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- Dispatched in large EV form factor, the 30Ah pouch cells are destined for real-world testing with selected strategic partners and potential customers
- StoreDot Electric Vehicle OEM investors include Daimler, VinFast, Volvo, Polestar, and Ola Electric
- Milestone validates StoreDot's innovative silicon-dominant lithium-ion cell technology and its groundbreaking 100in5 technology - 100 miles of range in 5 minutes of charging
- Testing and integration programs by leading automotive manufacturers provides invaluable collaboration to accelerate production at scale
HERZLIYA, Israel, Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- StoreDot, the pioneer of extreme fast charging batteries for electric vehicles, has commenced shipping EV cell samples of its '100in5' battery technology to strategic electric vehicle OEM partners and potential customers.
Following the successful completion of series D funding round, StoreDot commences shipping its production ready battery cell samples to global Electric Vehicle OEMs. It represents another significant step on StoreDot's roadmap to begin mass-producing its '100in5' battery cells during 2024, and to deliver a step-change in global EV adoption. This technology provides 100 miles of range in just 5 minutes consistently and without compromising battery's health.
Shipped in EV form factor, the 30Ah silicon-dominant anode, lithium-ion pouch cells are currently undergoing intensive real-world testing with strategic OEM partners and other automotive players.
Amir Tirosh, StoreDot Chief Business Officer "Shipping the large form factor samples of our advanced '100in5' battery technology to over a dozen of strategic partners and potential OEM customers across the globe is a truly historic moment for StoreDot. It is the culmination of ten years of intense research and development and demonstrates our strong determination to push the known boundaries of battery technology to accelerate mass EV adoption and eliminate range and charging anxiety."
"I am delighted that we have now commenced intensive, real-world testing with leading OEMs and am confident that our cells will exceed OEM expectations with respect to energy density and extreme fast charging. Current performance shows >900 consecutive extreme fast charging (10% to 80%) in just 10 minutes, with more than 300 Wh/kg. We are on track to exceed our commercialization milestone of 1000 cycles this year. With the support and collaboration with key partners, StoreDot plans to begin mass production of our '100in5' cells and provide 100 miles of range for 5 minutes of charging during 2024. Our journey will not end there, as we confidently continue with our strategic goal of providing 100 miles of range with just 3 minutes in 2028, and in 2 minutes of charging within a decade."
StoreDot has already proven the effectiveness of its extreme fast charging – XFC – battery in public during a highly attended live demonstration in Oslo in June, at The International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS), one of the key conferences for the EV industry. StoreDot is currently working on mass production readiness of its '100in5' cells with its long-standing manufacturing partner, EVE Energy in China, in parallel to expanding its global manufacturing footprint in other geographies.
About StoreDot:
StoreDot is the pioneer and leader of extreme fast charging (XFC) electric vehicle batteries that overcome the critical barriers to mainstream EV adoption – range and charging anxiety. The company has revolutionized the conventional Li-ion battery by designing and synthesizing proprietary organic and inorganic compounds, optimized by Artificial Intelligence algorithms, making it possible to charge an EV in under ten minutes – the same experience as refueling a conventional combustion engine car.
Through its '100inX' product roadmap, StoreDot's battery technology is delivering 'Range on DemandTM': 100 miles charged in 5 minutes in 2024, 100 miles charged in 3 minutes by 2028, and extreme energy density solution enabling 100 miles to be charged in 2 minutes by 2032. StoreDot's strategic investors and partners include Daimler, BP, VinFast, Volvo, Polestar, Ola Electric, Samsung, TDK and its manufacturing partner EVE Energy. In 2022, the company achieved a world first by demonstrating a live extreme fast charging of an EV battery cell in 10 minutes. StoreDot is on target for mass production readiness of 100in5 technology by 2024.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1892738/StoreDOT_EV_Battery_Cell.jpg
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SOURCE StoreDot | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/07/storedot-extreme-fast-charging-battery-pioneer-ships-ev-battery-cell-samples-global-car-makers-testing-accelerate-adoption-delivering-100-miles-range-5-minutes-charging/ | 2022-09-07T13:47:05Z |
SALT LAKE CITY, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Novarad™ announced the publication of the article Augmented Reality Spine Surgery Navigation: Increasing Pedicle Screw Insertion Accuracy for Both Open and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries authored by surgeons participating from University of Utah, Georgetown University and University of Washington in the June 2022 issue of SPINE (volume 47, number 12). The article presents accuracy data for open and minimally invasive pedicle screw navigation achieved by its next generation augmented reality (AR) surgical guidance technology, VisAR.
VisAR recently received 510(k) FDA clearance. The VisAR system translates the patient's radiologic imaging data into a 3D hologram which is precisely superimposed on the patient by hologram-to-patient optical code alignment. The system is an off-the-shelf HoloLens 2 (Microsoft) AR visor, which uses transformative software developed by Novarad for precision guided open and minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS).
According to Dr. Wendell Gibby, CEO of Novarad, "The VisAR technology holds great promise for improving patient care by reducing operating room (OR) times, decreasing radiation to the patient and OR personnel, improving surgical accuracy and significantly democratizing access due to much lower cost than traditional navigation and robotic surgical approaches."
Imaging data is retrieved via encrypted QR code, wirelessly uploaded to the headset, which then allow surgeons to follow a virtual pathway for precise navigation. Using workflow automation. OR setup time and registration occurs in less than 2 minutes. Out of 124 pedicle screws, ranging from T6 to L5, sixty-five of the screws were placed during open dissection with the remainder, fifty-nine, inserted percutaneously. The combined accuracy, open and MISS, was 96% (Gertzbein-Robbins scale). There was no statistical difference in the distributions of the two surgical methods. In addition, the mean angle of error was 2.4° (SD 1.2°) and the mean distance error was 1.9mm (SD 0.9mm). Fluoroscopy was not used during these procedures, minimizing exposure to radiation for the patient, surgeon, and OR staff. VisAR responds to voice commands for smooth operational control and to maintain OR sterility, with a nominal OR footprint.
- VisAR surgical navigation system is an advanced and rapidly evolving surgical tool
- Precise and accurate open and minimally invasive pedicle screw guidance can be achieved with off-the-shelf, low-cost hardware
To read the Spine journal article in its entirety, visit: https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Fulltext/2022/06150/Augmented_Reality_Spine_Surgery_Navigation_.5.aspx
For over 30 years, Novarad has delivered innovative industry-leading medical technologies that transform healthcare for providers and their patients. The Enterprise imaging and departmental solutions from Novarad enable over 1,000 hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics to achieve even greater clinical, operational, and fiscal excellence. Visit novarad.net/visar
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SOURCE Novarad Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/visar-augmented-reality-surgical-guidance-system-using-low-cost-off-the-shelf-hololens-2-hardware-achieves-remarkable-results-spine-surgery/ | 2022-07-15T01:32:34Z |
FAIRFAX, Va., June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In line with customer-centric digital transformation trends across government, CGI Federal announced today that it is creating a reimagined user experience for Momentum® Acquisitions, a module of CGI Federal's ERP solution, Momentum. A collaborative effort with its federal customers, the enhanced Momentum Acquisitions module will include a restyled user interface, new features and expanded capabilities, all anchored by a human-centered experience approach and informed by federal customer input.
"We are thrilled to partner with our federal customers in creating the newest version of this mission-critical solution," stated John B. Owens II, Senior Vice President and Enterprise Solutions Group lead at CGI Federal. "Our development approach is always grounded in listening to our users, so we can create a product that is not only uniquely tailored to the federal government's acquisition and compliance needs, but also enables federal contracting professionals to do their jobs more efficiently. These objectives are especially pertinent in today's federal acquisition environment where there are growing policy requirements and a shrinking workforce."
As one of the few purpose-built ERP solutions available to the federal market, CGI's Momentum Acquisitions module will provide a more tailored, easy-to-use experience for federal contracting professionals. CGI works side-by-side with federal acquisition and contracting professionals within the Momentum Acquisitions community to create solutions that help them address day-to-day contract challenges, allowing them to focus on higher value mission-centric work. Currently, CGI's Momentum Acquisitions supports approximately 10,000 federal users across three branches of government. Key users include the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which recently deployed the solution at the National Cemetery Administration.
CGI Federal Inc., a wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Inc., is dedicated to partnering with federal agencies to provide solutions for defense, civilian, healthcare and intelligence missions. Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 84,000 consultants and other professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. With Fiscal 2021 reported revenue of C$12.13 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.
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SOURCE CGI Federal, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/cgi-federal-engages-with-its-federal-customers-transform-momentum-acquisitions/ | 2022-06-22T17:19:51Z |
(WXIN) — This “Liz” is not your friend. Delete her voicemail.
FOX59 in Indianapolis has run across a new variety of robocall scams — our news director, C.J. Hoyt, received a voicemail on his cellphone.
“Hey, it’s Liz with Student Advisor. I’m just giving you a call in regards to your school loan. I do have you pre-qualified here for the updated forgiveness program and possibly even loan discharge. It’s just imperative we go over the details just as soon as possible because it does look like your status will expire soon.”
Quite the offer. Just one problem: Hoyt has no outstanding college loans.
But “Liz” left a number to call her back… and we did.
STEVE BROWN: “I got a voicemail message from Liz. Is she available?”
MALE VOICE: “She’s in the marketing department. Do you have any questions about the program?”
STEVE BROWN: “And who are you?”
MALE VOICE: “We’re Enterprise Financial.”
STEVE BROWN: “I have to go through you to do this?”
MALE VOICE: “We assist you through the enrollment for the program, sir.”
STEVE BROWN: “Is there a charge for this?”
MALE VOICE: “Some programs do require fees.”
We had already checked the US Department of Education website. It emphatically warned: “Never pay an outside company for help with student loans. Your loan servicer will help you for free.”
When we confronted the male voice with this information, he hung up.
“This shouldn’t be costing you anything to get the loan forgiveness,” said Jennifer Adamany, of the Indianapolis Better Business Bureau.
Adamany noted the original voicemail from “Liz” was loaded with red flags.
“Always, always, always have your guard up when you get any unsolicited form of contact whether it’s through email, text or phone call,” explained Adamany.
Other signs someone is trying to scam you include generic sales pitches, offers from people or businesses that are unfamiliar. One of the most common parts of a scam is to prompt a potential victim to act quickly before “time runs out”.
Adamany said, “Scammers use that often as a pressure tactic because they don’t want you to sit there and actually think it through because then you have time to see those red flags.”
The official application for federal student loan forgiveness will be through the US Department of Education. It will open in October. Applicants are urged to complete the application process prior to Nov. 15. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/this-liz-is-not-your-friend-new-scam-voicemail-circulates/ | 2022-09-11T00:20:33Z |
LOS ANGELES, July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, a longtime partner of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, is donating $750,000 to the Food Bank to help provide food and nutrition assistance to families in need throughout LA County as part of the 2022 All-Star Legacy Initiative. In addition to the financial gift, the LA Dodgers and key members of Major League Baseball, including MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, volunteered at the Food Bank on Monday, July 18, and prepared kits for the Food Bank's BackPack Program, which provides food to students when free school meals are not available.
"Today, we're here at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank launching our All-Star Weekend Essentials BackPack Program," says the Dodger Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman. "In light of the 2022 All-Star game, the MLB, the Dodgers and the Dodgers Foundation are going to leave behind $6 million worth of community legacy projects combined with our efforts in 2020. Today, we're packing food boxes that will go along with care kits that we packed a couple of weeks ago with Baby2Baby that will allow for 4 million meals to go to 15 LAUSD Title 1 schools over the next academic year. The LA Regional Food Bank has been doing this amazing program for years and years and we're really proud with over a $1 million investment, we will be able to help sustain and expand this program to more schools that have been on waiting lists."
As part of the initiative, the contribution will help fund the Food Bank's BackPack Program to support thousands of students and their families who will receive essential items weekly at many LA school locations during the 2022-2023 academic year. Funds through this initiative will allow purchasing of nutritionally balanced and kid-friendly food that will be sent home with students on Fridays to provide meals for the weekend.
Food insecurity is harmful to all individuals however it is particularly devastating to children. Proper nutrition is critical to a child's development. Not having enough proper nutrition can severely affect a child's physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity. LA County is home to more food-insecure children than any other county in the nation.
"The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is so grateful to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Major League Baseball and to everyone involved in this event, "said Michael Flood, President and CEO of the LA Regional Food Bank. "Comprehensive support like this is a home run - volunteering, donating funds, donating product, raising awareness for our work - this is exactly the support we need to continue to fight hunger in our community."
While food-insecure families contend with summer months without as much food assistance during the school year, many families are also impacted by current inflationary prices of fuel, food and everyday goods. Strong partnerships with community members such as the Dodgers Foundation, Dodgers and MLB help the Food Bank and our partner agency network of 600+ organizations reach as many food-insecure families as possible. Since the Food Bank was founded in 1973, more than 1.5 billion meals have been provided to those in need.
Through a combined effort, the All-Star Legacy Initiative, MLB, LADF and the Dodgers will address the root causes of homelessness by supporting an ongoing program to provide the equivalent of 4 million healthy meals and 127,000 basic essential items for youth and families living in poverty. Each student in the program will receive a Baby2Baby bare essentials kit to take home to their families, including hygiene items, soap, blankets, diapers and PPE supplies.
Being a non-profit organization, the work of the Food Bank cannot be executed without the engagement of our community partners such as the Dodger Foundation, Dodgers and MLB. The LA Regional Food Bank thanks the Dodger Foundation, Dodgers and MLB for their continued support of the fight against hunger.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has been mobilizing resources to fight hunger in Los Angeles County since 1973. To support the Food Bank's vision that no one goes hungry in Los Angeles County, food and grocery products are distributed through a network of 600+ partner agencies and through Food Bank programs serving 800,000 people monthly. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food Bank tripled the number of people reached every month. The Food Bank is a 4-star rated charity by Charity Navigator. For more information, visit LAFoodBank.org
Media Contact:
David May
Director of Marketing & Communications
dmay@lafoodbank.org
323 234 3030 ext. 134
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SOURCE Los Angeles Regional Food Bank | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/los-angeles-dodgers-foundation-los-angeles-dodgers-major-league-baseball-team-up-with-los-angeles-regional-food-bank-fight-hunger/ | 2022-07-19T22:33:42Z |
Trio of suits target Florida ‘woke’ law pushed by DeSantis
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A trio of lawsuits target a Florida law championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts race-based conversation and analysis in business and education, the latest filed Thursday by college professors and students claiming it is blatantly unconstitutional.
Known as the “Stop WOKE” act, the law targets what DeSantis has called a “pernicious” ideology exemplified by critical race theory — the idea that racism is systemic in U.S. institutions that serve to perpetuate white dominance in society.
The law prohibits teaching or business practices that contend members of one ethnic group are inherently racist and should feel guilt for past actions committed by others. It also bars the notion that a person’s status as privileged or oppressed is necessarily determined by their race or gender, or that discrimination is acceptable to achieve diversity.
The lawsuit filed Thursday in federal court claims the law amounts to “racially motivated censorship” that will act to “stifle widespread demands to discuss, study and address systemic inequalities” underscored by the national discussion of race following the killing of the Black man George Floyd by Minneapolis police in May 2020.
“In place of free and open academic inquiry and debate, instructors fear discussing topics of oppression, privilege, and race and gender inequalities with which the Legislature disagrees,” the lawsuit says. “As a result, students are either denied access to knowledge altogether or instructors are forced to present incomplete or inaccurate information that is steered toward the Legislature’s own views.”
Conservatives see critical race theory less as academic inquiry into truth and history and more as the imposition of a divisive ideology stemming from Marxism that assigns people into the categories of oppressor and oppressed based on their race.
The latest lawsuit joins two others already pending in Tallahassee federal court. Like the professors, a group of K-12 teachers and a student claim the law violates the Constitution’s protections of free expression, academic freedom and access to information in public schools.
The other lawsuit was brought by private entities, Clearwater-based Honeyfund.com and others, claiming their free speech rights are curtailed because the law infringes on company training programs stressing diversity, inclusion, elimination of bias and prevention of workplace harassment. Companies with 15 or more employees could face civil lawsuits over such practices.
That lawsuit says Honeyfund seeks to protect the rights of private employers to “engage in open and free exchange of information with employees to identify and begin to address discrimination and harm” in their organizations.
“The Stop WOKE Act aims to forward the government’s preferred narrative of history and society and to render illegal speech that challenges that narrative,” the lawsuit says.
All of the lawsuits are in various stages in the legal process and seek to have the Stop WOKE act declared unconstitutional. DeSantis has repeatedly said any losses at the lower court level are likely to be reversed by appeals courts that are generally more conservative.
DeSantis is running for reelection as governor this year and is widely viewed as a contender for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. He has made cultural issues a cornerstone of his administration, particularly snuffing out what he calls “woke” entities and philosophies centered on issues of discrimination involving race, gender and sexual orientation.
“What you see now with the rise of this woke ideology is an attempt to really delegitimize our history and to delegitimize our institutions and I view the wokeness as a form of cultural Marxism,” DeSantis said in a December 2021 speech. “They really want to tear at the fabric of our society.”
Another example of this is DeSantis’ effort to punish Walt Disney World for the company’s opposition to the Parental Rights in Education law, labeled by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law because it limits gender orientation instruction in early grades and chills discussion of the issue overall in schools.
The governor pushed the Legislature to end Disney World’s special independent district that essentially enabled it to run its own private government. That law doesn’t take full effect until June 2023 but has already been challenged in court.
Other lawsuits have challenged DeSantis priorities such as a ban on abortion after 15 weeks, a measure to fine tech companies if they “de-platform” political candidates over their viewpoints, an “anti-riot” law enacting new felonies following Black Lives Matter protests, a law placing new restrictions on elections and others.
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/18/trio-suits-target-florida-woke-law-pushed-by-desantis/ | 2022-08-18T21:05:58Z |
HONG KONG, April 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- King Steel Machinery Co., Ltd (King Steel), a worldwide full service steel supplier with a long-term commitment to injection molding machines with multiple injectors and multiple tool workstations, has developed a multiple injectors and mold clamps system (MICS), a mechatronic system that can be equipped with four injector sets and can be used flexibly to produce double/single-color finished products with linear, disc or mold configuration, reducing costs by 15 per cent to 20 per cent. By increasing the number of injector sets for double-color offerings from two to four, King Steel has significantly enhanced the production capacity of such machines by 70 per cent, with an equipment utilization of up to 95 per cent. By doing so, the company has become a leader in the footwear machinery sector.
"Machines that were developed based on MICS have helped customers improve efficiency and costs", said Chang Chia-ling, director of marketing at King Steel. The use of Siemens' digital twin software NX-MCD (an integrated cyber-physical system) has increased R&D efficiency while lowering development costs. King Steel has applied for some 100 international patents across 17 categories for its proprietary machinery in a move to protect the firm's intellectual property as well as the rights and interests of customers and brands.
MICS technology has been widely applied across various injection processes and sectors, including sports goods (sneakers, yoga bars, non-inflatable footballs, bike gadgets and accessories), healthcare products, protective gear as well as toys for children and pets, in addition to electronics and packaging materials. Through the application of MICS, the company aims to maximize output with minimum investment by assisting a wide range of sectors in increasing production capacity and achieving environmental benefits from energy savings and carbon reduction.
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SOURCE King Steel Machinery Co., Ltd | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/07/king-steel-rolls-out-its-proprietary-mechatronic-technology-mics/ | 2022-04-07T09:28:14Z |
Luxury Second Home Marketplace Strategically Expands To Cabo Based Off Strong Buyer Demand
LOS ANGELES, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacaso, the leading technology-enabled real estate marketplace that helps people buy and co-own a luxury second home, today announced that it has expanded its service to Mexico, with its first property to be available in Los Cabos. Pacaso offers buyers the unique opportunity to co-own 1/8 to 1/2 of a contemporary second home in Cabo. The company now operates in 40 global destinations and launched its first international destination in Marbella, Spain in late 2021.
"Cabo is a destination full of vibrant culture, breathtaking beaches, world-class golf and ocean adventures, and there has been high demand from current owners and future buyers to bring our co-ownership model to this special destination," said Pacaso CEO and Co-Founder Austin Allison. "Pacaso has built a strong foundation as the category-creating leader in luxury second home co-ownership in the U.S., Spain and the U.K., and we could not be more excited to have Mexico become the next North American Pacaso destination."
Located in the Puerto Los Cabos community, one of Pacaso's first listings in the destination will be a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home overlooking the Sea of Cortez with unparalleled indoor and outdoor living. The home features a dramatic reflecting pool in the grand foyer, travertine floors, a vast dining table and a gourmet kitchen that opens up to a spacious patio, covered grilling area, pool and spa that look out to the sea. Steps lead to a rooftop terrace complete with a fire pit and more views. Pacaso owners will have access to The Club Fundadores, just two minutes away on the included golf cart.
Another Pacaso listing in Cabo will be a new construction contemporary home located in San Jose del Cabo with views of Palmilla Bay, Punta Gorda and the San Jose coastline. Nestled within Caleta Loma, a hilltop community in the 1,000-acre resort community of Palmilla, the single-level home features an open floor plan that invites the Cabo sunshine in with floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to an infinity pool, sunken spa, recessed fire pit, and covered deck with an outdoor barbecue. In addition to direct beach access, Pacaso owners will receive membership to The Club at Palmilla Dunes, a premier family-oriented social, sports and recreational private club.
"Cabo has been a longtime favorite getaway and second home destination for Americans and Canadians," said Ronival Real Estate Owner Nick Fong. "After learning about Pacaso's innovative co-ownership model, its leadership, and success to date in the U.S. and Europe, I could not be more thrilled to introduce Pacaso to Cabo, a luxury market with lots of opportunity."
Pacaso partners with all interested real estate agents and brokerages in markets where it operates. Real estate agents representing buyers who purchase a share of a Pacaso home receive a 3% referral commission, plus Pacaso equity in the form of 500 RSUs. Agents in Mexico who are interested in working with Pacaso can learn more on the company's website.
To see all available homes, please visit the Pacaso website.
Pacaso® is a technology-enabled marketplace that modernizes real estate co-ownership to make owning a second home possible and enjoyable for more people. Pacaso curates luxury listings with premium amenities and high-end contemporary interior design, offers ⅛ to ½ ownership with integrated financing, and, after purchase, professionally manages the home and supports seamless resale. Co-founded by Austin Allison and Spencer Rascoff in 2020, Pacaso operates in 40 top second home destinations around the world. Pacaso has been certified as a Great Place to Work and is recognized as one of Glassdoor's 2022 Best Places to Work.
Learn more about Pacaso and view listings at Pacaso.com and connect with @PacasoHomes on Instagram and Twitter.
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SOURCE Pacaso | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/pacaso-innovative-co-ownership-platform-expands-north-american-footprint-with-mexico-launch/ | 2022-07-13T20:42:22Z |
Changes Paradigm for Driving Marking and Coding Devices by Removing Reliance on Proprietary Printer/Software Combination
CHICAGO and PORTSMOUTH, N.H., May 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Videojet Technologies, a global leader in Marking and Coding solutions, and Loftware, the global leader in Enterprise Labeling and Artwork Management solutions, today announced a strategic partnership to change the paradigm for how companies automate printing across production lines, factories and warehouses. This collaboration focuses on extending Loftware's Spectrum Enterprise Labeling solution to marking and coding. This will enable customers to drive all their printing devices from an all-in-one, digital solution, with coverage ranging from marking and coding production devices to supply chain thermal printers.
The partnership between Videojet and Loftware offers organizations a leap forward in their automation journey without costly wholesale replacement of existing printer fleets. With Loftware Spectrum driving their devices, companies can eliminate their reliance on proprietary software typically provided by printer manufacturers. It offers transformation for companies who have long struggled with multiple ways of driving marking and coding devices in an environment that is typically a heterogeneous mix of print technologies and associated software from different manufacturers.
"Looking for innovative ways to improve our customers' operational efficiency and reduce production errors is what Videojet does every day for thousands of customers across the globe," says Ondrej Kruk, President of Videojet. "All companies can benefit from the deep industry expertise and collaboration of the Videojet and Loftware teams. Combining Videojet's superior performance and range of marking and coding technologies and Loftware Spectrum, will offer companies a step-change in their digital, automation journey by controlling a mix of both Videojet and other vendors' devices."
The Loftware Spectrum 4.6 release, available now, expands its powerful Enterprise Labeling capabilities to include the ability to drive a broad set of marking and coding devices. New operator dashboards combined with standard integration with business applications also eliminate unnecessary human touch from labeling, marking, and coding operations. By ensuring the correct template and data are at each printer in both their own facilities and those of their contractors, organizations can avoid mistakes and inefficiencies from inconsistent manual interventions during product changeovers.
"Loftware pioneered the Enterprise Labeling space as demand increased for a standardized platform for labeling across an organization's global operations. In recent years, that same trend extended to marking and coding where companies are thirsting for a single software solution to replace the use and management of disparate and proprietary software applications required for different device makes and models," stated Loftware President and CEO, Robert O'Connor, Jr. "We are excited to partner with a leader in the space like Videojet and to extend the robust capabilities of Loftware Spectrum so that both existing and new customers can benefit from our full range of output capabilities, including marking and coding devices."
Through this collaboration, customers can now seamlessly implement, deploy, maintain, and easily scale all their labeling, marking, and coding operations across multiple plants from a unified platform. They also can eliminate the costly and time-consuming issues brought on by manual intervention and mislabeling on the production floor while benefitting from global oversight capabilities while enabling local autonomy.
Loftware Spectrum is compatible across a full range of Videojet high-quality printers and offers configurable user interfaces driven by business rules, and APIs to support integration with production and business systems. Combined with the innovative VideojetConnect Remote Service and largest field service team in the marking and coding industry, Videojet helps improve factory line uptime while reducing the need for customer intervention in marking and coding processes.
Loftware Spectrum is a cloud-based, Enterprise Labeling Solution that supports mission-critical operations to ensure uptime and enable high volume label printing across global operations. It is configured to the specific needs of customers and offers unrivaled performance that ensures accuracy and consistency while maximizing flexibility. To address growing IT compliance requirements for operations technology, Spectrum offers SOC Type 2 security compliance and versatility for cloud deployment with edge failover or on-premise deployment. Spectrum also offers certified integration capabilities for SAP, Oracle, and other business applications.
For more information about the products and solutions from Videojet and Loftware, please visit www.videojet.com and www.loftware.com.
About Videojet Technologies:
Videojet Technologies is a world leader in the product identification market, providing in-line printing, coding, and marking products, application-specific fluids, and product life cycle services. The company's goal is to partner with customers in the consumer-packaged goods, pharmaceutical, and industrial goods industries to improve their productivity, to protect and grow their brands, and to stay ahead of industry trends and regulations. With customer application experts and technology leadership in Continuous Inkjet (CIJ), Thermal Inkjet (TIJ), Laser Marking, Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO), case coding and labeling, and wide array printing, Videojet has more than 400,000 printers installed worldwide. Customers rely on Videojet products to print on over ten billion products daily. Customer sales, application, service and training support is provided by direct operations with over 4,000 team members in 26 countries worldwide. In addition, the Videojet distribution network includes more than 400 distributors and OEMs, serving 135 countries.
©2022 Videojet Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. Videojet is a registered trademark of Videojet Technologies Inc.
About Loftware:
Loftware is the world's largest cloud-based Enterprise Labeling and Artwork Management provider, offering an end-to-end labeling solution platform for companies of all sizes, with over 100,000 customers in over 100 countries across the globe. We also work with over 1,000 partners and maintain a global presence with offices in the US, the UK, Germany, Slovenia, China, and Singapore. Loftware boasts over 35 years of expertise in solving labeling challenges - we help companies improve accuracy, traceability, and compliance while improving the quality, speed, and efficiency of their labeling. As the leading global provider of Enterprise Labeling and Artwork Management solutions, Loftware enables supply chain agility, supports evolving regulations, and optimizes business operations for a wide range of industries including automotive, chemicals, consumer products, electronics, food & beverage, manufacturing, medical device, pharmaceuticals, retail, and apparel.
Media contacts:
Maureen Perroni, Loftware Director of Content & Communications, mperroni@loftware.com,
603.502.3901
Diane Lanigan, Videojet Technologies Marketing Communications, diane.lanigan@videojet.com, 630.694.3221
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SOURCE Loftware, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/26/videojet-loftware-announce-strategic-partnership-accelerate-labeling-marking-coding-automation/ | 2022-05-26T10:25:21Z |
MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pittco Management, LLC, a single family office located in Memphis, TN has appointed Lorie Jernigan, CPA, as the firm's Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As the CFO, Ms. Jernigan will oversee the firm's tax, accounting, and administrative groups. Ms. Jernigan will also serve on the firm's Executive Committee.
"Lorie is a smart, dedicated financial professional who is also a great leader. We couldn't be happier to have her lead our financial team," said Henry Guy, incoming Pittco President.
Ms. Jernigan combines a thoughtful, professional work ethic with deep knowledge of tax and accounting. She began her career as an audit manager at Arthur Andersen & Co specializing in SEC work and larger private clients. She then joined Pittco Management as a Vice President, Accounting and Administration and has risen steadily through the ranks ever since.
"I love what I do and who I work for a Pittco," said Ms. Jernigan when discussing her promotion. "To continue to serve the Hyde family, now as the firm's Chief Financial Officer, is an honor and a privilege."
Pittco Management is a single family office for the family of Pitt Hyde, founder of AutoZone, and his wife, Barbara. Pittco was established over 30 years ago, and provides investment, accounting, tax and financial services from its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee.
Media Contact:
Henry Guy
hguy@pittcomanagement.com
(901) 685-5455
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SOURCE Pittco Management, LLC | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/23/pittco-management-names-lorie-jernigan-chief-financial-officer/ | 2022-06-23T16:25:52Z |
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lottery officials on Thursday raised the Mega Millions grand prize to $660 million, giving players a shot at what would be the nation’s ninth largest jackpot.
The jackpot for Friday night’s drawing has grown so large because there hasn’t been a winner in three months. Those 27 consecutive drawings without anyone matching all six numbers has allowed the jackpot to gradually grow from its $20 million starting point in April.
Even as the big prize has increased, the odds of winning all that money have remained the same — a staggering one in 302.5 million.
The highlighted pre-tax $660 million prize is for a winner who takes an annuity option, paid out in 30 annual payments. Most players choose the cash option, which for Friday’s drawing would be $376.9 million.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is overseen by state lottery officials. | https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-us-headlines/mega-millions-jackpot-now-660m-nations-9th-largest-prize/ | 2022-07-22T14:29:11Z |
Which formula dispenser is best?
In the first few months of a baby’s life, they need to eat frequently. While this can be a demanding task, especially if you’re trying to make a bottle while simultaneously holding a hungry baby, a formula dispenser is a convenient piece of equipment that can make life much more pleasant.
Depending on the amount of formula needed and your preferred style, there are a variety of formula dispensers that are ideal for your family. However, if you’re looking for an automatic formula dispenser with various features, the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser is a top choice.
What to know before you buy a formula dispenser
What is a formula dispenser?
Formula dispensers are containers that hold a specific amount of formula, making it quicker to prepare a bottle than measuring out each scoop from a formula container. For example, a formula dispenser allows you to pre-measure out the amount of formula your baby needs ahead of time so you can simply pour it into the bottle when your baby is hungry.
Types of formula dispensers
Here are the most common types of formula dispensers.
- Automatic formula dispensers are more of an appliance and look similar to a single-serve coffee machine. It has a water tank and holds up to an entire container of formula to make any size bottle needed.
- Single formula dispensers look similar to small containers. They can fit enough formula for one bottle up to an entire container of formula.
- Stackable formula dispensers are convenient because you can pre-fill enough containers to make several bottles easily. They are thin like water bottles and easy to store.
- Compartment formula dispensers also have several chambers to prepare more than one bottle but look like a large divided container rather than a stackable dispenser.
What to look for in a quality formula dispenser
Capacity
When your baby is younger and only drinking two or four-ounce bottles, any formula dispenser should have a large enough capacity. However, you’ll want to ensure that your formula dispenser has a large enough capacity to make up to an eight-ounce bottle to accommodate your growing baby.
Compartments
Whether you want a formula dispenser to take on the go or make it easy to prepare a bottle in the middle of the night, a formula dispenser with multiple compartments is convenient as you won’t need to fill it as often. For example, if you’re going to be out all day or want enough formula to feed a baby throughout the night, you’ll want a formula dispenser with at least three to five compartments.
Lid
The lid on a formula dispenser is arguably one of the most important features. Formula dispenser lids come in many different styles, including twist-off, hinge variety or completely snap-off covers. Twist off is harder to do one-handed but is less likely to break open in a diaper bag. Also, lids with a spout are much easier to funnel into the bottle than wide-mouth lids.
How much you can expect to spend on a formula dispenser
Depending on the size and type, formula dispensers cost $3-$150.
Formula dispenser FAQ
How much formula does a formula dispenser hold?
A. The amount of formula a dispenser can hold varies from one option to the next. For example, a sizeable automatic formula dispenser may hold up to a whole can of baby formula, while a smaller travel size dispenser may only hold four to 6 ounces. However, the majority of formula dispensers hold about eight ounces of formula.
Can I put pre-mixed formula in my formula dispenser?
A. No. Since formula dispensers are not designed to hold liquid, they are not sealed tightly enough for water and will probably leak. Plus, pre-made formula needs to be used within two hours if left at room temperature and 24 hours if refrigerated.
What are the best formula dispensers to buy?
Top formula dispenser
Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser
What you need to know: Mix and warm a formula bottle simultaneously with this automatic formula dispensing machine.
What you’ll love: Since it’s fully customizable, you can choose the exact bottle size and temperature for a perfect formula bottle every time. Plus, it works with almost every type of bottle and brand of formula.
What you should consider: While it’s quick and takes all the work out of making a formula bottle, it’s difficult to tell if there is a glitch and an incorrect amount of formula is dispensed.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
Top formula dispenser for the money
Munchkin Formula Dispenser Combo Pack
What you need to know: Those who are often traveling will appreciate how easy it is to make formula bottles on the go with this simple and affordable formula dispenser.
What you’ll love: With three separate compartments, this dispenser can hold enough formula to make three eight-ounce bottles. Plus, you’ll also receive a single-serve dispenser for quick trips or to quickly prepare a bottle at home.
What you should consider: This dispenser can melt with extremely hot water from sanitizing or a dishwasher, which makes the lid not fit correctly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Accmor Smart Stackable Powder Formula Dispenser
What you need to know: With ten separate compartments, this formula dispenser can hold 60 to 80 ounces of formula for easy-to-make bottles at home or on the go.
What you’ll love: Not only is this dispenser ideal for formula, but it can also hold rice cereal snacks or keep a pacifier clean and easy to find. In addition, it’s the same size as a water bottle, making it easy to store in a variety of diaper bag compartments.
What you should consider: Some users have reported that the top can be difficult to screw on correctly without spilling contents.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Bre Richey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/baby-kids-br/nursing-feeding-br/best-formula-dispenser/ | 2022-04-05T18:53:59Z |
A look at what’s happening around the majors on Saturday:
___
2B OR NOT 2B
Robinson Canó has found another job in the majors, signing with San Diego less than a week after being released by the Mets.
The Padres plan to use the 39-year-old Canó as a left-handed bat off the bench. Acting manager Ryan Christenson said he could get some occasional starts at second base and designated hitter.
“I’ve got a lot left in the tank,” Canó said. “I know I can still play this game and just go out on top.”
The Mets owe Canó nearly $45 million remaining on his original contract signed with Seattle. He will earn a prorated share of the $700,000 minimum.
Canó hit .195 with one home run and three RBIs in 43 plate appearances for the NL East-leading Mets. He sat out last season serving a second suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
The eight-time All-Star second baseman had a career batting average of .302 with 335 home runs in 17 seasons when the Mets cut him.
Christenson has taken over the Padres while manager Bob Melvin recovers from prostate surgery.
The Padres said Friday that no cancer was found during the operation two days earlier. The 60-year-old Melvin had said he hoped to miss only the first six games of the team’s nine-game trip, which started in Atlanta this weekend and continues through Philadelphia and San Francisco.
AILING ACE
Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw is out with inflammation in a pelvic joint, the seventh straight season he’s gone on the injured list. Los Angeles made the roster move several hours before he was set to face the Phillies at Dodger Stadium.
The 34-year-old Kershaw was bothered by pain in his pitching arm for the entire second half of last season and missed the Dodgers’ playoff run.
Kershaw (4-0, 1.80 ERA) is off to an outstanding start to his 15th season with the Dodgers. The three-time NL Cy Young winner has 32 strikeouts and just three walks in his five starts since signing a $17 million, one-year deal in March to return to his only professional club.
Kershaw also became the Dodgers’ franchise leader in strikeouts on April 30.
HOMECOMING GAME
Prized Mariners pitching prospect George Kirby had a vocal cheering section in the Seattle stands for his impressive major league debut on Mother’s Day and figures to have another one when he faces the Mets in his second career start.
Kirby grew up in Rye, New York, about 22 miles north of Citi Field. He was drafted by the Mets out of high school in the 32nd round but went to college at Elon in North Carolina and was selected by Seattle with the 20th overall pick in 2019. The 24-year-old right-hander, rated one of baseball’s best pitching newcomers, threw six shutout innings with seven strikeouts and no walks Sunday against Tampa Bay after getting called up from Double-A Arkansas.
KB COMING BACK
Kris Bryant could return to Colorado’s lineup soon after a cortisone injection eased the pain in his achy back.
The Rockies outfielder got the shot Monday, then played catch and hit in a batting cage Friday for the first time since being sidelined nearly three weeks ago. He’s expected to ramp up his workload Saturday and could begin a short minor league rehab assignment next week.
Bryant, who signed a seven-year, $172 million free-agent deal with the Rockies in March, is still looking for his first home run with Colorado. The four-time All-Star and 2016 NL MVP is batting .281 with four RBIs. He’s struck out 12 times in 57 at-bats.
500 STRAIGHT
Royals outfielder Whit Merrifield is scheduled to play in his 500th consecutive game, extending the longest streak in the majors, when Kansas City plays at Colorado.
Merrifield’s run began on June 25, 2018, and is the longest in the majors since Prince Fielder played in 547 straight from Sept. 14, 2010, to May 16, 2014. Merrifield has played six positions during the stretch: first base, second base, left field, center field, right field and DH.
To break Cal Ripken Jr.’s record of 2,632 games? The 33-year-old would need to play another 13-plus seasons.
RYU READY
Blue Jays left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu, sidelined since April 16 with a forearm issue, will be activated to start at Tampa Bay.
The 35-year-old allowed 11 runs over 7 1/3 innings in his first two starts before going on the injured list. After a quick visit to Triple-A Buffalo for a rehab start last Saturday, he’s set to rejoin the rotation. He’ll oppose Rays left-hander Ryan Yarbrough (0-0, 6.14).
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/leading-off-cano-joins-padres-kershaw-out-kirby-back-home/ | 2022-05-14T17:43:44Z |
DENVER , Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - (TSX: CWEB) (OTCQX: CWBHF) Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. ("Charlotte's Web" or the "Company"), the market leader in cannabidiol (CBD) hemp extract wellness products, will report its second-quarter financial results the morning of August 9, 2022. A conference call to discuss the results is scheduled for the same day at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate in the call, please dial 1-416-764-8659 or 1-888-664-6392 approximately 10 minutes before the conference call and provide confirmation number 48399638 or listen to the live webcast online.
A recording of the call will be available through August 16, 2022. To listen to a replay of the earnings call please dial 1-416-764-8677 or 1-888-390-0541 and provide conference replay ID 399638. A webcast of the call will also be accessible through the investor relations section of the Company's website for an extended period of time.
Subscribe to Charlotte's Web investor news.
Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc., a Certified B Corporation headquartered in Denver, is the market leader in innovative hemp extract wellness products under a family of brands which includes Charlotte's Web™, CBD Medic™, CBD Clinic™, and Harmony Hemp™. Charlotte's Web branded premium quality products start with proprietary hemp genetics that are American farm -grown using organic and regenerative cultivation practices. The Company's hemp extracts have naturally occurring botanical compounds including cannabidiol ("CBD"), CBC, CBG, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds. The Company's CW Labs R&D division advances hemp science at a center of excellence in Louisville, Colorado. Web product categories include full-spectrum hemp CBD oil tinctures (liquid products), CBD gummies (sleep, stress, exercise recovery), CBD capsules, CBD topical creams and lotions, as well as CBD pet products for dogs. Through its vertically integrated business model, Charlotte's Web maintains stringent control over product quality and consistency with 20+ product lot testing for quality assurance. Charlotte's Web products are distributed to more than 15,000 retail, over 8,000 health care practitioners, and online through the Company's website at https://www.charlottesweb.com/. Charlotte's Web's mission is "To unleash the healing powers of botanicals with compassion and science, benefitting the planet and all who live upon it."
Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking information"). In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information.
Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's current expectations, estimates and projections regarding the future of our business, future plans, strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking information include, among others, the factors discussed throughout the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recently filed annual information form available on www.SEDAR.com and in the Company's most recently filed Form 10, as amended, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available on www.SEC.com. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking information, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
THE WORLD'S MOST TRUSTED HEMP EXTRACT™
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SOURCE Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/charlottes-web-q2-2022-earnings-call-webcast-notice/ | 2022-08-02T13:20:01Z |
Mariners’ top prospect Julio Rodríguez on opening day roster
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Seattle Mariners’ top prospect Julio Rodríguez will be on the opening day roster following a torrid spring training performance. Manager Scott Servais says it’s time for Rodríguez to play in the big leagues. The big spring was making the decision to start the 21-year-old in the majors easy for the Mariners, along with the rising push from fans to see Rodríguez playing in Seattle. Entering Monday’s spring training game, Rodríguez was hitting .419 with three home runs, eight RBIs and a 1.310 OPS. The Mariners open the regular season on Thursday at Minnesota. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/04/mariners-top-prospect-julio-rodriguez-on-opening-day-roster/ | 2022-04-04T20:23:39Z |
Naomi Judd to be inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame one day after her death
By Dakin Andone, CNN
The death of Naomi Judd just one day before her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame has cast a pall over Sunday’s ceremony — but the show will go on.
The Country Music Hall of Fame was “shocked and saddened” by Judd’s death, CEO Kyle Young said in a statement on Twitter. However, Judd’s family asked that the induction of the mother-daughter duo The Judds continue as planned, he said.
“We will do so, with heavy hearts,” Young wrote.
Judd passed away at the age of 76, her daughters announced Saturday, hours before the country music legend — one half of The Judds, along with her daughter Wynonna — was to be celebrated at the Nashville museum’s Medallion Ceremony.
Wynonna Judd still plans on attending the ceremony, the Hall of Fame said in an email to CNN.
It’s unclear how the ceremony might be changed or adjusted in the wake of Judd’s passing. A separate tweet on the Hall of Fame’s page announced the pre-ceremony “Red Carpet Experience,” scheduled for Sunday afternoon, had been canceled in light of Judd’s death.
In their announcements shared on Twitter, Judd’s daughters Wynonna and Ashley, an actress, wrote that they “lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness.”
“We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public,” her daughters’ statement added. “We are in unknown territory.”
Naomi Judd shared during a 2016 appearance on “Good Morning America” that she had been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. That same year, she wrote a book titled “River of Time: My Descent into Depression and How I Emerged with Hope” explaining her struggles.
In its announcement of the 2021 members-elect, the Hall of Fame credited Naomi and Wynonna Judd with helping “take country back to its roots in the 1980s with lean, tuneful songs influenced by traditional folk music, acoustic blues, and family harmony acts.”
The mother-daughter duo began performing together as a professional act in the early 1980s, soon producing a string of major hits like “Mama He’s Crazy” and “Love Can Build a Bridge,” and selling more than 20 million records. Between 1984 and 1991, The Judds won five Grammys and had 14 No. 1 singles, per the Hall of Fame.
While Wynonna sang lead, “Naomi provided harmony, wit, and a sashaying stage presence that engaged audiences,” the Hall of Fame said.
The announcement was updated after the news Judd had died, noting, “The museum, the Judds’ family and fans, and the entertainment industry mourn her sudden passing.”
The Judds performed together publicly for the first time in years at the CMT Music Awards early last month, singing “Love Can Build a Bridge.” Judd’s death also came soon after the announcement of The Judds’ 10-date “Final Tour,” which was scheduled to begin in September.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
CNN’s Andy Rose and Christina Maxouris contributed to this report. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/05/01/naomi-judd-to-be-inducted-into-country-music-hall-of-fame-one-day-after-her-death/ | 2022-05-01T20:46:38Z |
Caught on video: intruder stands over residents as they sleep
By Darleene Powells
Click here for updates on this story
SAN BERNARDINO, California (KCAL) — San Bernardino police on Wednesday released disturbing video of an intruder breaking into a home, and standing over the residents, looking at them, as they slept in their bed.
Investigators say the intruder has been identified and arrested, but is suspected of committing other similar crimes. Police say they are not releasing his identity due to the ongoing investigation.
The black-and-white surveillance video shows a man wearing a jacket on top of a hoodie, a backwards baseball cap, and a handkerchief over the bottom of his face in the darkened bedroom. San Bernardino police say the residents of the home were sleeping in an area off-camera, and the video shows the intruder stand there for a moment, looking at them, before he begins rifling through their belongings.
Police did not release details about when or where the break-in happened.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/29/caught-on-video-intruder-stands-over-residents-as-they-sleep/ | 2022-04-29T15:06:53Z |
Ex-deputy gets life for killing ex-wife, stepdaughter, stepdaughter’s boyfriend
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A former Texas sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for killing his ex-wife, teenage stepdaughter and the stepdaughter’s boyfriend.
Former Travis County sheriff’s deputy Stephen Broderick, 42, was automatically sentenced after pleading guilty to capital murder Tuesday in Austin in the 2021 deaths of ex-wife Amanda Broderick, 35; stepdaughter Alyssa Broderick, 17; and Willie Simmons III, 18. Broderick rammed his vehicle into his ex-wife’s house and shot dead all three people inside.
Prosecutors set aside a possible death penalty in exchange for the guilty plea.
The ex-deputy killed the three during a custody visit with his son, whom he didn’t shoot. Stephen Broderick was free on bond at the time of the shooting after being charged the year before with the sexual assault of a child and losing his job as a result.
Stephen Broderick was ordered to wear a GPS tracking device, but state District Judge Karen Sage ordered the removal of the device five months after his release, the Austin American-Statesman reported. Prosecutors dropped the sexual assault charge as part of Broderick’s plea deal. Amanda and Alyssa Broderick’s family said the dismissal denied justice to Alyssa, who was the victim of the sexual assault.
But prosecutors said they doubted they could obtain a conviction on the charge because the victim was dead.
Sage, who passed the sentence on Broderick, expressed sympathy with their anger.
“I wish I could bring you justice,” Sage said. “But the truth is, the loss you’re suffering, there’s nothing I can do to make that loss go away. It’s the best we can do in the system we have, and it’s never enough. My heart goes out to you. Three beautiful, wonderful people — I see their lives shine on through all of you. I hope that at some point you can find some peace.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/09/14/ex-deputy-gets-life-killing-ex-wife-stepdaughter-stepdaughters-boyfriend/ | 2022-09-15T00:48:57Z |
College baseball player has leg amputated following horrific boating accident, family says
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) – A prospective college baseball player had his lower leg amputated following a horrific boating accident that left him severely injured.
Parker Byrd has undergone numerous surgeries since the accident on Bath Creek on July 23.
Byrd was one of two people who fell off their tubes. Byrd’s friend safely got back on the boat, but as Byrd was approaching the boat, the ski rope got caught in the propeller and pulled Byrd toward it. Byrd was hit by the propeller and seriously injured.
Byrd has committed to playing baseball at East Carolina University as a freshman.
His mother Mitzi Byrd posted on social media confirming that her son had surgery to amputate his right leg below his knee. According to the post, doctors may have to perform another amputation above the knee.
“This is hard. I’m not going to lie, this is REALLY hard,” Mitzi Byrd wrote in another Facebook post. “Parker is trying to process it and we are trying to process it. I begged God to provide a miracle but we have to trust his plan.”
Parker Byrd underwent another surgery Friday morning to clean up and close some areas following the amputation. His mother said that marks surgery number nine.
Copyright 2022 WITN via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/05/college-baseball-player-has-leg-amputated-following-horrific-boating-accident-family-says/ | 2022-08-05T20:51:27Z |
Homebuyers and sellers now have confidence and certainty with all-cash Ribbon offers that are guaranteed to close
NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ribbon, the homeownership company, today announces its expansion into Illinois, empowering local homebuyers and sellers to face growing market challenges with more certainty and flexibility. Ribbon's Cash Offer is a guaranteed close, providing sellers peace of mind that the offer will go through while giving buyers flexibility by removing home sale, financing and appraisal contingencies.
Investor-owned homes and mortgage rate increases present affordability challenges for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers. RibbonCash Offers allow buyers to upgrade offers and bid confidently for the home of their dreams, using the most powerful offer in real estate: cash. On the other side of the transaction, Ribbon offers give sellers certainty that their homes will close on time, even in the most volatile markets so that they can move into the next chapter of their lives.
"Everyday buyers deserve a fighting chance to own a home in and around the Windy City," said Shaival Shah, CEO and co-founder of Ribbon. "By expanding our powerful homeownership solutions and best-in-class software to Illinois, we're empowering buyers to win their dream homes and providing sellers with the peace of mind to move on to the next chapter. We are excited to help level the playing field for Illinois homebuyers and their agents — beginning today."
The city of Chicago ranks among the top places to raise a family and grow as young working professionals. Chicago homebuyers continue battling rising costs in a city where homes sell for a median price of $370,000 – up 4.8% compared to last year. Now, with Ribbon, buyers can have the time and flexibility to secure financing for their home when needed.
Ribbon partners with local lenders and brokerages to give buyers and sellers an advantage - instead of competing with them like others in the PropTech space. Ribbon's powerful Cash Offers for lenders enable buyers to become competitive against challenging marketing conditions and a persistent investor presence. With 16.7% of pending sales falling out of contract in June, sellers also look for certainty. Utilizing Ribbon relieves such risk by guaranteeing the sale.
"Fairway's CashReady program, in partnership with Ribbon, changes the game for buyers and agents across the region," said Michael Facchini, Branch Manager, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. "An all-cash offer that is guaranteed to close, providing our clients the option to buy before selling their current home, means our buyers don't have to wait until they sell to begin looking for their next home. It's a big win for both buyers and sellers."
In addition to Illinois, Ribbon expanded into Michigan this week. The company is now in 17 states with plans to expand to half of the U.S. by the end of 2022. For more information about Ribbon, visit www.ribbonhome.com.
About Ribbon:
Founded in 2017 in New York and Charlotte, Ribbon is on a mission to make homeownership achievable. Ribbon allows everyday families to compete on a level playing field with high-net-worth individuals and institutional buyers by upgrading their offers to winning RibbonCash Offers. As the leading real estate technology platform, Ribbon empowers agents, brokerages, and lenders to create a world-class experience for homebuyers and sellers through powerful financial products and digital workflow software. Visit ribbonhome.com.
Media Contact:
BLASTmedia for Ribbon
ribbon@blastmedia.com
317.806.1900
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SOURCE Ribbon | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/15/ribbon-expands-illinois-empowering-buyers-sellers-with-novel-all-cash-offer-closing-certainty-an-ever-changing-market/ | 2022-09-15T15:01:31Z |
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- uLab Systems™, the creator of the uSmile™ clear aligner system and the uDesign® treatment planning software, announces the upcoming release of uDesign 7.0, featuring AI-assisted Auto Staging and the uAssist digital assistant service. The release, which will be unveiled at the AAO annual session in May, provides easy and rapid AI-assisted treatment planning across all treatment complexities or the option to have professionally trained orthodontists and dentists plan the case in less than 3 days.
The new Auto Staging tool uses AI to plan the staging of the case by optimizing the sequence of tooth movement and avoiding collisions, creating an efficient treatment plan and accurate patient results which can minimize the need for refinements. Dr. Mark McInnis, an early user of the 7.0 release comments, "Complex cases that used to take 25 minutes, now take 15 minutes to treatment plan from start to finish, limited cases can be planned in 5-7 minutes."
uLab developed the uAssist digital assistant service because each orthodontist has their own unique workflow and uLab is dedicated to providing options that enable orthodontists to practice the way they chose, providing flexibility at all stages of patient care. The uAssist service is a "simple button" in the uDesign 7.0 software for orthodontists to send a case to our highly trained orthodontists and dentists who use the uDesign software to prepare the treatment plan for them. Once clinical preferences are created by the orthodontist, cases are submitted within minutes and returned within 3-business days for the orthodontist to review and approve. The orthodontist can then modify in uDesign if small adjustments are needed and submit for manufacturing in Memphis.
Dr. Pedro E. Santiago, who has submitted over 50 cases in the development of the uAssist service, comments, "uAssist has allowed me to reduce my treatment designing time to 5 minutes per patient. The [uAssist] team understands my clinical preferences and responds within days of our case submission. A real game changer." Dr. McInnis adds, "Having the concierge service when we have several new starts at once gives me the flexibility I need from a single aligner platform."
This release also provides a new web-based patient consultation and treatment review app called uView. uView enables access to IPR and attachment reports as well as the patient's treatment staging to enhance chairside workflow and patient communication. Other significant improvements in the release include improved Guided Setup tools with common arch form templates, customizable attachment templates, and streamlined menus.
"We know that time and efficacy is of utmost importance to orthodontists, but they also need tools and pricing that give them flexibility when it matters most," says Charlie Wen, founder and chief technology officer of uLab. "This release provides such conveniences to them, enabling simple to complex case planning more easily on their own or from our professionally trained team."
The uDesign 7.0 software will be available after the AAO Conference in May. To learn more about this new release visit Booth #2400 at the AAO or attend the uLab Forum the day before AAO on May 20th. Demo appointments in the AAO booth can be requested online.
About uLab Systems
uLab Systems is led by an experienced team of healthcare innovators helping to transform options for orthodontic practices to provide the best outcomes for their patients. uLab's mission is to advance the orthodontic industry with digital treatment planning software and aligner products that let orthodontists take back control of their treatment plans. uLab sustainably manufactures uSmile aligners in Memphis, TN, recycling over 85% of source materials. uSmile clear aligners and the uDesign software are available to all orthodontic practices in the U.S. and Canada. To learn more visit www.ulabsystems.com.
Contact: David Thrower, Chief Commercial Officer, pr@ulabsystems.com
©2022 uLab Systems, Inc. All Rights reserved. uLab, uLab Systems, and uSmile, are trademarks and uDesign is a registered trademark of uLab Systems, Inc. MAR-0000866 Rev 1
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SOURCE uLab Systems, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/ulab-shortens-treatment-planning-time-all-case-complexities-with-udesign-70-now-with-ai-assisted-staging-concierge-planning-assistance-service/ | 2022-05-04T18:37:00Z |
CHICAGO, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JLL Income Property Trust, an institutionally managed daily NAV REIT (NASDAQ: ZIPTAX; ZIPTMX; ZIPIAX; ZIPIMX) with approximately $6.7 billion in portfolio assets announced today the acquisition of Patterson Place a 25,000-square-foot retail center in Durham, North Carolina. The retail property is anchored by Duke Medical Plaza, which was recently acquired by JLL Income Property Trust. Patterson Place was acquired for approximately $14.5 million.
"Patterson Place is a well-located, medical office-anchored retail center that we believe benefits from strong foot traffic generated by the recently acquired Duke Medical Plaza along with a strong tenant roster and a prime location at the intersection of two major thoroughfares that connect dense population centers," said JLL Income Property Trust President and CEO Allan Swaringen. "We have conviction in the Raleigh market and believe the outlook for retail with a strong anchor tenant looks positive as pandemic restrictions ease and consumer spending remains elevated. All of these factors point to a strong investment that should yield long term, stable cashflow for our stockholders."
Constructed in phases between 2010 and 2015, Patterson Place tenants include national retailers such as Five Guys, AT&T and Moe's. The weighted average lease term is greater than five years. In addition to its strong tenant roster, Patterson Place benefits from local demographic tailwinds. According to LaSalle Research & Strategy, Raleigh's in-migrations is expected to outpace the US rate with a high-concentration of prime-age workers over the next 10 years. Within a one-mile radius of the property annual population growth is projected to grow twice as fast as the US average, which should drive continued consumer demand.
The property's location just off of Interstate 40 puts it at the center of a key regional connector between Durham, Research Triangle Park and Raleigh and makes it accessible to Duke University and University of North Carolina, both of which are just a 10-minute drive.
JLL Income Property Trust's retail allocation is 14 properties in 13 key markets valued at $789 million and representing approximately 13 percent of its overall portfolio.
JLL Income Property Trust is an institutionally managed, daily NAV REIT that brings to investors a growing portfolio of commercial real estate investments selected by an institutional investment management team and sponsored by one of the world's leading real estate services firms.
About JLL Income Property Trust, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZIPTAX; ZIPTMX; ZIPIAX; ZIPIMX),
Jones Lang LaSalle Income Property Trust, Inc. is a daily NAV REIT that owns and manages a diversified portfolio of high quality, income-producing residential, industrial, grocery-anchored retail, healthcare and office properties located in the United States. JLL Income Property Trust expects to further diversify its real estate portfolio over time, including on a global basis. For more information, visit www.jllipt.com.
About LaSalle Investment Management
LaSalle Investment Management is one of the world's leading real estate investment managers. On a global basis, LaSalle manages approximately $78 billion of assets in private and public real estate property and debt investments as of Q4 2021. LaSalle's diverse client base includes public and private pension funds, insurance companies, governments, corporations, endowments and private individuals from across the globe. LaSalle sponsors a complete range of investment vehicles including separate accounts, open- and closed-end funds, public securities and entity-level investments. For more information, please visit http://www.lasalle.com.
Valuations, Forward Looking Statements and Future Results
This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to JLL Income Property Trust. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not descriptions of historical facts and include statements regarding management's intentions, beliefs, expectations, research, market analysis, plans or predictions of the future. Because such statements include risks, uncertainties and contingencies, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Past performance is not indicative of future results and there can be no assurance that future dividends will be paid.
Contacts:
Scott Sutton
LaSalle Investment Management
Telephone: +1 224 343 5538
Email: scott.sutton@lasalle.com
Doug Allen
Dukas Linden Public Relations
Telephone: +1 646 722 6530
Email: JLLIPT@DLPR.com
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SOURCE JLL Income Property Trust | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/jll-income-property-trust-acquires-retail-center-durham-nc/ | 2022-07-26T18:19:19Z |
HOUSTON, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With a growing global agreement on the effects of climate change, the oil and gas sector is under unprecedented pressure to reinvent itself, reduce its carbon footprint, and eventually shift to a clean energy future. As a result, it's critical that the sector can readily and reliably calculate its carbon footprint, track significant sources of emissions, and eventually reduce it through operational and other improvements. Regulatory, investor, consumer, and market forces have exacerbated this requirement, with many companies being required to report their carbon footprints.
Tachyus CEO, Fernando Gutierrez, will present today at the OTC Tachyus' answer to these challenges: Aurion, a software platform that provides operators with a one-stop shop for all emissions and ESG management needs, allowing them to Measure, Estimate, Forecast and Report Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
Aurion has already been used by several USA operators to furnish EPA reports in March 2022 and projects are starting in Latin America and the Middle East with NOC's, Major and independent operators.
Aurion, Predicting a Greener Tomorrow
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SOURCE Tachyus | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/tachyus-ceo-present-carbon-emissions-management-forecasting-platform-otc/ | 2022-05-04T20:02:14Z |
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Public Safety has suspended a trooper pending the outcome of an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General.
This is related to a traffic stop on Aug. 28 just before 11 p.m. involving Trooper Zachary Maini, a spokesperson said. The driver, Clateachia Stewart, spoke with KXAN about the incident. She recorded it on her cell phone.
“What’s causing all of this? I’m really trying to figure out what’s going on,” she said, explaining how she felt in the moment.
She said she was driving to her security guard job that night when the trooper pulled her over on U.S. Highway 183.
“I immediately slow down and am looking for an exit to take,” she said. Stewart said the next exit was U.S. 290, so she continued on 183 to take the Manor Road exit. She said she was concerned about her safety as well as the safety of the trooper.
When she pulled into a parking lot, she said the trooper immediately told her to get out of the car.
“You were evading,” you can hear Maini say in the video.
“I was not evading,” you can hear Steward say.
The video shows Maini repeatedly tell Stewart she is under arrest, and Stewart repeatedly asks why. At one point, Maini is seen pushing Stewart into the side of her car.
The back-and-forth continues for about two minutes, until Maini is heard saying “I’m going to ‘Tase’ you,” and you can see him initiate the Taser.
“It burned,” said Stewart. “It was the weirdest thing ever. I just lost control of my body.”
A DPS spokesperson said Maini’s actions raise “serious concerns that Trooper Maini acted unprofessionally and in violation of DPS policy.”
According to a DPS safety guide, if you feel like it’s unsafe to stop immediately, you’re supposed to turn on your hazard lights and call 911 to speak with dispatch about your situation.
Stewart said the trooper arrested her for attempting to evade, and he told her he originally pulled her over for speeding.
Stewart has a court date later this month.
“This would have been completely different for both of us if he just talked to me. The same way we’re talking, I would have followed any commands,” she said.
Maini started with DPS in 2017, according to the agency. He is stationed in Austin. | https://cw33.com/news/texas/dps-trooper-suspended-after-austin-traffic-stop/ | 2022-09-08T16:44:48Z |
PITTSBURGH, May 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a modified bed sheet to increase a person's comfort while sleeping," said an inventor, from Nutley, N.J., "so I invented the FOOT-POCKET SHEET. My design would allow a person to sleep more peacefully."
The patent-pending invention provides a new design for a bed sheet. In doing so, it helps to keep the sleeper in a more comfortable position throughout the night. As a result, it could enhance relaxation and it could contribute to an improved quality of sleep. The invention features a simple and novel design that is easy to apply and use so it is ideal for households. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.
The original design was submitted to the New Jersey sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-NJD-2428, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/27/inventhelp-inventor-develops-more-comfortable-bed-sheet-option-njd-2428/ | 2022-05-27T20:02:43Z |
- Record net sales of $492.4 million increased 13% compared to Q2'21 driven by higher selling prices
- Reported net income of $14.3 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.80
- Delivered $58.5 million of adjusted EBITDA and $1.32 of non-GAAP earnings per diluted share
- Successfully amended our credit agreement and extended our maturity profile to June 2027
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quaker Houghton ("the Company") (NYSE: KWR), the global leader in industrial process fluids, today announced its second quarter 2022 results.
Second Quarter 2022 Consolidated Results
Second quarter 2022 net sales were a record of $492.4 million, an increase of 13% compared to $435.3 million in the prior year quarter primarily due to an increase in selling price and product mix of approximately 22% and additional net sales from acquisitions of 1%, partially offset by a 6% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and a 4% decrease in organic sales volumes. The increase in selling price and product mix was primarily attributable to double-digit price increases in all segments in response to ongoing and unprecedented raw material and supply chain-related inflationary pressures. The decline in organic sales volumes was primarily attributable to COVID-19 related disruptions in China, the wind-down of the tolling agreement for products previously divested related to the Quaker Houghton combination, the impact of the war in Ukraine and the Company's ongoing value based pricing initiatives, partially offset by net new business wins.
The Company generated net income in the second quarter of 2022 of $14.3 million or $0.80 per diluted share, compared to the prior year quarter net income of $33.6 million or $1.88 per diluted share. Excluding non-recurring and non-core items in each period, the Company's second quarter of 2022 non-GAAP earnings per diluted share was $1.32 compared to $1.82 in the prior year quarter. The Company's second quarter of 2022 adjusted EBITDA of $58.5 million declined compared to $70.1 million in the second quarter of 2021, as the increase in net sales was more than offset by lower gross margins primarily attributable to significant increases in raw material and other costs, compared to the prior year period.
Andy Tometich, Chief Executive Officer and President, commented, "We delivered another quarter of record net sales in the second quarter, driven by strong price realization and above market volume growth. As expected our earnings declined primarily due to ongoing inflationary pressures, COVID-19 disruptions in China, unfavorable foreign currency translation, geopolitical issues and other disruptions that impacted our customers and end markets. Notwithstanding, we delivered significant price increases which offset the raw material inflation and helped to stabilize our gross margins on a sequential basis. I am energized by the commitment and focus of our people who continually demonstrate their dedication to delivering on our objectives and the value proposition of our products and services to our customers.
Looking ahead, our focus remains on executing on items within our control. We are actively working with our customers to get the needed pricing to offset the persistent inflationary pressures on our margins while remaining vigilant on our costs. Therefore, despite significant uncertainty caused by several macroeconomic factors, we continue to expect to deliver sequential gross margin expansion and earnings growth in the second half of 2022."
Second Quarter 2022 Segment Results
The Company's second quarter 2022 operating performance of each of its four reportable operating segments: (i) Americas; (ii) Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"); (iii) Asia/Pacific; and (iv) Global Specialty Businesses, are further described below.
* Refer to the Segment Measures and Reconciliations section below for additional information
All four segments benefitted from double-digit increases in selling price and product mix in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the prior year quarter. Organic sales volumes increased approximately 10% in Global Specialty Businesses compared to the prior year quarter, while the other segments declined due to the impacts on sales volumes mentioned above. The EMEA and Asia/Pacific segments were also significantly impacted by unfavorable foreign currency translation. Operating earnings from the Global Specialty Businesses and Americas segments increased compared to the prior year quarter whereas the other segments declined due to continued raw material and other inflationary cost pressures, the impact of the COVID-19 disruptions in China on our Asia/Pacific segment, and the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.
All four segments benefitted from increases in selling price and product mix compared to the first quarter of 2022, as we continued our strategic pricing initiatives. Organic sales volumes increased compared to the first quarter of 2022 in the Global Specialty Businesses and the Americas but declined in Asia/Pacific and EMEA, primarily due to COVID-19 disruptions in China, which impacted our Asia/Pacific segment, as well as lower sales volumes attributable to the war in Ukraine, and the Company's ongoing value based pricing initiatives, partially offset by net new business wins. Asia/Pacific and EMEA were also unfavorably impacted by foreign currency translation.
Cash Flow and Liquidity Highlights
The Company had a net operating cash outflow of $2.1 million during the second quarter of 2022, bringing the year-to-date net operating cash outflow to $8.4 million, compared to a net operating cash outflow of $9.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021. The net operating cash outflow in both periods reflects working capital investment primarily related to higher accounts receivable due to increases in net sales and higher inventory due primarily to rising raw material costs and to a lesser extent an increase in certain inventory stocks in response to global supply chain and logistics challenges.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company successfully amended its credit agreement and extended the maturity from August 2024 to June 2027. As of June 30, 2022, the Company's total gross debt was $989.1 million and its cash and cash equivalents was $202.3 million. The Company's net debt was approximately $786.8 million, and its net debt divided by its trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA was approximately 3.2x.
Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations
The information included in this press release includes non-GAAP (unaudited) financial information that includes EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information as they enhance a reader's understanding of the financial performance of the Company, are indicative of future operating performance of the Company, and facilitate a comparison among fiscal periods, as the non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that are not indicative of future operating performance or not considered core to the Company's operations. Non-GAAP results are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP.
The Company presents EBITDA which is calculated as net income attributable to the Company before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, net, and taxes on income before equity in net (loss) income of associated companies. The Company also presents adjusted EBITDA which is calculated as EBITDA plus or minus certain items that are not indicative of future operating performance or not considered core to the Company's operations. In addition, the Company presents non-GAAP operating income which is calculated as operating income plus or minus certain items that are not indicative of future operating performance or not considered core to the Company's operations. Adjusted EBITDA margin and non-GAAP operating margin are calculated as the percentage of adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP operating income to consolidated net sales, respectively. The Company believes these non-GAAP measures provide transparent and useful information and are widely used by investors, analysts, and peers in our industry as well as by management in assessing the operating performance of the Company on a consistent basis.
Additionally, the Company presents non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share as additional performance measures. Non-GAAP net income is calculated as adjusted EBITDA, defined above, less depreciation and amortization, interest expense, net, and taxes on income before equity in net (loss) income of associated companies, in each case adjusted, as applicable, for any depreciation, amortization, interest or tax impacts resulting from the non-core items identified in the reconciliation of net income attributable to the Company to adjusted EBITDA. Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share is calculated as non-GAAP net income per diluted share as accounted for under the "two-class share method." The Company believes that non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share provide transparent and useful information and are widely used by investors, analysts, and peers in our industry as well as by management in assessing the operating performance of the Company on a consistent basis.
As it relates to 2022 projections for the Company as well as other forward-looking information described further above, the Company has not provided guidance for comparable GAAP measures or a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure because it is unable to determine with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of certain significant items necessary to calculate such measures without unreasonable effort. These items include, but are not limited to, certain non-recurring or non-core items the Company may record that could materially impact net income, as well as the impact of COVID-19. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on the U.S. GAAP reported results for the guidance period.
The Company's reference to trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA within this press release refers to the twelve month period ended June 30, 2022 adjusted EBITDA of $245.8 million, which includes (i) the six months ended June 30, 2022 adjusted EBITDA of $118.9 million, as presented in the non-GAAP reconciliations below, and (ii) the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 adjusted EBITDA of $274.1 million, as presented in the non-GAAP reconciliations included in the Company's fourth quarter and full year 2021 results press release dated February 24, 2022, less (iii) the six months ended June 30, 2021 adjusted EBITDA of $147.2 million, as presented in the non-GAAP reconciliations below.
Certain of the prior period non-GAAP financial measures presented in the following tables have been adjusted to conform with current period presentation. The following tables reconcile the Company's non-GAAP financial measures (unaudited) to their most directly comparable GAAP (unaudited) financial measures (dollars in thousands unless otherwise noted, except per share amounts):
Non-GAAP Operating Income and Margin Reconciliations
Segment Measures and Reconciliations
The Company's operating segments, which are consistent with its reportable segments, reflect the structure of the Company's internal organization, the method by which the Company's resources are allocated and the manner by which the chief operating decision maker assesses the Company's performance. The Company has four reportable segments: (i) Americas; (ii) EMEA; (iii) Asia/Pacific; and (iv) Global Specialty Businesses. The three geographic segments are composed of the net sales and operations in each respective region, excluding net sales and operations managed globally by the Global Specialty Businesses segment, which includes the Company's container, metal finishing, mining, offshore, specialty coatings, specialty grease and Norman Hay businesses. Segment operating earnings for each of the Company's reportable segments are comprised of the segment's net sales less directly related COGS and selling, general and administrative expenses. Operating expenses not directly attributable to the net sales of each respective segment, such as certain corporate and administrative costs, Combination, integration and other acquisition-related expenses, and Restructuring and related charges, are not included in segment operating earnings. Other items not specifically identified with the Company's reportable segments include interest expense, net and other (expense) income, net.
The following tables reconcile the Company's reportable operating segments performance to that of the Company (dollars in thousands):
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. We have based these forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia and Ukraine conflict, inflation and global supply chain constraints on the Company's business, results of operations, and financial condition, our expectations that we will maintain sufficient liquidity and remain in compliance with the terms of the Company's credit facility, expectations about future demand and raw material costs, and statements regarding the impact of increased raw material costs and pricing initiatives, on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, intentions, financial condition, results of operations, future performance, and business, including but not limited to the potential benefits of the Combination and other acquisitions, the impacts on our business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain constraints, and our current and future results and plans and statements that include the words "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements. A major risk is that demand for the Company's products and services is largely derived from the demand for its customers' products, which subjects the Company to uncertainties related to downturns in a customer's business and unanticipated customer production slowdowns and shutdowns, including as is currently being experienced by many automotive industry companies as a result of supply chain disruptions. Other major risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the primary and secondary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including actions taken in response to the pandemic by various governments, which could exacerbate some or all of the other risks and uncertainties faced by the Company, as well as inflationary pressures, including the potential for significant increases in raw material costs, supply chain disruptions, customer financial instability, rising interest rates and the potential of economic recession, worldwide economic and political disruptions, including the impacts of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the economic and other sanctions imposed by other nations on Russia, suspensions of activities in Russia by many multinational companies and the potential expansion of military activity, foreign currency fluctuations, significant changes in applicable tax rates and regulations, future terrorist attacks and other acts of violence. Furthermore, the Company is subject to the same business cycles as those experienced by our customers in the steel, automobile, aircraft, industrial equipment, and durable goods industries. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 on our business will depend on, among other things, the extent and duration of the pandemic, the severity of the disease and the number of people infected with the virus including new variants, the continued uncertainty regarding global availability, administration, acceptance and long-term efficacy of vaccines, or other treatments for COVID-19 or its variants, the longer-term effects on the economy of the pandemic, including the resulting market volatility, and by the measures taken by governmental authorities and other third parties restricting day-to-day life and business operations and the length of time that such measures remain in place, as well as laws and other governmental programs implemented to address the pandemic or assist impacted businesses, such as fiscal stimulus and other legislation designed to deliver monetary aid and other relief. Other factors could also adversely affect us, including those related to the Combination and other acquisitions and the integration of acquired businesses. Our forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the Company and its operations that are subject to change based on various important factors, some of which are beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties, and possible inaccurate assumptions relevant to our business could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. All forward-looking statements included in this press release, including expectations about business conditions during 2022 and future periods, are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this press release, which may change. Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. For more information regarding these risks and uncertainties as well as certain additional risks that we face, refer to the Risk Factors section, which appears in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in subsequent reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend to, and we disclaim any duty or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events or for any other reason. This discussion is provided as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Conference Call
As previously announced, the Company's investor conference call to discuss its second quarter 2022 performance is scheduled for August 5, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. ET. A live webcast of the conference call, together with supplemental information, can be accessed through the Company's Investor Relations website at investors.quakerhoughton.com. You can also access the conference call by dialing 877-269-7756.
About Quaker Houghton
Quaker Houghton is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world's most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, can, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services. With approximately 4,700 employees, including chemists, engineers and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the United States. Visit quakerhoughton.com to learn more.
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SOURCE Quaker Houghton | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/04/quaker-houghton-announces-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-08-04T20:58:08Z |
SALVATION ARMY NATIONAL COMMANDER DISCUSSES HISTORY AND CONNECTION WITH SWEET TREATS
*National Donut Day is Friday, June 3*
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
On the first Friday in June, Americans celebrate all the gooey goodness of donuts. But this beloved American treat doesn't just taste good, donuts actually have their roots in doing good. National Donut Day was established in 1938 to honor the work of nearly 250 Salvation Army officers known as "Donut Lassies" who traveled overseas to provide emotional and spiritual support as well as fried confectionary, clothes, and supplies to troops in World War I. For more than a century, the organization has continued to provide a wide range of essential services to the most vulnerable and the men and women serving on the front lines of need.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9050451-the-salvation-army-national-donut-day-2022/
Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder, National Leaders for The Salvation Army, share details on National Donut Day and how the holiday is rooted in Salvation Army history, giving it a deeper meaning than you might expect.
- The Salvation Army in Chicago celebrated the first National Donut Day in 1938 to help those in need during the Great Depression and to commemorate the work of the "Donut Lassies," who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.
- In 1917, The Salvation Army began a mission to provide spiritual and emotional support for U.S. soldiers fighting in France during World War I. Nearly 250 Salvation Army officers traveled overseas and set up small huts near the front lines where they could give soldiers clothes, supplies and, of course, donuts.
- The "Donut Lassies" fried donuts in a small pan to boost morale of U.S. soldiers and are credited with popularizing the donut in the United States when troops returned home from war.
- The original century-old recipe is still being used today and can be found on The Salvation Army's website.
For more information, please visit: www.salvationarmyusa.org/
Interview provided by: The Salvation Army
Media Contact: Mary Newsome, Public Relations (mnewsome@lermaagency.com)
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SOURCE The Salvation Army | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/03/donuts-do-good-deeper-meaning-behind-donut-day/ | 2022-06-03T23:45:14Z |
Florida says math textbooks taught critical race theory
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — After a delay of nearly a week, the Florida Department of Education has released two examples that it says back up its rejection of dozens of math textbooks because they contained questions and exercises based on Common Core or critical race theory, issues that opponents say are not actual problems.
The state did not identify which textbooks the examples come from, but one appears to be from an advanced high school algebra or statistics textbook and begins with the phrase, “What? Me? Racist?” It has students work with data reported by an online test that researchers say uncovers hidden attitudes toward different races.
The other appears to come from a teacher’s guide to a kindergarten or first-grade textbook. The lesson is entitled “Social and Emotional Learning - Building Student Agency”; students work together as they put the numbers 1 to 5 in proper order so they can “build proficiency with social awareness as they practice with empathizing with classmates.”
The state rejected more than 50 math textbooks — about 40% of those submitted. Despite the state’s disapproval, under Florida law individual districts can still buy the texts if at least half their book spending is on approved material.
“It seems some publishers attempted to slap a coat of paint on an old house built on the foundation of Common Core, and indoctrinating concepts like race essentialism, especially, bizarrely, for elementary school students,” Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement when the rejections were announced late last week. The examples were released Thursday.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz, a former Miami mayor, said in a statement that Florida has long had a system for picking appropriate books, but it is being politicized by the DeSantis administration.
“What Florida politicians are trying to do now is ignore the judgement of professionals and impose their own political views (behind closed doors) on every parent and child in Florida,” he said.
The Common Core standards are benchmarks adopted by more than 40 states to describe what students should know after completing each grade. The standards were developed by the National Governors Association but became a frequent target of Republicans after the Obama administration pushed states to adopt them.
Opponents contend Common Core includes inappropriate curriculum that is being forced on states. Florida adopted Common Core in the 2000s under Republican Gov. Jeb Bush, who was a strong proponent. But it dropped Common Core in 2020 under DeSantis, who said it was being replaced by “Common Sense.”
Critical race theory centers on the idea that racism is systemic in U.S. institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society. There is little to no evidence that critical race theory is being taught to K-12 public school students, though some ideas central to it, such as lingering consequences of slavery, have been.
DeSantis signed a bill Friday that bars instruction that makes members of a race feel guilty for past actions committed by people of that same race, and bars teaching that meritocracy is racist. It also expands language on requiring teaching on the history of slavery and racial oppression.
The state education department said that the math examples released Thursday are not an exhaustive list of problems it says were reported in the rejected texts by parents. If the publishers want to re-seek approval, they have two weeks to resubmit their books without the content the state found problematic.
The high school example centered around racism is based on data released by the Implicit Bias Test, an online set of surveys whose organizers say uncover hidden attitudes on a variety of subjects. It is operated by Project Implicit, which was founded in 1998 by professors from three institutions: Harvard University, the University of Virginia and the University of Washington.
The rejected textbook does not ask the students to take the Implicit Bias Test, but the surveys are readily found online. In the race test, participants are shown a series of photos of white and Black faces mixed with positive and negative words such as “glad” or “sadness.” In one round, participants are asked to press as quickly as possible the same letter when presented with a white face or a positive word and another letter when presented with a Black face or a negative word.
In the next round, the mixture is reversed — users press the same key when presented with a white face or negative word and the other when presented with a Black face or a positive word. There are more rounds where keys are further reversed. Using accuracy and speed, the organizers believe they can uncover a person’s hidden bias to a particular race, if one exists.
In the example released by the state, students are asked to work with Project Implicit data that says younger and older people are more racially prejudiced than those in middle age and conservatives are more racially biased than liberals.
“If you want to teach your kid Woke Math, where ‘2+2=4′ is white supremacy, you’re free to buy any CRT math textbook you want. You just cannot force Florida taxpayers to subsidize this indoctrination,” the governor’s press secretary, Christina Pushaw, said on Twitter.
But Democratic Party Chair Diaz, a son of Cuban refugees, said the Republicans are trying to bend facts to their own narrative.
“Maintaining or advancing their power requires they control our lives and what we think. My parents did not escape communism in order to have their children live in another authoritarian government, plain and simple,” he said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/04/22/florida-says-math-textbooks-taught-critical-race-theory/ | 2022-04-22T23:45:44Z |
- Participated USD 4M in Series A round of Sabanto through Hico Capital
- Investment decision based on market growth and Sabanto's differentiated competitive edge… contributing to sustainability as well
- "Investing in a variety of promising business domains around the world, to build a foundation to upgrade our business portfolio"
SEOUL, South Korea, June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hico Capital, US based investment arm of SK networks, has invested in a US AgTech startup.
SK networks announced on June 30(CDT) that the company will invest USD 4 million, via Hico Capital, its US investment subsidiary, in the Series A round for tractor automation solution provider, Sabanto (based in Chicago, Illinois, USA). Total funding amount is USD 17 million which will be used to fund commercialization and continued development the technology.
Sabanto is a startup offering an automation solution for farming tractors and differentiates itself from competitors by delivering an automation solution deployable in conventional tractors currently in operation. In addition, as the solution is offered as an open platform, it is compatible with most of the tractor brands. The automation solution is attractive with this wide range of adaptability as it can enable customers to access autonomy-embedded tractor without replacing the existing tractors. Sabanto is on track for a commercial launch of its product to farmers in the third quarter of this year. In addition, Sabanto has been pilot testing with the US Air Force since last year, with the final phase of testing to be completed in the third quarter of this year.
Hico Capital has made its investment decision based on the considerable growth potential of AgTech industry as well as Sabanto's differentiated technologies. The US agriculture industry faces a series of challenges including aging farmers, shortage of labor, and rising costs, which have prompted the government and the market to consider automation technology as a possible solution. The global autonomous tractor market is estimated to grow at 20% per annum. Sabanto is expected to benefit from the industry tailwind, driven by the increasing demand for automation.
Samuel Kim, Managing Director at Hico Capital commented, "The AgTech industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States, and Sabanto's automation tech offerings will not only boost the operational efficiency of tractors but also contribute to the sustainability in agriculture," and he added, "This investment will allow us to support startups with innovative technology and potentially forge partnership with SK networks' businesses in the future."
Founded in 2020, Hico Capital is a subsidiary of SK networks based in Silicon Valley to facilitate investments in frontier tech opportunities and to expand its local networks. Hico Capital has made a number of investments to date, including Standard Cognition and MycoWorks.
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SOURCE SK networks | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/sk-networks-hico-capital-invests-us-tractor-automation-solution-provider/ | 2022-07-01T02:32:58Z |
– Phase 2b dose-optimization trial in patients with General Anxiety Disorder underway with first patient dosing expected in Q3 2022 –
– Advanced IND-enabling studies for MM-402 with the Phase 1 investigator-initiated pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic trial on track to initiate in Q3 2022 –
– Appoints Drs. Suzanne Bruhn and Roger Crystal as independent members of the Board of Directors –
– Strengthened leadership team with the appointment of Schond L. Greenway as Chief Financial Officer –
– Cash runway through key clinical readouts in 2023 and into 2024 –
– Company to host conference call today at 4:30 PM ET –
NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (NASDAQ: MNMD), (NEO: MMED), (the "Company" or "MindMed"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel products to treat brain health disorders, today reported its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.
"In the second quarter, we took important steps to advance our ongoing development programs, which was highlighted by the progression of our Phase 2b dose-optimization trial of MM-120 for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), one of the largest well-controlled studies of LSD ever conducted. This trial builds on encouraging positive data generated in the LSD-Assist Study, a Phase 2 placebo-controlled investigator-initiated clinical trial of LSD in the treatment of anxiety disorders and decades of evidence of the therapeutic potential of LSD in anxiety, depression and beyond. During the quarter, we also announced positive safety and tolerability results for our MM-110 program, for the treatment of opioid withdrawal, that provide important insight into the design for future studies for the clinical program for individuals undergoing supervised opioid withdrawal," said Robert Barrow, Chief Executive Officer and Director of MindMed.
"As we continue to sharpen our efforts on our key strategic priorities for the near-term, we remain primarily focused on directing our resources towards advancing our MM-120 program in psychiatric indications, and our MM-402 program in autism spectrum disorder. We intend to continue further development for our MM-110 program subject to successful pursuit of non-dilutive sources of capital and/or collaborations with third parties. We believe that this strategy represents a cost-effective approach to advancing the programs in our pipeline that we believe have the highest probability to generate near-term value for our shareholders. With our sharpened focus and strengthened leadership team, we look forward to providing additional updates on our progress as we advance our clinical pipeline."
Recent Highlights and Anticipated Upcoming Milestones:
MM-120 (LSD D-tartrate): a proprietary, pharmaceutically optimized form of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) that is primarily being developed for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
- The Company remains on track for patient dosing in the Phase 2b dose-optimization study of MM-120 for the treatment of GAD, with topline results expected in late 2023.
- In May 2022, MindMed collaborators at University Hospital Basel (UHB), presented results from a Phase 2 placebo-controlled investigator-initiated clinical trial of LSD in the treatment of anxiety disorders (LSD-Assist Study), at London's PSYCH Symposium.
- The Company intends to prioritize and focus its current development efforts and resources on MM-120 in psychiatric indications.
MM-402 or R(-)-MDMA: a synthetic R-enantiomer of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA) that the Company is developing for the treatment of core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
- IND-enabling studies are currently ongoing and initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial of MM-402 is planned in 2023.
- Through the Company's collaboration with the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland, a Phase 1 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic investigator-initiated trial of R(-)-MDMA, S(+)-MDMA and (+)- MDMA in healthy volunteers is expected to commence in Q3 2022.
MM-110 (zolunicant HCl or 18-MC): a non-hallucinogenic proprietary congener of ibogaine that the Company is developing for the treatment of opioid withdrawal. MM-110 is an α3β4 nicotinic cholinergic receptor antagonist that has been tested in preclinical models of withdrawal and substance use disorders.
- In May 2022, the Company reported positive topline results from the Phase 1 placebo-controlled trial designed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and neurocognitive effects of MM-110 in 108 healthy volunteers. The Company intends to continue further clinical development for our MM-110 program through the pursuit of non-dilutive sources of capital and/or collaborations with third parties.
Digital Medicine Initiatives
- MindMed Session Monitoring System (MSMS):technological platform and product that provides the foundation for the development and implementation of a suite of regulated and unregulated products for use by clinicians and patients during treatment sessions that may also include the use of consciousness altering medications. Clinical studies have progressed with the completion of data collection to evaluate sensory data during a consciousness-altering therapeutic session.
- Anxiety Digital Diagnoses for Precision Psychiatry (ADDAPT): study being run via a newly developed mobile application to support the study is currently in private beta, enrolling by invitation.
- Quantifying the Processes and Events of Psychotherapy at Scale (QPEPS): study has completed part 1 of its data collection period and is entering an interim analysis phase.
Leadership Additions and Corporate Updates
- In May 2022, Schond L. Greenway was appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Greenway comes to MindMed with over 20 years of experience in investment banking, finance and corporate advisory, and investment analysis in the life sciences sector.
- On August 4, 2022, the Board of Directors approved a ratio of 1-for-15 reverse share split of the Company's common shares. The reverse share split is expected to take effect after the close of business on August 26, 2022, with trading expected to begin on a split-adjusted basis on the Nasdaq and the Neo Exchange Inc. at market open on August 29, 2022.
- On August 11, 2022, the Company appointed Drs. Suzanne Bruhn and Roger Crystal as independent members of its Board of Directors in order to provide valuable insights and guidance to the leadership team's development and commercialization efforts for its novel treatments for brain health disorders. Miri Halperin Wernli retired from the Board of Directors to focus on her executive role as the Company's Executive President leading the Company's research and clinical collaborations.
- On August 11, 2022, Cynthia Hu transitioned from her role as Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary. Ms. Hu will transition to an advisory role and continue to support the Company with its key objectives.
Second Quarter 2022 Financial and Other Recent Highlights
Cash Balance. As of June 30, 2022, MindMed had cash and cash equivalents totaling $105.7 million compared to $133.5 million as of December 31, 2021. MindMed believes its available cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet its operating requirements beyond its key development milestones in 2023 and into 2024.
Net Cash in Operating Activities. The net cash used in operating activities was $28.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $21.2 million for the same period in 2021.
Research and Development (R&D). R&D were $9.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $8.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of $1.2 million. The increase was primarily due to $2.8 million of external costs related to the LSD research program and the commencement of R(-)-MDMA study . This increase was primarily offset by a decrease in external costs of $1.0 million related to the completion of our 18-MC study in 2021. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, research and development expenses were $19.6 million, compared to $14.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase was primarily due to $2.9 million of internal costs related to compensation costs for additional headcount and an increase of $1.0 million of stock-based compensation expense.
General and Administrative (G&A). G&A were $7.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $37.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, a decrease of $29.5 million. The decrease was primarily due to $24.4 million in additional non-cash stock-based compensation expenses relating to the modification of stock option awards and RSUs. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, general and administrative expenses were $15.9 million, compared to $44.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to an decrease of $24.4 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expenses relating to the modification of stock option awards and Restricted Stock Units.
Net Loss. The net and comprehensive loss for the three months ended June 30, 2022 was $17.1 million, compared to $44.5 million for the same period in 2021. For the six months ended June 30, 2022 was $35.6 million compared to $58.2 million for the same period in 2021.
Conference Call and Webcast Reminder
MindMed management will host a conference call at 4:30 PM ET today to provide a corporate update and review the company's second quarter 2022 financial results. Individuals may participate via telephone by dialing (877) 407-0789 (domestic) or (201) 689-8562 (international) and using conference ID 13731606. The webcast can be accessed live here or on MindMed's Investor Resources webpage. The webcast will be archived on the company's website for at least 30 days after the conference call.
About MindMed
MindMed is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel products to treat brain health disorders, with a particular focus on psychiatry, addiction, pain and neurology. Our mission is to be the global leader in the development and delivery of treatments that unlock new opportunities to improve patient outcomes. We are developing a pipeline of innovative drug candidates, with and without acute perceptual effects, targeting the serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine systems.
MindMed trades on NASDAQ under the symbol MNMD and on the Canadian NEO Exchange under the symbol MMED.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this news release related to the Company constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking information is not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "may", "should", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "potential" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated upcoming milestones and studies, results and timing of clinical studies, resource allocation amongst programs, expected growth and developments of drugs and technologies, continuing collaborations and partnerships, and the availability of cash and cash equivalents. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including history of negative cash flows; limited operating history; incurrence of future losses; availability of additional capital; lack of product revenue; compliance with laws and regulations; difficulty associated with research and development; risks associated with clinical trials or studies; heightened regulatory scrutiny; early stage product development; clinical trial risks; regulatory approval processes; novelty of the psychedelic inspired medicines industry; as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to herein and the risks described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022 under headings such as "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements," and "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and other filings and furnishings made by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces and territories of Canada which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events, changes in expectations or otherwise.
For Media: media@mindmed.co
For Investors: ir@mindmed.co
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SOURCE Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/mindmed-reports-second-quarter-2022-financial-results-business-highlights/ | 2022-08-11T21:24:03Z |
Mario Batali settles 2 lawsuits alleging sexual assault
BOSTON (AP) — Mario Batali has agreed to settle two Massachusetts lawsuits that accused the celebrity chef of sexual assault, attorneys for the women said on Wednesday.
The decision to settle the cases comes more than two months after the former Food Network personality was cleared of a criminal charge stemming from accusations by one of the women, who prosecutors alleged aggressively kissed and groped her while taking a selfie at a downtown Boston bar in 2017.
“The matters have been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties. We cannot comment further due to confidentiality obligations,” attorneys for the two women, Eric Baum and Matthew Fogelman, said in an emailed statement.
An email seeking comment was sent Wednesday to Batali’s attorney.
The women alleged that Batali had sexually assaulted them on separate occasions. The accusations by one of the women led to the only criminal case against the prominent chef and restauranteur at the height of the #MeToo movement.
One woman testified in May about how she felt confused and powerless to do anything to stop Batali at the time.
But Batali was acquitted of indecent assault and battery after a Boston judge agreed with Batali’s lawyers that the accuser had credibility issues and that photos suggested the encounter was amicable.
Batali’s lawyers portrayed the accuser as a liar who was financially motivated because of her civil lawsuit brought against the chef in 2018.
If convicted, Batali faced up to 2 1/2 years in jail and would have been required to register as a sex offender.
The other woman — who sued Batali in 2019 — similarly alleged that Batali had groped and kissed her at a restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood in 2016.
Batali stepped down from day-to-day operations at his restaurant empire and left the since-discontinued ABC cooking show “The Chew” after the sexual misconduct allegations surfaced.
Last year, Batali, his business partner and their New York City restaurant company agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve a four-year investigation by the New York attorney general’s office into allegations that Batali and other staff sexually harassed employees.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/24/mario-batali-settles-2-lawsuits-alleging-sexual-assault/ | 2022-08-24T19:50:09Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Weiss Law is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of Safehold Inc. ("Safehold" or the "Company") (NYSE: SAFE) in connection with the proposed merger of the Company with iStar Inc. ("iStar") (NYSE: STAR). Prior to the closing of the transaction, iStar will undergo a reverse stock split to reduce the number of iStar shares outstanding to be equal to the number of Safehold shares owned by iStar prior to the merger. Upon closing, the shares of Safehold owned by iStar will be retired and each share of Safehold not owned by iStar will be exchanged for one share of common stock of the newly combined company, New Safehold. Safehold shareholders are expected to own only approximately 34% of New Safehold while iStar shareholders are expected to own approximately 37% of New Safehold directly, and 14% indirectly as a result of the spin-off transaction.
If you own Safehold shares and wish to discuss this investigation or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, visit our website:
https://www.weisslaw.co/news-and-cases/safe
Or please contact:
Joshua Rubin, Esq.
Weiss Law
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Weiss Law is investigating whether (i) Safehold's board of directors acted in the best interests of Company shareholders in agreeing to the proposed transaction, (ii) the merger consideration adequately compensates Safehold's shareholders, and (iii) all information regarding the sales process and valuation of the transaction will be fully and fairly disclosed.
Weiss Law has litigated hundreds of stockholder class and derivative actions for violations of corporate and fiduciary duties. We have recovered over a billion dollars for defrauded clients and obtained important corporate governance relief in many of these cases. If you have information or would like legal advice concerning possible corporate wrongdoing (including insider trading, waste of corporate assets, accounting fraud, or materially misleading information), consumer fraud (including false advertising, defective products, or other deceptive business practices), or anti-trust violations, please email us at stockinfo@weisslawllp.com
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SOURCE Weiss Law | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/shareholder-alert-weiss-law-investigates-safehold-inc/ | 2022-08-15T21:59:27Z |
- As of July 21, 2022, Vonage becomes wholly owned subsidiary of Ericsson
- With Vonage on board, Ericsson will create a market for easy to adopt global network Application Program Interfaces ("APIs"); this will drive the next wave of digitalization
- Ericsson will generate near-term synergies from bringing Vonage Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solutions to its existing customers
- Rory Read, Vonage CEO, appointed member of Ericsson's Executive Team
STOCKHOLM, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has completed its acquisition of Vonage Holdings Corp. (Vonage) (NASDAQ: VG), supporting Ericsson's strategy to leverage technology leadership to grow its mobile network business and expand into enterprise. The acquisition provides Ericsson with access to powerful building blocks to offer a full suite of communications solutions including, Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS), UCaaS and CCaaS.
By leveraging the Vonage CPaaS offering, Ericsson aims to transform the way advanced 5G network capabilities are exposed, consumed and paid for. This will provide the global developer community, including Vonage's more than one million registered developers, with easy access to 4G and 5G network capabilities via open Application Program Interfaces (APIs).
For communications service providers (CSPs), global network APIs - such as location and quality of service APIs - provide new opportunities to expand their profit pools to monetize 5G network capabilities. For Ericsson, global APIs provide a new material growth opportunity. The existing market for communications APIs - such as video, voice and SMS - is currently growing at 30 percent annually and projected to reach USD 22 billion by 2025.
Accessing network capabilities in an open, intuitive, and programmable way via global APIs will enable developer communities to create applications for any device that benefits from connection to the 5G network. Developers can utilize network characteristics such as user authentication, bandwidth, responsiveness, energy efficiency, security, identification and reliability - or network information such as device information or predictive coverage.
These new and innovative consumer and enterprise applications will further drive the rollout of 5G and network Capex.
To accelerate growth in Vonage's UCaaS and CCaaS solutions, Ericsson intends to increase R&D investments and offer these solutions to CSPs, enabling Ericsson's existing customers to sell through their own brands, and accelerate growth. Ericsson will also complement existing communications offerings to small and medium sized companies with the Vonage UCaaS and CCaaS solutions which will form a strong part of Ericsson's offerings to both CSPs and enterprises.
Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, says: "We are excited to welcome Vonage as part of Ericsson. With Vonage's suite of communications solutions - UCaaS, CCaaS and Communications APIs - Ericsson will further expand its offerings into the enterprise space. In the future, network capabilities will be consumed and paid for through open network APIs, creating the opportunity for unparalleled innovation. We have already launched the first network API, Dynamic End-user Boost, based on existing 4G infrastructure. With Vonage, we will now develop and commercialize these new APIs. We are already seeing great progress with frontrunner CSPs, and we aim to launch the first 5G network APIs in the coming year. We will continue to create new, enhanced applications and services for enterprises, while driving continued innovation on Vonage's UCaaS and CCaaS applications, helping businesses create new digital experiences for better communications, connections and engagement.
"By linking the network world with the global developer community, we're creating a paradigm shift that will put the network at the center, allowing the CSPs a new monetization opportunity supporting increasing investments in high-performance networks."
"4G was the platform that allowed the consumer to digitalize. It opened new business models and created some of the fastest-growing companies in history. With 5G, we have an innovation platform, unlike anything we've seen before, offering almost limitless opportunities to develop super-fast, highly reliable, low-latency and mission-critical services. With 5G, we will see accelerated digitalization of enterprises with Vonage's UCaaS and CCaaS suite being a solid growth platform."
Vonage was recently named the leader in the Omdia Universe: Selecting a CPaaS Platform 2022 report, ranked in top positions on customer experience and solutions capability. It currently serves over 120,000 business customers, has a global community of more than one million registered developers and a highly scaled platform with a combined 25 billion messages and minutes per year. This, combined with Ericsson's deep network expertise, industry-leading portfolio and global scale, is expected to enable Ericsson to seed and accelerate the market for global network APIs. CSPs will benefit from global reach, beyond national or regional setups.
The acquisition will also further strengthen Ericsson's presence and long-term commitment to the United States, where it has a 120-year history of conducting business.
Rory Read, Vonage CEO, says: "Vonage was born out of innovation and is today a global leader in business cloud communications. This partnership will strengthen our offerings to businesses across the globe by leveraging Ericsson's leadership in 5G, global market presence and strong R&D capabilities. With the demand for UCaaS, CCaaS and Communications APIs growing rapidly, the combined expertise, talent and innovation is good news for our customers and partners."
He adds, "The way we work, shop, learn, see a doctor, exercise and entertain is fundamentally changing. Together, Ericsson and Vonage will be at the heart of the next wave of the digital transformation, providing enterprises, CSPs and end users with innovative applications and services that will change how business gets done. We will drive deeper connections and engagement among employees and across customer touchpoints, making for exceptional experiences."
Additional information about the transaction
The transaction is expected to be accretive to Ericsson's EPS (excluding non-cash amortization impacts) and free cash flow before Mergers & Acquisitions (M&As) from 2024 onwards.
Vonage will become a separate business area within the Ericsson Group - called Business Area Global Communications Platform (BGCP). Rory Read, current CEO of Vonage, is appointed Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Global Communications Platform and a member of Ericsson's Executive Team.
With the completion of the transaction, Vonage will continue to operate under its existing name and brand being part of the Ericsson Group.
As of the closing date, Vonage's financial performance will be reported in Segment Enterprise along with Business Area Enterprise Wireless Solutions and Business Area Technologies & New Businesses as of the third quarter 2022.
Vonage common stock has ceased trading and will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
The acquisition was funded with cash on hand. The USD amount has been hedged with both external transactions and internal netting of Ericsson's ongoing USD inflows.
The transaction is expected to deliver near-term revenue synergy opportunities, including CSPs selling through their own brands and cross-selling of the combined product portfolio estimated to contribute USD 0.4 billion by 2025. Ericsson also expects to achieve some cost efficiencies now that the deal is complete.
Vonage has a strong track record of growth and margin evolution. Sales were USD 1.4 billion in the 12-month period to 31 March 2022, and over the same period, the company delivered an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13 percent and free cash flow of USD 93 million.
Ericsson remains committed to the previously communicated long-term financial targets of an EBITA margin of 15-18 percent and Free Cash Flow before M&A of 9-12 percent of sales; as well as the 2022 EBIT margin target of 12-14 percent for the Ericsson Group excluding Vonage.
Vonage is currently engaged with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to resolve an investigation into historic consumer practices which was initiated in 2020.
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About Ericsson
Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company's portfolio spans the business areas Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson's innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com
About Vonage
Vonage, a global cloud communications leader, helps businesses accelerate their digital transformation. Vonage's Communications Platform is fully programmable and allows for the integration of Video, Voice, Chat, Messaging and Verification into existing products, workflows and systems. Vonage's fully programmable unified communications and contact center applications are built from the Vonage platform and enable companies to transform how they communicate and operate from the office or anywhere, providing enormous flexibility and ensuring business continuity. Vonage Holdings Corp. is headquartered in New Jersey, with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Israel and Asia. www.vonage.com
Forward-looking statements
This release includes forward-looking statements, including statements reflecting management's current views relating to the growth of the market, future market conditions, future events, financial condition, and expected operational and financial performance, including, in particular the following:
- Our goals, strategies, planning assumptions and operational or financial performance expectations
- Industry trends, future characteristics and development of the markets in which we operate
- Our future liquidity, capital resources, capital expenditures, cost savings and profitability
- The expected demand for our existing and new products and services as well as plans to launch new products and services including research and development expenditures
- The ability to deliver on future plans and to realize potential for future growth
- The expected operational or financial performance of strategic cooperation activities and joint ventures
- The time until acquired entities and businesses will be integrated and accretive to income
- Technology and industry trends including the regulatory and standardization environment in which we operate, competition and our customer structure.
The words "believe," "expect," "foresee," "anticipate," "assume," "intend," "likely," "projects," "may," "could," "plan," "estimate," "forecast," "will," "should," "would," "predict," "aim," "ambition," "seek," "potential," "target," "might," "continue," or, in each case, their negative or variations, and similar words or expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. Any statement that refers to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements.
We caution investors that these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements.
Important factors that could affect whether and to what extent any of our forward-looking statements materialize include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the section "Risk Factors" in the latest interim report, and in "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report 2021.
These forward-looking statements also represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date that they were made. We expressly disclaim a duty to provide updates to these forward-looking statements, and the estimates and assumptions associated with them, after the date of this release, to reflect events or changes in circumstances or changes in expectations or the occurrence of anticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law or stock exchange regulations.
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SOURCE Ericsson | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/21/ericsson-completes-acquisition-vonage/ | 2022-07-21T14:14:44Z |
Simms to Anchor New Platform in the Fishing Category Within Vista Outdoor's Outdoor Products Portfolio
Acquisition Strengthens Vista Outdoor with 12th Power Brand, Adds Approximately $110 Million in Net Sales
ANOKA, Minn., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), the parent company of 41 renowned brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products to consumers around the globe, today announced the closing of its acquisition of Bozeman, Mont.-based Simms Fishing Products for a purchase price of $192.5 million, which includes a net present value of roughly $20 million in future tax benefits.
"The addition of Simms Fishing Products to the Vista Outdoor family is transformational for our growing Outdoor Products segment," said Chris Metz, Chief Executive Officer, Vista Outdoor. "As the anchor of our new fishing platform, Simms broadens our core addressable market into a new, highly attractive category with a premium, innovative brand that boasts significant room for growth. We are especially excited that Simms will continue to call Bozeman home and will keep designing and producing their world-famous waders in Montana."
Simms was founded in 1980 and later acquired in 1993 by K.C. Walsh, its current Executive Chairman, who continues with the company as a strategic advisor and conservation and government affairs advocate. Simms CEO Casey Sheahan continues to lead day-to-day operations of Simms, and the current Simms management team and existing employee base will remain in place.
Simms is now part of Vista Outdoor's Outdoor Products segment and will be included in the new Outdoor Products Company upon the completion of the previously announced separation.
Vista Outdoor paid a gross purchase price of $192.5 million, which included a net present value of roughly $20 million in future tax benefits. Simms grew net sales by a compound annual growth rate of approximately 15 percent from calendar year 2019 to 2021 and is expected to grow in excess of that in calendar year 2022. Vista Outdoor expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings, excluding transaction costs, transition costs and inventory step-up, in Fiscal Year 2024.
Vista Outdoor financed this acquisition via an existing ABL credit facility. After the acquisition of Simms, Vista Outdoor's leverage ratio is well within its target leverage ratio of one to two times. Vista Outdoor expects to de-lever to roughly 1.5 times by the end of the Fiscal Year 2023.
Since 1980, Simms Fishing has created products that inspire you to fish. We use our hands to craft groundbreaking gear that's built to fish harder and go farther. Our products serve a higher purpose. Fishing is fishing, but more importantly, gear that performs at the highest level allows all anglers to embrace the overall fishing experience and all the unique nuances that occur before and after the catch. And as fishing has advanced, so too have we, into a state-of-the-art design and manufacturing hub, where innovators converge in Bozeman, Montana, to form a diverse, creative family. For more, visit www.simmsfishing.com.
Vista Outdoor (NYSE: VSTO) is the parent company of more than three dozen renowned brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products. We serve a broad and diverse range of consumers around the globe, including outdoor enthusiasts, golfers, cyclists, backyard grillers, campers, hunters, recreational shooters, athletes, as well as law enforcement and military professionals. Our reporting segments, Outdoor Products and Sporting Products, provide these consumers with a wide range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative outdoor and sporting products. Our operating model leverages shared resources across brands to achieve levels of excellence and performance that would be out of reach for any one brand on its own. Brands include Remington Ammunition, Bushnell, CamelBak, Bushnell Golf, Foresight Sports, Fox Racing, Bell Helmets, Camp Chef, Giro, QuietKat, Stone Glacier, Federal Ammunition and more. Vista Outdoor products are sold at leading retailers and distributors across North America and worldwide. For news and information, visit our website at www.vistaoutdoor.com.
Some of the statements made and information contained in this report, excluding historical information, are "forward-looking statements," including those that discuss, among other things: our plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; projections with respect to future revenues, income, earnings per share or other financial measures for Vista Outdoor; and the assumptions that underlie these matters. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "aim," "should" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. To the extent that any such information is forward-looking, it is intended to fit within the safe harbor for forward-looking information provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations described in such forward-looking statements, including the following: supplier capacity constraints, production or shipping disruptions or quality or price issues affecting our operating costs; the supply, availability and costs of raw materials and components; increases in commodity, energy, and production costs; seasonality and weather conditions; our ability to complete acquisitions, realize expected benefits from acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses; reductions in or unexpected changes in or our inability to accurately forecast demand for ammunition, accessories, or other outdoor sports and recreation products; disruption in the service or significant increase in the cost of our primary delivery and shipping services for our products and components or a significant disruption at shipping ports; risks associated with diversification into new international and commercial markets, including regulatory compliance; our ability to take advantage of growth opportunities in international and commercial markets; our ability to obtain and maintain licenses to third-party technology; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; disruptions caused by catastrophic events; risks associated with our sales to significant retail customers, including unexpected cancellations, delays, and other changes to purchase orders; our competitive environment; our ability to adapt our products to changes in technology, the marketplace and customer preferences, including our ability to respond to shifting preferences of the end consumer from brick and mortar retail to online retail; our ability to maintain and enhance brand recognition and reputation; others' use of social media to disseminate negative commentary about us, our products, and boycotts; the outcome of contingencies, including with respect to litigation and other proceedings relating to intellectual property, product liability, warranty liability, personal injury, and environmental remediation; our ability to comply with extensive federal, state and international laws, rules and regulations; changes in laws, rules and regulations relating to our business, such as federal and state ammunition regulations; risks associated with cybersecurity and other industrial and physical security threats; interest rate risk; changes in the current tariff structures; changes in tax rules or pronouncements; capital market volatility and the availability of financing; foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; general economic and business conditions in the United States and our markets outside the United States, including the war in Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions on Russia, conditions affecting employment levels, consumer confidence and spending, conditions in the retail environment, and other economic conditions affecting demand for our products and the financial health of our customers; and risks related to our Planned Separation. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements we make. A more detailed description of risk factors that may affect our operating results can be found in Part 1, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2022 and in the filings we make with Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") from time to time. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law.
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SOURCE Vista Outdoor Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/vista-outdoor-announces-closing-acquisition-simms-fishing-products/ | 2022-08-23T11:42:54Z |
A downtown Temple parking lot closure at First Street, south of Avenue A, will be delayed until June 6 due to construction material delays, officials said Friday.
The project is scheduled to last four months.
Detours will be implemented in the area, as needed, with advance notice given, the city of Temple said in a news release. Motorists should use caution and pay attention to all traffic control devices.
Residents with questions can contact the city of Temple Engineering Division at 254-298-5660. | https://www.tdtnews.com/news/central_texas_news/article_8691604e-d88b-11ec-aee0-ff040b0c96e2.html | 2022-05-21T00:04:31Z |
K-State golfer to compete in prestigious U.S. Amateur
MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Kansas State sophomore golfer Cooper Schultz will compete in the U.S. Amateur for his second straight year.
The Andover, KS native carded an 8-under par 136 in July’s qualifying event held at Overland Park’s Milburn Country Club. That earned him an alternate spot, which was recently upgraded to a spot in the 312-man field.
The U.S. Amateur is entering its 122nd year of hosting the nation’s best young golfers. It will run from August 15-21 at the par-71, 7,487-yard Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, NJ.
The stroke play co-host venue will be the par-70, 7,256-yard Arcola Country Club.
The event consists of two stroke play rounds which will determine the spots for a 64-man match play tournament. That will decide the champion.
Schultz played in last year’s U.S. Amateur, and made it to the match play tournament by firing two under-par rounds during stroke play. He became the first Wildcat to advance to match play since at least 2000.
This year’s two stroke play rounds will be held on Monday August and Tuesday, with match play beginning on Wednesday.
Schultz will tee off in the first round on Monday at 2:05 p.m. CT.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/13/k-state-golfer-compete-prestigious-us-amateur/ | 2022-08-13T22:27:11Z |
BERLIN (AP) — The German government will take a roughly 30% stake in energy supplier Uniper as part of a rescue package prompted by surging prices for natural gas and reduced Russian deliveries, the company and Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Friday.
Uniper, which has been Germany’s biggest importer of Russian gas used to fuel industry, generate electricity and heat homes, asked for a bailout two weeks ago. German officials quickly pledged that they would help, but thrashing out the details took time. One result will be higher prices for customers.
Uniper had previously downgraded its financial outlook for this year, pointing to a sharp reduction in gas deliveries by Russia’s state-owned Gazprom in recent weeks that has forced it to buy substitute supplies at significantly higher prices.
Scholz, who interrupted his summer vacation for the announcement, said Uniper is “of paramount significance for the economic development of our country and for energy supply to individual citizens, but also to many companies.”
“It was necessary to stabilize Uniper now,” he told reporters in Berlin. “If I remember rightly, about 60% of gas imports in Germany are ultimately organized in a certain way via this distributor. That is a very, very big chunk, so it’s clear you can imagine that there would have been practically no company at the end of these supply chain that wouldn’t be affected.”
Gazprom reduced the flow of gas through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline from Russia to Germany — the latter’s main source of Russian gas — by 60% in mid-June, pointing to technical issues that German officials dispute. Russian gas recently has accounted for about a third of Germany’s supply.
After a scheduled 10-day shutdown for maintenance, gas deliveries through the pipeline resumed as scheduled Thursday but still at only 40% capacity. The German government announced that it would step up its gas storage requirements and take further measures to save gas.
The package announced Friday will result in an increase in consumers’ gas prices, which have already been high and are driving inflation. Scholz said a levy for gas customers will start in September or October that could lead to an increase of 2 euro cents per kilowatt hour, which could add up to 200 to 300 euros per year to the bill for a family of four.
Scholz promised further efforts to shield Germany’s people and companies from the fallout of high energy prices, pledging that “you’ll never walk alone.”
“We will do everything necessary so that, together as a country, as companies and as citizens, we get through this situation so that no one is put in a situation that is insoluble for him or her,” he said.
The rescue package involves a roughly 267 million-euro ($272 million) capital increase signed by the German government alone, and a mandatory convertible instrument of up to 7.7 billion euros being issued to the government — in tranches and as Uniper’s liquidity needs require. An existing 2 billion-euro credit facility from Germany’s state-owned KfW development bank will be increased to 9 billion euros.
Uniper is majority-owned by Finland-based Fortum, in which the Finnish government holds a majority stake. Scholz said the owners will effectively be making a “substantial contribution” to the rescue by having the value of their holdings diluted. Fortum’s stake will go from about 80% to 56%.
Fortum CEO Markus Rauramo described talks with the German government as intense but “conducted in a good spirit.”
“Together, we saw that the undisturbed continuation of Uniper’s operations, securing security of energy supply, and cooperation and unity between EU countries were more important than getting stuck on a certain solution model,” he said in a statement on the company’s website.
Rauramo said Uniper is critical for energy security in Germany and Europe. The German energy company has become entangled in a situation where “Russia is using energy as a weapon against Europe as part of the war in Ukraine,” he said, adding that “no company has been able to fully prepare for such a business risk.”
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AP reporter Jari Tanner in Helsinki contributed to this report.
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Follow all AP stories on the fallout from the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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This story has been corrected to show that the potential cost of the gas levy for a family of four is 200 to 300 euros per year, not 300 to 400. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/german-government-agrees-on-bailout-for-energy-supplier/ | 2022-07-22T21:17:25Z |
Part of a foot, in a shoe, spotted in Yellowstone hot spring
Published: Aug. 18, 2022 at 1:18 PM EDT|Updated: 46 minutes ago
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Yellowstone National Park officials are investigating after an employee spotted part of a foot, in a shoe, floating in a hot spring in the southern part of the park.
Officials say the discovery on Tuesday led to the temporary closure of the West Thumb Geyser Basin and its parking lot. The area has since reopened.
Park officials had no more information about the discovery to make public on Thursday.
The shoe was spotted in Abyss Pool, a 53-foot-deep hot spring west of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake with a temperature of about 140 degrees.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/18/part-foot-shoe-spotted-yellowstone-hot-spring/ | 2022-08-18T18:04:47Z |
Process to be Led by Special Committee Comprised of Independent Members of Board of Directors Will Review Potential Proposals
LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its ongoing transformation process, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association ("HFPA") announced the beginning of a formal review to determine potential outside strategic interest in its organization and assets. Potential proposals are to be reviewed by a Special Committee composed entirely of independent members of the Board of Directors, with the assistance of financial and legal advisors.
"As we announced last year, the HFPA began a process of change and transformation addressing issues of diversity, governance and conduct. As we continue that process, we have moved into the phase of determining the best course of action regarding the accomplishment of the HFPA's mission, including how to achieve the optimal financial and commercial growth for the Golden Globe® brand in the future," said Helen Hoehne, President of the HFPA. "The board of directors has appointed an independent committee to work with our financial and legal advisors to review proposals from any interested parties in such phase."
The HFPA has embarked on a review of potential strategic alternatives in response to significantly changed market conditions for journalism and recent inquiries about potential partnership opportunities to leverage its attractive assets in a post-pandemic environment. Its Special Committee will review potential strategic options with the goal of optimizing the value of the HFPA's various assets and continue to enhance the organization's position in the marketplace while strengthening its relationships with various stakeholders.
As part of this review, the HFPA has negotiated a term sheet with Eldridge Industries LLC ("Eldridge"), a global firm that makes investments in various industries including insurance, asset management, technology, sports, media, real estate, and the consumer sector. Eldridge was founded and is chaired by Todd L. Boehly, who is currently interim chief executive officer of the HFPA. The term sheet allows for the HFPA to solicit other offers and consider alternative transactions. At least one other entity has already indicated interest in making a proposal.
The Special Committee is comprised exclusively of the three outside independent members of the board: Sharlette Hambrick, Jeff Harris and Dr. Joanna Massey. This Special Committee will consider various strategic alternatives and review any proposals from interested parties with the assistance of Houlihan Lokey, Inc. and its legal advisors. Boehly will not be part of the review, recommendation or approval process with respect to these proposals.
"The decision to create a special independent committee, which will work collaboratively with financial and legal advisors follows our previously stated commitment to adhere to good governance practices and transparency in our actions," Hoehne added.
The HFPA is committed to a thorough and swift review of its potential strategic alternatives to identify a path forward that is in its best interests. At this time, the Special Committee has not reached any conclusion, and there can be no assurance the review will result in any transaction or other strategic change or outcome.
The HFPA remains committed to continuing its process of change and transformation to address issues of diversity, governance, and conduct, regardless of whether there is a transaction or other strategic change or outcome. The HFPA does not intend to comment further until it determines that additional disclosure is appropriate or necessary.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) was founded in 1943 – then known as the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association – by a group of entertainment journalists based in Los Angeles. During World War II, the non-profit organization established a cultural bridge between Tinseltown and millions around the world seeking an escape and inspiration through entertainment. The HFPA continues to do so today with a membership representing more than 55 countries.
Since 1944, the group has hosted the annual Golden Globe® Awards – the premier ceremony which honors achievements in both television and film. The licensing fees from the Golden Globe® Awards has enabled the organization to donate more than $50 million to more than 70 entertainment-related charities, film restoration, scholarship programs and humanitarian efforts over the last three decades. Its efforts include support for diversity programs in partnership with advocacy groups promoting greater access in Hollywood aimed at underserved communities. For more information, please visit www.GoldenGlobes.com and follow us on Twitter (@GoldenGlobes), Instagram (@GoldenGlobes), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/GoldenGlobes).
Media Contact: media@hfpa.org
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SOURCE HFPA | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/13/hollywood-foreign-press-association-announces-process-review-potential-strategic-alternatives/ | 2022-05-14T01:02:04Z |
Practice joins Affordable Care's national network of supported dental practices
- Patients at the new practice benefit from special offers
- Variety of payment options including financing and insurance available
STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga., June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The new Affordable Dentures & Implants practice in Stone Mountain, Georgia, located at 5370 Stone Mountain Highway, Suite 1120, is now open. The practice joins the nation's largest provider network of dental practices – supported by Affordable Care – that focus exclusively on tooth replacement services.
From extractions and partial dentures to full dentures and dental implants, including implant-secured dentures, Affordable Dentures & Implants in Stone Mountain offers high-quality, affordable tooth replacement care to create a new smile that not only looks great, but has the potential to transform a patient's life, allowing them to eat, speak and smile with confidence again. The practice features an on-site dental lab, which adds faster, more convenient services with all dental care provided at one location, along with the latest state-of-the-art technology, including a CBCT scanner for a more accurate image of a patient's mouth. In addition, Affordable Dentures & Implants practices provide a variety of sedation options.
Jasmine R. Edwards, DMD, General Dentist and the Affordable Dentures & Implants team in Stone Mountain are proud to offer professional and compassionate care to patients. The practice is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, including the practice's enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols, or to schedule an appointment, visit the practice website or call (770) 783-1446.
About Affordable Dentures & Implants®
Affordable Dentures & Implants practices make tooth replacement affordable for everyone. Founded in 1975 in Kinston, North Carolina, Affordable Dentures & Implant practices form the largest network of dental providers in the U.S., solely focused on tooth replacement solutions -- including dentures, dental implants, and fixed arch solutions -- with more than 400 locations across 42 states. The mission of Affordable Dentures & Implants practices is to provide a smile for every budget, delivered with compassion, dignity and respect. Visit affordabledentures.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Affordable Care
Affordable Care is America's largest dental support organization exclusively focused on tooth replacement services. Our team proudly supports more than 400 affiliated dental practices, including Affordable Dentures & Implants, DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions and Advanced Dental Implant Center, in 42 states by providing innovative, non-clinical business and administrative support services to assist affiliated dental practices in providing their patients with access to high-quality, affordable tooth replacement solutions. More than 8 million patients have received care at an Affordable Care-supported dental practice. Visit affordablecare.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
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SOURCE Affordable Care | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/grand-opening-affordable-dentures-amp-implants-stone-mountain-georgia-enhances-patient-access-high-quality-affordable-dental-care/ | 2022-06-30T14:04:14Z |
MINNEAPOLIS, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood) is pleased to announce the promotions of six senior leaders to vice president positions.
Chris Carda, PE, Vice President, Civil Engineering Operations, oversees site design, water resources, field services, and geotechnical and structural engineering for Westwood's Power Division. Carda joined Westwood in 2006 and has been providing development solutions to a broad range of clients for more than 20 years. His experience, which spans the entire development process, provides intrinsic value to the business, up-and-coming professionals, and his clients.
Chris Hoglund, PS, CFedS, Vice President, Geospatial Operations, leads national land surveying and remote sensing services for Westwood's Power Division. Hoglund joined Westwood in 1999 and has worked in the residential and commercial, wind and solar, and power delivery markets. His broad knowledge allows him to work effectively with clients as well as engineers and government officials.
Dan Baggiani, PE, Vice President, Power Delivery, is responsible for driving the vision for market expansion, ensuring client satisfaction, and developing high-potential leaders for Westwood's Power Delivery team. Since joining the firm in 2019 through the acquisition of Main Line Energy Consultants, LLC, Baggiani has been instrumental in advancing market growth and geographic expansion.
Jeff Saucier, Vice President, Information Technology, joined Westwood in 2013. Saucier has significantly and consistently advanced the organization's technologies through stakeholder engagement and efficient, responsive, and service-orientated processes.
Pat Zacharie, Vice President, General Counsel, joined Westwood in 2021. Zacharie's legal career spans over 25 years. Her experience and leadership has advanced a wide range of Westwood's legal and business processes for mergers and acquisitions, project contracts, and overall corporate functions.
Tim Heun, Vice President, Procurement, has an extensive 25-year career supporting business growth and developing operational efficiencies to increase the bottom line. He has been instrumental in creating standards for all purchase decisions to mitigate risk, leading equipment procurement, and overseeing the insurance and client review processes.
On all promotions, Westwood's CEO, Paul Greenhagen, PS, says, "Each of our new vice presidents demonstrate the leadership qualities Westwood needs to achieve our long-term vision. I congratulate them and am extremely grateful for their dedication to our organization."
Westwood is a national, full-service engineering services provider for private development, public infrastructure, wind energy, solar energy, and power delivery projects. Westwood was established in 1972 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and serves clients across the country from multiple U.S. offices. View more Westwood facts.
In 2022, Westwood placed #13 and #26 respectively on Zweig Group's national Hot Firms' and Best Firms to Work For Lists. Westwood also ranked consistently higher three years in a row on the Engineering News Record (ENR) list as a leading design firm in the country. The firm consistently ranks on industry top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement on award-winning projects nationwide.
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SOURCE Westwood Professional Services | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/westwood-appoints-new-vice-presidents/ | 2022-06-22T18:54:29Z |
Which pergola is best?
A pergola is similar to a gazebo, except that the roof has open slats rather than being fully covered. Good pergolas still provide plenty of shade, but they offer a design some consider more attractive. It’s important to purchase pergolas with durable materials that can outlast the wind, sun and rain, as they’re too expensive to keep replacing.
The best pergola is the Vita Avalon Vinyl Pergola. Its slats are adjustable so you’re always sitting in shade, and the vinyl is highly weather-resistant.
What to know before you buy a pergola
Roof designs
Pergolas have one of three roof designs: traditional, gabled and pitched.
- Traditional roofs are flat, with slats that are usually in a lattice pattern.
- Gabled roofs are triangular, like most modern American housing.
- Pitched roofs are flat, but one end is higher than the other. They are usually installed flush with your home rather than further out into your yard.
Coverings
Some pergolas, either in addition to or instead of slats, use coverings hung underneath the roof to protect you from sun and rain. Many are adjustable. Cloth is the most common material, with plastic, PVC and steel also available.
Size
Most pergolas are sized between 7 by 7 and 12 by 12 feet, with heights from 7-10 feet.
Shape
Pergolas are typically square or rectangular, though some can be found in circular or octagonal shapes. Other shapes are possible, but you’ll likely need to have it custom-made rather than find it available to order.
What to look for in a quality pergola
Material
In order of general quality, pergolas are typically made of metal, vinyl or wood.
- Metal pergolas are typically made of aluminum or steel. Freestanding aluminum is the most affordable, but also can be dented or bent, and is the most likely to be blown away by heavy wind. Metal pergolas are available in the widest range of colors and provide a more modern aesthetic. However, If the metal isn’t treated properly, you need to worry about rusting.
- Vinyl pergolas are the most durable, requiring little to no maintenance compared to metal and wood. They are naturally resistant to most weather, including water, wind and ultraviolet rays. They aren’t the most expensive, either. However, they have two major negatives. First, they are rarely any color but a shade of white — it’s possible to paint them with acrylic paint, but you’ll need to keep reapplying as it fades away. Second, their plasticky looks are rarely thought aesthetically pleasing.
- Wood pergolas are the most common. They’re expensive, but wood is easy to stain or paint to match your home, and there are many varieties of wood to choose from. Generally, they can be divided between softwoods and hardwoods, with softwoods less expensive, a bit less durable and a little lighter than hardwoods.
Warranty
The best pergolas tend to have the best warranties, as manufacturers will stand by their best products. Twenty-year warranties are the best, but 10-year ones are acceptable. Some pergolas have different warranties for certain parts.
How much you can expect to spend on a pergola
Depending on their size and material, pergolas can cost less than $500 or more than $4,000. Metal pergolas are typically the most affordable, followed by vinyl and then wood.
Pergola FAQ
Do I need a permit to install a pergola?
A. It’s possible, depending on your state and local laws as well as the size of the pergola. Your municipal building department should be able to answer this question.
Are pergolas accepted by homeowners associations?
A. That depends on your homeowners’ association. Always check with yours, if you have one, before making any large changes to your home.
Should wood pergolas be stained before or after assembly?
A. Neither method is better than the other. Staining it before means you have easier access to all the materials, but you’ll need to stain in two rounds to make sure every piece is properly covered. Staining it afterward means you only need to stain the surfaces you can see, but you need to go up and down a ladder.
What’s the best pergola to buy?
Top pergola
What you need to know: This quality option is gorgeous, durable and has adjustable shading.
What you’ll love: The vinyl construction is resistant to water, wind, UV rays and other causes of rot, and it includes a 20-year warranty for the pergola and a 5-year warranty for the louvers. It measures 10 by 10 by 8.67 feet.
What you should consider: A few consumers felt the louvers were difficult to adjust. Others had issues with missing parts or no-show installers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
Top pergola for the money
Coolaroo Aurora Patio Shade Pergola
What you need to know: It’s money-saving without sacrificing function or style.
What you’ll love: It can be built and left freestanding — there’s no need to anchor it to the ground — and it has a weather-resistant and light-filtering retractable canopy that comes in three colors. It measures 9.84 by 9.84 by 7.17 feet.
What you should consider: If you want to mount or anchor it, you need to purchase a separate kit. The installation instructions can be difficult to understand and a few people received damaged parts.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This is perfect for those who need large coverage.
What you’ll love: The vinyl construction is fully weather-resistant — it can even be safely cleaned by spraying it with your hose. It can be safely installed to most materials, including wooden and concrete patios. It measures 12 by 12 by 8.84 feet.
What you should consider: It doesn’t include a mounting or anchoring kit. Most reviewers needed a second set of hands to assemble it, though the instructions are easy to follow.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/home-br/decor-br/best-pergola-2/ | 2022-04-14T19:48:20Z |
Amperity's Enterprise Customer Data Platform unifies global fashion brand's customer data;
activates insights across customer touchpoints, both online and in-store
SEATTLE, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Amperity, the leading Enterprise Customer Data Platform (CDP) for consumer brands, today announced alice + olivia, a global leader in personal style for women, has selected Amperity to deliver a unified view of each of its customers. alice + olivia's ultimate goal is to provide today's sophisticated shoppers with personalized communications whether shopping online or in alice + olivia's boutique stores around the world.
alice + olivia is deploying Amperity to provide its in-store associates with a unified 360-degree view of its global customer-base. Amperity enables the alice + olivia marketing and analytics teams to activate data from across all touchpoints from pre-purchase to point-of-sale to post-purchase customer care to deliver a consistent and relevant shopper experience.
"People have come to expect a certain level of excitement and attention from our brick-and-mortar stores," said Mark Koda, chief financial officer at alice + olivia. "Amperity's technology makes it possible for us to create unified customer profiles and actionable insights at scale, allowing us to extend that brand experience shoppers have come to know and love across our entire digital ecosystem. I am confident Amperity will truly help us increase brand excitement and loyalty."
Amperity will help alice + olivia keep data at the center of its business strategy and prioritize analytics and measurement across the entire customer journey. With Amperity, the retailer will be able to increase the number of return customers, up the purchase frequency from loyal customers, and boost the eCommerce average order value (AOV).
"alice + olivia aims to optimize every customer interaction by delivering the most personalized content, offer, ad, and omni-channel experience that has meaning in the moment, but is also always on brand," said Barry Padgett, CEO of Amperity. "With a truly 360° view of its customers, alice + olivia can deliver on both the preferences and expectations of its customer base established by the in-store experience and extend them across every digital touchpoint."
alice + olivia operates more than 30 boutique stores and its products are featured at 800 department and specialty stores around the world. The brand, which offers ready-to-wear, gowns, shoes, and accessories, was honored by NYC mayor Eric Adams with its own official "alice + olivia day" which was celebrated on June 15.
Founded in 2002 by Stacey Bendet, alice + olivia is a brand that allows women to express their personal style. With clothing that juxtaposes whimsical and flirty with sexy and sophisticated, a+o epitomizes the personality and perspective of its founder. The brand has grown into a full lifestyle collection including ready-to-wear, gowns and accessories and is a Hollywood favorite with celebrity fans including Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Amal Clooney, Gigi Hadid, Paris Hilton and Jessica Alba. For more information, please contact personalshopper@aliceandolivia.com, visit aliceandolivia.com or follow @aliceandolivia.
Amperity is the leading customer data platform (CDP) provider that helps companies put data to work to improve marketing performance, build long-term customer loyalty and drive revenue. Amperity's enterprise CDP is used by many of the world's most beloved brands, such as Alaska Airlines, Crocs, Endeavour Drinks, Kendra Scott, Kroger, Lucky Brand, Planet Fitness, Seattle Sounders FC, Under Armour and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The company is headquartered in Seattle with offices in New York City. For more information, please visit www.amperity.com or follow @Amperity.
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SOURCE Amperity | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/alice-olivia-selects-amperity-more-relevant-consistent-personalized-shopper-experiences/ | 2022-08-02T14:19:31Z |
HERZLIYA, Israel, May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- World Series of Poker®1 (WSOP®), a Playtika® studio and the world's no. 1 free-to-play poker app2, is finally unveiling the names of the 14 influencers who will be part of its trailblazing #RoadToTheTable campaign.
Fans have eagerly been awaiting the identities of the influencers who will be competing against each other virtually throughout 2022. Their combined 28m followers will be taken on the journey with them, leading up to a final battle of the wits where they will meet in person to see who can secure the coveted WSOP® crown.
The 14 influencers battling to becoming a WSOP® legend are:
- Adam LZ, fun car video producer
- Billy Mann, comedian and adventurer, challenge themed content creator
- Collete Davis, automotive themed video creator
- Erik Conover, YouTuber focusing on life in NYC, luxury homes
- Jay Mendoza, a Latinx social media personality
- Jiedel, lifestyle/ sports content producer, part of 2hype house and 100 thieves
- Kenny Chao, sports/ fitness guru
- Lauren Fitzmaurice & Stephania Ergemlidze, basketball content creator
- Malena Tudi, a talented Twitch streamer
- Matthew Meagher, NFL/ madden enthusiast
- Nick Antonyan, an exciting comedic talent
- Nick Palom, who runs the Twitch stream 'Nmplol'
- Zack TTG, 2hype house, sports content creator in basketball and NBA
As the world's most downloaded free-to-play poker game, the WSOP® app is on a mission to make the game of poker accessible and enjoyable by wider demographic groups, and it has picked the competitors carefully to hit a diverse set of audiences.
Let the journey begin!
All the influencers taking part in the #RoadToTheTable challenge have now been sent a mystery box, containing a built-in video message welcoming them to the tournament as well as top quality poker chips and card decks that they will be using to improve their poker skills over the coming months.
ZackTTG, who started his sports-themed YouTube channel in 2015 and has since received more than 103.8 million cumulative views, took to Instagram to show his reaction to opening the mystery box:
"I've been playing poker a lot recently, and since I'm new to the game my homies over at World Series of Poker® sent me over this kit to help me become a better player," he told his 372k followers before going on to explore the kit.
After just returning from the undisputed home of poker, Las Vegas, basketball content creator Lauren Fitzmaurice also revealed her participation in the competition to her followers on TikTok, telling them that anyone can play poker and inviting them to follow her on her journey to becoming a poker legend.
Commenting on the campaign, General Manager of the official WSOP® app Guy Ceder said, "We are thrilled to finally announce the identities of the influencers taking part in our #RoadToTheTable campaign. We hope that everyone involved will enjoy playing poker as much as we do, and that the influencers' journey towards becoming legendary poker players will inspire their audiences to explore the game too, both virtually and with real-life decks and chips! Poker is a classic game loved by people around the world, and by sharing their excitement about the game the participants in #RoadToTheTable will open many people's eyes to this. We wish them all the best"!
World Series of Poker® can be downloaded for free on Apple Store and Google Play.
About World Series of Poker®
WSOP® is the official free to play app of the World Series of Poker®, and the world's most downloaded free poker game. Home to millions of poker players across tablets and mobile, the game features countless exciting game modes, tournaments and special events while rewarding its best players with authentic virtual WSOP® prizes and poker-player trophies and glory.
About Playtika®
Playtika® Holding Corp (NASDAQ: PLTK) is a mobile gaming entertainment and technology market leader with a portfolio of multiple game titles. Founded in 2010, Playtika® was among the first to offer free-to-play social games on social networks and, shortly after, on mobile platforms. Headquartered in Herzliya, Israel, and guided by a mission to entertain the world through infinite ways to play, Playtika® has offices worldwide and employs over 4,000 employees.
[1] WSOP® and World Series of Poker® are both registered trademarks owned and licensed by Caesars Interactive Entertainment LLC
[2] According to Data.ai, World Series of Poker® was the world's most popular free-to-play Poker (Casino) game by worldwide downloads from Jan - Dec 2021 across iOS and Google Play.
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SOURCE Playtika | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/20/world-series-poker-app-announces-influencers-featuring-roadtothetable-tournament/ | 2022-05-20T16:05:29Z |
BEIJING, July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Xinhua-Kelan Cashmere Goat Price Index was released on Wednesday in Kelan County, north China's Shanxi Province, aiming to boost the high-quality development of Kelan cashmere goat industry.
As the first cashmere goat price index in China, the index comprehensively and objectively reflects the price information of all links of Kelan cashmere goat industrial chain, provides pricing reference for the market, and boosts the revitalization of characteristic industries with digital tools.
Located in the northwest of Shanxi Province, Kelan County has unique advantages in developing goat raising industry. Over the years, Kelan has gradually formed a cashmere goat processing system integrating leather, wool, cashmere and meat production.
By the end of 2021, Kelan County had raised nearly 660,000 goats, including 550,000 cashmere goats, with 136 tonnes of cashmere and 306 tonnes of wool having been produced. The annual output value of goat industry reached 252 million yuan, accounting for 60 percent of the total output value of local animal husbandry.
Jointly developed by China Economic Information Service (CEIS) and the government of Kelan County, the index is expected to objectively reflect industrial development trend and improve market circulation efficiency, which will be of great significance to the goat industry development and decision-making departments.
The index is an important opportunity for Kelan County's agricultural high-quality transformation and upgrading, as well as a major measure for industrial revitalization and animal husbandry development, which will have a far-reaching impact on the development of the local goat industry, said Meng Hongbin, secretary of Kelan county committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The goat index will guide the market to circulate more smoothly, promote the better dissemination of brand value, accelerate the digital transformation of the industry, and achieve high-quality development of the local cashmere goat industry, according to Zhang Zhaoxin, researcher of the Research Center for Rural Economy (RCRE).
CEIS is an economic information provider under Xinhua News Agency and boasts multiple key information service platforms such as the Xinhua Finance, Xinhua Silk Road, Xinhua Credit, and Xinhua Indices. Xinhua Indices provides comprehensive indices compiling, releasing, operating and promotion services.
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SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/xinhua-silk-road-kelan-cashmere-goat-price-index-released-n-chinas-shanxi/ | 2022-07-01T11:34:26Z |
Jim Thorpe reinstated as sole winner of 1912 Olympic gold medals
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Jim Thorpe has been reinstated as the sole winner of the 1912 Olympic pentathlon and decathlon in Stockholm — nearly 110 years after being stripped of those gold medals for violations of strict amateurism rules of the time.
The International Olympic Committee announced the change Friday on the 110th anniversary of Thorpe winning the decathlon and later being proclaimed by King Gustav V of Sweden as “the greatest athlete in the world.”
Thorpe, a Native American, returned to a ticker-tape parade in New York, but months later it was discovered he had been paid to play minor league baseball over two summers, an infringement of the Olympic amateurism rules. He was stripped of his gold medals in what was described as the first major international sports scandal.
Thorpe to some remains the greatest all-around athlete ever. He was voted as the Associated Press’ Athlete of the Half Century in a poll in 1950.
In 1982 — 29 years after Thorpe’s death — the IOC gave duplicate gold medals to his family but his Olympic records were not reinstated, nor was his status as the sole gold medalist of the two events.
Two years ago, a Bright Path Strong petition advocated declaring Thorpe the outright winner of the pentathlon and decathlon in 1912. The IOC had listed him as a co-champion in the official record book.
“We welcome the fact that, thanks to the great engagement of Bright Path Strong, a solution could be found,” IOC President Thomas Bach said. “This is a most exceptional and unique situation, which has been addressed by an extraordinary gesture of fair play from the National Olympic Committees concerned.”
Thorpe’s Native American name, Wa-Tho-Huk, means “Bright Path.” The organization with the help of IOC member Anita DeFrantz had contacted the Swedish Olympic Committee and the family of Hugo Wieslander, who had been elevated to decathlon gold medalist in 1913.
“They confirmed that Wieslander himself had never accepted the Olympic gold medal allocated to him, and had always been of the opinion that Jim Thorpe was the sole legitimate Olympic gold medalist,” the IOC said, adding that the Swedish Olympic Committee agreed.
“The same declaration was received from the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports, whose athlete, Ferdinand Bie, was named as the gold medalist when Thorpe was stripped of the pentathlon title,” the IOC said.
Bie will be listed as the silver medalist in the pentathlon, and Wieslander with silver in the decathlon.
World Athletics, the governing body of track and field, has also agreed to amend its records, the IOC said.
Bright Path Strong commended the IOC for “setting the record straight” about the Sac and Fox and Potawatomi athlete.
“We are so grateful this nearly 110-year-old injustice has finally been corrected, and there is no confusion about the most remarkable athlete in history,” said Nedra Darling, the organization co-founder and citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
As the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States, Thorpe “has inspired our people for generations,” said Fawn Sharp, president of the National Congress of American Indians.
In Stockholm, Thorpe tripled the score of his nearest competitor in the pentathlon and had 688 more points than the second-placed finisher in the decathlon.
During the closing ceremony, King Gustav V told Thorpe: “Sir, you are the greatest athlete in the world.”
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/15/jim-thorpe-reinstated-sole-winner-1912-olympic-gold-medals/ | 2022-07-15T18:06:37Z |
Florida releases 4 examples from math textbooks it rejected for public schools
By Jay Croft, CNN
Florida education officials have released four images from some of the math textbooks the state rejected this month, citing what they said were references to critical race theory or other “prohibited” topics.
The state Department of Education last week rejected 54 of 132 math textbooks publishers had submitted. The books did not comply with its Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking Standards or were rejected for including critical race theory (CRT), social emotional learning (SEL) and more, it said.
Some conservative groups claim critical race theory and social emotional learning are used to indoctrinate students.
Among the images released this week from books the state said were not adopted are references to “racial prejudice” and SEL. Which books they’re from and their full context isn’t clear.
Department spokesperson Cassie Palelis did not identify the books and referred CNN to the agency website showing “a few examples” that were “received from the public.” It’s unclear exactly what the specific concerns were with the four examples.
“At this time, those who have submitted textbooks for consideration still own the material (i.e. their content is copyrighted and we are unable to release it to the public at this time, pending review),” she wrote.
The examples mention “measuring racial prejudice” and the “Implicit Association Test.”
Another says the “SEL Objective” is to help students “build proficiency with social awareness as they practice with empathizing with classmates.”
The fourth includes a word or phrase that has been redacted. It also says, “This feature is designed to build student agency by focusing on students’ social and emotional learning.”
The images were posted with a disclaimer that reads, in part: “These examples do not represent an exhaustive list of input received by the Department. The Department is continuing to give publishers the opportunity to remediate all deficiencies identified during the review to ensure the broadest selection of high quality instructional materials are available to the school districts and Florida’s students.”
Governor says he wants to focus on academics
SEL helps students “develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions,” the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning says.
More than a dozen states have set standards for teaching SEL in grade schools, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. But as more states consider SEL strategies, conservative groups have claimed critical race theory is embedded in it.
Opponents argue CRT is based on Marxism and is a threat to the American way of life. But scholars who study it say it explores how a history of inequality and racism impact American society today.
Florida officials want to “focus the education on the actual strong academic performance of the students,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday.
“We don’t want things like math to have, you know, some of these other concepts introduced. It’s not been proven to be effective, and quite frankly, it takes our eye off the ball,” the governor told reporters at a news conference.
Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, called for transparency on how the state’s department of education made the decision, including examples of “objectionable” content and details about those who reviewed the textbooks and their qualifications.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
CNN’s Tina Burnside and Nicole Chavez contributed to this report. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2022/04/22/florida-releases-4-examples-from-math-textbooks-it-rejected-for-public-schools/ | 2022-04-22T16:39:26Z |
Funeral for Uvalde girl who dreamed of going to art school
UVALDE, Texas (AP) — Mourners on Sunday were remembering a girl who was an aspiring artist, whose joy at reaching the double-digit age of 10 charmed broken hearts around the world.
Alithia Ramirez was among the 19 children who, along with their two teachers, died on May 24 when an 18-year-old gunman opened fire with an AR-15-style rifle inside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Alithia’s funeral was set for Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church. Funerals will continue into mid-June.
Her obituary described her as smart and an “extremely loving young lady who dreamt of attending Art School in Paris. She was very reliable, always wanted to take care of everyone, and was a role model to her siblings.”
Alithia’s parents met with President Joe Biden during his visit to Uvalde on May 29, KENS-TV reported. They said Biden asked if he could have one of her drawings to hang in the White House.
Ryan Ramirez said Biden told the parents, ‘Whenever we hang it up, we are going to send you a picture of where it is hanging, and you are free to see it anytime.”
Ryan Ramirez rushed to Robb Elementary when he heard about the shooting. He told KTRK-TV he simply wanted to find his daughter and take her home.
After her death, a photo was shown around the world of Alithia, smiling broadly as she wore a tie-dye T-shirt that read: “Out of single digits” and “I’m 10.” Her birthday was April 28.
Her father later posted that same photo on Facebook with no words, but with Alithia wearing angel wings.
“This is a parent’s nightmare. This is the worst of the worst,” Ryan Ramirez told KENS-TV on Wednesday.
___
More on the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas: https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/05/funeral-uvalde-girl-who-dreamed-going-art-school/ | 2022-06-05T14:02:51Z |
New research from Bain & Company shows young gamers are spending more time and money in the metaverse, paving the way for the future of entertainment
BOSTON, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Video games are now the first choice of entertainment for people ages 13 to 17—ranking above social media, TV, music or any other form of media—according to a new study by Bain & Company. These young gamers—from the US to Brazil and China to Japan—are currently spending more time and money in the metaverse than older gamers, and they expect to increase the amount of time they spend there in the future.
"There has been a lot of buzz, and plenty of confusion, among the business community on what the metaverse is and how it will shift commerce and life into the digital realm," said Andre James, Global Head of Bain & Company's Media & Entertainment Practice. "Meanwhile, young gamers have been paving the future of the metaverse. They have adopted to metaverse-style games, often preferring to socialize with friends in games more than in person. They are increasingly comfortable with virtual reality, so even those that don't currently play in the metaverse are likely to do so in the future."
Younger games are most drawn to metaverse games that are fully immersive and social, include the ability for players to be active creators in the game, offer in-game purchases and are available on any device. Additionally, half of young gamers prefer to spend time with their friends in games over hanging out in-person. This is just one example of how gamers' preferences are changing as the delineation between digital and real-world experiences recedes, and video games become the foundation for a far broader collection of entertainment experiences.
The rise of new payment models, like monthly subscriptions to game libraries, and the adoption of "free-to-play" games has led to improved average revenue per user. This trend is likely to accelerate as video games become the foundation for other paid entertainment experiences. However, metaverse companies will need to cater to the preferences of different demographics. For example, 56% of younger gamers said they were comfortable paying to unlock features that improve their performance in a game, while many older players were not. Bain's research also found younger gamers are more likely to play online games to compete with friends, family and strangers, compared with adult gamers who tend to play for fun and are more likely to play solo.
The increasing interest in the metaverse is consistent for the young gamers' preferences in and out of gaming. About half of younger gamers said they would rather attend school events in the metaverse, and half said they would rather play with their friends online than in person. Social experiences in game spaces lay the foundation for other online activities, such as concerts, sporting events and other aspects of life, including work and commerce. We will likely see this growing demand for community experiences as a catalyst for a broader metaverse.
Bain's research indicates that although there are some differences between younger gamer motivations and preferences across geographies, similarities are growing leading to more opportunity for global success. In order to maximize potential, developers and publishers will need to continue to listen to preferences from young gamers. This will include building fun and immersive experiences that are social, multiplatform and customizable. Long-term player engagement will be dominated by games that can scale and have a world and community that exists beyond the initial video game.
The frenzied M&A activity that defined the first half of 2022 in the gaming industry may be only the beginning. Experience from other media industries suggests that more consolidation is likely.
Additionally, game developers compete with other tech companies for top coding talent, but Bain's research of salaries shows game companies pay less than competitors. To deliver the top-tier metaverse content that younger gamers crave, gaming companies will need to adapt their talent strategies so they can attract and retain the right people. We will see this through traditional above-market compensation and benefits as well as providing opportunities to work at companies that are more virtual, less hierarchical, leaner and more agile.
Editor's Note: For more information or interview requests please contact, Katie Ware at katie.ware@bain.com or tel. +1 646 562 8102.
About Bain & Company
Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future.
Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a gold rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 2% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.
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SOURCE Bain & Company | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/young-gamers-are-embracing-metaverse/ | 2022-07-26T15:13:29Z |
LEAWOOD, Kan., June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Torch.AI, the leader in artificial intelligence (AI) powered ultra-high speed data processing, is proud to announce that Jennifer Utting has recently joined the company as General Counsel. Utting plays a vital role as the company continues to experience a rising portfolio of customers, creating an increased demand for legal guidance and navigation through complex matters.
"Torch.AI is transforming the way data is utilized to improve every aspect of business, reduce risk exposure, and decrease vulnerabilities to hacks and data breaches," said Utting. "I'm excited to play a part in making that difference by bringing my technology and legal experience to the table. Our AI is the future, and I'm proud to be part of such an extraordinary team as we continue to revolutionize AI."
Utting holds over 20 years of experience as a corporate attorney in the healthcare information technology space. She joins the Torch.AI team after serving for five years as Vice President, Corporate Counsel at Netsmart Technologies, a healthcare software company. During her time there, she led a team responsible for the entirety of the company's contracts and legal services, and assisted on all other aspects of the business, including strategic client partnerships, compliance, consulting, finance, properties, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to Netsmart Technologies, she served as Assistant General Counsel at WellSky, and spent 13 years as Corporate Counsel at Cerner Corporation.
Torch.AI continues to experience significant growth in both the commercial and public sectors from the adoption of its software platform, Nexus™. Nexus helps customers across a myriad of industries wrangle their complex data holdings and rapidly illuminate knowledge. Nexus further enables organizations to streamline its data architecture by eliminating the need for data replication. The addition of Utting provides advanced legal expertise for the company's mounting customer portfolio.
"As an AI focused software business adding more customers every day, we have high demand for strong legal guidance across a complex range," says Brian Weaver, Chairman and CEO of Torch.AI. "Jennifer's expertise working with high-growth and enterprise scale companies brings immense value to our team and our customers. We're proud to further strengthen our leadership team with the addition of Jennifer to ensure our expanding customer base is soundly strategic and responsible in all areas."
We make data easier to use. Torch.AI's Nexus™ platform changes the paradigm of data and digital workflows, forever solving core impediments caused by the ever-increasing volume and complexity of information. Customers enjoy a single unifying solution which begins by instantly deconstructing and describing any data, in real-time.
Purpose built for massively scaled, ultra-high-speed data processing, the platform comes equipped with security features, flexible data workloads, compliance capabilities, and drag and drop functionality that is unrivaled in today's technology landscape. The company's solutions have helped to fight fraud, secure information, make better decisions of trust, evolve operational capabilities, and create better customer experiences.
To learn more about the company's vision for unifying AI, visit the website at Torch.AI
Media Contact:
Michael Wenger
media@torch.ai
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SOURCE Torch.AI | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/data-lineage-algorithmic-transparency-focus-torchais-new-general-counsel-jennifer-utting/ | 2022-06-09T11:06:33Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House hopes to stir up some “egg-citement” when the Easter Egg Roll returns on Monday after a two-year, coronavirus-induced hiatus.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden expect to welcome some 30,000 kids and their adult chaperones for the egg roll, an egg hunt and other activities.
The first lady, who is also a teacher, has named it the “Egg-ucation Roll,” the White House said, and is turning the South Lawn into a school community with a variety of educational stations.
It’s the first Easter Egg Roll to be hosted by the Bidens, who are expected to address the crowd and join in some of the fun, although rain was in Monday’s weather forecast.
The COVID-19 pandemic led the White House to cancel the event in 2020 and 2021.
Besides the egg roll and hunt, the all-day event will include a schoolhouse activity area, a reading nook, a talent show, a place to teach children about farming, a photo-taking station, a physical “egg-ucation” zone with an obstacle course and other exercise stations, and a “cafetorium” where children and their families will learn to make treats.
The “egg-stravaganza” will get a celebrity splash through the participation of “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon, singer Ciara and actor-singer Kristin Chenoweth.
More than two dozen costumed characters will also be on hand, including Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, the Racing Presidents mascots for the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball, Rosita and Cookie Monster from “Sesame Street” and Snoopy and Charlie Brown, among others.
Military families will be among the 30,000 participants, including crew members of the USS Delaware and their families. The first lady serves as sponsor of the nuclear attack submarine, which the president commissioned during a ceremony this month in Wilmington, Delaware.
Members of the general public received tickets through an online lottery.
The egg roll is always the largest event at the White House and it will be the Biden’s first big event. It will unfold in five waves beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m.
The return of this Easter tradition is a sign that the White House is opening up again despite a recent spurt of COVID-19 cases among some Cabinet members, White House staff, Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband and members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Self-guided, public tours of the executive mansion also resumed on Friday in a limited fashion, after they also were halted in 2020 because of the pandemic.
Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, said he was happy that public access to the executive mansion was “front and center” once again.
“As important as security is here, it’s also important that we keep the people’s house accessible to the people,” McLaurin said Friday.
The White House Easter Egg Roll dates to 1878. | https://cw33.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/easter-egg-roll-returns-after-2-year-covid-induced-hiatus/ | 2022-04-16T00:55:35Z |
This 77-year old ice cream chain is getting a makeover’
By Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN Business
Baskin-Robbins is making some changes.
The 77-year old ice cream shop is tweaking its logo, employee uniforms and packaging to update the brand. It’s the first major update for Baskin-Robbins since 2006, according to the company. It will also sell merchandise, including bikes and bucket hats, from a dedicated online store for the first time. And Baskin-Robbins will unveil new flavors as part of the refresh.
For years, the Baskin-Robbins logo has been pink and blue. “BR” and the words “Baskin Robbins” were printed in a blocky, childish font.
In the new logo that playful font is gone, replaced by a crisper version. The new branding comes in brown and pink, brown and blue, and pink and white.
In other words, the new Baskin-Robbins is all grown up. The makeover has been a long time coming.
“When we really think about the journey … it started four years ago,” said Jason Maceda, Baskin-Robbins president. That included “really listening to our guests.”
Baskin-Robbins’ leadership team heard that some customers felt very attached to the brand, which they associated with childhood trips with parents or grandparents. But they also heard that there were “some opportunities in being more relevant,” Maceda said.
It’s important for brands like Baskin-Robbins to gain traction with younger consumers -— not just people who remember it from their youth -— so they have new customers coming in.
The company’s leadership has been addressing the feedback in a few ways. In late 2018, for example, Baskin-Robbins introduced a new layout and design for some stores. These so-called “Moments” stores feature a more modern design, digital menu boards, more ice cream display cases and more toppings and offerings.
So far, there are about 70 of these stores altogether, Maceda said. That’s still just a small portion of the over 7,700 Baskin-Robbins stores open globally.
The rollout of the “Moments’ stores slowed during the pandemic, Maceda noted, adding that he’s “excited to get that going again.”
Still, the pandemic was good for ice cream sales. Baskin-Robbins was taken private in 2020 and doesn’t publicly disclose sales figures. But Maceda said sales grew 3.5% in 2020, and 10.9% last year. Overall, ice cream sales at US scoop shops grew 4.4% from 2019 to 2021, according to Euromonitor International.
To help keep that momentum going, Baskin-Robbins hopes to make a splash with its new look, flavors and merchandise.
Bikes, bucket hats and ube ice cream
The new branding draws on the company’s history, noted Jerid Grandinetti, VP of marketing and culinary at Baskin-Robbins.
Brothers-in-law Irvine “Irv” Robbins and Burton “Burt” Baskin founded the ice cream company in 1945. But they didn’t brand it as “Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream” until 1953.
“The original advertising campaign in 1953 was built around circus iconography,” said Grandinetti. That campaign used the pink and brown that Baskin-Robbins is reviving today.
That was also the year that Baskin-Robbins introduced the idea of 31 flavors, one for every day of the month. Both the new and old logos have “31” hidden between the B and the R when the letters are placed together.
Today, Baskin-Robbins has hundreds of flavors in its portfolio. But it still has room for more.
Part of the refresh includes three new limited-time flavors: One is Non-Dairy Mint Chocochunk, another is Totally Unwrapped, made with peanut butter and chocolate ice creams, caramel swirls, fudge-covered pretzels, and fudge and caramel covered peanuts. Grandinetti refers to that one as a “deconstructed candy bar.”
The third flavor, Ube Coconut Swirl, is made with coconut and ube (a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts) ice creams with ube-flavored swirls.
Totally Unwrapped is the April flavor of the month, while the other two will be available through the spring, and could stick around for longer depending on how customers react.
In addition to the new flavors and its new look, the company is rolling out some swag, including branded scrunchies, sweatshirts, bucket hats and even bicycles.
Bikes may seem like an odd choice of swag for an ice cream company. But the brand’s new tagline, “Seize the Yay,” is about celebrating small, joyous moments. And nothing says “yay” like a ride on an ice-cream themed bike.
“We want to make sure that we celebrate along with our guests,” said Grandinetti. “What better way to do that than to provide some fun buzzworthy” items, like a bicycle, as well as clothing that can be “part of their everyday lifestyle.”
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/money/cnn-business-consumer/2022/04/11/baskin-robbins-is-getting-a-makeover-and-will-sell-bicycles/ | 2022-04-11T16:06:09Z |
As companies brace for an economic downturn, the business outcomes of employee, customer, and partner education initiatives are more critical than ever
ATLANTA, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Intellum, the leader in EdTech for Business, today announced the results of a study it conducted to measure the ROI of employee, customer, and partner education in the U.S. The survey, which took place in Q2 of 2022, with a sample size of 502 full-time decision-makers involved in organizational education, revealed specific activities that drive positive business outcomes such as increased retention, decreased support costs, increased revenue, etc. Key findings include:
- Ad hoc education initiatives drive poor outcomes. Companies with "ad hoc" strategies are least likely to report positive business outcomes as compared to all other types of education strategies. Whereas 60% of companies with "curriculum-based" education initiatives — and 50% with "formalized" education initiatives — report increased revenue since beginning their programs, only 22% of companies with ad hoc initiatives report the same success.
- Platforms designed to educate multiple audiences yield positive benefits. Companies that use a "platform built to educate multiple audiences" are most likely to report positive business outcomes compared to all methods for delivering education. Outcomes include "improved employee retention" (62%), "improved customer retention" (61%), and "increased revenue" (57%).
- Scalability is critical as leaders today must do more with less. Shrinking budgets and leaner teams will be the reality going forward, which means leaders must maximize their investments. Companies that say "scalability" (the ability to support additional learners with minimal administrative effort) is the most important platform capability are most likely to experience increased revenue. Additionally, C-level leaders say scalability is the No. 1 most important platform capability.
"With worries around the looming economic downturn, every company needs to find a path to stability and operational fortification," said Robyn Hazelton, VP of Growth and Marketing, Intellum. "Companies that fail to act on key market insights and learnings could suffer. This survey details how employee, customer, and partner educational initiatives bolster performance, drive broad retention, and lead to revenue. We're proud to continue our tradition of delivering unique insights to our customers and partners."
- The main organizational education challenge is learners who abandon training—due to poor content, poor delivery, or both. In fact, 28% of learners abandon training, while 22% of companies struggle to deliver high-quality training to every learner. Additionally, only 15% are set up to educate multiple audiences.
- 79% of companies educate customers, 76% educate employees, and 25% educate partners.
- More than half of the companies surveyed use a platform built to educate multiple audiences; however, some are doing double work in additional platforms.
- Confirm a dedicated education program owner – companies with no clear education program owner are 22% less likely than average to experience improved customer retention.
- Utilize a formalized education program – companies with a formalized education initiative are most likely to experience improved customer and employee retention.
- Companies with curriculum-based education initiatives are most likely to experience increased revenue. In fact, 60% of companies with curriculum-based education initiatives reported increased revenue
- Companies that use a platform built to educate multiple audiences experience far more positive business outcomes – 61% of companies that selected "platform built to educate multiple audiences" experienced improved customer retention compared to just 32% of companies that selected "platform built to educate customers only."
Learning Science, powered by Intellum, conducted this report in conjunction with Censuswide in Q2 of 2022. They survey captured responses from 502 full-time decision-makers involved in educating employees, customers, and partners within the U.S. The margin of error was 5%.
For more information, visit: https://www.intellum.com/transforming-organization-education-initiatives
Intellum provides the #1 customer, partner, and employee education platform that large brands and fast-moving companies rely on to engage audiences and improve product knowledge, utilization, retention, and revenue. Intellum's scientific, data-driven approach is based on 20+ years of industry experience and the Intellum Platform includes all of the tools an organization needs to create, deploy, manage, track, and continuously improve highly personalized, engaging educational experiences. To learn more, visit Intellum.com.
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SOURCE Intellum, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/intellum-survey-finds-platforms-designed-educate-multiple-audiences-yield-positive-business-outcomes/ | 2022-08-16T14:09:42Z |
Zombie Properties Still Represent Just One of Every 13,000 Residential Properties Nationwide; But Ratio is Up Since Lifting of Foreclosure Moratorium One Year Ago
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ATTOM, a leading curator of real estate data nationwide for land and property data, today released its third-quarter 2022 Vacant Property and Zombie Foreclosure Report showing that 1.3 million (1,277,162) residential properties in the United States sit vacant. That figure represents 1.3 percent, or one in 78 homes, across the nation.
The report analyzes publicly recorded real estate data collected by ATTOM — including foreclosure status, equity and owner-occupancy status — matched against monthly updated vacancy data. (See full methodology below). Vacancy data is available for U.S. residential properties at https://www.attomdata.com/solutions/marketing-lists/.
The report also reveals that 270,470 residential properties in the U.S. are in the process of foreclosure in the third quarter of this year, up 4.4 percent from the second quarter of 2022 and up 25.5 percent from the third quarter of 2021. The latest increase marks the fourth straight quarter that the count of pre-foreclosure properties has increased since a nationwide moratorium on lenders pursuing delinquent homeowners, imposed after the Coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, was lifted at the end of July 2021.
Among those pre-foreclosure properties, 7,707 are zombie-foreclosures (pre-foreclosure properties that sit vacant) in the third quarter of 2022, up 1.8 percent from the prior quarter and 2.2 percent from a year ago.
"We see two trends heading in opposite directions – the number of vacant properties continues to decline and the number of zombie properties continues to increase, although neither trend appears to be particularly worrisome," said Rick Sharga, executive vice president of market intelligence at ATTOM. "Vacancy rates should continue to be low as investor and prospective homebuyers compete for limited inventory. And the number of zombie properties should continue to increase slowly as foreclosure activity climbs back from historically low levels due to government intervention."
The number of zombie-foreclosures does remain historically low and continues to represent just a tiny segment of the nation's total stock of 99.8 million residential properties. Just one of every 12,947 homes in the third quarter of 2022 is vacant and in foreclosure, meaning that most neighborhoods still have no such properties. The portion of pre-foreclosure properties that have been abandoned into zombie status, meanwhile, continues to decline, from 3.5 percent a year ago to 2.9 percent in the second quarter of 2022 and 2.8 percent in the third quarter of this year.
But the level of all homes sitting empty as zombie properties has grown for the second quarter in a row and now is up 3.6 percent from one in 13,424 in the first quarter of this year.
The latest bump-ups in overall and zombie-property counts - while presenting an issue to watch - comes at a time when the relentless U.S. housing market boom has continued into its 11th year despite forces that threaten to slow it down.
A total of 7,707 residential properties facing possible foreclosure have been vacated by their owners nationwide in the third quarter of 2022, up from 7,569 in the second quarter of 2022 and from 7,538 in the third quarter of 2021.
While the issue remains nonexistent in most neighborhoods, the biggest increases from the second quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2022 in states with at least 50 zombie foreclosures are in Oklahoma (zombie properties up 22 percent, from 97 to 118), Missouri (up 16 percent, from 55 to 64), California (up 15 percent, from 221 to 254), Massachusetts (up 9 percent, from 54 to 59) and Florida (up 8 percent, from 922 to 998).
The biggest quarterly decreases among states with at least 50 zombie foreclosures are in Kentucky (zombie properties down 14 percent, from 63 to 54), Georgia (down 10 percent, from 80 to 72), New Jersey (down 7 percent, from 257 to 240), Pennsylvania (down 6 percent, from 371 to 349) and Nevada (down 6 percent, from 86 to 81).
The vacancy rate for all residential properties in the U.S. has dropped to 1.28 percent in the third quarter of 2022 (one in 78 properties). That's down from 1.31 percent in the second quarter of 2022 (one in 76) and from 1.35 percent in the third quarter of last year (one in 74).
States with the biggest annual drops are Tennessee (down from 2.33 percent of all homes in the third quarter of 2021 to 1.34 percent in the third quarter of this year), Minnesota (down from 1.24 percent to 0.84 percent), Oregon (down from 1.26 percent to 0.95 percent), Wisconsin (down from 1.03 percent to 0.72 percent) and Georgia (down from 1.82 percent to 1.53 percent).
- Among metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S. with at least 100,000 residential properties and at least 100 properties facing possible foreclosure in the third quarter of 2022, the highest zombie rates are in Wichita, KS (11.9 percent of properties in the foreclosure process are vacant); Peoria, IL (10.5 percent); Cleveland, OH (8.9 percent); Syracuse, NY (8.7 percent) and South Bend, IN (8.2 percent).
- Aside from Cleveland, the highest zombie-foreclosure rates in major metro areas with at least 500,000 residential properties and at least 100 homes facing foreclosure in the third quarter of 2022 are in Baltimore, MD (7.4 percent of homes in the foreclosure process are vacant); St. Louis, MO (5.6 percent); Pittsburgh, PA (5.6 percent); Tampa, FL (4.7 percent) and Indianapolis, IN (4.6 percent).
- Among the 27.9 million investor-owned homes throughout the U.S. in the third quarter of 2022, about 888,000 are vacant, or 3.2 percent. The highest levels of vacant investor-owned homes are in Indiana (6.8 percent), Kansas (5.8 percent), Oklahoma (5.3 percent), Alabama (5 percent) and Ohio (5 percent).
- Among the roughly 4,200 foreclosed, bank-owned homes in the U.S. during the third quarter of 2022, 8.2 percent are vacant. In states with at least 50 bank-owned homes, the largest vacancy rates are in Ohio (14.5 percent vacant), Pennsylvania (13 percent), Illinois (12.5 percent), New York (11 percent) and Maryland (10.5 percent).
- The highest zombie-foreclosure rates in U.S. counties with at least 500 properties in the foreclosure process during the third quarter of 2022 are in Broome County (Binghamton), NY (11.4 percent zombie foreclosures); Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH (10.1 percent); Pinellas County (Clearwater), FL (9.9 percent); Onondaga County (Syracuse), NY (9.3 percent) and Oneida County, NY (outside Syracuse) (8.5 percent).
- Among 425 counties with at least 50,000 residential properties, those with the largest portion of total homes in zombie-foreclosure status during the third quarter of 2022 are Broome County (Binghamton), NY (one of every 647 properties); Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH (one in 959); Suffolk County (eastern Long Island), NY (one in 1,188); Peoria County, IL (one in 1,228) and Oneida County, NY (outside Syracuse) (one in 1,437).
ATTOM analyzed county tax assessor data for about 99 million residential properties for vacancy, broken down by foreclosure status and owner-occupancy status. Only metropolitan statistical areas with at least 100,000 residential properties and counties with at least 50,000 residential properties were included in the analysis. Vacancy data is available at https://www.attomdata.com/solutions/marketing-lists/.
ATTOM provides premium property data to power products that improve transparency, innovation, efficiency and disruption in a data-driven economy. ATTOM multi-sources property tax, deed, mortgage, foreclosure, environmental risk, natural hazard, and neighborhood data for more than 155 million U.S. residential and commercial properties covering 99 percent of the nation's population. A rigorous data management process involving more than 20 steps validates, standardizes, and enhances the real estate data collected by ATTOM, assigning each property record with a persistent, unique ID — the ATTOM ID. The 20TB ATTOM Data Warehouse fuels innovation in many industries including mortgage, real estate, insurance, marketing, government and more through flexible data delivery solutions that include bulk file licenses, property data APIs, real estate market trends, property reports and more. Also, introducing our newest innovative solution, that offers immediate access and streamlines data management – ATTOM Cloud.
Media Contact:
Christine Stricker
949.748.8428
christine.stricker@attomdata.com
Data and Report Licensing:
datareports@attomdata.com
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SOURCE ATTOM Data Solutions | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/zombie-property-count-inches-up-again-third-quarter-2022-across-us-amid-continued-rise-foreclosure-activity/ | 2022-08-18T04:56:08Z |
Services for Linda Gail Drake, 73, of Georgetown will be held at a later date.
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Services for Linda Gail Drake, 73, of Georgetown will be held at a later date.
She died July 31 at her residence.
She was born July 25, 1949, in Temple to Josephine and Lesley Wade. She graduated from Temple High School in 1967. She received her dental hygienist degree in 1973 from The University of Texas at Houston. She worked as a dental hygienist for more than 40 years.
Survivors include a son, Dylan; a daughter, Lindsey; and one grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.
Affordable Burial & Cremation is in charge of arrangements. | https://www.tdtnews.com/obituaries/article_a5ae435a-14e2-11ed-9545-37f6fe9fa581.html | 2022-08-05T19:00:40Z |
Offer Runs Through July 4 Exclusively at LG.com
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA announced a limited-time promotion offering consumers a free LG +view portable monitor1 ($349 value) with the purchase of select 2022 LG gram laptops2 exclusively at LG.com3. Additionally, LG is also offering free expedited shipping on all 2022 LG gram models purchased via LG.com during the promotional period4. Both offers run now through July 4, 2022.
The 2022 LG gram lineup features: gram 17 (17Z90Q), gram 16 (16Z90Q), gram 15 (15Z90Q), gram 14 (14Z90Q), gram 2-in-1 (16T90Q and 14T90Q), and the series' first-ever portable monitor, +view for LG gram (16MQ70).
Each new LG gram laptop provides powerful performance backed by a 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processor. This year's laptops have also been upgraded to the latest Gen4 NVMe™ SSD, and employ low-voltage LPDDR5 RAM to achieve a performance boost versus outgoing models.5 Intel® Evo™ Platform certified, the 2022 LG grams deliver excellent battery life, giving users the freedom to work, or play, wherever their day takes them.
This year's LG gram lineup also welcomes the +view for LG gram, a portable 16-inch monitor with detachable cover that connects via USB-C to extend the digital workspace. The 16MQ70 can be placed next to a laptop in horizontal or vertical orientation,6 and is a perfect match for LG gram; combining to provide an extended digital workspace for advanced multitasking.
For more information on the LG gram 2022 lineup, visit lg.com/us/laptops. For complete terms and conditions of these LG gram promotions, please visit lg.com/us/promotions/free-gram-portable-monitor
1 Eligible LG +view portable monitor model: 16MQ70.ADSU1
2 Eligible LG gram laptop models:14Z90Q-K.ADB9U1, 15Z90Q-P.ADB9U1, 15Z90Q-P.ADS9U1, 16T90Q-K.ADB8U1, 16T90Q-K.ADS8U1, 16Z90Q-K.AAB8U1, 16Z90Q-K.AAS8U1, 17Z90Q-K.AAB8U1
3 Purchase an eligible LG gram laptop 2022 model and an LG gram +view IPS Portable Monitor (16MQ70.ADSU1) in a single transaction on LG.com and receive $349.99 instant additional savings off of the pre-tax sale price. Available only on LG.com June 6 – July 4, 2022. Savings will be reflected in the cart when all offer requirements are met. Maximum number of products of the same category allowed to qualify for the discount is one (1). If any of the qualifying items are removed from the cart or part of the order is cancelled or returned, the promotional savings will be void. Prices and offers are non-redeemable for cash, non-transferable and may not be combined with other offers/discounts. Availability, prices and terms of offer are subject to change without notice. Quantities are limited.
4 Purchase an eligible LG gram laptop 2022 model and choose expedited shipping at checkout to receive $22.54 instant additional savings off of the pre-tax sale price. Available only on LG.com June 6-July 4, 2022. Savings will be reflected in the cart when all offer requirements are met. If any of the qualifying items are removed from the cart or part of the order is cancelled or returned, the promotional savings will be void. Prices and offers are non-redeemable for cash, non-transferable and may not be combined with other offers/discounts. Availability, prices and terms of offer are subject to change without notice. Eligible Laptop models: all 2022 laptops models.
5 Based on internal testing, LPDDR 5 RAM used in 2022 LG gram models achieves a clock speed of up to 5200MHz. Previous gram models employed LPDDR 4X RAM with a clock speed of up to 4266MHz.
6 OnScreen Control software must be installed to switch between vertical/horizontal screen orientation.
About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $63 billion global innovator in technology and manufacturing. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems, solar energy solutions and vehicle components. LG is a seven-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. The company's commitment to environmental sustainability and its "Life's Good" marketing theme encompass how LG is dedicated to people's happiness by exceeding expectations today and tomorrow. www.LG.com.
Media Contacts:
Chris De Maria @ Christopher.DeMaria@lge.com
Christin Rodriguez @ Christin.Rodriguez@lge.com
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SOURCE LG Electronics USA | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/lg-announces-limited-time-promotion-free-lg-view-portable-monitor-with-purchase-select-2022-lg-gram-laptop-models/ | 2022-06-14T13:20:18Z |
PITTSBURGH, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "We wanted to create a safe and convenient way to receive a food delivery at your door without concern over contamination and the transfer of airborne germs," said one of two inventors, from Mansfield, Texas, "so we invented the DOOR WAITER. Our design also eliminates the need for the food delivery to be placed on the ground."
The patent-pending invention provides a non-contact way to receive food deliveries outside a residence. In doing so, it eliminates the need to answer the door and talk to delivery persons. As a result, it helps to prevent the spread of germs and viruses and it ensures that food orders are safe and at the proper temperature. The invention features a practical design that is easy to position and use so it is ideal for households. Additionally, a prototype is available.
The original design was submitted to the Dallas sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-DAL-142, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/inventhelp-inventors-develop-safe-food-delivery-device-households-dal-142/ | 2022-06-06T18:12:53Z |
Rohit Kumar Rai and his wife have both lost family members in India to Covid-19, so they know how serious the disease can be. That's why they have been living so carefully in Texas until their 4-year-old son can be vaccinated as well.
That means reining in playdates and school attendance when cases are higher, an inconsistency that can frustrate their son, he said.
"'Sometimes you are saying it's OK to go, and sometimes you are saying not,'" Rai said his son complains to him.
Vaccines against Covid-19 have meant many steps closer to normalcy for much for the United States, but not everyone has access yet.
This week, the US Food and Drug Administration is expected to review data on the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines for younger children. If the FDA gives authorization and the US Centers for Disease Control recommends them later in the week, Covid-19 vaccination shots may be administered to the youngest Americans as soon as June 21.
Parenting young children can be isolating as it is, said Vaile Wright, senior director of health care innovation at the American Psychological Association. Add precautions to protect unvaccinated children, and it can be even harder to get support from the community. The research shows that parents of children under 18 have been reporting extremely high levels of stress over the pandemic, she said.
While some families hesitate or refuse to vaccinate their young children, for many, the news brings a huge sigh of relief.
"It's not like I am expecting some miracle vaccine; like as soon as he gets it it is going to end," Rai said. "He might get Covid, he might be affected, but the worst-case scenario wouldn't happen. That's my ultimate goal for my kid."
Some families who felt left behind and are eagerly anticipating their children's vaccinations shared what it was like to raise youngsters in the Covid-19 pandemic -- and what they are most hopeful for in the future.
The world forgot about them
For Jennifer Reimers Gaydo, who lives in upstate New York, forgotten is the word that comes to mind when raising a young child during the Covid-19 era.
"Everybody else has moved on, and we have not," she said. "In people's desire to move on, it's almost like they blocked (the fear of being unvaccinated) out."
Reimers Gaydo's husband is a doctor, so their family reduces risk to their 3-year-old son, Jim, wherever possible.
"My husband is a front-line worker so with Jim not vaccinated it's like, 'Is this coming for me in my own home?'" she added.
Precautions mean no more music and movement classes, limited playtime with kids his age, and his relationship with his grandparents reduced to a computer screen.
There was excitement and fanfare when adults got access to the vaccine, then when it was extended to teens, but the youngest members of our population have been spending all this time lonely and ignored, she said.
Am I keeping my kids from being themselves?
Along with fears about physical safety and concerns around social needs, parenting young children during the pandemic without an available vaccine means constant conversations between families about whether they are doing the right things for their kids, Jason Jackson in Michigan said.
One of Jackson's three children is not yet eligible to be vaccinated, but until his youngest can be protected, his 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter also have to take precautions to protect their little brother, he said. None of them go to school in person, and none take indoor swimming lessons.
"My daughter, she is really extroverted. And so, I pulled up to the playground, and she said, 'Yes, there's a car here -- that means I can meet a new friend. This is the best day of my life!'" Jackson recalled. "That was freaking depressing."
"We were just like, 'Oh my god, what are we keeping our kids from?'"
Getting a vaccine for their 3-year-old son would be a huge relief from the battle between physical and social health for their kids, he said.
"I honestly think everyone wants the same things. Everyone wants to get things back to normal. It's just that we have a very, very different pathway of what we think is best to get us there," Jackson said. "Our best pathway of getting back to normal is this vaccine."
She knows she can get sick
Sometimes, even when she is playing outdoors, Sarah Enders' 4-year-old daughter chooses to wear a mask.
She was diagnosed with leukemia about a year ago, and she knows that getting Covid-19 could make her really sick, Enders in Oregon said.
"She understands that there are things she doesn't get to do because of the fact that she doesn't have the shot," she added.
Her diagnosis came as the rest of the US started to open back up from Covid-19, but Enders' family had to clamp down even harder for her daughter's safety.
"You go through the diagnosis of your child having cancer, and that's when you really need to rely on the world around you and your community," she said, "whether it's emotional support or physical support, and we really couldn't do that because we had to keep her protected."
Her family is looking forward to everyone in the home having the vaccine in hopes they can send their children back to school.
"I struggle with people who are unwilling to get vaccinated, unwilling to wear masks and things like that because they feel it's their right not to," Enders said. "But our children who don't have that option and that flexibility are the ones suffering from that."
We have no choice
Gabriele Goulet and her family started both parenthood and the pandemic in a terrifying way.
On March 12, 2020, her first child was born early and couldn't breathe on his own, so he needed to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. Shortly afterward, their state, Utah, shut down because of Covid-19.
Goulet and her husband drove down empty freeways every day to see their son at the hospital, entering the building where the National Guard was deployed to help with the demand from the virus, she said.
"Becoming a parent in that time has really shaped the type of parent that I am, and I'm probably overprotective," Goulet said.
They locked down when their first son was born, and they stayed as isolated as possible as the years passed and they had their second child, she said.
But now that her second maternity leave is over, she and her husband need to go back to their offices, and their kids will need to go to day care after years of not even going inside grocery stores, she said.
Goulet and her husband worry about the transition out of isolation with two unvaccinated kids, she said. Now, she said she just hopes they can stave off infection until the kids are eligible for the vaccine.
"I do totally understand and respect other people's perspectives like it does seem like these vaccines are coming out pretty quickly," Goulet said, but she trusts her pediatrician's advice to get the shots.
"I think we're probably going to cry when we're in the pediatrician's office because it's been over two years that we've been looking forward to this."
Top image: Gabriele Goulet's son spends time with his dad social distancing from his grandparents. (Courtesy Gabriele Goulet)
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/features/health/families-describe-the-fear-isolation-and-confusion-that-will-lift-when-kids-under-5-can/article_c27a4528-444f-59fa-ac46-86aa1211f49e.html | 2022-06-14T18:16:49Z |
The mayor of the Texas city of Uvalde is refuting a new assessment of the law enforcement response to the massacre at Robb Elementary School, saying the report "does not give a complete and accurate account of what happened."
Mayor Don McLaughlin on Thursday took issue with the first part of a report by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center, which said an Uvalde police officer with a rifle spotted the gunman outside the school, but a supervisor either did not hear him or responded too late when asked for permission to fire.
"No Uvalde police department officer saw the shooter on May 24 prior to him entering the school," McLaughlin said in a statement. "No Uvalde police officers had any opportunity to take a shot at the gunman."
The gunman eventually killed 19 young students and two teachers inside a classroom before authorities eventually breached the classroom more than an hour later.
The report by the active shooter and attack response training center at Texas State University cited a series of deadly missed opportunities and mistakes in the response, including two unlocked school doors and a lack of effective command.
"A Uvalde Police Department officer saw someone outside, but was unsure of who he saw and observed children in the area as well," the mayor said in his response to the report. "Ultimately, it was a coach with children on the playground, not the shooter."
McLaughlin said that, contrary to the report and a timeline from the state Department of Public Safety, troopers were at the school door about three minutes after the shooter entered and dozens more at the time of the breach.
The mayor called "the premature release of piecemeal information" about the investigation a "disservice" to the victims' families and vowed to release all city records once reviews are complete.
The ALERRT assessment, released Wednesday, was created using school video, third-party video, body cameras, radio logs, verbal testimony from officers and statements from investigators.
ALERRT said the document should not be taken as a "definitive or final report as all investigatory options have not been exhausted."
In a statement, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the report corroborates earlier testimony from Texas Department of Public Safety Director Col. Steven McCraw and added the assessment was "very difficult for me to read."
There will also be reports from the FBI, the Texas Rangers and the District Attorney in the "coming weeks and months," Patrick said.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/uvalde-mayor-blasts-report-that-says-officer-sought-permission-to-shoot-gunman-but-didnt-hear/article_c5352103-5b9d-5ba7-8213-da82310e88f1.html | 2022-07-08T19:12:36Z |
Short-Term Open RAN and vRAN Forecast Revised Upward
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recently published report by Dell'Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the telecommunications, networks, and data center IT industries, preliminary findings suggest total Open RAN revenues, including O-RAN and OpenRAN radio and baseband, surged in the first quarter, propelling Open RAN to reach new record levels.
"The migration towards new architectures, including Open RAN and vRAN, continued to move in the right direction in the first quarter, bolstering the narrative that the shift toward open interfaces is here to stay," said Stefan Pongratz, Vice President and analyst with the Dell'Oro Group. "The surge in the first quarter taken together with impending portfolio advancements form the basis for the more favorable short-term outlook," continued Pongratz.
Additional Open RAN highlights from the Dell'Oro Group 1Q 2022 RAN Report:
- Open RAN revenues more than doubled in the first quarter, supported by strong growth in both the Asia Pacific and North America.
- The positive momentum that characterized the vRAN market in the second half of 2021 extended into the first quarter, spurring vRAN revenues to nearly quadrupled in the first quarter.
- Global Open RAN and vRAN projections have been revised upward, to reflect the strong showing in the first quarter.
- Total Open RAN revenues are now expected to account for 3 percent to 5 percent of the global 2022 RAN market.
About the Report
Dell'Oro Group's RAN Quarterly Report offers a complete overview of the RAN industry, with tables covering manufacturers' and market revenue for multiple RAN segments including 5G NR Sub-6 GHz, 5G NR mmWave, LTE, macro base stations and radios, small cells, Massive MIMO, Open RAN, and vRAN. The report also tracks the RAN market by region and includes a four-quarter outlook. To purchase this report, please contact us by email at dgsales@delloro.com.
About Dell'Oro Group
Dell'Oro Group is a market research firm that specializes in strategic competitive analysis in the telecommunications, networks, data center infrastructure, and network security markets. Our firm provides in-depth quantitative data and qualitative analysis to facilitate critical, fact-based business decisions. For more information, contact Dell'Oro Group at +1.650.622.9400 or visit www.delloro.com.
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SOURCE Dell'Oro Group | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/20/open-ran-revenue-surged-1q-2022-according-delloro-group/ | 2022-05-20T12:51:45Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Investcorp Credit Management BDC, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICMB) ("ICMB" or the "Company") announced its financial results today for its fiscal fourth quarter ended June 30, 2022.
HIGHLIGHTS
- On August 25, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") declared a distribution of $0.15 per share for the quarter ending September 30, 2022, payable in cash on October 14, 2022, to stockholders of record as of September 23, 2022.
- During the quarter, ICMB made investments in three new portfolio companies and one existing portfolio company. These investments totaled $28.7 million, at cost. The weighted average yield (at origination) of debt investments made in the quarter was 10.41%.
- ICMB fully realized four portfolio companies during the quarter, totaling $29.7 million in proceeds. The internal rate of return on these investments was 23.74%.
- During the quarter, the Company had net advances of $0.9 million on its existing delayed draw and revolving credit commitments to portfolio companies.
- The weighted average yield on debt investments, at cost, for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 was 10.01%, compared to 8.14% for the quarter ended March 31, 2022.
- Net asset value decreased $0.43 per share to $6.50, compared to $6.93 as of March 31, 2022. Net assets decreased by $6.2 million, or 6.26%, during the quarter ended June 30, 2022.
Mr. Michael C. Mauer, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, said, "We continue to invest in what we believe to be high-quality transactions with strong protections for our capital, despite the volatility of the broader market. While our NAV declined due to volatility in market spreads and equity valuation levels, we expect a recovery as loan spreads tighten and the equity market recovers from the summer lows. Our portfolio is diversified and invested with the goal of downside protection, including in a recessionary environment."
The Company's dividend framework provides a quarterly base dividend and may be supplemented, at the discretion of the Board, by additional dividends as determined to be available by the Company's net investment income and performance during the quarter.
On August 25, 2022, the Board declared a distribution of $0.15 per share for the quarter ending September 30, 2022, payable in cash on October 14, 2022, to stockholders of record as of September 23, 2022.
This distribution represents a 14.15% yield on the Company's $4.24 share price as of market close on June 30, 2022. Distributions may include net investment income, capital gains and/or return of capital, however, the Company does not expect the dividend for the quarter ending June 30, 2022, to be comprised of a return of capital. The Company's investment adviser monitors available taxable earnings, including net investment income and realized capital gains, to determine if a return of capital may occur for the year. The Company estimates the source of its distributions as required by Section 19(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 to determine whether payment of dividends are expected to be paid from any other source other than net investment income accrued for the current period or certain cumulative periods, but the Company will not be able to determine whether any specific distribution will be treated as taxable earnings or as a return of capital until after at the end of the taxable year.
Portfolio and Investment Activities
During the quarter, the Company made investments in three new portfolio companies and one existing portfolio company. The aggregate capital invested during the quarter totaled $28.7 million, at cost, and the debt investments were made at a weighted average yield of 10.41%.
The Company received proceeds of $33.8 million from repayments, sales and amortization during the quarter, primarily related to the realizations of Adaptive Spectrum and Signal Alignment, GS Operating, LLC, Klein Hersh, LLC, and Patriot MMG Buyer, Inc.
During the quarter, the Company had net advances of $0.9 million on its existing delayed draw and revolving credit commitments to portfolio companies.
The Company's net realized, and unrealized gains and losses accounted for a decrease in the Company's net investments of $6.6 million, or $0.46 per share. The total net decrease in net assets resulting from operations for the quarter was $4.1 million, or $0.28 per share.
As of June 30, 2022, the Company's investment portfolio consisted of investments in 35 portfolio companies, of which 91.9% were first lien investments and 8.1% were equity, warrants, and other investments. The Company's debt portfolio consisted of 99.6% floating rate investments and 0.4% fixed rate investments.
The Company continues to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its portfolio companies and will continue to closely monitor its portfolio companies throughout this period, including assessing portfolio companies' operational and liquidity exposure and outlook. For additional information about the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on the Company's results of operations and financial condition, please refer to the disclosure in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Capital Resources
As of June 30, 2022, the Company had $9.2 million in cash, of which $6.6 million was restricted cash, and $31.0 million unused capacity under its revolving credit facility with Capital One, N.A.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent to June 30, 2022 and through September 2, 2022, the Company invested a total of $19.6 million, which included investments in four new portfolio companies and received $9.4 million in repayments. As of September 2, 2022, the Company had investments in 38 portfolio companies.
About Investcorp Credit Management BDC, Inc.
The Company is an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company's investment objective is to maximize the total return to its stockholders in the form of current income and capital appreciation through debt and related equity investments by targeting investment opportunities with favorable risk-adjusted returns. The Company seeks to invest primarily in middle-market companies that have annual revenues of at least $50mm and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of at least $15mm. The Company's investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, CM Investment Partners LLC. To learn more about Investcorp Credit Management BDC, Inc., please visit www.icmbdc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements included in this press release and made on the earnings call for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, may contain "forward-looking statements," which relate to future performance, operating results, events and/or financial condition. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "will," "may," "continue," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "would," "could," "should," "targets," "projects," and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements, including statements other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release or made on the earnings call are based upon current expectations, are inherently uncertain, and involve a number of assumptions and substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company's control.
Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any such statements are likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, which the Company may or may not have considered, including, without limitation, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in base interest rates and the effects of significant market volatility on our business, our portfolio companies, our industry and the global economy. Accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance or events. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors and risks. More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect actual events and the Company's performance and financial results, including important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from plans, estimates or expectations included herein or discussed on the earnings call, is or will be included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Contacts
Investcorp Credit Management BDC, Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: icmbinvestorrelations@investcorp.com
Phone: (646) 690-5034
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SOURCE Investcorp Credit Management BDC | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/investcorp-credit-management-bdc-inc-announces-financial-results-quarter-ended-june-30-2022-quarterly-distribution/ | 2022-09-06T22:13:37Z |
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Welcome to our school and organization closings system! | https://www.kxii.com/page/closings-help-text/ | 2022-09-13T16:52:31Z |
HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LINKBANCORP, Inc. (Nasdaq: LNKB) (the "Company"), the holding company of The Gratz Bank, including its LINKBANK division, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of common stock. The Company sold 4,575,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $7.50 per share. The offering is expected to result in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $34.3 million. The net proceeds to the Company, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $31.1 million.
The Company's common stock now trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "LNKB."
Stephens Inc. and Piper Sandler & Co. acted as joint book-running managers. D.A. Davidson & Co. served as co-manager.
The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase up to 686,250 additional shares of common stock from the Company at the initial public offering price of $7.50, less the underwriting discount, to cover any over-allotments.
A Registration Statement on Form S-1 relating to the shares of common stock (File No: 333-267303) has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and was declared effective by the SEC on September 13, 2022. The offering has been made solely by means of the written prospectus forming a part of the effective registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus may be obtained from Stephens Inc., 111 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, or by phone at 1-800-643-9691 or Piper Sandler & Co., 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10020, or by phone at 612-303-8432, or by email at prospectus@psc.com or from D.A. Davidson & Co., 8 Third Street North, Great Falls, MT 59401, Attention: Equity Syndicate or by calling 1-800-332-5915.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell nor the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the common stock, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. The common stock purchased in the initial public offering will not be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.
About LINKBANCORP, Inc.
LINKBANCORP, Inc. was formed in 2018 with a mission to positively impact lives through community banking. Its subsidiary bank, The Gratz Bank, is a Pennsylvania state-chartered bank serving individuals, families, nonprofits and business clients throughout Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania through 10 client solutions centers of The Gratz Bank and LINKBANK, a division of The Gratz Bank.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements," including with respect to the initial public offering. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "should," "could," "predict," "potential," "believe," "expect," "attribute," "continue," "will," "anticipate," "seek," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "projection," "goal," "target," "outlook," "aim," "would," "annualized" and "outlook," or similar terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Factors that could cause such differences to exist include, but are not limited to: risks related to fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies; changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements; changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses; demand for loans and deposits in our market area; conditions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the severity and duration of the associated economic slowdown either nationally or in our market areas and the effectiveness of vaccination programs, that are worse than expected; operational risks including, but not limited to, cybersecurity, fraud and natural disasters; the risk that the Company may not be successful in the implementation of its business strategy; changes in prevailing interest rates; credit risk management; asset-liability management; and other risks detailed in the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements," "Risk Factors" and other sections of the Registration Statement filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
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SOURCE LINKBANCORP, INC. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/16/linkbancorp-inc-announces-closing-initial-public-offering-common-stock/ | 2022-09-16T17:14:02Z |
One of the most powerful volcanic eruptions on the planet blasted such a massive amount of water vapor high into the atmosphere that it's likely to temporarily warm the Earth's surface, according to detections from a NASA satellite.
When the undersea Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano erupted on January 15, 40 miles (65 kilometers) north of Tonga's capital, it created a tsunami as well as a sonic boom that rippled around the world -- twice.
The eruption sent a tall plume of water vapor into the stratosphere, which is located between 8 and 33 miles (12 and 53 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. It was enough water to fill 58,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, according to detections from a NASA satellite.
The detection was made by the Microwave Limb Sounder instrument on NASA's Aura satellite. The satellite measures water vapor, ozone and other atmospheric gases. After the eruption occurred, the scientists were surprised by the water vapor readings.
They estimate that the eruption delivered 146 teragrams of water to the stratosphere. One teragram is the equivalent of a trillion grams, and in this case, it was equal to 10% of the water already present in the stratosphere.
That's nearly four times the amount of water vapor that reached the stratosphere after the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines.
"We've never seen anything like it," said study author Luis Millán, an atmospheric scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, in a statement. "We had to carefully inspect all the measurements in the plume to make sure they were trustworthy."
Keeping an eye on Earth
The Microwave Limb Sounder instrument can measure natural signals of microwaves from Earth's atmosphere and detect them even through thick ash clouds.
"MLS was the only instrument with dense enough coverage to capture the water vapor plume as it happened, and the only one that wasn't affected by the ash that the volcano released," Millán said.
The Aura satellite launched in 2004 and since then it has only measured two volcanic eruptions that lofted substantial water vapor so high up in the atmosphere. But the water vapor from the 2008 Kasatochi event in Alaska and the 2015 Calbuco eruption in Chile dissipated rather quickly.
Typically, powerful volcanic eruptions like Mount Pinatubo or the 1883 Krakatoa event in Indonesia cool Earth's surface temperature because the gas, dust and ash they spew reflects sunlight into space. This "volcanic winter" happened after the Mount Tambora eruption in 1815, triggering "the year without a summer" in 1816.
The Tonga eruption was different because the water vapor it sent into the atmosphere can trap heat, which could cause warmer surface temperatures. The excess water vapor could stay in the stratosphere for several years, according to the researchers.
The additional water vapor in the stratosphere could also lead to chemical reactions that temporarily contribute to the depletion of Earth's protective ozone.
Anatomy of an eruption
Fortunately, the warming effect of the water vapor is expected to be small and temporary, and will dissipate as the extra vapor diminishes. The researchers don't believe it will be enough to exacerbate existing conditions due to the climate crisis.
The researchers believe the main reason for the amount of lofted water vapor was due to the depth of the volcano's caldera 490 feet (150 meters) below the ocean's surface.
If it was too deep, the depth of the ocean would have muted the eruption, and it was too shallow, the amount of seawater heated by the erupting magma wouldn't have matched what reached the stratosphere, the researchers said.
Stacker looks back on more than a century of military movements, withdrawals, battles, and treaties, using data from the Defense Manpower Data Center. Click for more.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/tonga-eruption-blasted-enough-water-to-fill-58-000-olympic-pools-into-the-earths-atmosphere/article_4e489fd7-1701-5cab-a588-199d15bab048.html | 2022-08-03T10:51:45Z |
- Increases 2022 service revenue growth outlook to between 7% and 9%
- Increases 2022 operational EBITDA outlook to between $410 million and $420 million
MCLEAN, Va., July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) ("Iridium") today reported financial results for the second quarter of 2022 and updated its full-year 2022 outlook. Net income was $4.6 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2022, as compared to net income of $3.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2021. This change in net income was primarily the result of growth in total revenue, which was broad based. Operational EBITDA ("OEBITDA")(1) for the second quarter was up 12% to a record $105.9 million, as compared to $94.8 million for the prior-year period, representing an OEBITDA margin(1) of 61%.
Iridium reported second-quarter total revenue of $174.9 million, which consisted of $132.9 million of service revenue and $42.0 million of revenue related to equipment sales and engineering and support projects. Total revenue increased 17% from the comparable period of 2021, while service revenue grew 10% from the year-ago period. Service revenue, which represents primarily recurring revenue from Iridium's growing subscriber base, was 76% of total revenue for the second quarter of 2022.
The Company ended the quarter with 1,875,000 total billable subscribers, which compares to 1,616,000 for the year-ago period and is up from 1,781,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Total billable subscribers grew 16% year-over-year driven primarily by growth in commercial IoT.
"2022 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for Iridium, as demand for equipment and new subscriber activations drove record revenue growth in the second quarter," said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. Desch continued, "We're seeing momentum across all commercial product areas. In addition to ongoing strength in IoT and broadband, we are also seeing outstanding growth in service offerings like Iridium® Push-to-Talk and Iridium GO!®"
Commenting on Iridium's increased guidance, Desch added, "Based upon the momentum that we continue to see from our extensive global ecosystem of business partners, we are raising our full-year outlook for service revenue growth to between 7% and 9%, and for OEBITDA to between $410 million and $420 million in 2022."
Service – Commercial
Commercial service remained the largest part of Iridium's business, representing 61% of the Company's total revenue during the second quarter. The Company's commercial customer base is diverse and includes markets such as maritime, aviation, oil and gas, mining, recreation, forestry, construction, transportation and emergency services. These customers rely on Iridium's products and services as critical to their daily operations and integral to their communications and business infrastructure.
- Commercial service revenue was $106.4 million, up 11% from last year's comparable period due to an increase in revenue from voice and data services, IoT and broadband.
- Commercial voice and data revenue was $48.5 million, up 12% from the year-ago period. Commercial voice and data subscribers were up 8% from the year-ago period to 394,000. Commercial voice and data average revenue per user ("ARPU") increased to $42 during the second quarter, compared to $40 in the prior-year period.
- Commercial IoT data revenue was $30.6 million, up 13% from the year-ago period. Commercial IoT data subscribers grew 22% from the year-ago period to 1,323,000 customers, driven by continued strength in consumer personal communications devices. Commercial IoT data ARPU was $7.96 in the second quarter, compared to $8.69 in last year's comparable period. The decrease in ARPU resulted primarily from customer mix, including the effect of the growing proportion of personal communications subscribers within IoT, who typically utilize lower ARPU plans.
- Commercial broadband revenue was $12.1 million, up 14% from $10.6 million in the year-ago period on increasing activations of Iridium Certus® broadband service. Commercial broadband ARPU was $292 during the second quarter, compared to $289 in last year's comparable period.
- Iridium's commercial business ended the quarter with 1,731,000 billable subscribers, which compares to 1,463,000 for the year-ago period and is up from 1,635,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. IoT data subscribers represented 76% of billable commercial subscribers at the end of the quarter, an increase from 74% at the end of the prior-year period.
- Hosted payload and other data service revenue was $15.2 million in the second quarter, compared to $14.4 million in the prior-year period, primarily related to increased usage for payload services and precision timing and location services.
Service – Government
Iridium's voice and data solutions improve situational awareness for military personnel and track critical assets in tough environments around the globe, providing a unique value proposition that is not easily duplicated.
Under Iridium's Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services contract (the "EMSS Contract"), a seven-year, $738.5 million fixed-price airtime contract with the U.S. Space Force signed in September 2019, Iridium provides specified satellite airtime services, including unlimited global standard and secure voice, paging, fax, Short Burst Data®, Iridium Burst®, RUDICS and Distributed Tactical Communications System services for an unlimited number of Department of Defense and other federal government subscribers. Iridium also provides maintenance and support work for the U.S. government's dedicated Iridium gateway under two other contracts with the U.S. Space Force. Iridium Certus airtime services are not included under these contracts and may be procured separately for an additional fee.
- Government service revenue was $26.5 million in the second quarter compared to $25.8 million in the prior-year period, reflecting increased revenue from a contractual step up in the EMSS Contract on September 15, 2021.
- Iridium's government business ended the quarter with 144,000 subscribers, which compares to 153,000 for the year-ago period and was down from 146,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Government voice and data subscribers decreased 3% from the year-ago period to 62,000 as of June 30, 2022. Government IoT data subscribers decreased 8% year-over-year to 82,000 and represented 57% of total government subscribers, compared to 58% at the end of the prior-year period.
Equipment
- Equipment revenue was $33.8 million during the second quarter, compared to $21.8 million in the prior-year's quarter.
- In 2022, the Company expects considerably higher equipment sales than in 2021.
Engineering & Support
- Engineering and support revenue was $8.3 million during the second quarter, compared to $6.8 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to the episodic nature of contract work for the U.S. government and a rise in commercial activity.
- The Company expects Engineering and Support revenue to be higher than in prior years for the remainder of 2022 and in coming years, resulting from a new contract awarded by the Space Development Agency to General Dynamics Mission Systems, with Iridium as a subcontractor.
Capital expenditures were $17.5 million for the second quarter, which includes $0.5 million of capitalized interest and an initial payment for the launch of up to five ground spare satellites. The Company ended the second quarter with gross debt of $1.61 billion and a cash and cash equivalents balance of $227.2 million, for a net debt balance of $1.39 billion.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2022, the Company repurchased approximately 1.0 million shares of its common stock under its previously announced share repurchase program at a total purchase price of $35.0 million. As of June 30, 2022, $267.5 million remained available and authorized for repurchase under this program.
2022 Outlook
The Company updated its full-year 2022 outlook for total service revenue and OEBITDA and currently anticipates:
- Total service revenue growth between 7% and 9% for full-year 2022 (previous outlook was for total service revenue growth between 5% and 7% for full-year 2022). Total service revenue for 2021 was $492.0 million.
- Full-year 2022 OEBITDA between $410 million and $420 million (previous outlook was for full-year 2022 OEBITDA between $400 million and $410 million). OEBITDA for 2021 was $378.2 million.
- Negligible cash taxes in 2022. Cash taxes are expected to be negligible through approximately 2024.
- Net leverage of between 2.5 and 3.5 times OEBITDA at the end of 2023, assuming the completion of the Company's total $600 million in authorized share repurchases. Net leverage was 3.4 times OEBITDA at December 31, 2021.
In addition to disclosing financial results that are determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company provides Operational EBITDA and Operational EBITDA margin, which are non-GAAP financial measures, as supplemental measures to help investors evaluate the Company's fundamental operational performance. Operational EBITDA represents earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, equity income (loss) from investments, net, and share-based compensation expenses. The Company also presents Operational EBITDA expressed as a percentage of GAAP revenue, or Operational EBITDA margin. Operational EBITDA, along with its related measure, Operational EBITDA margin does not represent, and should not be considered, an alternative to U.S. GAAP measurements such as net income or loss. In addition, there is no standardized measurement of Operational EBITDA, and the Company's calculations thereof may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company believes Operational EBITDA is a useful measure across time in evaluating the Company's fundamental core operating performance. Management also uses Operational EBITDA to manage the business, including in preparing its annual operating budget, debt covenant compliance, financial projections and compensation plans. The Company believes that Operational EBITDA is also useful to investors because similar measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies in similar industries. As indicated, Operational EBITDA does not include interest expense on borrowed money, the payment of income taxes, amortization of the Company's definite-lived intangible assets, or depreciation expense on the Company's capital assets, which are necessary elements of the Company's operations. Since Operational EBITDA does not account for these and other expenses, its utility as a measure of the Company's operating performance has material limitations. Due to these limitations, the Company's management does not view Operational EBITDA in isolation, but also uses other measurements, such as net income (loss), revenues, operating profit and cash flows from operating activities, to measure operating performance. Please refer to the schedule below for a reconciliation of consolidated GAAP net income (loss) to Operational EBITDA and Iridium's Investor Relations webpage at www.iridium.com for a discussion and reconciliation of these and other non-GAAP financial measures. We do not provide a forward-looking reconciliation of expected full-year 2022 Operational EBITDA guidance as the amount and significance of special items required to develop meaningful comparable GAAP financial measures cannot be estimated at this time without unreasonable efforts.
As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call to discuss its results at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Callers should dial 1-412-902-6740 to access the call. The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast on Iridium's Investor Relations webpage at www.iridium.com. An archive of the webcast will be available following the live conference call.
Iridium® is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2019, the company completed a generational upgrade of its satellite network and launched its new specialty broadband service, Iridium Certus. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.
Statements in this press release that are not purely historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Iridium's expectations with respect to total service revenue growth, OEBITDA, and cash taxes for 2022; net leverage and cash taxes over the longer-term; anticipated equipment sales for 2022; anticipated engineering and support service growth from a new contract; amount and timing of share repurchases, and expected revenues from its EMSS contract with the U.S. government. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "anticipates," "may," "can," "believes," "expects," "projects," "intends," "likely," "will," "to be" and other expressions that are predictions or indicate future events, trends or prospects. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Iridium to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding customer demand for Iridium's products and services, including demand from the U.S. government; Iridium's ability to maintain the health, capacity and content of its satellite constellation, the development of and market for Iridium's products and services, and Iridium's ability to complete its share repurchase programs, as well as general industry and economic conditions, and competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include those factors listed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 17, 2022, and the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, filed with the SEC on July 26, 2022, as well as other filings Iridium makes with the SEC from time to time. There is no assurance that Iridium's expectations will be realized. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Iridium's underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Iridium's forward-looking statements are based on information available to it as of the date of this press release and speak only as of the date of this press release, and Iridium undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE Iridium Communications Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/iridium-announces-record-second-quarter-2022-results-updates-2022-outlook/ | 2022-07-26T12:08:26Z |
– Company expects to be EBITDA positive in 2023 –
SAN DIEGO and TORONTO, Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - StateHouse Holdings Inc. ("StateHouse" or the "Company") (CSE: STHZ) (OTCQX: STHZF), a California-focused, vertically integrated cannabis enterprise, today announced its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 ("Q2 2022" and "YTD 2022", respectively), and provided additional business updates. The unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for Q2 2022 and corresponding management's discussion and analysis are available for download from the Company's investor website, statehouseholdings.com, and on the Company's SEDAR profile. Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts in this press release are denominated in U.S. currency.
"The second quarter was a landmark period for StateHouse, as we completed the acquisition of Loudpack to create a leading, fully integrated California cannabis company," said Ed Schmults, Chief Executive Officer. "We then launched the first phase of a major integration initiative, which was completed before the end of the quarter and resulted in significant annual cost savings. One-time costs related to closing the Loudpack acquisition impacted profitability in Q2 2022, but with the integration activities underway, we exited the quarter in a much stronger competitive position. While California cannabis market conditions are currently challenging, particularly in wholesale, we are continuing to aggressively reduce costs and optimize operations, developing new consumer packaged cannabis products and expecting to generate material positive EBITDA(1) in 2023".
Q2 2022 Highlights
- Total net revenues were $34.6 million, a 125% increase over the $15.4 million realized in the three months ended June 30, 2021 ("Q2 2021"). The increase reflected the acquisitions of UL Holdings Inc. ("Urbn Leaf") and LPF JV Corporation ("Loudpack"), which were completed in March and April of 2022, respectively;
- Gross profit before adjustments for biological assets, was $14.7 million, a 110% increase as compared to $7.0 million in gross profit realized during Q2 2021. Consolidated gross margins during Q2 2022 were 42.6% of revenues, compared to 45.6% of revenues in Q2 2021, with the gross margin reduction primarily due to the year over year selling price declines on bulk cannabis in the California market and the addition of manufacturing revenues which typically operate on lower margins, partially offset by greater sell through of in-house manufactured products at Company owned retail stores;
- On April 4, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Loudpack to form one of the largest vertically integrated cannabis enterprises in California;
- On May 11, 2022, the Company announced new retail store openings in San Francisco and Grossmont, California;
- On May 19, 2022, the Company acquired a further 50% interest in its retail store in Seaside, California, bringing its interest in the store to 100%; and,
- On May 31, 2022, the Company announced initial integration measures that are expected to generate approximately $10.3 million of annualized cost savings.(2) (3)
Subsequent Events
- On July 25, 2022, the Company officially changed its name from Harborside Inc. ("Harborside") to StateHouse Holdings Inc. to honor its pioneering history and reflect its future direction in California's cannabis sector. The Company's subordinate voting shares were also reclassified as common shares on this date;
- On July 28, 2022, the Company announced that it reached a Partial Payment Installment Agreement with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") to resolve and reduce legacy federal tax obligations related to the Internal Revenue Code Section 280E, resulting in a one-time non-cash gain of approximately $16.1 million. The Company continues to negotiate with the IRS over additional tax repayments; and,
- On August 15, 2022, StateHouse completed the transition to a common technology platform for its California retail stores, e-commerce and home delivery.
Operations Update
StateHouse has established a leading integrated cannabis platform that, when fully optimized, will minimize exposure to the volatile bulk cannabis market and allow the Company to operate as a focused, integrated CPG business with proprietary production, processing, brands and retail stores. In conjunction with the continuing reduction of costs, the Company expects to emerge with a scalable, controlled, profitable and more predictable cannabis business(2).
By the end of Q2 2022, StateHouse was well underway with initial integration measures that are expected to generate approximately $10.3 million of annualized cost savings. (2) (3) As a result of this first phase of integration, StateHouse is now operating with a greatly reduced cost base. Following the initial integration measures, the Company has initiated additional cost reductions which are expected to result in a further $8-10 million in annualized savings. (2) (3)
Improvements were also completed across the Company's operations. In cultivation, the Company has converted to a perpetual harvest program, with crop yields at the Salinas facility up 78% from last year through the first half of 2022, while also winning seven awards for quality, including three awards at the Emerald Cup and four medals at the California State Fair, including two golds and two silvers. At the Greenfield Campus, the adoption of best practices has led to enhanced efficiencies and improved gross profits. At retail, despite competitive pressures related to sales discounting, gross margins have held steady as the Company moves further towards its goal of in-house branded products representing 40% of total retail sales. On the administrative side, the Company is introducing a new ERP system for cultivation, rationalizing external relationships and suppliers and progressing on the consolidation of its finance and accounting systems into one common platform. With new management and a highly motivated team, StateHouse is revitalizing existing customer accounts and aggressively pursuing new ones.
As a result of the significant synergies and cost savings either achieved to date and financial forecasts of the Company, management expects StateHouse to generate materially positive Adjusted EBITDA(1) in 2023.
Management is also exploring the potential sale of various non-core assets, which is expected to generate approximately $5-8 million of non-dilutive capital,(3) to strengthen its balance sheet and fund its growth objectives.(2)
Management Departure
Ahmer Iqbal, Chief Operating Officer, is leaving the Company effective September 30, 2022 to pursue other opportunities. StateHouse's management team and Board of Directors thank Mr. Iqbal for his contributions to the Company and wish him the best in his future endeavours. Mr. Iqbal's duties will be assumed by other members of the management team upon his departure.
Notes:
(1) This is a non-IFRS reporting measure. For a reconciliation of this to the nearest IFRS measure, see "Use of Non-IFRS Measures" and "Non-IFRS Measures" in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the period ended June 30, 2022. See "Non-IFRS Measures, Reconciliation and Discussion".
(2) This is forward-looking information and based on a number of assumptions. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" below.
(3) These targets, and the related assumptions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. While StateHouse believes there is a reasonable basis for these targets, such targets may not be met. These targets represent forward-looking information. Actual results may vary and differ materially from the targets. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" and "Assumptions" below.
About StateHouse
StateHouse, a vertically integrated enterprise with cannabis licenses covering retail, major brands, distribution, cultivation, nursery and manufacturing, is one of the oldest and most respected cannabis companies in California. Founded in 2006, its predecessor company Harborside was awarded one of the first six medical cannabis licenses granted in the United States. Today, the Company operates 13 dispensaries covering Northern and Southern California and one in Oregon, distribution facilities in San Jose and Los Angeles, California and integrated cultivation/production facilities in Salinas and Greenfield, California. StateHouse is a publicly listed company, currently trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") under the ticker symbol "STHZ" and the OTCQX under the ticker symbol "STHZF". The Company continues to play an instrumental role in making cannabis safe and accessible to a broad and diverse community of California and Oregon consumers.
Non-IFRS Measures, Reconciliation and Discussion
This press release may contain references to "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Adjusted Gross Profit" which are non-IFRS financial measures. Management believes that these measures provide useful information as they represent the value of incremental sales.
Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of the Company's overall financial performance and is used as an alternative to earnings or net income in some circumstances. Adjusted EBITDA is essentially net income (loss) with interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash adjustments and other unusual items added back. This measure can be used to analyze and compare profitability among companies and industries, as it eliminates the effects of financing and capital expenditures. It is often used in valuation ratios and can be compared to enterprise value and revenue. This measure does not have any standardized meaning according to IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
Adjusted Gross Profit exclude the changes in fair value less costs to sell of the Company's biological assets. Management believes this measure provides useful information as they represent the gross profit based on the Company's cost to produce inventories sold while removing fair value measurements which are tied to changing inventory components and levels, as required by IFRS.
There are no comparable IFRS financial measures presented in StateHouse's financial statements. Reconciliations of the supplemental non-IFRS measures are presented in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period ended June 30, 2022. The Company provides the non-IFRS financial measures as supplemental information and in addition to the financial measures that are calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS. These supplemental non-IFRS financial measures are presented because management believes such measures provide information which is useful to shareholders and investors in understanding its performance and which may assist in the evaluation of the Company's business relative to that of its peers. However, such measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or as an alternative to, and should only be considered in conjunction with, the most comparable IFRS financial measure. For more information, please see "Use of Non-IFRS Measures" and "Non-IFRS Measures" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period ended June 30, 2022, which is available under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. To the extent any forward-looking information in this news release constitutes "financial outlooks" or "future-oriented financial information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to generating positive EBITDA by 2023, total amounts of annualized cost savings, the successes resulting from the Company's integrated cannabis platform, amounts of in-house branded products sold, the implications of the sale of non-core assets, and the Company's future profitability, potential cost reductions, and potential asset sales.
These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's operations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the cannabis markets where the Company operates; changing consumer habits; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for expansion and acquisitions; political and social uncertainties; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; employee relations; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on cultivation, production, distribution, and sale of cannabis and cannabis-related products in the markets where the Company operates; and the risk factors set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period ended June 30, 2022 and the Company's listing statement dated May 30, 2019, which are available under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.
The Company, through several of its subsidiaries, is directly involved in the manufacture, possession, use, sale, and distribution of cannabis in the recreational and medicinal cannabis marketplace in the United States. Local state laws where the Company operates permit such activities however, investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute or possess cannabis in the United States. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable United States federal money laundering legislation.
While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward non-enforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with recreational and medicinal cannabis programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve the Company of liability under United States federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against the Company. The enforcement of federal laws in the United States is a significant risk to the business of the Company and any proceedings brought against the Company thereunder may adversely affect the Company's operations and financial performance.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The Company's securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
Assumptions
In developing the financial guidance set forth above, StateHouse made the following assumptions and relied on the following factors and considerations:
- The targets are based on StateHouse's historical results including its year-to-date consolidated results of operations.
- The targets are subject to continued cultivation improvement.
- Targeted revenue at our retail dispensaries through the end of the year is based on our YTD results.
- Both retail and wholesale revenue sustainability and growth depend on a variety of factors, including among other things, location, competition, legal and regulatory requirements. Prices are projected forward at recently realized wholesale and retail prices.
- Cost of goods sold, before taking into account the impact of value changes in biological assets (which are non- cash in nature, and, accordingly, are excluded from calculations of Adjusted EBITDA, have been projected based on estimated costs of production and capacity available from a vertically integrated supply chain. Cost of goods sold relating to inventory purchased from third parties have been projected in line with historical levels.
- Selling, general and administrative expenses in future periods are assumed to decrease as a percentage of revenues due to inherent scalability of selling, general and administrative expenses and our cost cutting initiatives outlined above. Additionally, total selling, general and administrative expenses include an allocation for corporate overhead and public company costs.
The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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SOURCE StateHouse Holdings Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/statehouse-holdings-inc-reports-second-quarter-2022-financial-results-provides-additional-business-updates/ | 2022-08-26T01:33:39Z |
MIDLAND, Pa., Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 160 students, parents, and staff attended PA Cyber's grand opening of its Erie regional office on Tuesday, September 6. Senator Dan Laughlin and members of the Erie Chamber of Commerce, including Vice President of Economic Development Jake Rouch, stood near as PA Cyber CEO Brian Hayden performed the ribbon cutting ceremony. The senator commented that it was great to see so many young people who were excited about the start of the school year.
"It was a lively atmosphere, with a nice mix of families who have been with PA Cyber for many years and families who are new to the school," said Dave Veon, PA Cyber's supervisor of regional offices.
Headquartered in Midland, the K-12 online school maintains a network of nine regional offices around the state that serve as hubs for enrollment, orientation, and year-round enrichment activities. The school relocated its Erie office within the same metropolitan area in 2020 to provide an enhanced facility for students and their families, but the celebration was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The office is located at 1980 Edinboro Road.
PA Cyber relocated the office to increase square footage and improve visibility and accessibility for students and their families. The new 11,000-square-foot facility serves approximately 1,200 PA Cyber students in Erie County and its surrounding counties. The location is under a ten-year lease.
"We want to provide the best facilities that we can for students and their families," said Brian Hayden, CEO of PA Cyber. "We are invested in the many families that we serve, and we are committed to being an active member of their communities."
At the grand opening, students met staff from many areas of the school and enjoyed interactive activities. They met principals, Archie the mascot, a school nurse, and a guidance counselor. They enjoyed face painting, balloon art, ice cream, as well as hands-on art and STEM activities. PA Cyber's Supervisor of STEM Education Tom Brambley led students through hands-on activities with robots and a piano comprised of bananas.
Serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade, the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School is one of the largest, most experienced, and most successful online public schools in the nation. PA Cyber's online learning environments, personalized instructional methods, and curricula choices connect Pennsylvania students and families with state-certified and highly qualified teachers and rich academic content aligned to state standards. Founded in 2000, PA Cyber is headquartered in Midland (Beaver County) and maintains a network of support offices throughout the state. As a public school, PA Cyber is open for enrollment to any school-age child residing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and does not charge tuition to students or families.
Pictures from event available upon request.
Media Contact: Jennie Harris
jennie.harris@pacyber.org
724-313-5842
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SOURCE The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (PA Cyber) | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/local-dignitaries-celebrated-pa-cybers-erie-office-grand-opening/ | 2022-09-12T18:49:01Z |
Airlines aim to shift blame for flight problems to FAA
DALLAS (AP) — Airlines under scrutiny for widespread flight disruptions are renewing their criticism of the government agency that manages the nation’s airspace, saying that understaffing at the Federal Aviation Administration is “crippling” traffic along the East Coast.
Airlines for America, which represents the largest U.S. carriers, said Friday it wants to know FAA’s staffing plans for the July Fourth holiday weekend, “so we can plan accordingly.”
The comments from the industry group could serve as a pre-emptive defense in case airlines again suffer thousands of canceled and delayed flights over the holiday weekend, when travel is expected to set new pandemic-era highs.
“The industry is actively and nimbly doing everything possible to create a positive customer experience since it is in an airline’s inherent interest to keep customers happy, so they return for future business,” Nicholas Calio, president of the trade group, said in a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Calio said airlines have dropped 15% of the flights they originally planned for June through August to make the remaining flights more reliable, they are hiring and training more pilots and customer-service agents, and giving passengers more flexibility to change travel plans.
Calio said air traffic is often disrupted “for many hours” because bad weather causes the FAA to issue delays.
“However, we have also observed that FAA (air traffic control) staffing challenges have led to traffic restrictions under blue sky conditions,” he added.
The FAA shot back, with a reference to taxpayer money that airlines received after the pandemic devastated air travel.
“People expect when they buy an airline ticket that they’ll get where they need to go safely, efficiently, reliably and affordably,” the FAA said in a statement. “After receiving $54 billion in pandemic relief to help save the airlines from mass layoffs and bankruptcy, the American people deserve to have their expectations met.”
The FAA said it has added controllers in high-traffic areas and added alternate routes to keep planes moving.
The airline trade group chief’s comments came a week after Buttigieg called airline leaders to a virtual meeting and threatened to punish carriers that fail to meet consumer-protection standards set by his department, which includes the FAA.
Buttigieg said he called the meeting after being alarmed by the high number of canceled flights around Memorial Day — more than 2,700 in a five-day stretch, according to tracking service FlightAware.
Thunderstorms can quickly snarl air traffic during the summer, but airlines have also acknowledged staffing shortages — they are hiring at a rapid pace to replace tens of thousands of workers whom the airlines paid to quit when travel collapsed in 2020. Pilot union leaders say their groups are being stretched to the limit, and more pilots report being fatigued.
The FAA has admitted that it too is understaffed, particularly at a key air traffic control center in Florida.
Calio said that facility, near Jacksonville, Florida, has been understaffed for 27 of the last 30 days, “which is crippling to the entire East Coast traffic flows.”
More than 500 U.S. flights had been canceled and more than 2,300 delayed by early afternoon Friday, according to FlightAware. That was better than Thursday, however, when thunderstorms on the East Coast contributed to more than 800 cancellations and 6,600 delays.
___
David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/24/airlines-aim-shift-blame-flight-problems-faa/ | 2022-06-24T19:54:59Z |
MIAMI and AUSTIN, Texas, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Industry-leading autonomous vehicle technology company Argo AI commenced driverless operations in Miami and Austin, two of the eight global cities in which it is currently developing its technology.
"Argo is first to go driverless in two major American cities, safely operating amongst heavy traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists in the busiest of neighborhoods," said Bryan Salesky, Founder and CEO, Argo AI. "From day one, we set out to tackle the hardest miles to drive — in multiple cities — because that's where the density of customer demand is, and where our autonomy platform is developing the intelligence required to scale it into a sustainable business."
Reaching the point to operate without a driver, during daytime business hours, while sharing the road with many others, is the result of more than five years of progress on the Argo Autonomy Platform. With multiple customer-facing pilot programs operating in Miami and Austin, this milestone marks an important step in the company's plan to bring together the technology, the operational footprint, and the commercial partners needed to achieve a scalable autonomy business.
Scaling Autonomy
Argo offers a full suite of products and services to enable businesses of any size to improve their operations using Argo autonomous vehicles. Through a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) known as Argo Connect, ridesharing, delivery and logistics companies can seamlessly integrate Argo autonomous vehicles into their own digital services.
Beyond safely driving the fleet using Argo's Autonomy Platform, Argo has a portfolio of Autonomy Solutions to help businesses manage in-market services and depot operations. Argo's Autonomy Solutions give customers real-time trip visibility, support, and peace-of-mind.
Whether streamlining daily fleet maintenance through Depot Manager or orchestrating ride and delivery requests through Fleet Scheduler, Argo customers can access all of the capabilities they need to efficiently operate autonomous vehicles as part of their business.
To maximize scale, and support businesses where they most need the help, Argo believes in focusing on commercialization in large cities. Argo operations span some of the largest rideshare and goods delivery markets in the U.S., including Miami (in 2021, the second largest rideshare market); Washington, D.C. (a top-5 city), and Austin (a top-20 city).
Argo has positioned itself to best serve the needs of commercial businesses based on:
- Operations in densely-populated cities. The concentration of customer demand is in the urban core. Argo's operations coverage in Miami, Austin, and Washington, D.C. currently reaches more than two million people and thousands of businesses. As the company expands to encompass the entire metropolitan area, its service coverage will grow to more than 15 million.
- Diversity of testing locations. In addition to Miami, Austin, and D.C., Argo operates in five other big cities in the U.S. and Europe (Pittsburgh, Detroit, Palo Alto, Munich and Hamburg) — enabling the technology to learn from a diversity of road infrastructure and driving behaviors, establishing a robust data set that supports rapid expansion worldwide. For instance, Argo autonomous vehicles operating on Lyft's rideshare network in Miami Beach navigate complex traffic scenarios with the following frequencies of total trips:
- Ability to expand rapidly. Operational experience in eight cities has honed the company's ability to enter new markets quickly and efficiently - in a matter of weeks - then expand.
- Automaker partners for multiple vehicle types. The Argo Autonomy Platform is designed for integration with multiple vehicle form factors, and the company works very closely with its partners Ford and Volkswagen to follow a systems engineering approach for high-quality, reliable and safe operations. The Argo test fleet is currently made up of the Ford Escape Hybrid and VW's all-electric ID. Buzz.
- Integration with go-to-market partners. Argo technology serves customers every day through collaborations with Lyft and Walmart. These partnerships also include integration with backend cloud infrastructure to connect the Argo fleet with partners' digital services for seamless interaction and customer engagement.
Working with TÜV SÜD, a world-leading safety organization
In the preparation for operations of driverless test vehicles, Argo measured autonomy performance and safety requirements against industry best practices. Argo then proactively approached TÜV SÜD, a world-leading independent technical service provider and certification body with extensive experience assessing automated vehicle technology, to conduct a third-party review. Upon completion of the vehicle hazard analysis, safety concept, safety analyses and operational requirements, TÜV SÜD visited Argo's test track facilities in western Pennsylvania for final validation testing.
The assessment is based on the four layered TÜV SÜD Automated Vehicle Framework, an established, federally-recognized process in Germany, which is closely aligned with US DOT's Guidance on AV Safety.
In addition, last year, Argo also became the first autonomous vehicle technology developer to receive third-party validation by TÜV SÜD for test driver selection, training, and oversight procedures. The assessment confirmed that Argo meets, and in some cases exceeds, industry best practices and standards as outlined by Autonomous Vehicle Safety Consortium's (AVSC) best practices and SAE International's J3018 standard for safe on-road testing.
About Argo AI
Argo AI is a global autonomy products and services company headquartered in Pittsburgh, with additional engineering centers located in Detroit; Cranbury, NJ; Los Angeles; Palo Alto; and Munich, Germany. Since 2016, the company has been on a mission to make the world's streets and roadways safe, accessible, and useful for all. With a team of more than 1,900 people across the U.S. and Europe, Argo designs its Argo Autonomy Platform and Solutions to support autonomous ridesharing and goods delivery to benefit communities around the world. For more information regarding Argo, please visit www.argo.ai.
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SOURCE Argo AI, LLC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/argo-ai-begins-driverless-vehicle-operations-miami-amp-austin/ | 2022-05-17T16:21:14Z |
Which turmeric supplement is best?
Turmeric is both a plant native to Asia and Central America and the spice that’s derived from said plant. It’s used to flavor foods, as a dye and in supplement form, to combat inflammation among other symptoms and conditions. Turmeric supplements may also include extra ingredients for additional beneficial effects.
The best turmeric supplement is the Garden of Life MyKind Organics Extra-Strength Turmeric Supplement. You only need to take one pill a day, and it includes extra ingredients for better absorption and to aid your digestion.
What to know before you buy a turmeric supplement
What is turmeric good for?
Turmeric supplements mainly work to reduce inflammation, which can also soothe pain. Some conditions that can respond well to these effects include:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Digestion issues
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Menstrual pain
- Muscle and joint swelling
- Skin inflammation
Forms
Turmeric supplements come in three forms.
- Capsules come in quick-dissolve packets. These are often the easiest to swallow due to their slick nature, but they can also be pulled open to add the powder to something else.
- Pills are made of tightly compressed powder. They can be hard to swallow for some and if you can’t swallow them they need to be crushed, which is difficult, or chewed, which is bitter.
- Powders easily let you add your supplement to a drink or food. This isn’t recommended for turmeric as it imparts a bitter flavor if too much is used; considering the size of most supplement doses, this is all but assured.
Dosage
Turmeric supplement dosage can be split between potency and quantity.
- Potency refers to how much turmeric is included in one dose. It can be as little as 100 milligrams or as much as 1,500 milligrams. Crucially, many supplements require you to take several servings throughout the day to reach a full dose.
- Quantity, then, refers to how many servings are included. For example, one 1,500 milligram dose may require three servings to reach and the bottle includes 90 servings, meaning that the bottle has 30 days’ worth of doses.
What to look for in a quality turmeric supplement
Non-genetically modified organisms
Most supplements, turmeric or not, don’t use any genetically modified ingredients, including pesticides and the like. Look for the United States Department of Agriculture’s certification; if it lacks it, it may not actually be non-GMO.
Dietary compliance
Most turmeric supplements aim to be compatible with as many dietary restrictions as possible. This includes being manufactured in facilities with no risk of cross-contamination from allergens such as nuts or shellfish and refusing to use ingredients that would make them unusable by those who adhere to kosher, vegan and gluten-free lifestyles.
Other ingredients
Turmeric supplements often include extra ingredients to tackle more issues than just inflammation.
- Black pepper extract is the most common extra ingredient, often going by Bioperine. It helps the body absorb curcumin, the primary compound of turmeric and the compound responsible for the beneficial effects.
- Ginger root is also common as it also aids in absorption.
- Probiotics are the last most common addition. They help with digestive issues, both those you may already have and those that large doses of turmeric supplements can cause.
How much you can expect to spend on a turmeric supplement
They can cost as little as $5 to as much as $50. Cost mainly depends on the size and quantity of doses included, but extra ingredients and brand names can also add to the cost.
Turmeric supplement FAQ
Are there reasons not to take turmeric supplements?
A. There are a few groups of people and some situations that call for avoiding turmeric supplements:
- It can thin the blood and cause the clotting process to slow down, so it should be avoided if you’re on blood thinners or have blood-related issues
- Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have estrogen-related hormonal issues.
- Diabetics as it can raise your blood sugar.
- Those with sensitive stomachs.
Do turmeric supplements have any side effects?
A. Yes, though they’re rare unless you take a high dose. These side effects can include:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- High heart rate
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Other side effects are possible if the supplement contains other ingredients besides turmeric.
What’s the best turmeric supplement to buy?
Top turmeric supplement
Garden of Life MyKind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric Supplement
What you need to know: Just one of these a day can ease multiple issues.
What you’ll love: Besides the anti-inflammation from turmeric, this supplement includes black pepper for better absorption, probiotics for digestion and ginger for increased bioavailability. All ingredients are non-GMO and the capsules are gluten-free, vegan-friendly and kosher-friendly. It comes with 60 or 120 servings.
What you should consider: It has a lower dose of turmeric than many other supplements. The pills are large so some customers struggled to swallow them.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and iHerb
Top turmeric supplement for the money
BioSchwarts Turmeric Curcumin With Bioperine Supplement
What you need to know: This supplement offers one of the highest dosages of turmeric you can find.
What you’ll love: It’s almost entirely turmeric with only 10 milligrams of black pepper to boost absorption out of the 1,500-milligram dose. There are no allergens in the gluten-free and vegan-friendly capsule including soy, nuts or shellfish. It’s made in the U.S.
What you should consider: With the high dosage comes a high chance of side effects such as gas, nausea and stomach cramps. It can take time to start noticing positive effects.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and iHerb
Worth checking out
MegaFood Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength Supplement
What you need to know: This supplement has one of the longest ingredient lists for improving whole-body health.
What you’ll love: You only need two capsules a day and they can be taken anytime, including on an empty stomach. Besides turmeric, this also contains black pepper for absorption and a blend of fruits for nutrition and antioxidation. It comes in 60-, 90- or 120-count bottles.
What you should consider: It costs a little more than most turmeric supplements. Some purchases received broken bottles. Others took them for months and didn’t feel any positive effects.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and iHerb
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/health-wellness-br/supplements-br/best-turmeric-supplement/ | 2022-08-09T10:32:21Z |
Some US clinics stop doing abortions as ruling takes hold
(AP) - Abortion bans that were put on the books in some states in the event Roe v. Wade was overturned started automatically going into effect Friday, while clinics elsewhere -- including Alabama, Texas and West Virginia -- stopped performing abortions for fear of prosecution, sending women away in tears.
“Some patients broke down and could not speak through their sobbing,” said Katie Quinonez, executive director of West Virginia’s lone abortion clinic, whose staff spent the day calling dozens of patients to cancel their appointments. “Some patients were stunned and didn’t know what to say. Some patients did not understand what was happening.”
America was convulsed with anger, joy, fear and confusion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe. The canyon-like divide across the U.S. over the right to terminate a pregnancy was on full display, with abortion rights supporters calling it a dark day in history, while abortion foes welcomed the ruling as the answer to their prayers.
In eliminating the constitutional right to abortion that has stood for a half-century, the high court left the politically charged issue up to the states, about half of which are now likely to ban the procedure.
The reaction across the country largely fell along predictable political lines.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat in a state where abortions are available with few restrictions, called the ruling a “war on women” and vowed to stand as a “brick wall” to help preserve the right. Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vowed to seek a ban on abortions after 15 weeks.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a conservative Republican widely considered a potential candidate for president in 2024, tweeted: “The Supreme Court has answered the prayers of millions upon millions of Americans.”
The issue is certain to intensify the fall election season. Both sides intend to use the issue to energize supporters and get them to vote.
“This country is lurching to the right, taking away rights. The voters are going to have to intervene,” said Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the U.S. House majority whip.
Some states, including Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri, had “trigger law” bans on the books that went into effect as soon as Roe fell.
In Alabama, the state’s three abortion clinics stopped performing the procedure for fear providers would now be prosecuted under a law dating to 1951.
At the Alabama Women’s Center for Reproductive Alternatives in Huntsville, the staff had to tell women in the waiting room Friday morning that they could not perform any more abortions that day. Some had come from as far away as Texas for an appointment.
“A lot of them just started breaking down crying. Can you imagine if you had driven 12 hours to receive this care in this state and you are not able to?” clinic owner Dalton Johnson said. Patients were given a list of out-of-state places still doing abortions.
Abortion providers across Arizona likewise stopped doing procedures while they try to determine if a law dating to pre-statehood days — before 1912 — means doctors and nurses will face prison time now.
In Texas, providers wondered which law they had to follow: a 1925 ban, a 2021 law that limits abortions to the first six weeks of pregnancy, or a trigger law that bans the procedure outright, but wouldn’t take effect for a month or more. The confusion led them to suspend abortions while they seek legal advice.
Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton warned they could face immediate prosecution for performing abortions under the Prohibition-era ban, which carries two to five years in prison.
It was the risk of prosecution under a 19th-century abortion ban punishable by prison that led the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia to stop performing the procedure.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, said he will not hesitate to call the Legislature into special session if the ban needs to be clarified.
The high court ruling brought strong reactions around the country.
Carol E. Tracy, the executive director of the Women’s Law Project in Philadelphia, was “absolutely furious.”
“They want women to be barefoot and pregnant once again,” she said. “But I have no doubt that women and like-minded men, and people in the LGBTQ community, who are also at great risk, ... we’re going to fight back. I think it’s going to be a long, hard fight.”
Garrett Bess, who works with a lobbying arm of the conservative Heritage Foundation, said his group will continue to press states to restrict abortion.
“We’ll be working with grassroots Americans to ensure the protection of pregnant mothers and babies,” Bess said outside the Supreme Court. “This has been a long time coming, and it’s a welcome decision.”
Opinion polls show that a majority of Americans favor preserving Roe.
They include Alison Dreith, 41, an abortion activist in southern Illinois, where the governor has vowed to keep the procedure accessible. She said she fears for the safety of abortion workers, especially those who help people from states where the procedure is banned.
Dreith works with the Midwest Action Coalition, which offers gas money, child care and other practical support to women seeking abortions.
“I absolutely believe that they will try to come after me. I’m not built for prison, but I’m ready,” she said, “and I say, ‘Let’s do this.’ You want to pick that fight with me? I’m fighting back.”
___
AP reporters from across the U.S. contributed to this report. Follow Maryclaire Dale on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Maryclairedale
___
For AP’s full coverage of the Supreme Court ruling on abortion, go to https://apnews.com/hub/abortion
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/24/some-us-clinics-stop-doing-abortions-ruling-takes-hold/ | 2022-06-24T22:55:40Z |
Kevin McGovern joins Middleton on leadership team as director of coaching
INDIAN LAND, S.C., August 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Movement Mortgage (Movement), the nation's sixth-largest retail mortgage lender, is expanding its leadership team with the creation of two new positions focused on the growth and development of Movement's sales team nationwide. Movement welcomes Sarah Middleton as chief growth officer and Kevin McGovern as director of coaching.
Prior to joining Movement as chief growth officer, Middleton served as president of sales development and recruiting at Fairway Independent Mortgage and chief executive officer of Fairway's internal coaching platform, Fairway Ignite. A 34-year veteran of the mortgage industry, Middleton held leadership roles including senior vice president at Guild Mortgage Company and Liberty Financial Group prior to joining Fairway in 2013. In her new role, Middleton will lead Movement's efforts to attract, onboard and develop sales leaders across the country.
"I'm thrilled to join Movement to help the organization grow. I'm here to do more and give more, and to live a life of significance," said Middleton. "My passion is to love on loan officers and sales leaders, and to help them dream bigger and achieve their personal and professional goals."
"We hold a deep respect for what Sarah and Steve Jacobson built at Fairway," said Movement CEO Casey Crawford. "Sarah exemplifies everything we look for in a leader at Movement; excellence in our profession with an unrivaled passion for loving and serving people. Our entire community is better today with Sarah on our team."
Kevin McGovern joins Movement as director of coaching after serving as executive vice president for Fairway Independent Mortgage and chief operations officer for Fairway Ignite. McGovern has more than 30 years of sales and mortgage experience, including 16 years as a full-time coach. In 2011 McGovern founded his own coaching company, Making Better Happen, and in 2015 he joined Fairway to launch its internal coaching platform, Fairway Ignite, which grew to 175 coaches and over 4,000 clients served.
McGovern brings to Movement a wealth of knowledge in helping others define and achieve success, professionally and personally. As director of coaching, McGovern will lead Movement's coaching team and develop a best-in-class coaching platform. Throughout his career he's worked alongside his wife, Debbie McGovern, who will join Kevin at Movement.
"This industry has changed the total trajectory of my life," McGovern shared. "I feel called to give back and develop others, and I'm grateful to join a company whose mission and values align so closely with mine. I saw an opportunity at Movement to build upon something special, and I'm excited to play a role in the growth that's to come."
"We could not be more thrilled to welcome Sarah and Kevin to the Movement team," said Movement President Mike Brennan. "They are both powerhouses within the industry, and just what we need to take Movement to the next level. Their collective experience and knowledge of the mortgage industry and coaching will make an exponential impact not just within our company, but in the lives of our teammates as well, for years to come."
Movement Mortgage exists to love and value people by leading a Movement of Change in its industry, corporate culture and communities. Funding approximately $30 billion in residential mortgages annually, Movement is the sixth-largest retail mortgage lender in the US Movement is best known for its innovative mortgage process and referable experience, which begins with Upfront Underwriting and a seven-day loan processing goal. The company employs more than 4,000 people, has more than 650 branches in the US and is licensed in 50 states. After funding its balance sheet and investing in future growth, Movement's profits are paid to its primary shareholder, the nonprofit Movement Foundation. To date, Movement Foundation has received more than $360 million of Movement profit to invest in schools, affordable housing, communities and global outreach. For more information, visit www.movement.com.
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SOURCE Movement Mortgage | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/movement-mortgage-names-sarah-middleton-chief-growth-officer/ | 2022-08-03T17:44:46Z |
(NEXSTAR) – Did you crack open a cold one last year? There’s a decent chance that, if you did, it was one from a small, independent craft brewer.
Last year alone, those craft brewers produced nearly 25 million barrels of beer, according to a new report from the Brewers Association, the trade association that represents small and independent craft brewers in the U.S.
“Craft brewer sales rebounded in 2021, lifted by the return of draught and at-the-brewery traffic,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “However, the mixed performance across business models and geographies — as well as production levels that still lag 2019 — suggest that many breweries remain in recovery mode. Add in continuing supply chain and pricing challenges, and 2022 will be a critical year for many brewers.”
Last year also saw a record number of craft breweries operating at 9,118.
The Brewers Association released a list of the 50 craft breweries, as well as the overall brewing companies in the U.S., that recorded the greatest beer sales volume.
D. G. Yuengling and Son Inc., based in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, landed in the top spot for the best-selling craft breweries. The company, the oldest operating in the U.S., is well-known for its Yuengling Lager and even offers a Hershey’s Chocolate Porter in the fall.
Coming in second was the Boston Beer Co. with locations in Boston and Milton, Delaware. If you’re a beer drinker, you’ve likely heard of their brands Samuel Adams and Dogfish Head. The company is also responsible for Truly Hard Seltzer and Angry Orchard Hard Cider.
Breweries with locations in California occupied the majority of the top ten most popular breweries, including Sierra Nevada Brewing, Duvel Moortgat, Gambrinus, and Stone Brewing.
Here are the top 10 craft breweries of 2021:
- D.G. Yuengling and Son Inc. (Pottsville, PA)
- Boston Beer Co., Boston (Boston and Milton, DE)
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Chico, CA)
- Duvel Moortgat USA (Paso Robles, CA; Kansas City, MO; Cooperstown, NY)
- Gambrinus (Berkeley, CA and Shiner, TX)
- Bell’s Brewery, Inc. (Comstock, MI)
- CANarchy (Longmont, CO; Tampa, FL; Salt Lake City; Dallas)
- Artisanal Brewing Ventures (Downington, PA; Lakewood, NY; Brooklyn)
- Stone Brewing (Escondido, CA)
- SweetWater Brewing Co. (Atlanta)
With 10 craft breweries on the list, California had the greatest presence of any state on the top 50 list. New York was closest behind with four. Multiple other states – Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin – each had three.
Below are the other top-selling craft breweries, courtesy of the Brewers Association:
While larger brewing companies like Anheuser-Busch, Molson Coors, and Heineken reported the most sales in 2021, three of the top craft brewers ranked among the top 10 overall. D.G. Yuengling and Son, ranked 7th overall, edging out FIFCO USA, the parent company of Labatt Blue, Genesee Brewing Company, Seagram’s Escapes, and other brands.
In total, 40 craft breweries were among the top 50 selling companies of 2021.
A full list of the top overall brewing companies of 2021 can be found here. | https://cw33.com/news/these-are-the-most-popular-craft-breweries-in-the-us-report/ | 2022-04-07T16:21:26Z |
FAIRFAX, Va., April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA) (the "Company") today announced that it plans to release its first quarter 2022 financial results after the market closes on Thursday, May 05, 2022, with a conference call planned for Friday, May 06, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, to discuss the results.
The conference call can be accessed by dialing (888) 317-6003 for domestic participants and (412) 317-6061 for international participants.
The conference ID number is 10165486.
Additionally, interested parties may listen to a taped replay of the entire conference call commencing two hours after the call's completion on May 06, 2022. This replay will run through May 13, 2022. The access number for a taped replay of the conference call is (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088 using the following conference ID number: 1504329. There will also be a webcast of the conference call accessible on the Company's investor relations website at investors.playaresorts.com.
Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. is a leading owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive resorts in prime beachfront locations in popular vacation destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Playa owns and/or manages a total portfolio consisting of 22 resorts (8,366 rooms) located in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Playa leverages years of all-inclusive resort operating expertise and relationships with globally recognized hospitality brands to provide a best in class experience and exceptional value to our guests, while building a direct relationship to improve customer acquisition cost and drive repeat business. Playa owns and manages 15 resorts (6,004 rooms) located throughout Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Playa also owns two resorts in the Dominican Republic that are managed by a third party and manages five resorts on behalf of third-party owners. For more information, please visit www.playaresorts.com.
For additional information visit investors.playaresorts.com.
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SOURCE Playa Management USA, LLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/08/playa-hotels-amp-resorts-nv-announces-dates-first-quarter-2022-earnings-release-conference-call/ | 2022-04-09T06:36:08Z |
NEW YORK, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InvestorsObserver issues critical PriceWatch Alerts for NVAX, ROKU, U, SQ, and SHOP.
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SOURCE InvestorsObserver | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/thinking-about-trading-options-or-stock-novavax-roku-unity-software-block-or-shopify/ | 2022-07-20T18:38:59Z |
- Common shares will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis at market open on August 29, 2022 -
NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (NASDAQ: MNMD), (NEO: MMED), (the "Company" or "MindMed"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel products to treat brain health disorders, today announced that its previously announced 1-for-15 reverse share split of the Company's common shares, par value $0.001, became effective after the close of markets on August 26, 2022, with trading expected to begin on a split-adjusted basis on the Nasdaq and the Neo Exchange Inc. (the "NEO") at market open on August 29, 2022. The common shares will continue to trade under the symbols "MNMD" on the Nasdaq and "MMED" on the NEO but are assigned CUSIP number 60255C885 and ISIN number CA60255C8850 following the reverse share split.
The listed warrants will continue to trade on the NEO under the symbols "MMED.WA", "MMED.WR" and "MMED.WS", as applicable, but are assigned CUSIP number 60255C166 and ISIN number CA60255C1665, CUSIP number 60255C174 and ISIN number CA60255C1749, and CUSIP number 60255C158 and ISIN number CA60255C1582, respectively, following the reverse share split. The listed warrants will be adjusted to reflect the reverse share split pursuant to the terms of their respective indentures and certificates, as applicable. All options, restricted share units, performance share units and deferred share units of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the reverse share split will be adjusted to reflect the reverse share split in accordance with the terms of their respective plans, as applicable.
The reverse share split is intended to enable the Company to achieve several important corporate objectives, give the Company greater flexibility in considering and planning for future potential business needs, and to address the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement. In accordance with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), no fractional shares of common shares will be issued as a result of the reverse share split. Each fractional common share remaining upon the reverse share split that is less than 1/2 of a common share will be canceled and each fractional common share that is at least 1/2 of a common share will be changed to one whole common share.
Information for MindMed Shareholders
MindMed has chosen its transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc. ("Computershare"), to act as exchange agent for the reverse share split. Shareholders owning shares via a bank, broker or other nominee will have their positions automatically adjusted to reflect the reverse share split and will not be required to take further action in connection with the reverse share split, subject to brokers' particular processes. For those shareholders holding physical share certificates, Computershare will send a letter of transmittal providing instructions for exchanging those certificates for share certificates or direct registration advice representing the post-split number of shares.
About MindMed
MindMed is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel products to treat brain health disorders. Our mission is to be the global leader in the development and delivery of treatments that unlock new opportunities to improve patient outcomes. We are developing a pipeline of innovative drug candidates, with and without acute perceptual effects, targeting the serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine systems.
MindMed trades on NASDAQ under the symbol MNMD and on the Canadian NEO Exchange under the symbol MMED.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this news release related to the Company constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking information is not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "may", "should", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "potential" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the reverse share split potentially enabling the Company to achieve corporate objectives, give the Company greater flexibility in considering and planning for future potential business needs, and to address the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including history of negative cash flows; limited operating history; incurrence of future losses; availability of additional capital; lack of product revenue; compliance with laws and regulations; difficulty associated with research and development; risks associated with clinical trials or studies; heightened regulatory scrutiny; early stage product development; clinical trial risks; regulatory approval processes; novelty of the psychedelic inspired medicines industry; as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to herein and the risks described under the headings "Risk Factors" in the Company's filings with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces and territories of Canada which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
For Media: media@mindmed.co
For Investors: ir@mindmed.co
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SOURCE Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/mindmed-completes-1-for-15-reverse-share-split/ | 2022-08-26T21:33:34Z |
Award-winning Asian-inspired oatmeal hits shelves in all Whole Foods Market stores across the United States in time for fall and back-to-school season.
CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Yishi Foods, a Chicago-based maker of Asian-inspired oatmeals, today announced it has expanded distribution to all U.S. Whole Foods Markets locations, totalling over 500 stores.
Founded by Chinese immigrant Lin Jiang in 2019, Yishi is inspired by the childhood memories of her mother's homemade breakfast porridge. After moving to the U.S. and noticing a lack of crave-worthy oatmeal options, Jiang began making her own hot cereal based on her mother's recipes to bring Asian flavors to the American breakfast sector. She is now blazing a trail with the first Asian-inspired oatmeal brand to be available in the breakfast category nationwide, breaking out of the ethnic aisle and bringing Asian flavors into the mainstream.
"More than ever, shoppers are increasingly demanding breakfast cereals in innovative and delicious flavors that provide a multitude of functional benefits," says Lin Jiang, CEO and Founder of Yishi Foods. "We're thrilled to expand the availability of our nourishing products to Whole Foods Market across the country, continuing to capitalize on our phenomenal growth momentum and market traction. We'll continue satisfying our loyal fans with second-to-none delicacies."
Made with culturally relevant flavors, ancient ingredients like matcha and taro, and zero added sugar, Yishi's oatmeal functions as a fun, yet nutritious alternative to the monotonous assortment of products typically lining the breakfast aisle — perfect for busy, on-the-go consumers looking for quick nourishment or back-to-school snacks. These oatmeals come together easily whether you mix them with hot water, refrigerate them for refreshing overnight oats, or simply microwave them. They are available in three mouthwatering flavors in Whole Foods Markets and other reputable retailers across the country, including Mom's Organic, Central Market, Bristol Farms, and Gelson's, as well as five total flavors online. All varieties are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and Vegan.
Now available in Whole Foods Market:
- Taro Bubble Tea — A satisfying blend of ingredients including taro, black tea, blueberry and chia to replicate the taste of the trendy namesake beverage
- Matcha Latte — As nice a treat as a cafe drink, it's made with nourishing ingredients such as matcha, flaxseed, and dairy-free coconut milk
- Toasted Black Sesame — Nutty and hearty toasted black sesame with chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed - Yishi's original flavor inspired by Lin's mother's recipe
Expansion has been impressive for a company that has just officially launched over a year ago: Yishi has sold over 250,000 servings of oatmeal, and will become available in more than 1000 retail stores by the end of this month. Yishi has received high praise from publications such as Forbes, New York Magazine, and Bon Appetit, and won industry accolades such as the NEXTY award for "Best New Pantry Food" at Expo East and two KeHE OnTrend awards in a row.
For more information on Yishi or to buy online, visit www.yishifoods.com, and @yishifoods on Tiktok and Instagram.
Launched in 2019 by Chinese immigrant and former consultant Lin Jiang, Yishi Foods is a first-of-its-kind breakfast brand celebrating traditional and modern Asian ingredients. Named after the Chinese word for "ritual" and inspired by Lin's childhood memories of her mother's homemade breakfast porridge, Yishi reimagines your oatmeal — and morning ritual — in original flavors like toasted black sesame, matcha, red bean and goji berry, and taro bubble tea. As a POC women-led brand with an emphasis on wellness, Yishi's mission is to provide fun-yet-healthy alternatives to overly sweet cereals and overly bland oatmeals. Yishi's products contain zero added sugar, and are all available in convenient cup or pouch forms also ideal for snacking. In under two years, Yishi's product innovation, fresh look, and inspiring story has landed it in over 1000 brick-and-mortar retail stores nationwide, including Whole Foods, Gelson's, Mom's Organic, and 99 Ranch Market. The brand has also been featured in New York Magazine, Bon Appetit, Forbes, and more media publications. Learn more at yishifoods.com and @yishifoods.
Maura Henry, Director of Marketing (maura.henry@yishifoods.com)
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SOURCE Yishi Foods | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/innovative-asian-oatmeal-yishi-foods-launches-nationwide-whole-foods-market/ | 2022-09-01T12:36:52Z |
-- Revenue of $132.6 million, up 11% Year over Year –
-- Adjusted EBITDA at the high end of guidance –
-- Signed 45 new logo deals, including one of the largest new logo deals in LivePerson's history --
-- Maintains expectation of positive cash flow in the fourth quarter --
NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LivePerson, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPSN) ("LivePerson" or the "Company"), a global leader in conversational AI, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022.
Second Quarter Highlights
Total revenue was $132.6 million for the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 11% as compared to the same period last year. Within total revenue, business operations revenue for the second quarter of 2022 increased 12% year over year to $123.4 million, and revenue from consumer operations decreased 7% year over year to $9.1 million.
LivePerson signed 5 seven-figure deals and 104 deals in total for the second quarter, comprising of 45 new and 59 existing customer contracts. Trailing-twelve-months average revenue per enterprise and mid-market customer increased 23% for the second quarter to another record high of $660,000, up from approximately $535,000 for the comparable prior-year period.
"For the second quarter, LivePerson delivered on its commitments to re-accelerate new logo growth while cutting costs. We signed 104 total deals in the second quarter, including 45 new logos, which was up 55% Year over Year and up 73% sequentially, and achieved adjusted EBITDA at the top end of our guidance range," said founder and CEO Robert LoCascio. "We continue to make substantial changes to our P&L — focusing on the most differentiated, high value components of our business — intended to drive high gross margins, strong operating margins, and high quality revenue growth. We believe we are putting the right operating framework in place to drive innovation and grow the company in a strong and sustainable way."
"Our second quarter results demonstrate strong execution against our profitable growth plan, " added CFO John Collins. "In addition to expense reductions, we have begun eliminating low-quality sources of revenue in order to further optimize the overall health of the P&L. While we expect the magnitude of both the expense reductions and the elimination of low-quality revenue to impact near-term growth, we believe these strategic moves will set a long term foundation for a best-in-class gross margin, significant free cash flow generation, and a return to a Rule of 40 framework."
Customer Expansion
During the second quarter, the Company signed 5 seven-figure deals out of 104 total deals for the quarter with new customers, including:
- Capitec, the largest retail bank in South Africa
- The largest bank in Canada
- One of the largest Automotive OEM finance companies in the United States
- A global leader in household appliances
The Company also expanded business with:
- One of the world's largest telecommunications companies
- A major airline
- One of the largest consumer banks in the midwest
- The largest telecommunications company in the UK
Net Loss and Adjusted Operating (Loss) Income
Net loss for the second quarter of 2022 was $75.4 million or $0.98 per share, as compared to a net loss of $21.1 million or $0.31 per share for the second quarter of 2021. Adjusted operating loss, a non-GAAP financial metric, for the second quarter of 2022 was $12.6 million, as compared to an adjusted operating income of $6.4 million for the second quarter of 2021. Adjusted operating (loss) income excludes amortization of purchased intangibles and finance leases, stock-based compensation, other litigation and consulting costs, restructuring costs, contingent earn-out adjustments, acquisition costs, interest income (expense), and other expense (income).
Adjusted EBITDA (Loss)
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the second quarter of 2022 was $(5.5) million as compared to $13.4 million for the second quarter of 2021. Adjusted EBITDA excludes amortization of purchased intangibles and finance leases, stock-based compensation, depreciation, other litigation and consulting costs, restructuring costs, contingent earn-out adjustments, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, acquisition costs, interest income (expense), and other expense (income).
A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP measures has been provided in the financial tables included in this press release. An explanation of the non-GAAP financial measures and how they are calculated is included below under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company's cash balance was $425.9 million at June 30, 2022, as compared to $521.8 million at December 31, 2021.
Financial Expectations
The following forward-looking measures and the underlying assumptions involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and actual results may vary materially from these forward-looking measures. The Company does not present a quantitative reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, and non-GAAP gross margin to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures (or otherwise present such forward-looking GAAP measures) because it is impractical to forecast certain items without unreasonable efforts due to the uncertainty and inherent difficulty of predicting, within a reasonable range, the occurrence and financial impact of and the periods in which such items may be recognized. In particular, these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain items, including amortization of purchased intangibles, stock-based compensation, depreciation, other litigation and consulting costs, restructuring costs, contingent earn-out adjustments, benefit from income taxes, interest income (expense), and other expense (income), which depend on future events that the Company is unable to predict. Depending on the size of these items, they could have a significant impact on the Company's GAAP financial results.
In the short term, due to the P&L optimizations we are undertaking as we execute on our profitable growth plan, including reduction in costs and intentional elimination of low margin revenue, and our ramping sales force, we are revising down our 2022 revenue guidance from $544.8 million - $563.3 million to $507.1 million - $518.3 million, or 8% to 10% growth year-over-year. The revenue guidance range for the third quarter is $120.5 million to $123.6 million, or 1.8% to 4.5% growth year-over-year.
With the strong cost out results of the second quarter demonstrating early signs of building leverage in the business and the Company's commitment to execution on its profitable growth strategy, the Company is maintaining its 2022 adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $1.0 million to $10.0 million, or a 0.0% - 2.0% adjusted EBITDA margin. By reaffirming full year guidance for adjusted EBITDA, the implication for operating expenses is approximately $507 million at the midpoint, a reduction of $57 million in-year. The Company is guiding for third quarter adjusted EBITDA in a range of $0 million - $4.3 million or a 0% - 3.5% adjusted EBITDA margin.
Third Quarter 2022
Full Year 2022
The Company is raising guidance of non-GAAP gross margin from 70% - 72% to 72% - 74% for the full year 2022 and the third quarter of 2022.
Stock-Based Compensation
Included in the accompanying financial results are expenses related to stock-based compensation, as follows:
Amortization of Purchased Intangibles and Finance Leases
Included in the accompanying financial results are expenses related to the amortization of purchased intangibles and finance leases, as follows:
Supplemental Second Quarter 2022 Presentation
LivePerson will post a presentation providing supplemental information for the second quarter 2022 on the investor relations section of the Company's web site at www.ir.liveperson.com.
Earnings Teleconference Information
The Company will discuss its second quarter 2022 financial results during a teleconference today, August 8, 2022. To participate via telephone, callers should dial in five to ten minutes prior to the 5:00 p.m. Eastern start time; domestic callers (U.S. and Canada) should dial 1-877-407-0784, while international callers should dial 1-201-689-8560, and both should reference the conference ID "13731592."
The conference call will also be simulcast live on the Internet and can be accessed by logging onto the investor relations section of the Company's web site at www.ir.liveperson.com.
If you are unable to participate in the live call, the teleconference will be available for replay approximately two hours after the call. To access the replay, please call 1-844-512-2921 (U.S. and Canada) or 1-412-317-6671 (international). Please reference the conference ID "13731592." A replay will also be available on the investor relations section of the Company's web site at www.ir.liveperson.com.
About LivePerson
LivePerson (NASDAQ: LPSN) is a global leader in customer engagement solutions. We create AI-powered digital experiences that feel Curiously Human. Our customers — including leading brands like HSBC, Orange, and GM Financial — have conversations with millions of consumers as personally as they would with one. Our Conversational Cloud platform powers nearly a billion conversational interactions every month, providing a uniquely rich data set to build connections that reduce costs, increase revenue, and are anything but artificial. Fast Company named us the #1 Most Innovative AI Company in the world. To talk with us or our Conversational AI, please visit liveperson.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Investors are cautioned that the following financial measures used in this press release are "non-GAAP financial measures": (i) adjusted EBITDA, or earnings/(loss) before (benefit from) income taxes, interest income (expense), other expense (income), depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, restructuring costs, acquisition costs and other costs; (ii) adjusted EBITDA margin, or earnings/(loss) before (benefit from) income taxes, interest income (expense), other expense (income), depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, restructuring costs, acquisition costs and other costs divided by revenue; (iii) adjusted operating (loss) income, or operating income (loss) excluding amortization, stock-based compensation, restructuring costs, acquisition costs, deferred tax asset valuation allowance, and other costs; (iv) free cash flow, or net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment, including capitalized software; and (v) non–GAAP gross profit and non–GAAP gross margin, or GAAP gross profit and GAAP gross margin, respectively, adjusted to exclude, as applicable, certain expenses as presented the Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA.
Non-GAAP financial information should not be construed as an alternative to any other measures of performance determined in accordance with GAAP, or as an indicator of our operating performance, liquidity or cash flows generated by operating, investing and financing activities as there may be significant factors or trends that it fails to address. We present non-GAAP financial information because we believe that it is helpful to some investors as one measure of our operations.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release and on our earnings call regarding LivePerson that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to differ materially from such statements. Any such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to financial guidance, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It is routine for our internal projections and expectations to change as the quarter and year progress, and therefore it should be clearly understood that the internal projections and beliefs upon which we base our expectations may change. Although these expectations may change, we are under no obligation to inform you if they do. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: major public health issues, and specifically the pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19, and their effects on the U.S. and global markets; our ability to retain key personnel, attract new personnel and to manage staff attrition; strain on our personnel resources and infrastructure from supporting our existing and growing customer base; the ability to successfully integrate past or potential future acquisitions; our ability to secure additional financing to execute our business strategy; delays in our implementation cycles; payment-related risks; potential fluctuations in our quarterly revenue and operating results; limitations on the effectiveness of our controls; non-payment or late payment of amounts due to us from a significant number of customers; volatility in the capital markets; recognition of revenue from subscriptions; customer retention and engagement; the migration of existing customers to our new platform; our ability to attract new customers and new consumer users of our consumer services; our ability to develop and maintain successful relationships with social media and other third-party consumer messaging platforms and endpoints; the highly competitive markets in which we operate; general economic conditions; privacy concerns relating to the Internet that could result in new legislation or negative public perception; new regulatory or other legal requirements that could materially impact our business; governmental export controls and economic sanctions; industry-specific regulation and unfavorable industry-specific laws, regulations or interpretive positions; future regulation of the Internet or mobile devices; greater than anticipated income, non-income and transactional tax liabilities; failures or security breaches in our services, those of our third party providers, or in the websites of our customers; regulation or possible misappropriation of personal information belonging to our customers' Internet users; technology systems beyond our control and technology-related defects that could disrupt the LivePerson services; our dependence on the continued viability of the Internet; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights or potential infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties; the use of AI in our product offerings; the presence of, and difficulty in correcting, errors, failures or "bugs" in our products; our ability to license necessary third party software for use in our products and services, and our ability to successfully integrate third party software; potential adverse impact due to foreign currency and cryptocurrency exchange rate fluctuations; additional regulatory requirements, tax liabilities, currency exchange rate fluctuations and other risks as we expand internationally, as we expand into new offerings including AI-assisted healthcare and/or as we expand into direct-to-consumer services; risks related to our operations in Israel and Ukraine, and the civil and political unrest and potential for armed conflict in those regions; potential failure to meeting service level commitments to certain customers; legal liability and/or negative publicity for the services provided to consumers via our technology platforms; technological or other defects that could disrupt or negatively impact our services; our ability to maintain our reputation; our lengthy sales cycles; changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States; natural catastrophic events and interruption to our business by man-made problems; potential limitations on our ability to use net operating losses to offset future taxable income; risks related to our common stock being traded on more than one securities exchange; and other factors described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2022. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are referred to the Company's reports and documents filed from time to time by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of these and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in forward-looking statements.
Investor Relations contact
ir-lp@liveperson.com
212-609-4214
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SOURCE LivePerson, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/liveperson-announces-second-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-08-08T20:55:55Z |
REHOVOT, Israel, July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Biomica Ltd., an emerging biopharmaceutical company developing innovative microbiome-based therapeutics, and a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd. (NASDAQ: EVGN) (TASE: EVGN), today announced it will be presenting at Microbiome Connect Europe taking place between July 6-7, 2022, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The Annual Microbiome Connect Europe is dedicated to showcasing the leading drug development and consumer product platforms applying live microbial consortia, engineered microbes, and microbial-derived metabolites for therapeutic and health applications in patients and consumers.
In attendance will be Dr. Shiri Meshner, VP R&D at Biomica, who will be presenting both on behalf of the Company and as part of a panel at the conference.
On July 6, 2022, Dr. Meshner will be part of a panel entitled, Gut Microbiota-Mediated Modulation of Cancer Progression and Therapy Efficacy, which is scheduled for 11:30am CET.
On July 7, 2022, at 3:45pm CET, Dr. Meshner will be providing an overview and recent updates on Biomica's BMC128 in a talk entitled, BMC128 - A rationally designed live bacterial consortium for the potentiation of immune checkpoint therapy in solid tumors.
Dr. Meshner will also be available for one-on-one meetings at the conference, and those interested should be in touch with the investor or public relations team.
About Biomica
Biomica is an emerging biopharmaceutical company developing innovative microbiome-based therapeutics utilizing a dedicated Computational Predictive Biology platform (CPB), licensed from Evogene. Biomica aims to identify and characterize disease-related microbiome entities and to develop novel therapeutics based on these understandings. The company is focused on the development of therapies for antibiotic resistant bacteria, immuno-oncology, and microbiome-related gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Biomica is a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd. (NASDAQ: EVGN) (TASE: EVGN). For more information, please visit www.biomicamed.com.
Contacts
Lital Mamon
Head of Marketing and PR
E: IR@evogene.com
T: +972-8-931-2097
Kenny Green
US Investor Relations
E: IR@evogene.com
T: +1 212 378 8040
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1015458/Biomica_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Biomica Ltd. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/05/biomica-present-microbiome-connect-europe-2022/ | 2022-07-05T11:32:08Z |
High quality genetics feature unique terpene profiles
BOSTON , June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Number 9 Collection (www.number9collection.com), an all-natural, sustainable, sun-grown cannabis brand in Massachusetts, announced the release of its new, ultra-premium Pre-Ground Flower as part of the Sun Flower Collection.
Pre-Ground Flower is a convenient option for those that appreciate the quality of a whole flower product, but want to roll or pack their own without buying pre-rolled joints or grinding it themselves. Pre-Ground pouches currently feature three popular strains in 5g and 14g resealable pouches:
- Early Lemon Berry – a cross of Las Vegas Lemon Skunk and Member Berry RBX, is a great choice for artists looking to create - providing notes of sweet lemon, berry, orange, and grapefruit flavors.
- Jelly Rancher - which has come to be one of the most coveted sativa-dominant strains, and is a great option for beginners and consumers who don't want an overwhelming high.
- OG Kush - a hybrid with a unique terpene profile that boasts a complex aroma. It tends to come on strong, and is often enjoyed in the back half of the day to ease stress.
- Apex - a high-yielding hybrid from Ethos Genetics, which crosses their Mandarin Cookies and Lilac Diesel Bx3. Plants grow large and dense colas, offering an impressive terpene profile that ranges from sweet candied lilac and lemon to grapefruit and fuel. This high-THC strain offers a classic high that will leave you in a fit of laughter.
The No9 Collection features some of the most complex terpene profiles in the state. The team behind the No9 Collection includes some of the leading growers in the industry, who take great pride in cultivating superior quality, ultra-clean cannabis, with beautiful aromas and unique terpenes.
Today, sophisticated cannabis enthusiasts are paying closer attention to terpene profiles, as a carefully selected blend with optimum ratios will have far better and more predictable effects. That's why the No9 Collection continues to attract more fans, as its specially curated strains are distinctively enjoyable.
The No9 Collection is based in the agriculture-rich community of Wareham, MA, along Buzzards Bay. The bay's unique microclimate provides a longer growing season and the perfect setting for the cultivation of high-quality, sun-grown crops. The company is committed to environmentally-friendly farming methods including the use of on-site artesian well water, custom blended amendments, and traditional farming practices. This results in ultra-clean plants with unique characteristics.
If your favorite dispensary doesn't carry the No9 Collection, ask the store manager to order some and it can usually be delivered within a few days.
If you are a dispensary manager and would like to order the No9 Collection for your store, please contact us at: www.number9collection.com/contact.
Cannabis may only be purchased legally through a licensed dispensary by adults at least 21 years of age.
To learn more about the The No9 Collection, visit the website or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
About The No9 Collection
The No9 Collection is part of the Coastal Cultivars portfolio of businesses that includes local cultivation, craft cannabis products, and retail store operations. With decades of experience in the licensed cannabis industry and both local and national expertise, the Coastal Cultivars team strives to give its customers best-in-class products and a superb retail experience. The team is proud to be part of a progressive movement working to ensure safe cannabis access for consumers, and supports sustainable cannabis cultivation through the Sun and Soil initiative.
CONNECT:
Website: www.number9collection.com
Facebook: facebook.com/no9collection
Instagram: Instagram.com/no9collection
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SOURCE No9 Collection | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/number-9-collection-announces-release-premium-pre-ground-flower/ | 2022-06-30T14:07:15Z |
NEW YORK, April 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of FENC during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/fennec-pharmaceuticals-inc-loss-submission-form-2/?id=25554&from=4
CLASS PERIOD: May 28, 2021 to November 26, 2021
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Fennec had not successfully remediated, and overstated its efforts to remediate, issues with the manufacturing facility of its drug product manufacturer for PEDMARK, a new compound developed to reduce the incidence of hearing loss in children undergoing chemotherapy; (ii) as a result, the Food and Drug Administration likely to approve the Resubmitted Pedmark New Drug Application ("NDA"); (iii) accordingly, the regulatory and commercial prospects of the Resubmitted Pedmark NDA were overstated; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
DEADLINE: April 11, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/fennec-pharmaceuticals-inc-loss-submission-form-2/?id=25554&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of FENC during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is April 11, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
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SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/06/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-fennec-pharmaceuticals-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-april-11-2022-nasdaq-fenc/ | 2022-04-06T11:11:25Z |
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Republicans and Democrats in Congress are worried the Biden administration is about to make a bad deal over Iran’s nuclear program.
“It is critical that we do not cave to demands from Iran, the leading state sponsor of terror, and the dictatorial government,” Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.)
Gottheimer says the U.S. must not accept Iran’s demands to remove their Islamic revolutionary guard from the list of terrorist organizations.
“If Iran has proven anything, it’s that they can’t be trusted,” Gottheimer said.
Rep. Scott Perry (R-Penn.) wants the administration to be more transparent about what’s on the table.
“It must come before the Congress, before the United States Senate for ratification, or it is invalid,” Perry said.
Lawmakers are also concerned about the role Russia is playing to finalize the deal.
“Are we seriously going to let a war criminal, Vladimir Putin, be the guarantor of this deal,” Gottheimer said.
Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) rejects the idea that Russia should be allowed to buy Iran’s supply of enriched uranium.
“The problematic nature of having the Russians at the bargaining table with us is that they can commit atrocities and murder in Ukraine,” Tenney said.
Republicans say if the deal goes through, they’ll take steps to reverse it, with a discharge petition.
“If I’m doing a whip count, I see a lot of Democrats that are with us. And all we need is 218,” Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said. | https://cw33.com/news/washington-dc-bureau/house-democrats-and-republicans-concerned-about-new-iran-nuclear-deal/ | 2022-04-06T22:24:03Z |
VANCOUVER, BC, July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. ("West Fraser" or the "Company") (TSX and NYSE: WFG) will hold an analysts' conference call to discuss second quarter 2022 financial and operating results on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time/11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
To participate in the call, please dial: 1-888-390-0605 (Toll-free North America) or (416) 764-8609 (Toll number) or connect on the webcast.
Please let the operator know you wish to participate in the West Fraser conference call chaired by Mr. Ray Ferris, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Following management's discussion of the quarterly results, the analyst community will be invited to ask questions.
The call will be recorded for webcasting purposes and will be available on our website at www.westfraser.com. West Fraser's second quarter 2022 financial and operating results will be released on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.
West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. From responsibly sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, the Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other residuals, and renewable energy. West Fraser's products are used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials.
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SOURCE West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/notice-second-quarter-results-conference-call/ | 2022-07-06T22:36:53Z |
New partnership provides physicians with clinical decision support guidance for individualized dosing regimens, maximizing treatment efficacy and improving patient safety
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today InsightRX, a high-growth healthcare technology company that provides cloud-based clinical decision support for point-of-care precision dosing, announced its partnership with Healix, the national leader in physician office-based infusion services. InsightRX uses patient-specific data, pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models, and Bayesian forecasting to deliver precision dosing guidance based on each patient's unique pharmacological profile.
Healix provides in-office infusion management services for the intravenous administration of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) to a patient population with a range of conditions, including complicated skin infections and bone and joint infections, with or without Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.
InsightRX Nova, the company's clinical decision support tool for prospective dosing, guides physicians in determining the optimal initial dose for each patient. The tool uses patient-specific exposure metrics to help physicians tailor the dosing regimen as treatment progresses.
The InsightRX precision dosing platform now supports more than 2,000 physicians and 300 infusion clinics across the country, and is available across the entire Healix enterprise. Since implementing InsightRX Nova in April 2021, Healix sites have seen low rates of acute kidney injury, ensuring patient safety.
"Our partnership with InsightRX allows us to offer best-in-class precision dosing support to help our physician clients make evidence-based decisions for safer, more effective treatment," said Lucinda Van Anglen, Vice President of Clinical Pharmacy and Research at Healix. "By replacing trough-based dosing with MAP-Bayesian analysis for AUC/MIC vancomycin dosing, we're meeting new national recommendations to help ensure patient safety and improve clinical outcomes."
In addition to individualized dosing guidance, InsightRX will also provide Healix with real-time analytics to help the organization monitor its performance and conduct site-specific validation of the best pharmacokinetic model for each drug. By analyzing which model returns the most precise predictions of a patient's drug concentration levels in the blood, Healix and InsightRX will embark on a cycle of continual quality improvement to fine-tune best practices in dosing administration.
"We're excited to work side-by-side with Healix to further our shared mission of achieving superior clinical outcomes," said Sirj Goswami, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of InsightRX. "As precision medicine becomes more widely recognized as the standard-bearer for evidence-based care, we expect that more and more healthcare markets will adopt model-informed precision dosing. Partnering with Healix lets us help patients maximize the therapeutic benefit of their home infusions while minimizing the risk of adverse events."
About Healix
As the premier provider of outpatient infusion management services, Healix has provided patient and physician peace of mind for more than 30 years. With more than 300 infusion clinics across the country, Healix specializes in infectious disease, gastroenterology, neurology, rheumatology, allergy, immunology, and pulmonology. The Healix team serves as an extension of the physician's practice, optimizing patient care, comfort, compliance, and clinical outcomes in an outpatient setting. Clients rely on Healix to handle complete infusion center operations, including drug purchasing, revenue cycle management, managed care programs, and clinical staffing.
About InsightRX
InsightRX is a healthcare technology company that has developed a cloud-based platform for precision medicine and clinical analytics designed to individualize treatment at the point of care. The platform leverages patient-specific data, pharmacology models, and machine learning to understand each patient's unique pharmacological profile and can be integrated seamlessly within a clinical workflow. InsightRX Nova has attained a CE mark in six European Countries, further demonstrating the company's dedication to quality, cybersecurity, and general privacy and data protection regulations.
InsightRX Media Contact
Megan Moriarty
Amendola Communications
Email: mmoriarty@acmarketingpr.com
Cell: 913.515.7530
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SOURCE InsightRX | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/healix-insightrx-provide-patient-specific-precision-dosing-outpatient-infusion-therapy/ | 2022-08-09T16:02:49Z |
An explosion ripped apart a duplex in the southeastern Virginia city of Franklin on Friday night, critically injuring two people and spurring investigators to try to figure out what caused it, the city manager said.
The explosion was reported around 10:50 p.m. ET in a residential area of Franklin, a city of about 8,000 people in Virginia's Hampton Roads region, City Manager Amanda Jarratt told CNN.
The blast happened in a duplex, Jarratt told CNN affiliate WTKR. One injured person was airlifted to a trauma center, and the other was taken to a different medical facility, she told CNN.
The names of the injured, information on where the two were when the explosion happened, and details about what led to the explosion weren't immediately released.
Virginia State Police are investigating the blast, Jarratt said. Preliminarily, investigators believe that "no criminal element" was involved, she said.
Part of the duplex was torn open, leaving a jumble of brick, wood, metal and shingles, a picture sent by the city government and video from WTKR showed.
"There is some minor damage to other duplexes, but nothing significant," Jarratt told WTKR.
The duplex, on the 600 block of Campbell Avenue, is about a half-mile down the road from the Paul D. Camp Community College's Franklin campus.
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Digital Transformation & Collaboration Leverages Partner Strengths to Solve Growing Complexities in Supply Chain and Fulfillment
ATLANTA, Ga., and SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Dematic – a subsidiary of the global intralogistics provider KION Group – announced a partnership to transform the supply chain industry through accelerated cloud innovation. Dematic aims to bolster supply chain resiliency and deliver go-to-market solutions by combining Dematic's supply chain expertise with Google Cloud's cutting-edge cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies.
The partners will join forces to leverage shared learnings that will drive rapid cloud innovation. By migrating Dematic's offerings to the cloud and introducing AI and ML, Dematic will improve customers' supply chain execution.
"This partnership is a continuation of our invaluable collaboration with the Google Cloud team, whose keen interest in helping us build and test the next generation of warehouse management solutions makes this alliance a perfect match for our growth strategy. Through this partnership we are helping our customers advance their positions in the industry," said Dematic Chief Technology Officer Dee Cusack.
"We value Google Cloud's drive for innovation and commitment to reimagining our customer solutions as we make our own transition to the cloud. We're excited to start the next chapter of our business together."
The partnership will allow Dematic to develop and deploy a range of solutions, including eCommerce and omnichannel fulfillment, and control tower applications for key vertical markets including General Merchandise, Grocery, Apparel, and Food and Beverage.
"Google Cloud is committed to helping organizations across the supply chain address the rapidly-evolving needs and expectations of customers, suppliers, and fulfillment centers with cloud technology," said Kirsten Kliphouse, President, North America, Google Cloud. "We're pleased to partner with Dematic to provide customers with innovative solutions and technologies that will help them quickly address changes across the industry and that support their digital transformation goals."
With Google Cloud, Dematic customers will be able to create a more sustainable supply chain by leveraging data to understand efficiencies to be gained in areas such as operations, planning, labor and inventory.
Dematic designs, builds, and supports intelligent automated solutions empowering and sustaining the future of commerce for its customers in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. With research and development engineering centers, manufacturing facilities, and service centers located in more than 35 countries, the Dematic global network of over 11,000 employees has helped achieve approximately 8,000 worldwide customer installations for some of the world's leading brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION Group, one of the world's leading suppliers of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions.
The KION Group is among the world's leading suppliers of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions. Its portfolio encompasses industrial trucks such as forklift trucks and warehouse trucks, as well as integrated automation technology and software solutions for the optimization of supply chains, including all related services. Across more than 100 countries worldwide, the KION Group's solutions improve the flow of material and information within factories, warehouses, and distribution centers.
The Group, which is included in the MDAX, is the largest manufacturer of industrial trucks in Europe in terms of units sold in 2021. In China, it is the leading foreign manufacturer (as measured by revenue in 2020) and number three overall. The KION Group is also one of the world's leading providers of warehouse automation (as measured by revenue in 2020).
At the end of 2021, more than 1.6 million of the KION Group's industrial trucks and more than 8,000 of its installed systems were in use by customers of various sizes and in numerous industries on six continents. The Group currently has around 40,000 employees and generated revenue of around €10.3 billion in 2021.
Current KION Group images can be found in our image database at https://mediacenter.kiongroup.com/categories and on the websites of our various brands.
This release and the information contained herein are for information purposes only and do not constitute a prospectus or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, for example, changes in business, economic, and competitive conditions (including with respect to further developments in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic), regulatory reforms, results of technical studies, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. We do not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.
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SOURCE Dematic | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/dematic-accelerates-supply-chain-innovation-with-google-cloud/ | 2022-06-06T13:39:56Z |
Wemade donates KRW 1B worth of WEMIX tokens to Seoul National University
Published: Sep. 5, 2022 at 10:58 PM EDT|Updated: 51 minutes ago
Donated WEMIX on September 5 for educational funds
Will be used for students in business department to educate and support new businesses
SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 5, 2022/PRNewswire/ -- Wemade signed a partnership with Seoul National University (SNU) on September 5 to donate WEMIX for educational funding.
Wemade is donating WEMIX equivalent to 1 billion won to Seoul National University Business School for SNU BIZ Entrepreneurship Fund. The donation will be used to support and educate students and graduates of the business department in starting new businesses.
The partnership took place at Seoul National University on September 5. Wemade CEO, Henry Chang, and the Chancellor and Dean of Seoul National University gathered in one place to sign the partnership.
"SNU alumni, CEO Henry Chang, is developing Wemade into a global company based on the core values of 'growth, responsibility and achievement'. As a respected entrepreneur, he is fulfilling his social responsibility by leading a sharing culture," said Sejung Oh, Chancellor of SNU. "This valuable donation will allow students to be more adventurous when starting new businesses and create innovative business leaders."
"I hope SNU will use this donation to educate students that will become global leaders in the future," said Henry Chang, CEO of Wemade. "We will look for ways to support talents that can be continued for the long-term."
Wemade has been making donations to schools since January this year, including Korea University, Dongseo University and Sogang University. It will keep contributing to the growth of blockchain, metaverse and technology research.
The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/wemade-donates-krw-1b-worth-wemix-tokens-seoul-national-university/ | 2022-09-06T03:49:10Z |
Bridging the gap between learning and real-life experience with business simulations
SAN DIEGO, May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ken Blanchard Companies®, a global leader in management training, consulting, and coaching, and Advantexe Learning Solutions, a global leader in digital simulation-centric training solutions, announce the launch of a new digital leadership tool, The SLII® Challenge Simulation.
Blanchard is the creator of SLII®, the most taught leadership development solution in the world, and a portfolio of award-winning solutions and human-powered learning experiences. Advantexe and Blanchard have partnered to offer The SLII® Challenge Simulation to support the application of SLII® skills of goal setting, diagnosing, and matching. The teams have also partnered with clients to bring core offerings together for a more integrated leadership development experience.
The SLII® Challenge Simulation is designed to teach your leaders how to lead situationally by giving their people the right support or direction at the right time using the time-tested and research-backed SLII® Model. SLII® enables leaders to build deeper relationships with their work, their company, and their colleagues.
SLII enables leaders to diagnose the development level of an employee for a task: D1 – Enthusiastic Beginner; D2 – Disillusioned Learner; D3 – Capable, but Cautious, Contributor; and D4 – Self-Reliant Achiever. Managers then use the appropriate directive and supportive behaviors to help them succeed: S1 – Directing, S2 – Coaching, S3 – Supporting, and S4 – Delegating.
This simulation-centric learning experience follows a proven process of learn, practice, assess, and reflect to provide the most effective structure to absorb, adopt, and apply the concepts taught within SLII® quickly and efficiently. During this learning experience, participants are given access to timely resources, supporting materials that can be used back on the job, and a series of interactive micro-simulations for application-based learning and skill-building.
Each scenario is a decision-tree experience in which the simulated story unfolds based upon learners' actions at critical decision points. Each choice is scored against the defined SLII® best-practice behavior for that specific scenario. Learners receive both qualitative and quantitative feedback to illustrate the consequences of their choices. This dynamic learning tool includes:
- Resource Center – access to specific reference resources that can be reviewed at any time during the learning journey
- Development Center – short learning videos to introduce learners to key topics and concepts
- Scenario Simulations – six SLII® leadership scenarios that learners directly interact with to apply learning in a risk-free environment
- Fitness Test – a short review that will assess how well learners implemented the SLII® framework back on the job
- Reflection – learners reflect on their experience by completing capstone activities, which culminate in a 2-minute self-reflection video
The SLII® Challenge Simulation can be used as part of an in-person or virtual learning journey, or as an asynchronous learning tool for self-study and personal development.
"We are so excited for the opportunity to team with Blanchard to develop and launch a state-of-the-art leadership simulation," says Robert Brodo, President and CEO of Advantexe. "Blanchard is the undisputable innovator in leadership training. In an age where more and more training is being delivered virtually, The SLII® Challenge Simulation is a cloud-based, digital learning tool that will provide learners with a highly interactive learning experience. In a risk-free environment, learners have the opportunity to build key leadership skills and uncover the critical interactions that drive or prevent success."
"Blanchard is committed to fusing innovative learning experiences and technologies with the simple truths of leading people. Our vision remains steadfast: to unleash the potential and power in people and organizations for the greater good. Our alliance with Advantexe, a leader in the field of business simulations, is a powerful way to achieve our vision with an innovative enhancement to our solutions, which will make the learner experience more transformative. This simulation acts as a bridge between learning and real-life experience," said Mark D. Forsyth, Vice President of Alliance Partners, The Ken Blanchard Companies.
About The Ken Blanchard Companies
The Ken Blanchard Companies is a global leader in management training, consulting, and coaching. For more than 40 years, Blanchard has been helping organizations develop inspired leaders at all levels and create cultures of connection that unleash talent and deliver extraordinary results. Blanchard's SLII® powers inspired leaders and is the leadership model of choice for more than 10,000 organizations worldwide. Blanchard also offers a suite of other award-winning leadership development solutions through flexible delivery modalities to meet the specific needs of its clients. Learn more at www.kenblanchard.com.
About Advantexe
Advantexe Learning Solutions partners with clients around the world to build the business acumen, leadership, and selling skills needed to execute their business strategies and achieve meaningful business results. Our comprehensive toolkit includes skills assessments, dynamic learning engagements powered by digital business simulations, and reinforcement tools that encourage immediate skill application. These elements combine to produce a measurable and lasting impact on our clients' businesses.
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SOURCE The Ken Blanchard Companies | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/18/ken-blanchard-companies-partners-with-advantexe-develop-digital-slii-simulation/ | 2022-05-18T15:17:20Z |
After finding a 10-year-old girl’s body in the woods, Wisconsin police launch a homicide investigation
By Elizabeth Wolfe and Amanda Musa, CNN
Police in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, have launched a homicide investigation after finding the body of 10-year-old Illiana “Lily” Peters in the woods Monday, the morning after her father reported her missing, police say.
Peters’ father called the police Sunday night when she did not come home from visiting her aunt’s house, Chippewa Falls Police Department (CFPD) said in a news release Monday. Later that night, officers found a bicycle in a wooded area by a walking trail close to her aunt’s house, CFPD said.
Around 9:00 a.m. Monday morning, her body was found in the woods near the walking trail, according to CFPD. The Chippewa County Coroner’s Office confirmed the remains were Peters’.
Officers believe Peters was last seen by family members the night of her disappearance, according to the CFPD release. She was supposed to be headed home from her aunt’s house when she disappeared, CFPD said.
Overnight, local authorities searched for Peters by going door-to-door and using K9 teams, the release said. They also used a drone to search the wooded area where her bike was found.
During a news conference Monday, CFPD Chief Matthew Kelm did not elaborate on how the girl was killed or what evidence was found at the scene.
Police are investigating Peters’ death as a homicide and do not currently have anybody in custody, Kelm said, adding police have set up a tip line for members of the community.
Kelm warned there may still be a danger to the public as authorities do not have a suspect in custody.
“The simple fact is that we have not made an arrest in this case, so the suspect is still at large,” he said. “So in that case, we just want to be extra vigilant and make sure that if there are any tips, anyone has any information, to go ahead and call that tip line.”
Multiple agencies are assisting CFPD in their investigation including the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation and the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, Kelm said.
Peters’ family is working with victim advocates, according to Kelm, and the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District, where Peters attended fourth grade, said in a Facebook post they are “working closely with the police.”
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™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2022/04/25/after-finding-a-10-year-old-girls-body-in-the-woods-wisconsin-police-launch-a-homicide-investigation/ | 2022-04-26T07:40:52Z |
Police visited home over 90 times before 22-year-old was beaten to death, authorities say
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG/Gray News) - A home where police say a 22-year-old woman was murdered in April was well known to law enforcement.
Officers were called to the house in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, more than 90 times in five years leading up to the death of Emily Leonard.
Prosecutors said a man named Arthur Flowers beat her to death with a wooden board inside the home.
“I know different women that have been injured over there. I told Emily, ‘Don’t ever go around the guy alone,’” John Leonard told KCRG shortly after his daughter died.
John Leonard said his daughter had been to Arthur Flowers’ home before, but he said he doesn’t know why she was there the day she died.
“I have no idea why, but I think they got her over there to do drugs,” Leonard said.
Emily Leonard’s boyfriend sent a letter from jail saying they both were “addicts.” The boyfriend went on to say the “police department has known for years Arthur Flowers’ residence has been a known drug house.”
Officers report they were called to the property 94 times in five years, with calls ranging from burglary to weapons and other disturbances. Although 15 of the calls resulted in cases, none flagged the home as a nuisance.
“The calls for service that we’ve reviewed within the past year have been things that SAFE-CR (Secure And Friendly Environments in Cedar Rapids) would not issue a notice of violation or a founded call for service for,” said SAFE-CR Program Manager Amanda Grieder.
The SAFE-CR program addresses conditions including but not limited to junked vehicles, building code violations and conduct that is detrimental to the “quiet enjoyment of neighbors.”
The city of Cedar Rapids has the ability to revoke a landlord’s business permit or rental unit registration to lease a property through the Housing Board of Appeals.
That did not happen with Flowers’ home as it wasn’t even considered a nuisance until March. That had nothing to do with police calls; it was for a trash violation, according to KCRG.
“If anyone is ever calling the police for any reason, even if there is a crime occurring there, if they need assistance, we never want to deter anyone from calling, so we have never made those nuisance violations,” Grieder said.
She also said SAFE-CR does not penalize people for calling the police.
KCRG reached out to the home’s landlord but has not immediately heard back.
Copyright 2022 KCRG via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/02/police-visited-home-over-90-times-before-22-year-old-was-beaten-death-authorities-say/ | 2022-06-02T02:30:14Z |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Willson and William Contreras turned a goal into reality last month when they played on the same major league diamond. On Tuesday night, they’ll make an even bigger dream come true when they suit up together in the All-Star Game.
The Contreras brothers will become the fifth siblings to start together in the Midsummer Classic — and they’re batting back to back in the National League’s lineup.
Willson, the Chicago Cubs catcher, will bat sixth while William, a catcher for the Atlanta Braves, is seventh as the designated hitter. William was elevated to the starting lineup after Philadelphia Phillies’ slugger Bryce Harper could not play due to injury.
The two brothers were side by side in the middle of the second row for the NL All-Star photo taken before workouts at Dodger Stadium on Monday.
“This is once in a lifetime and one of those experiences we will never forget,” said Willson, who is making his third appearance. “It is amazing for my family. I’m proud of everything that we have done. Hopefully we can expect to spend more together.
“The whole family is here — my parents, older brother, nieces and sister-in-law. This is something that I feel like they deserve to be here because of everything that we go through as a family. We are just enjoying the moment.”
It is the first time since Roberto and Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1992 that siblings have been on the same team and only the second time brothers are hitting back-to-back. Dixie and Harry Walker did it in the 1947 game for the NL.
William Contreras said he and Willson had dinner Sunday night in Los Angeles and hoped they would be next to each other in the lineup.
“We’re really happy for that,” the first-time All-Star said via a translator. “Even in the back of the lineup it is something special for us to share.”
Brothers on the same team have had mixed results. The best was by Joe and Dom DiMaggio, who combined for four hits and four RBIs in the AL’s 11-7 victory in the 1949 game.
The Alomars each had a hit in the 1992 contest while the Walkers were 0 for 4. Mort and Walker Cooper were the starting pitcher and catcher for the NL in the 1942 and ’43 games — both losses.
The Contreras bothers are separated by six years and had not been on the same field since Little League in Venezuela until last month at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, that was the first time that brothers started against each other in the majors since Yadier and José Molina on June 10, 2014.
William, 24, has played in only 46 games this season but is tied for third among NL catchers with 11 home runs. He is one of four Atlanta players selected for the first time.
Even with the offense, Willson lauded his brother’s defense as a strength.
“Framing pitches. He’s way, way better than I was when I was 24,” Willson said. “I’m still working on that part of my game. I’m not going to give up.”
Willson has 13 home runs, second among NL catchers with at least 100 plate appearances, and leads in extra-base hits with 31.
“He can catch, throw and hit. He doesn’t see any weakness,” William said of his brother through an interpreter.
Willson joins Gabby Hartnett as the only Cubs catchers to make three All-Star Game starts, but many are wondering if this will be his final one for Chicago. The 31-year-old can become a free agent at the end of the season and has become the subject of trade speculation as the deadline nears.
Willson doesn’t see the end of his Cubs career coming anytime soon.
“To be honest, I don’t feel like this is just gonna be my last time in a Cubs uniform. I don’t know why. I haven’t talked with the team or anything. it’s just a feeling that I have,” he said. “It’s been hard with the losing but I also understood that this is part of a rebuild. I know that the Cubs are trying to put a lot of pieces together. But I also want to do my best to guide the younger guys, because they need someone with a little more experience.”
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/contreras-brothers-enjoying-being-on-same-all-star-squad/ | 2022-07-19T01:28:26Z |
DES MOINES, Iowa, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) is receiving a $10,000 donation from Iowa Total Care (ITC) to further their mutually beneficial efforts in the community. These funds will go towards the Agrihood and greenhouse expansion project at CISS, which aligns with ITC's "Be Well. Eat Well" initiative.
The Agrihood and greenhouse expansion project will include a HydroCycle Commercial Aquaponics System that leverages the natural biological processes of fish and plants. This process will give clients and the community access to about 75,000 pounds of low-maintenance and pesticide free produce and protein. Some of this food will be purchased by Mulberry Street Café for use in the kitchen training program. The increase in food resources will help the kitchen to serve a possible 300,000 meals annually to people in need.
Iowa Total Care recognizes the benefit this will offer to the community. This project aligns with their "Be Well. Eat Well" initiative, which promotes healthy living through healthy eating. This initiative helps connect those in need with access to affordable healthy food, cooking classes, and much more.
"Iowa Total Care recognizes the important work of CISS in supporting our most vulnerable," said Mitch Wasden, Plan President and CEO at Iowa Total Care. "Their innovative Agrihood and greenhouse expansion project will provide more access to healthy food and help those in need live healthier lives."
"Donating directly to CISS allows the money to go directly to the people who need it most," explained CISS CEO Melissa O'Neil. "The funds will go to the CISS community kitchen, and the kitchen will purchase necessary produce directly from the farm. This allows the continuation of a self-sustaining system that addresses food insecurity while improving lives in the community."
About Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS)
Central Iowa Shelter & Services is the largest low-barrier shelter in Iowa. Its mission is to provide shelter, meals and support services to adults experiencing homelessness and to facilitate their move toward self-sufficiency. Learn more at centraliowashelter.org.
About Iowa Total Care (ITC)
Iowa Total Care provides Medicaid healthcare coverage to eligible individuals in Iowa. Established in 2019, Iowa Total Care exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate, and coordinated care. Iowa Total Care is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. Iowa Total Care's Be Well. Eat Well program promotes healthy living through healthy eating was created to address food insecurity. For more information on this initiative visit: iowatotalcare.com/bewelleatwell.
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SOURCE Iowa Total Care | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/central-iowa-shelter-amp-services-receives-10000-donation-iowa-total-care/ | 2022-07-14T13:02:41Z |
THOMASVILLE -- The city of Thomasville was presented with a check from The Fox Theatre Institute for a Historic Structure Study and Planning Grant in the amount of $22,500 to support an architectural study of the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium.
FTI, a division of Atlanta’s Fox Theatre Inc., is an outreach program offering historic preservation expertise, consultation and education to performing arts venues in Georgia and the region.
“It was exciting to know that our grant application was approved," city Director of Tourism Development Bonnie Hayes said in a news release. "These funds are the first step toward a Historic Preservation Plan that will preserve the history of this amazing landmark building and guide us through upcoming renovations.
"Having FTI visit Thomasville to present the check makes the achievement feel even more special and solidifies the city’s commitment to maintaining an outlet for local arts and entertainment.”
According to Hayes, the grant funds have already been put to use. Through the careful attention of local stakeholders such as Thomasville Landmarks and Thomasville Entertainment Foundation, the city was able to contract with an architectural firm, WLA out of Athens, to conduct the Historic Preservation Plan.
“Once completed, this plan will provide the city an in-depth look at the many years and series of municipal uses of the building while also providing a method for the best practices for maintaining the historical integrity of the Municipal Building," Hayes said. "Lastly, with an HPP, we are better situated to apply for future FTI grants."
“These grants allow historic theaters, performing arts centers, or associated structures to receive needed financial assistance, restoration support and operations mentoring,” Leigh Burns, the director of Fox Theatre Institute, said. “Now, in the 14th year of operation, the Fox Theatre has granted more than $2.2 million to fund preservation projects throughout the state. We feel Thomasville’s Municipal Auditorium is certainly a deserving structure.”
Fox Theatre’s 2021-22 FTI grant program awarded nine recipients with Historic Preservation, Historic Structure Studies, Planning, and Urgent/Emergency Grants totaling $252,430.
“The Municipal Auditorium has been the location of many events since it was completed in the early 1940s that has touched not only the lives of our residents but many guests as well," Hayes said. "It’s located in the heart of downtown, and it is an enduring architectural structure in Thomasville. We are looking forward to sharing the results of the HPP with the public and receiving feedback to shape the future for this building.”
Attending the check presentation ceremony were local stakeholders such as Rick Ivey, executive and artistic director of the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation, Leigh Burns of FTI, and several members of the city of Thomasville staff who have played a role in the development of the building and the grant application process.
For more information about the Fox Theatre Grant or the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium, visit Thomasvillega.com or call the Thomasville Visitors Center at (229) 228-7977. | https://www.albanyherald.com/entertainment/city-of-thomasville-receives-fox-theatre-institute-grant/article_d0452874-dabb-11ec-a5dd-a7a78737292a.html | 2022-05-23T18:14:19Z |
COVID coverage for all dries up even as hospital costs rise
WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, the U.S. came close to providing health care for all during the coronavirus pandemic — but for just one condition, COVID-19.
Now, things are reverting to the way they were as federal money for COVID care of the uninsured dries up, creating a potential barrier to timely access.
But the virus is not contained, even if it’s better controlled. And safety-net hospitals and clinics are seeing sharply higher costs for salaries and other basic operating expenses. They fear they won’t be prepared if there’s another surge and no backstop.
“We haven’t turned anybody away yet,” said Dr. Mark Loafman, chair of family and community medicine at Cook County Health in Chicago. “But I think it’s just a matter of time ... People don’t get cancer treatment or blood pressure treatment every day in America because they can’t afford it.”
A $20 billion government COVID program covered testing, treatment and vaccine costs for uninsured people. But that’s been shut down. Special Medicaid COVID coverage for the uninsured in more than a dozen states also likely faces its last months.
At Parkland Health, the frontline hospital system for Dallas, Dr. Fred Cerise questions the logic of dialing back federal dollars at a time when health officials have rolled out a new “test-to-treat” strategy. People with COVID-19 can now get antiviral pills to take at home, hopefully avoiding hospitalization. Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently tested positive but is back working at the White House, is an example.
“Test-to-treat will be very difficult for uninsured individuals,” predicted Cerise, president and CEO of the system. “If it’s a change in strategy on the large scale, and it’s coming without funding, people are going to be reluctant to adopt that.”
Officials at the federal Department of Health and Human Services say the new antiviral drugs like Paxlovid have been paid for by taxpayers, and are supposed to be free of charge to patients, even uninsured ones.
But they acknowledge that some uninsured people can’t afford the medical consultation needed to get a prescription. “We hear from state and local partners that the lack of funding for the Uninsured Program is creating challenges for individuals to access medications,” said Dr. Meg Sullivan, chief medical officer for the HHS preparedness and response division.
The nation has not pinched pennies on the pandemic before.
“We’re well short of universal health coverage in the U.S., but for a time, we had universal coverage for COVID,” said Larry Levitt, a health policy expert with the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. “It was extraordinary.”
Recently an urgent White House request for $22.5 billion for COVID priorities failed to advance in Congress. Even a pared-back version is stuck. Part of the Biden administration’s request involves $1.5 billion to replenish the Uninsured Program, which paid for testing, treatment and vaccine-related bills for uninsured patients. The program has now stopped accepting claims due to lack of money.
That program, along with a less known Medicaid option for states, allowed thousands of uninsured people to get care without worrying about costs. Bipartisan support has given way as congressional Republicans raise questions about pandemic spending.
The Uninsured Program was run by the Health Resources and Services Administration, an HHS agency. Medical providers seeing uninsured people could submit their bills for reimbursement. Over the last two years, more than 50,000 hospitals, clinics, and medical practices received payments. Officials say they can turn the program back on if Congress releases more money.
The Medicaid coverage option began under the Trump administration as a way to help states pay for testing uninsured people. President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief bill expanded it to treatment and vaccine costs as well. It’s like a limited insurance policy for COVID. The coverage can’t be used for other services, like a knee replacement. The federal government pays 100% of the cost.
Fifteen states, from deep blue California to bright red South Carolina, have taken advantage of the option, along with three U.S. territories. It will end once the federal coronavirus public health emergency is over, currently forecast for later this year.
New Hampshire Medicaid Director Henry Lipman said the coverage option allowed his state to sign up about 9,500 people for COVID care that includes the new antiviral drugs that can be taken at home.
“It’s really the safety net for people who don’t have any access to insurance,” said Lipman. “It’s a limited situation, but in the pandemic it’s a good back-up to have. It makes a lot of sense with such a communicable disease.”
With COVID cases now at relatively low levels, demand for testing, treatment and vaccination is down. But the urgency felt by hospitals and other medical service providers is driven by their own bottom lines.
In Missouri, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare CEO Craig Thompson is worried to see federal funding evaporate just as operating costs are soaring. Staff have gotten raises, drug costs have risen by 20% and supply costs by 12%.
“We’ve now exited this pandemic ... into probably the highest inflationary environment that I’ve seen in my career,” Thompson said. The health system serves a largely rural area between Kansas City and Springfield.
In Kentucky, Family Health Centers of Louisville closed a testing service for uninsured people once federal funds dried up. The private company they were working with planned to charge $65 a test.
Things are manageable now because there’s little demand, said spokeswoman Melissa Mather, “but if we get hit with another omicron, it’s going to be very difficult.”
Floridian Debra McCoskey-Reisert is uninsured and lost her older brother to COVID-19 in the first wave two years ago. In one of their last conversations, he made her promise she wouldn’t catch the virus.
McCoskey-Reisert, who lives north of Tampa, has managed to avoid getting sick so far. But she’s overshadowed by fear of what could happen if she or her husband get infected.
“If either one of us get sick with COVID, we don’t have a way to pay for it,” she said. “It would likely bankrupt us if we can’t find some other help.”
Retrenchment on the uninsured mirrors some of the bigger problems of the U.S. health care system, said Chicago hospital physician Loafman.
“Quite frankly, we as a society take care of the uninsured for COVID because it’s affecting us,” he said. “You know, a gated community doesn’t keep a virus out ... that’s sort of the ugly truth of this, is that our altruism around this was really self-motivated.”
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Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/06/covid-coverage-all-dries-up-even-hospital-costs-rise/ | 2022-05-06T04:45:02Z |
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Orlando Magic led by 18 points with less than five minutes left in regulation of their NBA Summer League against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, well on their way to a victory.
They wound up getting that win — after some very wild events down the stretch.
Emanuel Terry’s layup off a pass from No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero gave the Magic a 94-92 victory in sudden-death overtime, capping a frantic finish to a game that had a little bit of everything in the final moments.
“That’s a game I’ll probably never, ever forget,” Magic summer coach Jesse Mermuys said.
With good reason. Sacramento closed regulation on a 23-5 run, getting the last six of those points in the final 5.1 seconds on a pair of 3-pointers to force overtime.
The fun was just getting started.
Keon Ellis banked in a 3-pointer with 22 seconds left in the first 2-minute overtime, putting Sacramento up 92-89. But the Kings fouled Devin Cannady with 6.2 seconds left, and he swished all three free throws to tie it.
Ellis missed a short jumper with a second left in OT, and Cannady nearly won the game there with a 60-foot heave that bounced off the rim. That sent the teams to a second overtime, sudden death, first score wins.
Banchero was called for a foul on the first Sacramento possession and the Kings would have gone to the line to shoot free throws — but after a lengthy review, the call was overturned. Orlando got the ball, Banchero found Terry down low, and the Magic got their winner.
“This was one of the most fun games I’ve ever been a part of,” Cannady said. “I’ve played in the NCAA Tournament, obviously I’ve played in NBA games, but this was basketball at its purest.”
Banchero scored 23 points for the Magic and had six rebounds, six assists and four steals. Admiral Schofield scored 14 points for Orlando.
Neemias Queta topped Sacramento with 23 points. Keegan Murray, the No. 4 pick, scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Queta hit the first 3-pointer in the final moments of regulation to give Sacramento a chance, and Murray made the tying one with two-tenths of a second remaining.
RAPTORS 97, 76ERS 77
Armoni Brooks made five 3-pointers and scored 25 points, Delano Banton added 21 and Toronto breezed to a victory over Philadelphia.
Christian Koloko, the Raptors’ only pick in this year’s draft, added 12 points and seven rebounds. The No. 33 overall pick added three steals and three blocks.
Isaiah Joe buried 7 of 9 shots from 3-point range, scoring 24 points to pace the Sixers.
HEAT 88, CELTICS 78
Mychal Mulder scored 23 points to help Miami beat Boston.
Mulder made 5 of 8 shots from 3-point range for the Heat. Serbia’s Nikola Jovic, the 27th overall selection and Miami’s only pick in the draft, missed two free throws and his only shot attempt. He grabbed four rebounds in just under 14 minutes of action.
Matt Ryan topped Boston with 15 points, and Mfiondu Kabengele had 14. JD Davison, the Celtics’ only pick in the draft (53rd overall), finished with 10 points, six rebounds and six assists.
PISTONS 105, WIZARDS 99
Isaiah Livers scored 20 points in Detroit’s victory over Washington.
Jalen Duren, the 13th overall pick whom the Pistons acquired in a draft-day trade with Charlotte, had 13 points and six rebounds. Jaden Ivey, the fifth overall selection, scored 11 points in a little over five minutes of action before leaving because of a sprained right ankle.
Jordan Schakel had 24 points, and Jordan Goodwin had 20 to pace Washington. Johnny Davis — the 10th overall pick — finished with six points and five rebounds.
JAZZ 72, HAWKS 66
Jared Butler had 15 points and seven assists to lead Utah past Atlanta.
Kofi Cockburn added 13 rebounds and six points for the Jazz.
Chaundee Brown Jr. scored 15 poins to lead Atlanta. Justin Tillman added 12. A.J. Griffin, the Hawks’ top pick at No. 16, did not play.
ROCKETS 90, THUNDER 88
No. 17 overall pick Tari Eason made the second of two free throws with 4.1 seconds left and Houston held off Oklahoma City.
Eason finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Rockets. No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith had 12 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Josh Christopher had 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Jalen Williams, one of OKC’s three first-round draft picks, topped the Thunder with 15 points. No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren had 12 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Ousmane Dieng — the 11th overall selection acquired in a trade with the Knicks — added 10 points and six rebounds.
CLIPPERS 94, GRIZZLIES 76
Reggie Perry had 17 points and Brandon Boston Jr. scored 15 to lead Los Angeles past Memphis.
Second-rounder Moussa Diabate, the Clippers’ only pick in the draft, had 10 points and six rebounds.
Kenneth Lofton Jr. topped Memphis with 18 points. First-round pick David Roddy had 10.
TRAIL BLAZERS 85, PELICANS 68
Trendon Watford had 17 points, 11 rebounds and five assists to power Portland past New Orleans.
Second-round pick Jabari Walker finished with 12 points and five rebounds for the Trail Blazers.
Trey Murphy III had 23 points, eight rebounds and four steals for the Pelicans. No. 8 overall pick Dyson Daniels missed all five of his shots and 1 of 2 free throws. Second-rounder E.J. Liddell scored two points on 1-for-6 shooting.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/top-pick-banchero-magic-beat-kings-94-92-in-sudden-death/ | 2022-07-10T16:32:41Z |
Funds will be used to expand the customer base, further develop the Dropbase Data Platform, and build a world-class engineering and growth team.
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dropbase, the collaborative data import and data management platform, raised a $1.75M round led by Gradient Ventures (Google's AI-focused venture fund), with participation from Y Combinator, Liquid 2 Ventures, Bragiel Brothers, Unpopular Ventures, and angel investors.
Founded by Jimmy Chan (CEO) and Ayazhan Zhakhan (CTO), Dropbase's mission is to unleash data trapped in files or incompatible systems and automate data sharing. Dropbase helps companies import, validate, manage, and query all their data from CSV/Excel files inside fully-featured SQL databases optimized for handling large amounts of data, with no technical help required.
"Oftentimes, critical business software systems don't have API's to access the data, yet this data is required to better understand the business and run operations", said Chan. "To complicate matters, external data is usually messy, with a mix of data types, encodings, data placement, and a mismatch with how the destination system expects the data to be structured and formatted."
"Integrating external data means that the data sender manually extracts data from a source system and exports it as a CSV file, uploads it to a cloud drive, SFTP, or as an email attachment, and sends it over to the data receiver," said Zhakhan. "The receiver then has to download, map, clean, and re-upload the data, usually to a database with its own constraints. This happens each time data is shared between companies with incompatible systems. This process is quite inefficient."
Dropbase's goal is to significantly improve this process, automate it, and make it easier for companies to import external data and combine it with internal data. More comprehensive data helps companies make better decisions, deliver a delightful customer experience, and improve business operations for customers such as the baby stroller brand, Mockingbird.
Dropbase believes that data analysts and operation managers should be able just open up their favorite data tools, and all the data they've imported or received from external partners should already be there, cleaned up, and ready to use. Data teams should never have to clean the same CSV file or data extract twice.
"Today, troves of data are trapped in incompatible systems that make it useless to everyone except the engineering team. We believe that Dropbase is the key to unlocking this data, and its technology will help shape how companies share data in the future," said Zachary Bratun-Glennon, Partner at Gradient Ventures.
Dropbase is building a new operating system for enterprise data – an end-to-end platform for data import, data management, and data exchange for both internal and external use cases.
Dropbase is a collaborative data platform. It helps teams import, clean, and manage data from customers and partners within highly scalable databases that integrate with their favorite analytics tools and data apps. For more information, visit www.dropbase.io.
Gradient Ventures, Google's AI-focused venture fund, helps founders build transformational companies. The fund focuses on helping founders navigate the challenges in developing new technology products, using the latest best practices in recruiting, marketing, design, and engineering so that great ideas can come to life. Gradient was founded in 2017 and is based in Palo Alto, California. For more information, visit www.gradient.com.
Media Contact: hello@dropbase.io
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SOURCE Dropbase | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/dropbase-announces-175m-round-led-by-gradient-ventures-help-import-manage-query-messy-csvs-excel-files-analytical-databases/ | 2022-08-11T16:54:24Z |
Global Pop-Icon Katy Perry Kicks Off the Series this June Ahead of Imagine Dragons, The Weeknd, Swedish House Mafia, Kid Cudi, Coldplay, Lady Gaga and More, Bringing Favorite Tracks to Supernatural's Boxing and Flow Workouts
LOS ANGELES, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Supernatural, VR's premier, leading fitness app, today announced the launch of the Supernatural Artist Series, which celebrates the bond of music and movement through unique workouts choreographed to endorphin-inducing playlists. Katy Perry, one of the most accomplished voices of today, will join Supernatural's already massive catalog of more than 1,000 hit songs, kicking off the series on June 27. The Full lineup of groundbreaking and beloved contemporary artists in the series will include Imagine Dragons, The Weeknd, Swedish House Mafia, Kid Cudi, Coldplay and Lady Gaga.
"Supernatural is a magical combination of movement and music in nature," said Chris Milk, co-founder and CEO of Supernatural. "We're always looking for new ways to expand and explore that synergy. With our Artist Series we get to further deepen our members' relationships with health and exercise, offering tailored workouts with the artists they love."
Supernatural x Katy Perry will launch two new workouts: a Boxing session where athletes box to the beat of hit singles like "Roar" and "I Kissed a Girl," and Flow, Supernatural's signature cardio-focused modality where athletes will smash targets, squat, twist, and lunge to "California Gurls," "Teenage Dream" and a true Supernatural anthem, "Unconditionally," the lyrics of which reflect the inclusion and support found within the Supernatural community:
"Come just as you are to me
Don't need apologies
Know that you are worthy"
The full Supernatural x Katy Perry Artist Series Boxing playlist is available HERE.
The full Supernatural x Katy Perry Artist Series Flow playlist is available HERE.
At its core, Supernatural has always been music and artist-driven, having secured extensive industry partnerships—including artists from Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and others—but the Artist Series adds to this already-massive catalog in a new, meaningful way. As such, Katy Perry is an important first selection for Supernatural's Artist Series, as she underlines the company's mission of inclusivity, acceptance and body positivity as well as joy, awe and wonder.
The Katy Perry Boxing and Flow workouts will be led by Coach Leanne Pedante and Coach Raneir Pollard, respectively, two of Supernatural's five core coaches. Coach Dwana Olsen, Coach Mark Harari and Coach "Doc", Dr. Antonio Harrison will enter the scene as the Series unfolds. Here's the lineup for the rest of 2022:
- July: Imagine Dragons
- August: The Weeknd
- September: Swedish House Mafia
- October: Kid Cudi
- November: Coldplay
- December: Lady Gaga
"The Supernatural Artist Series is something I'm thrilled to share and experience with all of our athletes," said Head of Fitness, Leanne Pedante. "This partnership allows Supernatural members to deepen their already-immersive experience in a whole new way as they box and sweat to their favorite artists."
Be sure to catch the first Artist Series of 2022, debuting with Katy Perry's tracks in-app on June 27, 2022.
- Supernatural uses the power of virtual reality—through the Meta Quest 2—to provide members with immersive health and wellness experiences that replace the dread and repetition of home workouts with unparalleled joy, awe and wonder.
- Supernatural is connected fitness. This means we're integrating mind AND body movement for a workout that's so fun you might even forget you're exercising. Daily sessions include, Boxing, Flow, Supernatural's original full-body cardio workout, Guided Meditations and Recovery.
- Reminder, if fitness has rejected you, we welcome you. The Official Supernatural Facebook community, where members gather and share their successes and challenges, provides support for all who wish to connect. Join peers in conversations, and be inspired by one another's growth.
- Supernatural is available on the Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2 for $179.99/year or $18.99/month
Supernatural launched in April of 2020 as the world's first subscription-based, full-body fitness service for virtual reality. Designed for Meta Quest and paired with your smartphone, Supernatural provides users with expertly coached daily workouts, detailed fitness tracking, an expansive catalog of music and a chance to exercise in the world's most beautiful locations without ever leaving home.
For media images please click HERE
For additional news and information follow @getsupernatural on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Follow Supernatural on Facebook and Instagram @GetSupernatural #iamSupernatural
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SOURCE Supernatural | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/vr-fitness-app-supernatural-releases-artist-driven-workout-series-featuring-some-most-listened-to-music-our-time/ | 2022-06-14T18:10:17Z |
Company again received a top score on the Disability Equality Index
ST. LOUIS, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the eighth year in a row, Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) has earned a 100 score on the Disability Equality Index, recognizing its programs and policies that promote inclusion for Ameren employees, customers and suppliers with disabilities.
The Disability Equality Index is the world's most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 companies to measure disability workplace inclusion. It tracks how a company promotes inclusivity for those with disabilities with regard to culture and leadership, access, benefits, recruitment, employment, education, retention and advancement, accommodations, community engagement and supplier diversity.
"We know that a culture that truly values diversity and fosters equity and inclusion is critical to our ability to fulfill our mission – to power the quality of life for our customers and in our communities," said Gwen Mizell, vice president and chief sustainability and diversity officer at Ameren. "We are intentional about providing opportunities that enable all our co-workers to grow and develop in their careers at Ameren."
Ameren has several programs in place to create a successful work environment for employees with disabilities, as well as support those with disabilities in the community:
- An employee resource group, Powering Connections for All Abilities (PCAA), to support fellow employees with disabilities and help advise the company on accommodations.
- Partnership with Starkloff Disability Institute to provide educational programming and advise on inclusivity at Ameren.
- Collaboration with Cool Down St. Louis to provide free air conditioners to community members with disabilities.
In addition, the company seeks advice from co-workers when considering updates to their facilities. This includes input from Andrew Niebrugge, supervisor, Engineering Support at Ameren Illinois, who was paralyzed in an accident when he was 16 years old.
"When I was first hired at Ameren, I felt like I instantly belonged here," said Niebrugge. "They invited me to come into the location and had me go around and point out things that may need to change for my needs, and before we got into this building, it all was done, and I was able to roam around freely. I've always felt included here at Ameren. I've always been treated like the person next to me."
In 2022, 415 corporations completed the Disability Equality Index. Each company received a score, on a scale of zero to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion." Ameren has earned this distinction for the last eight years.
"There is no single best way to practice disability inclusion, however, the companies participating in the DEI survey, share the desire to create a workplace that fosters the concept of bringing your whole self to the office," said Maria Town, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities. "We look forward to working with all of the participants to help identify meaningful ways to build upon their current practices as we continue on the disability inclusion journey together."
About the Disability Equality Index®
The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion."
The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation's largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complementary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates, developed the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at: www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.
Opportunities at Ameren
Ameren is an industry-leading and innovative Fortune 500 company that is a vital part of the communities it serves, building a sustainable energy future for generations to come. Ameren currently has more than 700 open positions in Missouri and Illinois, including opportunities in IT, supply chain, human resources, skilled craft and engineering. Learn more about Ameren's job openings and comprehensive total rewards package at Ameren.com/Careers.
About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois operates a rate-regulated electric transmission business in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.
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SOURCE Ameren Corporation | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/leaders-inclusive-workplaces-recognize-ameren-disability-inclusion/ | 2022-07-20T21:40:55Z |
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. (NYSE: HTA) ("HTA"), the largest dedicated owner and operator of medical office buildings in the United States, announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a pro-rata quarterly dividend of $0.029 per share of Class A Common Stock. The dividend will be paid on July 19, 2022 to stockholders of record on July 14, 2022, and represents a proration of our previous quarterly dividend of $0.325 per share for the period beginning on our previous quarterly dividend record date and ending immediately prior to the expected closing date of the previously announced merger with Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated ("HR"). Subject to a favorable shareholder vote, the merger is expected to close on July 20, 2022.
Additionally, the eligible holders of HTA's operating partnership units ("OP Units") will received a pro-rated quarterly OP Unit distribution, which is on par with HTA's Class A Common Stock dividend described above.
Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. (NYSE: HTA) is the largest dedicated owner and operator of medical office buildings in the United States, with assets comprising approximately 26.0 million square feet of gross leasable area, and with $7.8 billion invested primarily in medical office buildings, as of March 31, 2022. HTA provides real estate infrastructure for the integrated delivery of healthcare services in highly-desirable locations. Investments are targeted to build critical mass in 20 to 25 leading gateway markets that generally have leading university and medical institutions, which generally translates to superior demographics, highly-educated graduates, intellectual talent and job growth. The strategic markets HTA invests in support a strong, long-term demand for quality medical office space. HTA utilizes an integrated asset management platform consisting of on-site leasing, property management, engineering and building services, and development capabilities to create complete, state of the art facilities in each market. We believe this drives efficiencies, strong tenant and health system relationships, and strategic partnerships that result in high levels of tenant retention, rental growth and long-term value creation. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, HTA has developed a national brand with dedicated relationships at the local level.
Founded in 2006 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012, HTA has produced attractive returns for its stockholders that have outperformed the US REIT index, since inception. More information about HTA can be found on the Company's Website (www.htareit.com), Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to HTA. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not descriptions of historical facts and include statements regarding management's intentions, beliefs, expectations, plans or predictions of the future, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Because such statements include risks, uncertainties and contingencies, actual results may differ materially and in adverse ways from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, without limitation, the following: HTA's ability to consummate the Merger with HR on the proposed terms or on the anticipated timeline, or at all, including risks and uncertainties related to securing the necessary stockholder approvals and satisfaction of other closing conditions to consummate the Merger; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the definitive merger agreement relating to the Merger; risks related to diverting the attention of HTA and HR management from ongoing business operations; failure to realize the expected benefits of the Merger; significant transaction costs and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities; risks associated with stockholder litigation in connection with the Merger, including resulting expense or delay; the risk that HTA's business will not be integrated successfully or that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; the ability to obtain the expected financing to consummate the Merger; risks related to future opportunities and plans for HTA, including the uncertainty of expected future financial performance and results of the combined company following completion of the Merger; effects relating to the announcement of the proposed transaction or any further announcements or the consummation of the Merger on the market price of HTA's or HR's common stock; the possibility that, if the combined company does not achieve the perceived benefits of the Merger as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial analysts or investors, the market price of HTA's common stock could decline; general adverse economic and local real estate conditions; changes in economic conditions generally and the real estate market specifically; legislative and regulatory changes, including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs and changes to laws governing the healthcare industry; the availability of capital; changes in interest rates; competition in the real estate industry; the supply and demand for operating properties in HTA's proposed market areas; changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the US; policies and guidelines applicable to REITs; the availability of properties to acquire; the availability of financing; pandemics and other health concerns, and the measures intended to prevent their spread, including the currently ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; and the potential material adverse effect these matters may have on HTA's business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Additional information concerning HTA and its business, including additional factors that could materially and adversely affect HTA's financial results, include, without limitation, the risks described under Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors, in HTA's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in HTA's other filings with the SEC.
Financial Contact:
Robert A. Milligan
Chief Financial Officer
480.998.3478
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SOURCE Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/healthcare-trust-america-inc-announces-third-quarter-2022-pro-rata-dividend/ | 2022-07-01T20:41:32Z |
Builds on Progress to Date to Drive Positive Impact
Publishes 2022 ESG Report: Nurturing Shared Values
CINCINNATI, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), America's largest grocery retailer, today outlined an updated Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) action plan to support the company's comprehensive ESG strategy and published its annual ESG report.
"We live our purpose – to feed the human spirit – through Kroger's commitments to advance positive impacts for people and our planet and create more resilient global systems," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "We are proud to report that Kroger continues to make progress toward key ESG goals. I am especially proud of the Kroger team's collective effort to create communities free from hunger and food waste. Through Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, Kroger has donated billions of meals to help end hunger and millions of pounds of surplus fresh food to avoid waste. We are committed to expanding food access, affordability, and choice for all our customers."
As the centerpiece of its ESG strategy, Kroger's signature Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social and environmental impact plan emphasizes the unique role Kroger plays across the food system and its many stakeholders as an employer, food processor, retailer, healthcare provider and more. This month, Kroger is marking the fifth year of this signature initiative. To date, the company has directed 2.3 billion meals to communities, including $1 billion in charitable support and 500 million pounds of surplus fresh food rescued from Kroger stores to help end hunger.
Kroger's 2022 ESG Report: Nurturing Shared Values and other resources can be found at the ESG Hub, ESG Strategy: Thriving Together.
ESG Action Plan Updates
In addition to Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, Kroger continues to make progress toward key goals and strengthen commitments in several areas, most notably in climate impact, packaging, human capital management, human rights and animal welfare.
"With this updated action plan, we are seeking to address a wide range of complex social and environmental challenges, and setting ambitious impact targets," said Keith Dailey, Kroger's group vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer. "These commitments express Kroger's aspiration to make affordable fresh food even more accessible while advancing positive impacts for our communities and the planet. Our progress and commitments reflect our efforts to operationalize and integrate ESG performance into lines of business and develop a shared-value framework that creates positive outcomes for all stakeholders."
Climate Impact
Kroger formally committed to set a more aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target aligned with the requirements of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company's current 2030 goal is aligned with a well-below 2°C climate scenario; however, given the urgency for greater climate action, the goal will be strengthened to support a 1.5°C climate scenario. Kroger will also set a new Scope 3 goal for supply chain emissions reduction as part of its SBTi commitment.
The company will share a detailed project roadmap for achieving the current GHG reduction goal by the end of the 2022 fiscal year.
Packaging
Kroger completed an initial packaging baseline assessment to establish a plan to achieve its 2030 sustainable packaging goals, which include 100% recyclable, reusable and/or compostable Our Brands packaging by 2030. The baseline focused on grocery and fresh food products, as well as health, beauty, household supplies and cleaning items. Baseline findings show that 40% of in-scope Our Brands product packaging meets the company's definition of recyclable today when measured by weight.
Human Capital Management
Kroger's family of companies continues to offer accessible employment and economic advancement opportunities for more than 400,000 people across the U.S. Kroger has invested an incremental $1.2B in associate compensation and benefits since 2018, raising the average hourly rate to over $17/hour, and over $21/hour when comprehensive benefits like health care and pensions are included.
Human Rights
Kroger recently updated its Human Rights Policy to align with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The company is in the process of developing a comprehensive human rights due diligence framework and implementation roadmap aligned with the UNGPs. This work will continue through 2022. The company also recently launched its first human rights impact assessment.
Animal Welfare
Kroger updated its Animal Welfare Policy and shared a detailed Animal Welfare Update to outline progress to date and roadmaps for future milestones.
The company published specific milestones to achieve its goal to source 100% of fresh pork sold in retail stores from suppliers that house sows in group housing systems by 2025. Kroger also outlined plans to invest $45 million in additional pricing, promotions and agreements to support the transition to a cage-free or higher-welfare egg supply, with specific milestones to reach 70% cage-free by 2030.
Following an announcement earlier this year, Kroger has partnered with Kipster Farms, the innovative egg production system founded in The Netherlands, to bring the world's first carbon-neutral, cage-free shell eggs to customers in the U.S. in 2023.
2021 Highlights
People: Help billions live healthier, more sustainable lifestyles
- Increased the average wage for hourly store associates to over $17, bringing the rate to more than $22 per hour when comprehensive benefits are included.
- Directed $343 million in charitable giving—including food and funds—to local and national non-profit organizations; of this, $210 million focused on improving food security in communities where we operate, reflecting the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste mission.
- Directed 546 million meals to communities in food and funds in 2021, including 94 million pounds of surplus food donated through Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Food Rescue program. Since introducing Zero Hunger | Zero Waste five years ago, the company has directed a total of 2.3 billion meals to communities toward its goal of 3 billion meals by 2025.
- Delivered 1.1 million dietitian-approved meals to vulnerable populations.
- Conducted research on how retailers can serve as important healthcare destinations, leveraging food and nutrition education to support shoppers and help them make healthful food purchases, resulting in a groundbreaking randomized controlled trial aimed at increasing diet quality and decreasing cardiovascular risk by promoting a heart-healthy diet through nutrition counseling provided by a registered dietitian.
- Supported healthier lifestyles by offering a wide range of better-for-you and diet-aligned food options across retail stores and seamless experience, including our integrated OptUP app with nutritional ratings on thousands of items.
- Increased access to fresh, affordable food for customers in existing and new geographies through the expansion of the Kroger seamless ecosystem and Kroger Delivery network.
Planet: Protect and restore natural resources for a brighter future
- Achieved a 9.1% cumulative reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a 2018 baseline.
- Installed infrared refrigerant leak-detection technology in 2,000 retail stores to date, to further reduce emissions.
- Reduced total food waste generated in retail stores by 18.9% and improved food waste diversion rate by 21.7% since 2017.
- Completed a comprehensive baseline product packaging footprint in 2022, finding that 40% of in-scope Our Brands product packaging is recyclable.
- Sourced 16.9 million pounds of Fair Trade Certified™ ingredients for Our Brands products, up 4% from the prior year.
- Sourced 94% of wild-caught seafood and 98% of farm-raised seafood in Kroger's seafood department from fisheries and farms meeting company's seafood sustainability requirements.
Systems: Build more responsible and inclusive global systems
- Continued to operationalize the company's ESG strategy by integrating ownership and accountability for ESG goals into lines of business.
- Increased the diversity and breadth of expertise on Kroger's board of directors and clarified board committee oversight of ESG topics.
- Spent $4 billion with diverse suppliers and welcomed 230 new diverse-owned suppliers in 2021, an increase of 115% from the prior year, reflecting more than $500 million in incremental spend.
- Offered extensive associate training on key governance topics, including business ethics and compliance; privacy; cybersecurity; food safety; diversity, equity and inclusion; and personal safety.
- Secured Kroger's investment of $45 million in pricing, promotions and supplier agreements to achieve a sustainable transition to a cage-free or higher-welfare egg supply, with specific milestones to reach 70% cage-free by 2030.
About Kroger
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over eleven million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
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SOURCE The Kroger Co. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/kroger-outlines-updated-esg-action-plan/ | 2022-09-08T18:20:36Z |
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