Rostovsky started her college application process. While appalled by the sobering reality of the revelations, the ambitious and socially aware teenager looks beyond the immediate implications of the admissions scandal. She points out, “It is always scary when you are in the middle of your own application process and hear about sweeping changes, having no idea how they will impact you. Colleges must recognizing student potential that comes in the form of leadership, innovative thinking, humanitarian initiative, ambition, and integrity. That way they can define who they want to empower as future leaders and pillars of the community and stop being influenced by the number on a check signed by an applicant’s parents.”

Alexa Rostovsky goes on to note that colleges will be forced to review their current practices and re-examine their values, addressing questions such as how closely applicants should reflect those ideals and the risk versus reward of prioritizing self-motivation, independent thinking, creativity and dedicated community service. One positive outcome of the admissions scandal is the fact that people have started asking more questions and demanding transparency, the tidal wave of their anger and indignation toppling barriers formerly thought to be indestructible. As society heads into an era of re-written rules and shifts in clout and perspective, the powers-that-be will have to change with the times lest they become the “powers-that-were.”

An exemplary student and dedicated volunteer, Alexa Rostovsky donates much of her time to community service and social initiatives supporting various worthy causes. Recognized by her school with the Humanitas Award, she is involved in numerous projects at different non-profit organizations, including The Grossman Burn Foundation, AHEAD WITH HORSES, and a remote reading program for children with learning disabilities. In her spare time, Alexa Rostovsky indulges her passion for the flute, culinary art, dance, and horseback riding.

ALEXA ROSTOVSKY (@alexaarostovskyy) – Instagram photos: https://www.instagram.com/alexaarostovskyy/

Alexa Rostovsky Explains the Benefits of Equine Therapy: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/alexa-rostovsky-explains-benefits-equine-165000772.html

Alexa Rostovsky Joins the Grossman Burn Foundation Youth Ambassadors Board: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/alexa-rostovsky-joins-grossman-burn-213500495.html

Contact Info:
Name: Alexa Rostovsky
Email: Send Email
Organization: AlexaRostovskyNews.com
Address: 9454 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite #801, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Phone: (310) 205-7973
Website: http://alexarostovskynews.com

Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/alexa-rostovsky-discusses-the-implications-of-admissions-scandal-for-college-futures/88944717

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 88944717

Sherry Li, CEO of Thompson Education Center, Invited to the Oscars Viewing Gala, Dinner and Awards

Thompson Education Center has entered into an agreement to cooperate with the Hollywood Education Alliance to conduct Hollywood Celebrity Online Art Education.

NEW YORK, NY – January 30, 2020 /MarketersMedia/

Thompson Education Center and their partners co-hosted the Black-Tie “Oscar Viewing Gala, Dinner and Awards”. Ms. Sherry Li, CEO of Thompson Education Center, also participated in the gala organized at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, California. The event included several parts: the Red Carpet, media interviews, entertainment programs, dinners, Oscar screenings, awards ceremonies, gift sets, sponsor promotions, fashion shows and a live auction. The dinner had hundreds of professionals, celebrities, former Oscar winners along with CEOs of many companies and world-renowned media members.

During the event, Ms. Sherry Li was fortunate to meet and communicate with many celebrities, including SF Regional Emmy Awards producer David Lockhart, Grammy Awards Voting Aaron Bing, “MyFaceMyBody Awards” Organizer / Famous Awards Ceremony MC Stephen Handisides, principal of modeling school Roberta Sparta, Hollywood First Chair Red Carpet Photographer / CBS Photographer Bob Delgadillo, Miss California Erminia Castaneda, Miss Asia USA, Correspondent Masa Teimorzadeh in addition to many other Hollywood actors and actresses including Katerina Global, Brenda Mejia, Jeff, Said Faraj, etc.

Thompson Education Center has entered into an agreement to cooperate with the Hollywood Education Alliance to conduct Hollywood Celebrity Online Art Education. Sherry Li also had a deep conversation and discussed the related issues with the CEO of Hollywood Education Alliance and Grammy Awards Voting member, May Chang. The celebrities who participated in the event and who joined in the Hollywood Education Alliance will be teachers in the Hollywood Celebrity Online Art Education, offering students a variety of professional and abundant online courses on performing and media art. In addition, Thompson plans to host the Hollywood Art Awards Asian Auditions in China, where musician Aaron Bing and May Chang, producer David Lockhart and many other notable Hollywood stars will be the judges of the auditions.

Also participating in the “Oscar Viewing Gala” event was Mr. Wei Sheng, Executive Chairman of the China Real Estate Finance Association. Additionally, Ms. Li from MEBO Group, Mr. Ou and Designer Mr. Xiaobo Wang joined in the event and communicated with Ms. Sherry Li with intent to plan to develop activities related to Hollywood Celebrity Education and Branding.

Thompson Fine Arts and Performing Arts Academy, LLC will collaborate with multiple levels of film associations and art schools work, and work with a Television Academy subordinate to a Chinese TV Station, which has over ten thousand students, to start online and offline education programs. Thompson Fine Arts and Performing Arts Academy offers summer camps, short-term training, an associate or undergraduate degree with license or a certification in performing arts, fashion modeling, movie media and production programs. Thompson hopes to build a platform for students to learn international and professional media art training and education. After the construction is complete, the campus will have different classrooms tailored to each specialty including music, dance, performing, and various studios. Thompson Fine Arts and Performing Arts Academy will also showcase Broadway productions for the students in its very own Performing Art Center. Students can also write their own script, rehearse, produce and perform the entire drama on the stage in the Performing Art Center. In addition, Beauty Contest Candidates Training and Competition, Award Nights and other pageants will be held at the Education Center’s campus and stadium.

Thompson Education Center – Dedicated to Education, Communications, and Business Opportunities: http://thompsoneducationcenterinitiatives.com/

Thompson Education Center and Sherry Li Appreciated by Catskill Regional Medical Center Foundation: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/thompson-education-center-sherry-li-004500936.html

Thompson Education Center and Sherry Li Invited to the Opening Ceremony of North America-China Dragon Business Association: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/thompson-education-center-sherry-li-034000392.html

Contact Info:
Name: Sherry Li
Email: Send Email
Organization: Thompson Education Center
Phone: 212-845-9519
Website: http://thompsoneducationcenterinitiatives.com

Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/sherry-li-ceo-of-thompson-education-center-invited-to-the-oscars-viewing-gala-dinner-and-awards/88944716

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 88944716

Companies Struggling to be Found On Google explore New Methods

Last year, Google accounted for just over 75% of all global search traffic, trailed by Bing at 9.97%, Baidu at 9.34%, and Yahoo at 2.77%. To win at SEO, companies have to play by Google’s rules

Orange County , United States – January 30, 2020 /MarketersMedia/

Companies are fighting tooth and nail over the question, “Is SEO dead?” That would be like asking is the internet extinct? Back in 2010, Google initiated 516 algorithm changes. That figure increased to 1,653 in 2016 and 3,234 in 2018. As of now, not many agencies have data for the last couple of years, however, still, companies can bet that the number is constantly going up

Google makes over nine algorithm changes a day, so it’s safe to say that it is no longer an easy game to manipulate or TRICK Google. So it forces many brands to explore the data, but many are not doing so correctly. Roughly 5.6 billion searches per day are happening within. That’s over 2 trillion searches each year. That’s a lot of searches; there is also a lot of content being created. There are approximately a billion blogs on the web.

In addition to their outrages algorithm, Google is turning into an answer engine in which they are answering people’s questions without them having to go to a website. People still utilize Google and prefer the search engine as their method of the platform. But what’s shifted is how Google is being used. Over the last ten years, many people used platforms like Instagram for discovery and google as a means of purchasing. The social trend has shifted over the previous five years. Now Instagram is being used for commerce, and google is mostly used as a discovery platform.

The term SEO isn’t dying; it is just changing, and companies who do not follow the ever-changing trends will be left in the dust of google pages.

Mckenzie Santa Maria, Manager of Knackmedia and The Recover, a National news source, claims” Googles algorithm even though ever-changing, does not focus on backlinks or keyword density, or a specific SEO outline… the focus is on the user’s experience.”

“Companies need to start adapting, or traffic and business will be lifeless,” she added.

Navigating all the obstacles laid out by google may seem like a daunting task. This is why Mckenzie Recommends Knackmedia, their Founder Kevin Leonard has been in the industry for over 15 years, ranking for some of the industry’s hardest Keywords.

Its no secret, the higher a company or brand ranks on Google, the more they will drive traffic, build brand awareness, and increase their overall ROI.

To demonstrate precisely how critical SEO is for a business, recognize that 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine. People on the first three pages of google are getting 90-80% of the market and visits, SEO will make that your company.

Knackmedia is a team of highly skilled developers and SEO professionals that have mastered the system of growing website traffic and would love to do the same for you! Contact Knackmedia today for SEO analysis and free consultation and give any business the boost it needs to perform online.

Contact: Mckenzie Santa Maria

Phone: 949-531-9260

Email: Santamaria@therecover.com

Contact Info:
Name: Mckenzie santa Maria
Email: Send Email
Organization: Knack media
Phone: 9495319260
Website: https://knackmedia.com/

Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/companies-struggling-to-be-found-on-google-explore-new-methods/88944184

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 88944184

Expert In PTSD And Trauma, Michael Cortina Has A Revolutionary Treatment Proving That People Can Live Optimally

Using specialized therapy and brain optimization, Michael Cortina is changing lives. Many people who have worked with him have testified to his professionalism and ability to help them rediscover themselves

January 30, 2020

PTSD and trauma are serious issues in today’s world, affecting the young and seniors, men and women, veterans, as well as professionals in every industry. Michael Cortina, LCSW, LCAC, CRRT, a Trauma Resolution Expert, expert trainer, speaker, and consultant has dedicated his entire career to showing people how to overcome trauma and PTSD to optimize their brain and life.

His revolutionary method for trauma and PTSD survivors uses modalities like Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), Neuro Linguistic Programming, memory reconsolidation, and life transformation programs that provide essential healing solutions in the short and long term.

He works with high-achieving professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and veterans to assist them in overcoming trauma and PTSD in a single visit. Michael is not just an expert but someone who is caring, genuine, passionate, hardworking, and always ready to provide help to improve the lives of people he works with. Just one visit is enough to change a person’s life.

To learn more, please visit here.

Many people today have gone through very difficult situations in life, such as trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, abuse and so on, which usually affects their personal performance, relationships, career and life. Michael is a trained expert who understands the effects of trauma and PTSD and has spent most of his life training and consulting people on how to overcome their emotional pain and become a better version of themselves.

Michael’s desire is to help create a world where everyone has a chance to transform their life in a way they never anticipated, through RRT. Over the years, he has worked with trauma and PTSD survivors including top company executives, professionals in various industries, veterans, special operations forces, and everyday people. His many years of experience have helped him understand in-depth the neuroscience and brain processes of people going through such a situation and what they need to succeed.

Apart from training and programs, Michael also connects with his audience by studying their personal situations and providing them with specific solutions. This means that he treats everyone special and determines the right approach to their specific situation.

People attending his programs have testified that just one session is enough to drastically change a person’s life. Hundreds of testimonies abound and more people are finding meaning to their life. Michael is on a mission to bring Rapid Resolution Therapy to the masses so that millions of people can overcome and heal from trauma, PTSD, and other life problems.

Contact Info:
Name: Michael Cortina
Email: Send Email
Organization: Michael Cortina
Website: https://michaelcortina.com/

Release ID: 88944625