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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401. 222. 4700 | www. dem. ri. gov | @RhodeIslandDEM CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023 Evan. LaCross@ dem. ri. gov
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">CONTACT:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><a name="_Hlk145400728"></a></span><a href="mailto:Michael.Healey@dem.ri.gov"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400728"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Evan.LaCross@dem.ri.gov</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400728"></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400728"><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">
<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400728"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF"><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></o:p></span></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Lisa Hollister, 401-874-5950
<u><span style="color:#0066FF"><br>
</span></u></span></span><a href="mailto:lisa.hollister@uri.edu"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">lisa.hollister@uri.edu</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">
<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">DEM, URI ENCOURAGE RHODE ISLANDERS TO LEARN HOW TO
<br>
PROPERLY MAINTAIN THEIR SEPTIC SYSTEMS DURING THE<br>
2023 SEPTIC SMART WEEK, SEPT. 18 - 22<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="311" height="311" style="width:3.2395in;height:3.2395in" src="cid:image005.jpg@01D9E6F5.E2B92220" align="right" hspace="12" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![endif]><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">PROVIDENCE,
RI –<span style="color:black"> The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and University of Rhode Island (URI) are encouraging homeowners and businesses to learn how to properly use and maintain their septic systems during U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual </span></span></span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_T3oYXvh$"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">SepticSmart Week</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span> [epa.gov]</a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">,
which runs from Sept. 18 – 22 this year. <br>
<br>
</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><b><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">EPA’s SepticSmart Program designates the third week of September each year as SepticSmart Week to bring attention to
the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems.</span></i></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
<br>
All septic systems must be maintained properly to treat wastewater effectively and protect environmental and human health. Staff from
</span></span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://web.uri.edu/owt/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_fSJp088$"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">URI’s Onsite Wastewater Resource Center</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span> [web.uri.edu]</a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
(OWRC) and </span></span><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/permitting/septic-onsite-wastewater-treatment-owts"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM’s
Office of Water Resources’ Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) Program</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">,
are holding a series of public workshops during SepticSmart week. These workshops will help homeowners better understand their septic systems and how to keep them working at their best to protect their family’s health and the environment. In-person workshops
are scheduled </span></span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/events/862671388887206/?acontext=*7B*22ref*22*3A*2252*22*2C*22action_history*22*3A*22*5b*7B*5C*22surface*5C*22*3A*5C*22share_link*5C*22*2C*5C*22mechanism*5C*22*3A*5C*22share_link*5C*22*2C*5C*22extra_data*5C*22*3A*7B*5C*22invite_link_id*5C*22*3A258501179856404*7D*7D*5d*22*7D__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_caNM31x$"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">on
Sept. 21 from 6 PM-7 PM</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span> [facebook.com]</a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> at the Kettle Pond Visitor Center in Charlestown
and </span></span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/events/603609968604584/?acontext=*7B*22ref*22*3A*2252*22*2C*22action_history*22*3A*22*5b*7B*5C*22surface*5C*22*3A*5C*22share_link*5C*22*2C*5C*22mechanism*5C*22*3A*5C*22share_link*5C*22*2C*5C*22extra_data*5C*22*3A*7B*5C*22invite_link_id*5C*22*3A222742903664098*7D*7D*5d*22*7D__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_VJFU90G$"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">on
Sept. 23 from 10 AM-11 AM</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span> [facebook.com]</a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> at URI’s Peckham Farm in South Kingstown.
</span></span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/events/1312719209367899/?acontext=*7B*22ref*22*3A*2252*22*2C*22action_history*22*3A*22*5b*7B*5C*22surface*5C*22*3A*5C*22share_link*5C*22*2C*5C*22mechanism*5C*22*3A*5C*22share_link*5C*22*2C*5C*22extra_data*5C*22*3A*7B*5C*22invite_link_id*5C*22*3A269800179308402*7D*7D*5d*22*7D__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_UFXRxuy$"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">A
third workshop will be held virtually</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span> [facebook.com]</a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> on Sept. 19 at 12:30 PM in partnership
with </span></span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rcapsolutions.org/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_UJriTF-$"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">RCAP Solutions</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span> [rcapsolutions.org]</a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><a name="_Hlk145410435"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></a></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145410435"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">“With over 35% of homes and businesses in Rhode Island served by septic systems, it’s
critical for Rhode Islanders to learn how to properly maintain their systems,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “DEM works closely with septic system designers and installers to permit new septic systems and repairs to existing systems. However, proper maintenance
is necessary to keep these systems running well for years and helps avoid costly repairs or replacements. The SepticSmart Week workshops held in collaboration with URI are great opportunities for participants to learn simple steps to keep their septic systems
functioning properly, which helps protect homes, businesses, health, and our environment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">“Workshop participants will learn about how their septic systems work and how to care for them - protecting their
health, and their wallets, too,” said Dr. Alissa Cox, Director of URI’s Onsite Wastewater Resource Center. “Septic systems require regular maintenance, just like any other home utility. We are here to help homeowners understand that regular care and maintenance,
as well as best practices, can save them money by prolonging their system’s lifespan. In addition, homeowners who visit our demonstration center at URI’s Peckham Farm on Saturday can see a variety of advanced septic system models to learn how they work and
why they are so critical along the coast and in other nitrogen sensitive areas. We will also share tips on what to ask if you are considering an advanced system on your property.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">For more information or to register for the workshops, please visit URI’s OWRC’s website at
</span></span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://web.uri.edu/owt/upcoming-events/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_akarcbf$"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">https://web.uri.edu/owt/upcoming-events/</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span> [web.uri.edu]</a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">,
or call Lisa Hollister at 401-874-5950. For SepticSmart tips and resources developed by EPA for homeowners visit
</span></span><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/permitting/septic-smart-home"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">dem.ri.gov/septicsmarthome</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
and for businesses at </span></span><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/permitting/septic-smart-business"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">dem.ri.gov/septicsmart</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
</span></span><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.
Follow </span></span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_QkBMncF$"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span> [facebook.com]</a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">,
Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">###<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk145400687"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><br>
Evan LaCross, MPA</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Programming Services Officer, Public Affairs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#004678;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">401-799-0100 (c)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="mailto:evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:gray;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
</span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">(E);
</span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
(W)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Follow DEM on
</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM/?fref=ts__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_fdHy462$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Facebook</span></i> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,<i><span style="color:#0096D2">
</span><span style="color:#00B0F0">on</span> </i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.instagram.com/rhodeisland.dem/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_UwSdKGZ$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060">Instagram</span></i> [instagram.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
<span style="color:#00B0F0">and</span> <i><span style="color:#0096D2">on </span></i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://twitter.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KxqIO39dSQP2RG5TmlVSyGQKJcdLlO6ltpcBYxI6oF2otZ9nG_o_3_SWW96axN90oS0o9qJWzLADSMyIYNIFIauHRK2-_TAW5SzU$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Twitter</span></i> [twitter.com]</a></span><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">.</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:105%"><img border="0" width="152" height="76" style="width:1.5833in;height:.7916in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image004.jpg@01D9E6F2.9C89A200" alt="Logo
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