Transformative master-planned community projected to drive positive economic impact to Smithfield, NC and the surrounding region   GREENVILLE, SC   | September 18, 2025 – Contender America today proudly announces the successful closing of a 468-acre land acquisition for the Mallard Crossing master-planned community in the town of Smithfield, NC. This milestone marks an important investment in our region’s future: delivering new infrastructure and vibrant neighborhoods for every stage of life, while supporting community growth and opportunity.   This achievement reflects the unwavering support and vision of the Town of Smithfield’s leadership, whose collaborative spirit and commitment to responsible growth made Mallard Crossing possible. Special recognition and appreciation go to Paul Luck, Division President-Raleigh for his dedication to this project and Mark Lyczkowski, North Carolina Land Partner and Collaborator, whose expertise and dedication guided the land assembly and entitlement process at every stage. We also thank the full Contender America team - both at Corporate and the North Carolina Division—for their consistent focus on excellence, community impact, and tireless teamwork throughout this process.   Delivering Lasting Economic Impact Mallard Crossing is more than a new development - it is a major investment in the long-term prosperity of Johnston County. From land acquisition through engineering, infrastructure, and site improvements, Contender America is handling all aspects of land development and construction with a commitment to operational excellence, quality, and the needs of the community. Once land development is complete, NVR | Ryan Homes will manage all home building and home sales, bringing proven experience and dedicated homeownership opportunities to future residents.   In the coming years, Mallard Crossing will spur local job creation, fuel new business activity, and bring enduring value to schools, public services, and small businesses. By assembling the community’s infrastructure and amenities, Contender America delivers a lasting foundation for growth, connection, and opportunity in Smithfield and Johnston County.   Community Highlights Five distinct housing types at various price points, attracting a diverse mix of families, first-time buyers, and senior residents. Exceptional amenities on both the Traditional/Conventional and Age Targeted sides: pools, clubhouses, pavilions, playgrounds, pickleball courts, gazebos, and dog parks. Carefully planned connectivity with sidewalks and trails uniting neighborhoods, promoting walkability and a vibrant community culture.   A Legacy Project for Contender America Mallard Crossing stands as a legacy project for Contender America, reflecting decades of experience and a reputation for forging long-lasting partnerships with the communities where we work. From active engagement with local officials and property owners to a transparent approach in planning and execution, Contender America is recognized for creating communities that go beyond expectations—inclusively, responsibly, and with a lasting positive impact.   “Our team is thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside NVR | Ryan Homes on this landmark project,” said Ford Elliott, CEO of Contender America. “This collaboration underscores our ongoing commitment to working with one of the nation’s leading homebuilders on high-impact communities, building enduring relationships, and delivering meaningful investment and growth for residents, businesses, and the future of Johnston County.”

Introducing Our New Division President of Infrastructure We are excited to welcome Allison Tucker as Contender America's new Division President of Infrastructure! Allison brings over 20 years of leadership in land development and infrastructure management across the Carolinas and the Southeast. Her proven record with DRB Group, Meritage Homes, Pulte Group, and Lennar aligns perfectly with our vision for integrated, high-quality, and sustainable community development. A Commitment to Excellence At Contender America, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence. With Allison at the helm of our infrastructure division, we are poised to enhance our capabilities. Her extensive experience will help us navigate the complexities of land development and infrastructure projects. This is crucial as we aim to create long-term value across multiple asset classes. The Importance of Sustainable Development Sustainable development is at the core of our mission. We believe in creating communities that not only thrive today but also stand the test of time. Allison's background in sustainable practices will be invaluable as we continue to innovate. We aim to integrate environmentally friendly solutions into our projects. This will ensure that we are not only meeting the needs of our clients but also contributing positively to the communities we serve. Transforming Raw Land into Valuable Assets One of our key strengths is our ability to transform raw land into thriving and valuable real estate assets. With Allison's leadership, we will enhance our end-to-end solutions. This includes everything from acquisition and infrastructure planning to community design and residential construction. Our goal is to create spaces that foster connection and growth. Building Stronger Communities Allison's vision aligns with our goal of building stronger communities. We understand that successful development goes beyond just constructing buildings. It involves creating environments where people can live, work, and play. With her expertise, we will focus on community-centric designs that promote interaction and engagement. Looking Ahead As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Allison's leadership will be instrumental in guiding our infrastructure initiatives. Together, we will continue to shape innovative communities across the region. We invite you to join us on this journey as we strive to make a lasting impact. In conclusion, I am thrilled to have Allison Tucker join our team. Her wealth of experience and commitment to sustainable development will undoubtedly elevate our projects. We are confident that under her guidance, Contender America will continue to thrive and deliver exceptional value. For more information about our projects and initiatives, please visit our website. Together, we can create a brighter future for our communities.

Successful Rezoning and Annexation Approval Contender America is pleased to announce another successful rezoning and annexation approval for a large Master Planned Community consisting of 1,327 homesites in the Town of Smithfield, Johnston County, NC. The Town Council unanimously approved the community on August 5, 2025. Mallard Crossing will be located just 30 minutes from Downtown Raleigh, with easy access to Interstate 95. This rezoning effort was recently showcased in the Triangle Business Journal . With the influx of new families and retirees—grandparents following their grandchildren—locating to the Tarheel State, Mallard Crossing’s thoughtfully planned design will offer a variety of product types and price points. Community Design and Features There will be a Traditional/Conventional side of the community, combined with an Age Targeted area. These two distinct areas will be connected by trails and sidewalks, promoting a sense of community and accessibility. The previous zoning approval in 2022 called for a 2,005-unit residential subdivision. However, due to the high density and lack of product diversity, the original plan presented a less-than-favorable design. Contender America took action to reduce the previous density by almost 700 lots, from 4.3 DUA to 2.8 DUA, including the elimination of 824 apartments. The new community design proposed by Contender America emphasizes affordable quality homes and the advantages of a walkable-friendly community. It features an abundance of internal connectivity and ease of access to the charm of Downtown Smithfield. Construction Phases and Neighborhoods Construction will span five phases, with seven distinct neighborhoods being developed simultaneously. This approach allows for all product types to be available for sale at the same time. The product offering will include a mix of single-family detached homes and two townhome products: a first-time buyer townhome and Age Targeted townhomes featuring first-floor primary suites. The community will be situated on an expansive 468-acre site, which consists of an assemblage of six parcels. Each side of the community will have its own distinct amenity areas. These amenities will include two pools and clubhouses, open-air pavilions, playgrounds, pickleball courts, gazebos, and dog parks scattered throughout the community. Commitment to Quality and Community At Contender America, we are dedicated to creating long-term value across multiple asset classes, including land development and infrastructure, hospitality, storage, and more. Our capability to manage every phase of land asset development—from acquisition and infrastructure planning to community design and residential construction—enables us to offer end-to-end solutions that transform raw land into thriving and valuable real estate assets. We believe that Mallard Crossing will not only meet the housing needs of the growing population in Smithfield but will also enhance the community's overall quality of life. The thoughtful integration of amenities and diverse housing options reflects our commitment to creating spaces where families can thrive. Conclusion In conclusion, the Mallard Crossing project represents a significant step forward for Contender America and the Town of Smithfield. We are excited about the opportunities this community will bring and look forward to seeing it flourish. Our focus remains on delivering high-quality developments that foster community connections and provide lasting value.

We're excited to announce that Contender America has officially transitioned to our new corporate headquarters located at 200 Smith Hines Road, Greenville, SC 29607. This strategic relocation supports our continued growth and enables us to better serve our clients throughout the Southeast. Our new headquarters offers an expanded workspace for our growing team. We look forward to providing even greater value to our clients and partners from our new location. Thank you for your continued trust and support!

Contender America’s proposed Regency Downs community, located along Regency Boulevard, has gained preliminary plat approval by the City of Greenville, North Carolina’s Planning & Zoning Commission. Regency Downs will consist of 262 single family homes on approximately 75 acres in Pitt County. Included in the plan, is a 13-acre parcel to be zoned as mixed-used for a neighborhood commercial/retail designation to serve as an extension to the community which will feature a pool, cabana, pickleball courts, and a playground. Final details are still in the works.

Contender America’s partnership with Marriott Hotels is progressing on their collaborative 137 key beachfront hotel in Ormond Beach, Florida. With a projected opening in July 2026, interior and exterior finishings are in full swing. “We’re incredibly proud to bring a best-in-class Marriott product to such a vibrant stretch of Florida’s coastline,” said Connor Parsons, Director of Hotel Development at Contender America. “This Residence Inn is designed to serve families, beachgoers, and business travelers alike, with thoughtful amenities and direct access to everything Ormond Beach has to offer. We believe it will quickly become a cornerstone of the community.” The video provided highlights a 360-degree aerial of the hotel currently in the final stages of construction.

The numbers have been tabulated and ready to share! Culver’s Family Restaurant in Duncan, SC ranked in the top 14 percent for Q2, 2025. That’s in the nation! The Culver’s Crew Challenge is a highly competitive, points-based, national competition that encourages team members to focus on improving customer satisfaction. Jennifer Uphold, Owner/Operator of the Culver’s in Duncan comments, “This is an extraordinary honor for the entire team. It exemplifies the definition of TEAMWORK as each and every member has proven the Culver’s slogan, ‘Every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy!’ They have gone above and beyond with each and every customer to far exceed client satisfaction with every transaction. To be recognized by the Corporate office is, well, icing.” Congratulations to everyone on the Culver’s Duncan Team. We couldn’t have done it without YOU! Check out this short video from Culver’s HQ: https://culvers.wistia.com/medias/t7fbs5s0p0

A commonly coined phrase in community planning and development is to “follow the moving vans.” It’s true. As Contender continues to reach farther across the South Carolina borders into adjoining states, North Carolina is on fire! No, not literally. Let’s just say, moving vans are unloading at a rapid pace across the Tar Heel State. A national leader in population and job growth, North Carolina’s continued trajectory is growth, growth, and more growth . Contender’s Raleigh Division President, Paul Luck, recently told Triangle Business Journal , “If you follow the U-Hauls, you see where the migration patterns are going. And with the migration coming […] into the Carolinas, you get a feel for what the growth patterns are going to be and who the arrivals are.”  TBJ, January 2025 . Statistics show new residents, many of whom are retirees or soon-to-be-retirees, hail primarily from states in the northeast region — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio — oftentimes to escape the harsh winters and enjoy the milder climate coupled with the luxury of the southeast coastal way of life. As migratory patterns shift across the U.S., Contender focuses on communities of all sizes – depending on the existing infrastructure, the economic growth patterns, and, of course, the residential needs as the market shifts. Two projects, Adams Village in Lee County, and Regency in Pitt County, have planned communities with under 300 finished lots each. Midtown Village, also in Lee County, is a bit larger with a mix of single family homes and townhomes for a total of 727 residential lots. Then, there’s Midway Landing in Brunswick County, a resort style master-planned community of 3,600 homes and a mixed use component. With other projects slated for Forsythe, Franklin, Hartnett, Hoke and Johnston counties, Contender is amassing an ever-growing footprint in the state.

Contender America is excited to announce that Lennar has purchased 52 prime homesites at Bridgeway in Fountain Inn, SC - just minutes from Greenville. ABOUT BRIDGEWAY Nestled in the heart of Fountain Inn, just minutes from vibrant Greenville, Bridgeway is thoughtfully designed to be more than just a neighborhood—it’s a place for connection, recreation, and community. Future residents will enjoy a lifestyle where scenic walking trails wind through green spaces, perfect for morning jogs or peaceful evening strolls. Families can gather at the community pavilion for get-togethers, or let the little ones play freely at the tot lot, while neighbors share laughter by the fire pit after sunset.   Bridgeway embraces the best of Upstate living, offering 142 single-family lots with easy access to top-ranked Greenville County schools, nearby parks, dining, and entertainment. The community’s amenities are crafted to bring people together and make every day exceptional—whether you’re exploring with friends, hosting gatherings, or simply relaxing in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Our proven track record in residential and commercial land development has propelled Contender America to its elite status as a front runner in the Southeast region.

As we walk the land and build for the future, we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom. At Contender America, we are deeply grateful for the courage and dedication of our fallen heroes—men and women whose service allows us to dream, create, and shape communities across this great country. Their legacy lives on in every foundation we lay and every community we help grow. We honor their memory by striving to build places where families thrive, businesses flourish, and the American spirit endures. This Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in reflecting on the true cost of freedom and in expressing our deepest gratitude to those who gave everything for our tomorrow. With respect and remembrance, The Contender America Team

Located in the City of Gaffney just off County View Drive, Stover Valley will offer 81 single family homes built by NVR Homes, one of the nation’s most trusted home builders. The City of Gaffney is a charming town in Cherokee County offering gorgeous parks and botanical gardens, antique shops, fun family activities, stock car racing, hiking, fishing, camping, dining and over 75 outlet stores. There’s something for everyone whether you’re a naturalist, a thrill seeker or a history buff. Come explore this area of the Upstate!