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Password Management solution delivers proactive, seamless approach to protecting privacy and login credentials for consumers and businesses; Password Management market expected to reach $3 billion by 2026
SAN FRANCISCO, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lookout, Inc., a leading provider of endpoint and cloud security solutions, today announced it has acquired SaferPass, an innovative Password Management company that provides secure online identity solutions for both consumers and businesses. By adding Password Management technology to its suite of security solutions, Lookout is expanding on its mission to deliver proactive protection and safeguard customer data for individuals and businesses.
Whether shopping online, banking, or connecting to corporate applications and email, usernames and passwords have become the standard form of authentication to validate a user's identity and enable access to sensitive information. Passwords can be difficult to use and incredibly insecure, especially in cases where a user has many accounts. On average, people have more than 100 accounts with an associated password to remember. In addition, human-generated passwords are often algorithmically weak; according to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 81% of data breaches leveraged weak, stolen or reused employee passwords, and every time a password is reused, it opens the door to a potential data breach.1 Additionally, nearly 64% of people reuse the same passwords across their online accounts. If login credentials are compromised, the consequences can be serious – including personal identity theft or stolen corporate information.
SaferPass delivers a robust, innovative solution for identity and password management to both consumers and businesses, enabling users to securely manage their passwords, banking and other sensitive information across devices. The SaferPass solution provides an encrypted digital vault that stores secure login information used to access services through mobile apps and web browsers. In addition to keeping a user's identity, credentials and sensitive data safe, the product helps create strong, unique passwords through a password generator tool that ensures the individual is not using the same password in multiple places and that their password has not been compromised in a previous breach.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the Password Management market on its own, was valued at over $1.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach over $3 billion by 2026.2
"We are pleased to welcome the SaferPass team to Lookout, and excited to combine our respective solutions to deliver better value to consumers and businesses alike," said Jim Dolce, Lookout CEO. "Today, every password owned by an employee is a potential access point to organizations both small and large. At the same time, large scale data breaches have leaked billions of consumer emails and passwords on the dark web, putting individuals at risk of identity theft and financial fraud. The SaferPass team shares our vision for providing seamless security solutions that address all access points and protect personal and corporate data wherever it may reside. This is an exciting next step in Lookout's evolution."
The acquisition of SaferPass broadens the Lookout portfolio of security solutions and expands the opportunity for its carrier ecosystem and channel partners – it also expands Lookout's footprint in Central Europe through its new location in Bratislava, Slovakia. SaferPass will now operate under the Lookout brand and leadership and the SaferPass team will be fully integrated into the Lookout organization. The financial terms of this transaction have not been disclosed.
Additional Resources
- To learn more about Lookout for SMBs and Consumers, visit: https://protection.lookout.com/
- To learn more about the Lookout Security Platform, visit: https://www.lookout.com/products/platform
- Sign up for a free trial of Lookout.
- Follow the Lookout blog and join the conversation on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Lookout
Lookout is a leading provider of endpoint and cloud security solutions. Our mission is to secure and empower our digital future in a privacy-focused world where mobility and cloud are essential to all we do for work and play. We enable consumers and employees to protect their data, and to securely stay connected without violating their privacy and trust. Lookout is trusted by millions of consumers, the largest enterprises and government agencies, and partners such as AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Microsoft, Google, and Apple. Headquartered in San Francisco, Lookout has offices in Amsterdam, Boston, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto and Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit www.lookout.com and follow Lookout on its blog, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Contact: press@lookout.com
© 2022 Lookout, Inc. LOOKOUT®, the Lookout Shield Design®, LOOKOUT with Shield Design®, SCREAM®, and SIGNAL FLARE® are registered trademarks of Lookout, Inc. in the United States and other countries. EVERYTHING IS OK®, LOOKOUT MOBILE SECURITY®, POWERED BY LOOKOUT®, and PROTECTED BY LOOKOUT®, are registered trademarks of Lookout, Inc. in the United States; and POST PERIMETER SECURITY ALLIANCE™ is a trademark of Lookout, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
1 Verizon: 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report
2 Mordor Intelligence: Password Management Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)
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SOURCE Lookout | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/lookout-acquires-saferpass-address-rising-threat-identity-theft/ | 2022-06-01T09:43:50Z |
GLENVIEW, Ill., July 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Envoy Solutions announced today that it has acquired York, S.C.-based Sunbelt Packaging. Sunbelt Packaging is a highly valued distributor that offers a large and diversified inventory of flexible packaging materials and a broad range of automated packaging equipment. The company's strong relationships with industry-leading customers have contributed to its continued growth across the country, with four distribution centers from South Carolina to Utah. By joining forces with Sunbelt, Envoy Solutions continues to drive packaging growth in the Southeast where it already has a strong presence with a rapidly growing national platform. This new partnership advances Envoy Solutions' position as a specialized distributor and solution provider serving the U.S. market through a family of the nation's best regional distributors.
"Sunbelt Packaging will help us excel in the packaging space and build on our growth in the Southeast," said Mark M. Fisher, CEO of Envoy Solutions. "From a geographic perspective, this move makes perfect sense given our existing presence in that part of the country. I'm excited to work with Jade Boling and his top-notch team to capitalize on the synergies between our companies and bring the best products and services closer to our customers."
Since it was founded in 1980, Sunbelt Packaging has expanded from specialty products for niche applications in the textile industry to serving a broader customer base with packaging materials and equipment. Throughout its history, Sunbelt has thrived by having absolute reliability and by rapidly responding to its customers' needs. The scale and depth of Envoy Solutions' national platform will enable Sunbelt to respond to customers better than ever before.
"I am thrilled for the opportunity to maximize our future growth through this new partnership with Envoy Solutions as it redefines distribution across the country," said Jade Boling, President and CEO of Sunbelt Packaging. "With the resources and reach of Envoy Solutions, we are well-positioned to create better and more cost-effective solutions for our customers."
"Our investment in Sunbelt Packaging has been a wonderful experience for over 16 years," said Ed Fisher, Managing Partner at SouthPointe Ventures, the former majority owner of Sunbelt Packaging. "We are pleased to have Sunbelt's superior team join forces with national distribution leader Envoy Solutions and look forward to even greater success from them in the future."
Envoy Solutions is a specialized distributor and solution provider serving the U.S. market through a family of the nation's best regional distributors. We specialize in Jan-San, foodservice, packaging, and marketing execution. Envoy Solutions offers a broad catalog of top brands and products, along with deep expertise and advice, to help our client-partners succeed. We are driven to make facilities cleaner and more sustainable, people safer, and operations more productive, every day.
Based in Glenview, Ill., Envoy Solutions is the parent company of North American Corporation, WAXIE Sanitary Supply, Southeastern Paper Group, Daycon, North Woods, PJP, Johnston, Next-Gen, Swish White River, Valley Janitor Supply Company, Weiss Bros., General Chemical & Supply, Bio-Shine, ATRA, Sigma Supply of North America, American Paper & Supply Company, Hughes Enterprises, and NVISION. For more information, please visit www.envoysolutions.com.
Sunbelt Packaging, founded in 1980, is a customer-focused distributor of packaging materials and equipment, and other industrial supplies. The company has built its foundation upon a broad product offering, deep technical knowledge, and unique sourcing capabilities.
Based in York, South Carolina, Sunbelt Packaging currently serves all 50 states in the U.S. as well as Canada, Mexico, South America, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.sunbeltpackagingllc.com.
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SOURCE Envoy Solutions | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/27/envoy-solutions-drives-growth-southeast-with-sunbelt-packaging-acquisition/ | 2022-07-27T13:51:15Z |
Hong Kong arrests 90-year-old cardinal on national security charge
By Nectar Gan, CNN
Hong Kong’s national security police on Wednesday arrested Cardinal Joseph Zen, a 90-year-old former bishop and outspoken critic of China’s Communist Party, drawing concern from the Vatican and condemnation from the United States.
Zen is among four high-profile pro-democracy activists arrested by police — the other three are Cantopop star Denise Ho, former lawmaker Margaret Ng and academic Hui Po-keung, according to the US State Department.
They were arrested on suspicion of collusion with foreign forces, a charge under the city’s sweeping national security law, according to a statement from the Hong Kong Police Force.
The city’s national security police alleged the four had asked foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong, which it said was an act endangering national security. The arrested were released on bail late on Wednesday night, according to the Hong Kong police.
Their arrests are part of a probe into a now-disbanded relief fund for the city’s pro-democracy, anti-government protests in 2019, according to public broadcaster RTHK.
The four were trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was set up in June 2019 to provide financial aid and legal advice for protesters who were injured or arrested. The fund ceased operation last year, after national security police announced they had launched an investigation into its donation sources and whether its operations involved any contravention of the national security law.
Zen was the former top Roman Catholic cleric in Hong Kong. He is one of the city’s most outspoken critics of both the Hong Kong government and Beijing, and is known as the “conscience of Hong Kong” among his supporters.
Responding to Zen’s arrest, the Vatican said it learned of the news with “concern” and that it is “following the evolution of the situation with extreme attention,” it told CNN in a statement.
The arrests also prompted condemnation from the US and Europe.
“In arresting these veteran activists, scholars and religious leaders under the so-called national security law, Hong Kong authorities have again demonstrated they will pursue all means necessary to stifle dissent and undercut protective rights and freedoms,” US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a press briefing Wednesday.
The European Union’s top diplomat, High Representative Josep Borrell, said on Twitter he was following the developments with “great concern.” “The fundamental freedoms, as guaranteed in the Hong Kong Basic Law and in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, must be respected,” Borrell said.
Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director Erwin van der Borght said in a statement that the arrests represent a “shocking escalation” even by “Hong Kong’s recent standards of worsening repression,” and demonstrates the Hong Kong authorities’ “callous disregard for the basic rights of its citizens.”
The arrests came days after John Lee, a former police officer and security chief, was selected as Hong Kong’s next leader on Sunday.
They are the latest in a sweeping crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, following the imposition of a controversial National Security Law on the city in 2020. Since then, most of the city’s prominent pro-democracy figures have either been arrested or gone into exile, while many independent media outlets and non-government organizations were shuttered.
The Hong Kong government has repeatedly denied criticism that the law — which criminalizes acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces — has stifled freedoms, claiming instead it has restored order in the city after the 2019 protest movement.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
CNN’s Sugam Pokharel, Kristie Lu Stout, Sophie Jeong, Jennifer Deaton, Livia Borghese and Mia Alberti contributed to this report. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-asia-pacific/2022/05/11/hong-kong-arrests-90-year-old-cardinal-on-national-security-charge/ | 2022-05-12T04:50:20Z |
Two ex-officers who restrained Floyd sentenced to prison
J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, two of the former Minneapolis Police officers convicted of federal charges in the fatal arrest of George Floyd, were sentenced to 3 years and 3.5 years in prison, respectively, on Wednesday.
Kueng, who held down Floyd’s torso, and Thao, who kept a group of bystanders back, were each convicted in February of violating Floyd’s civil rights and of failing to intervene to stop their colleague Derek Chauvin during the restraint.
With the sentences, all four of the officers who helped restrain Floyd in May 2020 have now received prison time.
Thomas Lane, who held down Floyd’s legs, was convicted of one federal charge and sentenced last week to 2.5 years in prison, as Judge Paul A. Magnuson cited Lane’s “minimal role” in the incident. Chauvin, the primary aggressor, pleaded guilty to violating Floyd’s civil rights and of an unrelated civil rights violation and was sentenced to 21 years in prison to be served concurrently with his 22.5-year sentence on state murder charges.
Federal prosecutors had asked the court to sentence Kueng and Thao to “significantly more” time than the range applicable to Lane but less time than Chauvin’s sentence. Thao’s defense team asked for a sentence of 2 years, while Kueng’s defense team filed its recommendation under seal.
Kueng declined to make a statement in court. Thao, though, made a lengthy statement to the court, quoting numerous Bible verses and describing how he was “born again” after being jailed.
Courteney Ross, Floyd’s girlfriend, addressed both former officers in court.
Biden ‘feeling great’ and back to work in person after testing negative for Covid-19
President Joe Biden said Wednesday he’s “feeling great” and is back to working in person after isolating in the White House and recovering from what has been described as a mild case of Covid-19.
The President, addressing the nation from the Rose Garden, credited the vaccines, booster shots and the Paxlovid antiviral treatment he was prescribed for averting a severe case of the virus. Biden, 79, is at high risk for a severe case of Covid-19 due to his age.
“I got through it with no fear,” Biden said. “A very mild discomfort because of these essentials, lifesaving tools. And guess what, I want to remind everybody: They are free. They are convenient, and they are safe, and they work.”
Biden used the moment to tout his administration’s response to the pandemic and emphasized that all the tools available to him to fight off the virus are also available to every American. He drew a direct contrast with his predecessor, Donald Trump, who tested positive for Covid-19 in October 2020 before vaccines were authorized and received an experimental treatment not available to the wider public.
“When my predecessor got Covid, he had to get helicoptered to Walter Reed Medical Center. He was severely ill; thankfully, he recovered. When I got Covid, I worked from upstairs of the White House and the offices upstairs ... for a five-day period,” Biden said.
He continued, “The difference is vaccinations, of course. But also new three new tools free to all and widely available. You don’t need to be President to get these tools to use for your defense. In fact, the same booster shots, the same at-home test, the same treatment that I got, is available to you. My administration made sure that all Americans across the country, from all walks of life, have free access to those tools.”
Third set of human remains found at Lake Mead amid drought, National Park Service says
Another set of human remains was found at Lake Mead Monday as the reservoir’s water levels continue to recede, according to a news release from the National Park Service.
Park rangers responded to a report of human remains found in the park’s Swim Beach area in Boulder City, Nevada, at about 4:30 p.m. PT, the release said. “Park rangers are on scene and have set a perimeter to recover the remains,” the release said.
The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner is assisting with determining the cause of death, the park service said.
This is at least the third body found in the Lake Mead area as the country’s largest reservoir has receded to unprecedented levels.
The first body, discovered on May 1, was found in a barrel and was likely a murder victim who died from a gunshot wound “some time in the mid ’70s to early ’80s, based on clothing and footwear the victim was found with,” according to a news release from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police.
— From wire reports
Another set of remains was found on May 7 in the park’s Callville Bay area. The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner said Tuesday there were no further updates on that case.
The receding waters also have exposed previously sunken boats, including a World War II-era landing craft last month.
Around 40 million people in the West rely on water from the Colorado River and its two largest reservoirs — Lake Mead and Lake Powell — where levels have fallen at an alarming rate over the past few years amid a climate change-fueled megadrought.
As of Tuesday, Lake Mead’s water level was at 1,040 feet, about 174 feet below its level in 2000, when it was last considered full. It’s the lowest level on record for the reservoir since it was filled in the 1930s.
The lake’s low water level exposed one of the reservoir’s original water intake valves in April for the first time. The valve had been in service since 1971, but it can no longer draw water, according to the Southern Nevada Water Authority. That agency is responsible for managing water resources for 2.2 million people in southern Nevada, including Las Vegas.
“The lake has drained dramatically over the last 15 years,” Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Homicide Lt. Ray Spencer said in May. “It’s likely that we will find additional bodies that have been dumped in Lake Mead” as the water level drops more.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/national-roundup-for-july-28-2022/article_96a4cdac-0ddf-11ed-93f0-a3a1dfb2d3f0.html | 2022-07-27T20:27:24Z |
DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines’ second-quarter profit doubled to $760 million on record revenue, but the carrier warned that rising costs and lower productivity are likely to continue in the second half of the year.
Southwest shares fell 7% in afternoon trading Thursday.
Air travel has bounced back this year from pandemic depths, and that is particularly true for Southwest’s strength in leisure travel within the United States. The Dallas carrier said ticket demand has continued in the third quarter.
But costs are rising sharply, too.
Southwest’s fuel spending more than doubled, an increase of more than $800 million from a year ago, even though the airline hedges, or makes investments to offset rising energy prices. Spending on wages and benefits rose 21%, or about $400 million in a year.
Southwest and other airlines are also dealing with high numbers of canceled and delayed flights this summer, which adds to costs.
CEO Robert Jordan said that in the second quarter Southwest had to cope with “inflationary pressures and headwinds from operating at suboptimal productivity levels in second quarter, which we expect will continue in second half” of this year.
Still, Jordan said, the airline continues to expect it will be “solidly profitable” for the rest of the year barring any major surprises.
Airlines are recovering from the worst of the pandemic. American and United just reported their first profitable quarter not counting government aid. The industry is not in the clear, however. Business and international travel have not fully recovered, and consumers are paying more for staples like food and gasoline, leaving less for other spending.
During a call with analysts, Jordan was asked about the biggest single risk to Southwest’s recovery.
“The biggest thing is just not one thing, but it’s all the uncertainty on the horizon,” he said. “You’ve got recession potential. You’ve got a lot of variability in fuel prices … you have potential variability in (travel) demand because of all those things.”
Southwest has been hiring pilots and other workers to stabilize its operation after a bad summer in 2021 and another stretch of mass flight cancellations last fall. Two months ago, it hit staffing levels that it had not reached since the pandemic led it and other carriers to convince thousands of workers to quit or take long-term leave.
The airline said it expects to add 10,000 jobs this year but will begin “moderating” hiring in the second half of the year. Even with less hiring, Southwest expects non-fuel costs to rise by 12% to 15% per mile in the third quarter.
Southwest pared flights from its summer schedule after widespread disruptions this spring. It said it has added back some short routes that are popular with business travelers. Southwest said customers from small businesses, government and education are flying at pre-pandemic rates, but corporate travel including by banking and technology companies remains depressed.
Southwest’s second-quarter profit compared with $338 million a year ago and also topped the $741 million it earned in the same period of 2019, before the pandemic.
The airline reported that adjusted earnings were $1.30 per share. Revenue jumped 68% to $6.73 billion.
Analysts expected earnings of $1.17 per share on revenue of $6.69 billion, according to FactSet. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/southwest-posts-record-revenue-but-warns-of-rising-costs/ | 2022-07-29T02:37:55Z |
Category-defying machine to crush need for multiple pieces of equipment on some North America jobsites
RACINE, Wis., Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- We all know bulldozers and skid steers. Today, CASE Construction Equipment is adding a whole new industry-first construction equipment category to the list as it launches the CASE Minotaur™ DL550, the first-ever compact dozer loader.
Weighing in at more than 9 tons and working with 114 horsepower, the new machine is a beast that delivers true dozing and grading performance, as well as powerful site loading capabilities and compatibility with hundreds of attachments.
"The Minotaur is truly a fleet of one, that is second to none," says Jeff Jacobsmeyer, product manager, CASE. "Business owners and fleet managers looking for a compact solution that delivers countless benefits in a single footprint will immediately see the versatility this exciting new machine brings to their fleets and will quickly understand the category 'compact dozer loader.'"
The Minotaur is so groundbreaking that CASE is opening its product proving-grounds facility in Tomahawk, Wisc., to media beyond the heavy-construction trade press – a first in the company's 180-year history.
"Members of the mainstream media will be able to doze, dig and demo – just like they dreamt of doing as kids in the sandlot," Terry Dolan, vice president — North America, CASE Construction Equipment. "The Minotaur is designed with real-world applications in mind. Whether you need to clear debris after a hurricane, repair flood-damaged roads in hard-to-reach communities or create new hiking trails in the foothills of the Rockies, the Minotaur is up for the job."
The Minotaur holds 29 patents (21 granted 8 pending) and has pushed through more than 10,000 hours of field testing, in addition to countless customer clinics and typical lab and engineering testing.
"We've put this machine through hell and back — pound for pound, there's no machine like it that delivers the dozing power and precision, as well as the dynamic loading performance," says Jacobsmeyer. "This groundbreaking, all-new machine demonstrates CASE's commitment to delivering real-world innovation rooted in customer need."
Throughout its 180 years in business, CASE has proven to be a company on the move — and the development of the Minotaur is proof of that in both iron and technology.
"The CASE Minotaur DL550 embodies our dedication to practical innovation — real world, customer-driven solutions," says Jacobsmeyer. "Through this, we created a whole new equipment category and we're delivering the integrated technologies that drive improvements for operators in the field and for business owners at their bottom line."
The hallmark advancement of the Minotaur is the detachable chassis-integrated C-frame. This design gives the operator a full range of dozer controls and movements, as well as responsiveness similar to full-sized CASE dozers.
In its loader configuration, the Minotaur features a 5,500-pound rated operating capacity (50 percent of tipping load) with 12,907 pounds of breakout force. The machine is also available with three different track options to meet operator preference and jobsite profiles and the industry-exclusive, fully integrated rear ripper is easily controlled from within the cab.
Additionally, CASE has taken fleet management of compact equipment to a new level with the inclusion of the CASE SiteConnect Module, which improves real-time monitoring and management of maintenance and service intervals, as well as the analysis of equipment utilization and performance.
"We know it's all about maximizing productivity, maintaining uptime and keeping operators on the job," says Jacobsmeyer. "These advances provide the ability to remotely diagnose machine events and drastically shorten response times when service is needed."
To celebrate this first-of-its-kind machine, CASE is launching a 40-plus-stop tour of the United States and Canada now through March 2023, where the machine will be showcased and demonstrated at CASE dealer locations. Tour stops will include Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Orlando, Phoenix, as well as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
"We are bringing the excitement of this industry-changing launch to every corner of North America," says Dolan. "We have more than 180 years of experience in the field, but we're making moves like a startup, dedicating more time and resources to the field, and spending more time where it counts — with the men and women who run businesses and operate this equipment every day. We can't wait to see you on tour."
For more information on the all-new, groundbreaking CASE Minotaur DL550 compact dozer loader, contact your local CASE dealer, and learn more at CaseCE.com/Minotaur.
CASE Construction Equipment is a global full-line manufacturer of construction equipment that combines generations of manufacturing expertise with practical innovation. CASE is dedicated to improving productivity, simplifying operation and maintenance while achieving lower total cost of ownership for fleets around the world. The CASE dealer network sells and supports this world-class equipment, by offering customized aftermarket support packages, hundreds of attachments, genuine parts and fluids as well as industry-leading warranties and flexible financing. More than a manufacturer, CASE is committed to giving back by dedicating time, resources and equipment to building communities. This includes supporting disaster response, infrastructure investment, and non-profit organizations that provide housing and resources for those in need.
CASE Construction Equipment is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a World leader in Capital Goods listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CNHI) and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario of the Borsa Italiana (MI: CNHI). More information about CNH Industrial can be found online at http://www.cnhindustrial.com/.
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SOURCE CASE Construction Equipment | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/case-introduces-industry-first-equipment-category-with-launch-case-minotaur-dl550-compact-dozer-loader/ | 2022-08-03T15:53:54Z |
Dear Heloise: My 5-year-old son drags home little “treasures” he finds and insists on displaying them all over the house.
I like pretty rocks, bird feathers and bird’s nests, too, but not on my coffee table. What can I do with these unwanted items?
— Lisa G., Pine Bluff, Ark.
Lisa, make a place in your son’s room to display his little treasures. And explain to him that this is the designated spot to display them. It will be his special spot.
— Heloise | https://www.tdtnews.com/life/advice_columns/article_bdf12bee-bbff-11ec-93bf-a7654aa65193.html | 2022-04-15T09:30:40Z |
LONDON, ON, Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Minco Wholesale & Supply Inc. is proud to announce a brand-new partnership with Canadian manufacturer Supermax Healthcare Canada Group, a leader in the industry specializing in the manufacture of premium healthcare, dental, industrial, and EMS products, including their renowned disposable protective product line, Aurelia®.
This new agreement will further enhance the available full selection of products and supplies made with quality and distributed with reliance by Minco Supply, to a wide range of valued clients within the healthcare, agriculture, industrial, and hospitality sectors.
Amongst the healthcare and personal protective products manufactured by Supermax Healthcare Canada Group and now included for your benefit in the Minco Supply catalog, are several new models of quality protective exam grade nitrile, vinyl and latex gloves, non-woven & cotton medical products, protective apparel including isolation gowns, bouffant caps, hairnets, balaclavas, and shoe covers as well as several new models of protective masks extensively used in the hospital, long term care and clinic settings. Some of the most popular products included in the offering are Aurelia® Ignite Nitrile Gloves, Aurelia® Robust Nitrile Gloves, Aurelia® Transform Nitrile Gloves, Aurelia® Bold and Bold Max Nitrile Gloves, Aurelia® Delight PF Vinyl Gloves, and Aurelia® Vibrant Latex Gloves.
"We're excited to work with Minco Supply and grow the partnership. Minco Supply services a wide range of clients, and we're excited to have them offer the full Supermax Aurelia products line to their customers," says Sylvain Bergeron, Executive Vice-President, and Partner at Supermax Healthcare, Aurelia Canada.
"Thanks to this new partnership, Minco Supply is now positioned more than ever as a lead supplier of choice in the North American marketplace. The Aurelia product line offers disposable protective gloves and many products suitable for all industries, from hospital settings to mechanical and industrial settings, all industries are covered and Minco Supply is ready to serve them with quality products" says Nori Minicilli, Executive Director of Minco Supply.
Renowned for the quality of products and fine customer service, Minco Supply once again demonstrates its mission statement and determination to be your number one choice when choosing a health and safety supplier. Whether it is for your business or personal requirements, Minco Supply is ready to serve you and your business.
Minco Wholesale & Supply Inc. ships Canada-wide and USA-wide. Shop Online: https://shop.mincosupply.com/
With over 15 years of proven experience, Minco Supply is a leading North American supplier of health, safety, and hospitality products. Minco Supply specializes in the general supply of products to businesses within the medical, hospitality, agriculture, industrial, and office sectors.
Supermax Corp. is the second largest disposable glove manufacturer in the world. Currently, Supermax exports to over 160 countries worldwide. As a manufacturer of its products, Supermax has developed a range of successful brands such as Supermax Medical & Aurelia®. These reliable brands are recognized by laboratories, hospitals, pharmacists, doctors, and surgeons around the world.
For further information or to place an order please call: 1-888-MINCO-11 (1-888-646-2611) or email Jason Lacroix: jason@mincosupply.com
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SOURCE Minco Wholesale and Supply Inc | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/25/minco-wholesale-amp-supply-inc-now-offering-supermax-aurelia-healthcare-industrial-products/ | 2022-08-25T13:01:14Z |
NFDA 2022 Cremation and Burial Report Shows Nearly Half of Members Now Offer Online Cremation Burial Arrangements with the Cremation Rate Across the Nation Expected to Exceed 50% by 2035
BROOKFIELD, Wis., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The long-lasting repercussions of the COVID-19 are only just now being fully understood as data from the last two years becomes more widely accessible. Data from the 2022 Cremation and Burial Report, released by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), shows that one of the most notably impacted is the funeral service profession.
COVID-19-related fatalities in the U.S. increased the total number of deaths by 543,000 in 2021; the pandemic is expected to cause an additional 289,000 deaths in 2022. The most significant impacts of the pandemic on funeral homes and services can be seen in the following areas:
- Technology's Pivotal Role in Memorial Services: A significant spike in demand was seen when 74.4% of funeral homes reported that the number of families they served increased, especially in large metropolitan areas. While some funeral homes already offered livestreaming services, since the onset of the pandemic, more than half of NFDA-member funeral homes began doing so to help families safely gather while adhering to restrictions on public gatherings. Funeral homes are predicted to continue to expand this and other offerings – such as virtual funerals and an increased array of options to meet the needs of families with diverse cultural and faith traditions – in the future.
- Increase in Online Arrangements: 40% of NFDA funeral homes now offer online cremation arrangements; 28.2% plan to offer the ability to make cremation arrangements online within the next five years. NFDA's 2022 Consumer Awareness & Preferences Report noted that while many more consumers are venturing online to plan a funeral or memorial service, more than half (53.7%) noted that even though they had a good experience, they still needed the assistance of a funeral director. Nearly 10% indicated they did not get the personalized service they would have received had they worked with a funeral director and just over 1% said planning online was impersonal and not a good experience for their family.
- Crematory Ownership Up: With the annual number of cremations in the U.S. expected to rise from 1.91 million in 2022 to 2.26 million by 2030, and to 2.94 million by 2040, there has, in turn, been growth in the number of funeral homes operating their own crematories. Approximately 39% of funeral homes in the country now operate their own crematories and another 12% plan to open their own within the next five years. The highest concentration of crematories in the U.S. are in the Southeast, Great Lakes, and MidAtlantic regions where there tends to be a higher population density and a higher percentage of people 65 or older.
- Labor Shortage: The employment rate for funeral service workers is expected to grow by 4% from 2020 to 2030, thus many firms anticipate hiring eligible workers to be a future challenge.
As cremation becomes more socially accepted among the public, another factor contributing to it outnumbering traditional burials in the U.S. is the rise in the number of Americans who do not identify with a religion. Other factors at play include lower costs associated with cremation services, changing consumer preferences, weakening prohibitions, and environmental concerns.
In 2021, NFDA member funeral homes reported 41% of consumers chose a direct cremation, 35% chose a cremation with memorial service, and 24% chose a casketed adult funeral with viewing and cremation. NFDA projects the cremation rate in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. will exceed 50% by 2035.
"Even though it's been a couple years since the onset of the pandemic, we are just now seeing the data that reflects the true impact and influence it has had on the way people memorialize and grieve their loved ones," said NFDA President Randy Anderson, CFSP, COO. "As funeral directors, we are always here to assist and guide families in our communities to create an experience that they prefer, whether it's blending familiar rituals with contemporary preferences, like cremation, or planning a tradition funeral and memorial service, to help them grieve and heal in the best way possible for them."
Throughout the pandemic years, funeral directors proved their ability time and time again to swiftly adapt as they worked tirelessly to serve their communities by finding new ways to help families meaningfully pay tribute to their loved ones. Whether families are looking to organize a traditional religious funeral or a more customized memorial, it can be difficult to know where to start. Answering questions at all stages of planning, Remembering A Life (www.RememberingALife.com), NFDA's family outreach and education website, offers guidance on where to begin the planning process, the kinds of decisions that families can make and the numerous options available to make a tribute both personal and meaningful. The site is designed to help people curious about their own affairs or those seeking answers following the death of a loved one.
As the trusted leader and worldwide resource for the funeral service profession, NFDA lists Remembering A Life among their top resources providing helpful information about planning a meaningful service, as well as resources to help people understand their own and others' grief and loss.
About the NFDA 2022 Cremation and Burial Report:
The statistical projections contained in the 2022 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report were compiled by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Applied Population Laboratory Department of Community and Environmental Sociology. State-level deaths by "method of disposition" data were collected from state vital statistics departments or similar state regulatory agencies for the years 2002-2020. Other findings presented in the report are from proprietary NFDA research studies, such as the 2022 NFDA Consumer Awareness & Preferences Study.
About National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA):
NFDA is the world's leading and largest funeral service association, serving more than 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, please contact 800-228-6332 or visit https://www.nfda.org/.
Agency H5 (for NFDA)
Amie DeLuca
312-374-8556
amie@agencyH5.com
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SOURCE National Funeral Directors Association | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/data-shows-covid-19-impact-funeral-service-is-significant/ | 2022-08-02T15:25:50Z |
GUANGZHOU, China, June 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- China's State Council issued an overall plan to promote comprehensive cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao by further deepening opening-up in the Nansha district of South China's Guangdong province, according to a circular released on June 14.
Nansha will step up such cooperation to build it into a center of strategic importance that collaborates with Hong Kong and Macao and benefits the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and beyond, the circular said. The district is set to further drive cooperation and opening-up in the GBA as it embraces an opportunity to evolve from the region's geographic center to a key functional role.
The district significantly connects to urban clusters in the GBA as it serves as Guangzhou's only gateway to sea routes. "About 38 nautical miles away from Hong Kong and 41 nautical miles away from Macao, Nansha can link to the GBA's 11 cities and the international airports of Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong within a 100-kilometer radius," noted Dong Ke, mayor of Nansha. The district has put the building of a "half-hour transportation circle" on a fast track since the start of constructing the GBA. That provides more solid groundwork for collaboration with Hong Kong and Macao to develop Nansha into a door for high-level opening-up, according to Nansha District People's Government of Guangzhou City.
Colored container trucks shuttle back and forth throughout the Nansha Port area dominated by the sounds of cranes humming. In 2021, the port became one of the world's busiest seaports, seeing up to 17.66 million TEU containers shipped across its foreign trade network that comprises 135 sea routes. On May 30, 2022, a China-Europe freight train departed from the Nansha Port, a move marking the integration of the Silk Road Economic Belt with the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The multimodal rail-water-road transport system was made possible by the operation of the Nansha Port Railway, said Song Xiaoming, vice general manager of Guangzhou Port Company, adding that an increase in China-Europe freight-train services put the district in a better position to support the GBA in building the Belt and Road and to connect with the rest of the world.
Buy from and sell to the world. The commitment to opening up has turned Nansha into a hub for cross-border e-commerce, with a total of nearly 600 companies registered for that particular business to date. The value of trade in cross-border e-commerce between January and May grew by some 87% year-on-year to about RMB 15 billion.
At the same time, Nansha features more prominently in the global business landscape as it is on track to emerge as a brand-new center for international exchanges. While the permanent site of the Greater-Bay Science Forum is being planned, the International Finance Forum (IFF) annual meeting has been hosted nonstop. That being said, Nansha will build a new platform for the GBA to increase international economic cooperation under the Belt and Road framework. This is how Nansha further integrates into the regional and global economy.
Nansha now leads the GBA in sci-tech innovation endeavors. To be specific, it is home to over 620 companies in artificial intelligence and biotechnology. A host of homegrown high-tech firms, such as Zhaoke Ophthalmology and CloudWalk Technology, went public, and CAS Space Exploration, Guangdong's first unicorn company in commercial spaceflight, was relocated to Nansha. Innovations emerge at a faster rate. Moreover, the district has stayed committed to Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao joint sci-tech innovation systems and mechanisms, as evidenced by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), which will start operation this September. The HKUST (GZ) project, in turn, enables Nansha to motivate universities to play their inherent role in driving innovation. And among others, an industrial park for entrepreneurs and innovators from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will be in place around the HKUST (GZ) campus as a way to create synergy among the government, industries, universities and research institutes.
Founded as a state-level new area and part of China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Nansha has grown from a demonstration zone of all-round cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to the world-facing carrier of strategic importance for greater collaboration with Hong Kong and Macao. That means the district has an increasingly significant role to play in national development strategies. More importantly, it shows the world where the GBA will go and how China remains committed to reform and opening up.
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SOURCE Nansha District People's Government of Guangzhou City | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/17/chinas-nansha-injects-new-impetus-into-opening-up-cooperation-gba/ | 2022-06-17T18:27:44Z |
DENVER and LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Today, Angel City Football Club (ACFC) announced Charlotte's Web Inc. as the team's Official CBD Partner. The partnership with the market-leading pioneer of the CBD industry—known as The World's Most Trusted Hemp Extract™— was inspired by a shared interest in wellness solutions and driven by the purpose-focused mission of both organizations. Through the Angel City Sponsorship Model, of which 10% of each ACFC sponsorship is reallocated back to the LA Community, the team and Charlotte's Web will focus on promoting health and wellness and supporting LA-based LGBTQ+ seniors.
Charlotte's Web is the market leader in innovative hemp-derived wellness products, including topical products—creams, sprays, and sticks—for active recovery from sports as well as everyday aches for seniors. This includes OTC pain products under the Charlotte's Web CBDMEDIC™ brand, which is the only CBD brand approved as an Arthritis Foundation Impact Sponsor. The Angel City partnership further extends Charlotte's Web's mission to help heal people through compassion and science. This marks Charlotte's Web's first partnership with a sports team.
"Angel City is purposeful in aligning with companies and brands that are founded on impact and from the beginning of our discussions with Charlotte's Web, we saw a company that was rooted in impact from their very beginning," said Julie Uhrman, President and Co-Founder of Angel City FC. "Everyone we have encountered at Charlotte's Web is passionate about meeting people where they are and supporting their path to wellness. As a sports team, wellness is extremely important to our whole organization and we are excited about all that we can do together in this new partnership."
"We're honored to sign on as a proud partner of this new professional soccer team at the very vanguard of women-owned and led sports organizations," said Charlotte's Web CEO Jacques Tortoroli. "This is an exciting time to be working with and supporting professional sports teams and helping to open channels to serve the needs of professional athletes, mentally and physically."
Together, ACFC and Charlotte's Web will utilize the impact program to provide funds and programming to the Los Angeles LGBT Center, specifically for the health and wellness of adults and seniors at the center.
In addition, through the partnership, Charlotte's Web will provide product giveaways on match day, receive logo placement during Angel City home matches, and will activate at the team's popular pregame Fan Fests.
Los Angeles and the state of California have become increasingly important for Charlotte's Web since the passing of State Assembly Bill 45 in October of 2021. The Bill formally permits retail sales of products containing hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), including dietary supplements, topicals, over-the-counter and pet products. Charlotte's Web has been actively expanding retail distribution and product availability in California with regional customers as well as national retail partners which represent more than 1,000 locations in the state.
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™, CBDMEDIC™, CBD CLINIC™, and Harmony Hemp™. Charlotte's Web branded premium quality products start with proprietary hemp genetics that are 100-percent 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 two centers of excellence in Louisville, Colorado, and the Hauptmann Woodward Research Institute at the University at Buffalo, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network. Product categories include CBD oil tinctures, CBD gummies, as well as their suite of CBDMEDIC™ OTC pain products—CBD creams, sprays, and sticks —for active recovery. Through its vertically integrated business model, Charlotte's Web maintains stringent control over product quality and consistency. Charlotte's Web products are distributed to more than 15,000 retail locations, to over 8,000 health care practitioners, and online through the Company's website at www.CharlottesWeb.com.
Charlotte's Web is a science-driven and a socially and environmentally conscious company. It is committed to using business as a force for good and a catalyst for innovation. Charlotte's Web donates a portion of its pre-tax earnings to numerous charitable organizations in support of the greater good. Charlotte's Web was founded in Colorado by the seven Stanley Brothers with a mission to unleash the healing powers of botanicals through compassion and science, benefiting the planet and all who live upon it.
Angel City Football Club (ACFC), the 11th member of the National Women's Soccer League, is founded by Academy Award-winning actress and activist Natalie Portman, technology venture capitalist Kara Nortman, media, and gaming entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, and Seven Seven Six founder and former Executive Chair of Reddit, Alexis Ohanian. Former England Women's National Team forward Eniola Aluko leads the team as Sporting Director, and Freya Coombe is the team's Head Coach.
Learn more about ACFC at www.angelcity.com and follow the team on social media @weareangelcity. Season tickets for the 2022 season are sold out. For those interested in attending games during the 2022 inaugural season or getting on the 2023 season ticket waitlist, please visit https://angelcity.com/tickets.
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SOURCE Charlotte's Web PR Marketing | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/angel-city-football-club-announces-charlottes-web-teams-official-cbd-partner/ | 2022-06-16T17:12:23Z |
UConn men rebuilding team after transfer-portal losses
STORRS, Conn. (AP) — The UConn men’s program, which has lost six players with remaining eligibility this offseason, has added guard Tristen Newton, a transfer from East Carolina. The 6-foot-5 rising senior averaged 17.7 points, five assists, and 4.8 rebounds for the Pirates last season. His arrival comes the same week redshirt freshman guard Corey Floyd Jr. announced he would be leaving the school and entering the transfer portal. Floyd joins freshman guard Rahsool Diggins, junior guard Jalen Gaffney and junior forward Akok Akok as former Huskies in the portal. Guards A.J. Cole and Tyrese Martin, who could have returned for another season under the COVID-19 rules, decided to pursue professional careers. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/14/uconn-men-rebuilding-team-after-transfer-portal-losses/ | 2022-04-14T15:27:54Z |
Human-caused climate change made last week’s deadly heat wave in England and Wales at least 10 times more likely and added a few degrees to how brutally hot it got, a study said.
A team of international scientists found that the heat wave that set a new national record high at 40.3 degrees Celsius (104.5 degrees Fahrenheit) was made stronger and more likely by the buildup of heat-trapping gases from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas. They said Thursday that temperatures were 2 to 4 degrees Celsius warmer (3.6 to 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in the heat wave than they would have been without climate change, depending on which method scientists used.
The study has not been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal yet but follows scientifically accepted techniques, and past such studies have been published months later.
“We would not have seen temperatures above 40 degrees in the U.K. without climate change,” study senior author Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College of London, said in an interview. “The fingerprint is super strong.”
World Weather Attribution, a collection of scientists across the globe who do real-time studies of extreme weather to see if climate change played a role in an extreme weather event and if so how much of one, looked at two-day average temperatures for July 18 and 19 in much of England and Wales and the highest temperature reached in that time.
The daily highest temperatures were the most unusual, a one-in-1,000-year event in the current warmer world, but “almost impossible in a world without climate change,” the study said. Last week’s heat smashed the old national record by 1.6 degrees Celsius (2.9 degrees Fahrenheit). The average over two hot days and nights is a once a century event now but is “nearly impossible” without climate change.
When the scientists used the long history of temperatures in England to determine the impact of global warming, they saw a stronger climate change influence than when they used simulations from climate models. For some reason that scientists aren’t quite certain about, climate models have long underestimated extreme weather signals in the summer in Western Europe, Otto said.
With climate models, the scientists simulate a world without the 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming since pre-industrial times and see how likely this heat would have been in that cooler world without fossil fuel-charged warming. With observations they look at history and calculate the chances of such a heat wave that way.
“The methodology seems sound, but candidly, I didn’t need a study to tell me this was climate change,” said University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd, who wasn’t on this study team but was on a U.S. National Academy of Sciences panel that said these types of studies are scientifically valid. “This new era of heat is particularly dangerous because most homes are not equipped for it there.”
The World Weather Attribution study refers to another analysis that estimates a heat wave like this would kill at least 800 people in England and Wales, where there is less air conditioning than in warmer climates.
Otto, who had to sleep and work in the basement because of the heat, said as the world warms, these record-smashing heat waves will continue to come more frequently and hotter.
In addition to spurring people to cut greenhouse gas emissions, study co-author Gabe Vecchi, said, “this heat wave and heat waves like it should be a reminder that we have to adapt to a warmer world. We are not living in our parents’ world anymore.”
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Follow AP’s climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
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Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears
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Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-us-headlines/study-climate-change-made-uk-heat-wave-hotter-more-likely/ | 2022-07-29T02:46:11Z |
NEW YORK, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Weiss Law is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of PCSB Financial Corporation ("PCSB" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: PCSB) in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Company by Brookline Bancorp, Inc. ("Brookline") (NASDAQ: BRKL). Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Company's shareholders will receive $22.00 cash or 1.3284 shares of Brookline common stock for each share of PCSB common stock owned, subject to a maximum 60% stock/40% cash consideration mix. This implies per-share merger consideration of approximately $20.72 based on Brookline's May 23, 2022 pre-merger announcement closing price of $14.96, or total value of approximately $313 million. Using current market prices, however, the implied per-share merger consideration is approximately $17.14 based on Brookline's May 24, 2022 intraday price of $13.90 per share, or total value of approximately $200 million.
If you own PCSB 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/pcsb
Or please contact:
Joshua Rubin, Esq.
Weiss Law
305 Broadway, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 682-3025
(888) 593-4771
stockinfo@weisslawllp.com
Weiss Law is investigating whether (i) PCSB's board of directors acted in the best interests of Company shareholders in agreeing to the proposed transaction, (ii) the per-share merger consideration adequately compensates PCSB'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/2022/05/24/shareholder-alert-weiss-law-investigates-pcsb-financial-corporation/ | 2022-05-25T08:04:01Z |
BEIJING, June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Luokung Technology Corp. (NASDAQ: LKCO) ("Luokung," "we," "our" or "us"), a leading spatial-temporal intelligent big data services company and provider of interactive location-based services ("LBS") and high-definition maps ("HD Maps") in China, today announced that its operating affiliate eMapgo Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. ("EMG"), a leading provider of navigation and electronic map services in China, has signed a software service contract to provide a digital twin service system, HD Map geographic information services and vehicle-road collaboration ("V2X") services for the smart highway monitoring center of the Heze section of the Puyang-Yangxin Expressway ("Puxin Expressway Heze Section"), which extends more than 400 kilometers from Puyang, Henan Province to Yangxin, Shandong Province.
Luokung's self-developed highway digital twin visualization management and control platform (the "Platform") is based on the Luokung Smart Digital Base and integrates multi-source data such as HD Maps, environmental and meteorological monitoring, real-time highway traffic, road, bridge and culvert infrastructure sensor monitoring. The Platform provides a significant upgrade from traditional static highway monitoring to a visualized, dynamic and interactive online 3D highway digital twin software service platform, realizing a real-time, accurate display and retrospective restoration of road status and vehicle behaviors covering the entire road section. With the Platform, Luokung expects to implement real-time management of road sections, road network traffic and service intervention, operation situation analysis and judgment, simulations, traffic risk prediction, analysis and prediction of road traffic operation control effect, to meet various highway operation service demands and management needs under both normal and emergency states for highway operation departments.
Mr. Xuesong Song, Luokung's Chairman and CEO, stated, "We are very pleased to announce the launch of the Platform, which Luokung plans to utilize to provide commercial services for the Puxin Expressway Heze Section. We believe that signing this contract to provide services for the smart highway monitoring center of the Puxin Expressway Heze Section is a testament to Luokung's highway digital twin software service platform and products, and to EMG's position in the smart highway industry application field. After the successful implementation of the early-stage national smart highway traffic demonstration projects in Changjiu Expressway which we announced in June 2021, the Company has gradually established a comprehensive smart highway product and services portfolio that supports autonomous V2X, which includes the highway digital twin service platform as a product serving highway operating departments. We are optimistic about the market opportunity presented by highway intelligence services and remain confident in our ability to secure contracts for additional commercial service implementations in the future."
About Luokung Technology Corp.
Luokung Technology Corp. is a leading spatial-temporal intelligent big data services company, as well as a leading provider of LBS and HD Maps for various industries in China. Backed by its proprietary technologies and expertise in HD Maps and multi-sourced intelligent spatial-temporal big data, Luokung has established city-level and industry-level holographic spatial-temporal digital twin systems and actively serves industries including smart transportation (autonomous driving, smart highway and vehicle-road collaboration), natural resource asset management (carbon neutral and environmental protection remote sensing data service), and LBS smart industry applications (mobile Internet LBS, smart travel, smart logistics, new infrastructure, smart cities, emergency rescue, among others). The Company routinely provides important updates on its website: https://www.luokung.com.
ABOUT EMAPGO
eMapgo, a variable interest entity ("VIE") of Luokung, is a leading provider of navigation and electronic map services in China, as well as a leading provider in Internet map services, geographic information system engineering and other A-level mapping qualifications. EMG possesses the National Class-A qualification certificates of navigable Surveying and Mapping, and actively develops autonomous driving and HD Map services. In March 2021, Luokung closed on the acquisition of EMG through the purchase of the equity interests of Saleya Holdings Limited, which, through a series of contracts between its wholly-owned subsidiary DMG Infotech Co., Ltd. and EMG, made EMG Luokung's VIE. For more information, please visit EMG's website: www.emapgo.com.cn.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and other statements that are other than statements of historical fact. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "might", "plan", "probable", "potential", "should", "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination and analysis of the existing law, rules and regulations and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you the statement herein will be accurate. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements.
CONTACT:
The Company:
Mr. Jay Yu
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +86-10-6506-5217
Email: ir@luokung.com
Investor Relations:
Ms. Carolyne Sohn
Vice President
The Equity Group Inc.
Tel: 415-568-2255
Email: csohn@equityny.com
Ms. Alice Zhang
Investor Relations Analyst
The Equity Group Inc.
Tel: 212-836-9610
Email: azhang@equityny.com
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SOURCE Luokung Technology Corp. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/luokung-affiliate-emapgo-commercializes-its-expressway-digital-twin-software-services-puxin-expressway-heze-section/ | 2022-06-08T13:49:20Z |
ALBEQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More than 5,000 firefighters battled multiple wildland blazes in dry, windy weather across the Southwest on Thursday, including a fire that has destroyed dozens of structures in west Texas and another that’s picking up steam again in New Mexico.
Evacuation orders remained in place for residents near the wildfires in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico.
Dangerous fire weather involving gusty winds, high temperatures and extremely low humidity was predicted to continue through Friday — especially in New Mexico, where the largest U.S. wildfire burned for more than a month and the governor expects the number of structures destroyed will exceed 1,000.
More than 2,100 fire personnel with fighting that blaze, which has burned more than 473 square miles (1,225 square kilometers) of timber and brush in a region east of Santa Fe and south of Taos. Only about one-third of the fire’s perimeter is estimated contained.
With winds gusting up to 40 mph (64 kph), red flag warnings signalling extreme wildfire danger were in effect until 10 p.m. — much later into the night than is typical. Gusts closer to 50 mph (80 kph) were expected on Friday, said the wildfire’s incident meteorologist, Bladen Breitreiter.
In Texas, the Texas A&M Forestry Service said the fire that has burned dozens of homes was still only 5% contained Thursday afternoon after charring more than 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) of juniper and mesquite brush 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Abilene.
That fire had prompted the evacuation of the historic town of Buffalo Gap on Wednesday. Forestry Service spokesman Stuart Morris said the town had reopened Thursday, but a wind shift expected later Thursday could pose a new threat.
No injuries had been reported as of Thursday afternoon, but Morris said 27 structures had been destroyed. It wasn’t immediately clear how many of them were residences.
All of West Texas was under a red flag wildfire danger warning Thursday, with an underlying drought and critically to extremely dry vegetation combining with 100-degree temperatures Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) and gusty winds.
However, the Forestry Service said a new weather pattern by the weekend is expected to usher in cooler temperatures and moisture that could limit potential for wildfire activity on Saturday and Sunday.
Wildfires have broken out this spring earlier than usual across multiple states in the western U.S., where climate change and an enduring drought are fanning the frequency and intensity of forest and grassland fires.
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Associated Press writers Terry Wallace in Dallas and Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, contributed to this report. | https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-u-s-headlines/gusty-winds-fuel-wildfires-in-texas-new-mexico-colorado/ | 2022-05-20T02:34:28Z |
Collaboration will comprehensively profile DNA, RNA and proteins on patient samples from the Phase 2 Maverick trial to understand mechanisms of disease response and resistance
IRVING, Texas and SAN DIEGO, June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Caris Life Sciences®(Caris), the leading molecular science and technology company actively developing and delivering innovative solutions to revolutionize healthcare, the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial Consortium (PCCTC) and Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SRNE), a clinical and commercial stage biopharmaceutical company developing new therapies to treat cancer, pain (non-opioid treatments), autoimmune disease and COVID-19, today announced a strategic collaboration to guide more precise treatment decisions for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
"The vast majority of men with prostate cancer do not have their tumors molecularly profiled, in part because of the limited targeted therapy options available for this disease," said Brian Lamon, Ph.D., Chief Business Officer at Caris Life Sciences. "We are very pleased to partner with the PCCTC to leverage our industry-leading precision medicine technologies and maximize the potential of molecular learnings from Sorrento's Maverick trial to positively impact the future of cancer treatments and drive better outcomes for patients with prostate cancer."
The PCCTC was formed to address critically unmet needs in prostate cancer, with a mission to design, implement and complete early-phase process driven clinical trials and translate scientific discoveries to improved standards of care. The Phase 2 Maverick trial
(ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05361915) is sponsored by Sorrento and managed by the PCCTC. Utilizing Caris' unique MI Profile, PCCTC investigators will profile whole exome DNA, whole transcriptome RNA, and proteins from samples collected from participants enrolled in the trial, creating a molecular blueprint to better understand mechanisms of response and resistance following therapy.
Maverick investigator Rana R. McKay, M.D. of the University of California San Diego (UCSD) noted, "This study is the first biomarker clinical trial for patients with the HSD3B1 adrenal-permissive genotype in men with metastatic castration resistant prostate. A growing wave of data demonstrates that such patients exhibit resistance to hormonal treatment. This study tests the efficacy and safety of avibertinib plus abiraterone in this vulnerable patient population." UCSD is one of 67 member sites of the Caris Precision Oncology Alliance™, a growing network of leading cancer centers across the globe that collaborate to advance precision oncology and biomarker-driven research.
"We are excited to partner with Caris and utilize their next generation sequencing platform and data analytics capabilities to evaluate treatment response and resistance patterns in this study," added Jake Vinson, Chief Executive Officer at the PCCTC. "Through this collaboration, we hope to gain knowledge to better guide treatment options for future clinical trial participants, and ultimately all patients with prostate cancer."
Since the launch of its molecular profiling service in 2009, Caris has amassed molecular data on more than 378,000 patients and real-world clinical outcomes on more than 275,000 patients. Caris has the most advanced sequencing laboratories in the world, which allows the company to perform whole exome DNA sequencing and whole transcriptome RNA sequencing on every patient. Caris' data-driven, molecular insights are changing the landscape of precision medicine with actionable insights from retrospective, epidemiologic and real-time molecular data to enhance research and commercial activities.
About Caris Life Sciences
Caris Life Sciences® (Caris) is the leading molecular science and technology company actively developing and delivering innovative solutions to revolutionize healthcare and improve patient outcomes. Through comprehensive molecular profiling (Whole Exome and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing) and the application of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, Caris has created the large-scale clinico-genomic database and cognitive computing needed to analyze and unravel the molecular complexity of disease. This information provides an unmatched resource and the ideal path forward to conduct the basic, fundamental research to accelerate discovery for detection, diagnosis, monitoring, therapy selection and drug development to improve the human condition.
With a primary focus on cancer, Caris' suite of market-leading molecular profiling offerings assesses DNA, RNA and proteins to reveal a molecular blueprint that helps patients, physicians and researchers better detect, diagnose and treat patients. Caris' latest advancement, which is currently available within its Precision Oncology Alliance, is a blood-based, circulating nucleic acids sequencing (cNAS) assay that combines comprehensive molecular analysis (Whole Exome and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing from blood) and serial monitoring – making it the most powerful liquid biopsy assay ever developed.
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris has offices in Phoenix, New York, Denver, Tokyo, Japan and Basel, Switzerland. Caris provides services throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and other international markets. To learn more, please visit CarisLifeSciences.com or follow us on Twitter (@CarisLS).
About The Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial Consortium
The Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium (PCCTC) was initiated in 2005 by the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP) in response to critically unmet needs in prostate cancer clinical research identified by physician investigators and patient advocates. To fulfill their mission, the PCCTC developed a unique infrastructure which has fostered a culture of transparent project co-development between investigators, research sites and industry partners. Established as an independent entity in 2014, the PCCTC, LLC is now the nation's premier multicenter clinical research organization specializing in cutting-edge prostate cancer research. Through the collaborative nature and intellectual synergy of its leadership, the PCCTC remains poised to make a significant impact on the lives of patients by keeping the pipeline primed with the most promising novel agents and validated biomarkers. For more information, visit www.pcctc.org.
About Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.
Sorrento is a clinical and commercial stage biopharmaceutical company developing new therapies to treat cancer, pain (non-opioid treatments), autoimmune disease and COVID-19. Sorrento's multimodal, multipronged approach to fighting cancer is made possible by its extensive immuno-oncology platforms, including key assets such as fully human antibodies ("G-MAB™ library"), immuno-cellular therapies ("DAR-T™"), antibody-drug conjugates ("ADCs"), and oncolytic virus ("Seprehvec™"). Sorrento is also developing potential antiviral therapies and vaccines against coronaviruses, including Abivertinib, COVISHIELD™, and COVI-MSC™; and diagnostic test solutions, including COVIMARK™.
Sorrento's commitment to life-enhancing therapies for patients is also demonstrated by our effort to advance a first-in-class (TRPV1 agonist) non-opioid pain management small molecule, resiniferatoxin ("RTX"), and SP-102 (10 mg, dexamethasone sodium phosphate viscous gel) (SEMDEXA™), a novel, viscous gel formulation of a widely used corticosteroid for epidural injections to treat lumbosacral radicular pain, or sciatica, and to commercialize ZTlido® (lidocaine topical system) 1.8% for the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). RTX has been cleared for a Phase II trial for intractable pain associated with cancer and a Phase II trial in osteoarthritis patients. Positive final results from the Phase III Pivotal Trial C.L.E.A.R. Program for SEMDEXA™, its novel, non-opioid product for the treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain (sciatica), were announced in March 2022. ZTlido® was approved by the FDA on February 28, 2018.
For more information, visit www.sorrentotherapeutics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and any statements made for and during any presentation or meeting contain forward-looking statements related to Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., under the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the strategic collaboration and its potential ability to guide more precise treatment decisions and options for patients with prostate cancer, as well as statements regarding Sorrento's Phase 2 Maverick trial. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in our forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to: risks related to Sorrento's technologies and prospects, including, but not limited to risks related to safety and efficacy for Sorrento's product candidates, including Abivertinib; clinical development risks, including risks in the progress, timing, cost, and results of clinical trials and product development programs; risk of difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals; risks that clinical study results may not meet any or all endpoints of a clinical study and that any data generated from such studies may not support a regulatory submission or approval; risks that prior test, study and trial results may not be replicated in continuing or future studies and trials; risks of manufacturing and supplying drug product; risks related to leveraging the expertise of its employees, subsidiaries, affiliates and partners to assist Sorrento in the execution of its product candidates' strategies; risks related to the global impact of COVID-19; and other risks that are described in Sorrento's most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Sorrento's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors set forth in those filings. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in this press release except as required by law.
Caris Life Sciences Media Contact:
Lisa Burgner
lburgner@carisls.com
(469) 822-9330
Caris Life Sciences Business Development Contact:
Brian Lamon, Ph.D.
Chief Business Officer, Head of BioPharma Business Development
blamon@carisls.com
(609) 955-8883
Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial Cancer Consortium Contact:
Kristofer Prepelica, Ph.D.
Medical Communications Manager
prepelik@mskcc.org
Sorrento Therapeutics Contact
Brian Cooley
mediarelations@sorrentotherapeutics.com
Sorrento® and the Sorrento logo are registered trademarks of Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.
G-MAB™, DAR-T™, Seprehvec™, SOFUSA™, COVISHIELD™, COVIDROPS™, COVI-MSC™, COVIMARK™ and Fujovee™ are trademarks of Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.
SEMDEXA™ (SP-102) is a trademark of Semnur Pharmaceuticals, Inc. A proprietary name review by the FDA is planned.
ZTlido® is a registered trademark owned by Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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SOURCE Caris Life Sciences | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/caris-life-sciences-prostate-cancer-clinical-trial-consortium-sorrento-therapeutics-announce-collaboration-advance-precision-medicine-development-using-comprehensive-genomic-profiling/ | 2022-06-02T11:46:07Z |
- Industrial engineer (52) succeeds Wolf-Henning Scheider at the beginning of 2023
- Dr. Konstantin Sauer, Chief Financial Officer, and Wilhelm Rehm, Member of the Board of Management – Commercial Vehicle Solutions, to leave ZF by the end of 2022
- Supervisory Board appoints Dr. Peter Laier, a veteran of the commercial vehicle and supplier industry, to ZF's Board of Management
FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany, July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Friedrichshafen, Germany. Dr. Holger Klein, Member of the Board of Management responsible for the Asia-Pacific region, Car Chassis Technology Division, Aftermarket and Production, succeeds Wolf-Henning Scheider as Chairman and CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG at the turn of the year 2022/2023. At the same time, Dr. Peter Laier will join the Board of Management to lead the Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) and Industrial Technology divisions succeeding Wilhelm Rehm. ZF Chief Financial Officer Dr. Konstantin Sauer will leave the company by the end of 2022 after many years of service. The Supervisory Board will fill the position in the near future.
"The almost simultaneous end of three appointments of proven, successful, and highly esteemed board members poses a particular challenge for the company," says Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger, Chairman of ZF's Supervisory Board. "We are, therefore, very pleased to announce two successors today. The succession process for Dr. Sauer is already in an advanced stage."
Dr. Holger Klein joined ZF in 2014 as a seasoned international industry expert from McKinsey management consultancy. Starting in 2015, he led the integration of U.S. company TRW Automotive post-acquisition, which he completed earlier than planned. In early 2017, Dr. Klein became Head of the Car Chassis Technology Division and realigned its product range with ZF's "Next Generation Mobility" strategy. He has served as a member of the ZF Board of Management since 2018 and heads the Asia-Pacific and India regions from Shanghai. In addition, he manages the business of the Passenger Car Chassis Technology and Aftermarket divisions and is responsible for ZF's worldwide production. Under his leadership, ZF won traditional and new automotive OEMs in Asia as customers of ZF's strategic and future-oriented products. In addition, he succeeded in positioning ZF increasingly as a systems provider. Dr. Klein spearheaded the creation of new development centers and production facilities, especially in China, to capitalize on rapid technological change and enable ZF's business expansion.
"As a board member, Dr. Holger Klein was intimately involved in the strategic planning process for the coming years. Therefore, he will dynamically continue the successful transformation at ZF and add his own impulses," says Supervisory Board Chairman Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger. As of October 1, 2022, Dr. Klein will initially assume the role of Deputy Chairman of the ZF Board of Management before taking over as Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO as of January 1, 2023, from Wolf-Henning Scheider, who is leaving ZF.
Wolf-Henning Scheider (60) joined ZF in early 2018 as Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO after serving as Chairman of the Automotive Technology business sector at Robert Bosch GmbH, as well as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Mahle Group. Today, Wolf-Henning Scheider is also in charge of research and development, as well as sales of ZF Group. "Wolf-Henning Scheider has set the strategic direction for the transformation of the company, achieved significant milestones, and will continue on this path with ZF through the end of the year to enable a transition focused on continuity," says Supervisory Board Chairman Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger.
"ZF is undergoing an unprecedented, dynamic transformation. The appointment of Dr. Holger Klein as the new Chairman is an excellent and important signal both internally and externally," says Andreas Brand as a representative of the Zeppelin Foundation of the City of Friedrichshafen, which holds 93.8 percent of all ZF shares. Representing the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation, which holds a 6.2 percent stake in ZF, Dr. Joachim Meinecke emphasizes: "Dr. Klein possesses the best prerequisites, knows the company, its customers and suppliers, the industry and, above all, the challenges which need to be mastered today and in the future."
In addition, ZF Deputy Chairman Dr. Konstantin Sauer, responsible for Finance, IT, and Mergers & Acquisitions, will conclude his tenure with ZF at the end of 2022 after many years of service. The industrial engineer and Ph.D. graduate in business administration joined ZF in 1990, took over as President of ZF South America in 2000, and became the Group's Chief Financial Officer in 2010. "At ZF, Dr. Konstantin Sauer represents stability and smart financial management over many years. As a result, he has laid the foundation for the company's successful acquisitions, transformation, and new growth," stresses Dr. Hiesinger, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasizing the 62-year-old's work for the company. "The Supervisory Board will address the succession of Dr. Sauer in the near future. During this difficult year, he agreed to stay through the end of the year, contrary to his original plans. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to him for his continued service."
Board member Wilhelm Rehm (63) will also leave ZF when his contract expires at the end of the year. The mechanical engineering graduate joined ZF in 2003, took over in 2010 as Chairman of the Management Board of the former ZF Passau GmbH and became a member of the ZF Executive Board. Wilhelm Rehm has served as a member of the ZF Board of Management since 2012 and leads the Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) and Industrial Technology divisions as well as materials management. "As a long-standing head of ZF's commercial vehicle division, Wilhelm Rehm played a significant role in the successful integration of WABCO, which was acquired in 2020, and the launch of the CVS division at the beginning of 2022. In addition, he provided important impulses in industrial technology, for example with the establishment of ZF's successful wind power business. For this and for his contributions to mastering the challenges over the past two years, he is particularly deserving of thanks from the Supervisory Board," adds Dr. Hiesinger.
The Supervisory Board has appointed Dr. Peter Laier to the ZF Board of Management to succeed Wilhelm Rehm and to lead ZF's Commercial Vehicle Solutions and Industrial Technology divisions. The 54-year-old holds a Ph.D. in engineering and held various executive roles at well-known industrial companies such as Continental and Benteler before joining Knorr-Bremse in 2016, where he led the commercial vehicle division until 2021. "Dr. Peter Laier brings many years of industry experience, expertise in the automotive supply industry, and a global commercial vehicle company," says ZF Supervisory Board Chairman Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger. From January 1, 2023, Dr. Laier will lead the business of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division of ZF, the world's largest supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, as a member of the ZF Board of Management.
Captions:
6 photos (outgoing and new board members as well as Chairman of the Supervisory Board): ZF
Press contacts:
Christoph Horn, Executive Vice President Global Corporate & Marketing
Communications, phone: +49 7541 77-2705,
email: christoph.horn@zf.com
Andreas Veil, Head of External Communications,
phone: +49 7541 77-7925, email: andreas.veil@zf.com
About ZF
ZF is a global technology company supplying systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility. ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. In the four technology domains of Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety, Automated Driving, and Electric Mobility, ZF offers comprehensive product and software solutions for established vehicle manufacturers and newly emerging transport and mobility service providers. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate and enhancing safe mobility.
With some 157,500 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €38.3 billion in fiscal 2021. The
company operates 188 production locations in 31 countries.
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SOURCE ZF North America | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/08/zf-supervisory-board-appoints-dr-holger-klein-chairman-ceo-zf-friedrichshafen-ag/ | 2022-07-08T17:18:30Z |
CHICAGO, June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund Inc. (NYSE: DTF) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund advised by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co., today authorized the payment of dividends on the Fund's common stock as follows:
About the Fund
DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund Inc. is a closed-end diversified investment management company whose investment objective is current income exempt from regular federal income tax consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of investment-grade tax-exempt obligations. For more information, visit www.dpimc.com/dtf or call (800) 338-8214.
About the Investment Adviser
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. has more than 40 years of experience managing investment portfolios, including institutional separate accounts and open- and closed-end funds investing in utilities, infrastructure and real estate investment trusts (REITs). For more information, visit www.dpimc.com.
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. is a subsidiary of Virtus Investment Partners (NASDAQ: VRTS) ("Virtus"), a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers with $183.3 billion under management as of March 31, 2022. Virtus provides investment management products and services to individuals and institutions through affiliated managers and select subadvisers, each with a distinct investment style, autonomous investment process and individual brand. Additional information can be found at www.virtus.com.
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SOURCE DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/dtf-tax-free-income-2028-term-fund-inc-announces-dividends/ | 2022-06-09T21:36:20Z |
Local Entrepreneur Passionate about Providing Community with High-End, Premium Juices, Smoothies, Bowls & Bites
ESTERO, Fla., June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Estero residents now have a new go-to spot to boost their immune system, cleanse, and eat and drink purely natural products. Clean Juice, the original USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise, opened its newest location at 19257 Highland Oaks Drive.
The Estero fast-casual juice bar is owned and operated by health and wellness advocate Mark Heinold. Mark and his wife have been involved in the health and wellness sphere for a number of years. The pair wanted to bring a healthy food option to the area for members of the community. Mark did some research, found Clean Juice, and opened their first location in Naples in 2021. After much success at their first location, and a realization that more healthy options are needed in the area, the couple decided to open their second location in Estero.
"Clean Juice is 100% organic, which separates us from our competitors," said Mark. "We care about providing our community access to a healthy option, and want to continue to grow in the area."
As the original USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise with nearly 100 open stores nationwide, Clean Juice sources only the highest-quality, premium ingredients for its cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açaí and greenoa bowls, toasts, wraps and more. Clean Juice aims to provide the perfect nutrition that comes only from organic food. Clean Juice has 10 heavily-dense nutrient cold-pressed juices made fresh daily, non-pasteurized and without heat, resulting in no enzymes being damaged. Also known for its dozens of superfood add-ons, Clean Juice offers fresh, organic spices that can be added to smoothies and juices for added health benefits.
For more information about the Clean Juice opening in Estero, please visit www.cleanjuice.com or call 239-676-1139.
While the concept of juicing has been around since the 1970s, co-founders Landon and Kat Eckles discovered a market need for an all-organic juice bar and healthier fast food options. With no existing concept, they created their own store in Charlotte, N.C. that ultimately led to franchising and a mission to provide communities with a healthy and delicious organic product. Since June 2016, the company has sold over 140 franchises in 23 states.
Realizing the importance of an organic, plant-based diet, co-founders Landon and Kat Eckles started Clean Juice in 2016 as the first and only USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise. Rooted in "healthy body and a strong spirit" (3 John 1-2) scripture, Clean Juice offers organic açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and other healthy food to on-the-go families in a warm and welcoming retail experience across the nation. The brand has more than 80 locations across the country. For more information about Clean Juice, its leadership team and its core values, please visit www.cleanjuice.com and for franchise opportunities, please visit www.cleanjuicefranchising.com.
Media Contact: Colleen Sweeney, Fishman PR, csweeney@fishmanpr.com, 847-945-1300
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SOURCE Clean Juice | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/estero-has-gone-organic-with-new-usda-certified-juice-bar/ | 2022-06-08T19:14:14Z |
NEW YORK, June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Portland General Electric Co. (NYSE: POR) will replace Digital Turbine Inc. (NASD: APPS) in the S&P MidCap 400, and Digital Turbine will replace Tivity Health Inc. (NASD: TVTY) in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the opening of trading on Wednesday, June 29. Stone Point Capital LLC is acquiring Tivity Health in a deal expected to be completed on June 28. Digital Turbine is more representative of the small-cap market space.
Following is a summary of the changes that will take place prior to the open of trading on the effective date:
For more information about S&P Dow Jones Indices, please visit www.spdji.com
ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES
S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has been innovating and developing indices across the spectrum of asset classes helping to define the way investors measure and trade the markets.
S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spdji.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
S&P Dow Jones Indices
index_services@spglobal.com
Media Inquiries
spdji.comms@spglobal.com
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SOURCE S&P Dow Jones Indices | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/24/portland-general-electric-set-join-sampp-midcap-400-digital-turbine-join-sampp-smallcap-600/ | 2022-06-24T22:23:28Z |
5 things to know for April 28: Ukraine, Covid-19, Disney, Capitol riot, Drought
By Alexandra Meeks, CNN
When it comes to managing your finances, you may use an app on your phone or your computer to help rein in overspending. But personal finance experts say that even the most budget-conscious consumers are still falling for common money traps like sale items, subscription services and extended warranties.
Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
(You can get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)
1. Ukraine
As part of the second phase of its invasion, Russian officials say they are actively trying to secure all of Ukraine’s eastern regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned yesterday that any country interfering in Ukraine would be met with a “lightning-fast” response from Moscow. This comes as Ukrainian officials said that almost the entire territory of the Luhansk region suffered shelling over the past 24 hours. In Kherson, there had been reports that the Russians would organize some form of a referendum on whether the southern region should become an independent republic, but a Russian-appointed official said its return to Ukrainian control is “impossible” and has ruled out a referendum to decide its future. Separately, Canadian lawmakers yesterday voted unanimously to recognize “acts of genocide” being committed by Russia in Ukraine. The Kremlin, however, continues to deny any involvement in the mass killings of Ukrainian civilians.
2. Coronavirus
The US is in a “transition phase” of the pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN yesterday. The nation’s leading infectious disease expert noted that, in fact, Covid-19 cases are trending up again, though it’s not anywhere near the rise we saw over the winter with the Omicron wave. While new cases and hospitalizations are ticking back up in most states, fewer people are dying of Covid-19 now than during most of the pandemic. Fauci said that although the coronavirus won’t be eradicated, the level of virus in society could be kept very low if people are intermittently vaccinated, possibly every year. In Washington, DC, a White House official also confirmed yesterday that Vice President Kamala Harris does not have Covid-19 symptoms a day after testing positive. Harris completed her two-dose regimen of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine in January 2021 and has received two booster doses.
3. Disney
Disney’s self-governing special district, the Reedy Creek Improvement District, says that Florida’s move to dissolve the district next year is not legal unless the state pays off the district’s extensive debts. Reedy Creek is a special purpose district created by state law in May 1967 that gives The Walt Disney Company governmental control over the land in and around its central Florida theme parks. With that power, Disney took over responsibility for providing municipal services like power, water, roads and fire protection — but were also freed from paying taxes for services that benefited the broader public. Reedy Creek currently has about $1 billion in outstanding bond debt, according to the credit rating agency Fitch Ratings. Due to that pledge, Reedy Creek said it expects to continue business as usual.
4. Capitol riot
Rudy Giuliani, a central figure in former President Donald Trump’s failed bid to overturn the 2020 election, is expected to appear next month before the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, insurrection, according to sources familiar with the matter. The expected appearance comes after months of negotiations between lawmakers and the former mayor of New York, who served as Trump’s personal attorney for much of his presidency. Giuliani’s upcoming appearance will occur while he faces legal jeopardy on several fronts. It also comes as several high-profile individuals from Trump’s inner orbit have recently spoken with the committee voluntarily.
5. Drought
Southern Californians were told yesterday to reduce outdoor watering in an “unprecedented” order amid a historic drought. Officials are specifically demanding businesses and residents in parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties cut outdoor watering to one day a week because they “don’t have enough water to meet normal demands for the 6 million people living in the State Water Project dependent areas,” a spokesman for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California said. Metropolitan is calling on residents in its region to cut their water consumption by 35% to avoid a full ban on watering later in the summer. The move comes as California faces persistent climate crisis-fueled dry conditions that have led to major water shortages, despite record snow in early winter.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
9 of the world’s best wellness retreats
In need of a deep cleanse? Check out these picture-perfect retreats to help reset your mind, body and spirit.
Rare blue diamond has sold at auction for $57.5 million
Just look at this stunning gem. It’s worth every penny, if you ask me.
Hailey Bieber says she underwent procedure to close hole in her heart after mini-stroke
The model shared new details about her scary hospitalization in March.
Millennials are ahead of their parents in retirement savings
Don’t underestimate them. Maybe that avocado toast isn’t so bad, after all.
1 in 5 reptile species is under threat of extinction, turtles are among them
TODAY’S NUMBER
$7 billion
That’s the value of the military equipment the US left behind in Afghanistan after its 2021 withdrawal from the country, a Pentagon report says. The equipment is now in the hands of the Taliban — the very enemy the US was trying to drive out over the past two decades. The Defense Department has no plans to return to Afghanistan to “retrieve or destroy” the equipment, according to the report provided to Congress.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“You don’t get these Americans released for free. There’s always a price, but for this, it was worth it.”
— Bill Richardson, former US ambassador to the United Nations, on Russia releasing Trevor Reed in a prisoner swap yesterday. Reed, an American and former US Marine, had been detained in Russia since 2019. Following months of negotiations, President Biden authorized the prisoner swap yesterday and released Russian citizen Konstantin Yaroshenko, a smuggler convicted of conspiring to import cocaine into the US. According to a senior US administration official, the Russian government had long expressed interest in getting Yaroshenko back from the US, but it is unclear if he is explicitly tied to the Kremlin.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY
It’s National Superhero Day
Any Marvel fans out there? This epic superhero battle scene from “Captain America: Civil War” was one for the ages. (Click here to view)
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2022/04/28/5-things-to-know-for-april-28-ukraine-covid-19-disney-capitol-riot-drought-2/ | 2022-04-28T13:14:26Z |
- Conference call scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EDT today
- Exclusive distribution agreement signed with Shanghai Medtronic Zhikang Medical Devices Co. Ltd. for IceSense3 cryoablation systems with minimum purchase target of $3.5 million in first 3 years of the contract; first systems to be delivered in 2022
- In Q2, IceCure participated in 10 conferences and events to feature ProSense® including the American Society of Breast Surgeons annual meeting where IceCure's ICE3 trial clinical publication was presented as one of the "Best Papers of 2021"
CAESAREA, Israel, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- IceCure Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ: ICCM) (TASE: ICCM) ("IceCure" or the "Company"), developer of minimally-invasive cryoablation technology, the ProSense® System, that destroys tumors by freezing as an alternative to surgical tumor removal ("ProSense"), today reported financial results as of and for the six months June 30, 2022 and operational and commercial highlights for the second quarter.
Q2 2022 Commercial & Operational Highlights
- Distribution Deal in China with Shanghai Medtronic Zhikang Medical Devices Co. Ltd.: IceCure's wholly-owned subsidiary, IceCure (Shanghai) MedTech Co., Ltd. ("IceCure Shanghai"), signed an exclusive distribution agreement for IceSense3 (ProSense's brand name in China) cryoablation systems with Shanghai Medtronic Zhikang Medical Devices Co. Ltd. an affiliate of Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) ("Medtronic"), the largest medical device company in the world, and Beijing Turing Medical Technology Co. Ltd. ("Turing"). The first IceSense3 systems are expected to be delivered and revenues booked in 2022. Shanghai Medtronic Zhikang Medical Devices Co. Ltd. will be the exclusive distributor of the IceSense3 and its disposable probes in mainland China for an initial period of three years, with minimum purchase targets of $3.5 million for this period. While Shanghai Medtronic Zhikang Medical Devices Co. Ltd. conducts all marketing, sales, and certain professional training, Turing will be responsible for the import, installation, and after-sales service of IceSense3 systems in mainland China. China's health regulatory body, the National Medical Products Administration ("NMPA"), has approved the IceSense3, and IceCure has submitted an amendment application to the registration certificate for approval of the disposable probes, which, if approved, will allow the Company to sell its disposable IceSense3 Cryoprobes for commercial use. IceCure expects to receive NMPA approval for the probes by the end of 2022.
- ProSense Systems Sold, Installed, and Operational in Several New Sites: During the second quarter, ProSense Systems were sold, installed, and have become operational in several clinics worldwide including in the U.S. at the MANA Breast Center in Arkansas, and Georgia Breast Care in Georgia, as well as within healthcare facilities in Turkey and Poland—where the first breast fibroadenoma procedures were conducted with ProSense in those countries. A new site in France and an established site in Israel conducted their first breast cancer procedures with ProSense.
- Regulatory Applications Filed in Brazil and Canada: IceCure continues to expand its regulatory status across the globe with recent applications filed in China for its IceSense3 disposable probes, in Brazil for its ProSense System for several indications including breast and other cancers, benign tumors, palliative intervention, and in Canada for the ProSense System in numerous indications including benign and malignant breast tumors, kidney cancer, benign and malignant lung tumors, benign and malignant liver tumors, musculoskeletal tumors, ablation of benign and malignant tissues, and other indications.
- ProSense Featured at SIR 2022 Annual Meeting in Breast Cancer Cryoablation Categorical Course: ProSense was featured in a categorical course titled "Cryoablation for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Breast Interventions for the Interventionalist" at the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston by a panel of experts in radiology and breast cancer. ProSense was well received by physicians, potential U.S.-based customers including medical clinics and hospitals and international distributors interested in partnership with IceCure.
- ASBrS Conference - ICE3 Trial Selected as one of "Best Papers of 2021" for Annual Presentation from Thousands of Articles Published Annually: At the 23rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) in April 2022, IceCure's publication titled "Cryoablation without Excision for Low-Risk Early-Stage Breast cancer: 3-Year Analysis of ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence in the ICE3 Trial" that was published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology was selected by past ASBrS president, Helen Pass, MD, Co-Director of the Stamford Health Breast Center, Chief of Breast Surgery at Stamford Hospital, and Clinical Professor of Surgery at Columbia University, for her annual presentation following a comprehensive literature review. Dr. Pass' presentation was made to a large audience of breast surgeons and related medical professionals attending the conference in-person and online.
- ECIO Conference – Hands-on Demos and Interim Results Presentation: At the European Conference on Interventional Oncology (ECIO) in April 2022, IceCure's ICE3 breast cancer trial interim results, originally published on April 29, 2021, were presented by Dr. Kenneth R. Tomkovich, the study's Co-Primary Investigator. Hands-on training sessions with the ProSense System were provided by IceCure and physicians well-experienced with the system. IceCure also hosted a well-attended symposium, moderated by Professor Franco Orsi and other physicians, demonstrating their results and experience with the ProSense System for various applications.
- SBI/ACR Conference – ProSense Ablation Course: At the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) / American College of Radiology (ACR) Conference in May 2022, ProSense users Marilyn Roubidoux, MD, FACR, FSBI, Professor of Radiology at the University of Michigan School of Medicine and Robert C. Ward, MD spoke about breast tumor ablation in the course "Tumor Ablation (Cryo and others)." The IceCure exhibition booth was well-attended by conference participants who expressed interest in the ProSense System.
"The second quarter of 2022 marked continued momentum in the commercial rollout of our cryoablation systems highlighted by our exclusive distribution agreement in China with Shanghai Medtronic Zhikang Medical Devices Co. Ltd., an affiliate of Medtronic, the world's largest medical device company. We believe this is a very strong endorsement of our technology, and the increased market interest we're seeing globally confirm our view," stated IceCure CEO Eyal Shamir. "Based on the level of commercial interest during and after the second quarter, we expect the number of these system installations and sales may potentially increase. We believe that this activity will be reflected in our revenues in the future."
Financial Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2022
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, revenue decreased by 27% to approximately $1.5 million, compared to approximately $2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease is due to decreased revenue recognition of approximately $0.4 million from the distribution agreements with Terumo Corporation and a decrease in sales in Asia, partially offset by an increase in sales in the U.S. and Europe.
Gross profit was approximately $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to approximately $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The gross margin was approximately 54% for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to approximately 58% for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in gross margin compared to the same period last year is attributable to the decrease in sales and in revenue recognition from the Terumo distribution agreement.
Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2022 were approximately $4.6 million compared to approximately $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase is attributed to acceleration in the development of IceCure's next-generation single-probe system and due to clinical and regulatory activities.
Sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses, in the aggregate, for the six months ended June 30, 2022 were $4.9 million compared to approximately $2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase is attributed to the Company's expanding commercialization efforts and to increased Nasdaq listing-related expenses.
Total operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2022 were approximately $9.5 million compared to $4.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in operating expenses is attributable to increased development, commercialization, and Nasdaq listing-related activities.
As a result of lower revenue and increased operation activities, net loss reported for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased to approximately $9.0 million, or $0.24 per share, compared with a net loss of approximately $3.8 million, or $0.16 per share, for the same period last year.
As of June 30, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents including short-term deposits of approximately $17.7 million, compared with approximately $25.6 million as of December 31, 2021.
Conference Call Dial-in Info:
Monday, August 15, 2022 at 4:30 pm EDT
US: 1-888-642-5032
Israel/International: +972-3-9180609
A replay of the conference call will be available on IceCure's website at: https://ir.icecure-medical.com/news-events/events-presentations
About IceCure Medical
IceCure Medical (NASDAQ: ICCM) (TASE: ICCM) develops and markets ProSense®, an advanced liquid-nitrogen-based cryoablation therapy for the treatment of tumors (benign and cancerous) by freezing, with the primary focus areas being breast, kidney, bone and lung cancer. Its minimally invasive technology is a safe and effective alternative to hospital surgical tumor removal that is easily performed in a relatively short procedure. The system is marketed and sold worldwide for the indications cleared to-date by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and approved in Europe with the CE Mark.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, IceCure is using forward looking statement in this press release when it discusses pursuit of regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions, strategic plans, commercial growth, expansion of clinical applications and potential market adoption of its minimally-invasive cryoablation technology, advancing regulatory and commercial strategies and expected quarter-over-quarter revenue variations and other key business highlights for future periods. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on IceCure's current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance, or achievements of IceCure could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on April 1, 2022, which is available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.
IR Contact:
Ronen Tsimerman
ronent@icecure-medical.com
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SOURCE IceCure Medical | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/icecure-medical-reports-financial-results-first-half-2022-recent-operational-highlights/ | 2022-08-15T20:25:55Z |
Group releases alpha list of the fastest growing companies in Utah, rankings to be announced at the Utah 100 awards event on October 17th
SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN) today introduced the 2022 Utah 100, its annual alpha list of the fastest growing companies in the state. In addition, MWCN announced the companies featured in its Top 15 Revenue and Emerging Elite categories.
MWCN's list of the Utah 100 winning companies, including the Top 15 Revenue and Emerging Elite honorees, are featured in alphabetical order below. MWCN will present its ranked list during the 28th annual Utah 100 Awards ceremony, which will be held on October 17, 2022 in the Grand Ballroom of the Grand America Hotel.
"The companies we recognize through the Utah 100 are representative of the amazing opportunities and wide open potential we see here in the Beehive State," said Jason Roberts, chair of the MWCN Utah 100 committee. "Even in the midst of challenging national economic circumstances, we have businesses in Utah thriving, innovating and finding ways to deliver value to their customers."
Founded in 1994, the Utah 100 Award is the flagship event for the MountainWest Capital Network and attracts thousands of the top business leaders in the state. This year's event will feature a keynote address from Tiffany Peterson, a popular speaker and international success coach who works with individuals, teams and audiences to create thriving personal lives and successful business results. Her podcast ranks in the top 1% globally.
Utah 100 honorees are ranked according to a weighted average revenue calculation of percentage and dollar growth over a five year period through December 2021, while those in the Top 15 Revenue category are ranked based on the highest total dollar growth over the same five year period. The Emerging Elite represent organizations less than five years old that show the most promise of future growth. Companies are only allowed to be recognized in one category.
The 2022 Utah 100 in alphabetical order (Ranking to be unveiled at the Utah 100 event on October 17, 2022):
1 Source Business Solutions
Abode Luxury Rentals
Alpha Warranty Services
American Eagle Ready Mix Utah, LLC
Aptive Environmental
AutoSavvy
Beauty Industry Group
Big Deal Outlet
Bike Peddler
Black Rifle Coffee Company
Blue Raven Solar
Bucked Up
Buy Box Experts
Campman
Capita Financial Network
CB SkyShare
Christensen Arms
Cidi Labs
Claravine, Inc.
Clarus Corporation
Clean Simple Eats, LLC
Coconu
Comma Copywriters
Complete Recovery Corporation
Conductive Group
Conservice
Coreform LLC
Cotopaxi
Denik
Dental Intelligence
Design Imaging
Disruptive Advertising
Domo, Inc.
eAssist Dental Solutions
ELB Learning
eLuma
Enso Rings
Evolved Commerce
Executech
Ezarc Welding, Inc.
Filevine
FireFly Automatix, Inc.
FirstMile
Five Star Franchising
Flex Fleet Rental
Foursight Capital
Freeus, LLC
Goal Zero
Health Catalyst
Huge Brands
HydroJug
Innovecture
Inside Real Estate
Intermountain Nutrition
International Products Group
J. Lyne Roberts & Sons
JobNimbus
KURU Footwear
Legacy RV Center
Legacy Tree Genealogists
Lendio
Lifevantage Corporation
Lion Energy LLC
Little Road Co.
LoanPro
Lucid Software
Made By Mary, LLC
Max Connect Digital
Motivosity
Namify, LLC
Nature's Sunshine Products
ObservePoint
Olympus Wealth Management
OptConnect
Pit Viper
Prestman Auto
ProdataKey
Qnergy
Redlist
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co.
Security National Financial
SilverOnyx LLC
Squeeze
Strike Visuals
Strong Connexions
Strut
Tech9
Telarus
Teton Sports
Transportation Alliance Bank, Inc.
Universal Accounting Center
Usana Health Sciences
Varex Imaging
VLCM
Weave
Western Peaks Logistics
Whistic
York Howell & Guymon
Zamp HR
Zonos
Top 15 Revenue in alphabetical order:
Extra Space Storage, Inc.
G&A Partners
HealthEquity
Layton Construction
Merit Medical
Nu Skin
Overstock
Pattern
PCF Insurance Services
Pluralsight
Purple Innovation, Inc.
Sportsman's Warehouse
Young Automotive Group
Zions Bancorporation
Zyia Active
Emerging Elite in alphabetical order:
&Collar
AZOVA
Bacon Work
Baltic Born (Three Lilies Inc.)
Brandless
Emmersion
Gabb Wireless
HeroDevs, LLC
Kenect
Kizik
Lumio
Mixhers
OSH Cut
Pure Healthcare
Zartico
About MountainWest Capital Network
MountainWest Capital Network is Utah's first and largest business networking organization devoted to supporting entrepreneurial success and dedicated to the flow of financial, entrepreneurial and intellectual capital. Learn more at www.mwcn.org.
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SOURCE MountainWest Capital Network | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/mountainwest-capital-network-announces-2022-utah-100-honorees/ | 2022-09-12T15:48:43Z |
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae's (OTCQB: FNMA) April 2022 Monthly Summary is now available. The monthly summary report contains information about Fannie Mae's monthly and year-to-date activities for our gross mortgage portfolio, mortgage-backed securities and other guarantees, interest rate risk measures, and serious delinquency rates.
Fannie Mae advances equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality, affordable rental housing for millions of people across America. We enable the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and drive responsible innovation to make homebuying and renting easier, fairer, and more accessible. To learn more, visit:
fanniemae.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Blog
Fannie Mae Newsroom
https://www.fanniemae.com/newsroom
Photo of Fannie Mae
https://www.fanniemae.com/resources/img/about-fm/fm-building.tif
Fannie Mae Resource Center
1-800-2FANNIE
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SOURCE Fannie Mae | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/fannie-mae-releases-april-2022-monthly-summary/ | 2022-05-31T21:32:46Z |
Kohler also tops Sustainability list and is a finalist on 2022 Large Companies list
KOHLER, Wis., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fast Company today announced its fourth annual Best Workplaces for Innovators list, honoring organizations and businesses that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to encouraging innovation at all levels. Kohler Co. is listed No.10 on the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators list, named the winner of Fast Company's 2022 Best Workplaces for Innovators Sustainability list and a finalist on the Large Companies list.
Initiatives that secured Kohler's high rankings are rooted in the company's Believing in Better operating philosophy that strives to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations through design, craftsmanship, and innovation. The company's cultural belief in Boldly Innovating, encourages and empowers associates to take action. These and other initiatives including innovative solutions from the company's Kitchen & Bath, Power and Hospitality & Real Estate businesses were recently shared in Kohler's first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report.
"We work hard to foster a supportive and inspiring workplace where all associates have the opportunity to boldly innovate and to achieve their full potential," says Laura Kohler, SVP of HR, Stewardship and Sustainability. "That means we engage our associates in meaningful work, match them with their purpose and passion, and give them the freedom to innovate for the greater good."
- Kohler provides opportunities for associates to connect to their purpose and passion through Business Resource Groups (BRGs), community stewardship teams, engagement committees and more. These opportunities give associates a platform to solve challenges, bring forward solutions, and grow and develop personally and professionally – all while making a meaningful impact in our workplace and world.
- More than 500 Kohler associates around the globe act as Sustainability Champions, driving sustainability efforts and constant improvement throughout all areas of the company. A virtuous cycle, this program empowers all associates to be innovators and take ownership in the company's journey for a better planet.
- Kohler Innovation for Good started out as an associate led initiative to drive further sustainable and social innovation. It has since evolved into a formal idea incubator focused on commercializing new business opportunities with a social and environmental purpose.
- Kohler WasteLAB is one of several success stories born out of Kohler's Innovation for Good® program. It looks to nature as a model for sustainable processes – where waste simply doesn't exist. Through this approach, Kohler WasteLAB® leverages a manufacturing process that transforms landfill-bound materials into functional products of style and beauty.
- The I-Prize challenge, an annual internal global competition within Kohler's Innovation for Good program, propels innovation from interested Kohler associates who team up to pitch new business solutions that address social and environmental issues.
- Through its signature Safe Water for All program, Kohler partners with organizations to bring about meaningful innovation and change to communities who lack adequate access to clean water and safe sanitation. Kohler's partnership with Dig Deep is funding projects on the Navajo Nation that are beginning to bridge the gap in access to clean water and sanitation through community-based service models or new technologies.
"This year's list of the Best Workplaces for Innovators recognizes organizations that have demonstrated a deep commitment to cultivating creativity across the board," says Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. "In the face of powerful headwinds, these leaders and teams continue to spur innovation."
Developed in collaboration with Accenture, the 2022 Best Workplaces for Innovators ranks 100 winners from nearly 1500 applications in a variety of industries, including computer science, biotech, consumer packaged goods, nonprofit, education, financial services, cybersecurity, engineering, diversity, sustainability, B2B, and consumer products and services.
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.
Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Technology and Operations services and Accenture Song — all powered by the world's largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 710,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at accenture.com.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America's oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 40,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines, power systems and clean energy solutions; luxury cabinetry, tile and lighting; and owner/operator of two, five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin, and St. Andrews, Scotland. The company also develops solutions to address pressing issues, such as clean water and safe sanitation, for underserved communities around the world to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. For more details, please visit kohlercompany.com.
Contact:
Vicki Valdez Hafenstein
Kohler Co. Public Relations
victoria.valdezhafenstein@kohler.com
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SOURCE Kohler Co. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/kohler-co-ranks-top-10-2022-fast-companys-best-workplaces-innovators/ | 2022-08-02T15:29:06Z |
Library study finds ‘challenged’ books soared in 2021
NEW YORK (AP) - Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, has never been so busy.
“A year ago, we might have been receiving one, maybe two reports a day about a book being challenged at a library. And usually those calls would be for guidance on how to handle a challenge or for materials that support the value of the work being challenged,” Caldwell-Stone told The Associated Press. “Now, we’re getting three, four, five reports a day, many in need of support and some in need of a great deal of support.”
“We’re on the phone constantly,” she added.
Accounts of book bannings and attempted book bannings, along with threats against librarians, have soared over the past year and the ALA has included some numbers in its annual State of America’s Libraries Report, released Monday. The association found 729 challenges — affecting nearly 1,600 books — at public schools and libraries in 2021, more than double 2020′s figures and the highest since the ALA began compiling challenges more than 20 years ago.
The actual total for last year is likely much higher — the ALA collects data through media accounts and through cases it learns about from librarians and educators and other community members. Books preemptively pulled by librarians — out of fear of community protest or concern for their jobs — and challenges never reported by libraries are not included.
The number could well grow again in 2022, Caldwell-Stone said, as conservative-led school boards and legislatures enact more restrictions. Last week, the Georgia legislature passed a bill that would accelerate the process for removing books seen as “harmful to minors.”
“Nothing would surprise me,” Caldwell-Stone says.
The two most challenged books on the ALA’s top 10 list have been in the news often: Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir about sexual identity, “Gender Queer,” and Jonathan Evison’s “Lawn Boy,” a coming-of-age novel narrated by a young gay man. Both have been singled out by Republican officials.
Last fall in Virginia, Glenn Youngkin backed a local school board’s banning of the two books during his successful run for governor. Around the same time, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster supported a school board’s decision to remove “Gender Queer.”
In Florida recently, Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized “Gender Queer” and “Lawn Boy” upon signing a law that would force elementary schools to provide a searchable list of every book available in their libraries or used in instruction and allow parents, DeSantis said, “to blow the whistle.”
Kobabe and Evison noted during recent interviews an irony of their books being targeted: Neither set out to write a story for young people. But they gained a following among students with the help of the American Library Association, which has given each book an Alex Award for works “written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.”
“I think a big part of our books getting so much attention is that they’re award winners and ended up being purchased by libraries all over the country,” Kobabe said.
Others on the ALA list, virtually all cited for LGBTQ or racial themes, include Angie Thomas’ bestselling “The Hate U Give,” centered on a police shooting of a Black teen; George Johnson’s “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” Juno Dawson’s “This Book Is Gay” and Susan Kuklin’s “Beyond Magenta.” Two older works that have been on the list before also appear: Sherman Alexie’s autobiographical novel “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison’s debut novel “The Bluest Eye.”
The library association defines a “challenge” as a “formal, written complaint filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness.” The ALA doesn’t keep a precise figure for how many books have actually been removed, but cases have come up routinely over the past year. Last December, a school district in San Antonio, Texas, pulled hundreds of library books to “ensure they did not have any obscene or vulgar material in them.”
___
https://www.ala.org/news/state-americas-libraries-report-2022
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/10/library-study-finds-challenged-books-soared-2021/ | 2022-04-10T09:01:14Z |
Former Oracle Executive Brings Deep Insurance Experience to Accelerate Overjet's Growth
BOSTON, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Overjet, the leader in dental AI solutions for payers and providers, announced the appointment of Jeff Griffiths as Vice President of Sales. Griffiths joins Overjet amid the rapid pace of demand and fast-growing adoption from the dental payer industry for the company's revolutionary dental AI platform. Griffiths joins Overjet from Oracle, where he was Area Vice President of Sales, leading the division for insurance and healthcare payer technology and software solutions in the Americas.
In his role at Overjet, Griffiths will lead the company's fast-growing division in dental payer partnerships. Overjet's advanced AI-enabled claims review platform, Claim Intelligence, is already in use by most of the largest insurance companies, covering over 75 million Americans.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to Overjet's leadership team," said Shaju Puthussery, Chief Operating Officer of Overjet. "In a short while, Overjet has emerged as the number one dental artificial intelligence company that supports insurance companies and health plans to operate efficiently and innovate constantly in this dynamic sector. With over 30 years of commercial health and dental insurance experience and a proven track record of developing high-performing sales teams, Jeff will be pivotal in building Overjet's commercial infrastructure to scale and grow in the dental payer market and solidify our leadership position."
Prior to joining Overjet from Oracle, Griffiths held senior leadership roles in sales at disruptive startups and global brands, including Oracle and Cognizant/TriZetto, both Fortune 500 companies; and HealthEdge, a provider of cloud-based SaaS applications for core administration, care management, among others.
"One of the biggest industry needs to date has been the need for standardization on the diagnosis and progression of dental disease," said Jeff Griffiths, VP of Sales. "Overjet has assembled the largest, world-class team of the most seasoned technologists and domain experts with deep AI, dental, and insurance experience who can deliver on Overjet's vision of using dental AI to improve oral health for all."
"Overjet's revolutionary Claims Workflow enables value creation through increased efficiency and lower review costs by executing payer end-to-end clinical review in a single platform," Griffiths said. "With its pioneering dental AI and adoption by the majority of dental payers in the US, Overjet is establishing the de facto standard of care and modernizing the claim workflows in our industry."
Griffiths joins Overjet's team of experienced leaders in the healthcare insurance space, including Puthussery, who was previously Chief Analytics Officer for DentaQuest, one of the largest dental insurance providers in the US. Today's announcement follows a succession of significant developments for Overjet, including:
- The appointments of Dr. Terri Dolan (Chief Dental Officer) joining from Dentsply Sirona, Sid Balwani (Vice President, Product) from Eightfold AI and Uber, and Patrick Austermann (Vice President, Engineering) joining from Oscar Health, to expand the team.
- Last month, Overjet was named one of North America's Top A.I. Companies Shaping the Future on the annual Forbes AI 50 list. Overjet was the only dental and one of the five healthcare A.I. start-ups in Forbes' annual list of companies using artificial intelligence to create a better future.
- In a landmark milestone for the dental industry, Overjet secured its second FDA clearance last month. With its FDA clearances, Overjet is the first and only dental AI company with technology cleared by the FDA, able to address both bone level measurement with periodontal disease and dental caries detection, as well as quantification for bone level and outline with caries.
About Overjet
Overjet is the global leader in dental artificial intelligence, helping both payers and providers improve patient care. By combining deep expertise in dentistry and advanced engineering, Overjet develops accurate and quantified ways to detect pathologies, and integrates actionable insights into systems and workflows to operationalize a feedback loop between payers, providers, and patients. The company was founded by experts from the MIT and Harvard School of Dental Medicine and has assembled the largest and most seasoned team of technologists and domain experts with deep AI, dental, and insurance experience. Every day, some of the largest DSOs and insurance companies rely on accurate information provided by Overjet to deliver care and service to patients. Learn more at www.overjet.com.
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SOURCE Overjet | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/overjet-appoints-insurance-industry-veteran-jeff-griffiths-vp-sales/ | 2022-06-06T14:28:38Z |
DENVER, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), announced today it will hold a special conference call with investors on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time. This call follows this week's U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding the Medicare Secondary Payor Act.
You can join this call as follows:
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Starting at 8:45 a.m. EDT
Dial in number: 877-918-6630
International dial in: 517-308-9042
Webcast: investors.davita.com
When calling in, please provide the operator the password "DaVita" and provide your name and company affiliation. Investors unable to listen to the conference call will be able to access a replay via our website at investors.davita.com. There will be no telephone replay.
About DaVita Inc. DaVita (NYSE: DVA) is a comprehensive kidney care provider focused on transforming care to improve the quality of life for patients globally. The company is a leading provider of kidney care services in the U.S. and has been a leader in clinical quality and innovation for more than 20 years. DaVita is working to help increase equitable access to care for patients at every stage and setting along their kidney health journey—from slowing progression of kidney disease to streamlining the transplant process, from acute hospital care to dialysis at home. As of March 31, 2022, DaVita served 200,800 patients at 2,809 outpatient dialysis centers in the U.S. The company operated an additional 346 outpatient dialysis centers in 11 other countries worldwide. DaVita has reduced hospitalizations, improved mortality and worked collaboratively to help propel the kidney care community to adopt an equitable, high-quality standard of care for patients around the globe. To learn more, visit DaVita.com/About.
Contact Information
Investors:
IR@davita.com
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SOURCE DaVita Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/davita-inc-schedules-special-investor-conference-call/ | 2022-06-22T15:48:00Z |
NEW YORK, May 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Amgen Inc. ("Amgen" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: AMGN). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Amgen and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
On April 27, 2022, Amgen disclosed in its first quarter 2022 earnings release that "[o]n April 18, 2022, Amgen received a notice of deficiency from the [Internal Revenue Service ('IRS')] for the 2013-2015 period proposing adjustments primarily related to the allocation of profits between certain of the Company's entities in the United States and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico" which "seeks to increase Amgen's U.S. taxable income for the 2013-2015 period by an amount that would result in additional federal tax of approximately $5.1 billion, plus interest." The Company also disclosed that the IRS "notice proposes penalties of approximately $2 billion." On this news, Amgen's stock price fell sharply during intraday trading on April 28, 2022.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com
CONTACT:
Robert S. Willoughby
Pomerantz LLP
rswilloughby@pomlaw.com
888-476-6529 ext. 7980
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SOURCE Pomerantz LLP | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/30/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-investigates-claims-behalf-investors-amgen-inc-amgn/ | 2022-05-30T22:35:36Z |
Published: Jul. 29, 2022 at 2:05 AM CDT|Updated: 10 minutes ago
Achieved net earnings of $788 million, or $1.06 per diluted share
Generated record first half Adjusted EBITDA of $2.7 billion
Enhanced portfolio with strategic timberlands acquisition in North and South Carolina
SEATTLE, July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) today reported second quarter net earnings of $788 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, on net sales of $3.0 billion. This compares with net earnings of $1.0 billion, or $1.37 per diluted share, on net sales of $3.1 billion for the same period last year and net earnings of $771 million for the first quarter of 2022. There were no special items in the second quarter of 2022 or the same period last year. Net earnings before special items was $978 million for the first quarter of 2022.
Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2022 was $1.2 billion compared with $1.6 billion for the same period last year and $1.5 billion for the first quarter of 2022.
"In the second quarter, our teams delivered strong results across each of our businesses," said Devin W. Stockfish, president and chief executive officer. "Year to date, we have generated $2.7 billion of Adjusted EBITDA and $1.9 billion of Adjusted Funds Available for Distribution. Looking forward, we remain constructive on long-term demand fundamentals that support our businesses, notwithstanding the recent macroeconomic headwinds. Our financial position is exceptionally strong, and we remain committed to delivering operational excellence across our unmatched portfolio of assets and enhancing shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation."
TIMBERLANDS
Q2 2022 Performance – In the West, fee harvest volumes were moderately lower than the first quarter due to unseasonably wet weather. Domestic sales realizations were moderately lower and per unit log and haul costs were significantly higher as harvesting operations transitioned to higher elevation units. Export sales realizations were moderately higher and export sales volumes were significantly higher, driven by strong demand in Japan. In the South, sales realizations for sawlogs and fiber logs were slightly higher, and fee harvest volumes increased moderately. Per unit log and haul costs were significantly higher, primarily due to fuel-related costs. Forestry and road costs in the West and South were seasonally higher.
Q3 2022 Outlook – Weyerhaeuser anticipates third quarter earnings before special items and Adjusted EBITDA will be lower than second quarter 2022, but moderately higher than third quarter 2021. In the West, the company expects comparable fee harvest volumes and significantly lower sales volumes due to export. Sales realizations are expected to be moderately lower, and per unit log and haul costs are expected to be lower. In the South, the company expects sales realizations and per unit log and haul costs to be comparable and fee harvest volumes to be moderately higher. Forestry and road costs in the West and South are expected to be seasonally higher.
REAL ESTATE, ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES
Q2 2022 Performance – Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA decreased from the first quarter due to lower real estate sales. The average price per acre decreased and the average basis as a percentage of sales increased due to the mix of properties sold.
Q3 2022 Outlook – Weyerhaeuser anticipates third quarter earnings and Adjusted EBITDA will be slightly lower than third quarter 2021, primarily due to a decrease in acres sold year over year. The company now expects full year 2022 Adjusted EBITDA for the segment will be approximately $325 million, a $25 million increase from previous guidance.
WOOD PRODUCTS
Q2 2022 Performance – Sales realizations for lumber and oriented strand board decreased 25 percent and 14 percent, respectively, compared with first quarter averages. Sales volumes for lumber were significantly higher due to seasonal inventory drawdown and improved production, while unit manufacturing costs and log costs were slightly higher. Sales volumes for oriented strand board were slightly higher. Unit manufacturing costs were moderately higher and fiber costs were comparable. Sales realizations and production volumes for most engineered wood products were significantly higher. This was partially offset by significantly higher raw material costs, primarily for oriented strand board webstock. Distribution commodity realizations were significantly lower.
Q3 2022 Outlook – Weyerhaeuser anticipates third quarter earnings and Adjusted EBITDA will be comparable to the second quarter, excluding the effect of changes in average sales realizations for lumber and oriented strand board. The company expects comparable sales volumes and unit manufacturing costs for lumber, as well as moderately lower log costs. For oriented strand board, the company expects slightly lower sales volumes, comparable fiber costs, and significantly higher unit manufacturing costs due to planned maintenance outages. Raw material costs for engineered wood products are expected to be significantly lower, primarily for oriented strand board webstock, partially offset by lower sales realizations, primarily for plywood. Sales volumes for engineered wood products are expected to be comparable.
UNALLOCATED
Q2 2022 Performance – Second quarter results include an $18 million noncash benefit for the elimination of intersegment profit in inventory and LIFO due to a decrease in log and lumber inventories.
ABOUT WEYERHAEUSER
Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. We own or control approximately 11 million acres of timberlands in the U.S. and manage additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. We manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood products in North America. Our company is a real estate investment trust. In 2021, we generated $10.2 billion in net sales and employed approximately 9,200 people who serve customers worldwide. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.
EARNINGS CALL INFORMATION
Weyerhaeuser will hold a live conference call at 7 a.m. Pacific (10 a.m. Eastern) on July 29, 2022 to discuss second quarter results.
To join the conference call from within North America, dial 877-407-0792 (access code: 13724915) at least 15 minutes prior to the call. Those calling from outside North America should dial 201-689-8263 (access code: 13724915). Replays will be available for two weeks at 844-512-2921 (access code: 13724915) from within North America, and at 412-317-6671 (access code: 13724915) from outside North America.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains statements concerning the company's future results and performance that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, with respect to our outlook and expectations concerning the following: earnings and Adjusted EBITDA for the company and for each of our businesses; sales volumes and sales realizations for our Timberlands business; log and haul, forestry and road costs and expenses; fee harvest volumes; acres to be sold; sales volumes and unit manufacturing costs for our lumber and oriented strand board businesses; sales realizations and sales volumes for our engineered wood products business; materials costs for each of our Wood Products lines; long-term demand fundamentals affecting our businesses; and long-term shareholder value and returns. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often involve use of words and expressions such as "anticipate," "expect," "looking forward," "planned," "will," and similar words and expressions. They may use the positive, negative or another variation of those and similar words and expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions and are not guarantees of future events or performance. The realization of our expectations and the accuracy of our assumptions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
the effect of general economic conditions, including employment rates, interest rate levels, inflation, housing starts, general availability of financing for home mortgages and the relative strength of the U.S. dollar;
the effect of COVID-19 and other viral or disease outbreaks and their potential effects on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and future prospects;
market demand for the company's products, including market demand for our timberland properties with higher and better uses, which is related to, among other factors, the strength of the various U.S. business segments and U.S. and international economic conditions;
changes in currency exchange rates, particularly the relative value of the U.S. dollar to the Japanese yen, the Chinese yuan, and the Canadian dollar, and the relative value of the euro to the yen;
restrictions on international trade and tariffs imposed on imports or exports;
the availability and cost of shipping and transportation;
economic activity in Asia, especially Japan and China;
performance of our manufacturing operations, including maintenance and capital requirements;
potential disruptions in our manufacturing operations;
the level of competition from domestic and foreign producers;
the successful execution of our internal plans and strategic initiatives, including restructuring and cost reduction initiatives;
our ability to hire and retain capable employees;
the successful and timely execution and integration of our strategic acquisitions, including our ability to realize expected benefits and synergies, and the successful and timely execution of our strategic divestitures, each of which is subject to a number of risks and conditions beyond our control including, but not limited to, timing and required regulatory approvals or the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to a termination of any acquisition or divestiture transaction under the terms of the governing transaction agreements;
raw material availability and prices;
the effect of weather;
changes in global or regional climate conditions and governmental response to such changes;
the risk of loss from fires, floods, windstorms, hurricanes, pest infestation and other natural disasters;
energy prices;
transportation and labor availability and costs;
federal tax policies;
the effect of forestry, land use, environmental and other governmental regulations;
legal proceedings;
performance of pension fund investments and related derivatives;
the effect of timing of employee retirements as it relates to the cost of pension benefits and changes in the market price of our common stock on charges for share-based compensation;
the accuracy of our estimates of costs and expenses related to contingent liabilities and the accuracy of our estimates of charges related to casualty losses;
changes in accounting principles; and
other risks and uncertainties identified in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as those set forth from time to time in our other public statements, reports, registration statements, prospectuses, information statements and other filings with the SEC.
It is not possible to predict or identify all risks and uncertainties that might affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and, consequently, our descriptions of such risks and uncertainties should not be considered exhaustive. There is no guarantee that any of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements will occur, and if any of the events do occur, there is no guarantee what effect they will have on the company's business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and future prospects.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise.
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA TO NET EARNINGS
We reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings for the consolidated company and to operating income (loss) for the business segments, as those are the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures for each.
The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended March 31, 2022:
The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended June 30, 2022:
The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended June 30, 2021:
The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA for the year-to-date period ended June 30, 2022:
RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS BEFORE SPECIAL ITEMS TO NET EARNINGS
We reconcile net earnings before special items to net earnings and net earnings per diluted share before special items to net earnings per diluted share, as those are the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures. We believe the measures provide meaningful supplemental information for investors about our operating performance, better facilitate period to period comparisons and are widely used by analysts, lenders, rating agencies and other interested parties.
The table below reconciles net earnings before special items to net earnings:
The table below reconciles net earnings per diluted share before special items to net earnings per diluted share:
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED FAD TO NET CASH FROM OPERATIONS
We reconcile Adjusted FAD to net cash from operations, as that is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. We believe the measure provides meaningful supplemental information for investors about our liquidity.
The table below reconciles Adjusted FAD to net cash from operations:
For more information contact: Analysts – Andy Taylor (206) 539-3907 Media - Nancy Thompson (919) 861-0342
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.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/29/weyerhaeuser-reports-second-quarter-results/ | 2022-07-29T07:15:52Z |
Family members of victims of the mass shooting at Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York, called for gun reform and legislative action against anti-Black hate on Tuesday.
The family members spoke in Washington, D.C. after a Senate Judiciary hearing on domestic terrorism in the wake of the Buffalo attack and were joined by attorney Ben Crump and U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
"I am asking the Senate for their support, not only for me and my family, but for all the families who are affected by mass shooters," Kimberly Salter, widow of shooting victim and Tops security guard Aaron Salter said. "I am asking, pleading that the Senate do all that they can, that Congress do all that they can. It's not about Republicans, it's not about Democrats, it's about people, it's about human life. It's about our existence, it's about our democracy."
Michelle Spight and Dominique Douglas, both cousins of shooting victim Margus Morrison, called on lawmakers to pass a bill against anti-Black hate.
"There are bad people and I don't know why we're arguing about it. I don't know why we're arguing about ways to stop those bad people," Douglas said. "I refuse to believe everyone's narrative that this is some battle between Blacks and Whites or between anyone. Because it's not, we're not fighting, we're not fighting anyone, we're asking for help. We're asking for support."
Zeneta Everhart, mother of Zaire Goodman, a Tops employee who was injured in the shooting, said she was pleading with senators to "raise the age on buying guns." She added that legislators also need to fix the country's education system so that "true African American history" can be taught properly.
"We are pleading with Senate, with our elected leaders -- we are pleading with you to raise the age on buying guns. We are pleading with you to fix the education system in this country, because if we're not teaching true African American history in this country, we are doing a disservice to everybody," Everhart said. "Racism has always been a part of this country, but we're not going anywhere. So we're going to have to figure out how to live together."
"We're not naïve enough to think that we can do this alone. This is a clarion call for all of us, as human beings, as Americans, to stand up and speak truth to power, to put our own comfortability at risk for something greater, to risk our security for each other. That's what we're supposed to do. That's what we're asking America to do," Garnell Whitfield, elder son of shooting victim Ruth Whitfield, said. "We're not here asking for handouts, we're not here asking for favors. We're just asking to level the playing field, treat us like human beings, that's all."
Last week, the 18-year-old suspect, Peyton Gendron, pleaded not guilty to the 25-count indictment against him.
Gendron was charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder, 10 counts of second-degree murder as a hate crime and three counts of attempted murder as a hate crime, according to the indictment. He also faces a domestic terror charge and a weapons charge, the indictment shows.
Authorities allege ample evidence indicates the White teen was motivated by race and that he targeted a supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood,
An Erie County jury indicted Gendron on one count of domestic act of terrorism motivated by hate in the first degree for killing the 10 individuals "in whole or in substantial part because of the perceived race and/or color of such person or persons regardless of whether that belief or perception was correct," the indictment reads. It's the first time the charge has been levied since it was added to state law in 2020, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn announced.
If convicted, Gendron faces life without parole, the only sentence for the domestic terror charge, Flynn said. In order to use this charge, prosecutors have to prove five or more individuals were murdered with the intent of racial motivation, he added.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/families-of-buffalo-shooting-victims-call-for-gun-reform-and-legislative-action-against-anti-black/article_694b19c9-99f9-5d4e-a6d6-35b25721f5a7.html | 2022-06-07T21:59:47Z |
BOSTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CSOFT Health Sciences, leader in medical translations, is pleased to announce its appointment of Dr. Vladimir Misik as Vice President of Global Clinical Strategy, expanding CSOFT's senior advisory to its clinical trial localization and global regulatory consulting services. As a seasoned biomedical R&D executive and founder of multiple biomedical R&D ventures, Dr. Misik joins CSOFT in time for DIA's first in-person Annual Meeting since the start of the pandemic, taking place June 19th to 23rd in Chicago. In addition to joining CSOFT's on-the-ground team at Booth 2331, where he will be available for meetings and discussions, Dr. Misik attends the Annual Meeting as an esteemed member of DIA's global core committee for clinical research.
"CSOFT is extremely excited to welcome Dr. Misik as Vice President following over a year of close collaboration and planning in partnership with LongTaal, a proprietary clinical trial informatics platform founded by Dr. Misik," said CSOFT Founder and CEO Ms. Shunee Yee. "We are pleased to be returning to DIA in person with his deep expertise in planning and conducting global clinical trials."
Based in Vienna, Austria, Dr. Misik brings more than 30 years' experience in biomedical R&D to his post with CSOFT, including VP of Global Delivery Network and VP of Site Management at Quintiles/IQVIA, co-founding the VIARES Academy for clinical research workforce development, as well as serving as CEO of SanaClis, a global full-service CRO. With a focus on improving diversity in patient recruitment and site selection for clinical trials, Dr. Misik advises CSOFT in its commitment to delivering cross-border communication solutions for companies engaging global markets and regulatory environments, particularly in the EU. Dr. Misik is author of 60+ research articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals. His current research focus is globalization of industry clinical trials. Leveraging the LongTaal CT analytics platform, he introduced the worldwide first clinical trial reputation index of countries. Dr. Misik serves as an editorial board member at Applied Clinical Research, Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs journal.
Dr. Misik's previous collaboration with CSOFT includes his 2021 appearance on CSOFT's Coffee & Conversations webinar, Evaluating Geographical Clinical Trial Trends.
DIA's Global Annual Meeting brings together industry, regulators, academics, and patients for four days of discussions and thought leadership on the global and local challenges facing professionals in the life sciences community. 2022's in-person event, with the theme Innovation Through Collaboration, will continue DIA's perennial focus on patient centricity and cross-border collaboration as global uncertainty continues to challenge pharmaceutical research and development. Attendees interested in learning more about trends in clinical trial localization can visit CSOFT Health Sciences at Booth 2331, where Dr. Misik will be available during the lunch hour on Monday and Tuesday, June 21 and 22 (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm). More information about DIA is available at www.diaglobal.org.
CSOFT Health Sciences, leaders in medical translation, provides end-to-end medical translations for all phases of the product lifecycle, from pre-clinical to post-launch. We also specialize in market access consulting, medical writing, and CTD/eCTD submissions with the FDA, EMA, and NMPA.
Our operations are certified in ISO 17100:2015, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 13485:2016, ensuring our customized solutions meet the rigorous regulatory requirements of global submissions. Learn more at lifesciences.csoftintl.com.
Contact
Nikki Andrews (U.S./Europe)
+1 (617) 263-8950
nikki.andrews@csoftintl.com
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SOURCE CSOFT International | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/veteran-biomedical-rampd-executive-dr-vladimir-misik-joins-csoft-health-sciences-vp-global-clinical-strategy-time-dia-2022/ | 2022-06-16T17:26:24Z |
Jan. 6 witnesses push Trump stalwarts back to rabbit hole
(AP) - One by one, several of Donald Trump’s former top advisers have told a special House committee investigating his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection that they didn’t believe his lies about the 2020 election, and that the former president knew he lost to Joe Biden.
But instead of convincing Trump’s most stalwart supporters, testimony from former attorney general Bill Barr and Trump’s daughter Ivanka about the election and the attack on the U.S. Capitol is prompting many of them to simply reassert their views that the former president was correct in his false claim of victory.
Barr’s testimony that Trump was repeatedly told there was no election fraud? He was paid off by a voting machine company, according to one false claim that went viral this week. Ivanka Trump saying she didn’t believe Trump either? It’s all part of Trump’s grand plan to confuse his enemies and save America.
The claims again demonstrate how deeply rooted Trump’s false narrative about the election has become.
“It’s cognitive dissonance,” said Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a Syracuse University professor who has studied how Trump used social media and advertising to mobilize his base. “If you believe what Trump says, and now Bill Barr and Trump’s own daughter are saying these other things, it creates a crack, and people have to fill it.”
The lawmakers leading the hearings into the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol said one of their goals is to show how Trump repeatedly lied to his supporters in an effort to hold onto power and subvert American democracy.
“President Trump invested millions of dollars of campaign funds purposely spreading false information, running ads he knew were false, and convincing millions of Americans that the election was corrupt and he was the true president,” said Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., the panel’s vice chair. “As you will see, this misinformation campaign provoked the violence on January 6th.”
For those who accept Trump’s baseless claims, Barr’s testimony was especially jarring. In his interview with investigators, he detailed Trump’s many absurd allegations about the election 2020, calling them “bogus” and “idiotic.”
Barr told the committee when he talked with Trump, “there was never an indication of interest in what the actual facts were.”
“He’s become detached from reality if he really believes this stuff,” Barr said.
Following his testimony, many Trump supporters using sites like Reddit, GETTR and Telegram blasted Barr as a turncoat and noted that he’s disputed Trump’s election claims before.
But many others began grasping for alternative explanations for this testimony.
“I’m still hoping Barr is playing a role,” one poster said on a Telegram channel popular with Trump supporters.
One post that spread widely this week suggested Barr was paid by Dominion Voting Systems, a company targeted by Trump and his supporters with baseless claims of vote rigging. “From 2009 to 2018, DOMINION PAID BARR $1.2 million in cash and granted him another $1.1 million in stock awards, according to SEC filings. (No wonder Barr can’t find any voter fraud!),” the post read.
Wrong Dominion. Barr was paid by Dominion Energy, a publicly traded company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, that provides power and heat to customers in several mid-Atlantic states.
Unlike Barr, Ivanka Trump has remained intensely popular with many Trump supporters and is seen by many as her father’s potential successor. That may be why so many had to find an an alternative explanation for why she told Congress she didn’t accept her father’s claims.
Jordan Sather, a leading proponent of the QAnon theory, claims both Barr and Ivanka Trump lied during their testimony on Trump’s orders, part of an elaborate scheme to defeat Trump’s enemies by confusing Congress and the American public.
“I can just imagine Donald Trump telling Ivanka: ‘Hey, go to this hearing, say these things. Screw with their heads,’” Sather said last week on his online show.
Some Trump supporters dismissed Ivanka Trump’s testimony entirely by questioning whether any of it was real. That’s another common refrain seen on far-right message boards. Many posters say they don’t even believe the hearings are happening, but are a Hollywood production starring stand-ins for the former president’s daughter and others.
“She looks different in a big way,” one poster asked on Telegram. “CGI?”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/06/18/jan-6-witnesses-push-trump-stalwarts-back-rabbit-hole/ | 2022-06-18T05:07:14Z |
Jury deliberations resume in rape trial of Idaho ex-lawmaker
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Jurors in the rape trial of a former Idaho lawmaker started their second day of deliberations Friday after a dramatic three-day trial in which the accuser, a 19-year-old intern, fled the witness stand during testimony, saying “I can’t do this.”
During closing arguments Thursday, the jury of six men and six women were asked to weigh whether the case involves “power in the wrong hands” used to harm a young legislative intern or consensual sex after a dinner date.
Aaron von Ehlinger, 39, has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of rape and sexual penetration with a foreign object — both charges carry a maximum penalty of up to life in prison — and maintains he had consensual sex with the young woman.
Deliberations stretched for seven hours until nearly 8 p.m. Thursday before the jury decided to break for the evening. At one point, the judge summoned the attorneys to his chambers because the jury asked a question. No details were made public about the jury's inquiry.
The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted, and has referred to the woman in this case as “Jane Doe” at her request.
Doe told her supervisors that von Ehlinger, who was then a Republican representative from Lewiston, raped her in March 2021 at his Boise apartment after the two had dinner at a restaurant. Von Ehlinger resigned from the House of Representatives last year after a legislative ethics committee recommended that he be banned from the Statehouse because of his conduct with Doe.
When the allegations became public — largely because of the legislative ethics investigation — Doe faced unrelenting harassment from some of von Ehlinger's supporters. Her name, photo and personal details about her life were repeatedly publicized in “doxxing” incidents. One of the people who frequently harassed her was in the courthouse to attend the trial, but law enforcement banned the man from the floor where where case was being heard.
Over the span of three days, jurors heard graphic and sometimes harrowing testimony, including from Doe, who briefly took the witness stand before abruptly standing and leaving the courtroom.
Doe haltingly described the moments the alleged assault began.
“He laid me down ... he removed his clothes ... he climbed on top of me ... in just his boxers. White T-shirt,” Doe said. “He tried to put his fingers between my legs and I closed my knees.”
At that, she stood up.
“I can’t do this,” she said, quickly walking out of the courtroom.
The judge instructed them not to consider her testimony after Doe fled before she could be questioned by the defense.
During closing arguments, Ada County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelyn Farley told jurors that the case was about “power in the wrong hands" used to the “great devastation” of Doe. Von Ehlinger had social, political and physical power over the petite intern, Farley said.
“He used that power to rape and forcibly penetrate her,” Farley said, pointing at von Ehlinger. Doe resisted in several ways, she said, highlighting the testimony of law enforcement investigators and a nurse sexual assault examiner who interviewed Doe after the alleged assault.
“Words show lack of consent. Excuses of ‘Why this shouldn’t happen,' show lack of consent. Yanking your head back and getting an injury shows lack of consent,” Farley said.
But von Ehlinger's defense attorney Jon Cox told jurors the prosecution's case was made up of “red herrings,” and said von Ehlinger was a credible person who willingly took the stand to share his side of the story.
“Judge his credibility, that's all you can do,” Cox said. “For every assertion that the state has made, or any evidence ... Aaron has given you a, ‘This is what happened.’ That, in and of itself, creates reasonable doubt."
During his testimony, von Ehlinger often spoke in a clear, loud voice directly to jurors, telling them the sexual contact was the culmination of a first date with the intern.
“She was flirting with me, so I thought, 'Why not? Go out to dinner with a person? Why not?'” he said.
After eating at a fancy Boise restaurant, he and Doe decided to return to his apartment, where they began making out on the couch, he said.
“Things were going well, and I asked (Doe) if she would like to move to the bedroom,” von Ehlinger said. “She said ‘Sure.’ We got up, held hands and walked into the bedroom.”
In the bedroom, things became “hot and heavy,” von Ehlinger said, and he stepped away to disrobe behind his closet door, carefully hanging up his suit jacket, tie and slacks, before returning to the bed. At his suggestion, Doe briefly performed oral sex, he said. He also denied carrying a gun that night, and said he seldom carries one.
“Very rarely, and certainly not with a suit on,” von Ehlinger said.
But while under questioning from Farley, he acknowledged that he described the events of that night differently in statements drafted by two different attorneys he previously hired to represent him. In those statements, he said he and Doe took each other's clothes off.
He also said he generally carried concealed weapons when he did carry guns, most often a small handgun that he would place in the front pocket of his jeans or suit pants.
Earlier this week, jurors heard from investigators and a nurse who performed a rape exam. They testified that Doe reported being pinned down while von Ehlinger forced her to perform oral sex, and that she knew he frequently carried a handgun and had placed it on a dresser near the bed at the time of the assault. A nurse also testified that Doe had a “goose egg” on the back of her head from striking the wall or a headboard while trying to jerk her head away from von Ehlinger's grip. | https://localnews8.com/news/crime-tracker/2022/04/29/jury-deliberations-resume-in-rape-trial-of-idaho-ex-lawmaker/ | 2022-04-29T16:40:48Z |
Purchase price represents an approximate 11 times multiple on average Adjusted Property EBITDA from 2019-2021
LAS VEGAS, June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) ("MGM Resorts" or the "Company") today announced that it has reached an agreement to sell the operations of Gold Strike Tunica ("Gold Strike") to Cherokee Nation Entertainment Gaming Holdings, LLC ("CNE"), a subsidiary of Cherokee Nation Businesses, for $450 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments.
"I want to thank all of our Gold Strike employees who have consistently delivered world-class gaming and entertainment experiences to our guests," said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO & President, MGM Resorts International. "Gold Strike is a wonderful property with a bright future ahead. Strategically, though, we decided to narrow our focus in Mississippi to a single resort – Beau Rivage – and dedicate more of our time and resources towards continuing to drive success at that leading, world-class resort and casino."
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, Gold Strike reported net income of $81.1 million and Adjusted Property EBITDAR of $115 million1, reflecting benefits from certain market specific factors in the last year. Pre-pandemic, Gold Strike reported Adjusted Property EBITDAR of $67 million in 2019. At the closing of the transaction, MGM Resorts' master lease agreement with VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE: VICI), which currently includes Gold Strike, will be amended to reduce annual rent by $40 million. The Company expects net cash proceeds after taxes and estimated fees to be approximately $350 million.
"This is a great outcome for the Company as we are able to reprioritize future capital expenditures toward opportunities that will enhance the customer experience at our other locations," said Jonathan Halkyard, CFO & Treasurer, MGM Resorts International. "We appreciate VICI, as the real estate owner of Gold Strike, working constructively with CNE to facilitate a new lease agreement."
Gold Strike opened in 1994 and was acquired by MGM Resorts in 2005. At 32 stories tall, the iconic property is one of the most recognizable buildings in Tunica and towers above all other structures. When it was built the gold tower was reported to be the tallest building in Mississippi.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel to MGM Resorts.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 33 unique hotel and gaming destinations globally, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. The Company's 50/50 venture, BetMGM, LLC, offers U.S. sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through the integrated resort opportunity in Japan. Through its "Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet" philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies®. For more information, please visit us at www.mgmresorts.com. Please also connect with us @MGMResortsIntl on Twitter as well as Facebook and Instagram.
About Cherokee Nation Businesses:
Cherokee Nation Businesses is the tribally owned holding company of the largest Indian Nation in the United States. The Cherokee Nation and its businesses employ 11,000 people. CNB blends its heritage of ingenuity with modern business experience to solve complex challenges, serve clients nationwide and to remain one of the drivers of Cherokee Nation's prosperity and stability. CNB owns companies in the consulting, health sciences, hospitality, real estate, technology, distribution and logistics, engineering, manufacturing, construction and environmental services industries. For more information, please visit www.CherokeeNationBusinesses.com or follow CNB on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Cherokee Nation Entertainment:
Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the gaming and hospitality company of the Cherokee Nation. The company owns and operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa and nine Cherokee Casinos, including a horse racing track, three resort hotels, three golf courses and other retail operations. For more information visit www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com and www.cherokeecasino.com.
Forward Looking Statements:
Statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and involve risks and/or uncertainties, including those described in the Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "could," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "likely," "intends," "plans," "pro forma," "projects," "estimates" or "anticipates" or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. The Company has based forward-looking statements on management's current expectations and assumptions and not on historical facts. Examples of these statements include, but are not limited to, the Company's expectations regarding the closing of the sale and any benefits expected to be received from the sale, including the Company's expected net cash proceeds. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise, and the Company may not be able to realize them. The Company does not guarantee that the transaction or other events described herein will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include risks related to the Company's ability to complete the transaction on the terms described herein or all, the satisfaction of the closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals, to which the completion of the transaction is subject, which could delay or prevent the completion of the transaction, the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, the effects of economic conditions and market conditions in the markets in which the Company operates and competition with other destination travel locations throughout the United States and the world, the design, timing and costs of expansion projects, risks relating to international operations, permits, licenses, financings, approvals and other contingencies in connection with growth in new or existing jurisdictions and additional risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports (including all amendments to those reports). In providing forward-looking statements, the Company is not undertaking any duty or obligation to update these statements publicly as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. If the Company updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those other forward-looking statements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release includes Adjusted Property EBITDAR for Gold Strike Tunica, which is a "non-GAAP financial measure" as defined in Regulation G under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Schedules that reconcile the non-GAAP financial measure for 2019 to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States are available in the Company's earnings release, dated February 12, 2020, that was furnished with the SEC and is available on our website at www.mgmresorts.com. In addition, this press release includes a multiple based on average Adjusted Property EBITDA. Adjusted Property EBITDA is Adjusted Property EBITDAR less rent of $40 million. For a reconciliation of 2021 Adjusted Property EBITDAR to net income see footnote 1 to this press release.
MGM RESORTS CONTACTS
Investment Community:
ANDREW CHAPMAN, Director of Investor Relations
(702) 693-8711, achapman@mgmresorts.com
News Media:
BRIAN AHERN, Executive Director of Communications
media@mgmresorts.com
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SOURCE MGM Resorts International | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/mgm-resorts-international-announces-agreement-sell-operations-gold-strike-tunica-450-million/ | 2022-06-09T21:38:07Z |
RADNOR, Pa., Aug. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. ("Kiromic") (NASDAQ: KRBP). The action charges Kiromic with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Kiromic's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Kiromic investors have suffered significant losses.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR KIROMIC LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/kiromic-biopharma-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=kiromic&mktm=r
TO VIEW OUR VIDEO, PLEASE CLICK HERE
LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: OCTOBER 4, 2022
CLASS PERIOD: PURCHASED COMMON STOCK BETWEEN JUNE 25, 2021 AND AUGUST 5, 2022
CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:
Jonathan Naji, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at info@ktmc.com
Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field individually and our firm is both feared and respected among the defense bar and the insurance bar. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.
In late June 2021, Kiromic conducted an initial public offering (IPO) which closed on July 2, 2021. At the time of the IPO, Kiromic presented itself as a target discovery and gene-editing company which utilized artificial intelligence to create immunotherapy products. Although Kiromic had no immunotherapy products on the market at the time, it had applications to begin human clinical trials for two new drug candidates, known as Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, pending with the FDA. The company's public filings in connection with the IPO stated that Kiromic could commence clinical trials within thirty days of those IND applications unless the FDA imposed a clinical hold.
Kiromic, however, had received communications from the FDA on June 16 and 17, 2021, prior to the IPO, informing the company that the FDA was placing the IND applications for its two candidate products on clinical hold. The IPO documents failed to disclose this information, instead representing that clinical testing was expected to proceed in the third quarter of 2021. Clinical testing did not proceed in the third quarter of 2021, nor was it likely given the FDA's imposition of a clinical hold.
On July 16, 2021, two weeks after the closing of Kiromic's IPO, Kiromic issued a press release revealing that it had received "comments" from the FDA regarding its IND product, "ALEXIS." Additionally, on August 13, 2021, Kiromic issued another press release wherein Kiromic made passing reference to "clinical hold issues" by the FDA regarding Kiromic's IND products, but did not otherwise expand on what those issues were. Since the true details of Kiromic's misrepresentations and omissions entered the market, the price and value of Kiromic's stock has declined significantly.
Kiromic investors may, no later than October 4, 2022, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Kiromic investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE
A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.
CONTACT:
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
Jonathan Naji, Esq.
(484) 270-1453
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
info@ktmc.com
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SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/29/investor-notification-kessler-topaz-meltzer-amp-check-llp-announces-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-4-2022-securities-fraud-class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-kiromic-biopharma-inc/ | 2022-08-29T22:05:10Z |
QINGDAO, China, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global industrial and supply chains are being reshaped at an accelerated pace with a growing trend towards regional, offshore, local and short chains. At the 3rd Qingdao Multinationals Summit, top management executives from multinational firms and experts from a variety of sectors engaged in discussions on how to maintain stable, smoothly-running industrial and supply chains amid the market changes, as well as on how to innovate and optimize the business environment.
Currently, the global supply chain system is facing numerous challenges in terms of operation, including reversals in globalization, regional development, imbalance of resource allocation, increasing monopolization, trade protectionism and geopolitical tensions. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed several problems with the global supply chains of some sectors, among them excessive length and complexity as well as the lack of reliability and stability.
Opportunities coexist with challenges. With the inconsistency in U.S.-China macroeconomic policies, companies can bet on both markets to offset risks while addressing the huge needs of the productive service industry by adopting digital, eco-friendly and innovative technologies globally. At the same time, the Chinese government has attached more importance to trade balance by launching a "dual circulation" strategy that can be leveraged to bring more opportunities to multinational firms.
Zhao Bingdi, vice president of Panasonic China Northeast Asia, said that Panasonic has continued investing in China partly as a result of the country's comprehensive, high-quality supply chain system, which also serves as a key advantage in the domestic business environment. Liu Lijia, vice president at Lafarge, a global cement maker, said that when choosing an investment destination, continuity and adaptability of local policies are the top concern for the company, followed by protection of intellectual property rights.
Ding Lei, chairman of Chinese autonomous driving technology developer Human Horizons, expressed the opinion that the three most important elements of an attractive business environment are the local government's embrace of international practices, consistency in local industrial policies and the certainty of those policies. He also stressed that the business environment in many parts of China still needs to be further improved to become more structured and science-based.
A good business environment is a major factor in helping companies speed up the resumption of work and production while addressing the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
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SOURCE Information Office of the People's Government of Shandong Province | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/3rd-qingdao-multinationals-summit-explores-how-keep-global-industrial-supply-chains-stable-smooth/ | 2022-06-22T08:03:43Z |
Jackson area high school soccer final rankings: Madison is No. 1
Here's a look at the top 10 Jackson area high school soccer teams at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
1. Madison (19-3): The Mustangs went 5-1 to end the season and captured the Region 6A title en route to making the Class A state title game, where they lost 3-2 in penalty kicks to Gatlinburg-Pittman. Last ranking: No. 1.
2. Crockett County (12-6-1): The Region 7-AA champs went 3-1 in their last four games after defeating Lexington, South Gibson and Millington before falling to Greeneville in the first round of the Class AA state tournament. Last ranking: No. 8.
3. South Gibson (15-4): The Hornets went 2-2 in their last four games and advanced to the Class AA state tournament before losing to Page in the first round. Last ranking: No. 2.
4. McKenzie (12-3-1): The Region 7-A champs went 3-1 in their last four games by defeating Memphis School of Excellence, Westview and Memphis East before losing to STEM Academy in the first round of the Class A state tournament. Last ranking: No. 3.
5. USJ (12-6): The Bruins lost to CAK 4-3 in the first round of the Division II-A tournament. Last ranking: No. 4.
BASEBALL RANKINGS:Jackson area high school baseball rankings: McKenzie is No. 1 after state title appearance
SOFTBALL RANKINGS:Jackson area high school softball rankings: Lexington is No. 1
6. Westview (9-5): The Chargers defeated Sheffield before losing to McKenzie in the Region 7-A title game and to Memphis Business in the Class A sectional. Last ranking: No. 6.
7. Lexington (10-7-1): The Tigers lost 1-0 to Crockett County in the Region 7-AA semifinals. Last ranking: No. 5.
8. North Side (12-4): North Side lost to South Gibson 4-0 in its last outing in the Region 7-2A semifinals. Last ranking: No. 7.
9. South Side (8-4-1): The Hawks were idle. Last ranking: No. 9.
10. Dyersburg (10-3-1): The Trojans were idle. Last ranking: No. 10. | https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/sports/high-school/2022/06/01/tssaa-soccer-jackson-high-school-soccer-rankings-after-postseason/9944332002/ | 2022-06-01T17:39:41Z |
HOUSTON, July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Venterra Realty has partnered with BrightIdea to implement an enhanced process for driving collaborative conversations that will provide a safe place where employee ideas can be shared and explored throughout the organization, helping to shape the future of Venterra.
BrightIdea is an industry leading idea management software tool which allows companies to manage idea submissions, route them to the right people, evaluate them and move them through the pipeline in a simple and seamless manner. Its main function is to run idea crowdsourcing challenges rapidly and effectively at scale, while allowing for transparent feedback and collaboration.
"One of the strengths of Venterra is that our colleagues have a diversity of experience outside of the real estate industry. Through our partnership with BrightIdea, we now have a platform in place that will allow Venterra to utilize our colleagues' varied backgrounds, take part in collaborative conversations and challenges, and provide the ability for leaders to have access to ideas and innovations surfaced from colleagues across all departments of the organization," said John Foresi, CEO of Venterra Realty.
While many platforms require heavy customization, BrightIdea's turn-key suite of products are streamlined to make the creation of challenges and participation simple. Through the mobile app, Venterra colleagues can easily collaborate, submit ideas and engage on the go, whenever they feel inspired.
"I am a big believer that positive disruption for businesses begins with imagination and allowing the opportunity for valuable ideas to come forward," said Andrew Stewart, Chairman and Co-Founder of Venterra Realty. Stewart went on to add "As part of Venterra's Never-Ending Pursuit of Excellence, we encourage colleague-driven innovations and applaud team members who share strategies and feedback that help to provide new and better processes in all dimensions of the business. By adding BrightIdea's tool to our technology stack, we look to further increase our ability to identify improvements needed, test different technology solutions and allow for colleagues to supply innovative solutions to better their day-to-day responsibilities."
With the growth that Venterra is experiencing, it is important that the investment in this idea management platform remains fun and meaningful, while adding a more inclusive, collaborative, and scalable solution.
Founded in 2001, Venterra Realty owns and manages 70 communities and more than 20,000 apartment units across 16 US cities that provide housing to over 38,000 people and 12,000 pets. The organization has completed approximately $8.0 billion in real estate transactions and currently manages a portfolio of multi-family real estate assets valued at approximately $4.0 billion. Venterra is committed to improving the lives of its residents by delivering industry-leading customer experience. Find out more about Venterra Realty and its award-winning company culture at Venterra.com.
Contact: Allie Foard, Communications Manager & Brand Specialist
marketingsupport@venterraliving.com
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SOURCE Venterra Realty | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/venterra-realty-partners-with-brightidea-foster-innovative-collaboration-throughout-company/ | 2022-07-01T18:58:47Z |
Ukrainian soccer club Shakhtar starts peace-themed tour
By DEMETRIS NELLAS
Associated Press
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Ukrainian soccer club Shakhtar Donetsk has opened a series of charity games on a government-backed “Global Tour for Peace” with a 1-0 loss at Greek league leader Olympiakos. Shakhtar players wore the names of heavily bombarded cities on their jerseys in Saturday’s game. The tour aims to raise money for the country’s military in the war against Russia and also help Ukrainian refugees displaced by the war. Brazilian forward Tiquinho got the only goal with a header in the 22nd minute in a game where the score never really mattered. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/09/ukrainian-soccer-club-shakhtar-starts-peace-themed-tour/ | 2022-04-10T00:07:38Z |
LONDON, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the latest pre-ceremony announcement from The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2022, it is revealed today that the recipient of the Icon Award 2022 is Kenyan nutritionist Wawira Njiru, founder and director of non-profit Food for Education. The Icon Award celebrates an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the food world worthy of international recognition and who has used their platform to raise awareness and drive positive change.
With an estimated 80% of children in Kenya not receiving a school meal, Njiru believes no child should have to learn on an empty stomach. After majoring in food science at university in Australia, she founded Food for Education in 2016, at first making 25 meals a day. The organisation now feeds 40,000 children daily, providing nutritious meals to those in schools across Kenya, helping to boost attendance at primary level and combat hunger. It has delivered over seven million meals to date, leading to improved nutrition, academic performance and higher high school transition rates.
By sourcing fresh food directly from farmers, Food for Education has also been able to help stimulate the local economy. Meals are prepared in a central kitchen to internationally recognised food safety standards, while the subsidised meals are delivered to students with the aid of cutting-edge sustainable technology. During the pandemic, the organisation also provided food packages and cash transfers that delivered over two million meals to children and their families at home due to COVID-19.
Food for Education utilises Tap2Eat, a digital mobile platform whereby parents can pay for the subsidised lunches with mobile money. The amount is then credited to a virtual wallet linked to an NFC smart wristband, which students can wear and use accordingly, meaning no cash transfers and no lost money. Njiru hopes to expand the programme across more of Kenya and potentially beyond.
William Drew, Director of Content for The World's 50 Best Restaurants, says: "The Icon Award recognises true trailblazers in the food sphere and we're honoured that this year we can present it to Wawira Njiru for her exceptional work."
Additional special awards will be revealed in the lead-up to The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2022 awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, taking place in London on 18th July.
https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1826975/Wawira_Njiru.jpg
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SOURCE 50 Best | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/worlds-50-best-restaurants-2022-announces-wawira-njiru-winner-icon-award/ | 2022-05-31T10:32:39Z |
Which dog leash holder is best?
When you walk out the door your dog needs things just like you need your keys, phone and wallet. Your keys and all the doggy needs can be kept conveniently together at the front door with a leash holder. Many quality holders are wall-mounted pieces with one or multiple hooks to keep your dog’s leashes organized and easy to grab. There are various styles including modern, rustic and personalized designs for your home. If your household needs an affordable, high-quality dog leash holder, the Qikafan Dog Leash Holder is the top choice.
Why do I need a dog leash holder?
A leash holder keeps your dog’s leashes untangled and ready to go. Some styles provide extra room to store treats, poop bags or portable water bowls for your adventure. When you’re prepared to take your pup when it needs to go, you can both have a stress-free, enjoyable outing together.
What to know before you buy a dog leash holder
Consider the needs of your household when choosing a leash holder. Do you have multiple dogs? How big are they? Do they like to have treats while they’re on a walk? Below are some of the most important things you should think about before deciding which dog leash holder is best for you.
Material
Dog leash holders are made of sturdy materials including wood, steel and antique metal. Steel hooks provide the strength needed to hold heavy or multiple leashes and they are typically supported by wood or more metal. Dog owners can be confident after they’ve secured it onto the wall knowing it won’t fall apart or break from the weight of hanging things on it.
Size
There are single hook holders and multiple hook options. Which type you need depends on how much space you need to hang your dog’s leashes. Determine the number of dogs and leashes you have before selecting a size. Then, consider if you want to store treats or other out-the-door items to keep handy for walks. The more you want to store, the larger the dog leash holder you need.
Easy installation
Be sure the leash holder is something you can install before you purchase it. It is likely to include any materials needed to install it such as screws, screw protectors and other hanging needs. Check to see what other tools you need to install it, most holders require the customer to come prepared with the hammer or power drill.
What to look for in a quality dog leash holder
Durability
You want your dog leash holder to last. It needs to be sturdy enough to hold your dog’s things and be damage-resistant. There are times you and your dog come home after a wet or dirty day and you need to know the holder can handle that. Metal should be coated to resist rust and accommodate wet leashes without fail. Everything should be safe and secure on the wall, not easily damaged or pulled down by your dog tugging at a leash when it wants to go out.
Style
Dog leash holders come in unique designs to indicate what they are for. There are minimalistic, single hook options for smaller dogs or dog households and larger options for multidog homes. The larger your dog leash holder the more opportunity you have for cutesy, decorative designs. However, if you prefer sleek, simple leash holders there are several sizes with attractive styles.
Storage capacity
If you have one dog, you may not need a lot of extra hooks to hang your leashes. However, if you have many dogs or even a couple of large ones, you may need more space. Some dog leash holders are made knowing you want to hold more than just dog leashes. Many have storage space as well for additional items.
How much you can expect to spend on a dog leash holder
On average, a quality dog leash holder costs $10-$25.
Dog leash holder FAQ
Where should I put a dog leash holder?
A. Hang your leash holder near the door you leave out of most often to take your dog on a walk. This keeps everything available to you when your pup is ready. Hang it high enough so that your dog cannot pull it down.
How can I hang my dog leash holder without damage to the wall?
A. If you don’t want to screw your leash organizer into the wall, you can stick it there. Use adhesive or double-sided sticky pads to secure the holder on the wall. Make sure to press firmly and give it time to dry or settle before hanging anything on it.
What’s the best dog leash holder to buy?
Top dog leash holder
What you need to know: This leash holder is for dog-loving households who want to have everything organized and available at the door.
What you’ll love: There are six hooks for hanging leashes, collars and keys by your door with extra room for other stored items. You can keep your dog’s treats, medicine, and other important reminders all conveniently together with their leash and harness.
What you should consider: This holder may not be big enough for households with many leashes or multiple large dogs.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top dog leash holder for the money
What you need to know: This is a sturdy, metal wall rack with three hooks for dog leashes.
What you’ll love: It has a simple design with the silhouette of a dog and bone above the hooks. It is easy to install on your wall and includes the hardware needed to hang the rack. This holder comes in two coated metal colors, white and black.
What you should consider: This is a small rack and not ideal for households with many dogs or leashes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
J Jackcube Design Wood Dog Leash Holder
What you need to know: This is a decorative wooden dog leash rack with three hooks and a storage bin.
What you’ll love: The rack is shaped like a dog bone and has “Did someone say walk?” written on it. It is made of wood and steel to support leashes and other heavy items. The entire leash holder is 11.81 inches long and the storage bin is 8.5 inches.
What you should consider: A customer reported that this leash holder lacks detailed instructions for installing the rack onto your wall.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/best-dog-leash-holder/ | 2022-08-17T23:43:20Z |
BEIJING, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by China.org.cn on Xinjiang:
Amid an endless desert, a train runs along an elevated section of track as sand flies below. What a magnificent sight.
This scene is in China's Xinjiang. Recently, an 825 km rail line from Hotan to Ruoqiang has entered operation. The new line links up with the Golmud-Korla and Southern Xinjiang rail lines, forming the world's first desert rail loop line encircling the Taklamakan, the world's second-largest shifting-sand desert.
Sitting in a speeding train, passengers can enjoy views of the vast dunes through the windows. The Niya Ruins, the ancient city of Andil, and various other cultural sites all stand along the route, offering unique vistas.
During the past three years building the Hotan-Ruoqiang rail line, construction workers crossed 460 km of uninhabited areas where there is no water, electricity or cellphone signal, braving quicksand, sandstorms, extreme heat and freezing temperatures. It is their painstaking efforts that have created this extraordinary engineering feat.
However, the railway line has much more significance.
Due to their natural conditions, many places along the route were not previously connected to the railway network, with locals having to cross the Tianshan Mountains if they wanted to go out of Xinjiang. High quality specialties such as cotton and dates, although produced in large quantities, were unable to reach the market due to poor transportation links. With a harsh ecological environment and weak economic foundation, four of the five counties where stations are located along the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway used to be in severe poverty.
During the construction of the railway, priority was given to purchasing locally produced goods for workers, and impoverished residents were recruited to help boost their incomes. After the railway entered operation, two passenger trains have been arranged a day for the convenience of local people of all ethnic groups. Meanwhile, eight freight trains run daily transporting local specialties such as cotton, walnuts, red dates and minerals out of Xinjiang.
The railway, so to speak, has brought life to the desert.
Railways and highways are highlights of the wondrous Xinjiang. For example, the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway linking vast land and kaleidoscopic landscapes has enabled crude oil, cotton and other resources from Xinjiang to be delivered to other parts of the country. The Duku Highway, dubbed "China's most beautiful road," offering a wide range of scenery along its route, has accelerated the development of such resources as coal and timber. The opening and operation of China-Europe freight trains has also expanded Xinjiang's foreign trade market.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, enormous human and material resources were invested to build overland routes connecting Xinjiang and the rest of the country. The more stunning and magnificent these roads and railways are, the more it means that they have broken through the bottlenecks hampering the survival and development prospects of local people.
The rail loop encircling the Taklamakan Desert has drawn what netizens call the "strongest closed loop on earth." While transporting delicious fruits and rich resources in Southern Xinjiang, it also contributes to a picture of people of all ethnic groups living with satisfaction and dignity. With the railway, even more changes are in sight.
China Mosaic
http://chinamosaic.china.com.cn/index.htm
World's first desert-circling railway brings vitality to Xinjiang
http://www.china.org.cn/video/2022-07/15/content_78324983.htm
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SOURCE China.org.cn | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/worlds-first-desert-circling-railway-brings-vitality-xinjiang/ | 2022-07-15T15:02:06Z |
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Betterware de México, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (NASDAQ: BWMX) ("Betterware" or the "Company"), today announced that the Company will release its second quarter fiscal year 2022 results after the U.S. stock market closes on Thursday, July 28, 2022. The Company will hold a conference call to discuss its results, inclusive of its recent acquisition of JAFRA at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Friday, July 29, 2022.
The U.S. toll free dial-in for the conference call is 1-877-451-6152 and the international dial-in number is 1-201-389-0879. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on the investor relations page of the company's website at www.investors.betterware.com.mx.
For those unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available after the conclusion of the call on July 29, 2022 through August 12, 2022. The U.S. toll-free replay dial-in number is 1-844-512-2921 and the international replay dial-in number is 1-412-317-6671. The replay passcode is 13731394.
Founded in 1995, Betterware de Mexico is the leading direct-to-consumer company in Mexico focused on offering innovative products that solve specific needs regarding organization, practicality, space saving and hygiene within the household. With the acquisition of JAFRA on April 7, 2022, the Company now offers a leading brand of Direct Selling in the Beauty and Personal Care products industry in Mexico and the United States where it offers Fragrances, Color & Cosmetics, Skin Care and Toiletries. The combined company possesses an asset-light business model with low capital expenditure requirements and a track record of strong profitability, double digit rates of revenue growth and free cash flow generation. Today, the Company distributes its products in Mexico and Guatemala, and with its recent acquisition, it now has gained presence in the United States through JAFRA's portfolio of products.
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SOURCE Betterware de México, S.A.B. de C.V. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/betterware-de-mxico-sapi-de-cv-announces-second-quarter-fiscal-year-2022-earnings-release-date-conference-call-webcast/ | 2022-07-14T21:58:41Z |
Highly regarded CPG retail and shopping veteran to lead and deliver first-to-market client solutions
NEW YORK, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tinuiti – the largest independent performance marketing firm across Streaming TV and the Triopoly of Google, Meta, Amazon – today announced the appointment of Shaun Brown as its first-ever EVP of Commerce, ensuring the firm's long-term commitment to reinvest in its people, tech, and standards for innovation, setting both Tinuiti and its clients up for future success.
As Head of Commerce, Brown will oversee Tinuiti's already-robust Amazon, Retail Media, and end-to-end ecommerce retail strategy, which is driven by over 170 dedicated team members and collaborates across client offerings including Analytics, Addressable Media, Acquisition Media, Earned and Owned Media, Creative, and Influencer partnerships.
Brown's elevation follows Tinuiti's 2021 acquisition of Amazon-specialist agency, Ortega Group, resulting in one of the industry's most robust full-service Amazon and marketplace programs, which has transformed Tinuiti into the largest independent retail media practice.
Earlier this year, Tinuiti achieved Amazon Ads Advanced Partner Status. The just-launched global recognition program recognizes partners that demonstrate expertise with Amazon Ads, and deliver growth for advertisers, while also driving innovation and displaying a willingness to partner with Amazon Ads through consistent and ongoing engagement. Of the thousands of companies that work with Amazon Ads, only the top 5% achieve Advanced Partner Status.
Central to Tinuiti's success partnering with Amazon has been the firm's proprietary and powerful AI-enabled e-commerce activation toolset, MobiusX, which uses product data as the foundation on which media, bid, and feed strategies are optimized across campaigns and channels for maximum profitability. This technology has directly supported additional key API partnerships, including serving as one of only eight Walmart Connect API and Target Product Ads API partners and one of only 12 Instacart Agency API partners.
Obele Brown-West, Chief Solutions Officer, Tinuiti said: "Tinuiti's deep heritage in retail media is our advantage in understanding the entire customer Commerce journey, both online and offline, having all the best integrated tools in-house and with our partners. Shaun brings an incredible depth of shopper marketing experience to our already extensive ecommerce solutions — a combination that will deliver a commerce function across shoppable experiences and one that harnesses retail strategic operations. We guide modern brands looking to accelerate their connected commerce experience across the ever expanding landscape."
Brown is a 25-plus year CPG retail and shopping marketing veteran leading Shopper strategies and customer marketing activations with some of the world's most recognized brands, including Kellogg's and Coca-Cola. He has led commerce marketing programs that drive reach, engagement and sales and is known as an agency leader focused on connecting big data and AI to create better ideas, optimized connections, and proven results. Most recently, Brown joined Tinuiti from Momentum Worldwide where he led their North America Commerce Practice and Atlanta office. He will report to Tinuiti's Chief Solutions Officer, Obele Brown-West.
"I'm excited to partner with each of Tinuiti's clients to navigate the future of connected commerce and bring new brand experiences to life across the path to purchase by thoughtfully leveraging data, tech, and digital media. While I'm thrilled to join a company known for its industry-best depth of expertise, talent, and tech, what really attracted me to Tinuiti is the agency's pronounced dedication to culture and the prioritization of its people-first values."
- Shaun Brown, EVP, Commerce, Tinuiti
In addition, Katen Johal, who has a deep background in Amazon, Marketplaces and Retail Media Commerce, has been elevated from SVP of Business Development to Chief Growth Officer. Johal will continue to build on Tinuiti's momentum of rapid growth — which has grown seven-fold over the past five years. He will leverage his unique combination of institutional knowledge of the firm and his decade-plus experience in developing and selling agency services. Former Chief Growth Officer Jesse Eisenberg was elevated to Chief Commercial Officer earlier this year.
These role updates mark a continuation in establishing the Tinuiti "E-Team" as a go-to-market team in response to the firm's accelerated business growth. As announced in January, the new composition of the leadership team will provide better positioning to engage, deliver, and elevate client experience and performance to provide connected services to clients. Most recently, Tinuiti announced Max Cheprasov as Chief Transformation Officer and Justin Manus as Chief Technology Officer.
These appointments come alongside an ongoing restructuring of Tinuiti's service lines to cement its position as the performance marketing firm of the future.
Following Obele-Brown West's elevation to Chief Solutions Officer leading the delivery of Tinuiti's client-facing solutions, Tinuiti took the opportunity to evolve the solutions structure to drive integration across channels and integrate further, which includes key Solutions Team updates:
- Crystal Duncan, a 15-year veteran, has been announced as the SVP of Influencer Marketing, where she will head the new omnichannel Performance Influencer Practice, a full-funnel solution that delivers meaningful and measurable ROI for brands. Tinuiti has merged the Affiliate group, which works across the funnel to drive more conversations through brand loyalty programs, with Influencer to form a new Partnership Marketing Group.
- Pat Hayden, a 14-year Tinuitian, elevates to SVP, Solutions Integration, from SVP, Acquisition Media, to drive integration and accountability to further our strategic growth across the organization.
- Josh Brisco, a 10-year Tinuitian, elevates to Group VP, Acquisition Media, from VP, Growth Media, to lead Paid Search and drive incremental growth, integration and innovation for large divisions including: SEM, Growth Media and Shoppable Media.
Tinuiti is continuing to hire for multiple roles across divisions to keep pace with growth. For a closer look at Tinuiti's culture, please visit https://tinuiti.com/culture/.
Tinuiti is the largest independent performance marketing firm across Streaming TV and the Triopoly of Google, Meta, Amazon, with more than $3 billion in digital media under management and over 1,200 employees. With industry-leading expertise in search, social, Amazon and marketplaces, addressable TV and mobile apps, CRM and email marketing, and more, Tinuiti understands that success requires both strategy and channel expertise. Each solution is delivered through Tinuiti's performance planning framework, GAMMA, and is enabled by a proprietary suite of marketing intelligence and media activation technology – Mobius. For more information visit http://www.tinuiti.com.
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SOURCE Tinuiti | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/tinuiti-invests-commerce-c-suite-talent-further-strengthening-its-amazon-retail-media-offering/ | 2022-07-20T15:26:04Z |
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As Covid loosens its grip on the world and travel begins to rebound, Elite Island Resorts is excited to work with Reggae luminary Causion on a song about Antigua that will inspire a new generation of travelers to visit the enchanting Caribbean island that is back stronger than ever. The home-grown star, Antigua's Reggae Ambassador, is a highly respected Reggae artist, having toured with Third World, Rita Marley, and Freddie McGregor, and his love for the island comes through with every breath.
"Personally growing up in Antigua was the greatest experience I can imagine. I grew up on the water in English Harbour, and most of my childhood was on the water, sailing and fishing, and the freedom to do that was phenomenal," he beams during an interview shortly before the song's worldwide release on May 13. "Antigua is a place I have loved from the bottom of my heart, and there is no place I would rather be. As a musician and writer, when you go to Antigua the words keep coming, the artistry and creation keep coming because you find that place of peace."
The song, titled Antigua Me Come From, refers to the phrase commonly spoken by locals on this Leeward island when they proudly proclaim their heritage. Causion's gently lilting, melodic harmonies and uplifting lyrics showcase the best of the island through vivid, captivating imagery. The black of the flag represents the people and their strength and unity, while its blue connotes the sea. Causion urges listeners to forget their troubles, to come take a load off their shoulder and feel the energy when their feet touch the ground. And most seductively, he sings about the island's 365 beaches, amazing variety of food, and sweet cool breezes. The video, shot entirely on Antigua, brings the words to life with footage of the island's jagged coastline home to countless coves, the crystal-clear turquoise water (shot from above and below), sugary sandy beaches populated with palm trees, and heritage buildings filled with stories.
"Words can't explain what it feels like to be here, and how I embrace that. This is a beautiful island to come and spend time, everyone knows almost everyone else, it's a close-knit environment with a strong sense of community." Causion's music is unfailingly upbeat, filled with positivity, embodying the spirit found on Antigua. "The things we write today will outlive us, these words are going into the next generation, so think about what this body of work is going to do for the next generation, how will they receive it. I want to help the next generation to better their lives, I have always gravitated toward what will bring a positive outcome for them."
His sense of hope is especially remarkable given his recent, ongoing battle with cancer that sees him shuttling between Antigua and Florida on a monthly basis, an illness that has afforded him the chance to see his home in a new light whenever he returns. "I go on hikes to experience the country in a way I didn't before. It's an enormous feeling, seeing it from a different perspective for the past two years, and I have found a new love for the country."
Rob Barrett, Elite Island Resorts' Chairman, shares similar sentiments. "I wanted to give the people of Antigua and Barbuda something that shares the beauty and spirit and Antigua with the world for years to come. This amazing collaboration between Elite Island Resorts and Causion captures the essence Antigua and is a project we can all be very proud of."
Elite Island Resorts has five luxury properties across the island that offer guests a variety of styles and ambience, but share the common bond of being all-inclusive. From the adults-only Hammock Cove Antigua and Pineapple Beach Club, and family oriented The Verandah Resort & Spa, all on the east of the island close to Devil's Bridge National Park, to Galley Bay Resort & Spa in the west and St. James's Club & Villas in the south, there is a resort for everyone.
Causion hopes that through the undeniable power of music, his song and will inspire people to visit Antigua, so they can appreciate his passion for the island. "Music has a way of touching us and bringing us closer to where we want to be." Exploring the concepts of happiness, and what fuels it, he compares the joy from acquiring material things with the lasting power of memories. "A lot of the things I experienced in Antigua when I was younger, those fond memories are still with me today. You can't buy that kind of happiness. My mission is to introduce you to 365 beaches and 108-square-miles of joy and happiness and create memories that will last forever. And hopefully you will enjoy the music too!"
While the pandemic has wreaked havoc on the world, he notes that it has helped people to re-gauge their priorities. "Covid has brought the rest of the world and the Caribbean into a frame of mind to open up their eyes and respect each other more. To appreciate each other and what we bring to the table. We also appreciate that people are coming to our shores. Now more than ever, in this world when nothing can be assumed, we are learning to appreciate, respect, embrace, and welcome each other."
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SOURCE Elite Island Resorts | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/musical-collaboration-between-elite-island-resorts-caribbean-reggae-star-causion-spotlights-multifold-charms-antigua/ | 2022-05-16T16:18:25Z |
A rare kitten considered the ‘unicorn’ of cats has just been adopted
(Gray News) – A rare kitten experts call the “unicorn” of cats has been adopted from a Nevada animal shelter.
The Animal Foundation, located in Las Vegas, announced the adoption of Comet in a Facebook post.
Comet is a male tortoiseshell kitten, according to the shelter.
They said many in veterinary medicine can work years, even decades, without ever coming across a male tortie in person.
Tortoiseshell cats are usually female and rarely male. This is because two X chromosomes are required to produce the coloring of black, orange and yellow or gold, according to cattownoakland.org. Male cats usually only have one X and one Y chromosome. Male torties have an extra X chromosome, making them a rare XXY.
Only about 1 out of 3,000 tortoiseshells are male, and these males are usually sterile, according to the website.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/06/07/rare-kitten-considered-unicorn-cats-has-just-been-adopted/ | 2022-06-07T20:32:39Z |
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — British Open champion Cameron Smith and his chase for No. 1 in the world got a little tougher even before he teed off Sunday in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, and it didn’t get much easier from there.
The PGA Tour penalized Smith two shots upon learning his ball was still touching the red hazard line when he was taking a penalty drop on the par-3 fourth hole during the third round on Saturday.
Smith signed for a 67 and was two shots behind. A victory Sunday would have made him No. 1 in the world. With the penalty, his score was adjusted to a 69 and he started the final round four shots behind.
He made only two birdies in a closing round of even-par 70th and tied for 13th. Smith declined to be interviewed after his round.
The penalty takes on heightened interest around Smith because of reports — which he has chosen to not discuss — that he will be the latest player to join Saudi-funded LIV Golf after the FedEx Cup playoffs.
It also frustrated those taking part in daily fantasy leagues. Smith, a three-time winner this year and No. 2 in the world, was the favorite going the final round at the TPC Southwind.
Gary Young, the chief referee for the PGA Tour, said Smith was apprised when officials took a closer look at the replay. The rules allow what a player sees to take precedence over a zoomed view from television. Smith told Young the ball was definitely touching the line.
The presumption is that Smith wasn’t aware that when taking a drop from a penalty area, the entire golf ball must be in play and not touching any part of the line.
Even though Smith said his ball was touching part of the line, the bad break was how it unfolded. The PGA Tour has a rules official watching the broadcast, but he determined it was not enough to raise any questions.
“Just knowing the awkwardness of camera angles and that he was dropping in a really tight area there at No. 4, the geometry of the whole situation — he’s got basically a sliver he’s dropping the ball in — we felt very comfortable at that time that he was familiar with the rule,” Young said. “And that it was such a quick view of it that we had, at that time we decided it wasn’t worth following up on.”
Young said another official working the tournament happened to be watching a rebroadcast Saturday night and they decided to take another look.
“The committee decided to look into it a little further,” he said.
That’s when they found Smith as he arrived to start warming up for the final round, asked him about the drop and had no choice but to penalize him.
“I thought it was simply going to be a situation where I asked Cam the question and he was going to (say) that he was comfortable that his ball was outside the penalty area,” Young said. “When I asked him the question, unfortunately, he said to me, ‘No, the ball was definitely touching the line.’ So at that point, there’s no turning back.”
___
More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/smith-docked-2-shots-for-bad-drop-in-3rd-round-at-memphis/ | 2022-08-15T17:19:40Z |
BEIJING, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ – Infobird Co., Ltd (NASDAQ: IFBD) ("Infobird" or the "Company"), a leading provider of AI-powered customer engagement solutions in China, today announced that it plans to implement a 1-for-5 share consolidation of its ordinary shares (the "Share Consolidation"), effective on September 9, 2022.
Beginning with the opening of trading on September 9, 2022, the Company's ordinary shares will begin trading on a post-Share Consolidation basis on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the same symbol "IFBD", but under a new CUSIP number of G47724201. The objective of the Share Consolidation is to enable the Company to regain compliance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2) and maintain its listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Upon the effectiveness of the Share Consolidation, every five issued and outstanding ordinary shares will automatically be converted into one issued and outstanding ordinary share. No fractional shares will be issued as a result of the Share Consolidation. Instead, any fractional shares that would have resulted from the Share Consolidation will be rounded up to the next whole number. The Share Consolidation affects all shareholders uniformly and will not alter any shareholder's percentage interest in the Company's outstanding ordinary shares, except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares.
The Share Consolidation was approved by the Company's board of directors on August 10, 2022 and its shareholders on September 6, 2022. The Company has filed a Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association with the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies.
About Infobird Co., Ltd
Infobird, headquartered in Beijing, China, is a software-as-a-service provider of innovative AI-powered, or artificial intelligence enabled, customer engagement solutions in China. For more information, visit Infobird's website at www.Infobird.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "plans", "will," "future," "expects," "believes," and "intends," or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events, results, conditions or performance of the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date they are made. In evaluating such statements, investors and prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties and other matters identified in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. 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.
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SOURCE INFOBIRD | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/infobird-co-ltd-announces-1-for-5-share-consolidation/ | 2022-09-08T13:48:53Z |
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — According to Russian state TV, the future of the Ukrainian regions captured by Moscow’s forces is all but decided: Referendums on becoming part of Russia will soon take place there, and the joyful residents who were abandoned by Kyiv will be able to prosper in peace.
In reality, the Kremlin appears to be in no rush to seal the deal on Ukraine’s southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia and the eastern provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk, even though officials it installed there already have announced plans for a vote to join Russia.
As the war in Ukraine nears its six-month mark, Moscow faces multiple problems in the territory it occupies -– from pulverized civilian infrastructure that needs urgent rebuilding as colder weather looms, to guerrilla resistance and increasingly debilitating attacks by Kyiv’s military forces that have been gearing up for a counteroffensive in the south.
Analysts say that what could have been a clear victory for the Kremlin is becoming something of a muddle.
“It is clear that the situation won’t stabilize for a long time,” even if referendums eventually are held, says Nikolai Petrov, a senior research fellow in Chatham House’s Russia and Eurasia Program. “There will be the guerrilla movement, there will be underground resistance, there will be terrorist acts, there will be shelling. … Right now, the impression is that even the Kremlin doesn’t really believe that by holding these referendums, it would draw a thick line under it.”
Moscow’s plans to incorporate captured territories were clear from the outset of the Feb. 24 invasion. Several weeks in, separatist leaders of the self-proclaimed “people’s republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk, which the Kremlin recognized as independent states, voiced plans to hold votes on becoming part of Russia. While forces backed by Moscow control almost all of Luhansk, some estimates say Russia and the separatists control about 60% of the Donetsk region.
Similar announcements followed from Kremlin-backed administrations of the southern Kherson region, which is almost completely occupied by Russians, and in the Zaporizhzhia region, large swaths of which are under Moscow’s control.
While the Kremlin coyly says it is up to the residents to decide whether they formally want to live in Russia or Ukraine, lower-level officials talked about possible dates for the balloting.
Senior lawmaker Leonid Slutksy once mentioned July, although it did not occur. Vladimir Rogov, a Moscow-installed official in the Zaporizhzhia region, suggested the first half of September. Kirill Stremousov, a Kremlin-backed official in Kherson, talked about scheduling it before the end of the year.
As summer wanes, there is still no date for the referendums. Pro-Russian officials in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia say the votes will take place after Moscow takes full control of the rest of the Donetsk region, but the Kremlin’s gains there have been minimal recently. Still, campaigns promoting the votes are reportedly well underway.
Russian TV shows cities with billboards proclaiming, “Together with Russia.” Stremousov reports from Kherson almost daily on social media about his trips around the region, where he meets people adamant about joining Russia. In the Russian-controlled part of Zaporizhzhia, the Moscow-installed administration already has ordered an election commission to prepare for a referendum.
Balloting aside, there are other signs that Russia is planning on staying.
The ruble has been introduced alongside the Ukrainian hryvnia and has been used to pay out pensions and other benefits. Russian passports were offered to residents in a fast-track citizenship procedure. Schools were reported to have switched to a Russian curriculum, starting in September.
Russian license plates were given to car owners by traffic police, with Kherson and Zaporizhzhia assigned Russian region numbers 184 and 185. The Russian Interior Ministry, which oversees the traffic police, did not responded to an Associated Press request for comment to clarify how that was legal, given that both regions are still part of Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials and activists, meanwhile, paint a picture that contrasts sharply with the Russian TV portrayal of a bright future for the occupied territories under Moscow’s generous care.
Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai told AP that 90% of the population in the province’s large cities has left. Devastation and squalor “reigns” in the cities and towns seized by Russia, he said, and there are only a few villages not under Moscow’s control after weeks of exhausting battles.
Residents use “water from puddles” and build “a bonfire in the yard to cook food on, right next to garbage, Haidai said.
“Our people that manage to return home to collect their belongings don’t recognize towns and villages that used to blossom,” he added.
The situation isn’t as dire in the southern city of Kherson, which sits just north of the Crimean Peninsula that Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014, according to pro-Ukrainian activist Konstantin Ryzhenko. Kherson was captured without much destruction early in the war, so most of its infrastructure is intact.
But supplies of essential goods have been uneven, and prices for food and medicine brought in from Russia have spiked, Ryzhenko told AP, adding that both are of “disgustingly low quality.”
Early in the war, thousands of Kherson residents regularly protested the occupation, but mass repressions forced many either to flee the city or to hide their views.
“Demonstrations have been impossible since May. If you publicly express anything pro-Ukrainian, an opinion on whatever subject, you are guaranteed to be taken into detention, tortured and beaten there,” Ryzhenko said.
Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov, whose city in the Zaporizhzhia region also was occupied early in the war, echoed Ryzhenko’s sentiment.
Mass arrests and purges of activists and opinion-makers with pro-Kyiv views began in May, said Fedorov, who spent time in Russian captivity for refusing to cooperate. More than 500 people in Melitopol remain in captivity, he told AP.
Despite that intimidation, he estimated that only about 10% of those who remain in the city would vote to join Russia if a referendum takes place.
“The idea of a referendum has discredited itself,” Fedorov said.
Kherson activist Ryzhenko believes a referendum would be rigged because “they’re already talking about voting online, voting at home. … So, you understand, the legitimacy of this voting will be nil.”
Russian political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin said that because so many people have left the occupied regions, “there will be nothing close to a proper polling of the population about their preferences.”
But Ukrainian authorities still have to regard such votes as a serious issue, said Vadim Karasev, head of the Kyiv-based Institute of Global Strategies think tank.
“After the referendums take place, Russia will consider the southern lands as part of its own territory and view Ukrainian attacks as attacks on Russia,” Karasev said in an interview.
He said the Kremlin might also be using the threat of referendums to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to agree to negotiations on Moscow’s conditions or else risk “losing the south” and a large part of its vital access to the sea.
Zelenskyy has said that if Moscow goes ahead with the votes, there will be no talks of any kind.
In the meantime, Ukrainian forces continue sporadic strikes against the Russian military in the Kherson region. On Thursday, Ukraine’s Operational Command South reported killing 29 “occupiers” near the town of Bilohirka, northeast of Kherson, as well as destroying artillery, armored vehicles and a military supply depot.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/fate-of-ukrainian-lands-held-by-russia-still-seems-unclear/ | 2022-08-22T12:52:08Z |
With newly launched capabilities, companies can measure velocity across the product lifecycle and track product investments to reduce the risk of costly product delays and failures.
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Productboard, the customer-centric product management platform that helps teams get the right products to market faster, today announced new features to empower product leaders to deliver business value faster while driving organizational efficiency. With the new reporting and Customer board capabilities, Productboard is giving both leaders and teams unprecedented visibility into how their product organizations are running to help them deliver business impact, faster.
"Today's macroeconomic environment is challenging companies to scrutinize spending across the board, while increasing efficiency and productivity—but building great digital products that solve real customer problems remains a key priority," said Hubert Palan, Founder & CEO of Productboard. "Product leaders are concerned about speed to market, but what is often lost is a deeper understanding of where inefficiencies are across the entire product development lifecycle. With this release, Productboard is giving product leaders real-time data and insights to help spot and resolve inefficiencies in the product organization and align resources to their business goals."
As recession fears grow, product leaders are realizing that it is more critical than ever to align the product organization on key priorities, track investments across these priorities, and measure the velocity of delivering value to customers. Since product teams use a myriad of tools during the product lifecycle, leaders have often struggled to fully understand where the true bottlenecks are and more broadly, to better understand the end to end process. This prevented them from adjusting resourcing and fixing inefficiencies in the product development process, which put product investments at risk, slowed value delivery, and increased the likelihood of shipping the wrong solutions to the market.
"Ultimately, everyone's job is easier and more streamlined, as Productboard ensures excellent organization-wide visibility and transparency into our product strategy and roadmap delivery," said Grishma Rupani, Sr. Director, PMO, at BigCommerce.
Productboard is launching three new capabilities to help both leaders and teams gain the visibility they need to resolve bottlenecks and risks in the product development process, allocate resources effectively, and better understand customer needs—putting their organization on the path to success with line of sight into how their organization is operating.
Efficiency Reports - Using efficiency reports, product leaders can see the time it took at each stage of the development process all the way from problem discovery to delivery for every feature in a release and be able to track these over multiple quarters. With this insight, product leaders can easily spot the bottlenecks and thereby, work with their teams to quickly resolve issues and turn speed into their competitive advantage.
Resource Allocation Reports - With resource allocation reports, product leaders can maximize their team's impact by ensuring key initiatives are appropriately staffed and aligned with the organizational goals. This also allows them to ensure "shadow" projects are not stealing resources from key projects.
Customer Board - With Customer board, product leaders have all customer context within reach. Feedback, feature requests, and status of requested features for key customers and segments are centralized within one consolidated view, giving leaders the confidence to navigate every customer meeting, make better product decisions, and increase customer retention.
Learn more about the report and Customer board features here.
About Productboard - Productboard is the customer-centric product management platform that helps organizations get the right products to market, faster. Over 6,000 companies, including Toyota, Microsoft, Zoom, 1-800-Contacts, and UiPath, use Productboard to understand what users need, prioritize what to build next, and rally everyone around their roadmap. With offices in San Francisco, Prague, and Vancouver, Productboard is backed by leading investors like Dragoneer Investment Group, Tiger Global Management, Index Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Credo Ventures. Learn more at www.productboard.com.
Media Contact:
Ann Conrad, ann.conrad@productboard.com
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SOURCE Productboard | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/productboard-unveils-groundbreaking-capabilities-empowering-product-leaders-increase-organizational-efficiency-deliver-business-value-faster/ | 2022-08-31T16:29:15Z |
Vendors selected for the "Hot Vendor" report are noteworthy, visionary and innovative
SAN FRANCISCO, June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cresta, a pioneer of real-time intelligence for contact centers, today announced it has been included in the list of "Hot Vendors" in the 2022 "Hot Vendors in AI for the Contact Center" report by Aragon Research, Inc. The report emphasized Cresta's AI-driven real-time Agent Assist, and identified real-time coaching, sentiment analysis and accelerated onboarding capabilities as features that stand out among their peers.
Contact centers are increasingly embracing AI as they seek to improve every customer interaction. Cresta's AI-driven platform helps contact center teams create better customer experiences, and unlock revenue opportunities. The platform provides dynamic, live guidance to agents based on the best practices of top performers. Cresta also provides real-time visibility for managers to track agent and customer interactions, delivering key insights to improve every conversation.
According to the report, "what makes Cresta hot is its real-time agent assist features which include sentiment analysis alongside a comprehensive set of artificial intelligence features, including objection handling, intent, and knowledge base lookup." Cresta reduces onboarding time by providing agents with on-the spot learning opportunities and drives better customer service. The report also noted that Cresta provides managers with real-time visibility of all conversations, as well as real-time agent performance management.
"Being part of Aragon Research's Hot Vendor report validates the power and innovation Cresta is delivering to contact center agents and managers," said Zayd Enam, CEO and co-founder of Cresta. "This is a pivotal moment for the contact center - by pointing out the strengths of Cresta's AI-driven real-time intelligence platform, Aragon is underscoring how companies are increasingly embracing new technologies for agents and managers to stay ahead of unprecedented demand by customers for highly efficient, productive and personalized engagements."
Customers using Cresta see an increased CSAT on average by 15%, reduced ramp time by 3X, increased sales by 10%, and agents saving 3-5 hours in repetitive tasks every week. CarMax, Blue Nile, Earthlink, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Porsche, and Intuit are among the leading companies using Cresta to improve the productivity of their contact center operations.
About Aragon Research
Aragon Research delivers high-impact visual research, consulting, and advisory services to provide enterprises the insight they need to make better technology and strategy decisions. Aragon Research serves business and IT leaders and has a proven team of veteran analysts. For more information, visit https://www.aragonresearch.com.
About Cresta
Cresta makes every customer interaction excellent. Cresta turns real-time intelligence into real-time action to make the contact center smarter – and every agent and manager more productive. Powering customer experiences for companies like CarMax, Blue Nile, Earthlink, Intuit, and Porsche, Cresta is real-time AI for the real world.
For more information, please visit: https://cresta.com.
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SOURCE Cresta | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/cresta-named-hot-vendor-ai-contact-center-by-aragon-research/ | 2022-06-07T15:34:48Z |
Seamless integration of industry-leading digital health solutions into the Quantum Health ecosystem increases access to mental health services.
DUBLIN, Ohio, June 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Health, the leading consumer healthcare navigation and care coordination company, announced today the addition of four new mental health solutions to its suite of Comprehensive Care Solutions. These new Preferred Partners will expand access to leading mental health services for employees and ease administrative burden for employers. The expansion of these programs comes at a time when the pandemic, burnout and the Great Resignation have significantly impacted mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 62 million Americans experience mental health challenges. Meanwhile, 24.7% of people with mental illness report an unmet need for treatment.
"Mental health is a growing challenge for employers," said Shannon Skaggs, president of Quantum Health. "Not only does it impact their employees' wellbeing and workplace productivity, but it is also closely linked to a myriad of other physical health conditions. By adding these high-value, innovative behavioral health solutions to our family of Preferred Partners, employers can more easily expand care options for their employees and make it easier to access and use covered benefits that support mental wellbeing and behavioral health."
Behavioral and mental health services are tightly integrated into what Quantum Health provides its navigation clients today. The company's teams of Healthcare Warriors™ and behavioral health management nurses regularly collaborate with members and providers on all aspects of these services, including confirming coverage details and provider network status, securing precertifications, conducting depression screenings, addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), conducting concurrent reviews to assess discharge readiness and care transitions, and ensuring appropriate care coordination across a member's care team.
The new class of partners are the latest addition to Quantum Health's Comprehensive Care Solutions, a suite of fully vetted digital health solutions that deliver proven results while making it easier for employers to offer leading health benefit programs to their members. When employers choose partners within its Comprehensive Care Solutions, Quantum Health does the heavy lifting for HR teams by validating results for clinical and service quality, assessing appropriate technology security, overseeing and streamlining technology integration, and providing performance reports and analytics.
Earlier this year, Quantum Health introduced its first class of Preferred Partners. The company's new Behavioral Health Preferred Partners include:
- Headspace Health: A comprehensive suite of evidence-based solutions across the continuum of employee mental health needs – with meditation and mindfulness support through Headspace, and on-demand virtual behavioral health coaching, therapy and psychiatry through Ginger.
- Magellan Healthcare's high-acuity care management services: High-touch longitudinal care management and care transition solutions for individuals admitted to higher levels of care for behavioral health and substance use disorders.
- Spring Health: Mental health benefits platform for both employees and their family members, aged six and above. Benefits include therapy, guidance and support for parents; coaching; self-guided mindfulness exercises; and full-spectrum treatment of substance use disorder.
- Teladoc Health's myStrength Complete: A comprehensive stepped-care virtual mental health solution that addresses the full spectrum of mental health needs through intelligent personalization with innovative self-guided digital programs, evidence-based live coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and even crisis management.
As employers struggle to maintain a healthy workplace culture amid workforce shortages and changing customer expectations, mental health stressors among their employees are likely to increase. Quantum Health's new behavioral health Preferred Partners will help ensure that employers can effectively deliver the resources and access to care employees need, when they need it.
"Long wait times for appointments and the stigma surrounding mental health disorders create barriers to care for our members and their families. By integrating proven mental health solutions into our navigation platform, on top of the existing in-person therapy options that already exist within an employer's health benefits plan, we can increase utilization of mental health services and improve the overall health and wellbeing of our members," said Skaggs.
In the coming months, Quantum Health will continue to bolster its powerful Preferred Partners program with new classes of leading solutions for employers. To learn more, visit https://quantum-health.com/solutions/comprehensive-care-solutions/.
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Quantum Health is the industry-leading consumer healthcare navigation and care coordination company that delivers an unparalleled consumer experience to its members, as well as validated claims savings and high satisfaction rates for its self-insured employer clients. Quantum Health's proprietary Real-Time Intercept® model identifies opportunities for early intervention in a member's healthcare journey, resulting in better engagement, outcomes, and cost efficiencies.
The company was founded in 1999 and is based in Dublin, Ohio. Since its inception, Quantum Health has earned numerous awards and honors, including being named among the Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. 5000, and a Great Place to Work by FORTUNE Magazine and Entrepreneur Magazine. Quantum Health has consistently been named one of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies by the Women Presidents Organization, and Columbus Business First has consecutively honored Quantum Health as a Best Place to Work.
To learn more about the company, visit www.Quantum-Health.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Media Contact:
Susan Simkins
Quantum Health, Corporate Communications
Susan.Simkins@quantum-health.com
800-257-2038 x 13494
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SOURCE Quantum Health | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/28/quantum-health-expands-support-mental-health-services-with-addition-new-preferred-partners-its-suite-comprehensive-care-solutions/ | 2022-06-28T16:04:53Z |
Middle school athletes in the School District of Philadelphia were treated to a CBS Sports gameday experience to get them back in the game
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Aug. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, Tony the Tiger® recruited new ringers — quarterback Jalen Hurts and the CBS Sports crew — and treated Philadelphia youth football players like MVPs. Tony rallied his biggest Kellogg's Frosted Flakes® Mission Tiger™ team yet to unveil a donation to bring back three middle school Rookie Tackle teams and start a new girls' flag football program at six middle schools. The new uniforms, equipment, field upgrades, buses and coaches are just what these kids need to get back in the game.
With an assist from CBS Sports announcers Tracy Wolfson, Andrew Catalon and AJ Ross, camera crews and more, Tony and Hurts surprised football teams from Francis Hopkinson School and Middle Years Alternative with a gameday experience like no other. From half-time pep talks, to sideline and post-game interviews, autographs and more, these young athletes were treated like real pros.
"Sports are so important at this age. Our new teammate Jalen Hurts and the CBS Sports crew are helping Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Mission Tiger shine a spotlight on middle school sports and give these young athletes the recognition and support they deserve," said Sadie Garcia, director of brand marketing at Kellogg Company. "We're thrilled that the School District of Philadelphia will be able to start new football teams and help get more boys and girls out there and playing. That's what Mission Tiger is all about."
In addition to putting on the game of a lifetime, Tony and Hurts surprised the students with a Mission Tiger donation that will help the School District of Philadelphia expand their middle school sports programs. The donation will fund a highly requested middle school girls' flag program at six schools and help three middle schools finally be able to participate in the district's popular Rookie Tackle program.
"Tony the Tiger, Jalen Hurts, and the whole CBS Sports crew gave our student athletes an experience of a lifetime. It means so much to these kids to see pros like Jalen and Tony the Tiger on the sidelines cheering them on," said Timothy Morrison, vice president of youth sports development at the School District of Philadelphia. "This Mission Tiger donation is huge. It allows us to expand access to our football programs for both boys and girls."
TONY'S NEW TEAMMATES
Quarterback Jalen Hurts is the latest athlete superstar to join Mission Tiger. Hurts is committed to helping the next generation of athletes shine, making him the perfect athlete to join Tony's Mission Tiger team for this special event. Veteran CBS Sports announcers Tracy Wolfson, Andrew Catalon and AJ Ross will help Tony and Hurts bring these young athletes to the big screen with a Mission Tiger-filled day they won't forget.
"Sports have taught me so many valuable skills beyond the field, so when I heard about Mission Tiger, I couldn't turn down the opportunity to join Tony's team and support middle school sports in Philadelphia," said quarterback Jalen Hurts. "Tony and I had an amazing time coaching the young athletes during yesterday's game!"
With Tony, Hurts and CBS Sports in their corner, the kids hit the field like Tigers. The incredible stories from the kids, along with highlights from the day, were captured by the same CBS Sports crew who typically cover big Sunday games, giving the kids a true pro experience. These stories will premiere during the upcoming football season on CBS — stay tuned for more.
TONY'S YEAR OF THE TIGER
Youth sports play a vital role in keeping kids active and developing young students on and off the field by improving cognitive skills, building self-esteem and teaching valuable leadership and goal-setting skills.1 When many youth sports programs faced challenges in 2020, Mission Tiger reaffirmed its commitment to bring the benefits of sports to more middle schoolers nationwide by announcing a goal to have a positive impact on 1 million kids by the end of 2021.
To date, Mission Tiger has helped more than 1 million kids gain better access to sports by refurbishing sports facilities, providing team jerseys, upgrading equipment and more.
For more information and to support the mission, visit MissionTiger.com, and follow Kellogg's Frosted Flakes on Instagram and TikTok to catch more details about the kids impacted by Tony's latest Mission Tiger donation.
About Kellogg's Frosted Flakes® Mission Tiger™
Mission Tiger launched in August 2019 with a $1 million commitment to DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting public school educators nationwide. For every Kellogg's Frosted Flakes® box purchased, a $2 donation* is sparked by uploading a receipt to Kellogg's Family Rewards™ via MissionTiger.com. Thanks to fans coast to coast, students at middle schools nationwide have better access to play sports. If a favorite athletic program has been cut or a local team needs new uniforms, visit MissionTiger.com today to see requests from middle schools seeking funds and join our team. Mission Tiger middle school sports projects are fulfilled by Tony's partner, DonorsChoose.
Mission Tiger is a part of Kellogg's™ Better Days. Kellogg's™ Better Days is our promise to advance sustainable and equitable access to food, creating better days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030.
*Kellogg is donating $2 per purchase to DonorsChoose with Kellogg's Frosted Flakes receipt upload. Min. Donation $250,000 - Max. $500,000. Go to missiontiger.com for instructions. Applies to purchases between 1/1/22 and 12/31/22; must upload within 30 days of purchase.
About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), our vision is a good and just world where people are not just fed but fulfilled. We are creating better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brands. Our beloved brands include Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Special K®, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg's Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Eggo®, Mini-Wheats®, Kashi®, RXBAR®, MorningStar Farms® and more. Net sales in 2021 were nearly $14.2 billion, comprised principally of snacks as well as convenience foods like cereal, frozen foods and noodles. As part of our Kellogg's® Better Days ESG strategy, we're addressing the interconnected issues of wellbeing, climate and food security, creating Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030. Visit www.KelloggCompany.com.
About the School District of Philadelphia
The School District of Philadelphia is the largest school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Enrollment includes more than 198,000 students in public, charter and alternative schools, and approximately 19,000 employees. Under the leadership of Superintendent, Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr., the School District's mission is to deliver on the civil right of every child in Philadelphia to an excellent public school education and ensure all children graduate from high school ready to succeed, fully-engaged as a citizen of our world. For more information about the School District, visit www.philasd.org.
1 Youth Sports Benefits; Aspen Institute Project Play
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SOURCE Kellogg Company | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/29/kelloggs-frosted-flakes-tony-tiger-quarterback-jalen-hurts-get-more-kids-playing-an-unforgettable-mission-tiger-experience-philadelphia/ | 2022-08-29T16:00:28Z |
China’s Xi warns Biden over Taiwan, calls for cooperation
BEIJING (AP) — President Xi JInping warned against meddling in China’s dealings with Taiwan during a phone call with his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, that gave no indication of progress on trade, technology or other irritants, including Beijing’s opposition to a top American lawmaker’s possible visit to the island democracy, which the mainland claims as its own territory.
Xi also warned against splitting the world’s two biggest economies, according to a Chinese government summary of Thursday’s unusually lengthy, three-hour call. Businesspeople and economists warn such a change, brought on by Chinese industrial policy and U.S. curbs on technology exports, might hurt the global economy by slowing innovation and increasing costs.
Meanwhile, Xi and Biden are looking at the possibility of meeting in person, according to a U.S. official who declined to be identified further. Xi has been invited to Indonesia in November for a meeting of the Group of 20 major economies, making it a potential location for a face-to-face meeting.
The Chinese government gave no indication Xi and Biden discussed possible plans by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan, which the ruling Communist Party says has no right to conduct foreign relations. But Xi rejected “interference by external forces” that might encourage Taiwan to try to make its decades-old de facto independence permanent.
“Resolutely safeguarding China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the firm will of the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people,” said the statement. “Those who play with fire will perish by it.”
The tough language from Xi, who usually tries to appear to be above political disputes and makes blandly positive public comments, suggested Chinese leaders might believe Washington didn’t understand the seriousness of previous warnings about Taiwan.
Taiwan and China split in 1949 following a civil war that ended with a Communist victory on the mainland. They have no official relations but are linked by billions of dollars of trade and investment. Both sides say they are one country but disagree over which government is entitled to national leadership.
A Ministry of Defense spokesman said ahead of Thursday’s call that Washington “must not arrange for Pelosi to visit Taiwan.” He said the ruling party’s military wing, the People’s Liberation Army, would take “strong measures to thwart any external interference.”
Xi called on the United States to “honor the one-China principle,” the statement said, referring to Beijing’s position that the mainland and Taiwan are one country. The United States, by contrast, has a “one-China policy” that says Washington takes no position on the question but wants to see it resolved peacefully.
“Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China,” the statement said.
The statement cited Biden as saying the United States doesn’t support independence for Taiwan.
Coverage of the conversation in China’s entirely state-controlled media on Friday was limited to repeating government statements.
Pelosi has yet to confirm whether she will go to Taiwan, but if she does, the Democrat from California would be the highest-ranking elected American official to visit since then-Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1997.
Beijing criticized Gingrich for saying the United States would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack but did little else in response to his three-hour visit to the island.
Since then, China’s position on Taiwan has hardened as the mainland economy grew to become second-largest after the United States. The ruling party poured hundreds of billions of dollars into developing fighter jets and other high-tech weapons including “carrier killer” missiles that are thought to be intended to block the U.S. Navy from helping to defend the island.
The conflict over a possible Pelosi visit is more sensitive to Beijing in a year when Xi, who took power in 2012, is expected to try to break with tradition and award himself a third five-year term as party leader.
Xi, who wants to be seen as restoring China’s rightful historic role as a global leader, has promoted a more assertive policy abroad. The PLA has sent growing numbers of fighter planes and bombers to fly near Taiwan in an attempt to intimidate its democratically elected government.
The United States has no official relations with Taiwan but has extensive commercial ties and informal political connections. Washington is obliged by federal law to see that Taiwan has the means to defend itself.
Xi called for cooperation on reducing the risk of economic recession, coordinating macroeconomic policies, fighting COVID-19 and “de-escalation of regional hot spots,” according to the government statement.
He also warned against decoupling, or separating, the U.S. and Chinese economies for strategic reasons.
Businesspeople and industry analysts have warned global industries might be split into separate markets with incompatible products due to China’s pressure on its own companies to develop their own technology standards and U.S. restrictions on Chinese access to technology that Washington see as a security risk. That might slow innovation and increase costs.
“Attempts at decoupling or severing supply chains in defiance of underlying laws would not help boost the U.S. economy,” the statement said. “They would only make the world economy more vulnerable.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/29/chinas-xi-warns-biden-over-taiwan-calls-cooperation/ | 2022-07-29T06:58:28Z |
At 810 Plaza Drive
ZEBULON, Ga., Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BenchMark Physical Therapy, which operates more than 160 outpatient clinics in Georgia, opened its newest site today at 810 Plaza Drive in McLeRoy Plaza.
The clinic operates 8 a.m. to noon Monday and Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday.
To make an appointment, call 678-451-1280 or visit benchmarkpt.com.
BenchMark offers in-clinic and telehealth options for outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, including manual therapy, injury prevention, return to performance, total joint replacement, concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation programs.
Clinic director Kadie Coker earned a doctor of physical therapy degree from Alabama State University. Coker is certified in dry needling and LSVT BIG for treating patients with Parkinson's disease. She specializes in treating general orthopedic conditions, sports injuries, neurological conditions and post-operative conditions.
BenchMark, part of the Upstream Rehabilitation family of clinical care, offers access to care within 24 hours and works with all insurance types.
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SOURCE Upstream Rehabilitation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/benchmark-physical-therapy-opens-outpatient-clinic-zebulon-ga/ | 2022-09-12T15:16:08Z |
Man stabs his dad to death after he refuses to pay for groceries, police say
By Dani Birzer
Click here for updates on this story
MESA, Arizona (KPHO) — Police say a man was arrested on Friday after admitting to officers he stabbed his father to death in his Mesa apartment after a trip to the grocery store. Court documents say that around 2 a.m. Friday, somebody called 911 because they were concerned about 43-year-old Jason Todd Jeschor and his father since they weren’t answering their phones. The person told officers that Jeschor’s father had gone to meet his son at his apartment near University Drive and Sossaman Road to take Jeschor grocery shopping Thursday afternoon, but he never came home. They also told officers that Jeschor had schizophrenia and was off of his medication.
Officers arrived at the apartment and Jeschor opened the door with a knife on his waistband, which police immediately took away, court paperwork said. He was then taken into custody. According to court documents, Jeschor told officers that his father was in the bathroom and that “he wasn’t doing well.” Jeschor told an officer that he believed his father and another person were threatening him and that his father was dead, according to court paperwork.
According to court documents, when asked what happened to his dad, Jeschor told officers, “I killed him.” Jeschor told police that his dad had taken him to the grocery store but when his debit card was declined, his father refused to pay. When the two returned to Jeschor’s apartment, he said that he stabbed his dad with a “homemade spear-like object” and then several times in the neck with a switchblade knife in the dining room area, according to court documents. The knife was the same one that was in his waist when officers arrived at the apartment.
According to police, Jeschor moved his father’s body and cleaned up the blood. Investigators said they found the “spear-like object” and cleaning supplies with blood on them. Court documents say that Jeschor did not admit any remorse for his actions and said that he believed the murder was justified, although he did not give a reason why. Jeschor was booked on one count of second-degree murder and one count of tampering with evidence.
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/cnn-regional/2022/04/05/man-stabs-his-dad-to-death-after-he-refuses-to-pay-for-groceries-police-say/ | 2022-04-05T20:33:07Z |
Life Science Proves a Powerful Answer to Vacant Office Space
PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The new headquarters for Doheny Eye Institute, affiliated with UCLA Stein Eye Institute, are now open. Located at the former Avery Dennison campus on North Orange Grove Boulevard, the new life science research center is dedicated to the conservation, improvement, and restoration of human eyesight. It also fulfills the community's hopes for the cherished 7-acre campus, which had sat vacant for several years.
Life sciences are quickly becoming a powerful solution for empty workspaces across the US. However, offices aren't built for the intricate needs of laboratories -- highly sensitive to temperature, vibration, and light, and often requiring special features like air balancing, biosafety cabinets, lasers, and cold storage.
To solve this puzzle for the 40-year-old building, Doheny Eye Institute brought on Abbott Construction early in the design process to innovate alongside Doheny's researchers and leadership staff, construction manager CMPG, and designer SWA Architects. Together they found solutions to create a best-in-class vision research center.
"An outcome like this was only possible through great collaboration," says Abbott Vice President Michael Sloane. "We were honored to be part of it, because Doheny Eye Institute will make a significant impact in our community."
The facility currently features several floors of dedicated research and laboratory space, plus an executive wing with c-suite conference room, reading library, and a 220-seat conference center. Like an expression of its mission to improve sight, the building offers unparalleled 360 degree views of the outside world. Plans are also underway to build out the first floor for the Doheny Eye Center UCLA, the patient care enterprise, to create a full vision sciences campus.
"Doheny, Stein, and UCLA have one of the nation's best teams to do this work," said Marissa Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of Doheny Eye Institute at its grand opening in June. "We celebrate this building's promise for the next generation of researchers and clinician scientists."
To learn more, visit https://www.abbottconstruction.com/projects/doheny-eye-institute/
Founded in 1983, Abbott Construction is a West Coast construction group known for superior management and field team, best-in-class standards and craftsmanship. Abbott's expertise runs deep in pre-construction, project planning, and the professional execution of construction in a variety of market sectors including healthcare, retail, office, non-profit, mixed-use, education, and seismic improvements. Abbott is a member of STO Building Group, and is headquartered in Seattle, with offices in Tacoma and Los Angeles. Learn more at abbottconstruction.com.
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SOURCE Abbott Construction | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/doheny-eye-institute-opens-its-headquarters-pasadena/ | 2022-09-14T14:57:18Z |
The new product is a result of the company's recently filed patent for 3D-bioprinting technology which allows unprecedented marbling control within a consolidated structure
REHOVOT, Israel, Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Steakholder Foods Ltd. (Nasdaq: STKH), (formerly MeaTech 3D: $MITC) an international deep-tech food company at the forefront of the cultured meat industry, is pleased to introduce Omakase Beef Morsels, a revolutionary, richly marbled structured meat product developed using a unique 3D-printing process.
Inspired by the marbling standard of Wagyu beef, Omakase Beef Morsels are an innovative culinary achievement elegantly designed as a meat lover's delicacy for premium dining experiences.
The product is made up of multiple layers of muscle and fat tissue, which have been differentiated from bovine stem cells, and showcases the technology's unprecedented control and flexibility. Each layer is printed separately using two different bio-inks – one for muscle and one for fat. The layers can be printed in a variety of muscle/fat sequences which affects the juiciness and marbling of the cut.
Steakholder Foods' technology can print the product with any shape, width and marbling ratio and even exceed the marbling precision reminiscent of the Wagyu beef standard. It can also provide unprecedented product consistency at scale.
The company's provisional patent, "stacked, multi-layered meat-emulating consumable," is the result of cutting-edge bio-convergence with intensive collaboration between its 3D-printing engineers and cellular biologists.
This technological achievement, which follows a series of ongoing advancements in the company's development of printed whole cuts of meat, will likely position Steakholder Foods on the frontline of the market once a regulatory road map is established by the Food and Drug Administration.
Some of the company's advancements over the past year:
- Largest ever 3.67 oz (104 grams) printed cultured steak
- Significant progress with acceleration and enhancement of muscle fiber formation to mirror key characteristics of farm-raised meat
- Development of unique multiple-nozzle modular printing head that can produce complex meat products with pinpoint precision at an industrial rate of production without impacting cell viability
- Patent based on the development of systems and methods for applying external forces to muscle tissue that result in the creation of high-quality complex structured meat
Arik Kaufman, Steakholder Foods' Chief Executive Officer: "This product marks a major breakthrough for us and for the cultured meat sector in general. It is the result of a lot of hard work and our desire to attain the highest standard of meat possible through bioprinting and cell cultivation processes. It also marks a significant milestone in our quest to perfect the "holy grail" of meat — steak. We see Omakase Beef Morsels at the intersection of food, technology and fine art. We want to inspire chefs around the world to create mouthwatering culinary masterpieces and unforgettable dining experiences."
About Steakholder Foods
Steakholder Foods Ltd., formerly MeaTech 3D Ltd., is an international deep-tech food company at the forefront of the cultured meat revolution. The company initiated activities in 2019 and is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker "STKH" (formally MITC). Steakholder Foods maintains facilities in Rehovot, Israel and Antwerp, Belgium and has recently expanded activities to the US.
The company is developing a slaughter-free solution for producing a variety of beef, chicken, pork, and seafood products — both as raw materials and whole cuts — as an alternative to industrialized farming and fishing. With its membership in the UN Global Compact, Steakholder Foods is committed to act in support of issues embodied in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which include strengthening food security, decreasing carbon footprint, and conserving water and land resources.
For more information, please visit: https://steakholderfoods.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Steakholder Foods' business, operations and financial performance and condition as well as plans, objectives, and expectations for Steakholder Foods' business operations and financial performance and condition. Any statements that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect Steakholder Foods' current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which change over time, and other factors that may cause Steakholder Food's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and are typically identified with words such as "may," "could," "should," "will," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "aim," "intend," "plan" or words or phases of similar meaning and include, without limitation, Steakholder Foods' expectations regarding the success of its cultured meat manufacturing technologies it is developing, which will require significant additional work before Steakholder Foods can potentially launch commercial sales; Steakholder Foods' research and development activities associated with technologies for cultured meat manufacturing, including three-dimensional meat production, which involves a lengthy and complex process; Steakholder Foods' ability to obtain and enforce its intellectual property rights and to operate its business without infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise violating the intellectual property rights and proprietary technology of third parties; and other risks and uncertainties, including those identified in Steakholder Foods' Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2022. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Steakholder Foods to predict their occurrence or how they will affect Steakholder Foods. If one or more of the factors affecting Steakholder Foods' forward-looking information and statements proves incorrect, then Steakholder Foods' actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release. Therefore, Steakholder Foods cautions you not to place undue reliance on its forward-looking information and statements. Steakholder Foods disclaims any duty to revise or update the forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking statements, except as specifically required by law.
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SOURCE Steakholder™ Foods Ltd. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/07/steakholder-foods-announces-omakase-beef-morsels-first-of-its-kind-highly-marbled-3d-printed-100-cultured-beef-cut/ | 2022-09-07T11:54:47Z |
Stamp Is Latest in Music Icons Stamp Series
NEWPORT, R.I., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Famed folk singer Pete Seeger was honored today as he was inducted into the Postal Service's Music Icons Forever stamp series at the Jane Pickens Theater.
Share the news of the stamp with the hashtag #PeteSeegerStamp.
"The Postal Service is pleased to present our new Music Icons stamp honoring Pete Seeger, a man who inspired countless musicians and millions of fans around the world," said Tom Foti, the Postal Service's product solutions vice president, who served as the stamp ceremony's dedicating official. "He was not only a champion of traditional American music, he was also celebrated as a unifying power by promoting a variety of causes, such as, civil rights, workers' rights, social justice, the peace movement and protecting the environment."
The other participants at the stamp ceremony were members of Seeger's family; Chris Funk, music director of the Newport Folk Festival Presents For Pete's Sake; and Béla Fleck, who performed the national anthem.
The Pete Seeger Forever stamps are being sold in panes of 16.
The stamp art features a color-tinted, black-and-white photograph taken in the early 1960s by Dan Seeger, the performer's son. Pete Seeger is shown in left profile, singing and playing his iconic banjo.
The square stamp pane resembles a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve. One side of the pane includes the stamps and the image of a sliver of a record seeming to peek out the top of the sleeve. A larger version of the stamp-art photograph appears on the reverse side with the words "Pete Seeger FOLK SINGER."
Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp and pane. Dan Seeger's photograph was color-tinted by Kristen Monthei.
The Forging of a Folk Hero
Pete Seeger (1919-2014) revived and championed traditional American music. A resolute voice of conscience and defender of American liberties, he adapted and popularized the song "We Shall Overcome," which rose to become the predominant anthem of the civil rights movement. His own compositions galvanized populist uprisings: "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" has given musical voice to peace movements since the Vietnam War, and "If I Had a Hammer" has been embraced by an array of activists.
"It is an honor to see a photo of my father I'd taken some 60 years ago become this wonderful Forever stamp," said Dan Seeger. "My dad did most of his correspondence by hand — written letters — and I can imagine him smiling and of course appreciating this great honor because he relied on the U.S. Mail with its simplicity and honesty, knowing that thoughts and ideas can go from the sender over a tremendous expanse to a single receiver and get delivered."
Responding to Seeger's enormous charisma as a performer, audiences turned his concerts into sing-alongs, led by his clear tenor and ringing five-string banjo, its head inscribed: "This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender." In the eyes of generations of admirers, Seeger's ideals and ordeals elevated him from folk singer to folk hero.
He was raised in New York and Connecticut by musician parents. Young Peter Seeger intuitively took to any musical instrument put within his reach. While he was still a toddler, his family made a pilgrimage to the South — homemade trailer in tow — to introduce classical music to the people of Appalachia. Following a recital by Seeger's parents, the teacher-student balance quickly reversed; audience members gave an impromptu concert of regional folk tunes. A return to the South during his teenage years further enticed Seeger. Rural Southern folk music — and the five-string banjo that characterized it — would influence his long, extraordinary career.
Seeger dropped out of college after two years at Harvard University, where he had prioritized populist causes and music over academics. In the late 1930s, he moved to New York City and also worked in Washington, DC, where he archived folk songs and recordings for the Library of Congress. He also hitchhiked and hopped boxcars to see America and hear its music. During these youthful wanderings, he met influential folk musicians, including Huddie Ledbetter, best known as Lead Belly, and Woody Guthrie, who penned "This Land is Your Land" at around the same time. Guthrie and Lead Belly became two of Seeger's mentors.
Seeger and Guthrie roamed the country and organized the Almanac Singers, a loose coalition of musicians who tunefully promoted labor unionization wherever they went. Staunchly anti-fascist, the Almanacs wrote patriotic songs as Hitler menaced Europe and America entered World War II. Drafted in 1942, Seeger served three years in the Army, entertaining troops stateside and in the South Pacific until the Allied victory.
After the war, Seeger formed the Weavers, a quartet of like-minded musicians. They did not anticipate huge mainstream success, but it arrived quickly: "Goodnight, Irene," a Lead Belly composition that was the flip side of their first release, became the number one song of 1950. This surprise hit was followed by other catchy releases. Some, such as "Wimoweh," and in later years, "Guantanamera," were imported gems that Seeger plucked from obscurity. "Michael Row the Boat Ashore" and "On Top of Old Smokey" were among the songs from Americana that he repopularized. Still others, such as "The Hammer Song (If I Had a Hammer)," were written or co-written by Seeger, with the catchiness and thematic qualities of folk anthems.
The Weavers' success was meteoric and their downfall just about as swift. The group's left-wing politics did not sit well with Congressional anti-Communist crusaders during the early Cold War era. Disc jockeys stopped playing Weavers records, their bookings dried up, and they disbanded in 1952. They would regroup a few years later, but they would never regain the same widespread popularity.
Subpoenaed to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1955, Seeger was asked whether he had sung for Communist groups. Defiantly, he called such questions improper, and asserted his patriotism and his right to sing to anyone who wanted to hear him. His lack of contrition brought him 10 counts of contempt of Congress, each carrying a one-year prison term, a sentence not overturned until 1962. Although not imprisoned as the legal process played out, he was effectively blacklisted. Media executives were intimidated by the consequences of association with those branded subversive, and Seeger would not appear on network television again until 1967.
He was sidelined but couldn't be silenced. Seeger recorded prolifically, embarked on a musical world tour with his family, sang with civil rights groups in the Deep South, and virtually invented the college campus concert circuit.
During Seeger's exile from radio and TV, the seeds he had sown for a folk revival bore ample fruit for other artists. The Kingston Trio had a hit record with "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" as did Peter, Paul and Mary, who also charted with "If I Had a Hammer." The Byrds electrified "Turn! Turn! Turn!," a beautifully simple song that Seeger had adapted from a favorite biblical passage. That record topped the charts in 1965. Seeger also fostered the careers of a new generation of folkies, including Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, partly through his early stewardship of the Newport Folk Festival.
In 1963, Seeger garnered some radio airplay with his biggest solo hit, "Little Boxes," a song satirizing the conformity in "ticky-tacky" housing developments proliferating across the post-war American landscape. Although the song's popularity ended his long radio silence, Seeger remained motivated not by hit records but by the unity and harmony of voices lifted in purposeful song.
Classrooms were among his favorite venues. In time, the school kids he had sung with in the 1940s and '50s grew into the politically empowered college students of the 1960s. As the civil rights and anti-war movements gathered steam, Seeger was often present on campuses to offer his talents and support.
Having taken a stand in so many of the 20th century's pressing societal issues, Seeger found his next cause in his own backyard. Sailing near the log cabin he built with Toshi, his longtime wife and partner, he became alarmed by sewage, garbage and chemical runoff in the Hudson River. To call attention to the river's plight, he spearheaded efforts to build a sloop like the tall-masted wooden cargo boats that had sailed the Hudson in centuries past.
Called Clearwater, the vessel was launched in 1969 and ever since has brought attention to the river through onboard concerts, education programs and riverside festivals. Now a National Historic Site, the sloop Clearwater and the organization supporting it have inspired generations of river stewards, and other environmental groups have emulated its organizational model.
Seeger was widely honored during the later years of his life, winning both the National Medal of the Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1994. In 1996, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His album "Pete" won the 1997 Grammy Award for best traditional folk album, an award he also won in 2009 for "At 89." New audiences were introduced to Seeger's music when Bruce Springsteen devoted an entire 2006 album to Seeger songs.
On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at a concert marking the 2009 presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, Seeger, along with Springsteen and a crowd of some 400,000 people, sang "This Land is Your Land."
Postal Products
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.
Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1 ounce price.
A feature story about the stamp will be available at facebook.com/usps following the ceremony. Information for ordering first-day-of-issue postmarks and covers is at usps.com/shop.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Please Note: For U.S. Postal Service media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube channel, like us on Facebook and enjoy our Postal Posts blog. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
National contact: David P. Coleman
202-425-1476
david.p.coleman@usps.gov
Local contact: Stephen Doherty
617-529-8751
stephen.n.doherty@usps.gov
usps.com/news
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SOURCE U.S. Postal Service | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/22/us-postal-service-honors-folk-singer-pete-seeger/ | 2022-07-22T01:06:01Z |
BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jasper Health has announced that its digital solution for oncology care management will be offered as a pilot program through the Evernorth Digital Health Formulary. Through this pilot program, Jasper Health will provide people living with cancer and their care teams access to digital, personalized oncology care management support, including psychosocial coaching, medication management, and symptom tracking.
"We are excited to collaborate with Evernorth, a company that prioritizes whole-patient care. With technology-powered, data-driven, and personalized support, this new collaboration drives oncology care into a future state to improve experiences, outcomes, and costs." said Adam Pellegrini, CEO, and Co-Founder of Jasper Health. "This program can demonstrate the power of hybrid care and coaching to transform oncology with improved outcomes and costs."
Jasper Health's platform has over 16,000 members who have proven that personalized information and psychosocial support through clinically-led, empathetic coaching produces results. Sixty-eight percent of members reported a reduction in stress and anxiety, 78% reported better medication adherence, and 93% found it easier to track and remember appointments.
With safe and rapid bi-directional data capabilities through FHIR data standards (with support for other data standards), Jasper Health provides seamless integration and data-sharing to support patients, care teams, and clinicians. The platform also integrates biometric data from wearables such as Apple Watch, Fitbit, and the FDA-approved and award-winning BioIntelliSense patch to track vital measurements. This data, together with Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs), reveals a never-before-seen view of the oncology patient outside of the office or hospital setting.
This whole-patient view coupled with clinical best practices empowers both a patient's own care teams and the Jasper Cancer Care Coaching team to better support members in care navigation, financial and community support, mental health, nutrition, and activity across the entire cancer journey. Member satisfaction with Jasper Coaching is 100%, confirming that people affected by cancer need, and deserve support.
The oncology space is changing. While innovators like CMS are beginning to structure care and reimbursement around patient-centric models, Jasper Health and our partners are at the vanguard of this movement - passionately nurturing a data-driven, patient-centric approach as we help those through their oncology care management journey and beyond.
Jasper Health is a digital guiding and navigation experience that improves the lives of individuals affected by cancer and their caregivers. This support spans from diagnosis through remission, to palliative and end-of-life care. Its end-to-end oncology platform provides psychosocial support while enabling connected care with the broader healthcare system. Our team includes seasoned leaders with decades of experience in digital health, clinical care, data science, and consumer engagement. Founded at Redesign Health, a company that powers innovation in healthcare, we believe that powerful technology and passionate people can relieve some of the stress of organizing care. For more information, visit http://www.hellojasper.com.
Contact
Morgan Spies
morgan.spies@hellojasper.com
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SOURCE Jasper Health | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/15/jasper-health-expands-access-virtual-support-psychosocial-coaching-enhance-oncology-care-experience/ | 2022-09-15T13:27:10Z |
BERLIN (AP) — Finland’s government declared a “new era” is underway as it inches closer to seeking NATO membership, hours before Sweden’s governing party on Sunday backed a plan to join the trans-Atlantic alliance amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Russia has long bristled about NATO moving closer to its borders, so the developments will be sure to further anger Moscow. President Vladimir Putin has already warned his Finnish counterpart on Saturday that relations would be “negatively affected.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Sunday the process for Finland and Sweden to join could be very quick. He also didn’t expect Turkey to hold up the process.
Speaking after top diplomats from the alliance’s 30 member states met in Berlin, Stoltenberg also expressed his hope that Ukraine could win the war as Russian military advances appear to be faltering.
In Finland, President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin confirmed earlier statements that their country would seek membership in NATO during a joint news conference at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. The Nordic country, which was nonaligned before changing its stance on NATO, shares a long border with Russia.
“This is a historic day. A new era begins,” Niinisto said.
The Finnish Parliament is expected to endorse the decision in the coming days. A formal membership application will then be submitted to NATO headquarters in Brussels, most likely at some point next week.
Sweden, also nonaligned, moved a step closer to applying for NATO membership after the governing Social Democratic party met Sunday and backed joining the trans-Atlantic alliance.
The plan to join the alliance will be discussed in Sweden’s parliament on Monday, and Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson’s Cabinet will make an announcement later that day.
The decision by the Social Democrats breaks with the party’s long-standing position that Sweden must remain nonaligned and means there’s a clear majority for NATO membership in Parliament.
Sweden has not been a member of a military alliance since the Napoleonic Wars. Finland adopted neutrality after being defeated by the Red Army in World War II and losing about 10% of its territory.
“Our 200-year-long standing policy of military nonalignment has served Sweden well,” Andersson said during a news conference in Stockholm late Sunday. “But the issue at hand is whether military nonalignment will keep serving us well?”
“We’re now facing a fundamentally changed security environment in Europe.”
Finland and Sweden abandoned traditional neutrality by joining the European Union in 1995.
Public opinion in both countries was firmly against joining NATO until the Russian invasion on Ukraine on Feb. 24, when support for membership surged almost overnight, first in Finland and later in Sweden.
NATO’s secretary-general, meanwhile, sought to highlight Russian military setbacks.
“Russia’s war in Ukraine is not going as Moscow had planned,” Stoltenberg said by video link to the NATO meeting in Berlin as he recovers from a COVID-19 infection.” “They failed to take Kyiv. They are pulling back from around Kharkiv. Their major offensive in Donbas has stalled. Russia is not achieving its strategic objectives.”
“Ukraine can win this war,” he said, adding that NATO must continue to step up its military support to the country.
The ex-Soviet republic of Georgia’s bid to join NATO is again being discussed despite dire warnings from Moscow about the consequences. Both countries fought a brief war in 2008 over Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia.
Nordic NATO member Norway said it strongly welcomed Finland’s decision to seek membership. Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt described Helsinki’s move as “a turning point” for the Nordic region’s defense and security policies.
Stoltenberg said he was confident the accession process for Finland and Sweden could be expedited. In the meantime, the alliance would increase its presence in the Baltic region to deter Russian threats, he said.
“All allies realize the historic magnitude of the moment,” Stoltenberg added.
That sentiment was echoed by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
“Sweden and Finland, if you’re ready, we’re ready,” she said.
But NATO member Turkey has raised concerns about the two countries joining, alleging they support Kurdish militants that Ankara considers terrorists.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, has waged an insurgency against Turkey since 1984 and the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people. Turkey has also been infuriated by U.S. support for PKK-linked Syrian Kurdish militants to fight the Islamic State group.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu told reporters in Berlin that Finland and Sweden had also imposed restrictions on defense sales to Turkey that he called “unacceptable.”
“It’s not because we are against the expansion of NATO, but because we believe countries who support terror and follow such policies against us should not be NATO allies,” Çavuşoğlu said.
Stoltenberg said his understanding is that Turkey wants to have its concerns over Finland and Sweden addressed first.
“Turkey has made it clear that their intention is not to block membership,” he said.
Nonetheless, Turkey’s raising of its grievances has led to concerns in Washington and Brussels that other NATO members might also use the admission process as a way to wring concessions from allies, possibly complicating and delaying accession.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who spoke with Çavuşoğlu and will see him again on the margins of a special U.N. Security Council meeting later this week in New York, declined to comment on those concerns. But he was optimistic that all NATO members would support bids from Finland and Sweden.
“I’m very confident that we will reach consensus,” he said after the meeting in Berlin.
___
Jari Tanner reported from Helsinki. Matthew Lee in Berlin, and Zeynep Bilginsoy in Istanbul, contributed to this report.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/nato-sees-russias-war-faltering-mulls-expanding-alliance/ | 2022-05-15T23:50:04Z |
Vietnamese insurer PVI expedites compliance journey with accelerator solution fusing KPMG's industry acumen and SAS analytics
CARY, N.C., Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurers worldwide are under intensifying time pressure to implement International Financial Reporting Standard 17 (IFRS 17) Insurance Contracts. Facing its own January 2023 compliance deadline for group reporting, Hanoi-based PVI – majority owned by German insurance giant HDI Global – has deployed a fast-track IFRS 17 solution, KPMG IFRS 17 Express – powered by SAS®.
The joint solution combines the SAS Solution for IFRS 17 and a globally tested methodology developed by one of the world's leading insurance groups, Allianz, operating in 70 countries. KPMG IFRS 17 Express – powered by SAS provides insurers a more efficient, cost-effective path to compliance, replete with a fully functional IFRS 17 calculation and posting engine as well as pre-defined data models and extensive postings, fostering automation and integration. Its singular, traceable platform ensures auditability and transparency while also facilitating collaboration between insurers' actuarial, risk management and finance teams.
For PVI, technological and methodological security, as well as the rapid implementation timeline, were decisive factors in choosing KPMG IFRS Express – powered by SAS. Working in concert, KPMG and SAS remain engaged with PVI, helping orient its teams and familiarize them with the robust, preconfigured IFRS 17 compliance engine.
"Combining the experience and expertise of three global market leaders, propelled by SAS' industry-proven analytics infrastructure, is a convincing concept that lives up to the expectations," said Kein Tuan Phung, Deputy CEO at PVI Holdings Vietnam. "With KPMG IFRS 17 Express – powered by SAS, we achieved the onboarding of a robust and traceable calculation engine and subledger for IFRS 17, with capabilities for ongoing tuning, in less than 12 weeks."
"It's hard to imagine a more powerful fusion of industry leadership and capabilities – SAS technology fueling the Allianz methodology and driven by KPMG's industry-forged know-how and processes," said Troy Haines, Senior Vice President of Risk Research and Quantitative Solutions at SAS. "As global insurers confront the most disruptive regulatory shift to ever affect the industry's financial reporting, KPMG IFRS 17 Express – powered by SAS is proving a potent and reliable solution for tackling IFRS 17 requirements in a highly compressed timeframe."
Advice from industry experts
As the clock ticks ever closer to IFRS 17's effective date for many insurers, pressure is mounting. Feeling the time crunch? Register to join the IFRS 17 Webcast Series on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 8:30 a.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CET) – and available later on demand – where experts from KPMG, Allianz and SAS will share tips on how to successfully navigate the path to compliance.
About KPMG
KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited ("KPMG International") operate and provide professional services. "KPMG" is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.
KPMG firms operate in 145 countries and territories with more than 236,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.
KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.
For more detail about our structure, please visit www.home.kpmg/governance.
Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and their affiliates or related entities.
About SAS
SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.
SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2022 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.
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SOURCE SAS | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/09/pvi-drives-ifrs-17-compliance-mere-weeks-with-express-solution-sas-kpmg/ | 2022-09-09T16:06:52Z |
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 3M (NYSE: MMM) has entered into an agreement to sell its rights to the Neoplast™ and Neobun™ brands and related assets in Thailand and certain other Southeast Asia countries, including the manufacturing assets of its Ladlumkaew, Thailand, facility to Selic Corp Public Company Limited (Selic), a company focusing on bonding innovation serving various industries.
Neoplast and Neobun products, sold primarily in Thailand and Southeast Asia, are part of the Skin Health & Wellness business in 3M's Consumer Health & Safety Division. The portfolios include sports and medical tapes, bandages and medicated products for the consumer and health care industry.
As part of ongoing strategic portfolio management, 3M has decided to exit these brands and prioritize other areas within its Consumer Health & Safety Division (CHSD).
"3M continues to relentlessly prioritize investments that leverage 3M's technologies in advanced wound care solutions under the Nexcare™ brand in skin health and wellness for the consumer," said Megan Selby, President, 3M CHSD. "We will continue to invest in health and safety for our Asia customers and those around the world."
3M previously announced that it would discontinue all manufacturing in the Ladlumkaew plant and close the facility by the end of August 2022. This will impact approximately 250 3M Thailand employees who are eligible for severance and outplacement assistance.
Selic has indicated that it intends to establish operations at the facility, including employment of interested site employees, to scale up production of Neoplast and Neobun brands and further product development for its medical device business.
The sale is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The sale will not have a material impact on 3M's financial results.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information about 3M's financial results and estimates and business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "aim," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "will," "should," "could," "target," "forecast" and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance or business plans or prospects. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: (1) worldwide economic, political, regulatory, international trade and other external conditions and other factors beyond the Company's control, including natural and other disasters or climate change affecting the operations of the Company or its customers and suppliers; (2) risks related to public health crises such as the global pandemic associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19); (3) foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; (4) liabilities related to certain fluorochemicals, including lawsuits concerning various PFAS-related products and chemistries, and claims and governmental regulatory proceedings and inquiries related to PFAS in a variety of jurisdictions; (5) legal proceedings, including significant developments that could occur in the legal and regulatory proceedings described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021, and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q (the "Reports"); (6) competitive conditions and customer preferences; (7) the timing and market acceptance of new product offerings; (8) the availability and cost of purchased components, compounds, raw materials, energy (including oil and natural gas and their derivatives) and labor due to shortages, increased demand and wages, logistics, supply chain interruptions or manufacturing site disruption (including those caused by natural and other disasters and other events such as government actions); (9) unanticipated problems or delays with the phased implementation of a global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, or security breaches and other disruptions to the Company's information technology infrastructure; (10) the impact of acquisitions, strategic alliances, divestitures and other unusual events resulting from portfolio management actions and other evolving business strategies, and possible organizational restructuring; (11) operational execution, including scenarios where the Company generates fewer productivity improvements than estimated; (12) financial market risks that may affect the Company's funding obligations under defined benefit pension and postretirement plans; (13) the Company's credit ratings and its cost of capital; and (14) tax-related external conditions, including changes in tax rates, laws or regulations. Changes in such assumptions or factors could produce significantly different results. A further description of these factors is located in the Reports under "Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results" and "Risk Factors" in Part I, Items 1 and 1A (Annual Report) and in Part I, Item 2 and Part II, Item 1A (Quarterly Reports), as updated by applicable Current Reports on Form 8-K. The information contained in this press release is as of the date indicated. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments.
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily as our employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to global challenges at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.
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SOURCE 3M | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/3m-sell-rights-neoplast-neobun-brands-related-assets-thailand-certain-other-southeast-asia-countries/ | 2022-07-01T03:54:28Z |
Palace reveals details of queen’s state funeral on Monday
LONDON (AP) — Two minutes of silence will be observed across the United Kingdom at the end of Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday giving the public across the nation a chance to pay their respects to the late monarch.
Buckingham Palace released details Thursday of the state funeral and a ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor ahead of her private interment later Monday.
After the state funeral, attended by some 2,000 guests, including visiting heads of state and other dignitaries, the late queen’s coffin will be transported through the historic heart of London on a horse-drawn gun carriage before being driven by the state hearse to Windsor, where the queen will be interred alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, who died last year.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/09/15/palace-reveals-details-queens-state-funeral-monday/ | 2022-09-15T13:06:13Z |
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Reps. Lucy McBath and Carolyn Bourdeaux flipped two longtime Republican congressional districts in Atlanta’s northern suburbs by running against then-President Donald Trump and his divisive brand of politics.
But as they fight to keep their House seats this year, they’re competing against each other.
After new congressional maps approved by the Republican-controlled state Legislature made McBath’s district more conservative, she decided to compete for Bourdeaux’s seat. That’s pitting two colleagues from the same party against one another ahead of Georgia’s May 24 primary.
The race is an uncomfortable development for Democrats who would prefer to celebrate the inroads they’ve made in Georgia, culminating with Joe Biden becoming his party’s first presidential candidate to take the state in 28 years. Rather than building on that success, which was driven in part by support in Atlanta’s suburbs, the primary is pitting two rising of the party’s stars against each other.
Bourdeaux, who has referred to McBath as a “sister” and previously campaigned alongside her, said in a recent interview that she was “pretty shocked” by the primary challenge.
“If the shoe were on the other foot, it would not have crossed my mind in a million years to go over to the sixth (district) and run against her,” Bourdeaux said, lamenting that McBath was devoting resources to defeating her in the primary that could instead be directed at Republicans.
McBath said her push to remain in Congress is “about my work to honor my son,” not her primary opponent. Her 17-year old son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a white man who was angry over the loud music the Black teenager and his friends had been playing in their car, spurring McBath into becoming a gun safety activist.
“To keep that promise to my son and my family and my community, I have just refused to let Brian Kemp and the NRA gun lobby and the Republican Party decide who represents our communities in Georgia,” McBath said in an interview, referring to the state’s Republican governor and new maps state lawmakers drew based on the 2020 census.
She added: “I’ve had many people say to me, ’I think you’re making the right decision. It’s a difficult decision, of course, but I think it’s the right decision.’”
The contest is one of five major incumbent-on-incumbent House primary races that will unfold around the country this summer. They include Democratic Reps. Andy Levin and Haley Stevens in suburban Detroit; Republican Reps. David McKinley and Alex Mooney in the northern half of West Virginia; and Illinois congressional colleagues from both parties — Republicans Mary Miller and Rodney Davis and Democrats Marie Newman and Sean Casten.
For some of these contenders, trying to unseat a colleague is just a political reality that comes along with the once-a-decade redistricting process. In Michigan, Levin and Stevens each said they still considered the other a friend despite now competing for a new seat drawn by an independent commission.
“When something unfortunate like this happens, to me, it’s nothing personal,” said Levin, who opted to forgo competing in a newly drawn battleground district to instead challenge Stevens in a safely Democratic one.
Stevens said that, during a recent vote on the House floor, she pulled Levin aside to discuss a bill they’d been working on. Later, she said, it hit her that, ”‘Holy smokes. I’m in this primary with him and, no matter what happens, we’re not gonna be colleagues.’”
The race in Georgia is especially stinging because it will stunt one of two nascent, promising political careers.
McBath won a House seat in 2018 from a suburban district that was held by former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich for two decades. The former Delta flight attendant is known nationally as a fierce gun safety advocate.
The same year, Bourdeaux came within a few hundred votes of unseating a Republican in the adjacent district, before ultimately winning the seat in 2020. A former public policy professor and Georgia Senate budget director, Bourdeaux has worked on transportation and infrastructure issues. She was among a small group of House Democrats who urged passage last year of a bipartisan infrastructure law before agreement was reached on a larger Democratic social policy package.
Bourdeaux’s redrawn district includes wealthy suburbs in Gwinnett County that have grown increasingly diverse in recent years. It has large Black, Hispanic and Asian populations. A stretch of Buford Highway that runs through the area has become a major draw for its breadth of ethnic restaurants.
The district is heavily Democratic, so the winner of the primary is expected to prevail in the general election.
The two have stayed fairly even in the money race. As of the end of last year, McBath had raised slightly more than $3 million, compared with Bourdeaux’s nearly $2.4 million.
Bourdeaux has been endorsed by some top Gwinnett County Democratic leaders, while Everytown for Gun Safety, where McBath once worked, has runs ads on her behalf. “Protect Our Future,” a new Democratic super PAC backed by a cryptocurrency billionaire, has also vowed to spend big to boost McBath, prompting calls from Bourdeaux’s campaign that her opponent should “disavow” funding from the group.
Jovanny Emery Sierra, a 27-year-old technologist at a medical company from Duluth, voted for Bourdeaux in the 2020 general election but is now volunteering for McBath. He said he was alienated by Bourdeaux seeming to prioritize the infrastructure legislation rather than a larger, White House-backed social spending and public works bill known as Build Back Better that eventually collapsed.
“It just felt like a slap in the face,” he said.
Others who live in the district say they feel anguished that McBath or Bourdeaux will be left without a congressional seat.
“We have two great, caring people that are Democrats, but through this gerrymandering at the state Legislature, they just cut them up and dilute the democratic process,” said Jim Shealey, 72. Shealey said he hadn’t decided whom to vote for in May.
Still, Julie Pierce, 65, said McBath’s decision to challenge Bourdeaux “leaves me squeamish.”
Pierce said she’s always thought highly of McBath, but she sees Bourdeaux out campaigning much harder.
“If you’re going to parachute in, for crying out loud, parachute in and date me,” Pierce said of McBath. “Don’t take me for granted.”
___
Weissert reported from Washington. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/from-sister-to-rival-dem-rising-stars-fight-for-ga-seat/ | 2022-04-15T07:36:56Z |
LORDSTOWN, Ohio, April 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lordstown Motors Corp. (Nasdaq: RIDE) ("Lordstown Motors"), a developer of electric light-duty trucks focused on the commercial fleet market, today announced that it will release its first quarter financial results before market open on May 9, 2022. The company will then host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
The call can be accessed via a live webcast accessible on the Events page of Lordstown Motors' Investor Relations website at https://investor.lordstownmotors.com/. An archive of the webcast will be available shortly after the call.
Lordstown Motors is also providing an update with respect to the pending transactions under the asset purchase agreement entered into with Foxconn EV Technology, Inc. ("Foxconn Ohio"), an affiliate of Hon Hai Technology Group ("Foxconn"), on November 10, 2021 (the "APA"). The APA provides, among other things, that Foxconn Ohio will purchase the Lordstown facility for $230 million and reimburse certain operating and expansion costs incurred by Lordstown Motors from September 1, 2021, through the closing. To date, Foxconn Ohio has made down payments of $100 million on November 18, 2021, $50 million on January 28, 2022, and $50 million on April 15, 2022. On April 9, 2022, the parties received clearance of the transactions from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
The closing remains subject to additional closing conditions, including further negotiation and execution of a contract manufacturing agreement.
Under the APA, the parties also agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into a joint venture agreement for the purpose of jointly designing, engineering, developing, validating, and launching vehicle programs for the commercial vehicle market in North America and internationally using Foxconn's Mobility-in-Harmony platform. To date, no agreement has been reached, although discussions are continuing.
No assurance can be made that the APA will ultimately be consummated on the terms contemplated, or at all, or that any joint venture or related funding structure (the "Joint Venture Agreement") will be reached or as to the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement. Pursuant to the APA, if the contemplated transactions are not consummated by May 14, 2022, then, subject to any defenses and/or other claims it may have, Lordstown Motors would be obligated to repay the down payments to Foxconn by such date, unless the parties have agreed to an extension of the repayment deadline. Lordstown Motors has granted Foxconn a first priority security interest in substantially all of its assets to secure the repayment obligation and does not currently have sufficient available cash to repay the down payments by the repayment deadline. See "Forward-Looking Statements" below for additional information regarding risks and uncertainties relating to the potential Foxconn transactions and otherwise that may affect Lordstown Motors' prospects, future results and ability to continue as a going concern.
Lordstown Motors expects to provide further updates regarding the status of the APA and related transactions as part of its earnings announcement and conference call on May 9, 2022.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes forward looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as "feel," "believe," "expects," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "should," "is to be," or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein due to many factors, including, but not limited to: the need to raise substantial additional capital well in advance of our target for the start of commercial production, to continue ongoing operations and remain a going concern, and our ability to raise such funding on a reasonable timeline and with suitable terms; the cost and other impacts of litigation, regulatory proceedings, investigations, claims and available insurance coverage and/or adverse publicity including with respect to the matters raised by the March 24, 2022 stockholder letter, which may have a material adverse effect, whether or not successful or valid, on our business prospects and ability to obtain financing; our limited operating history and our ability to execute our business plan, including through any relationship with Foxconn; our ability to raise sufficient capital in the future in order to invest in the tooling to eventually lower the bill of materials cost for, and make continued design enhancements to, the Endurance and any future vehicles we may develop; the rollout of our business and the timing of expected business milestones, including our ability to complete the engineering of the Endurance, and conversion and retooling of the Lordstown facility, to establish and maintain appropriate supplier relationships, to successfully complete testing, homologation and certification, and to start production of the Endurance in accordance with our projected timeline; supply chain disruptions, inflation and the potential inability to source essential components and raw materials, including on a timely basis or at acceptable cost, and their consequences on testing, production, sales and other activities; our ability to obtain binding purchase orders and build customer relationships; our ability to deliver on the expectations of customers with respect to the pricing, performance, quality, reliability, safety and efficiency of the Endurance and to provide the levels of service and support that they will require; our ability to conduct business using a direct sales model, rather than through a dealer network used by most other OEMs; the effects of competition on our ability to market and sell vehicles; our inability to retain key personnel and to hire additional personnel; the ability to protect our intellectual property rights; the failure to obtain required regulatory approvals; changes in laws or regulatory requirements or new or different interpretations of existing law; changes in governmental incentives and fuel and energy prices; the impact of health epidemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on our business; cybersecurity threats and compliance with privacy and data protection laws; failure to timely implement and maintain adequate financial, information technology and management processes and controls and procedures; and the possibility that we may be adversely affected by other economic, geopolitical, business and/or competitive factors. In addition, the transactions contemplated with Foxconn under the APA are subject to closing conditions, including further negotiation and execution of a contract manufacturing agreement and regulatory approvals, and may not be consummated. No assurances can be given that Lordstown Motors and Foxconn will enter into the agreements contemplated by the APA, including a contract manufacturing agreement or a joint venture or similar agreement to co-design and develop vehicle programs and an appropriate funding structure, or as to the terms of any such agreement. If we are unable to successfully complete the transactions contemplated by the APA and other relationships with Foxconn on a timely basis, our business plan, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely impaired. If the APA does not close, we will not have sufficient available cash to repay Foxconn's down payments by the repayment deadline. As a result, Foxconn may exercise its rights under the APA, including, but not limited to foreclosing on its liens on some or substantially all of our assets, which rights will be subject to any defenses and/or other claims Lordstown Motors may have. Under such circumstances, we would be unlikely to be able to continue as a going concern. Further, even if these transactions are concluded, we need substantial additional funding to begin commercial production of the Endurance. As we seek additional sources of financing, there can be no assurance that such financing would be available to us on favorable terms or at all. Our ability to obtain additional financing in the debt and equity capital markets is subject to several factors, including market and economic conditions, the significant amount of capital required, the fact that our bill of materials cost is currently, and expected to continue to be, substantially higher than our anticipated selling price, uncertainty surrounding regulatory approval and the performance of the vehicle, meaningful exposure to material losses related to ongoing litigation and the SEC investigation, our performance and investor sentiment with respect to us and our business and industry, as well as our pending transactions with Foxconn. Additional information on potential factors that could affect the financial results of the Company and its forward-looking statements is included in its most recent Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Lordstown Motors undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
CONTACTS:
Investors:
Carter Driscoll
IR@lordstownmotors.com
Media:
Colleen Robar
crobar@robarpr.com
313.207.5960
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SOURCE Lordstown Motors Corp. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/29/lordstown-motors-announces-timing-first-quarter-financial-results-webcast-provides-update-foxconn-transactions/ | 2022-04-29T21:16:52Z |
With more than one-third of new employees' job hopping within a year, skills-based assessments and recruitment tools have never been more important; Visit Cappfinity Booth #1607 at HR Tech Event in Las Vegas, Sept 13-16, 2022
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Talent acquisition and management solutions provider Cappfinity today announced its newly expanded suite of solutions. Talent leaders around the globe face the uncertainty of an impending recession, inflation, fallout from the Great Resignation and a competitive hiring environment. As a result, many are actively seeking ways to accelerate hiring. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 78 percent of HR professionals say the quality of their organization's hires has improved due to their use of assessments.
One-Stop by Cappfinity is a new assessment that combines behavioral and cognitive skills with motivational interviewing into one easy-to-use integrated solution. One-Stop is quick to complete, elevates the candidate experience, and provides deep, unbiased insights for hiring managers.
Also new, Preparation Plus by Cappfinity delivers year-round pre-skilling and upskilling insight. "Preparation Plus is an on-demand pre-application resource to help demystify the recruitment process and level the playing field for candidates less familiar with the online assessments and interviewing," said Nicky Garcea, co-founder and head of America at Cappfinity. "Global organizations like HSBC and EY have incorporated Preparation Plus to help candidates interview, secure a role, and start successful careers within their organizations."
According to a survey conducted for The Wall Street Journal by pollsters YouGov and Cappfinity, 38% of Americans landing jobs since January 2021 quit within a year. Millennials, followed by GenZ, are the most likely to job hop. As such, talent leaders are moving away from traditional strategies and seeking solutions that can help them evaluate skills and existing capabilities, highlight motivation or untapped potential, and foster internal mobility.
Cappfinity's end-to -end skills suite of talent solutions will be demonstrated September 13-16, 2022 at the HR Technology Conference and Expo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, booth #1607. In addition to One-Stop and Preparation Plus, HR Tech attendees can take a closer look at Cappfinity's talent mapping, hiring insights reports, succession planning solutions, digital work simulations, and immersive life-like VR experiences.
About Cappfinity
Cappfinity is the global leader in skills-based and science-backed recruiting, hiring, and talent development solutions. Since 2005, Cappfinity has assisted forward-looking organizations with diversifying and revitalizing their workforces through recruiting, onboarding, talent development, VR experiences, and more. With teams in the U.S., UK, Ireland and Australia, Cappfinity is proud to be working with 250+ organizations and millions of individuals in service of our shared purpose – Strengthening the World.
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SOURCE Cappfinity | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/cappfinity-dramatically-advances-skills-based-hiring-with-new-recruitment-solutions/ | 2022-09-13T11:05:14Z |
New report also shows tax incentives and the ease of repurposing spaces as high priorities
MILWAUKEE, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wipfli LLP (Wipfli), a top 20 accounting and consulting firm, today published a new report based on a survey of 198 real estate firm leaders to learn how they're adapting for long-term success and reacting to evolving market conditions. Respondents to Wipfli's real estate industry outlook prioritized differentiators like ESG and technology, as well as business strategies such as tax incentives and the ability to easily repurpose spaces. Among the key findings:
- 88% of respondents are optimistic about current real estate market conditions
- 77% said that ESG has impacted their investor pool or real estate projects
- 66% have not changed their investing strategies in the past 12 months
- 51% of real estate leaders say their business is experiencing a talent shortage
- 38% are moving forward on digital transformation with very clear objectives
"The technology debt incurred by the real estate industry has come due," said Brad Werner, leader of Wipfli's construction and real estate practice. "Our survey validates that real estate organizations understand that investments in their technology and digital capabilities are key to remaining relevant and resilient, particularly as investor and tenant demands shift due to external factors, such as the ESG movement."
ESG is now table stakes for the real estate industry. Only 23% of survey respondents said ESG hasn't impacted their investor pool or projects. The other 77% revealed ESG has had a variety of different impacts. For some, it's decreased their investor pool and made it tougher to bring in new investors. Others said it's actually increased their projects. And still, others said their focus on ESG has helped them attract and retain employees. ESG needs to be an essential part of decisions around new acquisitions, lease renewals, and investor relations.
Compared to other industries, real estate lags behind in adopting new technology, but it has become a growing focus for real estate leaders. While some firms feel they don't need the sophistication and connectivity offered by technologies more complex than spreadsheets and accounting software, others are recognizing how important their digital transformation is to their future success and longevity. The majority of survey respondents are on their digital transformation journey, with 38% having very clear objectives to meet, and 32% facing struggles in executing their plan. Only 15% don't think digital transformation is necessary at all.
Further proof the industry is turning a corner on technology: 85% of real estate leaders recognize the importance of digital transformation. Reasons why: Better products are being developed, costs are decreasing, platforms are being standardized and, most importantly, data analytics are becoming more sophisticated. These days, technology is less about creating efficiency and convenience and more about creating value. Technology products are already helping organizations make decisions faster, close deals faster, and improve the structure of those deals. And that's just one side of the benefits. Like ESG, technology is a need-to-have investment going forward to continue growing and competing.
To get deals done, real estate firms are also looking for a bonus that helps them make the numbers work. Tax incentives are numerous, and real estate firms are hesitant to do deals without them. And with all the disruption created by the COVID-19 pandemic, it's not surprising that repurposing existing space was the second most important business strategy leaders are leveraging.
Dive further into the results of Wipfli's real estate industry outlook.
At Wipfli, we're committed to providing industry-focused assurance, accounting, tax and consulting services that make a lasting, positive impact on our clients — helping them overcome personal and business challenges and plan for future success. Wipfli ranks among the top 20 accounting and business consulting firms in the nation. We're proud to give our clients the value and experience of a diverse firm that specializes in a wide range of services and industries, dedicated to enduring results, outstanding service and lifetime relationships. Learn more at wipfli.com.
Media Contact:
Andrew Jennings, The Plunkett Group
andrew@theplunkettgroup.com
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SOURCE Wipfli LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/real-estate-firms-prioritizing-esg-technology-according-wipfli-survey/ | 2022-08-23T16:12:32Z |
PHOENIX (AP) — Major League Baseball Players Association head Tony Clark is confident that at least 30% of minor league players will sign recently distributed union authorization cards in the coming days and weeks, paving the way for thousands more players to potentially join the organization.
“There was tremendous response,” Clark told the AP on Tuesday. “That’s probably not surprising.”
Signed cards from 30% of minor leaguers in the bargaining unit would allow the union to file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board asking for a union authorization election, which would be decided by majority vote. Minor league players would have a separate bargaining unit from their big league counterparts.
While the average major league salary is above $4 million, players with minor league contracts earn as little as $400 a week during the six-month season.
Clark said that while there’s been a lot of action over the past two days, the efforts to push forward with minor league unionization have been in the works for a few years. Clark, who played 15 years in the major leagues, credited the minor league players for “finding their voice.”
“This is the right time, because they say it is,” Clark said.
“I think we’re early in the process, albeit a lot of progress has been made in a short time,” he added. “Oftentimes, these drives are anything but a straight line. We’ll navigate accordingly.”
MLB estimates that there are 5,000 to 6,500 U.S.-based minor leaguers at any given time, with the number increasing when new players sign each summer. It’s a diverse group of players that includes teenagers and others in their 30s at the higher levels.
Simon Rosenblum-Larson — who pitched in the minors for four seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays before being released in June — is the cofounder and program director for More Than Baseball, which has worked to improve working conditions for minor league players.
“Part of me believed this would never happen,” Rosenblum-Larson said of the union drive. “But there’s also a part of me that can’t believe it didn’t happen 30 years ago or 40 years ago.
“I’ve talked to several players over the last 48 hours and they’re curious, excited and ready to move.”
The 1,200 players on major league contracts are already represented by the union, which since the 1981 strike settlement also has negotiated terms for those on option to the minor leagues. Clark stressed that if the minor league players decide to form a bargaining unit, it wouldn’t siphon resources from the union’s major league staff.
“We’d be looking at this as one big tent, if you will, with two different tables,” he said.
MLB raised weekly minimum salaries for minor leaguers in 2021 to $400 at rookie and short-season levels, $500 at Class A, $600 at Double-A and $700 at Triple-A. For players on option, the minimum is $57,200 per season for a first big league contract and $114,100 for later big league contracts.
In addition, MLB this year began requiring teams to provide housing for most minor leaguers.
Clark said that if the minor leaguers decide to unionize, dues “will be minimal at most,” acknowledging their current low compensation. The MLBPA declined to say how much it was spending on the drive. Clark said in an earlier statement that the cost was an “investment in the future of our game and our Player fraternity.”
The big league union had long declined to represent minor leaguers, though its labor contract specifies terms for the amateur draft and signing bonuses for amateur players. There were 128 draft picks this year who agreed to signing bonuses of $500,000 and up, including 82 for at least $1 million.
___
AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-clark-says-push-to-unionize-minor-leaguers-off-to-good-start/ | 2022-08-31T20:05:27Z |
NEW YORK, June 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global X ETFs, the New York-based provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), today announced intentions to transfer the Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD) from Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. to NYSE Arca, Inc. on July 1, 2022 at market open.
The fund aims to provide investors with exposure to the stocks in the Russell 2000 Index while implementing an at-the-money covered call-writing strategy to the U.S. small cap space. RYLD follows a "covered call" or "buy-write" strategy, in which the fund buys exposure to the stocks in Russell 2000 and "writes" or "sells" corresponding call options on the same index.
The fund will continue to trade as normal on Cboe until the transfer takes place.
Global X ETFs was founded in 2008. For more than a decade, our mission has been empowering investors with unexplored and intelligent solutions. Our product lineup features more than 90 ETF strategies and around $40 billion in assets under management.i While we are distinguished for our Thematic Growth, Income, and International Access ETFs, we also offer Core, Commodity, and Alpha funds to suit a wide range of investment objectives. Explore our ETFs, research and insights, and more at www.globalxetfs.com.
Global X is a member of Mirae Asset Financial Group, a global leader in financial services, with more than $628 billion in assets under management worldwide.ii Mirae Asset has an extensive global ETF platform ranging across the U.S., Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam with over $82 billion in assets under management.iii
Media Contact
Frank Taylor
Dukas Linden Public Relations
frank@dlpr.com
(646) 808-3647
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investments in smaller companies typically exhibit higher volatility. Concentration in a particular industry or sector will subject RYLD to loss due to adverse occurrences that may affect that industry or sector. Investors in RYLD should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the fund's shares and the possibility of significant losses.
RYLD engages in options trading. An option is a contract sold by one party to another that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) a stock at an agreed upon price within a certain period or on a specific date. A covered call option involves holding a long position in a particular asset, in this case U.S. common equities, and writing a call option on that same asset with the goal of realizing additional income from the option premium. By selling covered call options, the fund limits its opportunity to profit from an increase in the price of the underlying index above the exercise price, but continues to bear the risk of a decline in the index. A liquid market may not exist for options held by the fund. While the fund receives premiums for writing the call options, the price it realizes from the exercise of an option could be substantially below the indices current market price.
Carefully consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's summary or full prospectuses, which may be obtained at globalxetfs.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
Global X Management Company LLC serves as an advisor to Global X Funds. The Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO), which is not affiliated with Global X Management Company LLC. Global X Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by FTSE Russell, Cboe or NYSE, nor do these entities make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the Global X Funds. Neither SIDCO nor Global X are affiliated with these entities.
i Global X, as of 6/15/22
ii Mirae Asset, as of March 2022
iii Mirae Asset, as of June 2022
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SOURCE Global X Management Company LLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/17/global-x-etfs-transfer-exchange-listing-global-x-russell-2000-covered-call-etf-ryld-cboe-nyse/ | 2022-06-17T22:11:53Z |
NEW ORLEANS, June 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 19, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Okta, Inc. ("Okta" or the "Company") (NasdaqGS: OKTA), if they purchased the Company's securities between March 5, 2021 and March 22, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
Get Help
Okta investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-okta/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.
About the Lawsuit
Okta and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.
On March 22, 2022, the Company disclosed that it had detected an attempted hacking attack in late January 2022, and that, "[b]ased on our investigation to date, there is no evidence of ongoing malicious activity beyond the activity detected in January." Later that same day, the Company disclosed that "[a]fter a thorough analysis of [the hackers'] claims, we have concluded that a small percentage of customers – approximately 2.5% – have potentially been impacted and whose data may have been viewed or acted upon."
On this news, shares of Okta fell $17.88 per share, or 10.74%, to close at $148.55 per share on March 23, 2022.
The case is City of Miami Fire Fighters' and Police Officers' Retirement Trust v. Okta, Inc., No. 22-cv-02990.
ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.
To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
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SOURCE ClaimsFiler | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/04/okta-shareholder-alert-claimsfiler-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-okta-inc-okta/ | 2022-06-04T03:37:42Z |
NEW YORK, July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MainStay MacKay DefinedTerm Municipal Opportunities Fund (the "Fund") (NYSE:MMD) today announced monthly dividend distributions of $0.085 per common share for the months of July, August and September 2022. This amount is consistent with the Fund's April, May and June 2022 dividend distribution, which was also $0.085 per common share.
Portfolio and municipal market commentary will be published on or around July 1, 2022 and can be retrieved here.
Dividend Distribution Schedule:
The Fund's dividend will be derived from its monthly undistributed net investment income and is not expected to contain any return of principal.
The Fund's daily New York Stock Exchange closing prices, net asset values per share, as well as other information are available by clicking here or by calling the Fund's shareholder servicing agent at (855) 456-9683.
For more insights from MacKay Municipal Managers™ and our New York Life Investments affiliates click here.
There are risks inherent in any investment, including market risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and the possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objectives will be achieved. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value, which may increase investor risk.
About New York Life Investments
With over $650 billion in Assets Under Management* as of March 31, 2022, New York Life Investments is comprised of the affiliated global asset management businesses of its parent company, New York Life Insurance Company, and offers clients access to specialized, independent investment teams through its family of affiliated boutiques. New York Life Investments remains committed to clients through a combination of the diverse perspectives of its boutiques and a long-lasting focus on sustainable relationships.
*AUM includes assets of Investment Advisors affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company as of March 31, 2022. AUM for Candriam and Ausbil is reported at the spot rate.
About MacKay Shields LLC
MacKay Shields LLC (together with its subsidiaries, "MacKay")*, a New York Life Investments Company, is a global asset management firm with $152 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2022. MacKay manages fixed income and equity strategies for high-net worth individuals and institutional clients, through separately managed accounts and collective investment vehicles including private funds, UCITS, ETFs, closed end funds and mutual funds. MacKay maintains offices in New York City, Princeton, Los Angeles, London and Dublin. For more information, please visit www.mackayshields.com or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
*MacKay Shields is a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC, which is wholly owned by New York Life Insurance Company.
Media Contact:
Allison Scott | New York Life | (212) 576-4517 | Allison_Scott@nylim.com
Investors Contact:
855-456-9683
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SOURCE New York Life Investments | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/mainstay-mackay-definedterm-municipal-opportunities-fund-declares-monthly-dividend-distributions-months-july-august-september-2022/ | 2022-07-01T13:19:37Z |
SHANGHAI, Sept. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Boqii Holding Limited ("Boqii" or the "Company") (NYSE: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, today announced that Mr. Kai Fang has resigned from his position as the Company's Chief Strategy Officer and all his roles as a director or an officer of the applicable affiliates of the Company due to personal reasons. Mr. Kai Fang has served as the Company's Chief Strategy Officer since 2021 and has been primarily responsible for our strategic planning and capital market management.
The board of directors of Boqii wishes to extend its deep gratitude to Mr. Kai Fang for his contributions to the continued growth of Boqii throughout the years. Mr. Hao Liang, Boqii's Founder, Chairman and chief Executive Officer, said: "Kai has extensive experience in capital market and strategic planning. He has helped us continually optimize our strategic direction. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors."
About Boqii Holding Limited
Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE: BQ) is a leading pet-focused platform in China. We are the leading online destination for pet products and supplies in China with our broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and our own private label, Yoken and Mocare, offered at competitive prices. Our online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and our flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Our Boqii Community provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Boqii Holding Limited
Investor Relations
Tel: +86-21-6882-6051
Email: ir@boqii.com
DLK Advisory Limited
Tel: +852-2857-7101
Email: ir@dlkadvisory.com
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SOURCE Boqii Holding Limited | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/05/boqii-announces-senior-management-change/ | 2022-09-05T12:33:06Z |
The new plant-based menu innovation is available in Arizona, California, and Wisconsin
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it is piloting Mexican Cauliflower Rice at 60 restaurants in Arizona, Southern California, and Wisconsin for a limited time. The company's latest plant-based menu innovation is crafted with freshly grilled, riced cauliflower seasoned with the savory spices of Mexican rice.
Prepared in-restaurant daily, fresh cauliflower rice is grilled in small batches on the plancha. The cauliflower rice is then seasoned with a signature blend of spices including garlic, cumin, salt and paprika to give it the rich flavor and vibrant hue of Mexican rice.
"After the success of our Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice last year, we are eager to test a second plant-powered start for any go to order," said Nevielle Panthaky, Vice President of Culinary. "Our guests crave real, plant-based options so we developed a new flavor packed recipe that aligns with our Food with Integrity standards."
In January 2021, Chipotle featured Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice across all U.S. and Canadian restaurants, resulting in an incremental sales lift while also attracting new guests. Chipotle estimates that one in five Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice orders in January 2021 was from guests trying Chipotle for the first time.
Designed to make healthy eating easy and accessible, Mexican Cauliflower Rice was created with all lifestyles in mind. The new menu innovation is Keto, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, and made with grain-free ingredients. Mexican Cauliflower Rice can be added to any entrée or enjoyed as a side for an additional cost.
Mexican Cauliflower Rice is available now for a limited time at 60 restaurants in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Southern California. Chipotle is offering a $0 delivery fee offer* on orders of $10 or more that include Mexican Cauliflower Rice through June 21.
*$0 Delivery Fee Offer Legal Terms
Higher menu prices are charged for delivery; additional service fees applied at checkout as well. Available June 14 through June 21, 2022 only, within Chipotle's delivery areas from participating U.S. locations, during normal operating hours for such locations. Order must include at least one entrée with (or side of) Mexican Cauliflower Rice to qualify. Minimum order $10/maximum order $200, each excluding tax and fees. Deliveries and redemptions are subject to availability. Offer is not valid on catering or Burritos by the Box orders. Redemptions of Chipotle Rewards and other promotional offers may be included in a qualifying delivery order but do not count towards satisfaction of minimum purchase requirements. Valid only at Chipotle.com or on the Chipotle app; not valid on orders placed via third-party delivery platforms. Chipotle reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply; void where prohibited.
About Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over 3,000 restaurants as of March 31, 2022, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on the 2022 list for Fortune's Most Admired Companies. With over 100,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.
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SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/chipotle-tests-mexican-cauliflower-rice/ | 2022-06-16T12:43:22Z |
StreamCaster Radios Selected for Stryker Brigade Combat Teams in Capability Set 23
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Silvus Technologies, Inc. ("Silvus") today announced the award of a $2.4 million order from the U.S. Army to provide StreamCaster mobile ad hoc network (MANET) radios for deployment at scale in the Army's Integrated Tactical Network. As part of the Army's Capability Set 23 (CS23), StreamCaster radios were selected for their ability to connect Stryker brigade combat team (SBCTs) command posts, creating a self-organizing mesh network designed to operate in multiple spectrum bands at high data rates, with advanced interference avoidance and cancellation waveform capabilities. The order comes just weeks after Silvus StreamCaster radios and version 4.0.2.8 of StreamScape firmware achieved Authority to Operate (ATO) certification from the U.S. Army.
"StreamCaster radios provide robust, high bandwidth connectivity for the Army with a MANET waveform that has been battle-proven with ground forces, on-the-move and aerial tier units across multi-domain operations," said Mike Kell, Silvus Director of Army Strategic Accounts, Retired Signal Corps Colonel. "In concert with the Army's PEO Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (C3T) and Army Futures Command's Network Cross-Functional Team (N-CFT), we continue to expand Silvus' MN-MIMO waveform's Spectrum Dominance capabilities to thrive in congested and contested environments, critical to achieving the Army's Unified Network modernization objectives."
For CS23, StreamCaster radios (Joint Electronics Type Designation: AN/PRC-169) will be deployed to Stryker BCTs, providing continuity of operations for mounted and dismounted formations that will extend the distance and range of these units, thereby increasing mobility for maneuver. Previously selected for CS21 to connect key command posts at the brigade and battalion echelons, StreamCaster radios enable transmission of federated TAK data with up to 8W of output power, high data rates and dual frequency band support. Learn more about the StreamCaster family of radios on our website and follow us on LinkedIn.
Privately held and headquartered in Los Angeles, Silvus Technologies develops advanced MIMO technologies that are reshaping broadband wireless connectivity for mission critical applications. Backed by an unmatched team of PhD scientists and design engineers, its technologies provide enhanced wireless data throughput, interference mitigation, improved range, mobility, and robustness to address the growing needs of its government and commercial customers. Learn more: https://silvustechnologies.com.
Media Contact:
Patrick Renegar
Phone: 919.623.5577
prenegar@livewiredc.com
Sales Contact:
Jimi Henderson
Phone: 310.479.3333
jimi@silvustechnologies.com
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SOURCE Silvus Technologies, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/07/silvus-enables-us-armys-integrated-tactical-network-with-spectrum-dominance/ | 2022-09-07T15:02:19Z |
- National Unity Rd. Dispensary Franchise Footprint Expands into Three New States
- Cultivation, Production and Processing Expansion in Nevada Nears Completion with Phase One of Arizona Development also on Track
- Management to Host Conference Call and Webcast to Discuss Key Operational and Financial Highlights Today at 4:30 p.m. ET
PHOENIX, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) (the "Company")—a vertically integrated cannabis dispensary franchisor and operator that produces premium, award-winning products—today reported its fiscal second quarter operating and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
"Last year, our team focused on strengthening our position for future growth, both locally in Arizona and nationally across the U.S.," said Item 9 Labs Corp.'s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bowden. "The momentum we've achieved over the past quarter demonstrates the power of this foundation and gives a glimpse into what's ahead for our national growth and product excellence."
Key Business Highlights During Q2 FY2022 (January 1 - March 31, 2022)
- Expanded Unity Rd. dispensary franchise into three new markets – securing dispensary licenses in South Dakota and New Mexico as well as partnering with an existing dispensary in Oklahoma that is expected to be converted soon into a Unity Rd. shop.
- Actively growing the Unity Rd. national footprint through accretive acquisitions of existing dispensaries that it intends will be converted into Unity Rd. shops.
- Recent acquisition activity in the Denver market with the closing of an acquisition in Adams County, Colorado and an Asset Purchase Agreement for a medicinal and recreational dispensary and cultivator operating in the desirable Washington Park neighborhood of Denver.
- Item 9 Labs' Orion 710 series has been making waves throughout the Arizona market, sweeping the best indica and best sativa cannabis vape categories at Arizona's Spring ERRL Cup in March.
- Cultivation site in Pahrump, Nevada is almost completed.
- Phase one of the Coolidge, Arizona master site development remains on track with a target completion date this summer.
- Added franchising veteran Shane Evans to board of directors.
Bowden continued, "Focusing on execution sums up our plan for 2022 as we continue our mission to keep the door to cannabis entrepreneurship open to the everyday entrepreneur and bring more high-quality, alternative medicine to consumers nationwide. As large equity holders, our goals remain aligned with our shareholders in creating long-term value and brands that are built to last."
Key Financial Highlights for Q2 FY2022 (compared with Q2 FY2021)
- Revenue increased 9% to $6.6 million
- Gross profit totaled $2.7 million
- Gross margin remained strong at approximately 40%
- Operating loss of $2.8 million compared with operating income of $0.5 million
- Net loss of $3.9 million compared with net income of $50 thousand
- Net loss included $1.1 million ($255,000 paid in cash) of interest expense compared with $.5 million ($143,000 paid in cash)
- Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.9 million compared with adjusted EBITDA profit of $1.0 million (invested significantly in franchise expenses, human capital, and infrastructure for expansion)
- Cash and cash equivalents totaled $0.1 million as of March 31, 2022
- Escrow deposits of $10.1 million in cash set aside for expansion as of March 31, 2022
Conference Call and Webcast Information – Tuesday, May 16, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT)
Item 9 Labs Corp.'s Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bowden and Chief Financial Officer Bobby Mikkelsen will host the Company's Q2 FY2022 results call.
- Date: Monday, May 16, 2022
- Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time)
- Access by Zoom: A live and archived webcast will be available via Sequire, click on this webcast link to register or access the replay.
- Access by Phone: Please call the conference telephone number 10-15 minutes prior to the start time: Dial-in number: 669-900-6833 // Meeting ID: 96267842685 // Passcode: 389480
- Questions: Please submit questions to investors@item9labscorp.com before the presentation begins. The management team will do their best to answer all questions.
About Item 9 Labs Corp.
Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a unique dispensary franchise model through the national Unity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully. Item 9 Labs brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and product innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector, franchising, and the capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency, and well-being. Headquartered in Arizona, the company is currently expanding its operations space up to 640,000+ square feet on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties in Arizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. For additional information, visit item9labscorp.com.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the Company's financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, Item 9 Labs Corp. provides Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure of its performance. To provide investors with additional insight and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the information used by management in its financial and decision-making surrounding pro forma operations, Item 9 Labs Corp. supplements its consolidated financial statements presented on a basis consistent with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, with Adjusted EBITDA as a non-GAAP financial measure of earnings. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA plus stock-based compensation and acquisition related expenses. Item 9 Labs Corp. management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure to evaluate the profitability and efficiency of the business model. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess the strength of the underlying operations of the business. These adjustments, and the non-GAAP financial measures that are derived from them, provide supplemental information to analyze its operations between periods and over time. Item 9 Labs Corp. finds this especially useful when reviewing pro forma results of operations, which include large non-cash amortizations of intangible assets from acquisitions and stock-based compensation. Investors should consider its non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and governmental regulation, especially in a foreign country, future financial and operational results, competition, general economic conditions, proposed transactions that are not legally binding obligations of the company and the ability to manage and continue growth. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include the introduction of new technology, market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Media Contact:
Item 9 Labs Corp.
Jayne Levy, VP of Communications
Email: Jayne@item9labs.com
Investor Contact:
Item 9 Labs Corp.
800-403-1140
Email: investors@item9labscorp.com
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SOURCE Item 9 Labs Corp. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/item-9-labs-corp-announces-second-quarter-fy-2022-financial-results-with-revenue-growth-9-66-million/ | 2022-05-16T21:45:07Z |
President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, is experiencing mild symptoms and has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral pill treatment.
A look at what we know about the president and his coronavirus infection:
HOW’S HE FEELING?
Biden is reporting a runny nose, fatigue and an occasional dry cough, according to a memo from Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s doctor. Biden felt tired Wednesday evening and didn’t sleep well, White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said at a press briefing. Biden tweeted Thursday: “Folks, I’m doing great. Thanks for your concern.”
WHAT KIND OF TEST DID HE USE?
Biden is routinely screened for coronavirus. His infection was detected first with an antigen test, the same type that many Americans use at home. It was then confirmed with a PCR test, the president’s doctor said. The president’s last previous test for COVID-19 was Tuesday, when he had a negative test result.
IS HE VACCINATED?
Yes. The president is fully vaccinated and twice boosted. Biden got two doses of the Pfizer vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose March 30.
IS HE GETTING TREATMENT?
Biden is taking Paxlovid, which was authorized in the U.S. late last year. In older people and other high-risk patients, the drug was shown to reduce the chances of hospitalization or death from COVID-19. The pills work best if taken within five days of the start of symptoms. The president’s doctor said Biden’s vaccination status and early treatment with Paxlovid should keep him out of danger. Biden has temporarily stopped taking a blood thinner and a cholesterol drug as recommended for patients on Paxlovid.
WHAT’S THE ISOLATION PLAN?
Biden will work in isolation for at least five days and until he tests negative, the White House said. Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work. The White House said it will provide a daily update on the president’s status.
HOW DOES THE VIRUS AFFECT OLDER PEOPLE?
At age 79, Biden is in a high-risk group for severe illness. About 8 in 10 COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65, with risk increasing with age. Also among the most vulnerable are those with other health issues such as diabetes and heart conditions.
DID HE GET THE BA.5 VARIANT?
It’s unclear which variant Biden has contracted, though a sample has been sent for genetic sequencing to determine that. The dominant virus variant in the U.S. is the omicron mutant BA.5, which is also prominent worldwide. The variant accounted for three-quarters of new infections reported in the U.S. last week. It’s also been gaining ground globally, making up more than half of sequenced omicron cases. Experts say BA.5 is one of the most transmissible variants yet but they haven’t seen an increase in severity compared with previous omicron variants.
WHERE DID HE CATCH IT?
That’s unclear. Symptoms can start two days to two weeks after exposure to the virus. Biden has kept a busy travel schedule lately. During his recent Middle East trip, the president was seen fist-bumping, handshaking and even occasionally hugging. He returned to Washington late Saturday and kept a low profile for the next three days, leaving briefly to attend church and for a Tuesday appearance outside the White House with Ukraine’s first lady. He traveled to Massachusetts on Wednesday to announce modest new steps to combat climate change.
WHAT ABOUT JILL BIDEN?
The first lady said Thursday that she tested negative earlier in the day. She will follow CDC guidance on masking and distancing during scheduled visits to Michigan and Georgia on Thursday, said Michael LaRosa, her spokesperson.
___
AP Medical Writer Laura Ungar contributed.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://cw33.com/health/ap-health/explainer-whats-known-about-biden-catching-covid-19/ | 2022-07-22T14:25:02Z |
CHICAGO and MANILA, Philippines and SINGAPORE and KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia , Aug. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ENTECH GLOBAL SOLUTIONS ("EGS"), a Southeast Asia focused environmental services provider, has announced the acquisition of Pestbusters Pte Ltd. in Singapore and Original Pestbusters Sdn Bhd. in Malaysia ("PestBusters"). EGS also owns and operates ENTECH Philippines, Inc. a leading provider of integrated pest management, professional cleaning and environmental solutions across commercial, residential and industrial properties in the Philippines. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
PestBusters traces its roots back to 1991 as one of Singapore's pioneers of quality pest control. The company has since grown into a leading provider of commercial and residential pest control, termite control, and mosquito control solutions throughout Singapore and Malaysia. PestBusters offers a differentiated level of service quality to its clients by focusing on sustainable integrated pest management solutions to effectively solve long-term challenges. It is the exclusive distributor of innovative anti-termite technologies which include Termsteel and Sentricon solutions in Singapore.
Walden Chu, CEO of EGS, says: "This transaction represents another step forward toward our goal of building the most ethical and high-quality service provider in the region. We have an aspirational goal of expanding throughout Southeast Asia while delivering a high standard that our stakeholders can rely on. We are committed to building an organization whose products and services are firmly entrenched as valuable in the hearts and minds of our customers, and we strive to deliver significant impact in our customer's lives. Ensuring the health and safety of our customers will always be front and center and we are humbled to be able to make life better for those that we touch."
PestBusters represents the first acquisition completed by EGS since Concentric Equity Partners ("CEP") recapitalized the platform in early 2021. The acquisition exhibits a key first step in EGS's strategy under CEP to evolve into a multi-national integrated pest control and facility services platform with market leading operational and financial capacities. Furthermore, this significant acquisition demonstrates CEP's interest in and commitment to investing in Southeast Asia and building a strong presence in EGS's markets by partnering with talented entrepreneurs to build high growth companies.
Thomas Fernandez, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of PestBusters, comments: "I've invested the last 31 years building PestBusters and was approached by multiple interested buyers along the way. It was very important for me to ensure that the next generation of leadership would uphold my commitment to my customers and employees. Walden Chu and his partners at EGS exemplify the character and values that will carry forward my legacy and provide expanded opportunities for the teams I have built."
Ian Ross, Partner at CEP, adds: "We are very excited to be backing Walden Chu as he expands EGS's global operations to include Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines under the ENTECH GLOBAL SOLUTIONS umbrella. Ensuring the health, safety and hygiene of our customers is critical to our business success and we are proud to be supporting an organization that helps improve the human condition."
Headquartered in Singapore, PestBusters was founded in 1991 and has become one of the most trusted names in the industry through its commitment to developing people and investing in technology. The company serves clients across Singapore and Malaysia in a wide array of industries including hospitality, malls, food & beverage, manufacturing, healthcare, residential and commercial buildings. Through expertise gained from years of field experience, the company has grown into one of the largest independent pest control management companies in Singapore and Malaysia. For more information, visit www.pestbusters.com.sg.
Singapore based ENTECH GLOBAL SOLUTIONS (EGS) owns, operates and invests in commercial and residential pest control industry leaders in Southeast Asia. EGS is now the parent company of two flagship brands: Pestbusters out of Singapore and Malaysia, and ENTECH out of the Philippines (www.entech.com.ph). EGS offers pest control and environmental services related businesses throughout the region a unique opportunity to partner, leveraging the strategic support of EGS and its best-in-class industry standards, systems, and technology. EGS believes in upholding the highest standards in delivering intelligent impact, sustainable scale, and improving lives. For more information, visit entechglobal.com.
Concentric Equity Partners ("CEP") is a private investment firm based in Chicago, IL. The firm is focused on North America and has a dedicated strategy to invest in Southeast Asia. CEP partners with leading middle market companies by providing capital and strategic advisory to accelerate long term value creation. Our approach is simple: support entrepreneurs and operators by providing the resources required to achieve extraordinary results. CEP is the direct investing arm of Financial Investments Corporation ("FIC"), a private asset management firm and family office for the Steans family with over $2 billion in investment commitments under management. Learn more at www.ficcep.com.
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SOURCE Concentric Equity Partners | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/17/entech-global-solutions-announces-acquisition-pestbusters/ | 2022-08-17T16:01:21Z |
What you need to know about matcha tea
Matcha seems to be everywhere these days — in lattes, cakes, smoothies and even beauty products. If you want to try it at home, finding the best matcha teas helps ensure a good experience, because low-quality matcha can taste muddy and bitter.
Learning more about matcha and how to prepare it makes purchasing quality tea more straightforward. Whether you want to whisk it in a bowl the traditional way or add it to your morning smoothies, you’ll soon find the right option to meet your needs.
What is matcha tea?
Matcha tea is a type of green tea made from the young leaves of the tea plant. These leaves are shaded while growing, which slightly changes the chemical makeup and results in a sweeter flavor.
Once dried, these leaves are ground into a powder to make a fine paste that you mix with water to make tea. Because you drink the ground leaves, rather than just steeping them in water and straining them out, matcha packs an intense caffeine punch, on par with a strong cup of coffee. However, due to the presence of an amino acid compound called L-theanine, it makes you feel alert yet relaxed, without the caffeine jitters.
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha has a complex, earthy and grassy flavor, with a hint of nuttiness and sweetness with a savory umami endnote. The best way to discover what matcha tastes like is to try it. While some people long how it tastes, others aren’t keen and some find it an acquired taste.
How to find quality matcha
You’ll come across plenty of inferior matcha, so it’s important to learn how to tell what’s good and what’s not. First off, ignore any claims such as “premium” or “ceremonial grade” as these have no legal definition. It doesn’t mean matcha with these labels is bad, but they don’t mean that it’s good, either, so look at other factors instead.
The following can all be indicators of quality matcha but aren’t guarantees. Matcha with at least a couple of these features is likely to be of good quality. You should also consider the price and be suspicious of cheap matcha.
- Grown in Japan: Matcha sourced from Japan is much more likely to be grown in adherence to traditional growing and harvesting techniques. Anything grown outside of Japan is likely to be powdered green tea, rather than true matcha.
- Stone-ground: Traditionally, green tea leaves are stone ground to turn them into powder and quality matcha sticks to this technique. Steel-ground matcha is subjected to more heat from friction and loses some important compounds, which affects the overall quality.
- First-harvest: Matcha made using leaves from the first harvest has a mellower and richer flavor than second-harvest matcha. If you intend to drink matcha made with just water, always opt for first-harvest, while second-harvest is fine for baking and matcha lattes.
How to prepare matcha tea the traditional way
Sift matcha into a tea bowl
Measure 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a tea bowl to make a thin tea or 2 teaspoons to make a thick “koicha” tea. You can use a small fine mesh strainer to sift out any lumps, but this isn’t an essential step.
Add water
For thin matcha, add two ounces of hot water, just off the boil. Or, for thick matcha, add just one ounce.
Whisk
Using a tea whisk, vigorously mix the matcha powder and water together in a zigzag or M-shaped motion.
Drink
Once the powder and water are fully combined and free from lumps, it’s ready to drink.
How to prepare matcha tea the simple way
Mix matcha and water
Measure 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a mug. If you’re not yet sure how strong you like your matcha, you’ll need to experiment. Add a few drops of near-boiling water and mix with a teaspoon to form a thick paste.
Add more water
Add around six ounces of near-boiling water to the paste and stir well to combine.
Drink
You can now enjoy your matcha tea while it’s still hot.
Other ways to consume matcha
If you’re not sure about regular matcha tea or simply want more ways to enjoy matcha, these are some other ways to consume it.
- Lattes: Matcha lattes are made from matcha powder mixed with hot dairy or nondairy milk and usually with sugar or another sweetener added.
- Smoothies: You can add a teaspoon or two of matcha powder to a smoothie for a caffeine boost.
- Baked goods: Matcha works well in cakes, cookies, frosting and more.
Best matcha teas
Wild Matcha Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
Shade-grown according to Japanese matcha practices and stone-ground to preserve compounds and nutrients, this is a quality option. It’s made in small batches using tea grown on just a single-family farm in Japan.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Jade Leaf Organic Teahouse Edition Matcha Powder
This matcha is made from nothing but shade-grown, first-harvest Japanese green tea leaves. It has a rich yet mellow flavor profile and a silky smooth texture.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
FGO Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
Made using Japanese shade-grown organic tea leaves, this is a solid choice for baking and making lattes. However, the flavor isn’t delicate enough for making traditional tea.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Naoki Matcha Superior Ceremonial Blend
The tea leaves used to make this powder are grown in Uji in Kyoto, using traditional matcha methods. It’s sweet and mellow without much bitterness, making it great for people new to this tea.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Micro Ingredients Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
Not only is this tea USDA certified, it’s safety tested to make sure it’s free from heavy metals. While it’s made from first-harvest leaves, it’s only culinary grade, so it’s best for baking, lattes and smoothies.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/best-matcha-teas/ | 2022-07-29T02:46:38Z |
Upping the ABV and flavor, Angry Orchard's latest innovation will hit stores nationwide this month
WALDEN, N.Y., Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Angry Orchard, the nation's leading cider maker,1 today announced the launch of Angry Orchard Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple Imperial Hard Cider. Imperial higher ABV options are driving growth across beer, FMB and cider categories, so Angry Orchard's newest innovation marks the brand's first nationally available 8% ABV cider. Made with traditional bittersweet cider apples and blended with dark cherry juice from concentrate for a deliciously easy to drink cider bursting with real fruit flavor, Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple is the perfect balance of crisp apple and tart cherry sweetness. In honor of its 8% ABV, Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple will be available beginning 8/8 in six-pack 12oz cans. It will also be a featured flavor in the Angry Orchard Fall Haul Variety Packs dropping this fall.
"Through the years, Angry Orchard has been synonymous with offering deliciously bold ciders that feature real fruit," said Kelli McCusker, Head of Marketing for Angry Orchard. "As drinkers shop the increasingly crowded alcohol space, they're looking for offerings that deliver on flavor, ingredients and ABV to provide more value. Combining Angry Orchard's equity in real fruit with a higher ABV in our new Hardcore wins that shopper equation – while giving drinkers a new way to transport them to their 'happy place' that much faster."
Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple Imperial Hard Cider is hitting shelves just in time to enjoy throughout the remaining summer months at backyard barbeques, gatherings with family and friends, or simply to kick back and relax after a long day.
And to celebrate Angry Orchard's leap into Hardcore, the brand is putting the call out for drinkers to show off how "hardcore" they are. Beginning today, Angry Orchard is hosting a "Hard to the Core" contest where drinkers are encouraged to live out their hardcore dreams and the brand will foot the bill ($500 worth!). Whether it's bungee jumping, skydiving, rock climbing or hardcore chilling in the backyard, the first 40 drinkers (aged 21+) to submit a photo completing their hardcore activity via Twitter with #AOHardCore and tag @AngryOrchard will receive a $500 cash prize. The contest will be open from August 8 to September 8 and winners will be notified via direct message from the official @AngryOrchard Twitter account. Click here for the complete rules and regulations.
For more information on where to find Angry Orchard's latest innovation, please visit AngryOrchard.com and follow along @AngryOrchard on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Angry Orchard Cider Company:
The leading cider across the country, Angry Orchard's cider makers experiment with apple varieties near and far to continuously develop new cider styles and flavors. Crafted with real apples and the highest quality ingredients, Angry Orchard is balanced, refreshing, and full of flavor, with a wide variety of styles fit for all. At the home of Angry Orchard on a 60-acre apple orchard in New York's Hudson Valley, the team of cider makers create small-batch experimentation with fruit grown right on-site while offering an experience for guests to sip cider amongst the trees. To learn more about Angry Orchard, visit AngryOrchard.com
1Source: IRI MULO + Conv; L52WE 07/18/2022
© 2022 ANGRY ORCHARD CIDER COMPANY, LLC, WALDEN, NY
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
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SOURCE Angry Orchard Cider Company | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/angry-orchard-hard-cider-kicks-off-fall-season-with-new-hardcore-8-abv-imperial-cider/ | 2022-08-08T17:08:37Z |
Revenue Up 45%, Net Income Up 30%, Adjusted EBITDA Up 30%, Compared to FYQ3 Last Year
Company Reports Record Backlog of $1.33 Billion
DOTHAN, Ala., Aug. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Construction Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROAD) ("CPI" or the "Company"), a vertically integrated civil infrastructure company specializing in the construction and maintenance of roadways across five southeastern states, today reported financial and operating results for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2022.
Fred J. (Jule) Smith, III, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased with our 3rd quarter results, achieving record revenue and Adjusted EBITDA driven by the continued strong demand for infrastructure services throughout our end markets in both the private and public sectors. Our mix of growth for the quarter consisted of approximately 25 percent organic revenue and approximately 20 percent from recent acquisitions. Revenue was driven by a high volume of project work coupled with favorable weather across our region, as well as our bids reflecting higher project prices due to inflation. We continue to win new project work across our five-state footprint in the southeastern U.S., and we ended the quarter with a new record for project backlog of $1.33 billion. In addition, similar to last quarter, our backlog margins continue to grow, and we anticipate that this healthy backlog margin growth will mean higher future profit margins as backlog is converted. Based on the strong revenue performance in the third quarter and record high backlog, we are raising our FY2022 outlook for revenue."
Revenues for the third fiscal quarter of 2022 were $380.3 million, an increase of 45% compared to the third fiscal quarter of last year. Gross profit was $44.3 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2022, compared to $36.6 million in the third fiscal quarter of last year.
General and administrative expenses were $26.6 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2022, compared to $23.2 million in the third fiscal quarter of last year. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue in the third quarter of 2022 were 7.0%, compared to 8.9% in the third quarter of last year.
Net income was $12.2 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2022, an increase of 30% compared to net income of $9.3 million in the third fiscal quarter of last year.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) for the third fiscal quarter of 2022 was $37.6 million, an increase of 30% compared to $29.0 million for the third fiscal quarter of last year.
Project backlog was $1.33 billion at June 30, 2022, compared to $822.9 million at June 30, 2021 and $1.28 billion at March 31, 2022.
Smith continued, "I am proud of our team's continued commitment and hard work to push through today's challenging environment, particularly as we have implemented new actions over the past several months in response to the rapid rise of inflation, supply chain constraints and tight labor market dynamics. While these conditions persist, the resilience of our employees and our strategic business model, with shorter duration projects generating higher turnover in backlog as we work to pass through increasing costs on new project work, is gaining momentum and increasing our profitability and margins in the second half of FY2022.
"It is also important to recognize the more than 3,800 CPI employees, which includes 200 new employees that we welcomed to the company earlier this week through our acquisition of Southern Asphalt, Inc., in South Carolina. We are thankful for our employees' continued commitment to safety at the jobsite and operational excellence in pursuit of our strategic goals, despite the ongoing supply and labor challenges of the U.S. economy," added Smith.
The Company has updated its full-year 2022 guidance to reflect the strong project demand environment and the continued inflation and elevated energy costs that it believes will persist during the fiscal year. The Company's outlook for fiscal year 2022 with regard to revenue, net income and Adjusted EBITDA is as follows:
- Revenue in the range of $1.25 billion to $1.28 billion
- Net income in the range of $17.5 million to $23.2 million
- Adjusted EBITDA(1) in the range of $108 million to $117 million
Ned N. Fleming, III, the Company's Executive Chairman, stated, "The CPI business model is extremely resilient, and has been since the Company's inception. The focus of our strategy for more than 20 years has been to pursue recurring infrastructure repair and maintenance projects, generating sustainable and profitable growth. The model is proving out this dynamic in today's challenging economic environment. Even with the rapid and steep rise in costs and continuing supply chain disruptions, we are working to pass on costs judiciously and are now converting higher-margin backlog. Moving forward, we intend to expand margins due to the strong demand for projects, a growing project backlog, and the continuing benefit of being a consolidator in a highly fragmented industry."
The Company will conduct a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. Central Time to discuss financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. To access the call live by phone, dial (412) 902-0003 and ask for the Construction Partners call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. A telephonic replay will be available through August 12, 2022 by calling (201) 612-7415 and using passcode 13730485#. A webcast of the call will also be available live and for later replay on the Company's Investor Relations website at www.constructionpartners.net.
Construction Partners, Inc. is a vertically integrated civil infrastructure company operating across five southeastern states, with 59 hot-mix asphalt plants, 14 aggregate facilities and one liquid asphalt terminal. Publicly funded projects make up the majority of its business and include local and state roadways, interstate highways, airport runways and bridges. The majority of the Company's public projects are maintenance-related. Private sector projects include paving and sitework for office and industrial parks, shopping centers, local businesses and residential developments. To learn more, visit www.constructionpartners.net.
Certain statements contained herein that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "should," "anticipate," "intend," "project," "outlook," "believe" and "plan." The forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements related to financial projections, future events, business strategy, future performance, future operations, backlog, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management. These and other forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results. Important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: our ability to successfully manage and integrate acquisitions; failure to realize the expected economic benefits of acquisitions, including future levels of revenues being lower than expected and costs being higher than expected; failure or inability to implement growth strategies in a timely manner; declines in public infrastructure construction and reductions in government funding, including the funding by transportation authorities and other state and local agencies; risks related to our operating strategy; competition for projects in our local markets; risks associated with our capital-intensive business; government requirements and initiatives, including those related to funding for public or infrastructure construction, land usage and environmental, health and safety matters; unfavorable economic conditions and restrictive financing markets; our ability to obtain sufficient bonding capacity to undertake certain projects; our ability to accurately estimate the overall risks, requirements or costs when we bid on or negotiate contracts that are ultimately awarded to us; the cancellation of a significant number of contracts or our disqualification from bidding for new contracts; risks related to adverse weather conditions; our substantial indebtedness and the restrictions imposed on us by the terms thereof; our ability to maintain favorable relationships with third parties that supply us with equipment and essential supplies; our ability to retain key personnel and maintain satisfactory labor relations; property damage, results of litigation and other claims and insurance coverage issues; risks related to our information technology systems and infrastructure; our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; risks from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the risks, uncertainties and factors set forth under "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and its subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events, or circumstances or other changes affecting such statements except to the extent required by applicable law.
Contacts:
Rick Black / Ken Dennard
Dennard Lascar Investor Relations
ROAD@DennardLascar.com
(713) 529-6600
- Financial Statements Follow –
Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before, as applicable from time to time, (i) interest expense, net, (ii) provision (benefit) for income taxes, (iii) depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization, (iv) equity-based compensation expense, (v) loss on the extinguishment of debt, (vi) certain management fees and expenses and (vii) nonrecurring legal settlement costs and associated legal expenses unrelated to the Company's core operations. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of our operating performance that is neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. This measure has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of our operating performance. We present Adjusted EBITDA because management uses this measure as a key performance indicator, and we believe that securities analysts, investors and others use this measure to evaluate companies in our industry. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly named measures reported by other companies. Potential differences may include differences in capital structures, tax positions and the age and book depreciation of intangible and tangible assets.
The following tables present a reconciliation of net income, the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:
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SOURCE Construction Partners, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/05/construction-partners-inc-announces-fiscal-2022-third-quarter-results/ | 2022-08-05T12:59:21Z |
SALT LAKE CITY, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TaxBit ("The Company"), the leading tax and accounting software provider for the tokenized economy, today announced a new strategic investor: Katie Haun. This is one of the first investments by Ms. Haun through her new venture capital fund, Haun Ventures - a firm designed from the ground up to help founders build the next generation of the internet.
Katie Haun has played a central role in helping some of the leading brands in web3 build trust and scale by effectively engaging policymakers and regulators. In Haun Ventures, Katie has assembled a world-class team of crypto-native experts and veteran policy and strategy operators who will partner closely with TaxBit to tell the story to key audiences the critical importance of this infrastructure to facilitate the growth of the crypto economy.
Katie Haun, founder of Haun Ventures, commented on the news, "The web3 ecosystem has grown dramatically since I entered the space and yet we are still in early days. While the crypto economy will continue to unfold in cycles, there is now broad acceptance that this industry is here to stay. TaxBit provides core infrastructure that is required for the crypto economy to grow and reach its full potential. In addition to the vital role the product plays in the broader ecosystem, the team at TaxBit is best-in-class which is why we're proud to formally back the company and partner with them over the long term."
Always with an eye on the future, TaxBit anticipated broker reporting requirements for digital assets several years ago and accordingly built Enterprise tailored, API-first Tax Center Suite solutions to automate such regulatory requirements in a user-centric manner. TaxBit's solutions propel Huan Ventures mission of building the next generation of the internet.
"The Haun Ventures team shares TaxBit's vision of working with regulators to propel responsible regulation that enables digital asset adoption at scale. TaxBit's compliance infrastructure is a critical component to the Web3 ecosystem. We have a deep respect for the Haun Ventures team and look forward to working together in carrying out our shared vision," added Austin Woodward, TaxBit Founder and CEO.
It has been an exciting year for TaxBit to date. The Company formed and launched the TaxBit Network which saved individual cryptocurrency users tens of millions of dollars in tax preparation fees for the 2021 tax year, produced and delivered more than 30 million sets of 2021 tax forms, established its government office in DC, hired Stripe and Meta engineering leaders as CTO and VP Engineering, and formed an alliance with Deloitte to help organizations automate tax information and cost basis reporting.
About TaxBit
Designed by CPAs and tax attorneys, TaxBit is the leading tax and accounting solution for the tokenized economy. TaxBit's platform serves the industry's top exchanges, institutional investors, governments, and individuals. TaxBit has raised over $230 million from the world's-top investors in order to enable widespread digital asset adoption by automating the regulatory hurdles of tax and accounting compliance at scale. TaxBit has HQ in Salt Lake City and Seattle.
To learn more visit: www.TaxBit.com, Twitter, LinkedIn.
Media Contact for TaxBit
Patrick B. Jordan
M Group Strategic Communications (For TaxBit)
+1 646.859.5956
taxbitpr@mgroupsc.com
Media Contact for Haun Ventures
press@krhpartners.xyz
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SOURCE TaxBit | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/haun-ventures-backs-taxbit-one-new-firms-first-investments-clear-signal-regulators-policymakers-that-crypto-is-here-stay/ | 2022-05-17T13:43:08Z |
Fosun has flexibility to replenish cash and has adequate resources to manage debt maturities
HONG KONG, June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fosun International Limited (HKEX stock code: 00656, "Fosun International") received S&P Global Rating's latest report published yesterday, where it points out that Fosun has adequate resources to meet its upcoming debt maturities over the next six to 12 months and that it believes the company could rely on asset monetization and stable banking relationships to manage its liquidity.
According to Fosun International's 2021 annual report, Fosun International has a sound and healthy financial position. As of the end of 2021, the total debt to total capital ratio dropped to 53.8%; the average cost of debt was at a historically low of 4.6%; cash, bank balances and term deposits reached RMB96.78 billion. In terms of cash and debt management, Fosun has always adhered to the principle of proactive management of maturing debts and continuous optimization of debt structure, and has built financing capabilities with diversified financing channels and wide recognition from the market. The Group and its subsidiaries have established partnerships with more than 100 Chinese and foreign banks around the world and have signed strategic cooperation agreements with many international banks and multiple Chinese banks. Facing the volatility of the public market, Fosun made full use of its diversified financing channels to maintain stable liquidity.
On 22 June 2022, Fosun International announced an update on outstanding tender offer to accept Any-and-All for full outstanding principal amount of its only two offshore bonds maturing this year. The two offshore bonds are FOSUNI 5.5% 2023 US dollar bond puttable in August this year, at the amount about USD380 million, and Euro bond FOSUNI 3.3% 2022 maturing in October this year, at the amount about EUR384 million. These two bonds are the Company's only maturing offshore bonds this year. The expiration deadline is 4 July 2022 and the purchase price of these two bonds is redeemable at 100% of face value.
S&P Global Rating said the current market sentiment toward high-yield privately-owned enterprise (POE) issuers in both onshore and offshore markets is weak. Fosun's tender offer on 22 June to repurchase all offshore notes due this year (totaling about US$800 million) reflects its efforts to ease recent market skepticism. S&P Global Rating believes that Fosun can use secured debts, bank borrowings, as well as asset sales to settle the maturities. S&P Global Rating believes Fosun can well manage its maturities and expects Fosun's offshore and onshore bank facilities will increase this year, and the company's banking relationships are unlikely to be hit in the near future. In addition, S&P Global Rating believes Fosun's considerable asset scale with a global presence, its diversified investment portfolio and ability to strike a balance between investments and divestments, could offer Fosun's flexibility to recycle assets and replenish cash.
On 8 June 2022, S&P Global Rating published a report, maintaining Fosun International outlook as "Stable"; and affirmed "BB" on Fosun International's long term issuer credit rating and its guaranteed senior unsecured debt. In view of the recent volatile market environment, S&P Global Rating maintained "BB Stable" credit rating to Fosun, demonstrating its affirmation on Fosun's efforts in debt management and endogenous growth strategy.
Fosun has been steadfastly fulfilling its mission of "creating happier lives for families worldwide", strengthening its presence in four business segments: Health, Happiness, Wealth and Intelligent Manufacturing. It is also one of the few companies in China which has global operation and investment capabilities and has built up a solid technology and innovation capabilities. In the face of the volatile epidemic situation and many external uncertainties, Fosun maintained a stable leverage ratio, high risk tolerance with its multi-currency debts and stable debt maturity, maintaining a healthy financial position.
In the future, Fosun will protect itself against market risk with a diversified business portfolio, a global asset presence, and the "Profound Industry Operations + Industrial Investment" strategy, and will continue to adhere to strict financial and capital management systems, further consolidate the Company's capital foundation, and grasp opportunities amid global market fluctuations and changes, thereby making solid yet bold progress for its growth and development.
About Fosun
Founded in 1992, Fosun is a global innovation-driven consumer group dedicated to providing high-quality products and services for families around the world in Health, Happiness, Wealth, and Intelligent Manufacturing segments. In 2007, Fosun International Limited was listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 00656.HK). In 2021, Fosun International's total revenue was RMB161.3 billion and total assets amounted to RMB806.4 billion. Fosun International ranks No.589 on the 2022 Forbes Global 2000 List, with a MSCI ESG rating of AA.
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SOURCE Fosun | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/24/fosun-international-received-sampp-global-ratings-latest-report/ | 2022-06-24T04:19:38Z |
Association highlights company's commitment for building Next Generation Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
EAST HARTFORD, Conn., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Global, one of the world's fastest-growing engineering services firms, has joined the Coalition for Open Process Automation (COPA), to develop technology that will help realize next generation ICS. With this association, Quest Global has further strengthened its position as a trusted partner to its industrial customers, helping these customers accelerate their digital transformation journey.
COPA is a partnership program formed by CPLANE and CSI to encourage collaboration among industrial and IT vendors to create commercial control systems based upon the Open Process Automation Standard (O -PAS). COPA aligns the resources of leading vendors to introduce the world's first commercially available, open industrial control system. As a COPA member, Quest Global will be integrating its services with COPA's QuickStart, an initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of next-gen open control systems for enabling industry 4.0.
Speaking on the occasion, Suraj R, President and Global Business Head, Energy at Quest Global said, "We believe engineering has the unique ability to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. Our team of brilliant engineers is continuously striving to make the impossible possible for our customers. Through the COPA association, we will provide a strong support to the industrial sector in overcoming the technical obstacles they face in commercial implementation of Open Process Automation Standard."
Quest Global can equip the world's leading industrial companies in their Industry 4.0 journey with services to realize the most advanced industrial control systems. These companies will be able to migrate their infrastructure with ease, minimize the cost of migration and will have an improved support system, avoiding bottlenecks.
COPA spokesperson, Bob Hagenau, CEO at CPLANE.ai added, "COPA is delighted to have Quest Global on board with us. The organization has a proven record of supporting world-leading OEMs in introducing, enhancing, and upgrading their industrial control systems. Integrating their solutions and services with the QuickStart system will help accelerate the digital transformation journey of industrials. "
About Quest Global
We are Quest Global. We're in the business of engineering, but what we're really building is a brighter future. It's not just what we do, but why we do it that makes us different. We believe engineering has the unique opportunity to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. For 25 years, we have strived to be the most trusted partner for the world's hardest engineering problems. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, we live and work in 17 countries, with 56 global delivery centers, driven by 13,000+ extraordinary employees who make the impossible possible every day.
Quest Global brings deep industry knowledge and digital expertise to deliver E2E global product engineering services. We bring together technologies and industries alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most important and large-scale challenges across the Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Energy, Hi-Tech, Healthcare, Medical Devices, Rail and Semiconductor industries.
Media Contact:
Quest Global - Anubhuti.Agarwal@quest-global.com
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1867542/COPA_Logo.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1830310/Quest_Global_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Quest Global | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/quest-global-joins-coalition-open-process-automation-copa-enable-industry-40-journey-its-customers/ | 2022-07-28T06:50:00Z |
DRESHER, Pa., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FuturePlan by Ascensus—a leading national retirement third-party administrator (TPA) that specializes in the delivery of customized retirement plan consulting and administration services—announced a major expansion of the firm's national footprint with four new sales territories and ten strategic new hires across the country. Both expansion moves significantly strengthen the consultative, expertise-driven sales model that delivers a competitive advantage to advisors.
The following new FuturePlan sales territories were developed and staffed to serve high-demand areas with notable small to mid-size business growth trends:
- Central/Northern New York and Metro NYC, led by regional vice president Ed Meade
- Michigan, led by regional vice president Tricia Bailey
- Southeastern New York and Northern New Jersey, led by regional vice president Charles Rosenberg
- Southern Florida, led by regional vice president Jacki Betz
"FuturePlan is a national brain trust, bringing together a wide range of specialized expertise. We needed an expanded sales model to deliver all the advantages to our advisor partners," said Kasey Price, President of FuturePlan. "We also added eight new internal sales partners to support our rapid growth and enhance our advisor-centric strategy. Every member of our sales organization has a high level of technical and plan design knowledge."
Price, who was promoted to the role of President earlier this month after previously holding the role of Head of Sales, will continue guiding growth of the overall sales organization while recruitment is ongoing. The organization's fast-growing network of institutional partnerships is another driving factor behind the expanded sales territories and staffing model—the organization doubled the size of the Institutional Sales Team this year.
In the past year, FuturePlan launched three major institutional partnership products and expanded internal teams dedicated to 3(16) and Cash Balance Centers of Excellence. "FuturePlan is in a unique position for developing institutional product and service offerings," said Carlo Guerrera, Head of Institutional Sales. "Our industry-leading size, scope and scale are well matched to serve major recordkeeping and distribution partners alike." Both Price and Guerrera said they're anticipating even more growth in institutional partnership opportunities following the Newport merger with Ascensus earlier this year, as unification expands organization-wide capabilities in many key service areas.
Other specialty practice areas driving growth include Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans and Prevailing Wage Plans, both of which have experienced unprecedented market interest in response to legislative changes and the challenging labor market.
With more product and service innovation in the 2022 pipeline and a new advisor portal under development, the firm is anticipating new sales territories and an increased focus on talent acquisition and retention in the year ahead. "With the backing of Ascensus and the caliber of acquired TPA firms, we now have a tremendous opportunity to revolutionize the TPA sales and service model on a national level," Price commented, "We're just getting started—our team is incredibly motivated.
FuturePlan is a leading national TPA for America's advisors and recordkeepers, empowering them to deliver better outcomes for savers. We combine highly responsive, personalized service with the unmatched strength and security of a national leader. FuturePlan's experienced team of experts supports more than 45,000 plan sponsors with more than 1.9 million participants and more than $104 billion in assets under administration. For more information, visit futureplan.com.
Ascensus is a market-leading enabler of tax-advantaged savings—providing technology, services, and expertise that help more than 15 million people save for retirement, education, and healthcare.
We are a premier savings program service provider, third-party administrator, and government savings facilitator. Our platforms, industry knowledge, and data-based insights enhance the growth and success of our partners, their clients, and savers through co-branded, private-labeled, and governmental partnerships.
Ascensus offers comprehensive qualified and non-qualified retirement plan solutions, third-party retirement plan administration, 529 education and ABLE savings program administration, health savings and COBRA administration, corporate- and bank-owned life insurance solutions, and fiduciary and total rewards services.
The company's brands include Ascensus; Newport, an Ascensus company; PAi, an Ascensus company; and FuturePlan by Ascensus. Ascensus has more than $706 billion in assets under administration and employs more than 5,600 associates as of June 30, 2022.
For more information, visit ascensus.com and newportgroup.com.
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SOURCE FuturePlan by Ascensus | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/futureplan-marks-major-2022-growth-with-four-expanded-sales-territories-ten-strategic-new-hires/ | 2022-08-24T15:36:52Z |
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A burgeoning collaboration between St. Thomas University (STU) and America's most admired automotive retailer, AutoNation, has already yielded big things. Just travel north from Opa-Locka to Miami Gardens on NW 37th Avenue, near the STU campus, or come in for a landing at MIA or Opa-Locka Executive Airport. You cannot miss the massive scoreboard and iconic DRV PNK digital license plate that surrounds it. The 50 by 32-foot scoreboard anchors STU's new turf athletic field that serves the University's football, women's flag football, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's rugby, and women's lacrosse programs this year.
The new field, which will be known as "AutoNation Field," will be dedicated on Wednesday, August 24 at 4:30pm during a large-scale public ribbon-cutting event at the University. The event will also serve as a "welcome back" party for over 1,800 undergraduate STU students, 38% of whom are Black/African American and 36% of whom are Hispanic/Latino. Close to half of the University's incoming first-year students will be first-generation college students, and 70% of them are eligible for Federal Pell Grants which are awarded to students with exceptional financial need.
"Both the DRVPNK scoreboard and the new turf field are part of a bigger plan that the University and AutoNation have developed to ensure that we are producing winners in the classroom and on the field of play," said STU President Armstrong.
Armstrong credits AutoNation Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer and new STU Trustee, Marc Cannon, with the bold vision that led to the creation of the scoreboard, the field, and several ancillary programs that support the development of the whole student—body, mind, and spirit.
"The corporate ethos of AutoNation aligns so well with STU's mission to educate ethical leaders for our global community," Armstrong asserted. "We both believe that learning takes place in a number of places—in the classroom, on the field, in the residence hall, during internships—and these combined experiences will shape the next generation of corporate and civic leaders."
For his part, Cannon is confident that AutoNation's sizeable investment at STU will have a transformational impact on both the campus community and the surrounding area.
"I wanted this to be a BIG endeavor: big for the university, its students, and big for Miami Gardens and the surrounding communities." Cannon emphasized, "Keep an eye on what happens beneath that big DRVPNK scoreboard. I am confident that there, you will soon see young people from the area playing youth soccer and football; and most certainly, the more they play there, the more they, too, will aspire to college."
The partnership with AutoNation is among the many big things happening at STU over the last four years: Big enrollment increases (up 80% since President David A. Armstrong, J.D.'s tenure began in 2018); big campus additions (over 409,000 square feet of learning, living, and athletic space has been added to the campus); and, big announcements (a Center for Social Justice named for famed civil rights attorney Benjamin L. Crump was launched at the STU College of Law).
If you ask President Armstrong about the growth, he is quick to respond that STU "is just getting started." Big partnerships, big impact, and bigger things to come.
St. Thomas University (STU) is a private, non-profit Catholic institution committed to the academic and professional success of its students who become ethical leaders in our global community. Rich with cultural and international diversity, STU is the only Catholic archdiocesan-sponsored university in Florida. On our beautiful campus and online, the university's College of Science, College of Law, Gus Machado College of Business and Biscayne College offer 61 undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs.
AutoNation, a provider of personalized transportation services, is driven by innovation and transformation. As one of America's most admired companies, AutoNation delivers a peerless Customer experience recognized by data-driven consumer insight leaders, Reputation and J.D. Power. Through its bold leadership and brand affinity, the AutoNation Brand is synonymous with "DRVPNK" and "What Drives You, Drives Us." AutoNation has a singular focus on personalized transportation services that are easy, transparent, and Customer-centric.
Please visit www.autonation.com, investors.autonation.com, and www.twitter.com/AutoNation, where AutoNation discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations. Please also visit www.autonationdrive.com, AutoNation's automotive blog, for information regarding the AutoNation community, the automotive industry, and current automotive news and trends.
Carlos de Yarza, VP of Marketing & Communications, 786.897.1107, cdeyarza@stu.edu
Marc Cannon, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer, 954.769.3146, cannonm@autonation.com
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SOURCE St. Thomas University | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/autonation-amp-st-thomas-university-have-big-plans-student-success-classroom-amp-field/ | 2022-08-22T23:48:24Z |
SUGAR LAND, Texas, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Corporation (NYSE: NE) today announced plans to report financial results for the second quarter 2022 on Monday, August 8, 2022, after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company's press release will be available on the Noble website at www.noblecorp.com.
Noble will host a conference call related to its second quarter 2022 results on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Central Time. Interested parties may dial +1 929-203-0901 and refer to conference ID 31391 approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Alternatively, a live webcast link will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website. A webcast replay will be accessible for a limited time following the scheduled call.
Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The Company owns and operates one of the most modern, versatile, and technically advanced fleets in the offshore drilling industry. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921. Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of offshore drilling units focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide. Additional information on Noble is available at www.noblecorp.com.
Investors and others should note that we may announce material information using Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts, and the "Investor" section of our website. In the future, we will continue to use these channels to distribute material information about the company and to communicate important information about the company, key personnel, corporate initiatives, regulatory updates, and other matters. Information that we post on our website could be deemed material; therefore, we encourage investors, the media, our customers, business partners and others interested in our company to review the information we post on our website.
For additional information, visit www.noblecorp.com or email investors@noblecorp.com
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SOURCE Noble Corporation | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/noble-corporation-announce-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-07-20T21:41:42Z |
Portfolio addition will drive long-term shareholder growth
SAN FRANCISCO and INDIANAPOLIS, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Prologis, Inc. (NYSE: PLD) and Duke Realty Corporation (NYSE: DRE) today announced that the two companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement by which Prologis will acquire Duke Realty in an all-stock transaction, valued at approximately $26 billion, including the assumption of debt. The respective board of directors for Prologis and Duke Realty have unanimously approved the transaction.
"We have admired the disciplined repositioning strategy the Duke Realty team has completed over the last decade," said Prologis Co-founder, CEO and Chairman Hamid R. Moghadam. "They have built an exceptional portfolio in the U.S. located in geographies we believe will outperform in the future. That will be fueled by Prologis' proven track record as a value creator in the logistics space. We have a diverse model that allows us to deliver even more value to customers."
With the transaction, Prologis is gaining high-quality properties for its portfolio in key geographies, including Southern California, New Jersey, South Florida, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta.
The acquisition on an owned and managed basis comprises:
- 153 million square feet of operating properties in 19 major U.S. logistics geographies.
- 11 million square feet of development in progress - about $1.6 billion in total expected investment.
- 1,228 acres of land owned and under option with a build-out of approximately 21 million square feet.
Prologis plans to hold approximately 94% of the Duke Realty assets and exit one market.
"This transaction is a testament to Duke Realty's world-class portfolio of industrial properties, long-proven success and sustainable value creation we've delivered over the years," said Duke Realty Chairman and CEO Jim Connor. "We have always respected Prologis, and after a deliberate and comprehensive evaluation of the transaction and the improved offer, we are excited to bring together our two complementary businesses. Together, we will be able to accelerate the potential of our business and better serve tenants and partners. We are confident that this transaction – including the meaningful opportunity it provides for shareholders to participate in the growth and upside from the combined portfolio — is in the best long-term interest of Duke Realty shareholders."
The transaction is anticipated to create immediate accretion of approximately $310-370 million from corporate general and administrative cost savings and operating leverage as well as mark-to-market adjustments on leases and debt. In year one, the transaction is expected to increase annual core funds from operations* (Core FFO), excluding promotes per share by $0.20-0.25. On a Core AFFO basis, excluding promotes, the deal is expected to be earnings neutral in year one.
Further, future synergies have the potential to generate approximately $375-400 million in annual earnings and value creation, including $70-90 million from incremental property cash flow and Essentials income, $5-10 million in cost of capital savings and $300 million in incremental development value creation.
"This transaction increases the strength, size and diversification of our balance sheet while expanding the opportunity for Prologis to apply innovation to drive long-term growth," said Tim Arndt, Prologis' chief financial officer. "In addition to generating significant synergies, the combination of these portfolios will help us deliver more services to our customers and drive incremental long-term earnings growth."
Under the terms of the agreement, Duke Realty shareholders will receive 0.475x of a Prologis share for each Duke Realty share they own. The transaction, which is currently expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022, is subject to the approval of Prologis and Duke Realty shareholders and other customary closing conditions.
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and Citigroup are serving as financial advisors and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as legal advisor to Prologis. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as the lead financial advisor and Hogan Lovells US LLP is serving as legal advisor to Duke Realty. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Alston & Bird LLP are also serving as financial and legal advisors, respectively, to Duke Realty.
Webcast & Conference Call Information
Prologis will host a webcast and conference call today to discuss the transaction. Here are the event details:
- Monday, June 13, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern time.
- Live webcast at http://ir.Prologis.com by clicking Events & Presentations.
- Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1 (888) 330-2502; Conference ID: 7126328.
- A telephonic replay will be available from June 13 to June 27.
- The webcast replay will be posted when available in the Investor Relations "Events & Presentations" section at www.prologis.com.
About Prologis
Prologis, Inc. is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. As of March 31, 2022, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.0 billion square feet (93 million square meters) in 19 countries. Prologis leases modern logistics facilities to a diverse base of approximately 5,800 customers principally across two major categories: business-to-business and retail/online fulfillment.
About Duke Realty
Duke Realty Corporation owns and operates approximately 164.9 million rentable square feet of industrial assets in 19 major logistics markets. Duke Realty Corporation is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol DRE and is a member of the S&P 500 Index. More information about Duke Realty Corporation is available at www.dukerealty.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements in this communication that are not historical facts are 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 forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which Prologis and Duke Realty operate as well as beliefs and assumptions of Prologis and Duke Realty. Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact Prologis' or Duke Realty's financial results. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," and "estimates," including variations of such words and similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that Prologis or Duke Realty expects or anticipates will occur in the future — including statements relating to any possible transaction between Prologis and Duke Realty, rent and occupancy growth, acquisition and development activity, contribution and disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where Prologis or Duke Realty operate, Prologis' and Duke Realty's respective debt, capital structure and financial position, Prologis' and Duke Realty's respective ability to earn revenues from co-investment ventures, form new co-investment ventures and the availability of capital in existing or new co-investment ventures — are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although Prologis and Duke Realty believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, neither Prologis nor Duke Realty can give assurance that its expectations will be attained and, therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) Prologis' and Duke Realty's ability to complete the proposed transaction on the proposed terms or on the anticipated timeline, or at all, including risks and uncertainties related to securing the necessary shareholder approvals and satisfaction of other closing conditions to consummate the proposed transaction; (ii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement relating to the proposed transaction; (iii) risks related to diverting the attention of Prologis and Duke Realty management from ongoing business operations; (iv) failure to realize the expected benefits of the proposed transaction; (v) significant transaction costs and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities; (vi) the risk of shareholder litigation in connection with the proposed transaction, including resulting expense or delay; (vii) the risk that Duke Realty's business will not be integrated successfully or that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; (viii) risks related to future opportunities and plans for the combined company, including the uncertainty of expected future financial performance and results of the combined company following completion of the proposed transaction; (ix) the effect of the announcement of the proposed transaction on the ability of Prologis and Duke Realty to operate their respective businesses and retain and hire key personnel and to maintain favorable business relationships; (x) risks related to the market value of the Prologis common stock to be issued in the proposed transaction; (xi) other risks related to the completion of the proposed transaction and actions related thereto; (xii) national, international, regional and local economic and political climates and conditions; (xiii) changes in global financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; (xiv) increased or unanticipated competition for Prologis' or Duke Realty's properties; (xv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, including increased development costs due to additional regulatory requirements related to climate change; (xvi) maintenance of Real Estate Investment Trust status, tax structuring and changes in income tax laws and rates; (xvii) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that Prologis and Duke Realty maintain and their credit ratings; (xviii) risks related to Prologis' and Duke Realty's investments in co-investment ventures, including Prologis' and Duke Realty's ability to establish new co-investment ventures; (xix) risks of doing business internationally, including currency risks; (xx) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters; (xxi) risks related to the coronavirus pandemic; and (xxii) those additional factors discussed under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in Prologis' and Duke Realty's respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. Neither Prologis nor Duke Realty undertakes any duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this communication except as may be required by law.
Additional Information
In connection with the proposed transaction, Prologis will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a registration statement on Form S-4 ("Form S-4"), which will include a document that serves as a prospectus of Prologis and a joint proxy statement of Prologis and Duke Realty (the "joint proxy statement/prospectus"), and each party will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE FORM S-4 AND THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. A definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to Prologis' and Duke Realty's shareholders. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain the Form S-4 and the joint proxy statement/prospectus free of charge from the SEC's website or from Prologis or Duke Realty. The documents filed by Prologis with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at Prologis' website at the SEC Filings section of www.ir.prologis.com or at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge from Prologis by requesting them from Investor Relations by mail at Pier 1, Bay 1, San Francisco, CA 94111. The documents filed by Duke Realty with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at Duke Realty's website at the SEC Filings section of http://investor.dukerealty.com or at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge from Duke Realty by requesting them from Investor Relations by mail at 8711 River Crossing Blvd. Indianapolis, IN 46240.
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Participants in the Solicitation
Prologis and Duke Realty and their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about Prologis' directors and executive officers is available in Prologis' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, its proxy statement dated March 25, 2022, for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and its Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on April 5, 2022. Information about Duke Realty's directors and executive officers is available in Duke Realty's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, its proxy statement dated March 2, 2022, for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and its Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2022. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction when they become available. Investors should read the joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from Prologis or Duke Realty as indicated above.
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SOURCE Prologis, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/prologis-combine-with-duke-realty-26-billion-all-stock-transaction/ | 2022-06-13T12:48:25Z |
A Compelling Story of Unthinkable Cruelty and Hope Already Receiving Accolades
NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, publishing on the anniversary of the Nazi invasion of Poland, We Survived the Holocaust (Imagine and Wonder Publishing) is a triumph of words and illustrations conveying a complicated history and a story of courage.
As the Nazis invaded Poland, Bluma Tishgarten and Felix Goldberg two young Polish Jews were swept away and forever altered by the Holocaust – the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. This miraculous story of survival, combined with the rise of nationalism and fascism, leading to the extermination of millions of men, women and children, not only tells the historic tale of the Holocaust from the lens of Felix and Bluma it also relays a cautionary tale, a dangerous history that — if forgotten — could very well be repeated.
Author Frank Baker said, "A few months before Holocaust survivor Felix Goldberg passed away, he handed me his story about the Holocaust and told me to "do something with it." I knew from that moment forward I had a responsibility to find an innovative way to share the story of Felix and Bluma's survival. The Holocaust started with words of hate — this is an opportunity to take words and images and use them to fight Holocaust denial and strengthen remembrance."
"We had the opportunity—and the responsibility—to tell the Goldbergs' story through visual narrative in a way that was not only designed to inform, but to also emotionally resonate with our reader. We need to bring the history and the horrors of the Holocaust to new generations of readers to remind them of what hate can do and that antisemitism is an ancient evil that we must always be prepared to fight," stated Illustrator Tim Ogline.
Michael Berenbaum, Professor of Jewish Studies at the American Jewish University, explains the importance of the graphic novel, "It speaks to some of the most important of our values and offers a message that is at once timeless, but so timely in the world of war, antisemitism and racism that has characterized 2022. Beautifully illustrated, the complex story of the Goldbergs is now accessible to readers of all ages."
For inquiries: steven@imagineandwonder.com
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SOURCE Imagine and Wonder | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/innovative-holocaust-graphic-novel-introduced-anniversary-nazi-invasion-poland-delivers-timeless-message-against-antisemitism-racism/ | 2022-09-01T09:31:00Z |
Body of missing 5-year-old girl found in river, officials say
Published: May. 4, 2022 at 10:36 AM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) – The body of a missing 5-year-old girl with autism was found in a river Tuesday night, officials in South Carolina said.
According to the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, the body of Collins Elizabeth “Lenny” Lusk was found in the Black River.
Lenny was last seen playing in her backyard sandbox around 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Officials said no foul play is suspected. No further details have been released.
Copyright 2022 WCSC via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/04/body-missing-5-year-old-girl-found-river-officials-say/ | 2022-05-04T17:03:01Z |
The Connect, powered by Ocmulgee EMC, fiber-to-the-home network will deliver high-speed internet access to homes and businesses across five counties
KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Conexon Connect, the internet service provider formed by rural fiber-optic network design and construction management leader Conexon, has been selected by Ocmulgee EMC to deliver high-speed fiber internet access for rural Georgians within the cooperative's service territory.
The cooperative is partnering with Connect to launch and deploy a fiber-to-the-home network that could span up to 2,100 miles across its middle Georgia territory. The project marks the eighth partnership Conexon Connect has announced within the state.
The Connect, powered by Ocmulgee EMC, network will deliver world-class fiber broadband services to homes and businesses across Laurens, Bleckley, Dodge, Pulaski, and Telfair counties. The goal is to ultimately expand fiber broadband access to all of Ocmulgee EMC's 8,000+ members, if possible.
"As with our other Georgia partnerships, this project reflects our ongoing commitment to bring the many benefits of high-speed internet to unserved and underserved residents and communities," Conexon Founding Partner and Conexon Connect CEO, Randy Klindt said. "It's a commitment that W H Peacock and the Ocmulgee team share, and we are excited to work together to improve the lives and prospects of the cooperative's members."
Construction will begin in 2022, with the first members expected to be connected in early 2023. The project will take two-to-four years to complete and will cost at least $40 million.
The Connect, powered by Ocmulgee EMC, fiber network will offer members access to symmetrical (same upload and download speeds) gigabit internet capabilities – among the fastest and most robust in the nation. Additionally, it will provide reliable, clear phone service and enable the benefits of smart grid capabilities to the electrical infrastructure, including improved power outage response times, better load balancing, more efficient electricity delivery and more.
"We are extremely pleased to partner with Conexon Connect to bring high-speed internet to Ocmulgee members. Our rural areas and communities have long waited for this kind of service," Ocmulgee EMC General Manager W H Peacock said, "and we are excited to bring them the economic, educational and other advantages broadband offers."
Conexon and Conexon Connect work with electric cooperatives committed to serving their members with fiber broadband. With clients and partners, Conexon has designed more than 200,000 miles of fiber, builds more than 50,000 miles of fiber annually, and has connected more than 500,000 rural Americans to fiber to the home.
"One year ago, Conexon started constructing our first Connect project in Georgia. By the fall, we had launched the first 2 Gigabit service in rural Georgia," Conexon Partner Jonathan Chambers said. "With the addition of the Ocmulgee EMC fiber network, Conexon will be building 200 miles a week in the state, making service available to previously unserved rural Georgia at a pace of 1,000 to 2,000 homes a week.
"I know there are others building in Georgia, but there's a difference between these Connect projects and nearly all the others. These networks are owned by the people we serve. The funding support provided by the state is money that goes back to the people who live here. I expect the Ocmulgee EMC network, like the other EMC projects, will become a model for the rest of the state and the nation."
About Ocmulgee EMC
Ocmulgee EMC was founded in 1938 in middle Georgia. From the moment the first members were connected, Ocmulgee has upheld the promise to bring connection to rural areas of its community. Ocmulgee EMC has made it possible for rural families within its service territory to enjoy a higher standard of living by following the same vision and motivation of the founders who brought electricity more than 80 years ago. Today, Ocmulgee EMC has more than 8,000 members and has energized more than 2,100 miles of power lines. The lines span over Laurens, Bleckley, Dodge, Pulaski, and Telfair counties.
About Conexon Connect
Conexon Connect is the internet service provider (ISP) arm of rural fiber broadband design and construction management leader Conexon. The subsidiary was formed to operate and manage cooperative fiber-to-the-home networks. Connect leverages Conexon's decades of co-op operations, fiber-optic design and construction, telecommunications, federal and state lobbying and customer experience management expertise to successfully launch and operate projects. The Connect approach is to work with electric cooperatives to launch and deploy high-speed fiber-optic networks – the gold standard of communications transmission – enabling them to offer world-class fiber broadband to their members. Connect today is partnering with multiple cooperatives in Colorado, Florida, Georgia and Missouri.
About Conexon
Conexon works with Rural Electric Cooperatives to bring fiber to the home in rural communities. The company is comprised of professionals who have worked in electric cooperatives and the telecommunications industry, and offer decades of individual experience in business planning, building networks, marketing and selling telecommunications. Conexon offers its electric cooperative clients end-to-end broadband deployment and operations support, from a project's conception all the way through to its long-term sustainability. It works with clients to analyze economic feasibility, secure financing, design the network, manage construction, provide operational support, optimize business performance and determine optimal partnerships. To date, Conexon has assisted more than 250 electric cooperatives, 60 of which are deploying fiber networks, with more than 500,000 rural Americans connected to fiber to the home. The company has secured nearly $2 billion in federal, state and local grants and subsidies for its clients.
Cindy Parks
913-526-6912
cindy.parks@conexon.us
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SOURCE Conexon Connect | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/28/georgias-ocmulgee-emc-partners-with-internet-service-provider-conexon-connect-bring-world-class-broadband-rural-areas-throughout-middle-georgia/ | 2022-06-28T22:04:56Z |
Grants of up to $40K available for dental disease prevention, treatment and oral health education
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation announces the launch of its annual signature grant program for oral health projects designed to bring a smile to Arkansans. New this year is the increased individual grant maximum of $40,000.
From June 13 through Aug. 12, 2022, eligible organizations may apply for Community Grant funds to support new or existing programs that provide oral health education, dental disease treatment or preventive oral care. Initiatives must serve primarily low-income, uninsured and underserved Arkansans.
The Foundation will award a total of up to $500,000.
Applicants, especially first-time applicants, are encouraged to attend a free webinar on June 14 for detailed information, application guidelines and an opportunity for Q+As. The webinar will also be recorded for later viewing by registered attendees.
"The Foundation funds community-focused oral health projects that take a bite out of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health issues among uninsured Arkansans," said Chrissy Chatham, executive director of the Foundation. "A healthy smile goes beyond the mouth. With proper oral hygiene and the right dental treatment, individuals are more likely to eat and speak properly, feel confident at work and school and reduce their risk of other debilitating health complications. We hope our funding supports those outcomes."
Applicants must be an Arkansas-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, government agency, school or charitable dental treatment facility. They may apply for amounts ranging from $2,500 to $40,000 to support program-specific administrative/staffing costs, capital needs, dental clinic treatment expenses or program-related operational expenses.
Grants are awarded based on the applicants' ability to meet any of these funding goals: support low-cost clinics, provide oral health educational opportunities, support service-connecting organizations, and incorporate oral health into broader social determinants of health.
Selections will be made in November, and grant funds will be issued in January 2023.
Grant guidelines and the online application may be accessed at https://www.deltadentalar.com/2023-community-grants on or after June 13.
Advance registrations for the free, informational webinar on June 14, 2-3 pm, can be made at https://www.deltadentalar.com/2023-community-grant-webinar-signup.
The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation is committed to transforming oral health through collaboration, innovation, education and service. Since 2015, the Foundation has contributed an average of $1 million per year to local communities to support oral health education, prevention and treatment programs. More information is available at https://www.deltadentalar.com/giving-back/delta-dental-of-arkansas-foundation/about.
Media Contact: Chrissy Chatha
Executive Director
(o) 501-992-1698
(c) 501-912-6311
cchatham@deltadentalar.com
www.deltadentalar.com
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SOURCE Delta Dental of Arkansas | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/delta-dental-arkansas-foundation-opens-2023-community-grant-cycle/ | 2022-06-08T18:15:33Z |
Help celebrate 30 years of SilverSneakers by participating in a record-setting attempt!
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SilverSneakers® by Tivity Health®, the nation's leading community fitness program for older Americans, is attempting to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Most viewers of a dance fitness livestream on Facebook. The record-setting attempt is part of SilverSneakers' 30th anniversary celebration.
The attempt will take place on August 31, 2022, from 2:30-3:00 p.m. ET, and is open to the public. SilverSneakers needs at least 1,500 people to join the livestream to set the record. Attendees can RSVP for the Facebook Live event at https://www.facebook.com/events/587351202976595/. A Facebook account is not required to join the public event.
The Facebook Live class will be hosted by SilverSneakers National Trainer Jenny O'Callaghan who will lead a 30-minute dance fitness routine. O'Callaghan is one of the 21 National Trainers who teach SilverSneakers LIVE classes through SilverSneakers.com. The team has been teaching members choreography to prepare for this record-setting attempt, but she says no experience is necessary to join the livestream on August 31.
"After more than 23 years of being an instructor for SilverSneakers, I'm thrilled to be hosting the class attempting to set this world record," said O'Callaghan. "To be part of the SilverSneakers community is incredible. This record-setting attempt is an opportunity for anyone to experience and celebrate what we see every day – active seniors joining together to have fun and improve their health. This program is powerfully impacting the lives of seniors every day and I'm grateful to be on the journey."
SilverSneakers has experienced extensive growth over the past 30 years, starting as a chair-based fitness class in two Arizona cities. Today, it provides members with access to virtual fitness classes, social opportunities and mental enrichment, and a wide range of in-person group fitness classes and access to up to 22,000 locations nationwide.
"To me, there's no better way to celebrate 30 incredible years of SilverSneakers than by attempting to set a world record," said Richard Ashworth, president and CEO of Tivity Health. "SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program for our members, it's a community of support and friendship. I am excited and proud to be joining in on the fun to set a world record."
In September, SilverSneakers will host a large, online 30th anniversary celebration event for its members. Visit SilverSneakers30.com to learn more about the influence of the program and the 30th Anniversary celebration. Seniors can find out if they're eligible for SilverSneakers at SilverSneakers.com.
SilverSneakers®, by Tivity Health®, is the nation's leading community fitness program for Medicare eligible Americans. The program was founded in 1992 and is available to more than 18 million Americans through many Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement carriers, and group retiree plans. For more information, to check eligibility or to enroll in the program or sign up for a SilverSneakers newsletter, go to silversneakers.com.
Tivity Health® Inc., is a leading provider of healthy life-changing solutions, including SilverSneakers®, Prime® Fitness and WholeHealth Living®. We help adults improve their health and support them on life's journey by providing access to in-person and virtual physical activity, social, and mental enrichment programs, as well as a full suite of physical medicine and integrative health services. We continue to enhance the way we direct members along their journey to better health by delivering an insights-driven, personalized, interactive experience. Our suite of services supports health plans nationwide as they seek to reduce costs and improve health outcomes. At Tivity Health, we deliver the resources members need to live healthier, happier, more connected lives. Learn more at www.tivityhealth.com.
Contact:
Debbie Jacobson
Tivity Health
(480) 444-5204
Debbie.jacobson@tivityhealth.com
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SOURCE Tivity Health, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/25/silversneakers-pursues-guinness-world-records-title-facebook-live/ | 2022-08-25T13:03:11Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues its investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) resulting from allegations that Discover Financial Services may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Discover Financial Services securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=7773 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On July 20, 2022, after trading hours, Discover Financial Services issued a press release announcing its financial results for its second quarter of 2022. Among other items, Discover Financial Services disclosed that "[t]he company is suspending until further notice its existing share repurchase program because of an internal investigation relating to its student loan servicing practices and related compliance matters. The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by a board-appointed independent special committee."
On this news, Discover Financial Services' share prices fell $9.80 per share, or 8.9%, to close at $100.00 per share on July 21, 2022, on unusually heavy trading volume.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/06/rosen-top-ranked-firm-encourages-discover-financial-services-investors-with-losses-inquire-about-securities-class-action-investigation-dfs/ | 2022-08-06T11:49:25Z |
Sonic brings pickle fan favorites back to its menu
(Gray News) - Sonic has two new items on their menu that pickle lovers will want to try.
The fast food restaurant is bringing the Pickle Juice Slush and its Big Dill Cheeseburger back to its menu.
The drink, which debuted in 2018, is a combination of a salty dill pickle and a sweet slush.
Company officials say it became one of the most requested items from consumers on social media.
“Our pickle-obsessed guests have been patiently waiting for their return, and we’re very excited to offer them once again for a limited time,” said Vice President of Culinary & Menu Innovation Mackenzie Gibson.
The Big Dill Cheeseburger comes with pickle fries and dill pickle slices on the burger. The burger sold out quickly when it made its April debut.
These items are only available through Aug. 28.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/08/10/sonic-brings-pickle-fan-favorites-back-its-menu/ | 2022-08-10T16:22:11Z |
Kaiser Permanente study finds vaccinated surgical patients had no elevated risk of complications after COVID-19
OAKLAND, Calif., July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaiser Permanente researchers have good news for patients, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and hospital administrators who have had to put off elective surgery because of a positive COVID-19 test. Among fully vaccinated patients, there may not be an elevated risk with surgery soon after COVID-19.
Their study was published July 15 in Annals of Surgery and found no greater risk of post-surgery complications for these patients in the weeks and months after a COVID-19 illness than in surgery patients who didn't have a history of COVID-19.
"Current guidelines recommend avoiding elective surgery until 7 weeks after a COVID-19 illness, even if a patient has an asymptomatic infection," said lead author Sidney Le, MD, a former Clinical Informatics and Delivery Science research fellow with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research and surgeon with the Department of Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco.
"But as the pandemic continues, there is concern that delaying surgeries could cause more harm than benefit to some patients," Dr. Le added. "If we are able to identify certain patients who can proceed with surgery despite a recent coronavirus infection, that would be a big relief to health systems and their patients."
The news could return a welcome sense of predictability for hospitals that have had to make last-minute accommodations if a scheduled surgery patient tests positive for COVID-19, even if that person is asymptomatic, said co-author Bradley Cohn, MD, an anesthesiologist, intensivist, and chair of Perioperative Medicine for The Permanente Medical Group. "We have been delaying up to 10% of our surgeries, or canceling them on short notice, because previous evidence suggested we could be putting patients at increased risk from the stress of surgery in combination with COVID-19 illness," he said.
During the pandemic, surgery and anesthesia guidelines have relied on studies carried out before COVID-19 vaccines were widely available, Dr. Cohn said. "There was a tremendous gap in the literature on what the risk to patients might be in the current environment, in the context of an increasingly vaccinated population. This is the first study that I'm aware of that demonstrates vaccination mitigates the risk of harm in a patient who has recently had COVID-19 and has recovered by the time of their surgery."
The findings could have an immediate impact on Kaiser Permanente's perioperative guidelines in Northern California and may influence national and international professional guidelines as well, Dr. Cohn said.
The study is an example of Kaiser Permanente's ability to identify key medical and operational questions and apply data and research resources to them quickly, said Smita Rouillard, MD, associate executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. "Our findings underscore the importance of continuous learning during this unprecedented time of the pandemic," Dr. Rouillard said.
The researchers analyzed records for 228,913 Kaiser Permanente scheduled surgeries in Northern California between January 2020 and February 2022, 4.8% of which involved a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the weeks before or just after surgery. They compared complication rates for patients who had COVID-19 prior to surgery with control groups of patients who did not.
The rate of postoperative complications was about 5% and, overall, there was not a higher rate of complications between fully vaccinated patients who had COVID-19 within 4 weeks prior to surgery and those who did not.
The study authors said guidelines for elective surgery could be loosened, particularly for patients with previous asymptomatic or mild COVID-19, taking into account vaccination status and whether general anesthesia is being used. Longer delays for elective surgery could still be warranted for patients with previously severe infections or persistent symptoms, Dr. Le said, though this study did not specifically investigate this population.
Researchers will need to revisit the topic as conditions evolve, Dr. Le said.
"We are proud to bring current data to critically important questions that inform the delivery of surgical care, though we recognize that the pandemic is a scientific roller coaster: the virus itself, the context in which it is spread, and treatments all changing. These questions will need to be revisited over and over again with contemporary data and rapid analysis."
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
For more information, contact:
Jan Greene, Janice.x.greene@kp.org, 510-504-2663
Lauren Davitt, lauren.davitt@mboothhealth.com, (212) 886-2228
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SOURCE Kaiser Permanente | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/shorter-wait-between-covid-19-elective-surgery-possible/ | 2022-07-19T10:39:50Z |
Browns check boxes, add talent in draft but Mayfield lingers
By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Browns checked all the boxes in this year’s NFL draft. Except one. Cleveland added some quality players but was unable to trade quarterback Baker Mayfield, who remains on the team’s roster and in limbo. Mayfield became expendable when the team acquired three-time Pro Bowl QB Deshaun Watson last month. The Browns appeared to be close to making a deal with Carolina on Friday for Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018. But talks broke down and the Panthers drafted a quarterback. Browns general manager Andrew Berry called the Mayfield situation “fluid.” Cleveland drafted four offensive players, four defensive, and took a kicker this weekend. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/30/browns-check-boxes-add-talent-in-draft-but-mayfield-lingers/ | 2022-05-01T04:50:28Z |
Mount Union associate professor Beth Canfield-Simbro named Alliance school board member
ALLIANCE – Beth Canfield-Simbro has been named the newest member of the Alliance City school board.
The board appointed her to the position last week. She will serve the remainder of Lori Kumler's term, which expires Dec. 31, 2023. Kumler, who joined the board in May 2021, resigned May 18 because she is moving to central Ohio to be closer to family.
“I am honored to represent our community on the school board,” Canfield-Sinbro said in a news release. “I am looking forward to learning more about our wonderful school district.”
Canfield-Simbro works at the University of Mount Union
Canfield-Simbro has taught at the University of Mount Union since 2004 and now works as an associate professor in the university's education department. She also holds positions on the Alliance Board of Health, the Alliance Community Pantry and is a troop leader for Girl Scouts 61727.
She earned a bachelor's degree from Wright State University and a master's degree and doctorate from Ohio State University.
Board President Elayne Dunlap said she is happy the board could maintain its connection and partnership with Mount Union. Kumler also had been a professor at Mount Union.
“As a school board, we have done everything we can to promote an environment that allows teachers to teach and students to learn," Dunlap said in the release. "Having a board that is knowledgeable on the education system is a big help with creating an environment that promotes learning and growing at high levels. Beth is an educator and a professor in the education department at Mount Union, along with being a parent of students in the district."
Canfield-Simbro is the second new member named to the Alliance school board in the past two months.
The board appointed Suzie Dennis in April. Dennis, a retired teacher, is serving the remainder of former board member Sally Ailes' term, which expires in December 2023. Ailes died on March 15. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/education/2022/06/06/beth-canfield-simbro-appointed-alliance-city-boe-member/7485626001/ | 2022-06-06T18:32:56Z |
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