eXp Realty Names Leo Pareja as CEO to Drive Next Era of Growth and Innovation

Founder Glenn Sanford remains as Chairman and CEO of eXp World Holdings to Drive Overall Company Performance

eXp Realty Names Leo Pareja as CEO to Drive Next Era of Growth and Innovation

Founder Glenn Sanford remains as Chairman and CEO of eXp World Holdings to Drive Overall Company Performance

BELLINGHAM, Wash., April 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — eXp Realty®, “the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet™” and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), today announced the appointment of Leo Pareja as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. He succeeds Glenn Sanford, who will now fully dedicate his efforts to his position as Founder, Chairman, and CEO of eXp World Holdings.

In his previous role as Chief Strategy Officer, Pareja was instrumental in solidifying eXp Realty’s standing in the competitive real estate marketplace. His visionary leadership and remarkable track record has greatly enriched the company’s value proposition to its agents. For example the successful launches of strategic initiatives like eXp ExclusivesRevenos and significant enhancements to eXp Solutions.

“Leo’s innovative and recognized industry leadership has elevated our agent-value proposition by reshaping referrals and lead-generation,” said Sanford. “His deep industry experience and influence on our community have been profound, and I trust that under his direction, eXp Realty will further fortify its competitive advantage and deliver unparalleled value to our agents, further cementing our position as a ground-breaking leader in the real estate industry.”
The announcement comes as eXp Realty is recognized in the top spot in five categories on the coveted RealTrends 500 report: Transaction Sides, 5 Year Top Movers (Sides), 5 Year Top Movers (Volume), Best Brokerages and Public Independent. The company also moved up to No. 3 in two categories: Volume and Billionaires’ Club. The company continues to prove its model as it gains market share, welcoming the best agents in the industry.

“As we step into this new chapter at eXp Realty, I am honored to lead a company that has always placed innovation and agent success at the forefront of its mission,” said Pareja. “Together, we will not only continue to redefine the real estate landscape through technology and unparalleled agent support but also empower every member of our community to achieve their full potential.”

Having joined eXp Realty in 2022, Pareja brings over two decades of real estate experience, highlighted by numerous accolades including recognition in RealTrends’ The Thousand report, topping the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ (NAHREP) Top 250 list, and being named a 30 under 30 agent by Realtor® Magazine. His entrepreneurial spirit is evidenced by his co-founding of one of the largest private lending companies on the U.S. East Coast and a rapidly growing MLS technology vendor. He has also played significant roles in the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, serving as the founding president of the Metro D.C. chapter and later as the national president.

About eXp World Holdings, Inc.
eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) is the holding company for eXp Realty®, Virbela® and SUCCESS® Enterprises. eXp Realty is the largest independent real estate company in the world with more than 85,000 agents in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, India, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain, Israel, Panama, Germany, the Dominican Republic, Greece, New Zealand, Chile, Poland and Dubai and continues to scale internationally. As a publicly traded company, eXp World Holdings provides real estate professionals the unique opportunity to earn equity awards for production goals and contributions to overall company growth. eXp World Holdings and its businesses offer a full suite of brokerage and real estate tech solutions, including an innovative residential and commercial brokerage model, professional services, collaborative tools and personal development. The cloud-based brokerage is powered by Virbela and Frame technologies, offering immersive 3D platforms that are deeply social and collaborative, enabling agents to be more connected and productive. SUCCESS® Enterprises, anchored by SUCCESS® magazine and its related media properties, was established in 1897 and is a leading personal and professional development brand and publication.

For more information, visit https://expworldholdings.com.

Media Relations Contact:
eXp World Holdings, Inc.
mediarelations@expworldholdings.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Denise Garcia
investors@expworldholdings.com

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Estonia’s First Pumped-Hydro Energy Storage Project Zero Terrain partners with the Estonian government and receives a grant of €1,9M

Zero Terrain

Estonia’s First Pumped-Hydro Energy Storage Project Zero Terrain

TALLINN, Estonia, April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Estonian Ministry of Climate signs the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with energy company Zero Terrain to help Estonia achieve its 100% renewable energy goal by 2030. With this cooperation, Zero Terrain is collaborating closely with the government to devise solutions to enable the realisation of the pumped-hydro energy storage (PHS) project in Estonia, including supporting securing capital and addressing market challenges.

Additionally, Zero Terrain receives a grant of €1.98M from the state’s applied research programme to support Zero Terrain project development in Estonia and technology export.

The Zero Terrain Paldiski 500MW underground long-duration energy storage plant is a significant advancement of the conventional PHS technology, making it possible to build anywhere, even on flat land.

Zero Terrain Paldiski represents a notable milestone in the country’s energy system. Paldiski Pumped Hydro Energy Storage plant is an EU Project of Common Interest (PCI project). It is the only greenfield pumped hydro energy storage project in the Northern Baltic region and will also be the largest facility in the country.

“Signing the MoU is a significant step forward in Zero Terrain’s journey towards a clean and secure energy future. We believe there can’t be a renewable energy-driven energy system without large-scale, long-duration energy storage. This collaboration signifies the cooperation and a commitment to driving positive change in the Estonian renewable energy landscape,“ says Peep Siitam, the Founder and CEO of Zero Terrain.

Estonia´s first long-duration energy storage project, Zero Terrain Paldiski, obtained the main building permits in December 2022. Construction of the country’s first pumped-hydro storage plant will begin in 2025. During the nominal operating cycle of 12 hours, Zero Terrain Paldiski generates 6GWh of power to the grid, which is somewhat more than the average daily consumption of all Estonian households.

Zero Terrain also receives a grant of 1.98M€ from the state’s applied research programme. According to Siitam, the grant will be used to develop Zero Terrain modular design, start development activities in other countries, and involve new investors in Zero Terrain Paldiski, Estonia.

“Zero Terrain is developing large-scale energy storage technology, enabling Estonia and other countries to switch to renewable energy more widely with such significant advancement of the conventional PHS technology,” says Arbo Reino, an energy expert of the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency.

“The global need for long-duration energy storage (LDES) capacity is undeniable. 85–120 TWh-hours of LDES is needed globally by 2040 (McKinsey, 2021), so the interest in our technology and project is high, especially in regions where the traditional PHS was impossible to implement due to geographical limitation,” explains  Siitam.

ZeroTerrain

Zero Terrain is jointly owned by the Estonian energy company AS Alexela, Baltic-Polish renewable energy company Sunly AS, Vool OÜ, Combiwood Grupp OÜ, Warmeston OÜ, and Ronnivara OÜ.

For media inquiries and more information, please contact: Hedwig.Meidra@zeroterrain.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2cbd052e-529e-4878-b248-52bed8e1134f

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Under the patronage of First Lady, Mrs. Asma al-Assad … Amal Al Khani Center opens hope tracks for autistic children


With its modern and advanced therapeutic techniques, Amal al-Khani Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders transforms the pain suffered by autistic children into hope, and draws the way for their integration into the society surrounding them.

The significance of Amal al-Khani center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, which was opened by First Lady, Mrs. Asma al-Assad in Al-Saboura town in Damascus countryside, is to be a quiet place that suits the needs of sick children, and gives them the opportunity to explore and focus, in addition to enhancing their response to treatment and interaction with their surrounding environment.

The center is considered the first of its kind in Syria, not only for providing the necessary medical care for this segment of children, but also for its unique and distinct ability to develop them psychologically and socially, and encourage them to progress until recover.

Secretary of the Raja Developmental Association, Nada al-Ghabra, said that ‘We at Raja Fund Developme
ntal Association initially established the Birds of Paradise Center for children with Down Syndrome, and after that we establish Amal al-Khani Center for Autism, which was named according to Amal alkhani the head and founder of the association, in 1970, then announced in 2004, with the participation of many white hands.

Al-Ghabra noted that the stages of diagnosis and treatment, when the child comes to the center and we diagnose him, each one has specific data and studies, and after the diagnosis, we select the place that suits him and begin treating each child according to his diagnostic capabilities, then we give him the training that interests him so that he can eventually integrate into society.

The center is characterized by an advanced and innovative vision to help autistic children to recover, including the latest therapeutic technologies and modern devices, in addition to the departments of sensory integration, neural stimulation, audio and visual, the department of interactive and dark rooms, and t
he department of occupational therapy.

Source: Trend News Agency

Popular events in Aleppo and Deir Ezzor on occasion of Quds Day


Neirab Palestine refugee camp in Aleppo witnessed a massive march as part of the International Jerusalem Day (Quds Day) activities, in which participants denounced the Israeli attacks on the Palestinian people and occupied Jerusalem along with the genocide that Gaza is being subjected to.

In addition, another popular event in Deir Ezzor was held in the square of the Unknown Soldier Roundabout, entitled ‘Flood of the Free Men,’ which included the presentation of theatrical performances and artistic paintings.

Participants in the event saluted the steadfast Palestinian people, who are facing the fiercest Zionist colonial aggression and are achieving historical victories on the land of Gaza.

Source: Trend News Agency

Ministry of Islamic Affairs Implements the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Gift of Dates to Turkmenistan


Riyadh: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance implemented today the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ gift program for distributing five tons of dates in the Republic of Turkmenistan on the occasion of the month of Ramadan 1445 AH. Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan Nawaf Al-Rashed, the deputy mufti of Turkmenistan, and several Islamic figures attended the event at Hezreti Omar Mosque in the capital, Ashgabat.

The gift will be distributed to mosques, Islamic centers, and Muslim communities in Ashgabat and other Turkmen provinces, benefiting over 20,000 Muslims.

The gift is part of the programs implemented by the ministry during the holy month of Ramadan in many countries under the guidance and support of the wise leadership.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Qatari Aircraft Carrying Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrives in Egypt’s El Arish

El Arish, A Qatar Armed Forces aircraft arrived in the city of El Arish in the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt today, carrying 19 tons of aid, including food supplies, provided by Qatar Charity, to be brought into the Gaza Strip, bringing the total number of aid planes to 90.

The aid is part of the State of Qatar’s full support to the brotherly Palestinian people amid the current difficult humanitarian conditions.

A number of Palestinian brothers holding Qatari residency were also evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Doha.

They were received by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater.

Source: Qatar News Agencyi

Russia Says it Downed 53 Drones Last Night

Moscow, The Russian Ministry of Defense announced today the downing of 53 Ukrainian drones last night over the regions of Rostov, Kursk, Belgorod, Krasnodar, and the Saratov area where a Russian strategic bomber base is located.

Authorities said that air defense units destroyed over 40 targets in the Morozovsky area. On another note, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed rapid progress of its forces towards Avdiivka, indicating that Ukrainian forces are losing their positions and fortifications daily and are forced to retreat.

Source: Qatar News Agencyi

Russia Says it Downed 53 Drones Last Night

Moscow, The Russian Ministry of Defense announced today the downing of 53 Ukrainian drones last night over the regions of Rostov, Kursk, Belgorod, Krasnodar, and the Saratov area where a Russian strategic bomber base is located.

Authorities said that air defense units destroyed over 40 targets in the Morozovsky area. On another note, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed rapid progress of its forces towards Avdiivka, indicating that Ukrainian forces are losing their positions and fortifications daily and are forced to retreat.

Source: Qatar News Agencyi

Palestinian Martyred, 3 Detained in West Bank

Ramallah: A Palestinian young man was shot dead by the Israeli occupation forces after they raided the Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm city in the occupied West Bank, early on Friday morning. Two others were detained during the raid.

According to Palestinian news agency (WAFA), the Israeli military vehicles stormed the camp after entering the city from its western and southern axes. The forces positioned themselves in Jabal al-Nasr and imposed a strict cordon on the area.

During the raid, the Israeli forces besieged a house in the camp, sparking intense confrontations, while reconnaissance aircraft hovered overhead. The young man Saed Abu Alawiya was critically injured by Israeli gunfire and was rushed by ambulance to the Thabet Thabet Governmental Hospital, where he was announced dead of his wounds later.

The occupation forces also detained two young men from their homes in the camp.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces raided the eastern area of Nablus City, and broke into a house in Askar
Camp and arrested one of its residents.

Source: Qatar News Agencyi

Martyrs, Wounded in Israeli Bombardment across Gaza Strip

A number of Palestinians were martyred and several others were injured Wednesday, as the Israeli occupation continued its bombardment of various parts of the Gaza Strip for the 201st day.

Palestinian news agency (WAFA) said that three Palestinians were martyred and others were injured, as the occupation shelled a group of Palestinians near Abu Araban School in Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip.

An Israeli warplane targeted agricultural land in Trans-Baba area in Al-Zawaida, in the central Gaza Strip, wounding a number of Palestinians.

In the northern Gaza Strip, a number of citizens were injured in continuous artillery shelling on the towns of Beit Lahia, Beit Hanoun, and east of Jabalia. Meanwhile, in the south of the Gaza Strip, occupation vehicles stationed near the eastern border of the city of Khan Yunis fired dozens of shells towards the areas of Abasan, Khuzaa, and Al-Zinah, WAFA added.

The intense and unprecedented Israeli occupation aggression against the Gaza Strip continues, launching doz
ens of air strikes and shelling by land and sea, leaving tens of thousands martyred and wounded.

Source: Qatar News Agency