Mr. Caldwell is a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) who holds extensive experience in the mortgage industry operating in an executive-level sales capacity. He worked at Freddie Mac for 19 years where he was responsible for varying aspects of sales, business development, customer relations, account management and strategic solutions. Mr. Caldwell most recently worked for FNC, a provider of automated appraisal workflow solutions. In addition, Mr. Caldwell has experience at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.

“FirstClose has a unique service-centric model and technology solution offering that really sets it apart from the competition,” said Caldwell. “When I evaluated FirstClose’s model, I saw a great deal of opportunity to introduce its services and innovative solutions to lenders, which are proven to effectively manage all settlement services functions. I am very pleased to join the FirstClose team.”

“Recruiting Chip along with other recent additions of senior industry veterans has strategically positioned FirstClose to capture more market share in select regional parts of the county,” stated Doug Beaty, executive vice president and national sales director of FirstClose. “We look forward to the contributions that he will undoubtedly bring to FirstClose to assist in growing our business and servicing new customers.”

Mr. Caldwell earned a BBA with a concentration in finance from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and he attained the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation.

About FirstClose:
FirstClose is an Austin, Texas-based online service, owned and operated by First Lenders Data, Inc., a mortgage settlement service solution for lenders looking to improve efficiency and accuracy while lowering costs and turn-around time. FirstClose aggregates nationally recognized vendors and service providers into one easy-to-use online solution. FirstClose products and services include credit reports, flood certifications, AVMs and traditional valuation products, as well as income verification, tax tracking, title insurance, doc prep, closing and recording services. Additionally, FirstClose provides more progressive services, including hybrid and gap valuations and alternative lien reports. Learn more at: http://www.firstclose.com/ .

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949.378.9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® – Copr. © 2013. Syndication source of this news item: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/FirstClose-Hires-Industry-Veteran-Chip-Caldwell-as-VP-Southeast-Region-Manager_2013-05-0517-001.shtml .

“The Artist’s Guide to Success in the Music Business” delivers the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of the steps musicians and bands have to take in order to succeed in music.

Written by music industry insider Loren Weisman, “The Artist’s Guide to Success in the Music Business” provides a roadmap for the artist’s journey from passion to profession.

Weisman draws on over two decades of experience as a working musician and music business consultant to provide instruction, enlightenment, and sage counsel on such topics as: creating the best plan for a career; touring; booking gigs; performing; recording – from preproduction to postproduction and everything in between; branding a band; fundraising and working with investors; marketing and promotions; and more.

According to Weisman, “The music industry is in a state of chaos, and now more than ever, it’s crucial that artists get the most up-to-date and applicable advice on succeeding in the music business. I created ‘The Artist’s Guide’ as a way to use my 25 plus years of experience to assist and guide other artists as they navigate the wild waters and waves of the music industry of today.”

About the Author:
Loren Weisman is a consultant, producer and coach who works to helps independent artists, musicians, bands, labels and other businesses achieve sustainable success. Weisman has been a part of over 700 albums as a drummer and music producer and has recently been named the spokesperson and key industry advisor to Live Music Tutor.

For more information about Loren Weisman, visit http://lorenweisman.com/ or for more information about “The Artist’s Guide to Success in the Music Business,” visit http://tag2nd.com/.

Greenleaf Press (www.gbgpress.com) is an Austin, Texas-based independent publisher. For information, contact Maryglenn McCombs at 615-297-9875.

SOUNDCLOUD:

NEWS SOURCE: Loren Weisman :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. Original source: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/The-Artists-Guide-to-Success-in-the-Music-Business-by-Loren-Weisman-slated-for-national-release-in-August_2013-05-0508-001.shtml.

The concept was to use enterprise-level components found in today’s super computers, which are designed for maximum performance and stability, to create compact computer systems for personal or studio use.

CoreMC can be equipped with up to dual Xeon® 8-core processors (16-cores total), 768GB of RAM, 21TB of hard drive storage, the highest performance video cards and best quality audio interfaces.

It is now possible for the user to virtually run all needed applications at once, load everything into RAM and leave the system on so it can provide instant access whenever it’s needed. The very same features provided by today’s super-computing mainframe systems.

“In the past there was a need for a product class to be created for average consumers requiring professional level products, this was called ‘Prosumer,’” said Victor Wong, CEO Music Computing. “Today we face the same needs but the demand has increased to even higher levels, the new EnterprisePro personal computing systems bring the absolute highest performance and quality to the masses.”

Each CoreMC is housed in a stylish black brushed aluminum chassis equipped with four (4) oversized 140mm fans providing ample airflow, yet able to rotate at reduced speeds for near silent operation. A front name plate is part of the design and acts as a baffle to further reduce operational noise. Extras include removable dust filters to keep the interior of the system clean, shock mounting for hard drives and optical drives to reduce noise and vibration, and even anti-vibration pads for the power supply. For those needing to overclock the system, four (4) coolant hose ports are provided on the rear of the chassis with star grommets providing a professional fit.

Four (4) PCI-E 3.0 (x16) slots, One (1) PCI-E 3.0 (x8) and One (1) PCI-E 3.0 (x4) are available, which can be equipped with video cards ranging from the 1GB high-performance card included in the base model to 3-way SLI GTX 680 cards or even a Quadro 6000 card with a GPU designed specifically for Adobe software acceleration.

Audio interface options include:

Echo MIA MINI Digital Audio card (2ins balanced, 2outs balanced, MIDI, S/PDIF, 24bit-96kHz).

RME Hammerfall HDSP 9652 (3 x ADAT digital I/O, 1 x SPDIF digital I/O, S/PDIF, 1 x Word clock I/O (BNC), 1 x ADAT Sync In (9-pin D-type), 2 x MIDI I/O, 32 channels high-speed MIDI, 12 channels 96 kHz/24 bit for record and playback on ADAT optical).

RME HDSPe RayDAT (36 Inputs / 36 Outputs, 4 x ADAT I/O (up to 192 kHz via S/MUX4), 1 x AES/EBU I/O (192 kHz), 1 x SPDIF I/O (192 kHz), 2 x MIDI I/O, Supported sample frequencies: Internally 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz. Externally 28 kHz – 200 kHz).

The base configuration priced at $2,499 for the CoreMC is as follows: Xeon 6-core (2.0GHz) processor, 6GB RAM (3x2GB), 1TB HD, 1GB high-performance video card, DVD burner, SonicSource VSTi (3,000+ sounds / 16GB) and Windows 8 Professional (64-bit).

Rack versions of the CoreMC are available in a compact 4U (15.25-inch depth) chassis as well as a full size version with redundant power supplies.

The CoreMC is currently shipping, for complete information, please go to: http://www.musiccomputing.com/coremc .

The CoreMC video (Right Brain Version) can be seen here: http://youtu.be/BP14gcWYO9o .

The CoreMC video (Left Brain Version) can be seen here: http://youtu.be/fsCCWjJ0uFA .

For more information, and to view products available for order and shipment, visit: http://www.musiccomputing.com/ .

NEWS SOURCE: Music Computing, Inc. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press(R) Newswire, a service of Neotrope(R). View all current news at the Send2Press for Journalists Portal: http://Send2PressNewswire.com/ .

Mr. Widmoyer holds more than 25 years experience working in the mortgage banking industry in a variety of senior positions at leading organizations. He is known as a dynamic, results-oriented mortgage professional with a proven track record of success in business development, team building and management.

“Dave thoroughly understands all facets of the mortgage supply chain and will have an immediate impact helping to board new clients located in the Midwest,” said Doug Beaty, executive vice president of national sales. “FirstClose is currently experiencing an increasing demand for our products and thus are in a growth mode that requires more resources to effectively service new clients. The addition of Dave is part of our strategic plan to ensure that our end-to-end technology solutions and bundled settlement services platform is introduced to mortgage lenders across the country.”

Mr. Widmoyer has been a regional sales director at Van Wagenen Financial Services; the vice president of sales for the Midwest at Triad Guaranty Insurance; a managing director at PMI Mortgage Insurance; the vice president of mortgage lending at Biltmore Investors Bank; and was a production team leader at Chase Manhattan Bank.

He holds a bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Iowa and a master of business administration from the Loyola University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. Mr. Widmoyer is an active member of the Mortgage Bankers Association.

About FirstClose:
FirstClose is an Austin, Texas-based online service, owned and operated by First Lenders Data, Inc., a mortgage settlement service solution for lenders looking to improve efficiency and accuracy while lowering costs and turn-around time. FirstClose aggregates nationally recognized vendors and service providers into one easy-to-use online solution. FirstClose products and services include credit reports, flood certifications, AVMs and traditional valuation products, as well as income verification, tax tracking, title insurance, doc prep, closing and recording services. Additionally, FirstClose provides more progressive services, including hybrid and gap valuations and alternative lien reports.

More information: http://www.firstclose.com/ .

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949.378.9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. Original Source: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/Dave-Widmoyer-Joins-FirstClose-as-VP-Midwest-Region-Manager_2013-01-0115-003.shtml.

The three-day agenda was developed to offer attendees new information, guidance, trend identifications and new, emerging strategies in secondary marketing. The event is said to be unlike past capital market conferences.

“This year we decided to change things up and move past the traditional secondary marketing conference, so we focused on widening the type and breadth of panels, speakers and educational topics,” said Tim Fisher, president of the TMBA.

“This is a unique opportunity and value offering for attendees that allows them to learn and collaborate on topics they normally wouldn’t be exposed to in the usual agenda of regional secondary focused shows. Mortgage bankers from all over the country will be sharing their visions and strategies for future success, which this conference’s primary focus-achieving prosperity in tomorrow’s ever-changing business landscape.”

This year’s lineup includes expert panel discussions on The Securitization Market, Basel III, Servicing Valuations and Mergers and Acquisitions, and more.

Speakers include:
* Doug Duncan, SVP & Chief Economist at Fannie Mae.
* Bill Moliski, Managing Director at Redwood Trust.

To register for the conference, click here. To learn more about the event visit, www.texasmba.org, call (512) 480-8622 or email jpowers@texasmba.org. The TMBA says sponsorship opportunities and exhibitor packages are still available, but are selling out quickly.

About Texas Mortgage Bankers Association:
Since 1917, members of the Texas mortgage banking community have turned to Texas Mortgage Bankers Association for its leadership in industry education, legislative initiatives and peer interaction. Today, TMBA’s purpose is still to serve the mutual interests of its members in order to preserve, enhance and advance the mortgage banking and real estate finance business in the State of Texas. In its effort to advance the Texas real estate finance industry, TMBA supports the highest professional and ethical standards of business among its members while promoting development and prosperity among the industry as a whole.

TMBA members include mortgage lenders; mortgage brokers; real estate finance service providers such as title private mortgage insurance companies, and other real estate insurance providers; attorneys, etc. TMBA aims to meet the educational needs of its membership by providing up-to-date information on new publications and the development of instructional courses that expand the scope of mortgage banking. For more information, visit www.texasmba.org or call (512) 480-8622.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Powers
TMBA
+1.512.480.8622
jpowers@texasmba.org

TMBA, 823 Congress Ave., Ste. 220, Austin, Texas 78701.

NEWS SOURCE: Texas Mortgage Bankers Association :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press(R) Newswire, a service of Neotrope(R). View all current news at the Send2Press for Journalists Portal: http://Send2PressNewswire.com/ .

“We are excited to have earned a spot on Inc. 5000′s coveted list,” said Tim Smith, president of FirstClose. “Since 2008, we have been adding to our solution set and expanding our footprint in the settlement services space, which has us growing at an enviable rate. I attribute this company milestone to the dedication, hard work and emphasis that our employees place on providing second-to-none service to our customers coupled with their commitment to continually advancing our technology platform.”

FirstClose is comprised of a group of senior mortgage banking professionals that hold years of deep experience in the settlement services space. The company developed a proprietary software platform that delivers an end-to-end solution from loan application to closing for mortgage lenders, which is widely used by companies in the mortgage banking industry.

The magazine says that in a stagnant economic environment the median growth rate of 2012 Inc. 500|5000 companies remains an impressive 97 percent. It is reported that the companies on this year’s list created over 400,000 jobs in the past three years, and aggregate revenue among the honorees reached $299 billion.

“Now, more than ever, we depend on Inc. 500/5000 companies to spur innovation, provide jobs, and drive the economy forward,” says Inc. Editor Eric Schurenberg. “Growth companies, not large corporations, are where the action is.”

The complete results of the Inc. 5000 list, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/5000.

About FirstClose:
FirstClose is an Austin, Texas-based online service, owned and operated by First Lenders Data, Inc., a mortgage settlement service solution for lenders looking to improve efficiency and accuracy while lowering costs and turn-around time. FirstClose aggregates nationally recognized vendors and service providers into one easy-to-use online solution. FirstClose products and services include credit reports, flood certifications, AVMs and traditional valuation products, as well as income verification, tax tracking, title insurance, doc prep, closing and recording services. Additionally, FirstClose provides more progressive services, including hybrid and gap valuations and alternative lien reports. More information: www.firstclose.com.

About Inc. Magazine:
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 710,106, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit the company online at www.inc.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949.378.9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press(R) Newswire, a service of Neotrope(R). View all current news at the Send2Press for Journalists Portal: http://Send2PressNewswire.com/ .

Dawn Westerberg, president of Dawn Westerberg Consulting LLC, was also named chair of the Information Technology Alliance Community Managers Committee, to assist the association in the launch of its online member community, ITA OnLine.

Westerberg’s plans for 2013 include the launch of a series of free monthly webcasts titled “7 Steps to Business Marketing Success,” “The Marketing Hourglass: prospect to customer, customer to referral source,” and other marketing topics.

This month Westerberg will participate in a special Duct Tape Marketing “Total Online Presence” expert certification training and will make the program available to customers in January 2013.

Westerberg continues to be a sought after speaker. In 2012 she presented to the Information Technology Alliance Spring Collaborative, Informz User Conference, the Association of Strategic Marketing, and Gathering 2012.

About Dawn Westerberg Consulting LLC:
Based in Austin, Texas, Dawn Westerberg Consulting LLC ( www.dawnwesterberg.com ) serves companies from coast to coast and border to border with marketing strategy, marketing message development, direct mail, events, campaign and content creation and online marketing. An Authorized Duct Tape Marketing Consultant, she invites business owners to “Fall in Love with Your Business Again” through sound marketing strategy, collaboration, and measured results.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dawn Westerberg
512-656-4527
dawn@dawnwesterberg.com.

NEWS SOURCE: Dawn Westerberg Consulting LLC

WHO: Cynthia Waterman, CEO of FirstClose Title; Expert in title insurance and supporting technologies

WHAT: The Problem: The title insurance business is a component of the mortgage closing process that doesn’t get much attention. Most lenders are very concerned that the title insurance cost is accurate on the GFE and thus is in compliance. Like everyone working to close a loan, they want to get the deal done fast for their borrower. But in the effort to get things done expeditiously, a key aspect of price comparison shopping is being missed.

In 2010, it is estimated that consumers overpaid for title insurance by a staggering $6.7 Billion. And, the problem could worsen as purchase markets tick upward because the increased opportunity to reduce purchase title premiums dwarfs the disparity in refinance rates – a difference of sometimes more than $1,000 for a single consumer. Further, borrowers trust their lenders and REALTORS(R) to recommend the best options for title insurance and agree to pay whatever is presented to them by the LO, real estate agent, lender or other party they have chosen to trust. This is a huge, growing problem.

WHY: The Solution: FirstClose Title sought to remedy this pressing issue by developing a sophisticated Comparison Rate Engine, known as GRACE, which empowers lenders to present the best possible title insurance rate to the consumer. By using GRACE, everyone wins — consumers save money, lenders make money, and loan officers/real estate agents are able to build valuable borrower trust that ultimately results in increased referrals. Notable is that FirstClose Title is so confident that GRACE returns improved pricing to consumers, they go as far to guarantee the title insurance fee quoted to the borrower on the GFE in writing.

Notable is that FirstClose Title is so confident that GRACE returns improved pricing to consumers, they go as far to guarantee the title insurance fee quoted to the borrower on the GFE in writing.

Using FirstClose Title’s Comparison Rate Engine GRACE, borrowers can save on average between $400 and $1,000, depending on the state and transaction type. All that has to happen to address this issue is lenders and realtors simply have to start adopting the use of this free technology. But where to begin? Cynthia has the answer.

WHEN: Cynthia is available immediately to discuss title insurance issues and how they can be remedied.

WHERE: Cynthia will also be available to meet by appointment October 21 – 24 at the 99th MBA Annual Convention & Exposition at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, Ill.

CONTACT: To speak with Cynthia via phone, meet her at MBA Annual or for more information, please contact Joe Bowerbank at 949.378.9685 or jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com.

About FirstClose Title:
FirstClose Title is the first and only company to bring full transparency to rate selection in a scalable business model. The company provides its powerful certified fees for use by lenders when educating borrowers on their vendor choice for title insurance as a consumer centric and no cost solution to quality GFE data needs and service options for title insurance. The company delivers peak performance throughout the life of every transaction including unmatched clear to close ratios, funding transparency and 72 hour policy issuance for short form policies among other unique services which enhance and reduce front end costs of origination and prevent post closing penalties to originators and lenders as the loan is passed to the secondary market. Learn more at www.firstclosetitle.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press(R) Newswire, a service of Neotrope(R). View all current news at the Send2Press for Journalists Portal: http://Send2PressNewswire.com/ .

To communicate with the Blings, simply pair them with an iPhone or Android device via Bluetooth, then download and install the free App and they’re ready to go.

Once the App has been launched, it will give you several options on how to control the Blings. Press the “ON” button to turn all the lights on. Press the “Preset” button to cycle through the programmed sequences. Press the “Music” button and the Blings will react to audio or your step.

However, one of the coolest features is when you receive a call, the blue lights will flash continuously until you pick up or the phone stops ringing; and when you get a text message, the blue light will flash the word “TEXT” in Morse code three times.

Blings are equipped with blue LEDs in the heel and orange EL (Electroluminescent) lighting along the sides.

“Ever since I first saw ‘TRON’ as a child, I’ve been fascinated by the computers, technology and fashion in that movie,” said Victor Wong, CEO, Blings. “I am glad to have the opportunity to merge high-tech and fashion into something new and cool.”

Blings are made from the highest quality materials including an all leather upper section. The EL lighting is extremely flexible and waterproof. The LED lights are embedded into the sole of the shoe, making Blings very durable and capable of being worn daily.

A push button switch on the brain in the tongue of the shoe allows the user to select various functions and presets for the Blings so they can be used without a smart phone.

Blings will be offered in all standard sizes for both men and women as well as in white and black colors.

Complete information is available at: http://www.BlingsShoes.com or on Indiegogo at http://igg.me/p/252684?a=704462 .

NEWS SOURCE: Blings, Inc. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press(R) Newswire, a service of Neotrope(R). View all current news at the Send2Press for Journalists Portal: http://Send2PressNewswire.com/ .

Mr. Beaty holds more than 30 years of experience and possesses a proven track record of arriving at sales strategies that build successful organizations. He holds deep experience in the mortgage industry, has extensive sales credentials, and is adept at taking sales organizations to the next level.

“We are fortunate to have landed a seasoned mortgage veteran of Doug’s caliber who has a wide-ranging background in enterprise business development and sales force management,” said Tim Smith, president of FirstClose. “Having Doug in charge of sales arms us with the necessary expertise and leadership to aggressively expand our business in the settlement services space. We are confident that he will develop a viable strategic sales strategy that quickly grows our revenue.”

Prior to joining FirstClose, Mr. Beaty was the vice president and regional manager of production at Mason-McDuffie Mortgage Corporation, a long-standing California-based mortgage banker founded in 1887. Prior to that, he was the president of Beaty Financial Solutions, which provided consulting services to the private mortgage insurance space. As a consultant, Mr. Beaty helped numerous organizations develop business plans and sales strategies that positioned them for top-line growth. Before consulting, he was a senior vice president and also the director of national and field sales for Triad Guaranty Insurance Corporation. In addition, Mr. Beaty has also held positions at Franklin Mortgage Capital, Amarillo National Bank and private mortgage insurance firm Ticor.

“I am excited to join FirstClose and play a key role in helping the company increase its sales and footprint in the settlement services space,” said Doug Beaty, FirstClose’s newly appointed head of sales. “After thoroughly evaluating FirstClose’s business model and supporting technology solutions, it was clear that there is a tremendous amount of potential for this company. Joining FirstClose was an easy, clear-cut decision. I look forward to working with the FirstClose team to achieve peak sales performance, new client acquisitions and exceed our growth objectives.”

About FirstClose:
FirstClose is an Austin, Texas-based online service, owned and operated by First Lenders Data, Inc., a mortgage settlement service solution for lenders looking to improve efficiency and accuracy while lowering costs and turn-around time. FirstClose aggregates nationally recognized vendors and service providers into one easy-to-use online solution. FirstClose products and services include credit reports, flood certifications, AVMs and traditional valuation products, as well as income verification, tax tracking, title insurance, doc prep, closing and recording services. Additionally, FirstClose provides more progressive services, including hybrid and gap valuations and alternative lien reports.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949.378.9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press(R) Newswire, a service of Neotrope(R). View all current news at the Send2Press for Journalists Portal: http://Send2PressNewswire.com/ .