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PHILADELPHIA, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BNY Mellon Wealth Management named Laura LaRosa as Mid-Atlantic regional president. Laura is responsible for developing and implementing a growth strategy to execute across Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Tysons Corner and Delaware. Laura is based in Philadelphia and reports to Rob Kricena, head of U.S. markets.
Prior to joining BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Laura was at Glenmede, an investment and wealth management firm serving institutions and individuals, for more than 25 years. She most recently served as a member of the management committee and as an executive director, where she led client development and growth efforts. Laura held a variety of other senior roles at Glenmede, including director of Portfolio Management and director of Fixed Income Management.
"Laura has extensive experience in our industry and understands the complex needs of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients," said Kricena. "Her expertise and ability to create strong relationships within the community make her an exceptional choice to lead the region and support our Active Wealth framework."
Laura earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. She is an active member of her community and currently serves on the Executive Committee and Board of the Committee of Seventy, Board member of the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) and Board member of Friends of Rittenhouse Square. Laura is also a member of various other not-for-profit organizations, including the Mural Arts Philadelphia and Horizons.
ABOUT BNY MELLON WEALTH MANAGEMENT
For more than two centuries, BNY Mellon Wealth Management has provided services to financially successful individuals and families, their family offices and business enterprises, planned giving programs, and endowments and foundations. It has $264 billion in total client assets as of June 30, 2022, and an extensive network of offices in the U.S. and internationally. BNY Mellon Wealth Management, which delivers leading wealth advice across investments, banking, custody, and wealth and estate planning, conducts business through various operating subsidiaries of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. A line of business within Wealth Management, BNY Mellon Investor Solutions includes the firm's institutional multi-asset solutions business. For more information, visit www.bnymellonwealth.com or follow us on Twitter @BNYMellonWealth.
Media Contact:
Ben Tanner
212-635-8676
Ben.Tanner@bnymellon.com
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SOURCE BNY Mellon Wealth Management | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/bny-mellon-wealth-management-names-mid-atlantic-regional-president/ | 2022-07-26T13:20:49Z |
NEW YORK, June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE: IIPR).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/innovative-industrial-properties-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=29039&from=4
The lawsuit seeks to recover losses for shareholders who purchased Innovative Industrial Properties between May 7, 2020 and April 13, 2022.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until June 24, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
According to a filed complaint, Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Innovative Industrial Properties' focus is to be a cannabis company lender rather than a REIT; (2) that the true values of the Company's properties are significantly lower than Innovative Industrial Properties represents; (3) there are existential issues in its top customers; (4) as a result, its top customers may not be able to continue making payments to Innovative Industrial Properties and the Company would face significant issues replacing these customers; and (5) as a result, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/24/iipr-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-innovative-industrial-properties-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-june-24-2022/ | 2022-06-24T10:15:22Z |
AP source: Ducks closing in on deal with D John Klingberg
By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Anaheim Ducks are closing in on a one-year deal with defenseman John Klingberg. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Ducks and Klingberg haven’t yet finalized every detail of the deal to bring one of the NHL’s top unsigned free agents to Orange County. Klingberg has spent his entire NHL career with the Dallas Stars, racking up 71 goals and 303 assists in eight seasons as one of the league’s better offensive defensemen. The Swede had six goals and 41 assists for Dallas last season, although he was a career-worst minus-28. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/07/29/ap-source-ducks-closing-in-on-deal-with-d-john-klingberg/ | 2022-07-29T20:41:11Z |
TULSA, Okla., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) today reported net income of $354 million for second quarter 2022 compared to $280 million for second quarter 2021. The current period includes a $162 million gain on the sale of discontinued operations related to the June 2022 divestiture of our independent terminals network, and the prior year includes a $70 million gain primarily from the sale of a portion of our interest in the Pasadena marine terminal joint venture.
Diluted net income per common unit was $1.67 in second quarter 2022, or 90 cents excluding the 77-cent favorable impact of the gain on sale of discontinued operations, compared to $1.26 in second quarter 2021, or 95 cents excluding the 31-cent favorable impact of the gain on asset sale.
Diluted net income per unit excluding mark-to-market (MTM) commodity-related pricing adjustments, a non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) financial measure, was $1.94 for second quarter 2022, or $1.17 excluding the gain on sale of discontinued operations, which exceeded the $1.12 guidance provided by management in early May. Previous guidance did not include the expected gain as the closing date of the pending sale was not yet known at that time.
Distributable cash flow (DCF), a non-GAAP financial measure that represents the amount of cash generated during the period that is available to pay distributions, was $228 million for second quarter 2022 compared to $268 million for second quarter 2021. Free cash flow (FCF), a non-GAAP financial measure that represents the amount of cash available for distributions, expansion capital opportunities, equity repurchases, debt reduction or other partnership uses, was $649 million during second quarter 2022 versus $507 million during second quarter 2021.
"Magellan continued our trend of solid financial results during the second quarter of 2022. Further, we successfully closed on the sale of our independent terminals and already deployed $190 million into our equity buyback program during the quarter, underscoring our commitment to maximizing long-term value for investors," said Aaron Milford, chief executive officer. "As we look forward, Magellan will continue to take a disciplined and responsible approach to managing our business, while delivering on our mission to safely and reliably transport and store the essential fuels that support economic prosperity and energy security in the communities we serve."
An analysis by segment comparing second quarter 2022 to second quarter 2021 is provided below based on operating margin, a non-GAAP financial measure that reflects operating profit before depreciation, amortization and impairment expense and general and administrative (G&A) expense. The financial results from our independent terminals are classified as discontinued operations for all periods, including the subsequent gain on sale in second quarter 2022.
Refined products. Refined products operating margin was $246 million, a decrease of $21 million. Transportation and terminals revenue increased $11 million primarily due to record quarterly transportation volumes as a result of additional contributions from our Texas pipeline expansion projects, higher shipments on our South Texas pipeline segment as well as continued demand recovery from pandemic levels. Average transportation rates also increased due to the mid-year 2021 overall tariff increase. Higher tender deduction revenue benefited from increased commodity prices, while storage revenue declined due to lower utilization and rates following recent contract expirations.
Operating expenses increased $28 million primarily due to less favorable product overages (which reduce operating expenses), higher property taxes as a result of recent expansion projects and higher power costs.
Earnings of non-controlled entities decreased $10 million primarily due to lower earnings from our Powder Springs joint venture due to unrealized MTM losses on futures contracts used to hedge its commodity activities as well as a favorable revenue adjustment at our Pasadena marine terminal joint venture that benefited the prior period.
Product margin (a non-GAAP measure defined as product sales revenue less cost of product sales) increased $6 million primarily due to higher margins and higher sales volumes on our gas liquids blending activities, partially offset by higher unrealized losses on futures contracts in the current period.
Crude oil. Crude oil operating margin was $108 million, an increase of $2 million. Transportation and terminals revenue increased $3 million primarily related to higher terminal throughput fees as a result of more customers utilizing a simplified pricing structure for services in the Houston area as well as higher tender deduction revenue due to increased commodity prices. These favorable results were mostly offset by reduced storage revenue due to lower utilization and rates following recent contract expirations. Transportation volumes were higher due to increased shipments on our Houston distribution system, which move at a lower average rate, in part due to a recent new pipeline connection.
Operating expenses increased $3 million primarily due to higher integrity spending related to the timing of maintenance work, partially offset by lower power costs as a result of our optimization efforts.
Earnings of non-controlled entities decreased $4 million primarily due to lower average rates on the Saddlehorn pipeline. Product margin was favorable $4 million primarily due to lower unrealized losses on futures contracts in the current period.
Other items. Depreciation, amortization and impairment expense increased $7 million primarily due to more asset retirements in the current period related to maintenance work.
Net interest expense increased slightly due to higher average debt outstanding. As of June 30, 2022, Magellan's debt balance was $5.0 billion, including $19 million outstanding under our commercial paper program, with $5 million of cash on hand.
Gain on disposition of assets of $70 million in 2021 primarily resulted from the sale of a portion of our interest in the Pasadena marine terminal joint venture, whereas income from discontinued operations increased $157 million primarily due to the $162 million gain on the sale of our independent terminals network in June 2022 for $447 million, including working capital adjustments.
Other expense was $14 million favorable primarily due to amounts recognized in second quarter 2021 related to certain legal matters.
Capital allocation
Magellan remains focused on maximizing long-term value for our investors through a disciplined combination of capital investments, cash distributions and equity repurchases.
We currently expect expansion capital spending to be approximately $80 million in 2022 to complete projects already committed, including a new project to increase gas liquids blending capabilities at our East Houston terminal. The expansion of our New Mexico refined products pipeline was completed during the second quarter of 2022, and the expansion of our refined products pipeline from Kansas to Colorado is expected to be in service by early 2023. Our expansion capital estimates do not yet include spending associated with the potential expansion of our refined products pipeline to El Paso, Texas, pending the results of our current open season to seek customer commitments.
During second quarter 2022, Magellan repurchased nearly 3.9 million of our common units for $190 million, resulting in total repurchases of 21.4 million units for $1.04 billion under our $1.5 billion repurchase program authorized through 2024. The timing, price and quantity of potential future equity repurchases will depend on a number of factors including expected expansion capital spending, excess cash available, balance sheet metrics, legal and regulatory requirements, market conditions and the trading price of our common units.
Financial guidance for 2022
Magellan continues to forecast annual DCF of $1.09 billion for 2022. The recent decline in commodity prices as well as the potential for slightly higher expenses during the second half of the year are currently projected to mostly offset our modest financial outperformance year to date. While management continues to monitor general economic conditions, including inflation and refined products demand, we do not expect a material impact to our annual guidance.
Based on current units outstanding, distribution coverage is expected to be 1.25 times the amount necessary to pay cash distributions declared for 2022.
FCF is projected to be $1.45 billion for 2022, or $578 million after distributions, including proceeds from the recent sale of our independent terminals that closed in second quarter 2022.
Based on actual results reported so far and the current number of units outstanding, annual net income per unit is estimated to be $5.05 for 2022, including the 77-cent impact of the gain on sale of our independent terminals, with third-quarter guidance of $1.15 per unit. Guidance excludes future MTM adjustments on Magellan's commodity-related activities.
Management currently expects that FCF after distributions will generally be used to repurchase units (subject to the considerations noted in "Capital allocation" above) and continues to target annual distribution coverage of at least 1.2 times for the foreseeable future.
Earnings call details
Management will discuss second-quarter 2022 financial results and outlook for the remainder of the year during a conference call at 1:30 p.m. Eastern today. Participants are encouraged to listen to the call via Magellan's website at www.magellanlp.com/investors/webcasts.aspx. In addition, a limited number of phone lines will be available at (800) 754-1366, conference code 22019355.
A replay of the audio webcast will be available for at least 30 days at www.magellanlp.com.
Non-GAAP financial measures
Management believes that investors benefit from having access to the same financial measures utilized by Magellan. As a result, this news release and supporting schedules include the non-GAAP financial measures of operating margin, product margin, adjusted EBITDA, DCF, FCF and net income per unit excluding MTM commodity-related pricing adjustments and the gain on sale of discontinued operations, which are important performance measures used by management.
Operating margin reflects operating profit before depreciation, amortization and impairment expense and G&A expense. This measure forms the basis of our internal financial reporting and is used by management to evaluate the economic performance of our operations.
Product margin, which is calculated as product sales revenue less cost of product sales, is used by management to evaluate the profitability of our commodity-related activities.
Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure utilized by management and the investment community to assess the financial results of a company.
DCF is important in determining the amount of cash generated from our operations, after maintenance capital spending, that is available for distribution to our unitholders. Management uses this performance measure as a basis for recommending to our board of directors the amount of cash distributions to be paid each period and for determining the payout for performance-based awards issued under our equity-based incentive plan.
FCF is a financial metric used by many investors and others in the financial community to measure the amount of cash generated by a company after considering all investing activities, including both maintenance and expansion capital spending, as well as proceeds from divestitures. Management believes FCF is important to the financial community as it reflects the amount of cash available for distributions, expansion capital opportunities, equity repurchases, debt reduction or other partnership uses.
Reconciliations of operating margin to operating profit, adjusted EBITDA, DCF and FCF to net income and FCF to net cash provided by operating activities accompany this news release.
We use exchange-traded futures contracts to hedge against price changes of petroleum products associated with our commodity-related activities. Most of these futures contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. However, because these futures contracts are generally effective at hedging price changes, management believes our profitability should be evaluated excluding the unrealized gains and losses associated with petroleum products that will be sold in future periods. Further, because the financial guidance provided by management excludes future MTM commodity-related pricing adjustments, a reconciliation of actual results to those excluding these adjustments is provided for comparability to previous financial guidance.
Since the non-GAAP measures presented in this news release include adjustments specific to us, they may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies.
About Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) is a publicly traded partnership that primarily transports, stores and distributes refined petroleum products and crude oil. Magellan owns the longest refined petroleum products pipeline system in the country, with access to nearly 50% of the nation's refining capacity, and can store more than 100 million barrels of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and crude oil. More information is available at www.magellanlp.com.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
Except for statements of historical fact, this news release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined by federal law. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words and phrases such as: guidance, expect, project, target, remains, long term, trend, so far, commitment, continue, delivering, potential, estimated, future, foreseeable, believes and similar references to future periods. Although management believes such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual outcomes to be materially different. Among the key risk factors that may have a direct impact on Magellan's results of operations and financial condition are: impacts from inflation; changes in supply, price or demand for refined petroleum products, crude oil and natural gas liquids, or for transportation, storage, blending or processing of those commodities through our facilities; changes in laws applicable to us; changes in government incentives or initiatives that negatively impact us or positively impact competitive alternatives; changes in our tariff rates or other terms as required by state or federal regulatory authorities; reductions of hydrocarbon production or cutbacks at refineries or at other businesses that use or supply our services; changes in the throughput or interruption in service on pipelines or other facilities owned and operated by third parties and connected to our terminals, pipelines or other facilities; the occurrence of operational hazards or unforeseen interruptions; the treatment of us as a corporation for federal or state income tax purposes or us becoming subject to significant forms of other taxation; changes in our capital needs, cash flows or availability of cash to fund unit repurchases or distributions; and failure of customers or vendors to meet or continue contractual obligations to us. Additional factors that could lead to material changes in performance are described in Magellan's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2021 and subsequent reports on Forms 8-K and 10-Q. You are urged to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements and other disclosures made in those filings, especially under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements." Forward-looking statements made by Magellan in this news release are based only on information currently known, and we undertake no obligation to revise our forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.
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SOURCE Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/magellan-midstream-reports-second-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-07-28T12:43:34Z |
After reaching a PSV of R$ 20 billion, the flexible housing platform invests in an app that reinvents real estate and connects projects to services. Housi is an operating system and buildings are hardware.
SÃO PAULO, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Latin American proptech has consolidated itself as a "camel startup" – which is one that has sustainable growth, good cash flow, stability and long-term strategies. It is focusing all its efforts on equipping real estate developments and is betting on the strategy of housing as a service connected to other complementary services in a new application.
As unicorns in the proptech sector, with a wave of layoffs and questioning in valuations, Housi - a world pioneer platform in the 100% digital flexible housing service - has doubled its team and aims to expand into the international market. Among the main international destinations are the USA, Latin America and Portugal.
"We are growing 400% a year. There are 200 partner developers and more than 60,000 apartments equipped with Housi's operating system. This represents a PSV close to R$20 billion with the Housi brand - which makes it virtually the largest developer in Brazil", says Alexandre Frankel - CEO of Housi.
Nowadays it is possible to install services such as waze and the banking app on smartphones. So, imagine installing the main services also in buildings: mini market, laundry, on-demand rental of household items. All connected to a single housing app. This means more simplicity and free time.
"In a very simple way, the same transformation that Microsoft brought to personal computers or that Google's Android and Apple's iOS systems brought to mobile devices, Housi proposed to bring to still analog hardware: real estate. We connect previously analog buildings to services and solutions through Housi AppSpace," explains Frankel.
In just a few months, the company has already attracted around 50 partners to its Housi App Space. "In practice, this process is almost organic and software driven. It's just a matter of adapting the technology", says the CEO.
Partnerships include major brands such as Unilever, Samsung and bring solutions such as: laundry, cleaning, grocery store, home appliance rental, smart lockers, in addition to subscription electric car, shared bicycles and much more.
"Housi AppSpace is our Windows. Just like any hardware, a building needs an operating system. And our vision is to be the operating system that digitizes real estate and connects it to developments", he concludes.
About house
Launched in 2019, Housi is a world pioneer in the 100% digital flexible housing service. The entire process is done digitally and, to rent a apartment on the platform, it takes less than 1 minute. The resident has everything in a single subscription, such as: rent, furniture, water, electricity, internet, Netflix, etc.
Website: https://housi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/housioficial/
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SOURCE Housi | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/real-estate-market-brazilian-startups-plan-become-building-software-with-housi-appspace-app/ | 2022-08-03T18:22:03Z |
‘Elvis’ actress and singer dies at 44 years old
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - An actress and singer recently seen in the 2022 Elvis biopic was found dead Wednesday, according to Tennessee police.
Authorities said 44-year-old Shonka Dukureh, who portrayed Big Mama Thornton in “Elvis,” was found dead in a Nashville apartment that she shared with her two young children.
Dukureh was reportedly found unresponsive by one of her kids, who then ran to a neighbor’s apartment, WSMV reports. The neighbor then called 911 at about 9:30 a.m.
Police said Dukureh’s death is currently unclassified pending autopsy results from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Dukureh is also known for performing the hit song “Vegas” at Coachella with rapper Doja Cat.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper released a message in response to the actress’ passing.
“My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh,” he said. “Shonka graduated from Fisk University and called Nashville home for many years. Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her memory on this sad day.”
Copyright 2022 WSMV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/21/elvis-actress-singer-dies-44-years-old/ | 2022-07-21T23:31:35Z |
STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (along with its subsidiaries, "Charter") today announced that Jessica Fischer, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in the Bank of America 2022 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Ms. Fischer's remarks are scheduled to begin at 9:40 a.m. PT (12:40 p.m. ET).
A live webcast of the event can be accessed on Charter's investor relations website, ir.charter.com. Following the live broadcast, the webcast will be archived at ir.charter.com.
About Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
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SOURCE Charter Communications, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/charter-participate-bank-america-media-communications-amp-entertainment-conference/ | 2022-08-31T15:13:45Z |
A modern fixed-mintage coin commemorating Australia's first florin mintage, this rare fractional platinum florin honors the founding of Australia's first mint – and is available only from Birch Gold Group.
BURBANK, Calif., June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading precious metals dealer Birch Gold Group announced today that it will be the only authorized distributor of The Perth Mint's latest in its florin coins series, this time a 1/4 oz Australian platinum florin. This fixed-mintage fractional coin is a modern update of the first Australian shillings minted for the British Empire in 1910 – and is only distributed by Birch Gold Group.
"At this unusual fractional weight, the 1/4 oz platinum florin offers an excellent opportunity to diversify both the weights and the growth opportunities in a precious metals IRA," said Phillip Patrick, Precious Metals Specialist with Birch Gold Group. "We're delighted to be Perth Mint's sole distributor for this exciting coin."
The platinum florin's design is an homage to the original 2 shilling coins Perth Mint first released as circulating coinage in 1910 – in fact, the original William Henry James Blakemore design is essentially unchanged over a century later (including the date). The Australian florin features the coat of arms of Australia: a kangaroo and an emu supporting a shield that displays the Southern Cross constellation.
The obverse (as with all Australian coins) shows Jody Clark's iconic "fifth portrait" of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II wearing her Royal Diamond Diadem crown. Unlike the version of the portrait used on British coins, the Australian portrait shows the Queen's shoulders and the coronation necklace she received when she became monarch in 1952.
"This fixed-mintage platinum florin is the third Perth Mint commemorative in the series of Australian florin commemorative coins available only from Birch Gold Group," Patrick noted. "We've seen a great deal of interest from our customers, and we're thrilled to make this platinum florin available the same year the Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee."
In 2021, Birch Gold Group announced the first two fixed-mintage precious metal florins: a 2 oz silver florin and a 1/4 oz gold florin. This new-for-2022, fixed-mintage platinum florin allows Birch Gold Group's customers to complete their collection of Perth Mint florins.
To learn more about the Australian 1/4 oz platinum florin and to get current pricing or information about Birch Gold Group's products and services, visit https://www.birchgold.com or call (800) 355-2116.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Burbank, California, Birch Gold Group is a leading dealer of precious metals serving a diverse customer base across the United States. Employing a team of experienced professionals and precious metal experts, the company provides a wide range of metals for physical possession and placement within an IRA, including silver, gold, platinum and palladium.
Birch Gold Group is known throughout the industry for its exemplary reputation and track record, consistently maintaining top scores and ratings with the Better Business Bureau, the Business Consumer Alliance and multiple renowned review websites.
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SOURCE Birch Gold Group | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/birch-gold-group-named-sole-authorized-dealer-perth-mints-new-platinum-florin-coin/ | 2022-06-09T10:55:07Z |
Kathy's family chalked up poor communication to being "slow." In second grade, her hearing loss was discovered. Later, she was sexually molested, survived cancer and attempted suicide multiple times. She rose above it all.
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Just when you think it can't get worse. At age 20, Kathy was on the shores of Lake Erie sunbathing when she was run over by a 3,500-pound lifeguard Jeep.
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/723122657/privacy
Dr. Randall Bell and Tanya Brown learn how Kathy navigated childhood as a hearing-impaired student who learned how to "fit in." While never developing a reading comprehension past the fourth grade, Kathy has written a book, traveled for years with Tony Robbins as a motivational speaker and "killed it" as a deaf comedian.
Post-Traumatic Thriving is a podcast that addresses the toughest issues around trauma and recovery. Unresolved trauma is the #1 problem facing humanity, with 66% to 85% of all college-age people having experienced at least one traumatic event.
Unresolved trauma fuels self-medication, depression, and violent crime. Unprocessed, trauma can lead to suicide, the leading cause of death in the United States according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This podcast takes on the issues by:
- Featuring guests who not only survived trauma but are thriving
- Delivering the science and art of resilience
- Giving practical tips to move forward
- Building a community of survivors and thrivers
Dr. Bell is a sociologist and economist who specializes in disaster recovery projects. "We can tap into trauma and make it the fuel to thrive," says Dr. Randall Bell, and the author of the bestselling book, Post-Traumatic Thriving.
Ms. Tanya Brown, MA is the author of Finding Peace Amid the Chaos. The 1994 death of Tanya's sister Nicole Brown Simpson generated a media frenzy around O.J. Simpson. Today, she is a celebrity author, and a motivational speaker and life coach. When facing trauma Tanya said, "You need to ask for help."
Core IQ https://www.coreiq.com/ is a non-profit organization that produces the podcast.
Available on multiple podcast platforms.
Links:
https://www.tiktok.com/@posttraumaticthrivingpod
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ZeUuGqzsYdJmhr2JHD2ag
https://www.instagram.com/coreiq/
https://www.facebook.com/coreiqskills
https://www.linkedin.com/company/coreiqinc/about/?viewAsMember=true
https://twitter.com/coreiq
Mel Levy mel@coreiq.com 949-497-7600 ext. 14
Reviews, photos, and interview requests available upon request.
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SOURCE Core IQ, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/23/core-iqs-new-podcast-post-traumatic-thriving-hosts-kathy-buckley-deaf-comic-who-was-run-over-by-lifeguard-jeep-who-shares-stage-with-anthony-robbins/ | 2022-06-23T22:03:41Z |
From coast to coast, cloud software leader is driving success for dental organizations
ROCKLIN, Calif., June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- tab32, the dental industry's #1 cloud technology platform, today announced that its flagship products are being used by America's largest and most innovative Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), transforming business operations and patient care from coast to coast. The country's premiere DSOs have now used tab32's platform to track over 13 million appointments, deliver better care to 9 million patients, and manage over 100 million radiology X-rays.
Only tab32 provides the robust cloud technologies that practices and DSOs need to survive and thrive during these challenging times. The company's cloud platform incorporates software to manage dental electronic health records (Dental EHR), a robust and flexible Dental Practice Management System (Dental PMS), and powerful Open Data Warehousing™ to unlock the full value of an organization's data to elevate both patient care and deliver actionable business insights.
Among the DSOs that have partnered with tab32 are forward-thinking organizations such as:
- Community Dental Partners, led by co-founder and CEO Emmet Scott, was designed for dentists by dentists who recognized the need to partner with responsible business experts. CDP offers an entirely innovative service option for the dental industry as they partner with dentists so they can preserve, grow, and enjoy their practice even more than they do today.
- LightWave, which deployed tab32 to support 175 top-tier dentists and 1,000+ employees across 66 dental offices in the mid-Atlantic region. "With tab32, we've found a partner that shares our unwavering commitment to quality, values, and people — and that can deliver the future-proof tech our network of practices and dentists need to succeed in 2022 and beyond," said Justin Jory, founder and CEO at Lightwave.
- Specialty Dental Brands of Nashville, Tenn., which uses tab32 to synchronize data, streamline patient engagement, and drive revenue growth across its 90+ locations. "We knew we needed to level up our data and practice management capabilities, and we quickly found that tab32 was the only cloud provider capable of delivering Open Data Access to drive actionable business insights for dental practices," said Michael Schwartz, CEO of Specialty Dental Brands.
- Full Smile Dental is a full-service dental organization based in the Texas Panhandle that trusts tab32 to keep its team of doctors, dentists, pediatric and cosmetic specialists, and oral surgeons working in unison to deliver seamless care for its patients.
- Smile Dental Services, an early adopter of tab32, is an organization of affiliated private practice dental offices each of which provides the care and services important to their individual communities. SDS has grown exponentially to now more than 30 locations across California and has most recently expanded to Las Vegas, Nevada.
With a fifth of dental practices now relying on DSOs to streamline their business operations, and industry experts expecting that proportion to rise to almost two-thirds of practices by 2025, there has never been a clearer need for agile, dependable cloud solutions capable of keeping practitioners and administrative teams connected as their organizations grow. Designed from the ground up to ensure data interoperability and security, while streamlining communication and collaboration for physicians, office staff, and patients, tab32 gives practices and DSOs the futureproof technology they need to grow their operations.
"When we started tab32, we knew that the dental industry was changing fast — but even so, we've been startled to see just how quickly DSOs have risen to that challenge. We're thrilled to be helping forward-looking organizations such as LightWave, Specialty Dental Brands, Full Smile Dental, and many others, to deliver the resilient and flexible operational support needed by today's dental industry," said Kiltesh Patel, tab32 CEO. "With our tried and tested cloud technology, DSOs can level up their operations and deliver the innovation and clinical excellence needed to stay ahead in our fast-changing industry."
Headquartered in Sacramento, California, tab32 is the industry's #1 technology platform for patient-first cloud dental electronic health record software (Dental EHR), Dental Practice Management System (Dental PMS), and Open Data Warehousing™. DSOs have used tab32 platforms to track 13 million appointments, 9 million patients, and 100 million radiology x-rays, along with 15 million annual patient engagement messaging.
With billions of dollars of annual production revenues managed on the platform, tab32 is developed from the ground up, leveraging modern cloud architecture and design needs for scalability using Google GCP.
The all-in-one cloud platform delivers comprehensive and engaging patient experiences through the entire value-chain of care, allowing dental practices to achieve long-term sustainable growth and profitability. With a leadership team of former researchers, data scientists, and engineers from University of California, tab32 has pioneered many first-to-market innovations such as integrated texting, VoIP, e-forms, mobile payments, cloud imaging, and a Standard Model for open data sharing in dental.
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SOURCE tab32 | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/americas-top-dsos-partner-with-tab32-elevate-dental-care/ | 2022-06-08T13:35:06Z |
Wellblends™ Teams Up with The Home Edit Founders for New Campaign - "Life Calls for Wellblends" - to Highlight the Importance of Balancing Sleep, Stress, and Immune Health
WEST HILLS, Calif., June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Nature Made® Wellblends™ kicked off a partnership with home organization experts, and stars of the hit Netflix series Get Organized with The Home Edit, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, to help inspire people to optimize their wellness routines and keep stress, sleep and immune health in balance. Nature Made®—the leading vitamin and supplement brand providing quality, science-backed solutions for more than 50 years—launched Wellblends™ earlier this year, as a complete line of 13 scientifically curated blends that support the complex interplay between sleep, stress and immune health†. The new line of products is available at major retailers across the country as well as on www.naturemade.com.
"We are thrilled to join forces with Nature Made® Wellblends™—we're such fans of the brand and have used Nature Made® products for years," shared Clea Shearer, Co-Founder of The Home Edit. "The Home Edit is all about making people feel and live better by helping them get organized, so working with Nature Made® Wellblends™, and offering more ways for people to support their health, felt like a meaningful new way to help consumers."
Through the partnership, The Home Edit founders will share their own experiences as well as how Nature Made® Wellblends™ targeted solutions help them proactively support their overall wellbeing as they navigate running their business, motherhood, busy schedules, travel, and life's stressors. Clea and co-founder Joanna Teplin will also share lifestyle tips that can help individuals address obstacles in achieving balance, including ways to organize work-from-home and office areas for better focus and productivity, how to optimize the bedroom for improved sleep, and how to organize vitamins and supplements to better support your daily routine.
The partnership is part of a larger, 360-degree campaign, "Life Calls for Wellblends™," that emphasizes the challenge to juggle all the things we should be doing—like aiming for eight hours of sleep every night, reducing stress, and eating healthier foods—but are thrown off balance when life gets busy.
"We both relate to how challenging it can be to prioritize wellness amidst the busyness of everyday life" said Joanna Teplin, Co-Founder of The Home Edit. "Staying up too late, sacrificing regular exercise and overcommitting on our schedules—it all feeds the cycle negatively. We're so glad to have a solution like Nature Made® Wellblends™ to help restore balance."
Fueled by the knowledge that issues impacting these interconnected areas are not the same for each person, the Wellblends™ portfolio offers a range of blends that not only address specific needs, but are available in an array of product forms—from capsules and gummies to powders and fast-dissolves.
"When we started planning this launch well over a year ago, we knew instantly that the Home Edit would be the perfect partner to help tell the story of Nature Made® Wellblends™ and we're thrilled to finally share our work together with the world," said Rhonda Hoffman, Chief Marketing Officer at Pharmavite, makers of Nature Made®. "Keeping our sleep, stress and immune health in balance is essential for achieving optimal health and wellness, and as Joanna and Clea share so well, the best organized system is one you can actually stick to and use."
Hoffman added: "We believe Wellblends™ is uniquely positioned to solve that issue for consumers to help balance their sleep, stress, and immune health in a way that works for them and fits their needs."
The "Life Calls for Wellblends" media campaign will run across traditional TV and streaming platforms, digital and social channels engaging influencer support, as well as relevant lifestyle and health focused podcasts. Disruptive, digital out-of-home advertising will also reach consumers throughout their day in key markets.
Pharmavite is a pioneer in the health and wellness industry, earning the trust of consumers, healthcare professionals and retailers by developing innovative vitamin and supplement solutions backed by science that adhere to strict manufacturing practices. Through its Nature Made®, EQUELLE®, MegaFood®, Nurish by Nature Made® and Uqora® brands, Pharmavite is dedicated to helping people live healthier, more vital lives. Based in California, Pharmavite is a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Visit www.Pharmavite.com and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news and information about Pharmavite and its brands.
Nature Made® is the leading national vitamin and supplement broadline brand, with 50 years of delivering high quality products that are backed by science. Ranked as the #1 Pharmacist Recommended vitamin and supplement brand*, Nature Made® was first to earn the United States Pharmacopeia's (USP) Verified Dietary Supplement mark for many of its products – independent verification that products meet stringent quality criteria for purity and potency. Visit www.NatureMade.com for the latest news and offerings and follow us on Facebook (@naturemade), Instagram (@naturemadevitamins) and TikTok (@naturemadevitamins).
The Home Edit was founded in 2015 by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin. Brought together by a mutual friend, it was friendship at first text, and a business partnership immediately thereafter. The goal in starting The Home Edit was to reinvent traditional organizing, and merge it with design and interior styling for a specific and signature look that is now known across the globe. The business has grown into over 9 markets spanning the United States and reaches millions on social media. Clea and Joanna are also the authors of two New York Times' bestselling books, The Home Edit and The Home Edit Life; are the stars and executive producers of the Emmy-nominated Netflix show, "Get Organized with The Home Edit" and have a line of organizational products sold in over 15 countries. The company was acquired by Hello Sunshine in 2022.
*Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
NETFLIX is a registered trademark of Netflix, Inc.
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SOURCE Nature Made | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/nature-made-wellblends-announces-unique-new-partnership-with-home-edit/ | 2022-06-22T14:01:00Z |
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Jimmy Garoppolo reported to training camp for the San Francisco 49ers after spending the offseason away rehabilitating his injured shoulder.
But the message from coach Kyle Shanahan about Garoppolo’s future and the future of the 49ers was clear: “This is Trey’s team.”
Shanahan started camp Tuesday by removing any pretense of a quarterback competition in San Francisco by unequivocally stating what had seemed obvious all offseason, that Trey Lance will take over as starter a year after being drafted third overall.
“That’s nothing against Jimmy,” Shanahan said. “We made that decision a year ago and we’re not going to mess around with that anymore. … Jimmy understands that fully. He’s a big guy and it’s nothing against him. It’s a business decision.”
The process of transitioning from Garoppolo to Lance as starter in San Francisco started last offseason when the Niners traded three first-round picks to move up to take Lance third overall.
But after having only limited college experience at lower-level North Dakota State, the 49ers were in no rush to turn the team over to Lance, believing that a healthy Garoppolo gave them the best chance to compete.
That mostly proved correct as San Francisco made it to the NFC title game with Garoppolo at quarterback before losing to the eventual champion Rams.
Lance played only sparingly, making two starts when Garoppolo got injured, but showed enough in practice and the offseason for Shanahan to be confident in his ability to run a team that has championship aspirations.
“When you deal with a guy that has ability and stuff and all eyes are on him and the pressure is on him, not just with you guys but teammates, that’s what you want to see, him getting better as he gets opportunities,” Shanahan said. “If he gets better as he gets opportunities, then you’re a lot more encouraged to give him a lot more opportunities.”
The Niners would have already moved on from Garoppolo if he had been healthy this offseason. But he needed shoulder surgery, complicating efforts to trade him.
Garoppolo stayed in Southern California for the offseason program but has been cleared to practice, eliminating a $7.5 million injury guarantee on his $24.2 million contract for 2022.
Whether the Niners can find a trade partner remains to be seen and they might end up releasing him to save that money on the cap. Shanahan said Garoppolo won’t take part in team drills and will work on the side building up strength in his shoulder.
That will put the focus on Lance, who completed 41 of 71 passes for 603 yards, five TDs and two interceptions, while also running for 168 yards and a score as a rookie last season.
Lance’s teammates believe in his ability and are happy any controversy over the starter has been put to rest before the first practice on Wednesday.
“It’s nice that Kyle came out and finally said it publicly, but I felt like we all kind of felt that and saw that in OTAs,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. “It’s not too much of a shocker or anything, but definitely excited for Trey and excited for us.”
NOTES: GM John Lynch was optimistic a contract extension can be reached with WR Deebo Samuel but expects to wait another year to extend DE Nick Bosa’s deal. Samuel is in the final year of his contract, while Bosa is locked up through 2023. … Lynch said the team will sign DT Robert Nkemdiche. … DE Dee Ford didn’t report to camp and will likely either be released or retire in the next few days. … TE Charlie Woerner (core surgery) and CB Jason Verrett (knee) will start camp on the physically unable to perform list. Rookie DT Khalia Davis (knee) will start out on the non-football injury list. … T Mike McGlinchey (quadriceps), DT Javon Kinlaw (knee) and LB Azeez Al-Shaair (shoulder) all passed their physicals but will be brought along slowly in camp.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/shanahan-clears-up-49ers-qb-situation-this-is-treys-team/ | 2022-07-27T18:05:24Z |
Ohio's map madness: What's democracy got to do with it?
President Harry S. Truman once said: "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
Truman has never really gotten the credit he deserves, mostly because succeeding the charismatic Franklin D. Roosevelt was akin to following Sinatra on karaoke night.
But the man from Missouri moved America forward despite recalcitrance by people in both parties.
The spirit of Truman's quote provides us a way out of Ohio's current election-map mess, which has further entrenched the state's reputation as one the nation's most corrupt.
More:Charita Goshay: Congressional maps are a picture of warped ambition
A burning barge of confusion and embarrassment, it's the result of the Republican majority on the Ohio Redistricting Commission rubberstamping efforts to tilt and skew state House and Senate maps and congressional maps to a degree that goes far beyond the state's general voter breakdown of 55-45, Republicans to Democrats.
The maps have been swatted down by the Ohio Supreme Court like LeBron in Game 7.
Vaulting ambition
Late last month, the commission resubmitted a tweaked version of House and Senate legislative maps to the court. They did so, ignoring a previous anti-gerrymandering amendment voters passed in 2018 and maps that were created by an independent mapmaker.
More:GOP OKs Ohio legislature maps tweaked from rejected ones; Democrats say process 'hijacked'
The commission hired mapmakers Michael McDonald of the University of Florida, and Douglas Johnson of National Demographic Corp. — at $450 an hour — then proceeded to nitpick and run out the clock on the new designs.
According the Columbus Dispatch: "Johnson and McDonald had produced maps that met Ohio's statewide voting preferences: a 54-45 GOP advantage in the House and an 18-15 GOP advantage in the Senate. Their proposal created three competitive House seats for each party. In the Senate, they crafted two competitive Democratic seats and no Republican ones."
Last year, Gov. Mike DeWine, a member of the commission (which makes no sense), signed off on a congressional map consisting of 15 districts, 12 of which are all but a lock for the GOP. Meanwhile, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine, the governor's son, refuses to recuse himself whenever map cases land on the docket.
It's a terrible look.
More:With May 3 out for legislative candidates, judges weigh options for new primary date, map
The primary for the legislative races is likely to take place in August, but that too depends on maps. Holding two primaries will cost us at least $20 million. Federal judges have given the state until May 28 to pick those maps or they will assign some that were previously rejected by the Ohio Supreme Court — which likely means a lawsuit.
It's not that complicated when self-interest is taken out of the equation. After the Larry Householder fiasco, one would think legislators would be motivated to support equitable maps regardless of who might benefit, but it's clear that concerns about fair representation have been left for dead.
Our belief in meritocracy cannot be situational. If a candidate needs an unfair advantage to win a seat, be it through voter suppression or gerrymandering, they have no business occupying that seat because they won't be beholden to voters but to whoever put them in it.
More:With May 3 out for legislative candidates, judges weigh options for new primary date, map
Public service is a noble calling but it's under threat from a lust for power and a "vaulting ambition" that would make Macbeth blanche.
Ohioans have repeatedly made it clear that gerrymandering is wrong, no matter who does it.
We're being told to our faces that it doesn't matter what we want.
A good investment
Give the Canton Police Department credit for implementing a driver's education program for disadvantaged teens.
It will reduce risk and result in safer streets for all of us. It's clear that a number of people tooling about town have no clue about traffic laws and rules. To climb behind the wheel of vehicle without a license is reckless and selfish, but it's one of those crimes that are hidden in plain sight.
One of former Police Chief Jack O. Angelo III's last acts, it's a forward-thinking policy. Before Angelo retired, he told the Canton Repository: "I don't want to see these kids getting into trouble simply because they don't have a driver's license. They're driving anyway."
Now, maybe you're thinking, "Just great. Another handout at the taxpayer's expense."
Well, who do you think foots the bill when unlicensed drivers land in court or in jail?
Either way, we pay. One is an investment. The other is a bill.
Charita M. Goshay is a Canton Repository staff writer and member of the editorial board. Reach her at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/opinion/2022/04/24/charita-goshay-ohio-has-mess-redistricting/7307024001/ | 2022-04-24T13:39:35Z |
Jury convicts Kansas veteran of defrauding VA for disability benefits
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (WIBW) - A federal jury convicted a Kansas veteran of wire fraud and theft of government funds in charges related to a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs out of disability benefits.
According to court documents, Bruce Hay, 53, of Greely, a U.S. Army veteran and former Osawatomie resident, fraudulently misrepresented and exaggerated the extent of symptoms related to a diagnosis to receive VA benefits he was not entitled to.
Hay claimed he had constant jerking movements, tremors, head-bobs, could only walk with the use of a walker, and could not engage in basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. The VA found that Hay was completely disabled based on his statements.
Information collected through surveillance, photographs, and testimony from community members ultimately showed Hay’s claims of mobility limitations as false. Officials say Hay, without any assistance, engaged in residential construction, threw hay bales on the back of moving trucks, hunter deer, and drove regularly.
As a result of his disability claims, Hay received more than $450,000 in VA benefits. A jury found Hay guilty of six counts of wire fraud and 10 counts of theft of government funds.
Hay faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2022.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/11/jury-convicts-kansas-veteran-defrauding-va-disability-benefits/ | 2022-08-11T22:58:35Z |
Wichita attorney suspended following website email meltdown conviction
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A Wichita attorney has been suspended from the practice of law in the state of Kansas for a year after he was convicted following a website email meltdown.
The Kansas Supreme Court says in Case No. 124,868: In the Matter of Bradley A. Pistotnik, an original proceeding of attorney discipline, it suspended Pistotnik.
The Court said the suspension is to last one year for violating the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct related to three federal class A misdemeanor violations.
Court documents indicate that after Pistotnik had dissolved his former law firm with his brother, a landing page on the former website was to be made to direct traffic to each brother’s respective page. However, Pistotnik was notified via email that his brother may have been tampering with web traffic.
Later in the case, documents note that Pistotnik had found a bad review of himself he believed had been posted by his brother. He then contacted the person who had notified him about the original website issue and asked if he could have it taken down. A firm hired to represent his image said it would be taken care of and, at the time, he knew nothing of anything unlawful about the situation.
On Sept. 25, 2014, records show that the emails of the website with the negative review and its lawyers were inundated with emails from the firm that called for the removal of the review. The emails had threatened that if the review was not pulled within four hours of the first email, the emails would continue and be sent to their advertisers as well.
Officials believed the flood of emails was meant to crash the website’s servers.
Following the situation, records indicate that Pistotnik discharged the website contractor, who then began to threaten extortion. When he went to the FBI for protection, it said he was indicted on 10 felony charges for his conduct connected to the emails.
During the trial, court records show that the FBI agent in charge of the case indicated that Pistotnik withheld certain emails from the investigation.
The Court noted that it also ordered Pistotnik to undergo a reinstatement hearing before he a petition to do so could be considered.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/08/wichita-attorney-suspended-following-website-email-meltdown-conviction/ | 2022-07-08T20:34:39Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Weber Inc. (NYSE: WEBR).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/weber-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=31167&from=4
This lawsuit is on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Weber Class A common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company's August 2021 initial public offering.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until September 27, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
According to a filed complaint, Weber Inc. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Weber was reasonably likely to implement price increases; (2) as a result, consumer demand for Weber's products was reasonably likely to decrease; (3) due to the resulting inventory buildup, Weber was reasonably likely to run promotions to "enhance retail sell through"; (4) the foregoing would adversely impact Weber's financial results; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects, were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/webr-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-weber-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-september-27-2022/ | 2022-08-26T10:16:46Z |
PHOENIX (AP) — A federal judge refused Friday to require that Arizona officials count ballots by hand in November, dismissing a lawsuit filed by the Republican nominees for governor and secretary of state based on false claims of problems with vote-counting machines.
Kari Lake, who is running for governor, and Mark Finchem, a secretary of state candidate, won their GOP primaries after aggressively promoting the narrative that the 2020 election was marred by fraud or widespread irregularities.
Their lawsuit repeated unfounded allegations about the security of machines that count votes. They relied in part on testimony from Donald Trump supporters who led a discredited review of the election in Maricopa County, including Doug Logan, the CEO of Cyber Ninjas, who oversaw the effort described by supporters as a “forensic audit.”
U.S. District Judge John Tuchi ruled that Lake and Finchem lack standing to sue because they failed to show any realistic likelihood of harm and that their lawsuit must be brought in state, not federal, court. He also ruled that it is too close to the election to upend the process.
“The 2022 Midterm Elections are set to take place on November 8,” Tuchi wrote. “In the meantime, Plaintiffs request a complete overhaul of Arizona’s election procedures.”
Finchem said he’s evaluating his next step.
“The so-called ‘lack of standing’ seems to be a catchall for dismissing things that the court would rather not have to rule on,” Finchem wrote in a text message. “If we don’t have standing, then who does?”
A spokesman for Lake, Ross Trumble, said he hadn’t seen the ruling and wasn’t prepared to comment.
The lawsuit was filed against Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, the Democratic nominee for governor, and the elected supervisors of Maricopa and Pima counties, who oversee elections in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.
Lawyers for Lake and Finchem said hand counts are the most efficient method for totaling election results. They said the lawsuit wasn’t about undoing the 2020 presidential election results in Arizona, but rather about the upcoming election.
Election administrators testified that hand counting dozens of races on millions of ballots would require an extraordinary amount of time, space and manpower, and would be less accurate. They said extensive reviews have confirmed that vote-counting machines in Maricopa County are not connected to the internet and haven’t been hacked.
Federal and state election officials and Trump’s own attorney general have said there is no credible evidence the 2020 election was tainted. Trump’s allegations of fraud were also roundly rejected by courts, including by judges he appointed. A hand recount led by Cyber Ninjas in Maricopa County found no proof of a stolen election and concluded Joe Biden’s margin of victory was larger than the official count.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, which is controlled 4-1 by Republicans, asked the court to sanction attorneys for Lake and Finchem and force them to pay the county’s legal fees. The attorneys should have known their complaint was based on frivolous information, wrote Emily Craiger, a lawyer for the county.
Lake, Finchem and their lawyers used the court “to further a disinformation campaign and false narrative concerning the integrity of the election process,” she wrote.
The lawyers for Lake and Finchem responded that their claims are “legally sound and supported by strong evidence.” Their brief was signed by attorneys Andrew Parker of Minneapolis, Kurt Olsen of Washington and Alan Dershowitz, a well-known former Harvard Law School professor.
The judge did not rule on the request for sanctions. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/ap-judge-declines-to-require-hand-count-of-arizona-ballots/ | 2022-08-27T11:15:50Z |
Technology partnership with expert.ai extends Qlik's analytics and existing artificial intelligence, natural language processing capabilities
BOSTON, June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Expert.ai (EXAI:IM), a leading company in artificial intelligence (AI) for language understanding, today announced that it has joined the Qlik® Technology Partner Program. Expert.ai complements Qlik's augmented analytics portfolio, enhancing its existing AI and natural language processing (NLP) capabilities to help business users make sense of unstructured language data and gain insight into any kind of document.
"Language data can provide new insights that enhance analytics and decision making but it is usually ignored. The problem is that understanding language at scale and converting it into actionable intelligence is hard," said Luca Scagliarini, Chief Product Officer at expert.ai. "By integrating our natural language capabilities into Qlik, we simplify access to language data, providing the data practice with simple and powerful ways to develop more comprehensive analytic and predictive models to help the enterprise to gain a competitive edge."
Qlik's users can easily expand and improve the reach of data analysis and analytics by leveraging language intelligence provided by expert.ai, executing Python code directly within Qlik Cloud®. Capabilities provided by the expert.ai API include advanced natural language processing features, for example, disambiguation to resolve ambiguities in text, quickly identify the main entities and relationships between concepts and assign the right meaning to each word; categorization to catalog any document out of the box without training thanks to embedded taxonomies, including IPTC media topics and geographic taxonomy; sentiment analysis to identify whether the overall tone of content is positive or negative and emotional and behavioral traits associated with a person, to add more insight to all analytics-ready data, such as customer data.
"Once we began exploring use cases of integrating our technology into Qlik Cloud, we were blown away by how easy it was to get major additional value using our NLP capabilities to structure and analyze unstructured data," said Brian Munz, Product Manager, NL API & Developer Experience at expert.ai. "With a very minimal effort, you can easily enrich data with expert.ai's NLP insights such as sentiment analysis, media topics categorization, PII detection and more. It's exciting to see the amazing things that can happen by combining two world-class products in analytics and natural language understanding."
Organizations can easily add information extracted from any unstructured language resource to enrich data sets, augment data pipelines and enhance analytics for even the most complex use cases across a variety of sectors. Examples include email management and other customer-related information to process and analyze all data at the same time; smart search and conversational analytics based on the use of natural language to streamline the interaction with data as well as the comprehension of user intent; and data classification to make it easy to find the right data while knowing its origin and journey. Capabilities also bolster specific vertical industry applications such as augmented analytics to improve decision making and advanced fraud indicator analysis through more effective claims management for the insurance industry; credit and market risk analytics, compliance and augmented customer experience for banking and finance.
"As organizations scale their analytics efforts through the cloud, AI and NLP capabilities are incredibly powerful in helping new and existing users at all skill levels drive more insights for action," said Josh Good, VP, Analytics at Qlik. "We look forward to current Qlik customers benefiting from blending expert.ai with our existing augmented capabilities to enhance their overall analytics efforts."
For information on Qlik's cloud analytics, visit https://www.qlik.com/us/products/qlik-sense.
To learn more about expert.ai's solutions by industry and use case, visit https://www.expert.ai/solutions/
Expert.ai (EXAI:IM) is a leading company in AI-based natural language software. Organizations in insurance, banking and finance, publishing, media and defense all rely on expert.ai to turn language into data, analyze and understand complex documents, accelerate intelligent process automation and improve decision making. Expert.ai's purpose-built natural language platform pairs simple and powerful tools with a proven hybrid AI approach that combines symbolic and machine learning to solve real-world problems and enhance business operations at speed and scale. With offices in Europe and North America, expert.ai serves global businesses such as AXA XL, Zurich Insurance Group, Generali, The Associated Press, Bloomberg INDG, BNP Paribas, Rabobank, Gannett and EBSCO. For more information, visit https://www.expert.ai
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SOURCE expert.ai | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/expertai-brings-additional-powerful-natural-language-capabilities-qlik/ | 2022-06-07T13:13:08Z |
Company receives second award in three years in the category of Enhanced/Verified Monitoring.
DALLAS, Texas, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Evolon Technology, Inc., a developer of proprietary software technology that takes surveillance video and turns it into real-time actionable information, today announced that the company was awarded a 2022 ESX Innovation Award. The award was announced by the Electronic Security Association (ESA) in advance of the 2022 Electronic Security Exchange (ESX) Conference and Expo scheduled to be held in Fort Worth, Texas, June 14-17, 2022.
According to the ESA, the ESX Innovation Awards recognize "some of the best and most promising products and services in the electronic security and life safety industry." Criteria for selection include the product's "innovation, end-user experience, compliance with regulations, impact on company [valuations], and efficiencies." This year's award was given in recognition of Evolon Enterprise™ 2.0 in the category of Monitoring (Central Station) for Enhanced/Verified Monitoring.
Evolon Enterprise 2.0 fuses extremely robust object-of-interest detection algorithms with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) classification delivered over a near-edge appliance. The advanced integrated process of edge detection and classification delivered via an appliance enables organizations to get more accuracy with less data transmission. With Evolon Enterprise 2.0, businesses can effortlessly add advanced AI and analytics to virtually any existing camera, including legacy analog, HD, and IP cameras.
"We're elated to be recognized by the ESA in this category for the second time in three years," said Kevin Stadler, Evolon's CEO. "This award not only validates the efficacy of our analytics and AI technology, but it also affirms our company's strategic direction. We see the combination of detection and classification on the same appliance as revolutionary in that the combination of proven analytics backed by AI verification helps ensure hyper-accurate alerting on only valid security threats. This can reduce the frequency of nuisance alarms by over 90%, and when combined with our long-distance accuracy, this allows for reduced installation costs, reduced network traffic and more operational efficiency. We're tremendously proud of this accomplishment."
More information on the ESX Innovation Awards can be found at: https://esxweb.com/esxs-2022-innovation-awards/
Evolon (formerly Jemez Technology) provides advanced, highly accurate perimeter surveillance software technology for critical infrastructure protection and central station monitoring, and its patented software & analytics transform video security cameras and security systems into smart devices by eliminating nuisance alerts. Evolon's award-winning edge-based video analytics and AI/deep learning solutions are fully scalable for commercial and government organizations that require real-time situational intelligence to enhance security effectiveness and to reduce the potential for loss due to criminal activity or business downtime. Evolon was founded by a talented team of former engineers and scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory, with decades of national security experience in the design and deployment of advanced surveillance technologies. For more information, visit www.evolontech.com.
Evolon, the Evolon logo, and Evolon Enterprise are trademarks of Evolon Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.
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SOURCE Evolon Technology, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/evolon-awarded-2022-esx-innovation-award/ | 2022-05-31T17:11:45Z |
Acquisition significantly expands Flagship's portfolio of biomarker and analytics services
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Flagship Biosciences, Inc., a leader in spatial biology and biomarker analytics services, announced the acquisition of Interpace Pharma Solutions® ("IPS"), a division of Interpace Biosciences and provider of cytogenetic, molecular pathology, and genomic profiling solutions. This acquisition follows a growth equity investment in Flagship from Ampersand Capital Partners, BroadOak Capital Partners, and Research Corporation Technologies. The strategic combination of Flagship and IPS creates a full repertoire of biomarker lab and analytic services to advance precision therapeutic development and adds a state-of-the-art laboratory in Research Triangle Park, NC.
Flagship Biosciences offers cutting-edge spatial biology services, powered by its patented AI image analysis technology that improves the accuracy of tissue-based pathology by delivering thousands of measurements on every cell and enabling the discovery of biomarkers that might be missed using traditional histology methods. Experts in pathology and regulatory strategy, the team at Flagship offers advanced end-to-end biomarker and analytics services to support drug trials, biomarker discovery, and clinical diagnostics. They also offer guidance in the development of companion diagnostics.
To better serve their biopharma and diagnostics clients, Flagship Biosciences will integrate the technologies and services of IPS to support all phases of clinical trials and diagnostic development in immuno-oncology, hematology, solid tumors, and various non-oncology sectors. Flagship Biosciences' expanded services menu will now include advanced molecular biomarker solutions, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, genomics, and bioinformatics solutions. New genomic profiling capabilities will enhance biomarker characterization and improve patient stratification for clinical trials and treatment selection.
"By combining these organizations, we create a single-source provider offering a larger range of biomarker and analytics services while maintaining and expanding the proven expertise of each laboratory," said Trevor Johnson, CEO at Flagship Biosciences. "This will allow our customers to gain deeper insights into their clinical projects through multiple biomarker testing paradigms with cohesive data and analytical capabilities, managed in a simplified project workflow."
To learn more about Flagship Biosciences, please visit flagshipbio.com.
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Flagship Biosciences, Inc. is a technology-driven tissue analysis services company delivering the most accurate and informative data available. We are revolutionizing tissue analysis to improve drug development and diagnostics using the power of AI with a consultative approach. Our services and technology dramatically improve on the data and interpretation from traditional pathology methods, eliminating variability associated with typical tissue assessments, and bringing new insights to tissue analysis results. We provide expert scientific consultation for every client. Our team interprets results, contextualizes tissue biology, and identifies the best course for success. For more information, please visit flagshipbio.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Based in Research Triangle Park, NC, Interpace Pharma Solutions provides complex molecular analysis services supporting clinical trials and diagnostic development. These services include genomic profiling, biomarker solutions, project and data management, bioinformatics analysis, and biorepository services.
Founded in 1988, Ampersand is a middle market private equity firm with more than $3 billion of assets under management dedicated to growth-oriented investments in the healthcare sector. With offices in Boston, MA and Amsterdam, Netherlands, Ampersand leverages a unique blend of private equity and operating experience to build value and drive superior long-term performance alongside its portfolio company management teams. Ampersand has helped build numerous market-leading companies across each of the firm's core healthcare sectors. Additional information about Ampersand is available at www.ampersandcapital.com.
BroadOak Capital Partners, with headquarters in Washington, DC, and San Francisco, is a life-sciences focused boutique financial institution that provides direct investment and investment banking services to companies in research tools and consumables, diagnostics, biopharma services, and adjacent markets. BroadOak has led or participated in investments in more than fifty companies across multiple funds and investment vehicles. Learn more about BroadOak at broadoak.com.
Research Corporation Technologies is a Tucson, Arizona based technology investment and management company that provides funding and development for promising life science and biomedical companies. RCT has assets of more than $500 million to advance technology and product development through flexible, long-term investment options. To learn more about RCT, see www.rctech.com.
Media contact
Name: Jason Amsbaugh
Email: info@sambasci.com
Phone: 833-467-2622
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SOURCE Flagship Biosciences, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/spatial-biology-cro-flagship-biosciences-acquires-pharma-services-business-interpace-biosciences/ | 2022-09-01T01:30:28Z |
Anonymous tip leads to 700 animals seized in cattle neglect investigation, authorities say
ROLETTE COUNTY, N.D. (KVLY/Gray News) - Authorities in North Dakota say a total of 700 animals were seized from multiple counties after they received an anonymous complaint regarding possible animal neglect.
The Rolette County Sheriff’s Office was joined by the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and the North Dakota State Veterinarian’s Office to conduct a search warrant on June 1.
KVLY reports authorities documented the conditions of about 500 cattle at a property where they noticed numerous animals without sufficient feed and dead cattle.
Deputies said they continued to monitor the situation, but the animals’ living conditions were not improving.
On June 23, the Rolette County Sheriff’s Office reported it conducted another search warrant of the same property where owners Steven Nickelson and Tanner and Cameron Millang surrendered their livestock.
According to the sheriff’s office, a total of 700 animals were seized belonging to Nickelson.
Authorities said they contracted a third party to care for, feed and monitor the animals before being sold.
The Rolette County Sheriff’s Office thanked those who brought the situation to its attention, along with those who helped deputies remove the livestock.
Copyright 2022 KVLY via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/13/anonymous-tip-leads-700-animals-seized-cattle-neglect-investigation-authorities-say/ | 2022-07-13T01:22:22Z |
The acquisition will enable HUB to expand its Confidential Computing offering into data centers business with governments and corporations, estimated to yield hundreds of million dollars over the course of the next 3 years
TEL AVIV, Israel, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- HUB Cyber Security (Israel) Limited (TASE: HUB), a developer of Confidential Computing cybersecurity solutions and services ("HUB" or the "Company"), announced today that it will acquire the cyber security assets of a European Cyber firm that has an extensive EMEA distribution network of cyber solutions for major government and enterprise data centers. The company will acquire the activity for approximately $10 million in cash and up to $12 million in shares.
HUB Security founder and CEO, Eyal Moshe, said: "As we approach HUB's SPAC merger with Mount Rainier wards a NASDAQ listing (NASDAQ:RNER), we are witnessing more successful pilots from the past year being converted into actual Confidential Computing deployments and long-term contracts already in 2022. This current acquisition is a direct continuation of our strategy to increase our global sales and distribution reach to promote our core products. The acquisition has the potential to result in transactions worth hundreds of millions of dollars from enterprises and governments within the EU and the Middle East. We are acquiring direct access to a large number of blue-chip customers around the world, which can save the Company years in otherwise penetrating entering these markets organically."
About HUB Cyber Security (Israel) Limited
HUB Cyber Security (Israel) Limited ("HUB") was established in 2017 by veterans of the 8200 and 81 elite intelligence units of the Israeli Defense Forces. The company specializes in unique Cyber Security solutions protecting sensitive commercial and government information. The company debuted an advanced encrypted computing solution aimed at preventing hostile intrusions at the hardware level while introducing a novel set of data theft prevention solutions. HUB operates in over 30 countries and provides innovative cybersecurity computing appliances as well as a wide range of cybersecurity services worldwide.
About Mount Rainier Acquisition Corp.
Mount Rainier Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company sponsored by DC Rainier SPV LLC, a Delaware limited liability company managed by Dominion Capital LLC, whose business purpose is to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this press release are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or HUB's or RNER's future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "would", "seem", "expect", "intend", "will", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "future", "predict", "potential," "forecast" or "continue", or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by HUB and its management, and RNER and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and may differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of HUB or RNER. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) expectations regarding HUB's strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products and services, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and HUB's ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; (ii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of negotiations and any subsequent definitive agreements with respect to the proposed transactions; (iii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against RNER, HUB, the Combined Company or others following the announcement of the proposed transactions and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; (iv) the inability to complete the proposed transactions due to, among other things, the failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of RNER or HUB, to obtain certain governmental and regulatory approvals or to satisfy other conditions to closing, including delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or complete regulatory reviews required to complete the proposed transactions; (v) the inability to obtain the financing necessary to consummate the proposed transactions; (vi) changes to the proposed structure of the proposed transactions that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the proposed transactions; (vii) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards following the consummation of the proposed transactions; (viii) the risk that the announcement and consummation of the proposed transactions disrupts HUB's current plans and operations; (ix) the lack of a third party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the proposed transactions; (x) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transactions, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Combined Company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (xi) costs related to the proposed transactions; (xii) the amount of any redemptions by existing holders of RNER's common stock being greater than expected; (xiii) limited liquidity and trading of RNER's and HUB's securities; (xiv) geopolitical risk, including military action and related sanctions, and changes in applicable laws or regulations; (xv) geopolitical risk, including military action and related sanctions, and changes in applicable laws or regulations; (xvi) the possibility that RNER, HUB or the Combined Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (xvii) inaccuracies for any reason in the estimates of expenses and profitability and projected financial information for HUB; and (xviii) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in RNER's final prospectus relating to its initial public offering dated October 4, 2021.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Neither HUB nor RNER undertakes any duty to update these forward-looking statements.
Additional Information About the Transaction and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed transaction, HUB intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 containing a proxy statement/prospectus, and after the registration statement is declared effective by the SEC, RNER will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Proposed Business Combination to its stockholders. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed transaction and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the proposed transaction. This press release is not a substitute for any registration statement or for any other document that HUB or RNER may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and the amendments thereto and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed in connection with the proposed transaction, as these materials will contain important information about HUB, RNER and the proposed transaction.
When available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials for the proposed transaction will be mailed to stockholders of RNER as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed transaction. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, once available, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
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SOURCE Hub Security | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/hub-security-acquires-european-based-cyber-distribution-business/ | 2022-05-31T15:13:13Z |
CHICAGO, Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, World Business Chicago, the city's public-private economic development agency, in partnership with Chicago:Blend and Fifth Star Funds, published an original report detailing the status of startups founded by underrepresented (Black, Hispanic or Latino, and women) founders; as well, the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for Chicago-based startups ready for funding and growth.
Publication link: Chicago Business Bulletin, Issue #5: Black, Latino & Women Founded Startups in Chicago, August 22, 2022
"This report is intended to raise awareness of the strategic movement underway in Chicago to drive greater, more equitable investment by and among VCs and our city's incredibly innovative diverse founders," said Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO, World Business Chicago, Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago. "While we have seen some progress over the last couple of years, we still have a long way to go. We especially thank Chicago:Blend and Fifth Star Funds for leading the way generally, and partnering with us on the release of this report."
The World Business Chicago Research Center developed a methodology to analyze deal data for underrepresented founders, using Crunchbase and Pitchbook™ data to explore the performance and range of funding deployed to underrepresented founders. This report establishes a baseline for Black, Hispanic or Latino, and women founded companies, and highlights that better data collection for other marginalized populations (e.g., LGBTQ+, veteran, disabled, and other ethnic or racial groups) remains an opportunity for improvement.
In sum, underrepresented founders historically account for a smaller slice of venture capital (VC) and private equity throughout the United States. In Chicago, only 10.2 percent of all deployed VC funding since 2019 has gone to Black, Hispanic or Latino, or women founded companies.
However, Chicago leads other major startup ecosystems in the share of venture capital funding garnered by underrepresented founders. Leading the report is the fact that underrepresented founders saw a 159 percent increase in VC raised between 2019 ($232M) and 2021 ($601M); and, to date in 2022, $575 million has been raised. According to World Business Chicago, this suggests a trend, or movement, afoot among Chicago investors who are increasingly participating in deals with underrepresented founders. Among the report's highlights include:
- Compared to other top startup ecosystems, Chicago has a higher share of startups participating in venture capital deals with a Black or Latino founder.
- Chicago's Black-founded startups now have a larger median deal size than all companies raising venture capital. For example, in 2022, the median venture capital deal size for Black founded startups was $4.3M, compared to $1.6M for all deals in Chicago.
- Performance by Latino startups in Chicago is driven by larger, later stage deals. Consider, in Q1 and Q2 of 2022, six Latino- founded startups raised over $290M in venture capital, or 11.8% of all venture capital raised this year. This over-performance is driven by two specific deals: a $200M Series D round closed by Loadsmart, and an $82M Series D round closed by Kin Insurance.
- Women-founded startups are still raising less venture capital than non-women founded startups.
"We commend the World Business Chicago team for their leadership in publishing this report, which provides a comprehensive, data-driven framework for understanding the magnitude of funding disparities among BIPOC and women founders," said Joey Mak, Executive Director, Chicago:Blend. "The report also reinforces what many of us have observed anecdotally--that some progress has been made, but there is much work left to do to build a more equitable tech and startup ecosystem for our city."
Investors in Chicago are increasingly participating in venture capital deals with Black, Hispanic or Latino, or women founders; with nearly one-third doing so year to date in 2022. Entrepreneurs from these underrepresented groups are also launching their own funds that have equity-focused investment theses.
"We sought to dive into the data on Black, Hispanic or Latino, and women founders in Chicago in order to set a baseline by which we will track and report growth, as a way to support the broader effort to drive equitable and inclusive economic development in our city," said Hannah Loftus, Research Director, World Business Chicago. "Working alongside our Venture & Innovation team, we hope to make it easier than ever to connect startups with investors with a track record of investing in diverse companies, and begin to close the funding gap."
Chicago is a leader in funding captured by underrepresented founders, and has well over 30 initiatives — including accelerators, incubators and training programs — to help move more startups led by diverse founders into the venture capital funding pipeline. However, there remains plenty of opportunity in tracking data trends and supporting actions for change. World Business Chicago will continue to study how best to track and learn how other leading cities are supporting diverse founders in order to drive growth.
World Business Chicago serves a critical role in driving inclusive and equitable recovery throughout the city's 77 neighborhoods, focused on high growth sectors: transportation, distribution, & logistics; manufacturing; healthcare & life sciences, and our local innovation, startup, & venture ecosystem. As the City of Chicago's economic development agency, World Business Chicago leads corporate attraction & retention, workforce & talent, community impact, and promotion of Chicago as a leading global city. Supported by a council of 300+ local leaders, World Business Chicago's portfolio of Innovation & Venture programs include: the Chicago Venture Summit series, Startup Chicago, ThinkChicago, and Venture Engine with the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC). Follow World Business Chicago on LinkedIn for daily news and announcements on company relocation and expansion; industry and ecosystem growth, U.S. and world rankings, and more about Chicago's economic progress.
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SOURCE World Business Chicago | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/examining-amp-positioning-path-forward-black-hispanic-or-latino-amp-women-founded-companies-chicago/ | 2022-08-22T20:48:46Z |
HOUSTON, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- HillDay taps small business development industry veteran Roger Harris as its HillDay Industries, Inc. vice president to lead its supplier diversity, contract compliance, workforce development, and business development services for its clients.
"We are pleased to have Roger join the HillDay team. He is a dynamic and respected member of the supplier diversity and compliance community who brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track-record of strengthening the services we provide to our clients and the small business industry. He has helped small businesses grow and meet the stringent compliance requirements of the private and public sectors," said HillDay President and CEO Argentina M. James.
Harris has a 30-year career dedicated to small business development, outreach, and compliance services for public agencies and private businesses. As the External Affairs Manager for the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (OBO), Harris helped OBO significantly increase the number of certified minority-owned, women-owned, small, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWSDBE), and led educational and outreach initiatives for 2,200 certified firms. Harris led the start-up of the Houston MBDA Business Center operated by Houston Community College. This organization is funded by the United States Department of Commerce to help minority-owned enterprises have increased access to contracts, capital, and global markets. Under his leadership, the Center was able to achieve an outstanding rating in its first year of operation. Harris also managed Business Development efforts for Turner Construction Company. Prior to joining HillDay, Harris led Houston First Corporation's award-winning Supplier Diversity and Compliance program as its Development Specialist Manager.
"The Greater Houston area is a dynamic and growing market with billions of dollars in business opportunities for adept small businesses. My focus has been to match small businesses opportunities, build capacity to help them meet the demands placed on businesses, especially those operating in the public sector," said Harris. "I am looking forward to leading and growing HillDay's talented team as we manage our owner's representative, construction-management-at-risk (CMAR), and prime contractor clients with their supplier diversity, contract compliance, and workforce development needs.
Harris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration-Finance degree from the University of Houston-Downtown and is a NASBITE International certified global business professional. He serves on the board of Lone Star State Capital Corporation, is the NAACP Houston Branch Economic Development chair, and an American Leadership Fellow.
HillDay Public Relations, Inc. "HillDay" is an independent Houston-based full-service public relations and advertising consulting agency. Through its subsidiary dba HillDay Industries, Inc., HillDay provides supplier diversity, contract compliance, workforce development services and program management services. Since 2010, HillDay has been steering decisions that help its clients reach their strategic business objectives and desired results. HillDay's proven track-record includes the delivery of award-winning services and programs for public involvement, communications, creative services, supplier diversity, contract compliance, and workforce development for projects with a combined value of $19 billion.
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SOURCE Hillday Public Relations, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/15/hillday-name-roger-harris-vp-lead-supplier-diversity-compliance-amp-workforce-development/ | 2022-06-15T22:19:16Z |
Central Fire District issues burn ban
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) - The Central Fire District has issued a burn ban due to expected high winds.
The ban is being issued from noon Wednesday throughout the day Thursday.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) - The Central Fire District has issued a burn ban due to expected high winds.
The ban is being issued from noon Wednesday throughout the day Thursday.
You must be logged in to post a comment. | https://localnews8.com/news/idaho/2022/05/18/central-fire-district-issues-burn-ban-3/ | 2022-05-18T19:17:11Z |
VIDEO: Junior college pitcher tackles batter; multiple players suspended
WEATHERFORD, Texas (AP) — A Texas junior college baseball conference has suspended a pitcher for four games after he tackled an opposing batter after a home run, and the batter also was suspended for two games because he was ejected for taunting.
The North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference announced Thursday it suspended both players and many more from both teams because of the resulting brawl.
Online video of the play showed North Central Texas College’s Josh Phillips rounding third after his sixth-inning home run, only to have Weatherford College pitcher Owen Woodward charge off the mound and level him with a violent blow to the midsection. Several players then charged on to the field.
Weatherford officials have said Woodward is no longer on the team and faces additional, undisclosed punishment from the school.
But the league office handed out most of its punishment for the North Central Texas program because of the players who ran onto the field after the hit.
The league suspended for two games “all team members for NCTC that were in the dugout or bullpen” and any assistant coaches who stepped onto the field. It also suspended four additional Weatherford players and assistant coaches for two games.
If that leaves North Central Texas without enough players for its next two games against Weatherford, it will have to forfeit, the league said. Both teams were ordered to forfeit the game that was stopped.
The teams are scheduled to play each other this weekend.
“We are shocked and disappointed at what happened in our game today,” Weatherford coach Jeff Lightfoot said after the game. “We do not condone this type of behavior. We have worked hard to build a program with the highest of standards. We are completely embarrassed by this incident, and we apologize to North Central Texas College and the fans of WC baseball. This type of behavior cannot be tolerated.”
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Gray Media Group, Inc., contributed to this report. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/04/22/video-junior-college-pitcher-tackles-batter-multiple-players-suspended/ | 2022-04-22T17:08:42Z |
PHILADELPHIA, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has appointed Michael L. Nance, MD as the Chief of the Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, effective July 1, 2022. Prior to his promotion, Dr. Nance was the Associate Chief of the Division. He succeeds N. Scott Adzick, MD, who will continue his role as CHOP's Surgeon-in-Chief and Director of the Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment.
In addition to his division leadership roles, Dr. Nance will continue as an investigator in the CHOP Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) and director of CHOP's Pediatric Trauma Program, which he has led for 20 years as the Josephine J. and John M. Templeton, Jr. Endowed Chair in Pediatric Trauma. He will also continue his roles as Professor of Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and consulting surgeon at Pennsylvania Hospital and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
An internationally recognized expert in emergency trauma care, Dr. Nance has held leadership roles in multiple national and international trauma organizations and is currently the President of the Pediatric Trauma Society. He is on the editorial boards of Pediatric Emergency Care and an Associate Editor for Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. He has published 165 peer-reviewed papers and 44 chapters, editorials, and reviews on a variety of topics in pediatric surgery and pediatric trauma.
Dr. Nance graduated from Rhodes College and Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He completed his General Surgery Residency and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and finished his training in 1998 as the first Louise Schnaufer Pediatric Surgery Senior Fellow at CHOP. He is board certified in General Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, and Pediatric Surgery.
In 2020, Dr. Nance was elected to the prestigious Academy of Master Clinicians at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. At CHOP, he has served on numerous committees, including the Trauma Committee and the Perioperative Steering Committee. For the past six years, Dr. Nance has been on the Children's Surgical Associates board and this year serves as president of that board.
"I am delighted to announce the promotion of Dr. Nance to Chief of the Division," said Dr. Adzick. "He has shown superb leadership in his role as Associate Chief, and I have no doubt he will continue to do an exemplary job leading the Division as it continues to provide exceptional patient care, education, and research."
About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: A non-profit, charitable organization, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, the 595-bed hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. The institution has a well-established history of providing advanced pediatric care close to home through its CHOP Care Network, which includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care and surgical centers, urgent care centers, and community hospital alliances throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as a new inpatient hospital with a dedicated pediatric emergency department in King of Prussia. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu.
Media Contact:
Ashley Moore
Moorea1@chop.edu
215-630-4683
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SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/childrens-hospital-philadelphia-appoints-dr-michael-nance-new-chief-division-pediatric-general-thoracic-fetal-surgery/ | 2022-06-06T21:49:50Z |
LAVAL, Quebec, Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) ( "Company") announced today that it has commenced offers (the "Exchange Offers") to exchange the existing senior notes set forth in the table below (the "Existing Senior Notes") for up to an aggregate principal amount of $4.0 billion (subject to increase or decrease by the Offerors, the "Maximum New Secured Notes Amount") of new secured notes, comprised of (i) up to $2.5 billion in aggregate principal amount (the "Maximum First Lien Notes Amount") of new 11.00% First Lien Secured Notes due 2028 (the "New First Lien Notes") and up to $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount (the "Maximum Second Lien Notes Amount") of new 14.00% Second Lien Secured Notes due 2030 (the "New Second Lien Notes" and, together with the New First Lien Notes, the "New BHC Secured Notes"), in each case, to be issued by the Company, and (ii) $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount (the "Holdco Notes Amount") of new 9.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the "Intermediate Holdco Secured Notes" and, together with the New BHC Secured Notes, the "New Secured Notes") to be issued by 1375209 B.C. Ltd. (the "Holdco Issuer" and, together with the Company, the "Offerors"), an existing wholly-owned unrestricted subsidiary of the Company that holds 38.6% of the outstanding issued and common shares of Bausch + Lomb Corporation, in each case, pursuant to the terms described in an Exchange Offer Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated August 30, 2022 (the "Exchange Offer Memorandum").
Certain holders of the Existing Senior Notes (the "Supporting Holders"), who collectively represent approximately 22.8% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Existing Senior Notes, including approximately (i) 24.2% of the 9.00% Senior Notes due 2025, (ii) 35.1% of the 9.25% Senior Notes due 2026, (iii) 49.8% of the 8.50% Senior Notes due 2027, (iv) 36.5% of the 7.00% Senior Notes due 2028, (v) 26.8% of the 5.00% Senior Notes due 2028, (vi) 10.6% of the 5.00% Senior Notes due 2029, (vii) 5.0% of the 6.25% Senior Notes due 2029, (viii) 17.1% of the 7.25% Senior Notes due 2029 and (ix) 6.0% of the 5.25% Senior Notes due 2031, have entered into a support agreement with the Company (the "Support Agreement"), pursuant to which the Supporting Holders have agreed to tender all of their Existing Senior Notes in the Exchange Offers. The Support Agreement provides that Supporting Holders will have certain consent rights over extensions, amendments or waivers to the Exchange Offers or Consent Solicitations by the Company.
The following table describes certain terms of the Exchange Offers:
The New BHC Secured Notes will be guaranteed by each of the Company's subsidiaries that are guarantors under the Company's existing credit agreement, existing senior secured notes and existing senior notes. The New First Lien Notes will be secured on a first priority basis by liens on the assets that secure the existing credit agreement and existing senior secured notes, and will be effectively pari passu with the existing credit agreement and existing senior secured notes and effectively senior to the New Second Lien Notes and the existing senior notes to the extent of the value of the collateral. The New Second Lien Notes will be secured on a second priority basis by liens on the assets that secure the existing credit agreement and existing senior secured notes, and will be effectively junior to the existing credit agreement, existing senior secured notes and New First Lien Notes and effectively senior to the existing senior notes to the extent of the value of the collateral. The Intermediate Holdco Secured Notes will be general senior obligations of the Holdco Issuer secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the assets of the Holdco Issuer, but will not have any recourse to the Company, Bausch + Lomb Corporation, or any of their respective restricted subsidiaries.
Concurrent with the Exchange Offers, the Company and Bausch Health Americas, Inc. ("BHA") have commenced a solicitation of consents (the "Consent Solicitations" and, together with the Exchange Offers, the "Offers") from Eligible Holders (as defined below) of the Existing Senior Notes to amend certain provisions of the indentures (the "Proposed Amendments") with respect to the applicable series of Existing Senior Notes (such indentures, the "Existing Indentures").
Each Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time on September 27, 2022, or any other date and time to which the Offerors extend such Exchange Offer or Consent Solicitation in their sole discretion (such date and time for such Exchange Offer or Consent Solicitation, as it may be extended, the "Expiration Time"), unless earlier terminated.
To be eligible to receive the applicable total consideration (the "Total Consideration") in the applicable Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation, Eligible Holders must validly tender and not validly withdraw their Existing Senior Notes and validly deliver and not revoke their consents at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 13, 2022, or any other date and time to which the Offerors extend such period for such Exchange Offer or Consent Solicitation in their sole discretion (such date and time for such Exchange Offer or Consent Solicitation, as it may be extended, the "Early Tender Time"). Eligible Holders validly tendering their Existing Senior Notes after the applicable Early Tender Time and at or prior to the Expiration Time will only be eligible to receive the applicable exchange consideration set forth in the table above, subject to the Exchange Consideration Reallocation (the "Exchange Consideration"), which equals the applicable Total Consideration less the applicable Early Exchange Premium set forth in the table above.
Validly tendered Existing Senior Notes may be withdrawn and related consents revoked, with respect to an Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation for any series of Existing Senior Notes at or prior to, and not thereafter (subject to applicable law), in the case of any series of Existing Senior Notes, the earliest of (i) the time of execution of the Supplemental Indenture (as defined below) relating to such series of Existing Senior Notes (which is expected to occur promptly after receipt of the Requisite Consents (as defined below) for such series), (ii) 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 13, 2022, unless extended by the Offerors in their sole discretion (provided the Consent Solicitation with respect to such series of Existing Senior Notes is also terminated as of such date and time) and (iii) the termination of the Consent Solicitation with respect to such series of Existing Senior Notes. The occurrence of such event with respect to a series of Existing Senior Notes is referred to as the "Withdrawal Deadline" for such series of Existing Senior Notes.
If the Exchange Offers are not subscribed in an amount that results in the Holdco Issuer issuing Intermediate Holdco Secured Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to at least the Holdco Notes Amount as consideration to tendering holders of Existing Senior Notes accepted in the Exchange Offers, the applicable Exchange Consideration for each series of Existing Senior Notes of each tendering holder of Existing Senior Notes accepted in the Exchange Offers will be automatically reallocated such that (i) the remaining amount of Intermediate Holdco Secured Notes necessary to reach the Holdco Notes Amount will be issued to such tendering holders whose Existing Senior Notes have been validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Offers and (ii) any tendering holder to which such reallocation is applied will have a corresponding dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of New First Lien Notes and New Second Lien Notes issued to such tendering holders (with such New First Lien Notes and New Second Lien Notes reduced pro rata in accordance with the allocation among such New Secured Notes set forth in the table above) (such reallocation, the "Exchange Consideration Reallocation"). The Holdco Issuer will determine the Exchange Consideration Reallocation in its sole discretion by calculating the percentage increase in the aggregate principal amount of Intermediate Holdco Secured Notes necessary to reach the Holdco Notes Amount and applying such percentage increase to the principal amount of Intermediate Holdco Secured Notes that would have been issued to such holder prior to any reallocation and having a corresponding dollar-for-dollar decrease in the New First Lien Notes and New Second Lien Notes that would have been issued to such holder prior to any reallocation. In addition, the Level 3 Tender Cap limits the maximum aggregate principal amount of the 8.50% Senior Notes due 2027 that may be exchanged at Acceptance Priority Level "3" to $500.0 million; accordingly, acceptance for tenders of any 8.50% 2027 Notes may be subject to proration at Acceptance Priority Level "3" if the aggregate principal amount of 8.50% 2027 Notes validly tendered would result in the aggregate principal amount of 8.50% 2027 Notes exceeding the Level 3 Tender Cap. Any 8.50% 2027 Notes not accepted at Acceptance Priority Level "3" as a result of proration will be exchanged at Acceptance Priority Level "11".
The Offerors expressly reserve the right, but are under no obligation, to increase or decrease the Maximum New Secured Notes Amount, the Maximum First Lien Notes Amount, the Maximum Second Lien Notes Amount, the Holdco Notes Amount and/or the Level 3 Tender Cap set forth in the table above, in each case, at any time, subject to applicable law and any consent rights of the Supporting Holders. This could result in the Offerors purchasing a greater or lesser aggregate principal amount of Existing Senior Notes in the Offers and issuing a greater or lesser aggregate principal amount of New Secured Notes. There can be no assurance that the Offerors will exercise their right to increase or decrease the Maximum New Secured Notes Amount, the Maximum First Lien Notes Amount, the Maximum Second Lien Notes Amount, the Holdco Notes Amount and/or the Level 3 Tender Cap. Further, the Offerors expressly reserve the right, but are under no obligation, to increase or decrease the amount of New First Lien Notes, New Second Lien Notes and/or Intermediate Holdco Secured Notes that comprise the Maximum New Secured Notes Amount and/or the Level 3 Tender Cap, as applicable, at any time, subject to applicable law and any consent rights of the Supporting Holders. This could result in the Offerors issuing a greater or lesser aggregate principal amount of New First Lien Notes, New Second Lien Notes and/or Intermediate Holdco Secured Notes. There can be no assurance that the Offerors will exercise their right to increase or decrease the aggregate principal amount of New First Lien Notes, New Second Lien Notes and/or Intermediate Holdco Secured Notes.
The Offerors will exchange any Existing Senior Notes that have been validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Time and that they choose to accept for exchange, subject to all conditions to such Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation having been either satisfied or waived by the Offerors, within three business days following the Expiration Time or as promptly as practicable thereafter (the settlement date of such exchange with respect to an Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation being referred to as the "Settlement Date"), subject to the Maximum New Secured Notes Amount, the Exchange Consideration Reallocation, the Acceptance Priority Level and proration.
Subject to the Maximum New Secured Notes Amount, the Level 3 Tender Cap, and proration, all Existing Senior Notes of a series validly tendered at or before the Expiration Time having a higher Acceptance Priority Level will be accepted before any Existing Senior Notes of another series tendered at or before the Expiration Time having a lower Acceptance Priority Level are accepted, even if the Existing Senior Notes having a lower Acceptance Priority Level were tendered prior to the applicable Early Tender Time and the Existing Senior Notes having a higher Acceptance Priority Level were tendered after the Early Tender Time but on or prior to the Expiration Time. Accordingly, even if the Offers are fully subscribed such that the aggregate Exchange Consideration issuable in respect of Existing Senior Notes validly tendered equals at least the Maximum New Secured Notes Amount as of the applicable Early Tender Time, Existing Senior Notes validly tendered at or before the applicable Early Tender Time may be subject to proration if the Offerors accept Existing Senior Notes tendered after the applicable Early Tender Time but on or prior to the Expiration Time that have a higher Acceptance Priority Level than such Existing Senior Notes. In such a scenario, the Offerors will (assuming satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Exchange Offer Memorandum with respect to the Offers) accept all validly tendered Existing Senior Notes and related consents, on or prior to the Expiration Time on a prorated basis based on the Acceptance Priority Level such that the aggregate Exchange Consideration equals the Maximum New Secured Notes Amount (subject to rounding down to the nearest $1,000). A Consent Solicitation with respect to a series of Existing Senior Notes will be terminated if either (i) the consents of holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such series of Existing Senior Notes outstanding (excluding any Existing Senior Notes held by the Company or its affiliates) (with respect to each series of Existing Senior Notes, the "Requisite Consents") for such series are not obtained, or (ii) such series is subject to proration in the related Offer, and in either such case, the applicable Proposed Amendments for such series of Existing Senior Notes will not become effective.
All Existing Senior Notes not accepted as a result of proration will be rejected from the applicable Offer and will be promptly returned to the tendering Eligible Holder.
Existing Senior Notes may be tendered and accepted for exchange only in principal amounts equal to minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, provided that the New Secured Notes will be issued with minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. If proration causes the Company to return less than the minimum denomination of a series of Existing Senior Notes to an Eligible Holder, then the Offerors will either accept all or reject all of the Existing Senior Notes of such series tendered by such Eligible Holder. The amount of New Secured Notes to be issued to any Eligible Holder will be rounded down to the nearest $1,000. Any fractional portion of New Secured Notes not received as a result of rounding down will be paid in cash.
If the Requisite Consents to the applicable Proposed Amendments are received and not revoked with respect to a series of Existing Senior Notes, the Company or BHA, as the case may be, and the trustee under the Existing Indenture governing such series of Existing Senior Notes are expected to execute a supplemental indenture to such Existing Indenture providing for the Proposed Amendments (with respect to any such series of Existing Senior Notes, a "Supplemental Indenture"), promptly after receipt of such Requisite Consents. The Supplemental Indenture will effect the Proposed Amendments only with respect to such series of Existing Senior Notes for which the applicable Requisite Consents were received and not revoked. The adoption of the Proposed Amendments with respect to any series of Existing Senior Notes is not conditioned upon the consummation of any other Consent Solicitation or adoption of the Proposed Amendments in respect of any other series of Existing Senior Notes or obtaining any Requisite Consent with respect to any other series of Existing Senior Notes. The failure to obtain the Requisite Consents with respect to any series of Existing Senior Notes will not affect the ability of the Company or BHA, as applicable, to enter into the Supplemental Indenture and cause the Proposed Amendments to become effective for any other series of Existing Senior Notes. If an Exchange Offer or the related Consent Solicitation with respect to a series of Existing Senior Notes is terminated or withdrawn, the Existing Indenture governing such series of Existing Senior Notes will remain in effect in its present form with respect to such series of Existing Senior Notes. However, if the Proposed Amendments for a series of Existing Senior Notes become operative, holders of such series of Existing Senior Notes who do not tender Existing Senior Notes will be bound by the applicable Proposed Amendments, meaning that their Existing Senior Notes will be governed by an Existing Indenture as amended by the applicable Supplemental Indenture.
Each Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation is a separate offer and/or solicitation, and each may be individually amended, extended, terminated or withdrawn, subject to certain conditions and applicable law, at any time in the Offerors' sole discretion, subject to the consent rights of the Supporting Holders, and without amending, extending, terminating or withdrawing any other Exchange Offer or Consent Solicitation. No Offer is conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of Existing Senior Notes of any series being tendered nor the consummation of any other Offer or Consent Solicitation. Additionally, notwithstanding any other provision of the Offers, the Offerors' obligations to accept and exchange any of the Existing Senior Notes validly tendered pursuant to an Offer is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, as described in the Exchange Offer Memorandum, and the Offerors each expressly reserves its right, subject to applicable law, to terminate any Offer and/or Consent Solicitation at any time.
The Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations are being made, and the applicable series of New Secured Notes are being offered, only to holders of the Existing Senior Notes who are either (a) persons other than "U.S. persons" as defined in Regulation S, and who agree to purchase the New Secured Notes outside of the United States, and who are otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Regulation S; or (b) persons who are reasonably believed to be both (i) "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and to whom the New Secured Notes are offered in the United States in a transaction not involving a public offering, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and (ii) qualified purchasers (as defined in Section 2(a)(51) of the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; provided that, in each case, if such holder (i) is resident in Canada, such holder is required to complete, sign and submit to the exchange agent a Canadian holder form, which may be obtained from the information agent, or (ii) is in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, such holder is a "qualified investor" and is not a "retail investor". With respect to holders in the European Economic Area, a "retail investor" means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a "retail client" as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (ii) a "customer" within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a "qualified investor" as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. The holders of Existing Senior Notes who have certified to the Offerors that they are eligible to participate in the Offers and Consent Solicitations pursuant to at least one of the foregoing conditions are referred to as "Eligible Holders." Eligible Holders may go to www.dfking.com/bhc to confirm their eligibility.
Full details of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations are described in the Exchange Offer Memorandum. The Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations are only being made pursuant to, and the information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Exchange Offer Memorandum, which is being sent by the Offerors to Eligible Holders of the Existing Senior Notes. Eligible Holders of the Existing Senior Notes are encouraged to read these documents, as they contain important information regarding the Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations. This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any Existing Senior Notes in the Exchange Offers or the Consent Solicitations.
Requests for the Exchange Offer Memorandum and other documents relating to the Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations may be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc., the exchange agent and information agent for the Offers, at (212) 232-3233 (for banks and brokers only) or (877) 478-5045 (toll-free) (for all others) or bhc@dfking.com.
None of the Company, the Holdco Issuer, any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective officers, boards of directors or directors, the dealer manager and solicitation agent, the exchange agent and information agent or any trustee is making any recommendation as to whether Eligible Holders should tender any Existing Senior Notes in response to the Exchange Offers or deliver any consents pursuant to the Consent Solicitations and no one has been authorized by any of them to make such a recommendation. Eligible holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender their Existing Senior Notes and deliver consents, and, if so, the principal amount of Existing Senior Notes as to which action is to be taken.
The Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations are not being made to Eligible Holders of Existing Senior Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations are required to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations will be deemed to be made on behalf of the Company, the Holdco Issuer and BHA, as applicable, by the dealer manager and solicitation agent, or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.
The New Secured Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The New Secured Notes have not been and will not be qualified for sale to the public by prospectus under applicable Canadian securities laws and, accordingly, any issuance of New Secured Notes in Canada will be made on a basis which is exempt from the prospectus requirements of such securities laws.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the New Secured Notes in the United States and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of the New Secured Notes in any jurisdiction where such offering or sale would be unlawful. There shall not be any sale of the New Secured Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.
About Bausch Health Companies Inc.
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global diversified pharmaceutical company whose mission is to improve people's lives with our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, international pharmaceuticals and eye health, through our approximately 88.7% ownership of Bausch + Lomb. With our leading durable brands, we are delivering on our commitments as we build an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements about the future performance of the Company, which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "subject to" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to the Company's overall business, including those more fully described in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and detailed from time to time in the Company's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference.
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SOURCE Bausch Health Companies Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/bausch-health-announces-exchange-offers-consent-solicitations-certain-existing-senior-notes-with-support-approximately-23-outstanding-existing-senior-notes/ | 2022-08-31T04:08:48Z |
Special offer of 10 Chicken Rings for just $2.99 coincides with milestone
Starting this summer, customers in non-restaurant and restaurant markets alike can pick up their beloved Chicken Rings in freezer aisles of grocery and retail stores across the U.S.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- White Castle might be renowned for The Original Slider, but the 101-year-old family-owned business has also been satisfying cravings for a certain chicken side for nearly three decades — to the tune of 3 billion Chicken Rings sold since 1995. When placed end-to-end, the total Chicken Rings sold would stretch nearly 95,000 miles, or 3.8 times the circumference of Earth.
White Castle Chicken Rings, the fun, uniquely shaped, crispy all-white meat chicken, lightly breaded to perfection, are beloved both on their own and with one of three favorite dipping sauces — honey mustard, BBQ and ranch.
"This crave satisfaction milestone vividly illustrates something we've known for nearly three decades — Chicken Rings run circles around any nugget out there," said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. "To reach the 3-billion-sold milestone is an accomplishment the White Castle team takes significant pride in."
With the 3-billion-Chicken-Ring milestone in hand, White Castle now has its sights set on serving up its 4-billionth Chicken Ring. For a limited time only, it is offering the 10-piece Chicken Rings for $2.99 ($3.99 in Arizona, not available in New York or New Jersey). And for those who crave White Castle's signature bun, the new Bacon Ranch Chicken Ring Slider is made with two all-white meat chicken rings, crispy bacon, and zesty and creamy Hidden Valley® Original Ranch®. Customers can purchase two of these delicious sliders for only $3 at participating White Castles.
In a collaboration with Bellisio Foods, Inc., White Castle Chicken Rings are heading to freezer aisles. Packaged in a stand-up, resealable pouch, they're ready to satisfy every crave any time in the comforts of Cravers' homes.
About White Castle®
White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders as a family-owned business for 101 years. Based in Columbus, Ohio, White Castle started serving The Original Slider® in 1921. Today, White Castle owns and operates more than 350 restaurants dedicated to satisfying customers' cravings morning, noon and night, and sells its famous fare in retail stores nationwide. The Original Slider, named in 2014 as Time magazine's "Most Influential Burger of All Time," is served alongside a menu of creatively crafted Sliders and other mouthwatering food options, including White Castle's Impossible™ Slider, named by Thrillist in 2019 as the "Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger." White Castle's commitment to maintaining the highest quality products extends to the company owning and operating its own meat processing plants, bakeries and frozen-food processing plants. In 2021, 100 years after the first Slider was sold, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the "10 Most Innovative Dining Companies." White Castle is known for the legendary loyalty of its team members, more than 1 in 4 of whom have worked for White Castle for at least 10 years, and also for its faithful fans ("Cravers"), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app, available at iTunes App Store or Google Play, makes it easy for Cravers to access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. They can also have their orders delivered using one of White Castle's delivery partners. For more information on White Castle, visit whitecastle.com.
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SOURCE White Castle | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/white-castle-chicken-rings-reach-major-milestone-with-3-billion-sold-end-to-end-length-could-wrap-earth-38-times/ | 2022-07-28T09:30:14Z |
TOKYO, Aug. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NX AgriGrow Co., Ltd. headquartered in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., received a visit from H.E. Vu Hong Nam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Japan, on Thursday, August 4.
Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202208125063-O1-64cXX1Yl
Photo: Third from right: Ambassador Vu Hong Nam; second from right: NX AgriGrow President Nami Moroi
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202208125063/_prw_PI2fl_2PE7Ty7W.jpg
The Nippon Express Group established NX AgriGrow (formerly Nittsu Farm Co., Ltd.) in Hokuto City, west of Tokyo, in 2016, and the company has since been working with the local community on projects aimed at eliminating abandoned farmland, contributing to local employment and resolving other issues facing the city. In February this year, NX AgriGrow concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement with Hokuto City to promote the sustained development of agriculture and revitalize the local economy, and it is striving through Hokuto's key industry of agriculture to create a new model for sustainable regional development.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam recently made a tour of companies in Hokuto City during which NX AgriGrow was recommended to him by Hokuto Mayor Eiji Kamimura as a firm engaged in cutting-edge agriculture, prompting the ambassador to visit NX AgriGrow in person.
The Nippon Express Group has been teaming up with individuals, companies, and communities to make forward progress alongside society, and it will continue fulfilling its responsibilities and actively striving to bring about a sustainable society.
Nippon Express website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/
Nippon Express Group's official LinkedIn account:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/
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SOURCE NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/17/vietnamese-ambassador-visits-nx-agrigrow/ | 2022-08-17T06:50:24Z |
HAIFA, Israel, June 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT) and (TASE: ESLT) ("Elbit Systems") announced today that it was awarded an approximately $70 million contract to supply an Electronic Warfare (EW) solution to an international customer. The contract will be executed over a period of two and a half years.
Under the contract, Elbit Systems will provide ground-based EW and Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) units equipped with Electronic Support Measures, Electronic Counter Measures as well as Command and Control systems. These units will generate a comprehensive passive air and ground picture and provide an electronic order of battle, enabling effective response to both aerial and land based threats.
Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW, said: "We witness a growing demand for our EW and SIGINT solutions as militaries across the globe increasingly recognize the critical importance of dominating the electromagnetic spectrum."
About Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security and commercial programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, signal intelligence systems, data links and communications systems, radios, cyber-based systems and munitions. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.
For additional information, visit: https://elbitsystems.com, follow us on Twitter or visit our official Facebook, Youtube and LinkedIn Channels.
Company Contacts:
Joseph Gaspar, Senior EVP – Business Management
Tel: +972-77-2948661
j.gaspar@elbitsystems.com
Dr. Yaacov (Kobi) Kagan, EVP & Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +972-77-2946663
kobi.kagan@elbitsystems.com
Rami Myerson, Director, Investor Relations
Tel: +972-77-2948984
rami.myerson@elbitsystems.com
David Vaaknin, VP, Brand & Corporate Communications
Tel: +972-77-2946691
david.vaaknin@elbitsystems.com
IR Contact:
Ehud Helft
Kenny Green
GK Investor Relations
Tel: 1-212-378-8040
elbitsystems@gkir.com
This press release may contain forward–looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Israeli Securities Law, 1968) regarding Elbit Systems Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries (collectively the Company), to the extent such statements do not relate to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions about future events. Forward–looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the Company, which are difficult to predict, including projections of the Company's future financial results, its anticipated growth strategies and anticipated trends in its business. Therefore, actual future results, performance and trends may differ materially from these forward–looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: scope and length of customer contracts; governmental regulations and approvals; changes in governmental budgeting priorities; general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates or sells, including Israel and the United States among others; changes in global health and macro-economic conditions; differences in anticipated and actual program performance, including the ability to perform under long-term fixed-price contracts; changes in the competitive environment; and the outcome of legal and/or regulatory proceedings. The factors listed above are not all-inclusive, and further information is contained in Elbit Systems Ltd.'s latest annual report on Form 20-F, which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward–looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.
Elbit Systems Ltd., its logo, brand, product, service and process names appearing in this Press Release are the trademarks or service marks of Elbit Systems Ltd. or its affiliated companies. All other brand, product, service and process names appearing are the trademarks of their respective holders. Reference to or use of a product, service or process other than those of Elbit Systems Ltd. does not imply recommendation, approval, affiliation or sponsorship of that product, service or process by Elbit Systems Ltd. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring by implication, estoppel or otherwise any license or right under any patent, copyright, trademark or other intellectual property right of Elbit Systems Ltd. or any third party, except as expressly granted herein.
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SOURCE Elbit Systems Ltd. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/27/elbit-systems-awarded-70-million-contract-provide-ew-solution-an-international-customer/ | 2022-06-27T07:44:30Z |
Texas woman travels for abortion after learning baby wouldn’t survive
CLEBURNE, Texas (CNN) - With abortion restrictions in place in Texas, a couple trying to start a family faced a hard choice when they learned their unborn baby would likely die shortly after birth, due to a rare chromosomal abnormality.
Kailee DeSpain, a third-grade teacher, married her husband, Cade DeSpain, right out of college. She said they wanted kids “right away,” and late last year, the couple was thrilled to learn Kailee was pregnant.
But four months later, at a doctor’s appointment, they received devastating news.
“He said, ‘This is what a normal heart looks like, but this is what your baby’s heart looks like.’ He was missing heart chambers,” Kailee DeSpain said.
Her medical records show more: the fetus had triploidy, a rare abnormality that results in an extra set of chromosomes, a severe brain defect and too-small lungs.
Kailee DeSpain’s doctor was clear about what this meant for the unborn baby.
“When he’s born, he’s going to suffocate to death. He may live for a few minutes. He may live for an hour, but he is going to die,” she said.
Her doctor said they could not perform an abortion, noting in her records that termination is not legal in the state of Texas.
“I remember being so angry and shocked in that moment that I’m being told that my child is not going to survive and that I have to carry him to term no matter what,” Kailee DeSpain said.
What’s more, carrying the baby to term could have put her own life in danger. She was at high risk for several potentially deadly pregnancy complications, such as blood clots, preeclampsia and cancer, because of an abnormal placenta.
Texas law allows for abortion if the mother “has a life-threatening physical condition” that places her “at risk of death” or substantial impairment. But lawmakers haven’t spelled out exactly what that means.
The DeSpains were forced to make a choice: Kailee could risk her life and give birth to a baby who would quickly die or go out of state to have an abortion.
“How could you be so cruel as to pass a law that you know will hurt women and that you know will cause babies to be born in pain? He was going to die a painful death. So, how is that humane? How is that saving anybody?” Kailee DeSpain said.
Ultimately, she and her husband decided to travel to New Mexico for an abortion. Since Texas law prohibits insurance companies from paying for the procedure in most cases, Cade DeSpain said he had to convince a relative to give them thousands of dollars.
“My job as a husband is to protect and love my wife. If I’m not fighting to keep her here, then I failed,” he said.
Now, still mourning the loss of her baby, Kailee DeSpain is facing yet another loss. She and her husband were both born and raised in Texas. But they want to try to have another baby, and there’s a high likelihood something will go wrong again.
“The last time that I saw my OB, she said, ‘Do not get pregnant in Texas right now.’ She said, ‘This is not safe,’” Kailee DeSpain said. “I’ve never felt more betrayed by a place I was once so proud to be from.”
The DeSpains once again have a tough decision to make: abide by the doctor’s advice and leave Texas, their families and their jobs or stay in Texas and risk Kailee’s life once again.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/09/08/texas-woman-travels-abortion-after-learning-baby-wouldnt-survive/ | 2022-09-08T11:01:35Z |
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s consumer inflation surged to a 17-year high in August 2022, its statistics agency said Thursday, signalling more hardship for citizens and businesses in Africa’s largest economy.
The Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported in its latest consumer price index that inflation rose to 20.5% in August, up from 19.6% in July this year and 17% in August last year.
It is the seventh consecutive monthly increase in Nigeria’s inflation this year and the highest since 2005.
The rise in inflation was driven by “a disruption in the supply of food products, an increase in import cost due to the persistent currency depreciation and a general increase in the cost of production,” the statistics agency said.
The food inflation rate in August 2022 was 23.1%, the statistics agency said, blaming increases in prices of some of the most common food items in Nigeria including bread, cereals and tubers.
The 17-year high consumer inflation — more than double the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 9% target — draws more concerns of hardship from citizens and businesses in Nigeria, a country of more than 200 million people.
Despite being Africa’s largest economy and one of the continent’s top oil producers, corruption, insecurity and lack of good governance have caused economic hardship to many in this West African country.
Analysts also see “external shocks” from the war in Ukraine as a contributing factor to Nigeria’s growing inflation. With the rising price of oil and gas, for instance, “our importation numbers and payment of subsidies have gone up, impacting the price of retail petrol which is key to businesses in the Nigerian market,” said Ese Osawmonyi with the Lagos-based SBM Intelligence research firm.
The security challenges which have led to the death of thousands in the last year in Nigeria’s north have also further pushed food inflation higher by limiting supplies from some of Nigeria’s biggest food-producing states, said analyst Osawmonyi.
That is in addition to fears that floods — which have displaced many homes and damaged crops across huge swathes of farmland in Nigeria’s north — might further impact food prices.
The flour market is one of the worst hit by rising inflation in Nigeria. Some bakeries are now shutting down operations amid dwindling profits, according to Emmanuel Onuorah, who runs a bakery in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
“People are closing,” Onuorah said of the hardship faced by bakers and other businesses. “It is no longer profitable for us. You just sustain yourself.” | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/ap-concerns-grow-as-nigerias-inflation-surges-to-17-year-high/ | 2022-09-15T15:00:32Z |
MEXICO CITY, July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chedraui is pleased to invite you to discuss our Q2'22 results.
Presented by:
Antonio Chedraui Eguía CEO, Grupo Comercial Chedraui
Carlos Smith Mathas CEO, Chedraui USA
Humberto Tafolla Núñez CFO, Grupo Comercial Chedraui
Arturo Velázquez Díaz IRO
We will publish our Q2'22 earnings release on Tuesday 26th after market hours.
Date
Wednesday, July 27th, 2022
10:00 am (EST)
9:00 am (CST)
Conference Call
Operator-assisted US toll-free dial-in number: +1 877 407 3982
Operator-assisted Mexico toll-free dial-in number: 01 800 522 0034
Operator-assisted international toll free: +1 201 493 6780
Webcast
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SOURCE Grupo Chedraui | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/chedraui-q222-results/ | 2022-07-19T18:12:39Z |
CHICAGO and LONDON, June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Morningstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: MORN), a leading provider of independent investment research, has completed its acquisition of Praemium's operations in the United Kingdom, Jersey, Hong Kong, and Dubai from Praemium Limited (ASX: PPS) for £35 million, subject to completion adjustments.
Across its U.K. and international business, Praemium offers proprietary, friction-free technology and services that enable advisers to outsource key elements of the advice workflow. Its platform – which Morningstar plans to rename as the Morningstar Wealth Platform – is used by nearly 500 independent financial advice firms to better serve their clients. Wealthcraft, a full-service, end-to-end adviser practice management support tool, which includes digital factoring, engagement, and risk profiling, is also part of Praemium's international offerings.
"We are excited to welcome more than 100 new colleagues to Morningstar and expand our ability to offer advisers technology-enabled flexibility and choice," said Daniel Needham, president, Wealth Management Solutions, Morningstar. "The Wealth Platform and Wealthcraft are powerful tools that reduce friction and save time so advisers can serve more investors – and in more extensive ways than they do today."
The end-to-end Morningstar Wealth Platform adds to the data, research, portfolio analytics, and investment management capabilities offered to advisers by Morningstar and its subsidiaries, creating a complete experience designed to help advisers empower investor success at scale.
"We are excited to have found a home with a long-term vision and commitment to our best-in-class platform experience," said Mark Sanderson, Praemium U.K. and international managing director, who now reports to Needham. "Morningstar understands that our fast growth has come from a relentless focus on delivering for our customers, and as part of Morningstar, we will only accelerate our existing road map. We are dedicated to a disruption-free customer experience—with no plans to re-platform—and the work to separate our technology has already been completed without any impact to our clients, which is a testament to that commitment."
Click here to watch Mark Sanderson and Steve Croucher, EMEA managing director for Morningstar Investment Management Europe, discuss the acquisition and integration plans during the U.K. Morningstar Investment Conference.
For more information, please see the new websites here:
About Praemium's U.K. and International Business
The Praemium U.K. and international business offers digital-first financial services. Our offering to advisers is in three parts: custody and administration through the Praemium platform (now Morningstar Wealth Platform); adviser practice management support through Wealthcraft (now a Morningstar company); and discretionary investment management through Smart Investment Management (Smart IM, now a Morningstar company).
The platform offers advisers advanced portfolio management and rebalancing capabilities, market-leading reporting and MI, paperless and signatureless processes, and unique AI-driven adviser insights which highlight unusual client behaviour. Firms can white label the platform to their own requirements. Adviser firms can serve their offshore clients around the world through the Jersey-based platform. And U.K.-based clients through the U.K. platform.
Founded in 2001 in Australia, Praemium launched in the U.K. in 2006 and Jersey in 2012. Our mission is to assist wealth advisers to deliver great investor experiences and outcomes.
About Morningstar, Inc.
Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment research in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The Company offers an extensive line of products and services for individual investors, financial advisers, asset managers and owners, retirement plan providers and sponsors, and institutional investors in the debt and private capital markets. Morningstar provides data and research insights on a wide range of investment offerings, including managed investment products, publicly listed companies, private capital markets, debt securities, and real-time global market data. Morningstar also offers investment management services through its investment advisory subsidiaries, with approximately $265 billion in assets under advisement and management as of March 31, 2022. The Company has operations in 29 countries. For more information, visit www.morningstar.com/company. Follow Morningstar on Twitter @MorningstarInc.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements relates to Morningstar Inc. and to none of the other entities referred to throughout the document
This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on our current expectations about future events or future financial performance. Forward looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, and often contain words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue." These statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the events we discuss not to occur or to differ significantly from what we expect. For us, these risks and uncertainties include, among others, failing to maintain and protect our brand, independence, and reputation; liability related to cybersecurity and the protection of confidential information, including personal information about individuals; liability for any losses that result from an actual or claimed breach of our fiduciary duties or failure to comply with applicable securities laws; compliance failures, regulatory action, or changes in laws applicable to our credit ratings operations, or our investment advisory, ESG, and index businesses; failing to respond to Page 7 of 13 technological change, keep pace with new technology developments, or adopt a successful technology strategy; the failure to recruit, develop, and retain qualified employees; inadequacy of our operational risk management and business continuity programs in the event of a material disruptive event, including an outage of our database, technology-based products and services or network facilities; failing to differentiate our products and services and continuously create innovative, proprietary, and insightful financial technology solutions; prolonged volatility or downturns affecting the financial sector, global financial markets, and global economy and its effect on our revenue from asset-based fees and credit ratings business; failing to maintain growth across our businesses in today's fragmented geopolitical, regulatory and cultural world; liability relating to the information and data we collect, store, use, create, and distribute or the reports that we publish or are produced by our software products; the failure of acquisitions and other investments to be efficiently integrated and produce the results we anticipate; the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic and government actions in response thereto on our business, financial condition, and results of operations; challenges faced by our non-U.S. operations, including the concentration of data and development work at our offshore facilities in China and India; our indebtedness could adversely affect our cash flows and financial flexibility; and the failure to protect our intellectual property rights or claims of intellectual property infringement against us. A more complete description of these risks and uncertainties can be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. If any of these risks and uncertainties materialize, our actual future results and other future events may vary significantly from what we expect. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.
About Morningstar's Investment Management group
Morningstar's Investment Management group is a leading provider of discretionary investment management and advisory services. Guided by seven investment principles, the group is committed to focusing on its mission to design portfolios that help investors reach their financial goals. The group's global investment management team works as one to apply a disciplined investment process to its strategies and portfolios, bringing together core capabilities in asset allocation, investment selection, and portfolio construction. This robust process integrates proprietary research and leading investment techniques. As of March 31, 2022, Morningstar's Investment Management group was responsible for approximately $265 billion* in assets under advisement and management across North America, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific.
In addition to advisory services, the group's investment professionals build and manage model portfolios for financial advisors in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and India to create strategies that incorporate a wide variety of investment objectives. In the UK, Morningstar Investment Management Europe Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide these services to Professional clients.
*Includes assets under management and advisement for Morningstar Investment Management LLC, Morningstar Investment Services LLC, Morningstar Investment Management Europe Ltd., Morningstar Investment Management Australia Ltd., Ibbotson Associates Japan, Inc., Morningstar Investment Management South Africa (PTY) LTD, Morningstar Investment Adviser India Private Ltd., and Morningstar Associates Inc. all of which are subsidiaries of Morningstar, Inc. Advisory Services listed are provided by one or more of these entities, which are authorized in the appropriate jurisdiction to provide such services.
©2022 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
MORN-C
Media Contacts:
Natasha Moore +44 (0)7961760121
natasha.moore@morningstar.com
ukmedia@morningstar.com
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scott.gilmore@morningstar.com
newsroom@morningstar.com
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SOURCE Morningstar, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/morningstar-completes-acquisition-wealth-management-platform-provider-praemiums-uk-international-business/ | 2022-06-30T11:11:10Z |
Proclamation Declares May 23-27, 2022 as Contractor Fraud Awareness Week
DES PLAINES, Ill., May 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the insurance industry's association dedicated to predicting, preventing, and prosecuting insurance crime, is excited to announce that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has signed a Gubernatorial Proclamation declaring May 23-27, 2022 as Contractor Fraud Awareness Week in the state.
"The proclamation signed by Governor Hogan is not only an honor for NICB, but serves as a reminder that post-disaster contractor fraud is something we all need to understand better to combat," said David J. Glawe, president and CEO of the NICB. "Contractor fraud costs homeowners and insurance companies billions of dollars each year as deceitful contractors follow well-rehearsed scams to prey on disaster victims. With this Proclamation, we can bring greater awareness to post-disaster fraud and what Marylanders can do so they don't end up being victimized twice."
The Proclamation encourages Maryland residents to get at least three written estimates from potential contractors following a disaster, check contractor credentials, and work closely with their insurance companies during the rebuilding process.
"Property owners are most vulnerable right after a disaster has occurred and when help is most needed. We urge consumers to use common sense when hiring a contractor. Be wary of unsolicited contractors that show up at your door, offering to manage your insurance claim and promising you insurance coverage for specific repairs or replacements," warned Insurance Commissioner Kathleen A. Birrane. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Honest contractors play an important role in assessing your damage and providing the estimates and information necessary to help you make your insurance claim. But only licensed public adjusters are authorized by law to negotiate that claim with your insurers. If you have questions about what your contractor is promising or if you encounter any problems with your insurer over a claim, call us – the MIA is here to help you."
"Protecting consumers from fraudulent home improvement contractors is a primary mission of the Maryland Department of Labor and we take this responsibility very seriously. And this is especially true in the wake of a disaster," said Maryland Secretary of Labor Tiffany Robinson. "Marylanders who invest their hard-earned savings in improvements to their primary asset need to feel confident in the contractor they choose to do the work. Through Governor Hogan's leadership in recognizing Contractor Fraud Awareness Week, the Maryland Home Improvement Commission stands ready to assist and protect Marylanders as they make life-changing investments and improvements to their home."
NICB created Contractor Fraud Awareness Week in 2021 to highlight the growing problem of contractors and vendors that take advantage of disaster victims in the aftermath of catastrophes. Throughout the week, NICB, along with its partners, will distribute materials via social media using the hashtag #CFAW2022. Additionally, NICB will engage with television outlets across the U.S. on a national media tour, participate in a Facebook Live event with AARP, and distribute new public service announcements informing the public about fraudulent contractors and how to identify them following hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, and wildfires.
"On behalf of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, I would like to thank Governor Hogan, Insurance Commissioner Birrane, and Secretary of Labor Robinson for their support and understanding of insurance fraud. Increasing awareness of post-disaster fraud will help us reduce this problem," added Glawe.
For more information about Contractor Fraud Awareness Week, visit www.nicb.org/ContractorFraudWeek.
REPORT FRAUD: Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422)or submitting a form on our website.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU: Headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. The NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote over $530 billion in insurance premiums in 2020, or more than 82% of the nation's property-casualty insurance. That includes more than 95% ($236 billion) of the nation's personal auto insurance. To learn more, visit www.nicb.org.
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SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/23/nicb-partners-with-maryland-governor-hogan-post-disaster-fraud-proclamation/ | 2022-05-23T12:30:57Z |
-- Diluted Loss Per Share of $(0.29), including real estate charge; Adjusted Diluted EPS of $1.77 --
- Total revenues up 16% from the second quarter of 2021 driven by organic Medicaid and Medicare growth.
- Health benefits ratio (HBR) of 86.7%, largely driven by Marketplace.
- Execution of Value Creation Plan through real estate optimization, divestitures, and share repurchases.
- Increased 2022 full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance by another $0.05 (to a range of $5.60 to $5.75), reflecting a $0.20 cumulative increase above our April guidance.
ST. LOUIS, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. In summary, the 2022 second quarter results were as follows:
"Our strong second quarter results reflect the consistency of Centene's product performance. We are pleased that results are directly in line with the expectations laid out during our June Investor Day. Additionally, we are increasing our full-year adjusted EPS outlook, reflecting a $0.20 cumulative increase above our April guidance. Our value proposition for members and customers yielded wins such as Delaware, sole-source Foster Care in Missouri, and continued Medicare growth. The second quarter reflects continued execution on our Value Creation Plan with tangible actions and results, providing an excellent foundation from which we will continue to build over the next couple of years," said Sarah M. London, Chief Executive Officer of Centene.
Other Events
- In July 2022, as part of its previously announced review of strategic alternatives for its international portfolio, Centene announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its ownership stakes in its Spanish and Central European businesses, including Ribera Salud, Torrejón Salud, and Pro Diagnostics Group. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2022.
- In July 2022, Centene completed the previously announced sale of PANTHERx Rare (PANTHERx). Centene intends to use the majority of the net proceeds from the sale to repurchase stock and the balance to reduce debt. The divestiture illustrates Centene's continued progress on the Value Creation Plan.
- In July 2022, Centene's Delaware subsidiary, Delaware First Health, was awarded contracts for the statewide Medicaid Managed Care programs, marking Centene's 30th Medicaid managed care state. Delaware First Health will be one of three managed care organizations that will provide integrated services for physical health, behavioral health, and long-term services and supports. The contracts are expected to commence in January 2023.
- In July 2022, Centene's Missouri subsidiary, Home State Health, commenced the MO HealthNet Managed Care General Plan and Specialty Plan contracts. Under the General Plan, Home State will continue serving multiple MO HealthNet programs including Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members and the state's newly implemented Medicaid expansion population, across all regions of Missouri. Additionally, as the sole provider of the newly awarded Specialty Plan, Home State now serves approximately 50,000 foster children and children receiving adoption subsidy assistance.
- In June 2022, following a strategic review of the Company's real estate portfolio and the adoption of a more modern, flexible work environment, Centene initiated a reduction of its real estate footprint and incurred a charge of $1.45 billion related to the impairment of leased and owned real estate and related fixed assets. Centene incurred impairments of $706 million related to owned real estate, $521 million related to leased real estate, and $223 million related to associated fixed assets. We anticipate additional future charges of approximately $200 million related to real estate optimization. This represents an approximate 70% decrease in domestic leased space and is expected to result in annualized leased expense savings of approximately $200 million.
- In May 2022, Centene signed a definitive agreement to sell Magellan Rx as part of its ongoing portfolio review. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2022.
Accreditations & Awards
- In May 2022, Centene was recognized as a Best of the Best Top Veteran-Friendly Company by U.S. Veterans Magazine for the third year in a row as well as a Top Supplier Diversity Program for Veterans.
- In May 2022, Centene was named a Top 50 Company for Diversity by DiversityInc for the third consecutive year. Centene advanced 3 spots to #33 on the list. Centene was also recognized on two specialty lists this year, ranking #13 for Top Companies for Latino Executives and #15 for Top Companies for Black Executives.
Membership
The following table sets forth our membership by line of business:
Revenues
The following table sets forth supplemental revenue information ($ in millions):
Statement of Operations: Three Months Ended June 30, 2022
- For the second quarter of 2022, total revenues increased 16% to $35.9 billion from $31.0 billion in the comparable period of 2021. The increase was due to organic Medicaid growth, primarily due to the ongoing suspension of eligibility redeterminations, 25% membership growth in the Medicare business (19% growth since December 31, 2021), our recent acquisitions of Magellan Health, Inc. (Magellan) and Circle Health, and the commencement of our contracts in North Carolina.
- HBR of 86.7% for the second quarter of 2022 represents a decrease from 88.3% in the comparable period in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to favorable performance in Marketplace driven by pricing actions and a return to more normalized utilization compared to the second quarter of 2021. Additionally, the second quarter of 2021 was negatively impacted by unfavorable 2020 risk adjustment, while the second quarter of 2022 was favorably impacted by 2021 risk adjustment.
- The cost of service ratio was 85.4% for the second quarter of 2022, compared to 89.6% in the same period in 2021. The decrease in the cost of service ratio was driven by the acquisition of the Circle Health business, which operates at a lower cost of service ratio.
- The SG&A expense ratio was 8.2% for the second quarter of 2022, compared to 7.4% in the second quarter of 2021. The adjusted SG&A expense ratio was 8.2% for the second quarter of 2022, compared to 7.3% in the second quarter of 2021. The increases were due to the additions of the Magellan and Circle Health businesses, which operate at higher SG&A expense ratios due to the nature of their respective businesses along with increased costs associated with risk adjustment improvement efforts, Medicare broker commissions and variable compensation. These impacts were partially offset by the leveraging of expenses over higher revenues as a result of increased membership.
- Diluted loss per share was $(0.29) for the second quarter of 2022, compared to $(0.92) for the second quarter of 2021. The second quarter loss was driven by a pre-tax real estate impairment charge of $1.45 billion ($1.80 per share after-tax), related to the reduction in the Company's real estate footprint. The diluted loss per share in 2021 was driven by the recording of a legal settlement reserve estimate of $1.25 billion ($1.78 per share after-tax).
- The effective tax rate was 27.7% for the second quarter of 2022, compared to 1.3% in the second quarter of 2021. The 2021 effective rate was driven by the partial non-deductibility of the legal settlement reserve. For the second quarter of 2022, our effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was 27.1%, compared to 26.3% in the second quarter of 2021.
Balance Sheet
At June 30, 2022, the Company had cash, investments and restricted deposits of $30.1 billion and maintained $782 million of cash and cash equivalents in our unregulated entities, including $299 million in our international subsidiaries (a material portion of which is expected to be used to satisfy contractual obligations). Medical claims liabilities totaled $16.6 billion. The Company's days in claims payable was 55 days, which is an increase of two days over the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to the timing of state directed payments received, but not yet paid, and the timing of pharmacy payments. Total debt was $18.8 billion, which included $129 million of borrowings on our $2.0 billion revolving credit facility at quarter end. The debt to capitalization ratio was 41.3% at June 30, 2022, excluding $181 million of non-recourse debt.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a $3.0 billion increase to the stock repurchase program and a new $1.0 billion debt repurchase program. In the second quarter, the Company repurchased 4.2 million shares of Centene common stock for $344 million through the stock repurchase program, and an additional $106 million in July, for a combined $450 million of shares to date in 2022. The Company intends to utilize the majority of the net proceeds from the recently completed PANTHERx sale to repurchase additional shares and the balance to reduce debt. As of July 26, 2022, there was $3.35 billion available under the stock repurchase program and $1.0 billion available under the debt repurchase program.
Outlook
The Company's guidance has been updated to reflect the sale of PANTHERx and corresponding gain along with real estate optimization impairment charges. The Company's guidance does not reflect the effects of the pending divestitures of Magellan Rx or its Spanish and Central European businesses.
The items below will be discussed further on our conference call. The Company's annual guidance for 2022 is as follows:
Conference Call
As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at approximately 8:30 AM (Eastern Time) to review the financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022.
Investors and other interested parties are invited to listen to the conference call by dialing 1-877-883-0383 in the U.S. and Canada; +1-412-902-6506 from abroad, including the following Elite Entry Number: 2306827 to expedite caller registration; or via a live, audio webcast on the Company's website at www.centene.com, under the Investors section.
A webcast replay will be available for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call for the next twelve months or until 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the aforementioned URL. In addition, a digital audio playback will be available until 9:00 AM (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, by dialing 1-877-344-7529 in the U.S., 1-855-669-9658 in Canada, or +1-412-317-0088 from abroad, and entering access code 4947998.
Non-GAAP Financial Presentation
The Company is providing certain non-GAAP financial measures in this release as the Company believes that these figures are helpful in allowing investors to more accurately assess the ongoing nature of the Company's operations and measure the Company's performance more consistently across periods. The Company uses the presented non-GAAP financial measures internally to allow management to focus on period-to-period changes in the Company's core business operations. Therefore, the Company believes that this information is meaningful in addition to the information contained in the GAAP presentation of financial information. The presentation of this additional non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.
Specifically, the Company believes the presentation of non-GAAP financial information that excludes amortization of acquired intangible assets and acquisition and divestiture related expenses, as well as other items, allows investors to develop a more meaningful understanding of the Company's performance over time. The tables below provide reconciliations of non-GAAP items ($ in millions, except per share data):
To provide clarity on the way management defines certain key metrics and ratios, the Company is providing a description of how the metric or ratio is calculated as follows:
- Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) (GAAP) = Medical costs divided by premium revenues.
- SG&A Expense Ratio (GAAP) = Selling, general and administrative expenses divided by premium and service revenues.
- Cost of Service Ratio (GAAP) = Cost of services divided by service revenues.
- Adjusted SG&A Expense Ratio (non-GAAP) = Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses divided by premium and service revenues.
- Adjusted Effective Tax Rate (non-GAAP) = GAAP income tax expense (benefit) excluding the income tax effects of adjustments to net earnings divided by adjusted earnings (loss) before income tax expense.
- Adjusted Net Earnings (non-GAAP) = Net earnings less amortization of acquired intangible assets, less acquisition and divestiture related expenses, as well as adjustments for other items, net of the income tax effect of the adjustments.
- Adjusted Diluted EPS (non-GAAP) = Adjusted net earnings divided by weighted average common shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis.
- Debt to Capitalization Ratio (GAAP) = Total debt, divided by total debt plus total stockholder's equity.
- Debt to Capitalization Ratio Excluding Non-Recourse Debt (non-GAAP) = Total debt less non-recourse debt, divided by total debt less non-recourse debt plus total stockholder's equity.
- Average Medical Claims Expense (GAAP) = Medical costs for the period divided by number of days in such period. Average Medical Claims Expense is most often calculated for the quarterly reporting period.
- Days in Claims Payable (GAAP) = Medical claims liabilities divided by average medical claims expense. Days in Claims Payable is most often calculated for the quarterly reporting period.
In addition, the following terms are defined as follows:
- State Directed Payments: Payments directed by a state that have minimal risk, but are administered as a premium adjustment. These payments are recorded as premium revenue and medical costs at close to a 100% HBR. The Company has little visibility to the timing of these payments until they are paid by a state.
- Pass Through Payments: Non-risk supplemental payments from a state that the Company is required to pass through to designated contracted providers. These payments are recorded as premium tax revenue and premium tax expense.
About Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. The Company takes a local approach – with local brands and local teams – to provide fully integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Centene offers affordable and high-quality products to nearly 1 in 15 individuals across the nation, including Medicaid and Medicare members (including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) as well as individuals and families served by the Health Insurance Marketplace, the TRICARE program, and individuals in correctional facilities. The Company also serves several international markets, and contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide a variety of specialty services focused on treating the whole person. Centene focuses on long-term growth and value creation as well as the development of its people, systems, and capabilities so that it can better serve its members, providers, local communities, and government partners.
Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, https://investors.centene.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements, other than statements of current or historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, forward-looking statements often use words such as "believe," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "seek," "target," "goal," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "can," "continue" and other similar words or expressions (and the negative thereof). Centene (the Company, our, or we) intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and we are including this statement for purposes of complying with these safe-harbor provisions. In particular, these statements include, without limitation, statements about our future operating or financial performance, market opportunity, value creation strategy, competition, expected activities in connection with completed and future acquisitions and dispositions, including statements about the impact of our recently completed acquisition of Magellan Health, Inc. (the Magellan Acquisition), other recent and future acquisitions and dispositions, our investments and the adequacy of our available cash resources. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on numerous assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, business strategies, operating environments, future developments and other factors we believe appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are subject to change because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future, including economic, regulatory, competitive and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to us on the date hereof. Except as may be otherwise required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date hereof. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as actual results may differ materially from projections, estimates, or other forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, variables and events including, but not limited to: our ability to accurately predict and effectively manage health benefits and other operating expenses and reserves, including fluctuations in medical utilization rates due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19; the risk that the election of new directors, changes in senior management, and any inability to retain key personnel may create uncertainty or negatively impact our ability to execute quickly and effectively; uncertainty as to the expected financial performance of the combined company following the recent completion of the Magellan Acquisition; the possibility that the expected synergies and value creation from the Magellan Acquisition or the acquisition of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (the WellCare Acquisition) or other acquired businesses will not be realized, or will not be realized within the respective expected time periods; disruption from the integration of the Magellan Acquisition or the WellCare Acquisition, unexpected costs, or similar risks from other acquisitions or dispositions we may announce or complete from time to time, including potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or regulators, making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; the risk that the closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals, for the pending dispositions of Magellan Rx and our Spanish and Central European businesses, may be delayed or not obtained; impairments to real estate, investments, goodwill and intangible assets; a downgrade of the credit rating of our indebtedness; competition; membership and revenue declines or unexpected trends; changes in healthcare practices, new technologies, and advances in medicine; increased healthcare costs; changes in economic, political or market conditions; changes in federal or state laws or regulations, including changes with respect to income tax reform or government healthcare programs as well as changes with respect to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act (collectively referred to as the ACA) and any regulations enacted thereunder that may result from changing political conditions, the new administration or judicial actions; rate cuts or other payment reductions or delays by governmental payors and other risks and uncertainties affecting our government businesses; our ability to adequately price products; tax matters; disasters or major epidemics; changes in expected contract start dates; provider, state, federal, foreign and other contract changes and timing of regulatory approval of contracts; the expiration, suspension, or termination of our contracts with federal or state governments (including, but not limited to, Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE or other customers); the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of legal or regulatory proceedings or matters, including, but not limited to, our ability to resolve claims and/or allegations made by states with regard to past practices, including at Envolve Pharmacy Solutions, Inc. (Envolve), as our pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) subsidiary, within the reserve estimate we recorded in 2021 and on other acceptable terms, or at all, or whether additional claims, reviews or investigations relating to our PBM business will be brought by states, the federal government or shareholder litigants, or government investigations; the timing and extent of benefits from strategic value creation initiatives, including the possibility that these initiatives will not be successful, or will not be realized within the expected time periods; challenges to our contract awards; cyber-attacks or other privacy or data security incidents; the exertion of management's time and our resources, and other expenses incurred and business changes required in connection with complying with the undertakings in connection with any regulatory, governmental or third party consents or approvals for acquisitions or dispositions; any changes in expected closing dates, estimated purchase price and accretion for acquisitions or dispositions; restrictions and limitations in connection with our indebtedness; our ability to maintain or achieve improvement in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Star ratings and maintain or achieve improvement in other quality scores in each case that can impact revenue and future growth; the availability of debt and equity financing on terms that are favorable to us; inflation; foreign currency fluctuations; and risks and uncertainties discussed in the reports that Centene has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This list of important factors is not intended to be exhaustive. We discuss certain of these matters more fully, as well as certain other factors that may affect our business operations, financial condition and results of operations, in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Due to these important factors and risks, we cannot give assurances with respect to our future performance, including without limitation our ability to maintain adequate premium levels or our ability to control our future medical and selling, general and administrative costs.
:
Centene's claims reserving process utilizes a consistent actuarial methodology to estimate Centene's ultimate liability. Any reduction in the "Incurred related to: Prior period" amount may be offset as Centene actuarially determines "Incurred related to: Current period." As such, only in the absence of a consistent reserving methodology would favorable development of prior period claims liability estimates reduce medical costs. Centene believes it has consistently applied its claims reserving methodology. Additionally, approximately $210 million was recorded as a reduction to premium revenues resulting from development within "Incurred related to: Prior period" due to minimum HBR and other return of premium programs.
The amount of the "Incurred related to: Prior period" above represents favorable development and includes the effects of reserving under moderately adverse conditions, new markets where we use a conservative approach in setting reserves during the initial periods of operations, receipts from other third party payors related to coordination of benefits and lower medical utilization and cost trends for dates of service June 30, 2021, and prior.
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SOURCE Centene Corporation | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/centene-corporation-reports-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-07-26T10:26:13Z |
Formally Announces Karen Cusmano Head of Sustainability and ESG
Launches New Website Unifying Company's Entire Portfolio on One User-Friendly Platform
JERSEY CITY, N.J., May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Veris Residential, Inc. (NYSE: VRE), a forward-thinking, environmentally- and socially-conscious REIT that primarily owns, operates, acquires, and develops Class A multifamily properties, today released its 2021 ESG Report. The report, which is available on the Company's new website here, details the progress that Veris Residential has made in becoming a more responsible, sustainable, and inclusive owner, operator, and developer, while continuing its pursuit of long-term value creation for shareholders.
In connection with the release of the report, Veris Residential is formally announcing the appointment of Karen Cusmano to Senior Vice President, Head of Sustainability and ESG. In this newly created role, Ms. Cusmano will oversee a dedicated ESG team focused on growing Embrace by Veris Residential, a program centered around properties, people and the planet. The program establishes the Company's approach to ESG initiatives and is designed to advance ESG actions and reporting, and to ensure that the Company continues to execute on its goals to reduce its carbon footprint, increase employee diversity and inclusion, and support resident well-being.
Mahbod Nia, Veris Residential's Chief Executive Officer, said, "We have worked hard over the past 18 months to redefine our properties to prioritize residents' sustainability values, foster an even more equitable and diverse workplace, and mitigate our carbon footprint. As a result of these efforts and others, we received Logical Buildings' 2021 Climate Community Leadership Award—a significant recognition from the sustainability and smart building technology space leader. We look forward to building on these achievements under Karen's leadership and challenging ourselves to reach new heights as we seek to maximize our overall impact, while creating value for our shareholders."
Highlights of the report include Mr. Nia's letter to stakeholders and Veris Residential's recent achievements in the following areas:
- The Environment—including how the Company approaches sustainable residential living by assessing climate-related risks and opportunities.
- The Company's target of reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 (compared to 2019), was validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
- The Company's 2021 energy consumption was 18% below 2019 levels. 100% of the wholly owned residential portfolio electricity under the Company's control is procured from renewable sources.
- The Company installed additional on-property electric vehicle charging stations, and Wi-Fi-operated energy management systems to inform optimal energy usage within residences at numerous properties.
- 33% of the wholly owned multifamily portfolio is Green Certified (LEED® or equivalent).
- People, Culture & Community—including how the Company is advancing its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; attracting, retaining and engaging with employee talent; prioritizing resident health, safety and wellness; and integrating with its communities through national and local philanthropic partnerships.
- The Company received WELL Health and Safety certifications by the International Well Building Institute™ across all wholly owned multifamily properties.
- As of year-end 2021, Veris Residential's workforce was 40% female and 50% diverse.
- The Company implemented companywide DE&I training, including unconscious bias training, at the employee and board level.
- Ethics, Compliance & Governance—including how the Company is committing to engaging with all its stakeholders, upholding its Ethics & Compliance program, ensuring a responsible supply chain through the ongoing use of its Supplier Code of Conduct, and protecting against cyber threats as a technology-forward company.
- 25% of the Company's Board of Directors is female, and 38% self-identify as ethnically diverse.
- The Company joined the National Minority Supplier Development Council to support businesses that are at least 51% minority owned.
Ms. Cusmano, who previously held leadership roles in asset management, operations and accounting within the Company, stated regarding this report, "After 21 years with Veris Residential, I am honored to now lead the Company's sustainability and ESG initiatives. Our 2021 ESG report reflects the work our team has undertaken to advance our mission to become a purpose-driven business to the benefit of all of our stakeholders, while protecting and improving our value creation. We remain unwavering in our commitment to build upon our ESG accomplishments to date."
The 2021 ESG Report is now available on Veris Residential's new website here. The market-leading corporate and investor relations websites showcase the new brand ethos on one seamless platform.
Veris Residential, Inc. is a forward-thinking, environmentally- and socially-conscious real estate investment trust (REIT) that primarily owns, operates, acquires, and develops holistically-inspired, Class A multifamily properties that meet the sustainability-conscious lifestyle needs of today's residents while seeking to positively impact the communities it serves and the planet at large. The company is guided by an experienced management team and Board of Directors and is underpinned by leading corporate governance principles, a best-in-class and sustainable approach to operations, and an inclusive culture based on equality and meritocratic empowerment. For additional information on Veris Residential, Inc. and our properties available for lease, please visit verisresidential.com.
For Veris Residential:
Amanda Shpiner/Grace Cartwright
Gasthalter & Co.
212-257-4170
veris-residential@gasthalter.com
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SOURCE Veris Residential, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/veris-residential-releases-2021-esg-report/ | 2022-05-31T13:46:59Z |
Ortek-ECD® Now Patented in Brazil
Without Using Radiation, The FDA-Cleared ECD Can Detect Small Cavities Often Missed by X-Rays
ROSLYN HEIGHTS, N.Y., May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ortek Therapeutics, Inc., a leader in developing and commercializing novel oral care technologies, today announced that the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent covering the Ortek-ECD®, a revolutionary electronic cavity detection device that can detect tooth decay often missed by X-rays.
With the addition of this newly issued patent in Brazil, the ECD is now covered by 20 issued patents in major global markets with patents now issued in: the United States, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China (People's Republic), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Tooth decay is the world's most common chronic disease and affects an estimated 2.3 billion people worldwide. The majority of cavities occur in the back teeth (molars and premolars). Without using radiation, the ECD painlessly measures the electrical conductance of enamel on these vulnerable sites and can immediately detect the earliest signs of tooth decay that X-rays
often miss. The ECD is cleared by the FDA and is in use by hundreds of dentists in the U.S.
"This is another important milestone for Ortek as we expand the international patent portfolio for the ECD," said Ortek President Mitchell Goldberg. "Early detection of any disease is critically important, and the ECD allows dental professionals to catch tooth decay at a very early stage which helps patients avoid the pain, damage and costs associated with more advanced cavities."
The breakthrough ECD technology was developed and tested at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. Ortek has entered into an exclusive worldwide license to the ECD patents with The Research Foundation for The State University of New York.
About Ortek
Ortek Therapeutics, Inc. is a global leader in developing and commercializing cutting-edge oral care technologies. For more information on the company, visit ortekinc.com.
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SOURCE Ortek Therapeutics, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/orteks-electronic-cavity-detection-device-receives-20th-global-patent/ | 2022-05-17T16:14:24Z |
Shake Shack's Bourbon bacon cheddar burger is the worst of the worst
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Physicians Committee, a nonprofit of 17,000 doctors, has reviewed recently released summer fast-food items and is urging consumers to avoid the five least healthy menu items or, the "Five Fatty Fast-Food Flops" of 2022. They are:
"Putting new twists on old high-fat, high-cholesterol, and high-sodium foods as part of a 'new' summer menu has become an annual marketing ploy for fast-food outlets," says Karen Smith, RDN, CDCES, of the Physicians Committee. "Summer 2022 is no different, and consumers deserve to know the truth about these items' poor nutritional content."
"The Shake Shack Bourbon Bacon Double Cheddar Burger, for example, has a heart-stopping 205 milligrams of cholesterol and 63 grams of total fat, more than a third of which is saturated fat," she adds. "That is essentially double the amount of saturated fat the American Heart Association suggests adults consumer each day."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 42% of U.S. adults are now obese. A study published in the journal Circulation found that people who eat fast food once a week increase their risk of dying from heart disease by 20%. Two to three fast-food meals a week increase the risk of premature death by 50%. Four or more fast-food meals a week increase the risk of dying from heart disease by nearly 80%.
Despite this health crisis, fast-food restaurants continue to introduce foods that are exceedingly unhealthful. Among several items added for summer 2022, the Physicians Committee suggests that consumers avoid the "Five Fatty Fast-Food Flops," designated as such because of the exorbitant amounts of cholesterol, fat, calories, and sodium per item.
Studies show that a plant-based diet can help people prevent and even reverse diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, among other conditions. To that end, consumption of meat and dairy products has been declining for years, and consumers are embracing meat alternatives.
"There are plenty of healthful menu options available, including at some quick-serve restaurants, like the Veggie Delite at Subway and a bean, rice, and veggie bowl at Chipotle," Smith says.
Contact: Leslie Raabe lraabe@pcrm.org, 443-534-5803
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SOURCE Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/avoid-five-fatty-fast-food-flops-this-summer-physicians-warn/ | 2022-06-30T12:40:56Z |
Linpharma Clinical Trials with Butterbur Find Significant Reduction in Migraine Attacks
TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study published in Frontiers in Neurology, one of the most-cited journals in its field, details important data on mode of action, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity data of Petasites for migraine prevention.
Petasins are the pharmacologically active ingredients of butterbur, a perennial herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Among the various butterbur extracts, Petadolex® is a well-established herbal remedy for the prevention of migraine attacks. It is produced from the rhizome of Petasites hybridus and is the only butterbur extract that was extensively evaluated for safety and clinical efficacy in the preventive treatment of migraine.
The study, Petasites for Migraine Prevention: New Data on Mode of Action, Pharmacology, and Safety; is authored by internationally recognized hematologist and toxicologist Jurgen Borlak and renowned Neurologist and headache specialist Stephen Silberstein, among others.
The multi-faceted research includes animal and human models and deploys cutting edge techniques including genomic toxicology. In randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled trials with Petadolex®, migraine attack frequency was reduced significantly, and no relevant abnormal liver function was reported.
The anti-inflammatory properties of petasins provide a rationale for the use of butterbur in the treatment of migraine attacks.
Petadolex®, a patented, proprietary, and popular natural supplement for migraine prevention, has over 20 years of accumulated clinical data and experience.
The new research shows Petadolex® works by modulating CGRP as well as having several discrete anti-inflammatory actions.
Petadolex® is available in the U.S. and is now being approved in Canada and, most recently, Brazil. Application for German approval is pending. Learn more about Petadolex®: https://petadolex.com/
View the full Frontiers in Neurology review article: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.864689/full
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SOURCE Linpharma | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/petasites-migraine-prevention-deemed-safe-effective/ | 2022-08-11T15:57:14Z |
FRISCO, Texas, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JPAR® – Real Estate, America's #1 fastest-growing, 100% commission brokerage is proud to recognize PT50 annual award winners. The PT50 annual awards program seeks to recognize top residential agents for excellence in sales, community service and industry involvement.
Award Winners: https://youtu.be/-plGEKCHiAc
"As our organization continues to grow, we are very pleased to see so many of JPAR® sales professionals earn this impressive recognition, said Mark Johnson, President, JPAR® - Real Estate."The JPAR® - Real Estate platform provides industry-leading marketing, technology and training and it empowers our sales professionals to deliver on our unique value proposition to their customers," added Johnson.
The PT50 annual recognition program is uniquely designed to bring together agents that are industry and community leaders with diverse backgrounds, interests, experiences, and areas of expertise. In addition, they each have a proven track record for providing exceptional service and getting results for their clients.
About JPAR® - Real Estate: JPAR® - Real Estate and JPAR® Franchising is a full-service real estate brokerage and franchise platform offering a highly competitive transaction fee-based model and agent-centric culture. The JPAR® platform provides agents 7 day-per-week broker support, physical office locations, a comprehensive tech stack and open architecture, physical office locations, marketing, lead generation, training, coaching, mentoring and agent health care. The company boasts more than 3,300 agents operating in 65 offices across 26 states and closes more than $8B annually in sales volume.
For more information about franchise opportunities, visit franchise.jpar.com.
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SOURCE JPAR® Real Estate | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/jpar-real-estate-recognizes-pt50-top-500-agents/ | 2022-05-31T21:33:59Z |
LONDON, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Unit4, a leader in enterprise cloud applications for mid-market services organizations, today announced results for the second quarter and the first half of 2022, ending June 30, 2022. Q2 saw go-live momentum and global customer wins, with 91 go-lives and 18 new customers signed - including ERPx customers: Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation, Dogs Trust, Gemeente Bergen op Zoom, Agora Strategy Group and Oslofjord Convention Center.
These results demonstrate the need for people-centric organizations to implement a unified platform to drive efficiencies, innovate at scale, and deliver great experiences for both their people and customers.
Unit4 has strong growth ambitions and this was underlined with a strategic acquisition in Q2, with the company announcing a deal to buy Scanmarket, a global vendor of cloud Source-to-Contract software. This marked a significant investment in the company's ERP solution and allows Unit4 to provide organizations with a unified Source-to-Pay journey, building on its existing ERP and Procure-to-Pay (P2P) offerings. As well as a great technology fit, both Unit4 and Scanmarket are culturally similar in that they have both developed solutions with users and people at the center of what they do. Scanmarket customers include Emirates Flight Catering, NatWest, ISS Facility Services, MacMillan Cancer Support and Kärcher.
Patrick Reymann, IDC Research Director, Procurement and Enterprise Apps, said of the deal, "The Unit4 acquisition of Scanmarket fits perfectly with our hypothesis, consistently reinforced by IDC research data, that customers want procurement solutions as part of full suite ERP offerings. The procurement application space is vibrant and growing, as buyers continually tell us they need help managing their spend data. This combination will provide tremendous value to existing clients and will give prospective buyers a strong reason to consider the combined Unit4 / Scanmarket offering going forward."
New Customer Wins and Go-Live Momentum
Q2 saw the company secure 18 new customers across key markets, all of whom have chosen Unit4's suite of people-experience solutions, including:
- Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric Aids Foundation, a proven leader in the global fight to end HIV and AIDS, and an advocate for every child to live a full and healthy life into adulthood
- Dogs Trust, is the largest dog welfare charity in the United Kingdom, caring for over 15,000 animals each year. Its programmes are largely funded by individual donations and legacies
- Norwich City Council, is the local authority for the historic city of Norwich in the East of England
- Gemeente Bergen op Zoom, a municipality in the Dutch province of North Brabant with 68,000 inhabitants
- Agora Strategy Group, is a boutique consultancy specialized in geopolitical advisory, political risk analyses, and business diplomacy
- Kronoby kommun, a municipality located in the province of Western Finland with a population of 6,439
- Oslofjord Convention Center, based in Norway and one of Europe's largest conference and leisure centers
- Malax kommun, with a population of 5,486, Malax is a municipality of Finland, part of the Ostrobothnia region
- Kvarnen is a 130-year-old Folk High School located in the Kronoby municipality of Finland
Of these customers, we saw strong momentum and an appetite for cloud solutions with 8 new ERPx customers.
In addition, 91 customers successfully went live on Unit4 products in Q2 and, with customers at the heart of what we do, we're delighted to announce Success4U. This brings together new services from our customer success, support and professional services teams, to provide a tailor-made, three-tiered support model, to meet our customers' needs, helping them realize value and drive business outcomes. This service is live now for net new cloud customers on ERP, FP&A, Financial and Talent Management.
Continued Investment in People
Over the last six months or so, Unit4 has welcomed several key executives to the team and in Q2 announced the appointment of Tania Garrett as Chief People Officer. Joining from Adobe, where she led International Employee Experience, covering the EMEA, APAC and Japan regions, Tania brings over 20 years of global HR experience to help accelerate the company's growth and expansion.
With that focus on growth in mind, coupled with being a people-centric organization, earlier this year, we announced the strengthening of our operation in Lisbon, Portugal, which we are continuing to scale. Unit4 has had a presence in Lisbon since 2006, and the creation of a multi-disciplinary hub means that we can support critical functions of the business and deliver a world-class experience to our customers across the globe from a single location, one which is bolstered by a diverse talent pool.
Mike Ettling, CEO, Unit4, commented, "The first half of 2022 has seen Unit4 gathering pace. From winning an array of great customers across multiple industries, to acquiring a global software business like Scanmarket, with its market-leading global strategic procurement capabilities and cloud-based solutions, we are evolving the world of ERP. Customers are looking to us to enable their journeys to cloud and to help them digitize their organizations to drive business success. We look forward to growing with our customers over the second half of 2022, and beyond."
Further Reading
- Find out how BARC and our customers rank Unit4 FP&A
- Listen to a special Fireside Chat between HFS CEO, Phil Ferscht and Mike Ettling, CEO at Unit4, about his personal and digital business journey
- Visit our Awards, Ratings & Recognition pages for recent examples of award wins, finalist and shortlisted positions, including Winner – 2022 People's Choice Stevie®: ERP Solution; ERP Today Finalists - Outstanding Leadership Award 2022 and Vendor of the Year Award 2022 and shortlisted for Best SaaS Product for Management Accounting & Budgeting and Best Bespoke SaaS Solution in the SaaS awards.
Unit4's next-generation enterprise solutions power many of the world's most people-centric mid-market organizations. Our state-of-the-art cloud platform, ERPx, brings together the capabilities of Financials, Procurement, Project Management, HR and FP&A onto a unified cloud platform that shares real-time information and is designed with a powerful, people-centric approach, so employees can benefit from better insight and become more effective and increasingly engaged. It supports rapid and continuous change while delivering individualized fit for customers at scale, delivering the right tools to unify the processes across their organization, and connect their people. Unit4 serves more than 6,000 customers globally including, Bravida, Havas, Migros Aare, Americares, Save the Children International, Action against Hunger, Metro Vancouver, Forest Research, Southampton City Council, Selkirk College, FTI Consulting, and Surrey County Council.
For more information please visit https://www.unit4.com/, follow us on Twitter @Unit4global, or visit our LinkedIn page
Media Contact:
Lisa Stassoulli
Global Communications Manager, Unit4
Mobile: +44(0)7870 916827
Lisa.Stassoulli@unit4.com
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SOURCE Unit4 | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/unit4-announces-second-quarter-results-2022-showing-strength-across-industries/ | 2022-08-23T13:45:53Z |
Dahlin helps Power, Sabres beat Maple Leafs 5-2
TORONTO (AP) — Rasmus Dahlin and Rasmus Asplund each had a goal and an assist, helping the Buffalo Sabres beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2. Tage Thompson, Kyle Okposo and Jeff Skinner also scored for Buffalo. Craig Anderson made 23 saves as the Sabres won the season series 3-1-0 and became the only team to defeat the Leafs three times in 2021-22. Timothy Liljegren and Alexander Kerfoot scored for Toronto. Sabres defenseman Owen Power — the No. 1 pick at the 2021 draft — made his NHL debut after signing an entry-level contract last week. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/12/dahlin-helps-power-sabres-beat-maple-leafs-5-2/ | 2022-04-13T03:26:57Z |
GÖTEBORG, Sweden, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the latest step on its path toward carbon neutrality, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) becomes the first manufacturer to deliver a construction machine built using fossil-free steel to a customer. This demonstrates the fast-tracking of innovation to real-world solutions as companies across the value chain come together to drive change.
The A30G articulated hauler built using fossil-free steel was handed over by President of Volvo CE Melker Jernberg to long-standing customer NCC today, 1 June 2022, at a ceremony hosted by LeadIt – the Leadership Group for Industry Transition – in conjunction with the United Nations environmental meeting Stockholm +50. It was attended by John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy to Climate and Annika Strandhäll, Swedish Minister for Climate.
The move comes just nine months after the company unveiled the world's first vehicle concept using fossil-free steel, as part of the testing of the implementation in an ordinary production setup. While commercial introduction is expected to be gradual with selected customers, this speedy first handover is an important milestone in the Group's ambition to drive industry transformation towards global climate goals. The A30G is produced at Volvo CE's Braås facility in Sweden, using the existing manufacturing process, with fossil-free steel from Swedish steel company SSAB.
Melker Jernberg says: "We are sure that to succeed in decarbonizing the construction industry, actors in the value chain will need to collaborate and act. Thanks to our strong partnerships with other driven and forward-thinking companies, we are now able to lead the change towards fossil-free construction and be the first to deliver a machine built using fossil-free steel to a customer. Turning commitments into actions is key to building the world we want to live in."
Tomas Carlsson, CEO and President of NCC, says: "NCC has a firm commitment to contribute to sustainable development. We are working determinedly and systematically to reach that target, which includes selecting machines that live up to our high demands. As demonstrated in this great example, it takes strong and proactive partnerships between several players to make the sustainable shift possible."
As part of its Science-Based Targets commitment, Volvo CE is set to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Alongside the electrification of its machines, the company recognizes the importance of reducing its carbon footprint across its entire value chain. This includes the raw materials used in its products, of which steel is a major component. The production using fossil-free steel in Volvo CE's machines and components will be gradual and depend on aspects such as steel availability.
Journalists wanting further information, please contact:
Åsa Alström
Head of Strategic Communications
Volvo Construction Equipment
asa.alstrom@volvo.com
+46700034384
Link to images and film
For more information, please visit www.volvoce.com
For frequent updates, follow us on
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Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is a leading international manufacturer of premium construction equipment, and with over 14,000 employees, it is one of the largest companies in the industry. Volvo CE offers a wide range of products and services in more than 140 countries through its global distribution network. Volvo CE is part of the Volvo Group. The Volvo Group drives prosperity through transport and infrastructure solutions, offering trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase our customers' uptime and productivity. Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to shaping the future landscape of sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. The Volvo Group is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, employs almost 100.000 people and serves customers in more than 190 markets. In 2020, net sales amounted to about SEK 338 billion (EUR 33.6 billion). Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.
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SOURCE AB Volvo | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/volvo-ce-first-world-deliver-construction-machine-built-using-fossil-free-steel-customer/ | 2022-06-01T09:20:27Z |
NORWOOD, Mass., Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Instruments, a leading manufacturer of analytical instruments and services for bioprocessing, today announced the acquisition of SAL Scientific Ltd., a private company that develops and manufactures a portfolio of cell growth supplements for Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) and Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cells. These reagents substantially improve cell growth under stressful conditions and help accelerate cell line development (CLD) biology workflows to maximize biotherapeutic production. The acquisition expands Advanced Instruments' reagent expertise and furthers its commitment to bioprocess workflows for advanced therapies.
SAL Scientific is the developer and manufacturer of the InstiGRO™, InstiSHAKE™, and InstiTHAW™ Cell Growth Supplements that Advanced Instruments exclusively distributes today. As part of Advanced Instruments' Solentim portfolio, these reagents are utilized in the early stages of biologic drug development to accelerate the selection of optimal clones for production of monoclonal antibodies and viral vectors used in gene therapies. Acquiring SAL Scientific's expertise will support the expansion of reagent technologies and deliver additional in-house capabilities that support ongoing technology adoption, new product innovation and enhanced customer support.
"The addition of SAL Scientific aligns with our core strategy to invest in leading technologies that deliver significant customer value across the cell line development workflow," commented Byron Selman, President & CEO of Advanced Instruments. "With SAL Scientific, we are investing to support customers in these workflows with these cell culture media supplements that provide improved cell growth, colony formation and cloning efficiency."
"We are excited about joining the Advanced Instruments team," said Steve Game, Founding Director of SAL Scientific. "As an existing commercial partner, we recognize the strong synergy between the Insti supplements and the Advanced Instruments cell line development systems. We are confident about the value that Advanced Instruments will add with regard to infrastructure for innovative product development, manufacturing capacity and global commercial reach and that this combination will continue to accelerate growth for the Insti products."
"We look forward to SAL Scientific joining the Advanced Instruments and Patricia Industries family and continuing on the next phase of growth together," said Yuriy Prilutskiy, Head of Patricia Industries North America, a part of Investor AB, and owner of Advanced Instruments. "Patricia Industries is committed to continuing our support of Advanced Instruments in their mission to deliver solutions that accelerate and improve the development of biopharmaceuticals globally, and we are excited to further increase investment in building Advanced Instruments' portfolio of CLD products."
Advanced Instruments was represented by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (legal advisor).
SAL Scientific was represented by Azets (financial advisor) and Paris Smith (legal advisor).
For Further Information:
Advanced Instruments
Contact: Lisa Fahey, VP Global Marketing
lfahey@aicompanies.com
781-471-2106
About Advanced Instruments
Advanced Instruments is a global provider of scientific and analytical instruments for the biotechnology, clinical, and food and beverage industries. For more than 65 years, the company's innovations have helped organizations improve quality of results, achieve reliable outcomes, and increase workplace productivity. Advanced Instruments has a diverse portfolio of products, including freezing point osmometers, cerebrospinal fluid cell counters, anaerobic jar systems, cryoscopes, pasteurization test systems, and testing standards and controls. For more information, visit www.aicompanies.com
About SAL Scientific
SAL Scientific, based in Fordingbridge UK, is a developer of innovative mammalian cell biology reagents for research and drug discovery workflows. Our 'Insti' range of animal component-free, easy to use cell culture supplements (InstiGRO™, InstiSHAKE™, and InstiTHAW™) are designed to accelerate and increase productivity in the development of commercially important cell lines used in biopharmaceutical production. For more information, visit www.salscientific.com.
About Patricia Industries
Patricia Industries, a part of Investor AB, makes control investments in best-in-class companies with strong market positions, brands and corporate cultures within industries positioned for secular growth. Our ambition is to be the sole owner of our companies, together with strong management teams and boards. We invest with an indefinite holding period and focus on building durable value and capturing organic and non-organic growth opportunities. For more information, visit www.patriciaindustries.com.
About Investor AB
Investor, founded by the Wallenberg family in 1916, is an engaged owner of high-quality, global companies. We have a long-term investment perspective. Through board participation, as well as industrial experience, our network and financial strength, we work continuously to support our companies to remain or become best-in-class. For more information, visit www.investorab.com.
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SOURCE Advanced Instruments | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/01/advanced-instruments-acquires-sal-scientific-expertise-range-cell-growth-supplements-support-research-amp-drug-discovery-workflows/ | 2022-08-01T22:25:35Z |
Woman charged with pointing gun at Sarasota teen
LIDO KEY, Fla. (WWSB) - Sarasota police have arrested a Fort Myers woman accused of forcing a teenager to drive her around Lido Beach at gunpoint, authorities said.
Dina Wilson, 61, of Fort Myers, was apprehended Wednesday at South Lido Park after witnesses said she pointed a gun at a 16-year-old girl and ordered her to drive to a convenience store, police said.
The victim told police she drove to Lido Beach to watch the sunset. When she opened her trunk, Wilson approached her, asking for jumper cables. When the victim said she did not have any, she said Wilson asked a couple nearby.
The couple also said they did not have jumper cables. The victim said Wilson produced a small gun and held it where the victim could see it. Wilson told the victim to drive her to her car at South Lido Beach.
After arriving at South Lido Beach, Wilson got out of the victim’s car and left the passenger door open. She dug around her car and got back into the victim’s car. Wilson then told the victim to take her to get food. The victim took Wilson to a convenience store in the 1000 block of North Tamiami Trail.
When Wilson went inside, the victim sent text messages to her friend telling her she was being forced to drive Wilson around while being threatened with a gun. The friend called 911. The victim updated her friend to say they were heading back to the Lido Beach area.
A Sarasota Police officer was already inside the park, locking the entry gate for the night. Moments later, the victim pulled into the park through the exit gate and drove quickly toward the officer’s patrol car. The officer stopped the vehicle, ordered Wilson out of the SUV and placed her under arrest.
Wilson was charged with false imprisonment and is being held at the Sarasota County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/06/woman-charged-with-pointing-gun-sarasota-teen/ | 2022-05-06T16:26:42Z |
STEP-OUT HOLES CONTINUE EXTENDING THE MINERALIZATION DOWN DIP AND ALONG STRIKE
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Silver One Resources Inc. (TSXV: SVE; OTCQX: SLVRF; FSE: BRK1 - "Silver One" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from its reverse circulation (RC) 7,500-metre ("m") drilling program recently completed at its Candelaria project, Nevada. The objectives of the program, which included examining the extensions to silver-oxide mineralization adjacent to the past producing open pits and filling in between step-out holes drilled in 2021, were all successfully achieved.
Highlights:
- Since November 2018, the Company has drilled over 25,000 metres in 131 holes, including RC, core, and sonic holes.
- The recent 36-hole, 7,500 m drilling program tested the extensions to the silver-oxide mineralization to the east of the Mt. Diablo pit, down-dip from the Mt. Diablo and Northern Belle open pits and filled-in areas of silver mineralization between step-out holes drilled in 2021 west of the Mt. Diablo open pit (Figures 1 and 2).
- Assays include:
- Drilling results indicate the extension of the mineralization 400 m west (to drill hole SO-C-21-96) and 450 m east of the Mount Diablo pit (to drill hole SO-C-22-115). The mineralization remains open along strike in both directions as well as down-dip from both Mt. Diablo and Northern Belle pits.
- The Candelaria mineralization is now known to extend nearly 2 km along strike and 1 km in the down-dip direction and remains open in all directions (Fig.'s 1 and 2)
Silver One's President and CEO, Greg Crowe, commented: "We are very encouraged by the positive results from the assays of our recent round of reverse circulation drilling. Holes drilled confirmed continuity of the mineralization down-dip and along-strike to the east and west of the past producing Mt. Diablo pit, where drilling indicates that silver and gold grades exceed historical average grades mined by open pit. This bodes well for the possibility to expand the known mineralization and the potential for both open-pit and underground mining. The mineralization defined to-date is still open both along strike and down dip from both Mt. Diablo and Northern Belle pits and further exploration is highly warranted".
The silver and gold grades of the holes drilled by the company west of Mt. Diablo (this release, Feb 16, May 26 and July 15, 2021 news releases) exceed the average grades (88 g/t Ag and 0.1 g/t Au) mined by open pit by previous operators. Gold grades to the east of Mt. Diablo pit increase (drill holes SO-C-22-112 to SO-C-115) compared with grades mined by open pit in the past, however, silver grades decrease in this direction.
Future drilling will focus on testing the continuity of the mineralization down-dip and along strike from both Mt. Diablo and Northern Belle pits.
Drill collars are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. Significant gold and silver assays are summarized in Table 1, and coordinates and identification drillhole data are in Table 2.
Metallurgical Testing
Core drilling for metallurgical testing is underway on the Mt. Diablo pit extension mineralization. Core samples from the current program, in conjunction with six core holes drilled in the 2019-2020 campaign, and three bulk samples excavated with a backhoe from the bottom of the Mt. Diablo pit will be used to investigate the silver and gold extraction from the oxide, mixed (oxide-sulphide), and sulphide mineralization. The samples are distributed throughout the deposit and are representative of the grades and major types of Candelaria mineralization.
Results from the metallurgical testing will be used in an upcoming in-ground resource estimate to replace the historical resource completed by Silver Standard in 2001.
The metallurgical results will also be used to evaluate the economics of various processing scenarios, including mixing fresh mineralization with the historic heap leach mineralization versus processing the heap leach material alone.
Figure 1 – Drill Collars and Significant Assays of the 2022 RC drilling.
Note: See Table 1 and Table 2 for additional details on mineralized intervals and RC hole details.
Figure 2 – Drill Collars and Significant Assays, 2020-2021 and 2022 campaigns.
Table 1. Summary of relevant assays from recent RC drilling.
Mineralized intervals reported are core lengths, and true widths are estimated to be 85% to 100% of these widths based on interpreted drill sections.
Table 2. RC holes coordinates (UTM83-11) and other identification data.
Candelaria Project Mineral Resources
Leach Pad Resource
In August 2020, The Company completed a resource estimate of indicated and inferred resources on Candelaria's heap leach pads. Thirty million ounces of indicated resources and 15.397 million of ounces in the inferred category were reported. The respective Technical Report, dated effective August 6, 2020, and filed on SEDAR on August 19, 2020, is titled "Technical Report on the Heap Leach Pads within the Candelaria, Property, Mineral and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, USA". The Report was prepared by James A. McCrea, P.Geo., who is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and is independent of the Company; McCrea has reviewed and approved the disclosure regarding the updated resource estimate included herein.
Mineral Resources were reported for each leach pad separately, using a 0.01 g/t silver fire assay cut-off grade. See table below:
* Contained Metal based on fire assay grades
The effective date of the mineral resource estimate is August 6, 2020.
1. A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity.
An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.
An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
2. Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources has no known issues and do not appear materially affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. There is no guarantee that Silver One will be successful in obtaining any or all of the requisite consents, permits or approvals, regulatory or otherwise for the project or that the project will be placed into production.
3. The mineral resources in this study were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ('CIM'), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines prepared by the Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014.
Metal prices used for the resource estimate are: US $1500 per ounce for gold; US $20 per ounce of silver. These prices were used for calculating silver equivalents and for the exploitation scenarios related to reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
Historical Resource
Historic resource estimates of the remaining downdip mineral resources in the project were determined for both the Mount Diablo and Northern Belle deposits by Snowden and reported in a NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared for Silver Standard Resources Inc. in 2001. The resources reported include a historic measured and indicated resource for Mount Diablo of 13.6 million short tons averaging 3.23 opt Agtotal and 0.003 opt Ausoluble, for 44.1 million ounces of silver. Additionally, there is a historic inferred resource for Mount Diablo and Northern Belle of 14.4 million short tons averaging 2.21 opt Agtotal and 0.002 opt Ausoluble, for 31.7 million ounces of silver.
The technical report titled "Candelaria Project Technical Report" dated May 24, 2001 (filed on SEDAR on June 20, 2002), prepared by Pincock Allen & Holt, disclosed the historical mineral resource estimate shown in the table below.
The historical mineral resource estimate used "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource", which are categories set out in NI 43-101. Silver One considers these historical estimates reliable as well as relevant as it represents key targets for exploration by Silver One.
Additional technical details on preparation of the historical resource estimate:
(1) Mount Diablo Deposit - Consisted of 538 drill holes by previous owners and 10 drill holes by SSR Mining. For drill holes that were twinned, the author used the lower of the two values assigned to the original holes. The mineral resource estimate used a kriging estimation method to establish ore zones with a cut-off grade of 0.5 opt Ag. Ordinary kriging was used to interpolate grades in the block model. The block models were set up with block dimensions of 25 feet by 25 feet in plan and 10 feet in height. The maximum search range used in the higher-grade zone was 235 feet, in the lower grade zone it was 1,000 feet and in the background zone it was 350 feet. Block models more than 300 feet from the nearest composite only constituted 3 percent of the total number of estimated blocks and were assigned to an inferred category.
(2) Northern Belle Deposit - Consisted of 226 drill holes by previous owners, of which a portion of these holes were duplicated for the Mount Diablo Deposit database. The mineral resource estimate used a kriging estimation method to establish ore zones with a cut-off grade of 0.5 opt Ag. The mineral resource estimate used multiple indicator kriging to interpolate grades in the block model. Block models were set up with block dimensions of 50 feet by 50 feet in plan and 20 feet in height. The maximum search range used in the higher-grade zone was 85 feet, in the intermediate-grade zone was 120 feet and the lower-grade zone was 140 feet and in the lower undifferentiated material below the current pit topography was 260 feet. Block models more than 300 feet from the nearest composite only constituted 3 percent of the total number of estimated blocks and were assigned to an inferred category.
(3) Low-Grade Stockpile - Based on limited and incomplete data and documentation. Material placed on the stockpiles ranged from 0.5 to 0.65 opt Ag.
The qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. Silver One is not treating this historical estimate as a current mineral resource.
Analytical and QA/QC Procedures
All samples were assayed by American Assay Laboratories ("AAL") in Sparks, NV, USA (ISO accredited Laboratory, ISO/IEC 17025:2017). Samples were analyzed for thirty-five elements by ICP-MS. Gold and silver were analyzed by cyanide extraction, FA with ICP finish, samples over 100 g/t Ag were analyzed by gravimetric methods. Over limit Cu, Pb and Zn were analyzed by ore-grade volumetric analysis. The QA/QC program included the submission of Certified Standards, blanks, core duplicates, as well as the insertion of crushed duplicates and pulp duplicates at random intervals. Certified Standards were inserted at a rate of one standard for every 20 samples (5% of total) and one blank for every 20 samples (5% of total). Pulp and crush duplicates combined were inserted at a rate of one duplicate per every 20 samples (5% of total). The standards used in Candelaria's drilling program range in grade from 5.88 g/t Ag to 493.0 g/t Ag, and were sourced from Analytical Solutions, Ltd., in Mulmur, ON, Canada and from OREAS, Bayswater North, VIC, Australia. Blanks have been sourced locally from barren silica. Drill sample duplicates were obtained via a 1/8th split of RC cuttings or from quartered core, crush and 'pulp' duplicates were taken from coarse reject material or pulverized splits, respectively. AAL also inserts blanks, standards and includes duplicate analyses to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration.
About Candelaria
Candelaria was historically the highest-grade silver producer in the state of Nevada, averaging over 1,250 g/t AgEq (40 oz/ton AgEq) from high-grade vein mining between the mid-1800s and the mid-1900s. Open pit mining operations were undertaken in the 1970s through 1998 by several companies, including Nerco Inc. and Kinross Gold Corporation ("Kinross"). Kinross closed the open pit and leach operation in 1998 due to low silver prices. Leaching of the historic pads was not fully completed, leaving a substantial amount of silver unprocessed. It is estimated that the property has produced over 68 million ounces of silver. Historical information was obtained from "Geology of the Candelaria Mining District, Mineral County, Nevada, 1959, Nevada Bureau of Mines, Bulletin 56", and the 2001 SSR Mining Inc. technical report titled "Candelaria Project".
Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Robert M. Cann, P. Geo, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
About Silver One
Silver One is focused on the exploration and development of quality silver projects. The Company holds an option to acquire a 100%-interest in its flagship project, the past-producing Candelaria Mine located in Nevada. Potential reprocessing of silver from the historic leach pads at Candelaria provides an opportunity for possible near-term production. Additional opportunities lie in previously identified high-grade silver intercepts down-dip and potentially increasing the substantive silver mineralization along-strike from the two past-producing open pits.
The Company has staked 636 lode claims and entered into a Lease/Purchase Agreement to acquire five patented claims on its Cherokee project located in Lincoln County, Nevada, host to multiple silver-copper-gold vein systems, traced to date for over 11 km along-strike.
Silver One holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Silver Phoenix Project. The Silver Phoenix Project is a very high-grade native silver prospect that lies within the "Arizona Silver Belt", immediately adjacent to the prolific copper producing area of Globe, Arizona.
For more information, please contact:
Silver One Resources Inc.
Gary Lindsey - VP, Investor Relations
Phone: 604-974–5274
Mobile: (720) 273-6224
Email: gary@strata-star.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Silver One cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Silver One's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Silver One's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration and development objectives on the Candelaria Project, obtaining the necessary permits to carry out its activities and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Silver One undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.
NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
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SOURCE Silver One Resources Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/silver-one-intercepts-1339-gt-silver-121-gt-gold-over-1067-metres-within-48-metres-332-gt-silver-039-gt-gold/ | 2022-08-16T04:56:05Z |
RSM Will Leverage Experience in Bloomberg Tax Provision and Bloomberg Tax Fixed Assets to Guide Clients
ARLINGTON, Va., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Bloomberg Tax & Accounting and RSM US LLP {"RSM"} announced RSM as the first Certified Implementer of Bloomberg Tax Provision and Bloomberg Tax Fixed Assets.
The new Certified Implementor Program (CIP) from Bloomberg Tax & Accounting will support successful implementation and use of Bloomberg Tax Provision and Bloomberg Tax Fixed Assets by corporations. The CIP will empower RSM to support mutual customer implementations and change management, with ongoing technical and training support for RSM and their clients from Bloomberg Tax & Accounting's team of experts.
RSM comes to the program with knowledge and experience in using both Bloomberg Tax Provision and Bloomberg Tax Fixed Assets software. RSM will leverage this deep familiarity and their domain experience in these areas to work directly with clients implementing the software for their corporate tax and accounting departments.
Bloomberg Tax Provision allows tax professionals to accurately forecast and calculate their tax provision, while managing risk and reducing time spent on this process via a streamlined, controlled environment that leverages a balance sheet approach to comply with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Bloomberg Tax Fixed Assets is an enterprise capital asset management solution that enables companies to optimize the depreciation of their fixed assets regardless of volume or complexity. The software provides full controls to reduce risk and features automated data flows and reporting capabilities that save users time and maximize their company's savings.
"We are excited to work with Bloomberg on this new program, combining RSM's tax technical and technology experience with Bloomberg's corporate tax software products," stated Heather Collins, tax partner with RSM US LLP. "At RSM we take pride in providing best-in-class tax system implementation services, offering customizable tax technology solutions for our clients. We are thrilled to be the first Certified Implementer with Bloomberg Tax Provision and Bloomberg Tax Fixed Assets."
"We are really pleased RSM is the first Certified Implementer for both Bloomberg Tax Provision and Bloomberg Tax Fixed Assets," said Lisa Fitzpatrick, President, Bloomberg Tax & Accounting. "This is an expansion of a long relationship between our organizations. By working together, we will be able to create greater value for our mutual customers in the critical areas of provision and fixed asset depreciation."
For more information on Bloomberg Tax & Accounting's Certified Implementor Program, please contact David Kovar, Strategic Partnerships Leader, at dkovar@ic.bloombergindustry.com.
About Bloomberg Tax & Accounting
Bloomberg Tax & Accounting provides practitioner-driven research and technology solutions that deliver timely, strategic insights to enable smarter decisions. From our unparalleled Tax Management Portfolios to technology designed to streamline the most complex planning and compliance scenarios, we deliver essential news and analysis, practical perspectives, and software that help tax and accounting professionals around the globe mitigate risk and maximize business results. For more information, visit Bloomberg Tax.
About RSM US LLP
RSM's purpose is to deliver the power of being understood to our clients, colleagues and communities through world-class audit, tax and consulting services focused on middle market businesses. The clients we serve are the engine of global commerce and economic growth, and we are focused on developing leading professionals and services to meet their evolving needs in today's ever-changing business environment. RSM US LLP is the U.S. member of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms with 51,000 people across 123 countries. RSM US LLP is the U.S. member of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms with 51,000 people across 123 countries. For more information, visit rsmus.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and/or connect with us on LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Bloomberg Tax & Accounting | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/21/bloomberg-tax-amp-accounting-rsm-collaborate-certified-implementor-program/ | 2022-07-21T14:24:29Z |
HARTFORD, Conn., July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Virtus closed-end funds announced the legal reorganization of their fixed income investment subadvisers. There are no changes to the funds' investment professionals, investment objectives or investment strategies in connection with the legal reorganization.
Effective July 1, 2022, Newfleet Asset Management, which is a manager of Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund (NYSE: VGI) and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. (NYSE: ZTR), and Stone Harbor Investment Partners, LLC, which manages Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund (NYSE: EDF) and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund (NYSE: EDI), both wholly owned affiliates of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. ("Virtus"), were legally reorganized as separate divisions of Virtus Fixed Income Advisers, LLC ("VFIA"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus. Newfleet and Stone Harbor continue to manage portfolios independently. There was no change of control as a result of the legal reorganization. The subadvisory agreements for the funds were transferred to, and assumed by, VFIA with no other changes.
For more information on these funds, contact shareholder services at (800) 254-5197, by email at closedendfunds@virtus.com, or through the Closed-End Funds section of virtus.com.
Fund Risks
An investment in a fund is subject to risk, including the risk of possible loss of principal. A fund's shares may be worth less upon their sale than what an investor paid for them. Shares of closed-end funds may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. For more information about each fund's investment objective and risks, please see the fund's annual report. A copy of each fund's most recent annual report may be obtained free of charge by contacting "Shareholder Services" as set forth at the end of this press release.
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SOURCE Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund; Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/05/virtus-closed-end-funds-update/ | 2022-07-05T22:14:32Z |
SAN JOSE , May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quark.ai, the market leading Autonomous Support Platform for Customer/Field Support, today announced the introduction of its Autonomous Support Platform for B2B eCommerce, and the successful completion of its pilot program at a Fortune 500 enterprise that sells millions of high tech products online.
Quark.ai's solution squarely addresses a nearly ubiquitous challenge for B2B eCommerce buyers: the difficulty in having ready access to needed and accurate product information. The top ecommerce customer challenges are limited and inaccurate product information, according to SAPIO Research. This obstacle – often cited as the most stubborn impediment to closing sales -- caused nearly 98% of customers to be discouraged from completing a purchase, according to an Episerver survey.
Whether serving a customer service agent or via its self-service intelligent and conversational Autonomous Support chatbot, Quark.ai Autonomous B2B eCommerce Support provides instant access to the right answers by automatically, and accurately interpreting customer inquiries. Quark.ai improves informational integrity by ingesting and analyzing all of an enterprise's existing product information from across its entire organization. It combines Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision to deliver unsurpassed accuracy, reliability and speed-to-resolution for some of industry's most mission-critical customer issues.
"Quark.ai is proud to extend our best-in-class Autonomous Support Platform to B2B eCommerce, which is one of the most powerful drivers of enterprise digitization," said Quark.ai Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Prosenjit Sen. "We are especially pleased to have piloted this powerful functionality so successfully with one of the top B2B high tech product marketplaces in the world."
B2B eCommerce has nearly doubled in size in the last two years to become the preferred method for B2B procurement, accounting for half of all B2B buying, according to a recent study by Digital Commerce 360-B2B News.
About Quark.ai
Quark.ai is the technology leader in Autonomous Customer Support and Autonomous B2B eCommerce Support. Quark.ai's multi-channel platform combines Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision to interpret complex customer cases and automatically provide resolutions at scale with unsurpassed accuracy and speed. The result is unrivaled efficiency and scalability in Customer Support, with lower escalations, higher Customer Satisfaction and significant cost savings. More information may be found at https://quark.ai.
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SOURCE Quark.ai | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/18/quarkai-introduces-autonomous-b2b-ecommerce-support-completes-successful-pilot-program-with-fortune-500-global-electronics-leader/ | 2022-05-18T15:09:12Z |
Rain chances going up for the weekend
Morning coastal storms possible
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A cold front moving into N. Florida over the next day or so will force a high pressure ridge to our south. This will allow for a southwest wind which will increase our moisture supply along with a chance for a few showers and storms along the coast during the overnight hours through the late morning. Then during the latter half of the day those storms will be focused mainly inland. This pattern shift begins on Friday and continues through Sunday morning.
For Thursday look for partly cloudy skies with a slight chance for a few late morning or early afternoon showers near the coast and then a slight chance for a few inland storms during the afternoon. The rain chance is at 30% inland and 20% closer to the beaches. The high on Thursday will be in the upper 80s. Winds out of the west at 10-15 mph. Boaters will see a slight uptick in the winds and seas on Tuesday. Look for a moderate chop on the waters with seas running around 2 feet.
Friday we will see a few coastal showers or possible thunderstorm near the coast during the morning hours and then mainly inland during the afternoon and evening. The high on Friday will be in the upper 80s. The rain chance jumps up to 60%.
With this kind of change in the weather pattern there is often times a water spout or two that will pop up with these morning showers approaching the coast. They usually quickly dissipate before causing any serious damage.
On Saturday we will continue to see scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms during the morning hours along the coast with a focus of inland storms during the late afternoon. Winds will still be out of the SW which will push the weather toward the NE during the day. Those winds will be up to 10-15 mph.
Sunday the rain chances stay elevated with a 50% chance for a few scattered showers or possible thunderstorm at anytime during the day. We will have partly cloudy skies and highs near 90.
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/09/rain-chances-going-up-weekend/ | 2022-06-09T01:50:46Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — What sounds like a better combo than donuts and coffee? If you came up with some that’s fine, but there’s no arguing the dynamicness that comes with the duo of a beautiful sweet donut and a cup of coffee together.
That’s why Wow! Donuts & Drips originally in Frisco is now going to be doing business in Dallas as well. It’s clear they live by the motto sharing is caring and they sure are sharing some sweets with North Texas.
The shop says, “We pour all of our time, love, and attention into perfecting this timeless classic that has withstood all food trends. With a mission to bring the donut to the modern era, we pay close attention to the sourcing of our ingredients. You won’t find preservatives or trans fats on our menu. Everything is prepared in small batches, ensuring each bite is as fresh as it can be.”
When you take a peep at their menu you’ll see the obvious drips and donuts; they also cater and are going to be dropping some merch soon too!
They’ve got classic donuts, their own special donuts, mochi donuts, Ooh La La (Croissant Donuts) and other pastries. To pair with this delicious lineup is some drip coffee, espresso, cold bar and even a tea bar.
Be sure to check out all of the flavors and offerings on their menu here. You can find their Frisco location at 8811 Teel Parkway, Suite 160, Monday through Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
The new Dallas location is at 5601 W Lovers Lane, Suite 130, with the same operating hours. | https://cw33.com/lifestyle/food-and-drink/friscos-wow-donuts-drips-opens-new-location-in-dallas/ | 2022-05-26T17:03:20Z |
Cruise ship smokestack catches fire in Turks & Caicos
Published: May. 26, 2022 at 2:41 PM EDT|Updated: 44 minutes ago
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The smokestack of a Carnival Cruise ship docked in the Turks & Caicos Islands has caught on fire, and officials let guests and crew members go ashore as heavy smoke billowed into the air.
Carnival said in a statement that no one was injured during Thursday’s incident in Grand Turk.
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the fire.
Passengers filmed the incident.
The company said all guests and crew were safe.
The Carnival Freedom had departed Florida on Monday for a five-day cruise.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/26/cruise-ship-smokestack-catches-fire-turks-caicos/ | 2022-05-26T19:26:13Z |
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Betterware de Mexico S.A.P.I. de C.V. (NASDAQ: BWMX), ("Betterware" or the "Company"), announced today its consolidated financial results for the second quarter fiscal year 2022. The figures presented in this report are expressed in nominal Mexican Pesos (Ps.) unless otherwise noted, presented and approved by the Board of Directors, prepared in accordance with IFRS, and may include minor differences due to rounding. The Company will host a conference call at 9:00 am (Eastern Time) on July 29, 2022, to discuss its results for the second quarter of 2022.
Key Highlights of Q2 2022
- Betterware is positioned to continue its history of growth in the future and maintain its hallmarks of high profitability, strong balance sheet and cash flow generation.
- JAFRA acquisition contributes to the Group's revenue growth, profitability and cashflow generation.
- Company introduces guidance inclusive of the acquisition of JAFRA, noting that due to a tougher external environment than anticipated, it expects 2022 net revenues and EBITDA for Betterware de Mexico to be lower than its previous guidance. A revised consolidated guidance for the year, including JAFRA, is released.
Luis G. Campos, Executive Chairman of the Board, stated, "The completion of the acquisition of Jafra on April 7th is instrumental to our future growth plans, as we are now a multi-channel group with unique brands in different product segments, targeting similar consumer profiles and distribution channels in Mexico and the U.S. We are excited about our growth prospects as a group and are confident on our talented team´s ability and defined action plans to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead, even in uncertain periods.
The first half of 2022 has presented relevant challenges, with a tougher than expected external environment and increased uncertainty, which negatively impacted our consumers and our associates and distributors. In this context, we continued to advance our key priorities. We stabilized Betterware´s associate and distributor base at approximately 880 thousand and 44 thousand respectively for the last eight weeks, while showing signs of recovery in the last two weeks and maintaining the activity levels, resulting in average weekly sales of more than double of our pre-pandemic comparable period, and we capitalized on opportunities to expand our reach with the successful completion of the JAFRA acquisition. We are confident that this stabilization period, after the extraordinary growth experienced since the pandemic began, is setting the base for future revenue and EBITDA growth in the years to come.
We maintain our focus on our long-term growth opportunities which will allow us to maximize value for all Betterware's stakeholders in the long term."
Luis G. Campos
Executive Chairman of the Board
JAFRA Acquisition
On April 7, 2022, the Company announced the successful completion of the acquisition of 100% of JAFRA's operations in Mexico and the United States, along with JAFRA´s trademark rights worldwide.
JAFRA, a leading company in the beauty and personal care products industry, is a strong and well positioned international brand with access to millions of households in Mexico and in the U.S. through its direct selling business model.
The acquisition provides a unique opportunity for us to enter an attractive and complementary new industry for Betterware, with estimated annual revenues in Mexico and the U.S. of approximately US$100 billion, with the proven experience of JAFRA´s management team.
The transaction, which is expected to be highly accretive for Betterware since its first year adding approximately Ps. 550M to EBITDA in 2022*, was funded primarily by debt, on a debt-free, cash-free basis with a purchase price of US$246M, an attractive valuation even without considering any of the identified cost synergies of between US$10M and US$15M per year.
We are confident in our ability to accelerate JAFRA´s profitable growth by leveraging our scale and infrastructure, by replicating Betterware´s three strategic pillars into JAFRA´s day to day operations.
Consolidated Group
The incorporation of JAFRA allows us to create a multi-channel group with unique brands in different product segments, targeting similar consumer profiles and distribution channels in Mexico and the U.S.
JAFRA and Betterware share the key features that will allow us for continued success going forward:
- Asset-light business models with low CAPEX requirements
- High profitability and high free cash flow generation
- Flexibility to promptly adapt to different market conditions and consumption trends.
Our action plans for each company, described below, have been defined to regain growth and successfully expand our business towards additional international markets, such as the United States in the case of Betterware, and Colombia and Peru in future years in the case of the consolidated group.
All of this will be possible thanks to JAFRA´s and Betterware´s outstanding and experienced management teams, which will remain focused on their respective business, operating as independent companies, supported by the new corporate structure announced in February 2022, which will be overseeing both companies.
Q2 2022 Operating Metrics and Consolidated Results
- Net Revenues
Net revenues for Q2 2022 increased 25% to Ps. 3,242.9M from Ps. 2,594.5M in Q2 2021, mainly explained the inclusion of JAFRA´s net revenues since the acquisition was completed on April 7th, 2022.
Betterware's net revenues reflect the following three factors:
- Back to normal consumption: Shifts in consumption of product categories
- Back to normal activities: Effects of spring vacation, Labor Day, Mother´s Day and Teacher´s Day, which have always temporarily affected sales
- Inflation: impact in the consumers´ disposable income
These three factors resulted in higher-than-average weekly churn rates in our associates and distributors base in Betterware. For the period, on average we had 44.4 thousand distributors, 32% lower than in Q2 2021, and 908.0 thousand associates, 25% lower than in Q2 2021.
These factors also impacted performance in JAFRA, where on average we had 22.4 thousand leaders, 7% lower than in Q2 2021, and 409.7 thousand consultants, 10% lower than in Q2 2021.
- Gross Margin
Gross margin expanded 1,230 bps to 69.1% in Q2 2022 from 56.8% in Q2 2021, mainly due to the incorporation of JAFRA´s operations to our business, reflecting its higher gross margin profile.
Betterware´s Gross margin expanded 41 bps to 57.2% in Q2 2022 from 56.8% in Q2 2021, due to the increase in our product prices of 12% previously announced, efficient cost management and the stabilization of supply chains, which allowed us to offset cost pressures and discounted sales to reduce inventory levels for the quarter.
- EBITDA
For the second quarter of 2022, consolidated EBITDA decreased 20% Year-on-Year to Ps. 595.3M, compared to Ps. 746.0M in Q2 2021, of which Betterware represented Ps. 383.3M of consolidated EBITDA and JAFRA, in turn, Ps. 212.1M.
For Betterware, EBITDA decreased due to the lower revenue and operating leverage relative to the prior year period, as SG&A expenses represented 34.9% of net revenues for Q2 2022, compared to 28.8% of Q2 2021.
Consolidated EBITDA margin contracted 1,039 bps to 18.4% in Q2 2022 compared to 28.8% in Q2 2021, reflecting the incorporation of Jafra into the results, which historically has had a lower EBITDA margin than Betterware, which opens the opportunity for us to improve JAFRA´s cost structure and increase margins in the future.
During the quarter, we cut fixed costs in Betterware to adjust to the new level of revenues going forward which led us to incur in one-time expenses of approximately Ps. 15M related to the restructuring of our workforce, which should positively reflect on EBITDA margins in the future.
- Net Income
For the second quarter of 2022, consolidated Net Income decreased 45% Year-on-Year to Ps. 252.0M, compared to Ps. 460.9M in 1H 2021, which only considers JAFRA results since the acquisition was completed on April 7th, 2022.
Adjusted consolidated Net Income, which excludes non-cash income of Ps. 28.3M related to the unrealized gain in mark-to-market valuation of financial derivative instruments, which do not affect the Company´s cash flows or operating income, decreased 48%. Adjusted Earnings per Share were Ps. 5.99.
1H 2022 Operating Metrics and Consolidated Results
- Net Revenues
Net revenues for 1H 2022 decreased 7% to Ps. 5,112.1M from Ps. 5,496.1M in 1H 2021, which only considers JAFRA´s results since the acquisition was completed.
The lower level of consolidated net revenue resulted mainly from the effects of the return to normality and high inflation rates previously described in the Q2 2022 Results section, deriving in a lower average distributor and associates' base in Betterware and lower level of consultants and leaders in JAFRA.
- Gross Margin
Consolidated gross margin expanded 991 bps to 67.1% in 1H 2022 from 57.1% in Q1 2021, mostly explained by the inclusion of JAFRA´s operations to the business during the second quarter, reflecting its higher gross margin profile.
Betterware´s gross margin expanded 348 bps, mainly driven by the product price increase of 12% announced at the beginning of the year, efficient cost management and planning for freight expenses.
- EBITDA
For the first half of 2022, consolidated EBITDA decreased 32% Year-on-Year to Ps. 1,143.1M, compared to Ps. 1,669.6M in 1H 2021, which only considers JAFRA´s results since the acquisition was completed. Betterware represented approximately 81% of consolidated EBITDA for the period.
Consolidated EBITDA margin contracted 802 bps to 22.4% in 1H 2022 compared to 30.4% in 1H 2021, reflecting JAFRAs inclusion to the results.
For Betterware, EBITDA margin contracted 356 bps to 26.8% in 1H 2022 compared to 30.4% in 1H 2021, reflecting the extremely tough comparison base, a lower operating leverage in line with the current level of sales, and higher operating expenses due to surging inflation.
- Net Income
For the first half of 2022, consolidated Net Income decreased 53% Year-on-Year to Ps. 519.3M, compared to Ps. 1,099.4M in 1H 2021, which only considers JAFRA´s results since the acquisition was completed.
Adjusted consolidated Net Income, which excludes non-cash expense of Ps. 71.1M related to the unrealized loss in mark-to-market valuation of financial derivative instruments, which do not affect the Company´s cash flows or operating income, decreased 37%, explained by a lower EBITDA and higher interest expense due to the acquisition of JAFRA. Adjusted Earnings per Share were Ps. 15.82.
Strong Balance Sheet
As of the end of Q2 2022, the Company's financial position remains strong, reflecting the main attributes of our differentiated business model, namely high cash flow generation and asset light business model.
The mainly debt funded acquisition of JAFRA, which resulted in a cash outflow of Ps. 574M from our balance sheet, increased our leverage ratio to 2.2x Net Debt to EBITDA in Q2 2022, considering Betterware´s last twelve months EBITDA and JAFRA´s 1H 2022 Annualized Adjusted EBITDA. While our position remains strong and conservative, we are confident that Betterware´s and JAFRA´s high cash flow generation nature will allow us to gradually deleverage going forward.
As of Q2 2022, our Balance Sheet includes approximately Ps. 482M in additional inventory proactively acquired at the beginning of the year in response to supply chain disruptions and to a lesser extent the ending inventory also reflects lower-than-expected sales. As we expect the global supply chain situation to normalize, our inventory levels are expected to be gradually reduced during Q3 2022 and going forward, which will improve our cash conversion cycle, without impacting our gross margins.
Outlined Action Plan
- Betterware
From the start of the second half of 2021 to date, Betterware and the home solutions market experienced a downturn due to the return to normality, following the extraordinary growth during the COVID period, namely from Q1 2020 to Q1 2021, which resulted in a 211% growth in our average weekly gross revenues and a 183% growth in our average associate and distributor base.
The effects of the return to normality have been amplified by a softer-than-expected economic environment and a weaker consumer spending, which has been impacted by the highest inflation rate in Mexico since 2001, which has decreased spending on discretionary products. In fact, according to the market study we entrusted to one of the most prestigious companies in its field in Mexico, the market size for household products temporarily expanded from approximately Ps. 82 billion in 2019 to approximately Ps. 134 billion in 2020, and in 2021 it normalized back to its pre-pandemic level. In turn, we managed to expand our average weekly gross revenues from Ps. 119M in Q2 2019 to Ps. 240M weekly gross revenues in 2Q 2022, representing a 26% CAGR. This resulted in an increase in market share to 7.7% in 2021, up from 5.0% in 2020, due to our successful business model.
During this uncertain and unusual period, we have remained focused on maintaining profitability while taking internal action to stabilize and improve our business trend. During the first quarter of 2022 we recovered our profitability levels thanks to the flexibility and resiliency of our business model, while during the second quarter, we stabilized our network of associates and distributors, maintaining our base at approximately 880 thousand and 44 thousand respectively, for the last eight weeks of the quarter and showing signs of recovery in the last two. While the churn rates for associates and distributors for the quarter remained at higher than usual weekly rates, at 3.6% and 2.1% respectively, we have seen this trending back to normal levels during the last eight weeks of the period, which has us optimistic that our network will start to experience growth prior to year-end and continuing going forward. It is important to mention that we have experienced an associate growth month-to-date in July 2022, being the first month since February 2021 that we grow our salesforce.
In this market downturn, both associates and distributors have remained active, with weekly rates of 28.2% and 78.3% respectively for the quarter, resulting in average weekly sales today more than double of our pre-pandemic comparable period (Q2 2019), expanding our market share to 7.7% and our household penetration to 29%, attaining a stronger brand positioning and market dominance. This proves the resiliency of our business model, where we´ve been able to retain Associates and Distributors, despite a normalization in demand.
The home solutions market pre-pandemic secular trends remain valid and stronger than ever. To seize the opportunity that these trends bring and return to growth, we are deploying several initiatives based on our three strategic pillars:
- Grow the core: reinforce our position in core categories (e.g. Home Organization, Space Optimization, and Cooking, and Commuting Solutions, which lost share in our sales during the downturn and are ready to regain relevance).
- Expand our portfolio into promising Concepts, such as: Bedding, Home Entertainment, Kids, Pets, Tabletop, and Drinkware. Additionally, we are developing an innovative "cleaning products" line, which could disrupt the market, and increase the frequency of purchase from our customers. More to come soon.
- Upgrading our e-commerce website, which should increase our penetration, attracting customers we don´t reach with our traditional model. It is important to stand out that (1) we will keep a model in which our Associates and Distributors are benefited from these customers, and (2) since our launch in December 2020, we´ve learned many details that we are adapting to make this platform successful in the medium term.
- The recent rollout of our new Betterware Plus app should yield more retention and activity, as our Associates and Distributors enjoy the new and improved benefits of this new platform.
- Undergoing a process of evaluation of data analysis capabilities at JAFRA and Betterware, to replicate best practices in both companies.
As mentioned before, we have two main avenues for organic growth: expanding household penetration and increasing share of wallet.
Our household penetration in Mexico expanded from 24% in 2020 to 29% in 2021, according to the latest market study concluded in March 2022. Relevant opportunities to further expand our household penetration and reach our target 40% include:
- Refocused rewards program to incentivize associate and distributor growth and reactivation.
- Hybrid model between personal contact and technology. Relaunched person-to-person companion program, which allows distributors to support their associates in developing their business leveraging on technological tools.
- Revamping of the physical and digital catalogues. Enabled first dual strategy through QR codes on the physical catalogue, strengthening our digital catalogue design.
- Social selling and social influencing. Currently working on this front, the progress will be shared in the coming quarters.
As for increasing our share of wallet, the results of the market study referred above, clearly identify the existing market size opportunity in various categories and concepts we participate in. With this new knowledge, we are ready to ride the curve back to growth as the Home and Life Solutions market stabilizes:
- Innovation. Continue increasing market penetration in core categories as we mentioned above.
- Expand to new categories, as we also mentioned above in the Product Innovation pillar.
- Pricing Strategy. Revised pricing strategy will focus on delivering great value packages to fuel consumer´s desire to buy as disposable income remains pressured. Furthermore, we are adjusting prices to reflect the recent decline in container costs, which will further incentive consumers to purchase our products.
In terms of our international expansion plans to support our long-term growth:
- We started our initial assessment and are in the process of finding the right team to lead the expansion of Betterware to the United States with the aim of starting operations in Q4 2023.
- For the longer term, we target further international expansion to South America, namely Colombia and Peru, between 2025 and 2026.
- JAFRA
Having completed the acquisition of JAFRA in 2022, we are focused on reaccelerating its growth to high single-digit or low double-digit in the near term beginning in 2023, as well as improving its profitability and cash flow generation. We are confident we can achieve our objectives by replicating Betterware´s three strategic pillars into JAFRA´s day to day operations, and we have been intensively working to set up the conditions to achieve our growth and profitability objectives:
- Product Innovation: implementing our best practices to achieve a successful and enhanced innovation pipeline in JAFRA´s product line.
- Technology: focusing our digital efforts through a comprehensive strategy to provide a better experience for consumers.
- Business Intelligence: replicating Betterware´s big data capabilities to improve JAFRA´s understanding of the market and accelerate its market penetration.
- Finance: As for efficiencies and synergies, for 2023 are expected to be in the range of Ps. 200M and Ps. 300M million. These include:
For the rest of 2022 and going forward, we will continue the integration process and the evaluation of efficiency and growth opportunities.
Growth Expectations for 2022
Given our consolidated results for the first half of the year, we expect our consolidated net revenues to be in the range of Ps. 12,800M and Ps. 14,200M, and our consolidated EBITDA to be in the range of Ps. 2,400 and Ps. 2,700M, which include JAFRA's full year 2022 results. Our full year expectations per company, including JAFRA´s full year results, are as follows:
In the longer term, we are fully confident of our growth opportunities in the years to come.
For Betterware, we remain confident we will reach our target of 40% household penetration in Mexico, as well as expand our geographic reach, starting with expansion to the United States, which we have already started the initial evaluation process, and expect to start operations by Q4 2023.
And for JAFRA, we are confident that based on our three strategic pillars of product innovation, technology and business intelligence, and executing on the efficiency strategies we have already identified, we will reignite its revenue growth while improving its EBITDA margins in the short and long term.
Dividend
The prevailing macroeconomic outlook is characterized by low growth, high inflation and increasing interest rates for the coming months and, furthermore, supply chain disruptions remain at present and can potentially prevail in the future. In this context, we remain focused on Jafra's efficient integration and consolidation in the short-term.
Based on the above and considering the revenue decline year-to-date, our Board of Directors has proposed to adjust the dividend payment to Ps. 200M for the quarter, a sustainable level even in this uncertain environment, prioritizing company's financial strength after the temporary cash reduction in our balance sheet due to the initial cash investment of Ps. 574M related to the acquisition of Jafra, as well as other investments aimed at unleashing JAFRA's full potential and enhancing its value through investments in venues like Business Intelligence and further IT capabilities, coupled with severance payments due to workforce restructuring, a temporary increase in inventories aimed at preserving an adequate service level to our customers, and anticipating higher interest payments due to rising interest rates.
The dividend is subject to approval at the Ordinary General Shareholders' Meeting of August 19th, 2022.
In the longer term, we remain fully confident in our ability to generate strong cash flows and continue to return value to our shareholders through constant and growing dividend payments as our businesses continue to grow. As the situation stabilizes and our strategies begin to show results in JAFRA, the board will analyze the long-term sustainable dividend policy.
Share Repurchase Program
During the second quarter, we paused the execution of our share repurchase program due to the completion of the JAFRA acquisition. We will continue to conservatively analyze the appropriate execution of the repurchase program, as we remain focused on maximizing long-term shareholder´s value while maintaining a strong balance sheet.
Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures
This announcement includes certain references to EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Net Debt:
EBITDA: defined as profit for the year adding back the depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right of use assets, amortization of intangible assets, financing cost, net and total income taxes
EBITDA Margin: is calculated by dividing EBITDA by net revenues
EBITDA and EBITDA Margin are not measures recognized under IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, consolidated net income for the year as determined in accordance with IFRS or as indicators of our operating performance from continuing operations. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information and should note that these measures as calculated by the Company, may differ materially from similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Betterware believes that these non-IFRS financial measures are useful to investors because (i) Betterware uses these measures to analyze its financial results internally and believes they represent a measure of operating profitability and (ii) these measures will serve investors to understand and evaluate Betterware's EBITDA and provide more tools for their analysis as it makes Betterware's results comparable to industry peers that also prepare these measures.
About Betterware de México, S.A.P.I. de C.V.
Founded in 1995, Betterware de Mexico is the leading direct-to-consumer company in Mexico focused on creating innovative products that solve specific needs regarding organization, practicality, space saving and hygiene within the household. Betterware's wide product portfolio includes home organization, kitchen, commuting, laundry and cleaning, as well as other categories that include products and solutions for every corner of the household.
The Company has a differentiated two-tier network of distributors and associates that sell their products through twelve catalogues per year. All products are designed by the Company and under the Betterware brand name through its different sources of product innovation. The Company's state-of-the-art infrastructure allows it to safely and timely deliver its products to every part of the country, backed by the strategic location of its national distribution center. Today, the Company distributes its products in Mexico and Guatemala, and has plans of additional international expansion.
Supported by its asset light business model and its three strategic pillars of Product Innovation, Business Intelligence and Technology, Betterware has been able to achieve sustainable double-digit growth rates by successfully expanding its household penetration and share of wallet.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "may," "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "should", "would", "plan", "predict", "potential", "seem", "seek," "future," "outlook", and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. The reader should understand that the results obtained may differ from the projections contained in this document and that many factors could cause our actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward looking statements. For this reason, the Company assumes no responsibility for any indirect factors or elements beyond its control that might occur inside Mexico or abroad and which might affect the outcome of these projections and encourages you to review the 'Cautionary Statement' and the 'Risk Factor' sections of our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 and any of the Company's other applicable filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information concerning factors that could cause those differences
The Company undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Further information on risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's operations and financial performance, and the forward statements contained herein, is available in the Company's filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Q2 2022 Conference Call
Management will hold a conference call with investors on July 29, 2022 at 8:00 am Central Standard Time (CST)/ 9:00am Eastern Time (EST). For anyone who wishes to join live, the dial-in information is:
Toll Free: 1-877-451-6152
Toll/International: 1-201-389-0879
Conference ID: 13731394
If you wish to listen to the replay of the conference call, please see instructions below:
Toll Free: 1-844-512-2921
Toll/International: 1-412-317-6671
Replay Pin Number: 13731394
* JAFRA´s 2022 estimated EBITDA after the closing of the acquisition, which excludes adjusted EBITDA of Ps. 158.4M pertaining to January 1st to April 6th,2022.
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SOURCE Betterware de México, S.A.B. de C.V. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/betterware-reports-second-quarter-fiscal-year-2022-results/ | 2022-07-28T20:35:24Z |
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Westwood Financial, a leading retail real estate investment firm, announced updates today on its financial and operational results for the three months ended June 30, 2022, which included:
- Same-Store 2022 vs 2021 GAAP Revenue and NOI were up +5.5% and +6.3%, respectively
- Executed 24 new leases totaling 62,000 square feet and 45 renewals totaling 110,000 square feet
- Achieved total leased percent of 96.3% vs 93.5% same quarter end 2021 (+280 bps)
- Achieved an inline shop leased percent of 92.8% vs 88.2% same quarter end 2021 (+460 bps)
- Achieved a total occupancy percent of 93.4% vs 92.1% same quarter end 2021 (+130 bps)
- Comparable new rent spreads were 9.8%; renewal rent spreads were 12.8%
- Acquired one property for the HILGARD STNL Fund
"The Westwood team continues to deliver remarkable results in the second quarter through superior leasing and strong income growth throughout our portfolio," stated Mark Bratt, Chief Executive Officer. "These are the highest leasing statistics in the Firm's history along with achieving excellent same-store NOI growth of 6.3% year-over-year." Given the recent volatility in the bond markets and the market sentiment of a recession on the horizon, Mr. Bratt comments that "Westwood is in a great position with a strong balance sheet that will enable us to take advantage of many opportunities over the next few quarters." Furthermore, Mr. Bratt adds that Westwood "is well insulated in this environment given that the majority of the Firm's debt remains fixed at sub-4% over the next 4 years."
The Company closed one single tenant net lease property for Hilgard (Dollar General) and put another four properties under contract which should close in the third quarter.
Mr. Bratt continued, "while macro-economic pressures persist, Westwood's grocery-anchored portfolio remains resilient. We head into the second half of 2022 with cautious optimism and are focused on not only operating effectively and efficiently, but also only acquiring properties that meet our long term financial and return expectations."
About Westwood Financial
Westwood Financial owns, manages, and operates over 119 high-quality shopping centers located in top U.S. metropolitan markets including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, and Raleigh. The centers are primarily anchored by top-tier grocers as well as leading service and experiential-based operators. Established in 1970, Westwood Financial is headquartered in Los Angeles, with regional offices in Dallas, Atlanta, and Scottsdale. More information is available at www.westfin.com.
Contact:
Brett Johnston
Vice President, Operations
bjohnston@westfin.com
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SOURCE Westwood Financial | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/12/westwood-financial-announces-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-08-12T19:16:31Z |
SANDUSKY, Ohio, July 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Civista Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:CIVB) ("Civista") announced that it is adding Lorina Wise to its board of directors. In making the announcement, Dennis G. Shaffer, Chief Executive Officer of Civista, said "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to add a director with the background of Lorina Wise. She will bring broad experience and expertise that will be valuable as Civista continues to grow."
Mrs. Wise responded, "I look forward to taking on this new role as a director with an organization, board, and management team that represent the highest standards in the banking industry."
Mrs. Wise, currently Chief Human Resources Officer at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and has also served in the roles of Deputy General Counsel, Assistant Corporate Secretary and Associate General Counsel. From January 2009 until June 2012, Mrs. Wise was Senior Director of International Human Resources and Enterprise Risk Management at Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to joining Carnegie Mellon University, Mrs. Wise served for ten years in the roles of VP, General Counsel and Privacy Officer and Children's Community Pediatrics Corporate Secretary and Associate Counsel at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Mrs. Wise also served as the City of Pittsburgh's Associate City Solicitor for the six years.
Mrs. Wise is a 1981 graduate of The Johns Hopkins University and a 1984 graduate of University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Mrs. Wise resides in Reynoldsburg, Ohio and has served on the Boards of the Central Ohio YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Mrs. Wise will also serve on the board of directors of Civista Bank. Appointment to Civista's committees will be made in the near future.
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including 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 may include: management plans relating to the merger transaction with Comunibanc, any statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations, products or services, any statements of expectation or belief; projections related to certain financial metrics; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "seek", "plan", "will", "would", "target" "outlook," "estimate," "forecast," "project" and other similar words and expressions or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time and are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Civista does not assume any duty and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements are by their nature, to different degrees, uncertain and subject to assumptions, actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those that Civista anticipated in its forward-looking statements, and future results could differ materially from historical performance. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those included under Item 1A "Risk Factors" in Civista's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and those disclosed in Civista's other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
Civista Bancshares, Inc. is a $3.0 billion financial holding company headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Prior to the merger with Comunibanc Corp., Civista's banking subsidiary, Civista Bank, operated 36 locations in Northern, Central and Southwestern Ohio, Southeastern Indiana and Northern Kentucky. Upon completion of the merger with Comunibanc Corp., Civista will be an approximately $3.4 billion financial holding company, and Civista Bank will operate an additional seven locations in Northwestern Ohio. Additional information on Civista may be accessed at www.civb.com, but information at that website is not part of this press release nor is it part of any filing by Civista with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Civista's common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "CIVB".
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SOURCE Civista Bancshares, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/27/civista-bancshares-inc-announces-appointment-lorina-wise-director/ | 2022-07-27T21:26:12Z |
1 dead, 1 missing following trench collapse in Punta Gorda
Published: May. 9, 2022 at 4:25 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - Expect significant traffic delays in Charlotte County following a trench collapse in Punta Gorda.
The accident occurred between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Monday. Charlotte County Fire, EMS and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office are on the scene at Burnt Store Road and will be there for several hours. The northbound and southbound lanes on Burnt Store Road Burnt between Zemel Road and Notre Dame Boulevard are closed due to the accident.
Officials tell us that one worker is dead and another is missing.
Please avoid the area. This is an active scene.
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/09/construction-incident-causes-road-blockage-charlotte-county/ | 2022-05-09T21:47:43Z |
Topeka City Council votes to hire search firm to find city manager candidates
Published: Apr. 5, 2022 at 8:14 PM CDT|Updated: 39 minutes ago
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The Topeka City Council moved forward with its search for the next city manager.
The City will pay Key Staffing $25,000 for consulting services. Key Staffing would receive an additional $7,500 to do a new search if the candidate leaves between six months and one year of being hired. Earlier than that, they’d do a new search for no additional fee.
Chief of Staff Bill Cochran is serving in the interim.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/06/topeka-city-council-votes-hire-search-firm-find-city-manager-candidates/ | 2022-04-06T01:54:28Z |
Kia is Among the Fastest OEMs to Reach the 10 Million Mark in America
IRVINE, Calif., May 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its rapid expansion, this month Kia America celebrates the sale of the 10 millionth Kia vehicle in the U.S. Since start of sales in 1993, Kia's growth is one of the auto industry's greatest success stories and the result of delivering world-class quality, design and technology in every rugged and capable SUV, sporty sedan, and electric vehicle the company offers. The 10 millionth vehicle – a Runway Red all-electric EV6 purchased by Monti Charoenphong at Car Pros Kia Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, California – underlines Kia's commitment to sustainable mobility leadership going forward.
As part of Kia's "Accelerate The Good" charitable initiatives, Kia will, in association with Ms. Charoenphong, commemorate the 10 millionth Kia sold milestone through multiple acts of giving including $10,000 donations to non-profit organizations including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®, Alzheimer's Association, and Freedom Service Dogs of America. In addition, Kia will gift her family's EV6 and provide complementary access to a future NBA and Kia Forum event as part of the company's previously announced partnerships.
"Selling 10 million vehicles is a significant achievement and we at Kia are proud not only how far we've come, but also what the future has in store as we continue our push for sustainable mobility leadership," said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. "To thank our customers for their support, Kia wants to give back in meaningful ways by helping those in need. We hope the positive impact of these donations will resonate for years to come."
"We have been a 'Kia Family' for many years, but once we saw the EV6, there was no question this would be our next car," said new owner Monti Charoenphong. "The day we took delivery was already very exciting, but to learn that we were also Kia's 10 millionth customer in the U.S. was unbelievable and confirmed our love of this company and to electrified driving."
Since Kia's arrival in the U.S. market, the brand has grown from offering just two models to a wide range of world-class vehicles designed to meet the needs of practically every driver on the road. Beginning with the all-electric EV6, Kia's Plan S strategy will transform the company into a leader in sustainable mobility with plans for a fully-electrified lineup in the U.S. by 2040.
Kia America - about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
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SOURCE Kia America | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/23/kia-sells-10-millionth-vehicle-united-states/ | 2022-05-23T20:37:21Z |
SINGAPORE, July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On 27 July 2022, UneMeta, an NFT incubator, trading and SocialFi platform recently announced the closing of a $5 million funding round led by the Jasmy Foundation, Japan's top Internet of Things (IoT) blockchain platform. Among the other participants were SPB, Avatar DAO, CGV FoF, Consensus Lab, K24 Ventures, Taihill Venture, and etc.
For this funding round, Ann, the Co-founder of UneMeta, said the following:
"UneMeta aims to increase its brand influence by bringing higher quality NFT projects and services to the NFT market, and providing value to the industry by establishing better community services and a better product experience."
Jasmy is the world leading IoT blockchain platform. It was founded in Tokyo, Japan, in 2016 by Kazumasa Sato, a former executive of Sony Group. Many of the team's core members are Sony veterans. In terms of tokenomics design, technology development, and ecosystem construction, all members have tremendous experiences and plenty of resources to draw from. Jasmy aims to develop and provide various services for data security and sharing in the metaverse and Internet of Things (IoT) era and is one of the most well-known and largest blockchain platforms in Japan.
STONE, Chief Representative of the Jasmy Foundation, is confident about UneMeta's future.
"The Asia Pacific region is a very attractive ground for Web3 development. UneMeta is a rising player in this field and will lead the new NFT ecosystem."
UneMeta has many years of experience in discovering and incubating new IP, and has built up a portfolio of top IP resources. Jasmy was born in Japan, a country that produces massive cultural IP, and has a particularly profound understanding and rich resources in IP cultivation and commercial operations. In the future, UneMeta will join hands with Jasmy and focus on the Asia-pacific market to seize the powerful opportunities behind high-quality IP assets. They will also explore business models that are suitable for Web3 with excellent IP, and formulate a win-win strategy to grow the community. Furthermore, the team will continue to unlock the commercial value of high-quality IP in physical and virtual space.
In addition, they are planning to officially launch the world's first NFT serial with original audio tracks of the famous Japanese voice actress Hanazawa Kana in August, which is the representative project of this platform as it advances its Web3 process.
UneMeta is both a NFT marketplace and social space. UneMeta emphasizes community, and always considers giving back to community contributors the most important in Web3. With an "Action to Earn" philosophy, they will launch commission sharing and loral points systems in Q3 of 2022. At that time, a community-driven NFT platform with maximum cultural value will be presented.
About UneMeta
UneMeta provides premium NFT incubation services, transaction marketplace, and space for users to socially interact. With a variety of innovative gameplay, tremendous IP resources, and a strong community foundation, UneMeta can provide NFT holders with more security and transaction fees, within higher quality NFT transactions and SocialFi experiences.
In the future, UneMeta will become a revolutionary sustainable model for exploring and applying NFTs, metaverses, and blockchains, which continue to improve customers' experience. Follow UneMeta on social media now, learn more about its project and development:
Website:https://unemeta.com/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/Une_Metaverse
Discord:discord.gg/unemeta
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SOURCE UneMeta | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/29/unemeta-nft-incubator-trading-socialfi-platform-raises-5-million/ | 2022-07-29T10:20:25Z |
For anyone wondering why "The Princess" is premiering on Hulu in the US, not sister service Disney+, the movie answers that in the first five minutes, when the title character brutally dispatches a pair of guards sent into the tower where she's being held. While the timing seems right for a princess who rescues herself, there's precious little substance to this violent fantasy, featuring Joey King figuratively letting down her hair.
Director Le-Van Kiet brings plenty of action and a degree of visual style to this slightly claustrophobic concept, which takes place almost entirely within the confines of that castle, as the princess fights her way through an assortment of obstacles and foes who are much, much bigger than she is.
How she's able to do that is explained via flashbacks, but the film isn't overly preoccupied with plot or details, other than the fact that the psychopathic suitor the princess jilted (played by Dominic Cooper) and his primary henchwoman ("Quantum of Solace's" Olga Kurylenko) are utterly ruthless and willing to kill anyone who interferes with their plans, including the princess' family.
The movie does possess a certain sense of humor, but it's mostly expressed in a cartoonish manner, such as the overweight guard who spends an inordinate amount of time huffing and puffing his way up the tower stairs, or a swift kick to the groin that proves surprisingly ineffective.
The film does represent an unorthodox stretch for King, certainly compared to her last prominent work for Hulu in the limited series "The Act." The only other significant part belongs to Veronica Ngo ("The Old Guard") as her tutor in the fighting arts -- lessons conducted without the knowledge of the King -- which only modestly bolsters the story's feminist sensibilities.
While the movie does race by at 90-some-odd minutes, it's hard to discern precisely for whom this was intended, since the action -- grisly as it occasionally is -- feels relatively small in scale, while being too hardcore to play much beyond that audience base. In that sense, it has the look of another Fox release that corporate parent Disney (understandably, in this case) didn't quite know how to handle marketing-wise.
Not that the world can't use a butt-kicking princess right now, but it would have helped to deliver one armed with a wee bit more substance than this.
"The Princess" premieres July 1 on Hulu in the US, and as a Star Original on Disney+ internationally.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/entertainment/the-princess-cant-quite-rescue-itself-from-a-violent-definitely-not-disney-movie/article_adb0e933-7002-5d4b-92c6-80ef591254d6.html | 2022-07-01T14:40:43Z |
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP/WIVB/NEXSTAR) – At least 10 people were killed in a mass shooting at a Tops Markets grocery store in Buffalo, New York, according to law enforcement officials who spoke with the Associated Press, in addition to Buffalo Police.
The suspect was identified as Payton Gendron, of Conklin, about 200 miles southeast of Buffalo, officials told AP. Witnesses reported Gendron, an 18 year-old white male, was wearing military-style clothing in addition to the body armor, according to police.
Police report at least 13 people were shot. Four people were store employees, officials say. Of the victims, 11 were Black and two were white.
One of the victims was a recently retired police officer who was working as a security guard at the store, according to officials. That security guard was one of four people shot before the gunman entered the store. Police say the guard fired multiple shots at the gunman and hit him, though the bullet only hit the gunman’s bulletproof vest.
The gunman then entered the supermarket with a rifle and opened fire, according to one official who spoke with the AP. Investigators say he was livestreaming the shooting and were looking into whether he had posted a manifesto online, the official said.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as both a hate crime and racially motivated violent extremism, officials said Saturday.
The supermarket is in a predominately Black neighborhood, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of downtown Buffalo. The surrounding area is primarily residential, with a Family Dollar store and fire station near the store.
Braedyn Kephart and Shane Hill, both 20, pulled into the parking lot just as the shooter was exiting. They described him as a white male in his late teens or early twenties sporting full camo, a black helmet and what appeared to be a rifle.
“He was standing there with the gun to his chin. We were like what the heck is going on? Why does this kid have a gun to his face?” Kephart said. He dropped to his knees. “He ripped off his helmet, dropped his gun, and was tackled by the police.”
Police closed off the block, lined by spectators, and yellow police taped surrounded the full parking lot.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said she’s monitoring the situation and has offered assistance to local law enforcement. On Saturday afternoon, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said in a press conference that he wanted to offer comfort to the families affected but knows “there is no comforting” them.
“Buffalo is known as the city of good neighbors – nationally and internationally,” said Brown. “This is a community where people love each other. The shooter was not from this community. In fact, the shooter travelled hours from outside this community to perpetrate this crime on the people of Buffalo – a day when people were enjoying the sunshine, enjoying family and friends, all manner of happy activities… This is a day of great pain for our community.”
Brown explained this particular Tops store, given its large Black community patronage, is “near and dear to his heart” and that he and several local officials knew some of the people who were killed.
At the news briefing, Erie County Sheriff John Garcia pointedly called the shooting a hate crime.
“This was pure evil. It was straight up racially motivated hate crime from somebody outside of our community, outside of the City of Good neighbors … coming into our community and trying to inflict that evil upon us,” Garcia said.
Elsewhere, NAACP President Derrick Johnson issued a statement in which he called the shooting “absolutely devastating.”
“Our hearts are with the community and all who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy. Hate and racism have no place in America. We are shattered, extremely angered and praying for the victims’ families and loved ones,” he added.
The shooting came little more than a year after a March 2021 attack at a King Soopers grocery in Boulder, Colorado, that killed 10 people. Investigators have not released any information about why they believe the man charged in that attack targeted the supermarket.
This is a breaking news story; please check back for updates. | https://cw33.com/news/national/nexstar-media-wire/at-least-10-killed-in-mass-shooting-at-ny-grocery-store-report/ | 2022-05-15T00:54:29Z |
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the hospitality sector that has been traditionally dominated by men, Red Roof® has been an industry leader in promoting and nurturing women entrepreneurs. This year, at its fourth annual Forum on Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs, designed to help women in hospitality develop deeper business acumen and stronger leadership skills, Red Roof celebrated its progress with 31% of its hotels owned or partially owned by women.
Further, Red Roof statistics mirror the fact that women continue to progress in management ranks, as there has been a 20% increase in women leadership at Red Roof over the past three years. Fueled by the vision and passion of Red Roof Chief Marketing Officer Marina MacDonald, Red Roof has been industry leading in bringing together women to collaborate, educate and provide the tools and insights to help drive continued growth and support.
"The past two years have been challenging, especially for women, and the impact the pandemic had on travel and hospitality exacerbated the pressure felt by women in our industry. As women juggle work lives and home lives, there really is no such thing as work/life balance. Rather, there are work/life choices that women are forced to make every day," says Marina MacDonald, Chief Marketing Officer, Red Roof. "I designed this hybrid professional/personal event to help our attendees further develop their business and leadership skills, as well as the tools to take better care of themselves, so that we will not only help grow more successful and happy women entrepreneurs, but we will also encourage the development of sustainable habits that will lead to a lifetime of success."
This year, the Forum hosted more than 100 women attendees over two days, including Red Roof franchise owners, industry leaders and corporate team members all looking to collaborate and help one another overcome barriers to success. During the Forum, attendees had the opportunity to network, learn from and support each other, and hear from inspirational and industry-leading experts – including Dr. Lalia Rach, Founder & Partner, Rach Enterprises; Mary Beth Cutshall, Founder & Managing Partner, Amara Capital; Regan Walsh, Chief Renegade Officer, Renegade Global; Laura Lee Blake, President and CEO, Asian American Hotel Owners Association – who shared their journeys and challenges reaching the highest levels of their fields, and shared advice on how to smash glass ceilings. Breakout sessions included topics such as side hustles, which have become increasingly popular since the pandemic, the characteristics of successful women, tips on public speaking and networking, and the power and enrichment of giving back through community involvement. The top advice for women advancement included the following tips:
- Be Heard. Have a Voice.
- Be Authentic and be YOU.
- Be Fearless, Bold and Brave. Take risks.
- Tout Successes with Confidence.
- Stay true to your Values, Vision and Passion.
- Be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Recent research shows the hospitality industry is slowly making progress toward women in leadership, and statistics paint a picture trending toward increased diversity going forward. According to the 2022 Castell Project 'Women in Hospitality Industry Leadership' report, women are gaining in hotel company leadership at the highest levels (CEO, President, Founder). In fact, although still skewed, women now hold one leadership spot for every 10.3 men, an improvement from one to 11.2 in 2019. At the manager and director levels, women now hold 1 in 2 hospitality positions and 1 in 6 at the VP/SVP/EVP level. However, there is more work to do.
Red Roof will continue to lead the industry in supporting women by nurturing networking and providing opportunities and tools needed to reach the highest levels in the hospitality industry.
Red Roof is an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, recognized for creating the innovative Upscale Economy® segment serving millions of guests each year. Known for obsessively listening to consumers, Red Roof offers travelers a consistently high-quality experience at an affordable price. With coast-to-coast locations, Red Roof has over 670 properties and over 60,000 rooms in the U.S. and has expanded internationally to Brazil and Japan. Whether business or leisure, short trips or extended stays, in the hearts of cities or on the road, Red Roof has a property for every traveler, delivering an enhanced experience at a value price. Red Roof is pet-friendly, as one well-behaved pet is welcome per room, nationwide, at no additional cost*. Ranging from economy to midscale, the Red Roof portfolio of brands includes: Red Roof Inn® and Red Roof PLUS+®, allowing guests to Sleep Easy. Spend Less.® with enhanced amenities at a value price; HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof®, offering guests A Brand New Way to Extended Stay®; and The Red Collection®, a hyper-local soft brand in the Hearts of Cities You Love™. Red Roof offers franchisees Genuine Relationships. Real Results.® – a unique owner-operator experience establishing common ground with franchisees. To join the Red Roof industry-leading loyalty program, RediRewards®, or for reservations, visit redroof.com, call 800.RED.ROOF, or download Red Roof's free app that is available for both iOS and Android devices.
*One well-behaved domestic pet (i.e., cat or dog) is welcome per room. To verify a hotel's pet policy, please review hotel information online at redroof.com or by contacting the hotel directly.
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SOURCE Red Roof | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/red-roof-celebrates-women-owned-hotels-4th-annual-forum-leadership-women-entrepreneurs-provides-inspiration-support-tools-continued-advancement/ | 2022-06-13T14:02:06Z |
The latest G-STEEL exudes extravagance with a brushed IP bezel and dial treatments
DOVER, N.J., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Casio America, Inc. is pleased to announce the latest addition to G-SHOCK's G-STEEL line with the launch of the GSTB100GB-1A9. It's gold brushed IP Bezel and indexes offset the black dial to exude extravagance and style. Eye-catching style and refined toughness go together with this bold timepiece, reminiscent of the brand's trusted qualities yet perfect for the self-proclaimed trendsetter.
The soft, black urethane band with gold IP buckle, subtly complements the gold accents on the dial itself, establishing the perfect balance of discretion for those toying with modesty. A rotary turbine sub-dial at the 9 o'clock position exudes functional beauty, doubling as the watches solar charge level indicator. In typical G-STEEL fashion, humility ends with the design, as the tech features catapult this latest model into a category of its own. One of these features being Bluetooth capabilities that enable connectivity to the G-SHOCK Connected app expanding many of the timepiece's features with built-in Smartphone Link functions such as simple watch setting, timestamp with location, calendar reminder and the ever important phone finder function. The new model also includes advanced technical capabilities like Tough Solar Technology, made possible by the inclusion of a highly resilient film-like solar panel on the dial that allows the watch to convert power from even the weakest light sources. The high brightness LED (SUPER) light ensures visibility in the dark, while the World Time allows users to check the exact time in two cities simultaneously. Wanderlust has officially met its match in the GSTB100GB-1A9.
This timepiece also comes equipped with standard G-SHOCK technology including:
- Shock Resistant
- 200M Water Resistant
- Full Auto Calendar
- World Time (DUAL TIME)
- Daily Alarm
- Stopwatch
- LED (SUPER) Light
- 1s, 24H Stopwatch, SPL
- 1s, 24H Timer
Available at the beginning of September, the GSTB100GB-1A9 will retail for $420, along with the other G-STEEL series models the GSTB400GB-1A9 for $390 and the GSTB500BD-1A9 for $380 and are available for pre-order starting today at gshock.com. Select retailers, and the G-SHOCK Soho store will have it available for purchase early September. For more information about the G-SHOCK brand, visit gshock.casio.com/us.
CASIO's shock-resistant G-SHOCK watch is synonymous with toughness, born from the developer Mr. Ibe's dream of 'creating a watch that never breaks'. Over 200 handmade samples were created and tested to destruction until finally in 1983 the first, now iconic G-SHOCK hit the streets of Japan and began to establish itself as 'the toughest watch of all time'. Each watch encompasses the 7 elements; electric shock resistance, gravity resistance, low temperature resistance, vibration resistance, water resistance, shock resistance and toughness. The watch is packed with Casio innovations and technologies to prevent it from suffering direct shock; this includes internal components protected with urethane and suspended timekeeping modules inside the watch structure. Since its launch, G-SHOCK has continued to evolve, continuing to support on Mr. Ibe's mantra "never, never give up." www.gshock.casio.com/us/
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casio.com/us/.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
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CASIO AMERICA, INC.
(973) 361-5400
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SOURCE Casio America, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/casio-g-shock-release-new-stay-gold-collection/ | 2022-08-24T17:13:37Z |
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Drexel University's College of Medicine has announced a collaboration with MAPay, LLC, a global healthcare technology firm, to deploy a transformational healthcare payment and data exchange network that uses Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT's) to democratize healthcare data.
The collaboration will develop the technical foundation and market to solve for one of the most debated and contentious healthcare topics, patient data access. In today's world the patient does not truly own their own healthcare data and because of legacy healthcare data platform interoperability issues, a patient's healthcare history is often incomplete or inconsistently accessible. When healthcare data is not complete or accessible, it negatively impacts the quality of care available to a patient, the use of critical information for medical research and development, and the administrative cost of billing and collecting healthcare payments. Despite significant industry and regulatory efforts to increase patient accessibility and transparency of medical records, regardless of their care provider, data is still not available to be used in such a way that it enhances research and treatment efforts and produces better medical outcomes.
Michael Dershem, aka "Dersh," CEO of MAPay, asserts, "The medical industry has laid the groundwork for a solution to be realized, but they are still dependent upon inefficient, incumbent services to establish patient identity. Provider-to-provider identities are also not readily facilitated in today's health systems, which creates administrative and cost burdens when credentialing providers. These shortcomings are due to numerous legacy technical and business complexities including, yet not limited to, costs, competition, and privacy issues surrounding industry interoperability. MAPay brings an economically and technically viable solutions by leveraging blockchain technologies with its innovations in providing verifiable identities via a digital ledger."
A non-fungible token ("NFT") is a blockchain-based asset which is not interchangeable with any other (not fungible) assets. The MAPay patient data vault NFTs, which leverages the innovative Algorand blockchain, create immense potential to revolutionize healthcare by safely storing verifiable patient information and providing a more complete healthcare history to care teams and other required health services. The ability to integrate this data into healthcare models for predictive diagnostics through contextual biomarkers, facilitate employer reward mechanisms, and provide verifiable, but deidentified, patient data for public health assessment, will drive a new era in health-driven big data analysis and care.
"We are extremely excited about this collaboration with MAPay," said Charles B. Cairns, MD, senior vice president of Medical Affairs and dean of the College of Medicine. "This initiative will be transformational particularly in underserved areas. It is not a question of should this be done it is an answer that it must be done for the future in medicine." Further added Cairns, "Because this touches so many distinct aspects of healthcare, a multi-disciplinary approach is needed. We have built a mosaic of Drexel colleges including; Business, Medical and Technology and coupled with a private sector industry leader of the likes of MAPay is a tremendous sandbox for transformation."s
The model will also provide incentives and rewards to patients that choose to leverage their data for industry use. The structure of the data will allow simplified, more structured, ways to target users with a certain set of criteria needed for research, and the ability for patients to provide deidentified, verifiable data, for a fiscal reward. The pool of rich data and a marketplace to access it, creates an industry shifting paradigm in research and development outcomes.
The future promise of healthcare depends on the availability and sharing of patient data. Because of business and technology reasons, however, this data remains stuck in silos. Conventional approaches to aggregating healthcare information for impact in research and population health management have been plagued with the business, structural and regulatory conflicts of obtaining and using data. If this data could be accessed and used by a broader community, it could provide price transparency, anonymized data for research and cures, and limit societal medical costs related to fraud and abuse. MA Pay and Drexel University College of Medicine will use transformational technologies to create transformational outcomes in patient care, research, and healthcare access.
Patient-centric data interoperability goes beyond enabling EHR's to move data between one another or deriving relevant information from multiple unstructured data fields in many different systems. It puts the data into an individual's control and creates a communal context by allowing NFT pools to be accessed and used for the greater health ecosystem. We will be changing Healthcare to Humancare, as it should be a global citizen and community," Dershem ended.
The latest move helps expand the geographic scope of one of the nation's largest medical colleges. Today, Drexel University College of Medicine trains 1,100 medical students, 1 in 83 medical students in the United States. The college also spans 900 graduate students and 2,700 full-time, part-time, and volunteer faculty. In addition to its Philadelphia-based Queen Lane campus, the college opened a four-year regional medical campus, the College of Medicine at Tower Health in West Reading, in August 2021.
MAPay is a global healthcare fintech company that is deploying distributed ledger technology to power smart contracts, transacting secure medical solutions. The company has developed a hybrid architecture of both centralized and decentralized protocols for multi-party medical payments and HIPAA-compliant data exchange. MAPay is working in association with hospital networks, practice management systems, drug companies, insurance payers and government entities.
The company is committed to empowering patients and healthcare providers by leveraging blockchain technology to improve and align incentives, reduce costs, and bring increased transparency and data exchange. The company believes in permissionable open-sourced system collaboration, and solution sets that are economically and socially impactful. For more information, please visit https://www.mapaycorp.com/
MEDIA CONTACT: Algorand@dittopr.co
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SOURCE MAPay | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/mapay-healthcare-payments-innovator-drexel-university-college-medicine-seek-achieve-healthcare-data-interoperability-through-blockchain/ | 2022-08-02T16:26:57Z |
About a year ago or so, I was hanging out at my favorite haunt in New York. I'm such a regular that the staff kept my favorite soda, which is often very difficult to find in a can, on hand for me. (Seriously, there are pictures of me drinking it online.)
I ordered my Diet A&W Cream Soda, and I quickly realized something was different. My "diet" soda was no longer diet. Instead, it had become "zero sugar."
Just what the heck was going on? I had to know because diet soda is my everything. It's one of the few things in life I truly enjoy, and I know many of you love diet soda as well. It's a multibillion-dollar industry.
This week, I took my podcast Margins of Error in a thirst-quenching direction to try to solve this marketing mystery and see if I should actually be drinking any of this stuff.
I soon realized A&W wasn't some aberration. It was part of a trend.
Just take a trip down your local grocery store aisle as I did, and you'll find that diet soda is disappearing. Brands such as Canada Dry and Crush have replaced their diet sodas with "zero sugar," while others such as Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper now have zero sugar options in addition to diet.
It all comes down to business. I spoke with Emily Cantois, who wrote "Diners, Dudes, and Diets: How Gender and Power Collide in Food Media and Culture," and she told me the word "diet" has become a four-letter word. Diet has been associated by some -- specifically young men -- with "femininity, and in a derisive way," said Cantois, an assistant professor of media studies at The University of Tulsa in Oklahoma.
On top of that, Cantois told me that "diet is about lack, diet's about restraint, diet's about femininity in these negative, but also kind of painful ways."
It turns out this isn't a new problem for low-calorie soda makers. Low-calorie soda, also called "diet" or "zero sugar," has been around for 70 years, and how to promote it has always been a tricky thing.
Do you lean full into the idea of a diet, or do you lean into the idea of being healthier by cutting sugar without losing taste?
There were once a slew of different low-calorie drinks -- Diet Rite, Tab, Patio, Diet Pepsi and much later on, Diet Coke -- in the early days, and they went with different marketing strategies.
In this Diet Rite ad from around 1969, Boston Celtics star John Havlicek emphasizes the drink is for those who "ain't on a diet."
On the other hand, Tab told its customers to "be a Mind-sticker ... with a shape he can't forget" in this 1960s ad.
Flash forward to the 2000s, when the business of low-calorie soda was looking pretty bleak at the beginning of the current century. Diet soda sales were slouching. Marketing ultimately comes down to what is working businesswise, and it was clearly time to move away from diet.
Welcome to the land of "zero sugar" sodas. Cantois argued that from a marketing perspective, "zero is empowered and full and a value add. It's got zero sugar as a good thing instead of diet as this pursuit of nothingness."
Guess what? It seems to be working. Low-calorie soda sales are rising, and a big part of that seems to be the zero sugar phenomenon.
Coke Zero outsold Diet Pepsi last year, according to statistics from my colleague Danielle Wiener-Bronner, who covers the food sector for CNN Business. This made it the second most popular "low-calorie cola carbonate."
As you might have guessed, Diet Coke is still in first place. Still, from 2019 to 2021, Diet Coke's market share decreased by 3.3 percentage points, while Coke Zero's increased by 3 percentage points.
Of course, I was left with the question of whether this low-calorie stuff is better for you than the regular versions. The good news is that most experts agree that beverages sweetened without sugar can lead to better short-term outcomes than beverages with sugar, as you can see from this recent meta-study CNN previously reported. But you should listen to the podcast to learn why understanding the long-term effects aren't so easy to figure out.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/features/health/a-die-hard-diet-soda-drinker-investigates-the-zero-sugar-trend/article_ff9f6184-ee0e-5a36-8f1f-e295da1fbb66.html | 2022-06-05T05:00:58Z |
Tornado rips through Kansas; 3 students killed in crash
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A tornado that barreled through parts of Kansas destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and buildings, injured several people and left more than 15,000 people without power, officials said Saturday.
In addition to wreckage from the tornado itself, three University of Oklahoma meteorology students traveling back from storm chasing in Kansas were also killed in a crash Friday evening, according to officials.
Nicholas Nair, 20, of Denton, Texas; Gavin Short, 19, of Grayslake, Illinois; and Drake Brooks, 22, of Evansville, Indiana, died in the crash shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday, according to an Oklahoma Highway Patrol report.
The three were in a vehicle being driven by Nair southbound on Interstate 35 when the vehicle hydroplaned and was struck by a tractor-trailer rig in Tonkawa, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) north of Oklahoma City, the report said.
A statement released by OU said: “The university is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of three students. Each were valued and loved members of our community.”
More than 1,000 buildings were affected when a strong twister swept through Andover on Friday evening, according to authorities. In the daylight Saturday, emergency crews found a more widespread path of destruction than was earlier estimated.
“We now know that our damage path extended approximately 3 1/2 to 4 miles (5.6 to 6.4 kilometers) to the north of where we believed it to have ended last night,” Andover Deputy Fire Chief Mike Roosevelt said at a briefing.
There were no reported fatalities or critical injuries from the tornado itself, despite the widespread destruction. Officials said only a few injuries had been reported. In Sedgwick County, three people were injured, including one woman who sustained serious injuries.
Search and rescue operations continued Saturday with more than 200 emergency responders from 30 agencies. Officials kept volunteers away from the damage until a secondary search of debris is done.
Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell said earlier that some neighborhood homes “were completely blown away.”
There are homes knocked completely off their foundations and entire neighborhoods wiped out, Russell said.
City Hall, the Andover YMCA and Prairie Creek Elementary School were among buildings heavily damaged.
Field crews from the National Weather Service worked Saturday to determine the extent and strength of the twister, said meteorologist Kevin Darmofal at the Wichita office.
Flor and Aldo Delgado said they prayed in the basement of their Andover home as a tornado passed right above them, destroying their home and cars.
The couple looked out of the window Friday night and saw the tornado beginning to form, so they headed to the basement.
“The lights started flickering and eventually went out, and within a minute from that the whole house started shaking and it was so loud. We started feeling water hitting our faces, and there was just dust everywhere. It lasted for what felt like a minute that it was right above us,” Aldo Delgado said.
Flor Delgado said she could hear their home being torn apart as they prayed for their safety, the Wichita Eagle reported.
“In the moment I realized there is absolutely nothing we could do. I knew my husband felt it too because he was calm and comforting me, but at one point he just starts losing it and crying. I could hear his voice cracking as he’s praying,” she said.
Once the tornado passed, the couple made it out of the debris with only the clothes on their backs. Their home, cars and personal items are gone.
“We didn’t even have our wedding rings on at the time,” Flor Delgado added.
Gov. Laura Kelly declared a State of Disaster Emergency for the hardest-hit areas. The declaration makes state resources available to help local jurisdictions with response and recovery efforts in areas impacted statewide.
Evergy said about 15,000 customers lost power during the tornado and that work continued to restore electricity. Any broken gas and water lines were shut off and by noon there were no known active leaks.
In addition to the tornadoes, large hail was reported in several towns across the Plains. Hail the size of softballs was spotted near Holbrook, Nebraska, and Enterprise, Kansas, according to the National Weather Service and storm spotters.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/04/30/tornadoes-rip-through-suburb-kansas/ | 2022-05-01T05:47:33Z |
- Tickets on Sale Now for the City's Biggest Pet Event -
NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tickets are on sale NOW for Columbus' first AKC Meet the Breeds®, arriving at the Greater Columbus Convention Center Saturday, October 15th, 2022, 9am – 5pm. The American Kennel Club® (AKC) brings this educational event to Columbus to give attendees the unique opportunity to meet and play with a variety of different dog breeds while learning about responsible pet ownership and how to find the best breed(s) for their lifestyle straight from the experts. From Affenpinschers to Yorkshire Terriers, this canine extravaganza is fun for the whole family.
Attendees can:
- Meet and play with tons of different dog breeds in booths that depict each breed's country of origin, historical purpose/function
- Discover new breeds and talk to breed experts to determine what dog will work for their lifestyle
- Learn about responsible pet ownership
- See fun and entertaining demonstrations of dog sports and working dogs exhibiting their skills
- Engage in unique activities such as testing your agility skills in our interactive fun zone. Attendees can also participate in games and photo opportunities with the whole family.
The event is open to the general public and is perfect for the whole family. Admission is $10 for children, $20 for adults and $15 for students, seniors and military. There is also upgraded VIP admission available. Tickets are on sale now! Use promo code PAWS for $5 off all General Admission tickets.
"We are thrilled to bring this event to Columbus," said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo. "We can't wait to introduce attendees to new breeds and give them the chance to play with their favorites up close. The event is sure to be fun for the whole family!"
Not only can you meet and play with lots of different dog breeds, but there will also be exciting demonstrations that highlight the athleticism and work ethic of dogs, including:
- Agility – Watch these super talented dogs navigate an obstacle course of jumps, weaves & tunnels courtesy of the Columbus All Breed Training Club.
- Obedience – See the precision work of competition obedience dogs as they heel, retrieve, and demonstrate how dogs can advance from the basics to upper-level skills brought to you by the Columbus All Breed Training Club.
- Disc Dog – Enjoy this fast-paced, fun sport that takes the game of fetch to a whole new level, brought to you by Southern Ohio Flying K9s.
- Rally – Check out this exciting sport that is equal parts skill and thrill as dogs and their owners navigate a course of obedience tasks courtesy of the Columbus All Breed Training Club.
- Scent Work – The nose knows! See dogs use their natural abilities to locate a scent and communicate to their handler that it has been found, brought to you by the Columbus All Breed Training Club.
- Protecting Our Community – Meet members of the Mansfield Police Department's K-9 Unit & watch their incredible skills in action!
- AKC Trick Dog – These are not your average trick dogs! Watch these canine companions perform tricks such as crawling on the floor, walking on their hind legs, dancing and much more, courtesy of the Columbus All Breed Training Club.
There will be tons of activities for kids of all ages as well, including:
- AKC Patch Program – an interactive scavenger hunt designed to teach children about purebred dogs.
- Fun and games – kids can play Plinko, take selfies in the designated selfie area, color and do crafts, and visit the mini shop with plush toys and more!
- Art Contest Winners – see artwork created by students around Columbus who are the finalists and winners of AKC's art contest.
For images from previous Meet the Breeds events held around the country, click HERE.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit our website here.
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. AKC Clubs comprise America's largest rescue network. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @AKCDogLovers
About GF Sports & Entertainment
GF Sports & Entertainment is a global events and operations company that elevates the experience of live sports, entertainment and interactive events. The company owns two of the ATP Tour's longest running American tennis tournaments, the Dallas Open and the Truist Atlanta Open, as well as the National Lacrosse League New York Riptide. In partnership with the American Kennel Club (AKC), the leading registry and governing body of canine events in the United States, they operate the AKC Meet the Breeds® touring show. GF Sports & Entertainment also incubates new and emerging sport concepts, this includes Wolf Pack Ninjas, which operates ninja-focused events globally.
GF Sports & Entertainment was founded in July 2015 by New York-based private equity firm GF Capital. For additional information, please visit www.gfsportsandentertainment.com.
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SOURCE American Kennel Club | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/dogs-set-take-over-columbus-with-akc-meet-breeds/ | 2022-08-22T15:47:34Z |
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Delta Dental Institute (DDI) and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) announced two new Oral Health Equity Awards to support research that advances recommendations for greater oral health equity in populations that lack access to dental care and improves oral health literacy for underserved populations. Two awards will be conferred – one in each research area in the amount US$25,000.
"At Delta Dental, our mission is to advance the oral health of all Americans. We are pleased to partner with AADOCR to invest in critically needed research to advance access to care for all and ensure greater health equity across the country," said Vivian Vasallo, Executive Director of the Delta Dental Institute.
"Understanding the best ways to remove barriers, improve oral health literacy, and provide equitable access to oral health services is critical to fulfill our mission of championing overall health and well-being," said AADOCR President Jane Weintraub. "This new partnership between AADOCR and DDI will provide research toward improving oral health in communities where it is most lacking."
Submissions must represent original research that addresses Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and oral health disparities and promote oral health equity in the areas of Access to Care and Oral Health Literacy. Populations of interest include underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, age groups and hard to reach populations, including adolescents, tribal and rural communities. Applications are now being accepted through the AADOCR website and will be reviewed by an expert review panel acknowledged as leaders in their fields. The deadline for submission is October 28, 2022.
The two awards will be conferred in the form of unrestricted research grants. Award winners will be announced at the 52nd meeting of the AADOCR, and 47th meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR), March 15-18, 2023, in Portland, Oregon, USA.
About the Delta Dental Institute
The Delta Dental Institute is dedicated to advancing oral health for all Americans in partnership with Delta Dental companies and dedicated partners across the country. With expertise rooted in Delta Dental's rich history of oral health leadership, we engage in and support oral health research, community outreach, and advocacy, striving to ensure that everyone understands the importance of oral health to overall health and has access to the care they need. Visit deltadentalinstitute.com for more information.
About the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) is a nonprofit organization with over 3,000 members in the United States with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being.
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SOURCE Delta Dental Institute | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/delta-dental-institute-aadocr-announce-new-oral-health-equity-research-award/ | 2022-07-20T10:57:47Z |
EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Canopy Health is pleased to announce the addition of AHMC Seton Medical Center (Daly City) and AHMC Seton Coastside to its network alliance effective April 15, 2022. AHMC Seton Medical Center has been serving the health care needs of northern San Mateo since its founding as Mary's Help Hospital in 1893 and is recognized for its stroke treatment, cardio-vascular excellence, including STEMI certification. AHMC Seton Coastside operates the only 24-hour, stand-by emergency department on the Pacific Coast between Daly City and Santa Cruz. "AHMC Seton Medical Center and AHMC Seton Coastside are great additions to our strong network of hospitals in the Bay Area which includes UCSF Health, Dignity Health, John Muir Health and many others," says Canopy Health Chief Network Development Officer, Chandra Welsh. "We partner with UnitedHealthcare and Health Net to offer more affordable access to Canopy Health's strong network of hospitals and medical groups, which now includes AHMC Seton Medical Center and AHMC Seton Coastside."
With this addition, the Canopy Health network now encompasses 25 distinguished Bay Area hospitals. A feature unique to Canopy Health is the Alliance Referral Program which empowers members to seek referrals for care anywhere in the Canopy Health network. This program allows members convenient access to care where they live, work and play.
"We are excited to provide quality services to Canopy members", stated Sarkis Vartanian, Administrator. "In addition to our Emergency Room and Surgery Department, we offer a wide range of services including but not limited to Imaging/Radiology tests, Laboratory, and Women's Health Services. We have also received American Heart Association recognition for our Cardiac and Stroke services."
Members accessing AHMC Seton Medical Center and AHMC Seton Coastside will be referred in through their physicians at Hill Physicians Medical Group, the largest independent physician association in Northern California. "We are pleased to see the addition of AHMC Seton Medical Center and AHMC Seton Coastside to Canopy Health's alliance, bringing greater access to high-quality care for the San Mateo community," says David Joyner, CEO of Hill Physicians and a Canopy Health Board Member.
About Canopy Health
Canopy Health is a physician- and hospital-owned medical alliance that delivers a refreshing approach to healthcare by providing transparent, affordable care from a network of exceptional physicians, hospitals and providers.
Incorporated in March 2015, as an affiliation between UCSF Health and John Muir Health, including ownership and leadership by Hill Physicians Medical Group and John Muir Medical Group, Canopy Health developed a unique mission. Our mission is to provide a top-quality continuum of care across the Bay Area through strong alliances with primary care providers, top-tier academic medical facilities, community hospitals, and medical groups. Every day we work to improve access, affordability, quality and member experience. Canopy Health currently includes five large physician groups and 25 participating hospitals across nine Bay Area counties.
Media Contact:
Cameron Ghazzagh
Vice President, Marketing & Business Development
Cameron.Ghazzagh@canopyhealth.com
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SOURCE Canopy Health | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/20/canopy-health-network-expands-access-san-mateo-county-with-addition-seton-hospitals/ | 2022-04-20T12:59:25Z |
The Company expects to turn profitable in 2023
HAIKOU, China, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JX Luxventure Limited (Nasdaq: LLL) (the "Company"), a company delivering comprehensive products solutions to global high-net-worth families serviced by our business customers with business segments covering tourism, duty-free cross-border merchandise, eCommerce and B2B SAAS solutions, and menswear, today announced financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
Financial Highlights for the Sixth Months of 2022
- Delivered strong top-line growth year over year. Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was $52.3 million compared to $12.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of 312% from last year.
- Total revenue from the travel and duty-free cross-border merchandize business segments for the first half of 2022 were $51.5 million, compared to $10.2 million for the same period last year.
- Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2022, was reduced by $0.2 million, a 6.6% improvement compared to the same period last year.
- Continued duty-free product portfolio expansion. In the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company expanded its duty-free cross border merchandise portfolio to include the pet food sector and has signed a US$100 million related contract expected to be completed by end of 2023.
- Travel and cross-border merchandize business segments are expecting to reach profitability on an adjusted basis in 2022.
The Company is expected to turn profitable in 2023 as the global travel industry started to rebound from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Company has made material improvements and ongoing investments in its business and products.
Ms. Sun "Ice" Lei, Chief Executive Officer of the Company commented: "We hit the ground running and delivered a strong revenue growth in the first half of 2022. This is the third financial reports in a row which we delivered robust growth. We are pleased with the implementation of our turnaround strategy while our menswear business continues its recovery from Covid.
Our duty-free cross-border team has been moving quickly to identify high quality and in-demand foreign products to introduce to the consumer market in China. In addition, our travel team was able to establish more tangible partnerships with our partners in the airlines, high-end hotels and lifestyle experience industries to create value for our shareholders. We now partner with 17 major airlines, which represents 51% of airline operators in China.
Our differentiated product offerings and leading market position helped driving our record revenue in the first half of 2022. As we anticipate the steady demand for premium and foreign made consumer products in China, and the rebound of the premium travel experiences globally, we continue to pivot our operation to focus on the two business segments. Through our operation streamline effort, financial discipline, ownership mindset and innovative product offerings, we are taking the steps toward to the Company's sustainable profitability.
While we are on the journey to transform our company, we remain committed to be in full compliance with all the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and Nasdaq listing requirements. We are confident that we will continue to be a strong and compliant public listed company years ahead."
Recent initiatives
- Started providing technology consulting services and solutions for NFT-based virtual host to be used on live stream platforms. The newly established eCommerce solution segment provides a technology driven global B2B trading platform for its business customers. Its solution products include cross-border cloud-based warehouse, digital payment systems, supply chain and logistics management, etc. The Company has been engaged by travel agencies and online platforms to provide solutions and support operational efficiency improvement.
- Executed major whole-sale contracts with large travel agencies in China in the amount of $20 million. Combined with the Company's continuous effort to expand its partnership with regional and international airlines, the Company is poised to benefit from the post-pandemic travel.
- Expanded the Company's duty-free cross-border product portfolio to include high end pet food products and luxury foreign automobiles. These products are expected to significantly improve the Company's revenue and generate high gross margins.
The Company today filed its six months result report on Form 6-K for the six months ended June 30, 2022 (the "June 2022 Report") with the SEC. The June 2022 Report can be accessed on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.
About JX Luxventure Limited
Headquartered in Haikou, China, JX Luxventure Limited is a a company delivering comprehensive products solutions to global high-net-worth families serviced by our business customers with business segments covering tourism, duty-free cross-border merchandise, eCommerce and B2B SAAS solutions, and menswear.To learn more about the Company, please visit its corporate website at en.jxluxventure.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of JX Luxventure Limited, and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, are "forward-looking statements" in nature within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE JX Luxventure Limited | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/09/jx-luxventure-limited-announces-record-revenue-financial-results-six-months-ended-june-30-2022/ | 2022-09-09T18:34:37Z |
TEMPE, Ariz., April 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NortonLifeLock Inc. (NASDAQ: NLOK), a global leader in consumer Cyber Safety, today announced that it has received a letter from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") stating that its investigation of the Company, which was originally announced on May 10, 2018, has concluded, and the SEC enforcement staff does not intend to recommend an enforcement action against NortonLifeLock.
About NortonLifeLock Inc.
NortonLifeLock Inc. (NASDAQ: NLOK) is a global leader in consumer Cyber Safety, protecting and empowering people to live their digital lives safely. We are the consumer's trusted ally in an increasingly complex and connected world. Learn more about how we're transforming Cyber Safety at www.NortonLifeLock.com.
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SOURCE NortonLifeLock Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/29/nortonlifelock-announces-conclusion-sec-investigation/ | 2022-04-30T16:44:32Z |
$15 million commitment will focus efforts on reducing and preventing health disparities
PHILADELPHIA, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) announced a five-year, $15 million commitment to advance health equity through the creation of a new Foundation program, the Institute for Health Equity (Institute). The Institute is a regional endeavor to address policies and practices that have hindered communities from achieving optimal health. The announcement was made at a special celebration at the Kimmel Center to recognize the Foundation's 10-year anniversary.
"Health care organizations must invest in inclusive innovation that improves the health of everyone, and that's our goal with the IBC Foundation Institute for Health Equity," said Gregory E. Deavens, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. "There are unacceptable disparities in health care access and outcomes, and we can't wait any longer to address these conditions. They are just as important as any other inequality."
The Institute's initial focus areas include digital health, cultural competence in medicine, and maternal health.
"Health equity is integral to our ongoing philanthropic commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of our community," said Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the Foundation. "Through the Institute, we will work collaboratively across sectors to leverage research, expertise, and invest our resources to be a national leader in improving the health of disadvantaged groups."
The event featured keynote remarks from Dr. Denise A. Johnson, FACOG, FACHE, PA Physician General. The event also included a panel discussion moderated by Marshall-Blake with Antonia M. Villarruel, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, Margaret Bond Simon Dean of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania; Georges C. Benjamin, M.D., Executive Director, American Public Health Association; and Tami D. Benton, M.D., Chief of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
By the end of 2022, the Foundation will have awarded nearly $70 million in charitable grants to nonprofits and for research to impact the health of communities since its inception. The Foundation's initiatives improve access to primary care and behavioral health in underserved communities, increase educational opportunities in the healthcare workforce, address the stigma of addiction, and support treatment and recovery for individuals with substance use disorder.
Media contact:
Ruth Stoolman
Independence Blue Cross
Ruth.stoolman@ibx.com
215-667-9537
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SOURCE Independence Blue Cross Foundation | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/independence-blue-cross-foundation-launches-institute-health-equity/ | 2022-04-01T16:13:55Z |
New USFL hoping to succeed where other spring leagues failed
By JOE REEDY
AP Sports Writer
The USFL kicks off Saturday night in Birmingham, Alabama, when the New Jersey Generals face the Birmingham Stallions. Fox and NBC Sports will each carry 22 games, including Saturday’s opener. It’s the first time since the 2007 regular-season finale between the New England Patriots and New York Giants that a game will air on more than one broadcast network. Fox Sports owns the USFL and is making a $150 million investment over three years. The only similarity between the USFL of the 1980s and this one is the team names. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/14/new-usfl-hoping-to-succeed-where-other-spring-leagues-failed/ | 2022-04-14T21:02:22Z |
(WXIN) — Walmart has become the latest retailer to pull a brand of coconut milk linked to an investigation by People for the Ethical Treatments of Animals into claims of forced monkey labor.
The retailer has joined Kroger, Target, Costco, and Walgreens in discontinuing sales of Chaokoh coconut milk, USA TODAY reported.
The Thailand-based company was the subject of a PETA Asia investigation in 2019 that alleged monkeys were abused, chained, and forced to pick coconuts.
“Denied the freedom to move around, socialize with others, or do anything else that is important to them, these intelligent animals slowly lose their minds. Driven to desperation, they pace and circle endlessly on the barren, trash-strewn patches of dirt where they’re chained,” wrote PETA.
According to PETA, Walmart’s decision to drop the Chaokoh brand from stores and online comes after it received more than 86,000 emails from PETA supporters.
Last summer, a representative from Theppadungporn Coconut Co. told Reuters that documents would be provided showing the animals were not used in production.
USA TODAY reported that the company contracted an audit in which investigators randomly visited 64 of its 817 farms and found no monkeys were being used to pick coconuts.
“PETA claims another investigation proved the audit was ‘misleading and inadequate’ and companies and consumers were being lied (to) about the use of monkeys,” according to USA TODAY.
In a statement, PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman praised Walmart’s action.
“With one PETA exposé after another confirming cruelty on coconut farms, retailers are dropping Chaokoh left and right. Kudos to Walmart for its kind decision,” said Reiman.
PETA says more than 45,000 stores have stopped selling Chaokoh’s coconut milk since its 2019 investigation. It’s now calling for more companies to drop the brand, including 99 Ranch Market. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/walmart-stops-sales-of-coconut-milk-brand-tied-to-monkey-labor-claims/ | 2022-06-08T17:09:58Z |
These Crayola coloring pages will keep your children entertained for hours
Coloring pages are a great way to keep kids entertained for hours without resorting to tech. Crayola coloring pages are perfect for young artists who want low-pressure activities. They offer just enough creative freedom to engage kids in what they’re doing without putting off kids who aren’t necessarily interested in creating their own drawings from scratch or confident enough to do so. Choosing the right Crayola coloring pages for your child’s age group and interests will help keep them entertained for longer.
What are coloring pages?
The terms “coloring pages” and “coloring books” are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference. Coloring books are traditionally bound, so you’ll need to cut pages out if you want to display them, plus pages are often double-sided. Coloring pages are either completely loose or bound with a weak glue, so you can easily pull them out of the book without tearing them. They’re also single-sided, so you can display all of your kids’ coloring-in if you choose. For more information, see the full guide to coloring books for kids at BestReviews.
Are Crayola coloring pages suited to kids of all ages?
You can find Crayola coloring pages for kids of all ages and adults too, but not all Crayola coloring books are suited to all ages. Standard Crayola coloring books are aimed at ages three and up. While there’s no upper age limit listed, they aren’t all that challenging so that most kids will grow out of them somewhere between ages 6 to 8. Crayola Art with Edge coloring books are aimed at an older audience of nine and up. These have smaller coloring areas, which can be more challenging to keep within the lines, paired with more grown-up designs that appeal to older kids and teenagers.
Best Crayola coloring pages for young kids
This epic volume is suitable for kids aged three and up. Not only does it contain a whopping 208 coloring pages, but it also features a range of home crafts and other indoor activity ideas for children to enjoy. What’s more, it comes with two sheets of glittery foil stickers to spruce up the coloring pages.
Sold by Amazon
Crayola Wonder Mess-Free Moana Coloring Pages
The perfect coloring pages for fans of Disney’s “Moana.” They come with unique mess-free wonder markers that only work on Crayola wonder paper, so there’s no chance of kids accidentally coloring furniture or taking their artistic expression to the walls.
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If you have a little unicorn fan in your life, this is their dream coloring book. With 40 pages of unicorn-themed artwork, this book makes for a magical coloring experience. The main coloring areas are relatively large for young children to color easily, but some have more detailed areas where slightly older kids can get creative.
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Crayola Peppa Pig Coloring Pages
Children who love Peppa Pig will adore these coloring pages. In this book, you’ll find 32 coloring pages featuring Peppa and all her friends and family, along with four sheets of Peppa Pig stickers. It’s great for ages three and up, though some pages are more detailed than others.
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Crayola Frozen 2 Coloring Book
Disney’s “Frozen” is still a fan-favorite and these coloring pages are sure to please young fans of “Frozen 2” and the whole franchise. It contains 96 coloring pages with all the best-loved characters, plus a bonus sheet of stickers that kids can stick on their coloring pages or anywhere else they want.
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Crayola My Little Pony Coloring Book
“My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” is full of iconic characters and kids can color-in all their favorites in this coloring book. It comes with 96 My Little Pony coloring pages and a page of stickers.
Sold by Amazon
Best Crayola coloring pages for older kids and teens
Crayola Art with Edge Pop Art Neon Coloring Page Set
Great fun for older kids and teens, these Crayola coloring pages are printed on dark paper and come bundled with 12 neon markers to show up brightly on the dark background. This works to great affect, allowing kids to create some incredibly cool works of art. Although it includes just 18 coloring pages, the markers will last much longer.
Sold by Amazon
Crayola Art with Edge Graffiti Coloring Book
With a range of graffiti-style art inside to color, this Crayola coloring book is perfect for older kids who find the images in standard coloring books too babyish for them. The book includes 40 coloring pages that are perforated for easy removal if you want to frame them or stick them up on the fridge.
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Crayola Art with Edge Ridiculousness Coloring Book
Ideal for older kids amused by all silly things, this coloring book is jam-packed with over-the-top imagery, including giant coffee cups drinking at a coffee shop to unicorns getting their nails done. With 40 coloring pages, it will keep kids going for a while.
Sold by Amazon
Crayola Marvel Avengers Endgame Coloring Pages
An excellent choice for “Avengers” fans, these 28 coloring pages measuring 8 by 10 inches are detailed enough to keep older kids and teenagers happy. They come with a full-color poster that fans will love hanging on their walls.
Sold by Amazon
Crayola Spongebob Coloring Book Pages
Offering an edgy take on “Spongebob Squarepants,” older kids and teens will be entertained by these coloring pages while reliving nostalgia from their younger days. This set contains 24 coloring pages plus a sheet of scented stickers.
Sold by Amazon
Crayola Art with Edge Say What?! Coloring Book
Older children and teens will love these typography-based coloring pages with 40 pages of inspirational words and phrases to color, along with background detail. These make fantastic decorative pieces for kids’ rooms once completed.
Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/arts-crafts-br/the-best-crayola-coloring-pages-for-your-young-artist/ | 2022-07-20T23:28:21Z |
(iSeeCars) – The microchip shortage continues to impact car sales as production interruptions have lowered the supply of new and used cars. The latest iSeeCars analysis found that demand for new and used cars slowed slightly in June over May, as the prices for both new and used cars rose.
Analyzing over 224,000 car sales in June 2022, iSeeCars.com found that overall, the average new car takes 37.2 days to sell and the average used car takes 52.1 days to sell.
Fastest-Selling New Cars by State
What were June’s fastest-selling new cars across the country? Here are the vehicles in the highest demand by state:
- The fastest-selling used car in the most states is the Subaru Crosstrek in five.
- SUVs are the fastest-selling vehicle type in 43 states.
- The fastest-selling new vehicle across all states is the Subaru Forester in Maryland, which takes 5.3 days to sell.
Fastest-Selling Used Cars by State
What were June’s fastest-selling used cars across the country? Here are the used vehicles in the highest demand by state:
- The fastest-selling used car in the most states is the Tesla Model 3 in six.
- SUVs are the fastest-selling vehicle type in 20 states.
- The fastest-selling new vehicle across all states is the Tesla Model 3 in Colorado, which takes 7.5 days to sell.
Buyers who are making a used car purchase might have difficulty finding these in-demand vehicles, and may end up paying a premium for them amid microchip-related inventory constraints. As demand continues to outpace supply for new cars, consumers should act quickly if they see their desired vehicle for sale, and buyers may have to be flexible on color and trim options for in-demand models.
More from iSeeCars.com:
About iSeeCars.com
iSeeCars.com is a car search engine that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars free VIN check reports and Best Cars rankings. iSeeCars.com has saved users over $342 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of new cars and used cars. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/the-hottest-cars-on-the-market-right-now-in-each-state-2/ | 2022-07-24T19:20:30Z |
Pennsylvania utility earns accolade for innovation in electric grid operation
ALLENTOWN, Pa., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL Electric Utilities is proud to announce it has been named POWER Magazine's 2022 Smart Grid Award winner for its work in creating and deploying an innovative and automated self-healing grid that improves overall reliability and reduces outages.
"Our groundbreaking use of technology has allowed us to blaze trails for the benefit of our customers," said PPL Electric Utilities President Steph Raymond. "The smart grid has been a tremendous tool to help keep the lights on for our customers. It's making our grid more reliable, and it's a major catalyst in building the utility of the future, today."
Knowing that the energy landscape was beginning to change, PPL Electric began implementing various innovations across its electric grid over the past decade with the goal of improving the safety and reliability of its power distribution network. Through a partnership with GE Digital, PPL Electric was able to apply GE's Advanced Distribution Management Solution (ADMS) software to its entire electric grid.
The new ADMS system also included a technology called Fault Isolation Service Restoration (FISR) which was achieved by deploying state-of-the-art sensors and switches across the grid that segment customers into smaller spans. If an outage occurs, FISR senses the problem and automatically reroutes power around the trouble spot to get most customers restored within seconds, keeping the outage contained without any human intervention and often without the customer even noticing.
PPL Electric was the first utility to centrally install FISR across its entire service territory to automate restorations. That network of smart devices, coupled with GE's advanced software system, has assisted PPL Electric in creating an autonomous, self-healing grid. In fact, since 2015, PPL Electric's smart grid has helped prevent more than 1.4 million customer outages. And, in 2021 alone, customers experienced 34% fewer outages compared to the average over the prior five years.
The smart grid is also improving data and analytics to bolster reliability. This data helps PPL Electric make more informed decisions about both maintenance and investments. The smart grid can also pinpoint issues, allowing for the dispatch of crews to an exact location, saving both time and money. Other benefits include a Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Management System that manages two-way power flow and advanced meters that enable customers to see usage.
Using industry-leading technology and innovation, PPL Electric has created a smart grid that is likely unrecognizable to utility workers of past generations. The smart grid, combined with other groundbreaking advancements, is helping PPL Electric continue to build the utility of the future, today. For more information on what PPL Electric is doing to innovate and improve grid reliability, visit pplelectric.com/reliability.
The POWER Smart Grid Award has been handed out since 2011 and recognizes outstanding smart grid projects, throughout the world, that demonstrate the benefits of new data-rich technologies to power generators, distribution utilities, and customers. For more information about the award, as well as previous winners, visit powermag.com/power-awards.
PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses in eastern and central Pennsylvania. It regularly ranks among the country's best utility companies for reliability and customer satisfaction. PPL Electric Utilities is a major employer and an active supporter of the communities it serves. It is a part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies. Visit pplelectric.com or connect on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for energy efficiency tips, bill help information, guidance on shopping for an electricity supplier, storm updates and more.
POWER has been known as a magazine for many years but has evolved to a trusted brand that includes publications, trade events and conferences, as well as electronic media. In all its formats, POWER provides important business operations, legal and regulatory news as well as operations and maintenance information, for the power industry. Through POWER, industry professionals learn about best practices, safety issues, improved productivity, and more. To learn more about POWER, visit their website at powermag.com.
Note to Editors: Visit our media website at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news and background about PPL Corporation.
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SOURCE PPL Electric Utilities | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/ppl-electric-utilities-earns-2022-power-magazine-smart-grid-award/ | 2022-08-24T18:42:29Z |
THE OPERATION INCLUDED 12 STATE MEMBERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, TARGETING UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS
PHOENIX , June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) synchronized a national coordinated enforcement effort the weeks of June 6 – 24, 2022, which included 12 NASCLA State Members who took part in this event across the country. States with regulatory agencies participating included: Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina (2), Oregon, Texas, and Utah.
Click here to view the full report: http://www.nascla.org/blogpost/1535522/Press-Releases
The national coordinated enforcement effort focused on elevating the regulatory agency's presence in the community and nationally. The goal of our state members was to come together in a united partnership to promote both consumer and public protection through the licensing and/or registration of contractors and tradesmen. The enforcement effort involved state public information departments, investigative departments, executive directors/officers and the public media.
This nationally coordinated collaboration among our state members provided the opportunity to protect the consumers, deter illegal construction activity and level the playing field for legitimate contractors in the construction industry. Along with combating the increased illegal unlicensed activity nationally, the intention was to warn consumers that they need to be aware of these activities for regulatory compliance.
Based on joint coordinated enforcement efforts during the weeks of June 6 – 24, 2022, NASCLA State Members reported a total of 775 that were found non-compliant with state licensing requirements. Administrative citations, criminal notices, legal actions, additional investigations, and more have been issued by the state contractor licensing agencies.
"This year's National Coordinated Enforcement Effort took place during the weeks of June 6 – 24, 2022 and had 12 state members participate. This program continues to grow as NASCLA, and its state members, are committed to tackling illegal construction practices across the country, so the playing field is leveled for all professionally licensed contractors who follow state laws, rules, and regulations. NASCLA would like to express gratitude to all the state members for their continued partnership and national enforcement efforts to safeguard the public and prevent unlicensed activity," stated Angie Whitaker, CAE, NASCLA Executive Director.
For more information on NASCLA, please visit our website at www.nascla.org or contact the association office at (623) 587-9354.
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SOURCE NASCLA | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/nascla-announces-2022-national-coordinated-enforcement-effort/ | 2022-06-30T15:38:04Z |
PITTSBURGH, July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Outer space is fascinating and I wanted to bring the universe closer to home," said an inventor, from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, "so I invented DESTINATION: EARTH. My design offers a new challenge based on our solar system as a fun activity to play during leisure time at home or at school."
The invention provides a new board game that uses strategy to travel our solar system. In doing so, it enhances fun and entertainment. It also could spark friendly competition and there are endless variations during game play. The invention features a fun and educational design that is easy to set up and play for up to 6 players and it is ideal for individuals age 8 and older. Additionally, the game has a Canadian copyright and a prototype is available.
The original design was submitted to the Toronto sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-TRO-609, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/inventhelp-inventor-develops-solar-system-themed-board-game/ | 2022-07-01T15:55:24Z |
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SuperBase Pro, Zendure's wheeled IoT power station, has received an award from Indiegogo recognizing excellence and innovation in energy and green technology.
Each year, Indiegogo celebrates products and campaigns in a number of categories and grants an award to one campaign in each category.
Zendure's SuperBase Pro power station had a very successful debut on Indiegogo, bringing in more than $1.3 million USD in funding over the course of its campaign. In total, SuperBase Pro has raised close to $2 million in crowdfunding since its launch last year. The power station has received several other accolades, including a Good Design Award, a Red Dot Design Award, an iF Design Award, and a Bousai Safety Mark from the Bousai-Anzen disaster-preparedness organization in Japan.
SuperBase Pro 2000 features IoT and GPS hardware, offline UPS functionality, and an intelligent companion app with remote control and green energy tracking features. Users earn green energy points through the app, which can be used to plant real trees around the world. The power station has built-in industrial grade wheels and an extending handle for maximum portability, and can deliver up to 4,000W of surge power. SuperBase Pro can be recharged to 80% in just one hour, and fully charged in two hours.
Zendure's power station SuperBase Pro has 14 output ports (12 in the EU model), plus a companion app that can control the inputs and outputs, track the power station's location, and even keep track of carbon offset through the use of sustainable energy. This is all possible thanks to the power station's built-in Wi-Fi, 4G, and GPS hardware.
Zendure is a portable power company with a focus on sustainable energy located in Silicon Valley in the United States and the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area in China. Since its establishment, Zendure has continuously launched innovative products, made rapid breakthroughs in the core technologies of energy storage and power supplies, and continues to bring pleasant surprises to the user experience. The company recently received a multi-million dollar series-A round of funding through a joint investment from Shanghai GP Capital and YOTRIO group.
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SOURCE Zendure | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/17/zendures-superbase-pro-wins-indiegogos-green-tech-award/ | 2022-06-17T15:29:34Z |
How to make autumn cocktails at home
Fall is around the corner which means it’s almost the season for sweater weather, apple cider, pumpkin everything and spicy autumnal cocktails. Although you could head to a cocktail bar for top-quality drinks, making fall cocktails from your home kitchen is easier than you may think.
With the right tools, ingredients, recipes and inspiration, you can make cocktails for your own summer send-off or autumn equinox party. By gathering ingredients that remind you of fall and making small tweaks to classic recipes, you can produce a cocktail menu to last through the season.
What you need to make fall cocktails
In order to make good cocktails at home, you need quality liquor, cocktail-making tools, fresh ice (preferably made with filtered water), fall ingredients and recipes.
Liquor, spirits and liqueurs
Every cocktail recipe requires at least one spirit, a high-proof liquor that has more alcohol than beer or wine. Common spirits are gin, whiskey, vodka, tequila and rum. Many cocktails also feature liqueurs, or cordials, which are sweetened lower-proof liquors that usually embody a specific flavor or blend of flavors. Popular cordials include triple sec (orange liqueur), Chambord (black raspberry), Kahlua (coffee-flavored) and amaretto (almond).
Many fall cocktails also feature amaro, a special liqueur named after the Italian word for “bitter.” Most Amari is variations on an herbal liqueur with their own unique recipes and ingredient lists, some of which go back hundreds of years. There is a wide variety of Amari available, and despite the different types, all Amari are bitter. An amaro of some kind is commonly used as a “secret ingredient” by bartenders and mixologists. If you use an amaro, make sure its flavor profile compliments the other ingredients in your drink.
Cocktail making tools
Making great-tasting drinks requires precision and the proper tools can make your experience easier and your cocktails delicious. If you plan on becoming an amateur mixologist, you may want to invest in a cocktail tool kit, complete with everything you need, and many kits even including a recipe book.
For simple cocktails, you only need a few tools, including the important jigger. With a small cup on one end and a larger one on the opposite end, a jigger provides the exact measurements you need for almost any single-serve cocktail ever created.
You also need a cocktail stirring spoon and shaker, which are the two tools commonly used to mix drinks. A stirring spoon is used to mix and chill drinks that are high in alcohol, like a martini, while a shaker is used to chill, dilute and texturize drinks with fresh juice or other low-proof and non-alcoholic ingredients. A large mixing glass is great for stirring drinks, as well, and a muddler is crucial for drinks with crushed fruit or herbs.
Punches are great to make regardless of the season, and they are easy to put together. Punches require a large number of ingredients, but once they are made, you have a convenient, self-serve beverage that serves a crowd. Some good punch bowl sets come with matching glasses to have unified decor.
Other ingredients
Fall cocktails have similar flavor profiles to other, non-alcoholic autumn-themed drinks. While ingredients vary based on the recipe. Common ingredients include cinnamon, cloves, baking spice, apple cider, demerara simple syrup, pumpkin spice and ginger. Sour drinks call for fresh juice, so make sure you have a hand juicer handy.
Fall cocktails to make at home
Autumn Sangria
This seasonal spin on the popular punch is a creative and delicious way to use both red wine and hard apple cider to capture the essence of the changing season, and it’s easy to make for a small crowd.
Ingredients: Spanish red wine, dry sparkling hard apple cider, orange peel, orange slices, apple slices, whole cherries, cinnamon sticks and demerara sugar
Combine one bottle of red wine, one large (750ml) bottle of sparkling cider, several orange peels, orange slices and apple slices, 1.5 cups of whole cherries, several cinnamon sticks and 2 tablespoons of demerara sugar in a 1-gallon pitcher. Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon and let them soak for an hour. Fill the pitcher with ice before stirring and serving sangria over ice.
Mulled Spice Apple Cider
Warm up with spiked, hot apple cider mulled with cinnamon, cloves and other tasty fall spices. It’s a great beverage to drink while gathering around a bonfire or just enjoying the changing color of the leaves.
Ingredients: One gallon of fresh apple cider, spiced rum, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, allspice, nutmeg, brown sugar and orange slices
Combine all non-alcoholic ingredients into a large saucepan and heat on a stove until boiling. Place the lid on the pan, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the ingredients and return to heat. Keep mulled cider hot either on the stove or in an insulated carafe. Add 1.5 ounces of spiced rum to a warm mug, fill with hot mulled cider and garnish with a whole cinnamon stick.
Bird’s Nest
For a boozier autumn libation, try this riff on a classic Martini and Martinez. Chicago’s Letherbee Distillery makes a new “autumnal gin” every fall, and each year features a new combination of aromatics and flavors.
Ingredients: Letherbee Autumnal gin, Yellow Chartreuse and Dolin dry vermouth
Add 1.5 ounces of autumnal gin, .5 ounce of yellow chartreuse liqueur and .5 ounce of dry vermouth to a large mixing glass, then fill with ice. Using a cocktail spoon, stir the spirits for about 10 seconds before straining them into a chilled glass.
Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Sour
Pumpkin spice fans can enjoy this sweet, sour and spiced cocktail. It’s great for newcomers to cocktails and old-school bourbon fans alike, and optional egg whites create a smooth and irresistible mouthfeel.
Ingredients: High-proof bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, pumpkin spice syrup and egg whites (optional)
Combine 2 ounces of high-proof bourbon whiskey, 1 ounce of lemon juice and .5 ounce of pumpkin spice syrup in a shaker tin. Shake for 5 seconds without ice, fill the shaker with ice and shake again for 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled glass. If you prefer to leave out the egg white, skip those steps and serve the drink over ice.
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/entertaining-br/4-easy-cocktails-to-make-this-fall/ | 2022-09-11T00:23:15Z |
The company announces initial investment of $26 million with an additional estimated $34.6 million expected over 5 years
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Conterra Ultra Broadband Holdings, Inc. ("Conterra Networks") today announced its continued investment in fiber network growth across Iredell, Catawba, and Burke counties with its initial investment of $26 million and an additional estimated $34.6 million expected over 5 years.
Conterra Networks designed and built its 100% fiber network in the North Carolina counties with symmetrical service and speeds of up to 10 Gbps and 99.99% network reliability. The company's local team manages the all-fiber network, which is now available to approximately 6,167 businesses and growing.
"We continue to prioritize the communities we serve by investing in local network infrastructure," said Craig Gunderson, President and CEO of Conterra Networks. "This investment is critical to the growth in Iredell, Catawba, and Burke counties. With the ever-increasing business connectivity requirements, we are always committed to enabling limitless communications opportunities for our customers by providing access to custom-designed, ultra-high-capacity broadband networks."
Conterra Networks is growing and investing in communities in North Carolina, including Salisbury, Kannapolis, Jacksonville, Morehead City, Statesville, Mooresville, Newton, Hickory, Morganton, Sanford, Rocky Mount, Greenville, Pinehurst, and Southern Pines. The expansion is part of the company's growing network infrastructure across the United States. To date, Conterra Networks has 13,250 fiber miles, 2,700 schools served, and over 7,500 on-net locations.
To learn more about Conterra Networks and the expansion efforts in North Carolina, visit www.conterra.com.
About Conterra Networks
Founded in 2001, and now operating 13,250 fiber miles, Conterra Networks is one of the largest remaining independent broadband infrastructure companies in the United States based on its optical fiber and fixed wireless network assets and annual recurring revenues. The company is owned by affiliates of APG and Fiera, along with significant participation by the company's senior management team. For more information about Conterra Networks, please visit www.conterra.com.
Media Contact
Name: Jacquelyn Llorca
Phone: 704-936-1755
Email: marketing@conterra.com
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SOURCE Conterra Ultra Broadband, LLC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/conterra-networks-continues-invest-fiber-network-growth-across-iredell-catawba-burke-counties/ | 2022-06-02T14:27:08Z |
Eyes on Kherson as Ukraine claims bold move on Russians
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - A surge in fighting on the southern front line and a Ukrainian claim of new attacks on Russian positions fed speculation Tuesday that a long-expected counteroffensive to try to turn the tide of war has started.
Officials in Kyiv, though, warned against excessive optimism in a war that has seen similar expectations of changing fortunes before.
Even though independent verification of battlefield moves has been extremely tough, the British defense ministry said in an intelligence report that, as of early Monday, “several brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces increased the weight of artillery fires in front line sectors across southern Ukraine.”
Attention centered on potential damage Ukraine might have inflicted on Russian positions around the port city of Kherson, a major economic hub close to the Black Sea and one of Moscow’s prized possessions since it started the invasion just over half a year ago.
Ukraine’s presidential office reported Tuesday that “powerful explosions continued during the day and night in the Kherson region. Tough battles are ongoing practically across all” of the strategic area. Ukrainian forces, the report said, have destroyed a number of ammunition depots in the region and all large bridges across the Dnieper that are vital to bring supplies to the Russian troops.
Russian state news agency Tass reported five explosions rocking Kherson on Tuesday morning — blasts likely caused by air defense systems at work.
The Ukrainian military’s Operation Command South also reported destroying a pontoon crossing the Dnieper that the Russian forces were setting up and hitting a dozen command posts in several areaas of the Kherson region with artillery fire.
“The most important thing is Ukrainian artillery’s work on the bridges, which the Russian military can no longer use,” Ukrainian independent military analyst Oleh Zhdanov told The Associated Press.
“Even the barges have been destroyed. The Russians can’t sustain forces near Kherson — this is the most important.”
On Monday, the southern command center’s Nataliya Gumenyuik told Ukrainian news outlet Liga.Net that Kyiv’s forces have launched offensive operations “in many directions in our area of responsibility and have breached the enemy’s first line of defense.” The statement quickly made headlines after weeks of reports that Ukraine forces were preparing an offensive there and as Ukrainian attacks on the Kherson region intensified.
Zhdanov said that Russia has three lines of defense in the Kherson region, and breaching the first one signals only “isolated offensive actions by the Ukrainian army.”
The war has ground to a stalemate over the past months with casualties rising and the local population bearing the brunt of suffering during relentless shelling in the east and also in the wider area around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia atomic power plant which has also been at the heart of fighting in Ukraine.
Amid fears the plant could be damaged, leading to a radioactive leak, a U.N. nuclear watchdog team has arrived in Kyiv and is further preparing a mission to safeguard the Russian-occupied plant from nuclear catastrophe.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the International Atomic Energy Agency experts, who will visit the plant in a country where the 1986 Chernobyl disaster spewed radiation throughout the region, shocking the world and intensifying a global push away from nuclear energy.
“Without an exaggeration, this mission will be the hardest in the history of IAEA,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.
Compounding an already complicated task is the inability of both sides in the war to agree on much beyond allowing the team to go there. Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of shelling the wider region around the nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, time and again.
Nikopol, which is just across the Dnieper River from the Zaporizhzhia plant, once again came under a barrage of heavy shelling, local authorities said, with a bus station, stores and a children’s library sustaining damage.
The dangers of an accident are now so high that officials have begun handing out anti-radiation iodine tablets to nearby residents.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to speculation about whether his forces had launched a major counteroffensive by asking in his nightly video address Monday, “Anyone want to know what our plans are? You won’t hear specifics from any truly responsible person. Because this is war.” His adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, cautioned against “super-sensational announcements” about a counteroffensive.
From the other side, the Moscow-appointed regional leader of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, dismissed the Ukrainian assertion of an offensive in the Kherson region as false. He said Ukrainian forces have suffered heavy losses in the area. And For its part, Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces had inflicted heavy personnel and military equipment losses on Ukrainian troops.
The Kherson region is just north of the Crimean peninsula that Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014 to set off a conflict that was frozen until the Feb. 24 invasion.
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Yuras Karmanau contributed from Tallinn, Estonia.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/30/eyes-kherson-ukraine-claims-bold-move-russians/ | 2022-08-30T09:48:48Z |
Washburn women’s soccer has fiery spirit heading into 2022
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - It was team photo day for Washburn’s Women’s Soccer team.
The Ichabods went 9-7-2 last season, their first winning season since 2017.
Head coach Davy Phillips says they lost four seniors but added eight new players for this year’s squad.
This year, all the players on his team, they’re his recruits and he feels that the team will prosper.
“One thing we’ve talked about is you have to be a killer in every element of the game, you have to impose yourself on the other team,” Phillips said. “It takes a killer mentality to do that. Like I said it’s a hungry group… but there is something different about this team that I’m excited about.”
Washburn Defender Carlee Thompson is feeling that fire in this team and Phillips has really drilled a good mindset into their team.
“Be up for any challenges, fitness, weights, culture, classes, anything like that,” Thompson said. “I think he’s really instilled that in us already this year especially in preseason and I think it’s going to be great when we can apply that on the field.”
All-MIAA second team defender Emily Michaelis has been around the program for a couple of years now, like Thompson. Michaelis feels the team will get over that hump this year.
“I think we know what it takes to win games and that’s what we’re hoping to do this year is to get more results and I think we’re coming back with more grit and intensity than we’ve had before.”
The Ichabods open the year at home against Oklahoma Baptist University August 25 at seven p.m.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/18/washburn-womens-soccer-has-fiery-spirit-heading-into-2022/ | 2022-08-18T03:17:45Z |
PITTSBURGH, June 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) last week received the results of the Federal Reserve's 2022 Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR). The Federal Reserve's CCAR disclosure included its estimate of PNC's minimum capital ratios for the period from the first quarter of 2022 through the first quarter of 2024 under the hypothetical Supervisory Severely Adverse scenario. Based on PNC's strong results, PNC's Stress Capital Buffer (SCB) for the four-quarter period beginning Oct. 1, 2022 is 2.9%. PNC's Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio significantly exceeds the regulatory minimum (4.5%) plus our SCB, reflecting our strong capital levels entering 2022 following the integration of BBVA USA.
Earlier this quarter, our board of directors authorized a new repurchase framework, under the already approved authorization for repurchases of up to 100 million common shares of which approximately 64% were still available for repurchase as of March 31, 2022. This framework and our SCB results allow for the continuation of our recent quarterly dollar average share repurchase levels, as well as the flexibility to increase those levels should conditions warrant. PNC's common share repurchases may be executed in privately negotiated transactions or through the open market, including under Rule 10b5-1 plans. The timing and amount of executed repurchases will be based on market conditions and other factors.
As previously disclosed, on April 1, 2022, the PNC board of directors raised the quarterly cash dividend on common stock to $1.50 per share, an increase of 25 cents per share, or 20%, which became effective with the May 5, 2022 dividend payment.
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
CONTACTS:
MEDIA:
Marcey Zwiebel
(412) 762-4550
media.relations@pnc.com
INVESTORS:
Bryan Gill
(412) 768-4143
investor.relations@pnc.com
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SOURCE The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/27/pnc-announces-stress-capital-buffer-scb/ | 2022-06-27T22:14:36Z |
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a safe, convenient and fun place to keep my lit cigar/cigarette on the golf cart when taking my golf shot," said one of two inventors, from St. Charles, Ill., "so we invented THE WEDGIE. Our design would ensure that the cigar/cigarette remains safe, clean and out of harm's way until you return to the golf cart."
The invention provides a unique holder for a cigar/cigarette. In doing so, it ensures that the cigar remains safe and lit. It also could enhance fun and style and it can be attached to most surfaces. The invention features a versatile and portable design that is easy to apply, position and use so it is ideal for individuals who smoke cigars/cigarettes, golfers, sports enthusiasts, etc. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype is available.
The original design was submitted to the Chicago sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-CHK-114, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/inventhelp-inventors-develop-portable-cigarcigarette-holder-chk-114/ | 2022-08-15T17:21:50Z |
Fire Marshal Kathy Clay to retire
JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) – After reaching 20 years of service to the community, Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal Kathy Clay announced she is retiring from Jackson Hole/Fire EMS in May 2022.
Starting as a volunteer member in the Hoback Fire Station, Clay realized how much she enjoyed the community engagement and important work the fire department does for the community. When a part-time fire inspector position became available in 2006, she filled the position and ultimately, found her passion.
In 2011, Clay became Wyoming’s first female Battalion Chief Fire Marshal, adding to the many “firsts” in her life journey.
“I have always hoped that other women and girls would see me in the positions I have held and say, if she can, I can,” Clay said. “To be given these opportunities has been a privilege and I hope that I have inspired others to be part of the good work we do in the fire service.”
Clay sits on many local and national committees and anticipates continuing being active in the fire service world.
She is an appointed member of the Wyoming Governor’s Council on Fire Prevention, represents the International Association of Wildland Fire on the Vision 20/20 Steering Committee, is a member of the Fire and Life Safety Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, serves with UL Fire Safety Institute Public Education Committee, is a nationally certified car seat instructor, and certified fire investigator.
Clay’s husband and Captain of the Hoback Fire Station, Mike Trumbower, will also retire this June after 36 years of volunteer service.
“Captain Trumbower’s leadership has guided and inspired the membership of the Hoback Station. He will be missed
by everyone,” Lieutenant Andrew Byron said.
Clay said she would have most likely not found the Fire Service if she had not met her husband.
Following their retirement, Clay and Trumbower will reside on their farm in Freedom, Idaho, enjoying the fruits of their labor, riding some mules, fishing on the Salt and putting up alfalfa hay. | https://localnews8.com/news/wyoming/2022/04/27/fire-marshal-kathy-clay-to-retire/ | 2022-04-27T19:00:23Z |
ARLINGTON, Va., June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Targeted Victory, a digital-first agency built for the mobile age, has acquired TMA Direct, a direct response firm in the political data and marketing arena, to expand its political division's capability to build national coalitions of grassroots advocates. Together, they will raise over $1.5 billion for campaigns and causes this cycle.
The combined entity will provide marketing expertise and infrastructure, as well as integrated data and technology offerings to modernize how political campaigns are funded and managed.
"Voters are more in tune with what's happening in the political sphere than ever before, but their involvement doesn't just stop and start at the ballot," said Zac Moffatt, CEO, Targeted Victory. "They're motivated by grassroots advocacy and increasingly embracing the role of digital services in their engagement. This acquisition will support our clients' efforts to meet the demands of the modern, digitally forward voter."
TMA Direct CEO Mike Murray will assume the role of Political Chairman at Targeted Victory, where he will play a key leadership role in the expansion of its political division.
"With voters turning out in record numbers, campaigns today demand best-in-class marketing solutions that are powered by data and technology," said Mike Murray, CEO, TMA Direct. "We're excited to build on Targeted Victory's unparalleled success as the industry-leading digital marketing agency on the right to deliver a critical competitive edge for clients."
About Targeted Victory
Targeted Victory is a digital first agency built for the mobile age. Built by digital marketers, we have spent the past seven election cycles honing tactics and leveraging award-winning expertise to build the leading digital marketing and advertising agency on the right. We focus on winning and moving at the speed of politics to provide outstanding, senior-level service intended to scale with our clients.
We have raised our clients more than $1.5 billion in online fundraising, managed over $330 million in digital advertising, delivered over 13 billion emails and 3 billion texts and produce over 10,000 unique creatives each month.
Targeted Victory is the proud recipient of the 2022 Reed Award for Best Employer, 2021 Campaign Tech Award for Best Employer, 2021 Reed Award for Best Employer: Work-From-Home Transition, and 2015 Washington Post Best Place to Work. www.targetedvictory.com
About TMA
TMA is a direct response marketing leader in big data innovation. We combine unparalleled marketing expertise with technology that connects our clients to customers utilizing both traditional and cutting-edge media channels. We build customized data solutions that achieve organizational goals. www.tmadirect.com
Press Contact:
Matt Gorman
mgorman@targetedvictory.com
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SOURCE Targeted Victory | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/targeted-victory-acquires-tma-direct-expand-political-division-with-scaled-digital-marketing-services/ | 2022-06-03T00:54:38Z |
DC Films fans were treated to new footage from "Black Adam" and "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, and stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Zachary Levi were both on hand with surprises up their superheroic sleeves.
Levi, who plays Shazam, led the first half of a panel that would later see Johnson, dressed in his Black Adam costume, appear to levitate while smoke and lightning surrounded him.
Read on for new details and plot teases from the upcoming films. (DC Films shares parent company Warner Bros. Discovery with CNN.)
'Shazam' trailer introduces Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu
In the trailer for the upcoming "Shazam!" sequel, Levi's hero is in a funk. He compares himself to the most popular DC heroes, including Batman and Superman, who admittedly do have decades of fame and butt-kicking to their names.
"I don't deserve these powers," he muses. "What am I even contributing?"
(Quick "Shazam!" primer here: The hero is actually a teenage boy named Billy who transforms into adult superhero Shazam, played by Levi, who summons the power of multiple gods when he says his name aloud. His whining here makes more sense when you consider his true age.)
To lighten the mood, the trailer introduces Lucy Liu and Helen Mirren as villains "Daughters of Atlas," who appear to want to take back the "power of all the gods" that Shazam and his teenage buddies "stole" to become adult superheroes.
We don't know yet how Shazam and the gang will defeat these wicked women, but we do see a glimpse of Rachel Zegler (Maria in Steven Spielberg's remake of "West Side Story"), whose character looks to be an instrumental part of the growing franchise.
'Black Adam' broods
The new "Black Adam" footage that Johnson dramatically introduced was somehow even moodier than that of the teenage Shazam: "My powers are not a gift but a curse," Johnson's Black Adam grumbles.
Later, after Pierce Brosnan, Noah Centineo and a winged Aldis Hodge appear in the trailer, Black Adam gets even gloomier: "The world needed a hero. Instead, it got me."
Jeez, Adam; leave the brooding to Batman! The plot particulars of "Black Adam" are still mostly unknown, but we know from comics that Black Adam is an antihero or villain, depending on who you ask, who can also tap into Shazam powers. Both super-powered men bear the same lightning bolt on their uniforms, though Adam's is sullied by mud, dirt and inner turmoil.
"Black Adam" will be released October 21, and exactly two months later, "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" hits theaters.
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From Artificial Intelligence to the Arts and Gaming, Industry Experts Touch on Some of the Most Prominent Topics in Computer Graphics
CHICAGO, Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SIGGRAPH 2022 highlights the many voices that have facilitated the evolution of computer graphics and interactive techniques. The Frontiers and Retrospective programs feature pioneers and industry experts in panels and workshops for a passionate look at untold stories, influential voices, emerging topics, and new breakthroughs. The 49th annual conference runs 8–11 August in person, and virtually 25 July–31 October 2022.
The Retrospective program brings together the pioneers and leaders who have enabled computer graphics to improve lives. Panel topics have pioneers and practitioners taking ideas into new directions, compelling the industry to rethink assumptions, take risks, and achieve greatness. Panel topics include foundational events in computer graphics, how computer graphics impacts lives, how interfaces to computer graphics have evolved, and the groundbreakers and the unheard voices that have expanded computer graphics and user interfaces.
The Frontiers program aims to identify emerging fields and introduce new communities to SIGGRAPH, where we hope to form future partnerships and collaborations with sectors we may not have previously considered. The goal of the program is to make these conferences the place where new, exciting technologies in and adjacent to computer graphics and interactive techniques are being discovered and advanced. Through a series of talks and workshops, the Frontiers program aims to spark research and innovation in new areas such as AR/VR, AI, robotics, arts, visualization, gaming, responsible innovation, and more.
"While many computer graphics advancements have been recorded in textbooks and archives, there are still many noteworthy yet untold stories and unheard voices," said Benjamin Lok, SIGGRAPH 2022 Retrospective program chair. "With our Retrospective panels, we go behind the images with a wide range of people and hear about their journeys to learn about critical moments, foundational events, and advancements that are impacting all of us today."
Highlights of the Retrospective program include:
Moderator: Mary Whitton, UNC Chapel Hill (Dept. of Computer Science, retired)
Panelists: Jon Meads, NW Old Boys Rugby Club (retired); Maxine Brown, University of Illinois Chicago; Marcelo Knorich Zuffo, Universidade de Sao Paulo; Joaquim Jorge, Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), INESC-ID
Computer graphics pioneers share how computer graphics expanded both throughout the United States and into different parts of the world. Their lessons learned along the way can be applied by today's professionals for continued groundbreaking work in today's new and fluid landscape.
Moderator: Masha Shugrina, NVIDIA Corporation
Panelists: Carolina Cruz-Neira, University of Central Florida; Holly Rushmeier, Yale University; Joan Collins, ACM SIGGRAPH, West Coast Pictures, LLC; Theresa-Marie Rhyne, theresamarierhyne.com; Kristine Middlemiss, monstersaliensrobotszombies.com
Powerful Women in Graphics panelists share industry and academic viewpoints and career journeys that have contributed to the historic advancements in computer graphics. Participants learn about opportunities on the horizon for the women in technology community and how the past can influence the future in this exciting time of growth.
Moderator: Brian Wyvill, University of Victoria
Panelists: Yoichiro Kawaguchi, The University of Tokyo (Emeritus); Eugene Fiume, Simon Fraser University; David Kasik, ACM SIGGRAPH; Alyn Rockwood, ACM SIGGRAPH
Diverse panelists, all of them innovators and disruptors, look at how computer graphics is used to change the worlds of art, science, engineering, and — at the core of computer graphics itself — modeling. Their pathways to success serve as an inspiration for young SIGGRAPHers looking to make disruptions in their own chosen fields.
"Advancements in artificial intelligence, as well as augmented and virtual reality presents the need to talk about the latest in computer graphics to connect users to virtual environments and more," stated Vathsal Veena Shashidhar, SIGGRAPH 2022 Frontiers program chair. "The talks and workshops allow us, as innovators, to cover these topics and much more. We can inspire and influence creators to make their impact in the physical and virtual worlds."
Highlights of the Frontiers program include:
Contributor: Yaser Sheikh, Meta Research
Yaser Sheikh of Meta Reality Labs discusses progress toward achieving metric telepresence. He describes Meta's approach using codec avatars — neural networks to address computer vision and computer graphics problems in signal transmission and reception of photorealistic avatars. He also introduces the large-scale systems required to train codec avatars, visually and acoustically, and the research challenges ahead to achieve metric telepresence at scale.
Contributor: Aaron Hertzmann, Adobe Research
Can AI algorithms make art and be considered artists? Within the past decade, the growth of new neural network algorithms has enabled exciting new artforms with considerable public interest. Aaron Hertzmann discusses how these developments parallel the development of previous artistic technologies, like oil paint, photography, and traditional computer graphics.
Access to the Retrospective and Frontiers programs at SIGGRAPH 2022 is available in person and online. Learn more and register for the conference at s2022.SIGGRAPH.org/register.
ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2022, the 49th annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place as a hybrid event, with live events 8–11 August at the Vancouver Contention Centre and virtual content available starting 25 July through 31 October. Click here for news from the conference and its partners.
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SOURCE SIGGRAPH | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/04/siggraph-2022-moves-forward-looks-back-frontiers-retrospective-programs-showcase-how-legacy-drives-innovation/ | 2022-08-04T23:59:30Z |
CHICAGO (AP) — Ian Happ offered Nico Hoerner some friendly advice after he hit the majors’ first homer of 2022.
“Keep hitting more,” Happ cracked. “Yeah, try not to get cold after that.”
It was that kind of opening day for the Chicago Cubs.
Happ had three hits, including a tiebreaking two-run double in the seventh inning, and the Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 on Thursday.
Hoerner hit a two-run homer and Kyle Hendricks pitched neatly into the sixth, leading Chicago to the victory on a chilly, overcast afternoon at Wrigley Field. Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki reached three times and scored in his first big league game.
“Who had Nico in the first homer pool?” Cubs manager David Ross joked after the win.
On a day stuffed full of firsts and debuts, Milwaukee ace Corbin Burnes and catcher Omar Narváez became the first battery to use baseball’s new electronic pitch-calling system in a regular-season game. The 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner allowed three runs and four hits in five innings.
“Never really actually found the command of the cutter,” Burnes said. “Kind of one of those things, I found it a little bit in the third, but then I just kind of lost it.”
Suzuki singled in the fifth for his first big league hit and walked twice. The 27-year-old finalized an $85 million, five-year contract with Chicago in March in the Cubs’ biggest move of the offseason.
“In all my at-bats I was able to be myself,” Suzuki said through a translator, “so just enjoyed the game today.”
Andrew McCutchen, Willy Adames and Rowdy Tellez each had two hits for Milwaukee, and Lorenzo Cain drove in two runs. McCutchen served as the designated hitter in his first game with his new team after agreeing to a one-year deal last month.
The Brewers erased a 3-1 deficit with two runs in the seventh, but the Cubs went ahead to stay in the bottom half.
With runners on the corners and two outs, Happ hit a drive off Jake Cousins that caromed off the wall in center. Clint Frazier and Willson Contreras scored on Happ’s second double of the day.
Happ, who homered on baseball’s first pitch of the 2018 season, had elbow surgery in February, but he is feeling pretty good now — about himself and his team.
“Burnes starting Game 1, to be able to kind of put up some runs there and then get a few more and tack on, that says a lot for where we’re at as a team,” Happ said.
The reigning NL Central champions got one back on Cain’s sacrifice fly in the eighth, but David Robertson worked the ninth for his first save since 2018 and No. 138 for his career.
Milwaukee went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base.
“It felt like a game, we didn’t time our hits very well,” manager Craig Counsell said.
Aaron Ashby (0-1) got the loss. He was charged with one run and three hits in 1 2/3 innings.
Making his third consecutive opening-day start, Hendricks permitted one run and three hits in 5 1/3 innings. The right-hander, who had a career-high 4.77 ERA last year, struck out seven and walked three.
Chris Martin (1-0) got two outs for the win in his Cubs debut.
The Brewers jumped in front when McCutchen singled and scored the majors’ first run on Cain’s groundout in the fourth. But the Cubs responded with three in the fifth.
Patrick Wisdom hit a sacrifice fly before Hoerner drove a 1-1 pitch from Burnes into the bleachers in left for a tiebreaking two-run shot. It was Hoerner’s first big league homer since Sept. 21, 2019, against St. Louis.
“Sometimes it just lines up,” a smiling Hoerner said.
HE’S HERE
Victor Caratini made his Milwaukee debut when he came on to catch Ashby in the bottom of the sixth. Caratini was acquired in a trade with San Diego on Wednesday.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Brewers: INF Luis Urías (left quad strain) and RHP Justin Topa (right forearm flexor strain) were placed on the 10-day injured list. Each IL stint was made retroactive to Monday.
Cubs: RHP Alec Mills (low back strain), LHP Wade Miley (elbow inflammation) and SS Andrelton Simmons (right shoulder inflammation) went on the 10-day IL. Each IL stint was made retroactive to Monday.
UP NEXT
Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff and Cubs left-hander Justin Steele start on Friday afternoon. But there is a wintry mix of precipitation in the forecast. Woodruff went 9-10 with a career-best 2.56 ERA in 30 starts last year. Steele made his big league debut in 2021, going 4-4 with a 4.26 ERA in 20 appearances, including nine starts.
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Jay Cohen can be reached at https://twitter.com/jcohenap
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/ian-happ-gets-3-hits-as-cubs-beat-brewers-5-4-on-opening-day/ | 2022-04-08T00:00:52Z |
WUHAN, China and SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurophth Therapeutics, Inc., ("Neurophth") today announced that the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has granted a Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) to the Company's leading gene therapy drug candidate, NR082 (rAAV2-ND4), for the treatment of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) associated with mtND4 mutation.
NR082 (rAAV2-ND4), a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector, serotype 2, containing human ND4 codon-optimized gene under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter and enhancer, is a novel gene therapy product that is being developed for the treatment of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) associated with mtND4 mutations. Phase I/II/III clinical trials are currently underway after the IND clearance by the China NMPA. Leveraging gene therapy strategy, NR082 viral vector is used through intravitreal injection to deliver the corrective genes to the patients' damaged retinal ganglion cell (RGC), therefore to repair the mitochondrial respiratory chain, improve the sensory function of the RGC and restore the visual function in LHON patients.
A breakthrough therapy must provide effective treatment or prevention for a seriously debilitating or life-threatening condition that has no effective therapy or demonstrate substantial improvement over available therapies. Breakthrough Therapy Designation instituted in China is designed to expedite the development and review of innovative drugs presenting significant clinical advantages. According to the CDE, BTD provides opportunities for more intensive CDE guidance and discussion with respect to clinical trials and development strategy, and for priority review later.
"The BTD is a great milestone for Neurophth and NR082. It's also an important advancement toward addressing the unmet medical need in LHON patients with a China gene therapy." said Prof. Bin Li, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Neurophth, "Further support from the CDE will help us accelerate the clinical development and commercialization of NR082. Neurophth will advance the Phase III clinical trial in China, as well as clinical trials in the U.S. Our team is fully committed to bringing NR082 to the market as soon as possible, alleviating patients from ophthalmic diseases with a transforming gene therapy."
Ms. Yiyuan Chen, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs of Neurophth, commented, "We are very pleased to receive CDE's BTD, which is another good news following the orphan drug designation (ODD) by the U.S. FDA and EMA, and the IND clearance by both China NMPA and U.S. FDA. This reinforces our confidence in advancing NR082 to be the first marketed gene therapy for ophthalmic diseases in China. Neurophth will continue our work in hopes that this new gene therapy will soon benefit patients around the world."
About Neurophth
Neurophth is China's leading in-vivo gene therapy company for ophthalmic diseases. With subsidiaries in China (Wuhan, Shanghai, and Suzhou) and US (San Diego, California), Neurophth, a fully integrated company, is striving to discover and develop genomic medicines for patients suffering from genetic diseases globally. Our validated AAV platform, which has been published in Nature - Scientific Reports, Ophthalmology, and EBioMedicine, has successfully delivered proof-of-concept investigator-initiated trials data of 186 subjects with investigational gene therapies in the retina. Our most advanced investigational gene therapy drug candidate, NR082 (rAAV2-ND4), in development for the treatment of mtND4-mediated LHON, has been granted orphan drug designation (ODD) by the U.S. FDA and EMA. After the IND clearance by the China NMPA in March 2021 and the U.S. IND by FDA in January 2022, Neurophth has successfully completed an EOP2 meeting with CDE and reached an agreement on the design of the Phase III clinical trial. The pipeline also includes mtND1-mediated LHON (the Company's 2nd US ODD), autosomal dominant optic atrophy, optic neuroprotection, vascular retinopathy, and five other preclinical candidates. Neurophth has scaled up in-house manufacturing capability in Suzhou facility utilizing single-use technologies to support future commercial demand. To learn more about us and our growing pipeline, visit www.neurophth.com.
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SOURCE Neurophth Therapeutics, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/china-cde-grants-breakthrough-therapy-designation-btd-neurophths-nr082-lhon/ | 2022-07-15T13:30:52Z |
Acquisitions Propel Talent Systems As Leading Source for Reality TV Casting and Crew
LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Talent Systems®, the software provider for casting and auditioning that connects talent and their representatives with casting directors, has acquired the eTribez Casting Platform, becoming the leading source worldwide for reality television talent casting. It has also acquired Staff Me Up, the leading production crew professional network with a heavy focus on unscripted productions. With these additions, Talent Systems can provide unscripted shows with all of the tools they need to fully cast and crew their productions.
The eTribez Casting Platform, previously led by eTribez CEO Eli Abayan, has been used to cast some of the most recognizable reality shows around the globe, including "Survivor," "Big Brother," "Idol," "Love Island," and "MasterChef." Staff Me Up, led by CEO Jared Tobman, is the top professional network for hiring qualified crew members and creatives and also developed Coded for Inclusion, which works with diversity advocacy organizations and studios, including A+E Networks, Warner Bros. Discovery, Banijay Americas and Amazon Studios, to improve inclusive hiring for historically underrepresented groups.
"These acquisitions extend the Talent Systems offerings into the reality TV vertical through both talent casting and crew staffing," said Talent Systems Co-CEOs Alex Amin and Rafi Gordon. "We are also excited to continue to grow and support Coded for Inclusion in collaboration with the Staff Me Up team."
More than 8 million people have registered with the eTribez Casting Platform. This end-to-end software offers talent a secure front-end registration system, and helps casting directors, production companies, and networks manage the tens of thousands of applications one reality show may receive. Staff Me Up connects 350,000 crew freelancers to exclusive production jobs at more than 3,000 networks, studios and production companies, and its staff of nine will join the Talent Systems team.
Later this year, the eTribez Casting Platform will be rebranded under the Talent Systems portfolio while eTribez will continue to independently run its separate Production Management Platform. In the coming months, Staff Me Up will expand its hiring and networking platform, which currently focuses on unscripted crew, into scripted TV and film production.
For more information about Talent Systems, visit TalentSystems.com.
Talent Systems is the parent company of Cast It Systems, Casting Networks®, Spotlight, Casting Frontier, and Modasphere. These platforms, along with the eTribez Casting Platform and Staff Me Up, will continue to operate independently while leveraging each other's technology. More information about Talent Systems' portfolio of casting solutions can be found at https://www.talentsystems.com/about/.
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SOURCE Talent Systems | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/talent-systems-acquires-etribez-casting-platform-staff-me-up/ | 2022-06-16T16:41:10Z |
Goodwill Industries International Names Jacob Barrett its 2022 Achiever of the Year
ROCKVILLE, Md. , July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacob Barrett epitomizes the adage, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." For Barrett, who has a visual impairment, is deaf and has a disability, the added layers of challenges never prevented him from reaching for and achieving his goals. That is why Goodwill Industries International is proud to honor Barrett as its 2022 Achiever of the Year. Barrett was honored recently at the annual Goodwill Delegate Assembly.
Barrett attended the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, where he earned a certificate of completion when he was 22 years old. That wasn't the end of his educational career, however, because he dreamed of obtaining his high school diploma. He got his chance when he learned about The Excel Center® while he was employed as a part-time book scanner at Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana (Shelbyville). The Excel Center is a tuition-free adult high school operated by Goodwill where adult learners can earn an Indiana Core 40 high school diploma and industry-recognized certifications.
As one of the first students to enroll when the school opened in Shelbyville, Ind., Barrett entered the high school program with few credits. Over the course of two years, he earned his diploma and a certification in IT Fundamentals. It wasn't easy. He struggled with math and worked with a tutor for additional instruction. He says he took the end-of-course math assessment three times and finally passed on the fourth attempt.
Today, Barrett is a Shopgoodwill.com® product specialist. He is responsible for identifying, selecting and shipping high-value items to Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana's ecommerce facility to support the growth of online sales. He continues to work with his Goodwill Mission Coach to set future goals, including going to college and becoming an IT support specialist.
With the help and support of The Excel Center, he enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College. So far, he has completed the Ivy Tech Comp TIA A+ Core 1 certification, and he is working toward achieving the Core 2 certification.
"When I first went to Ivy Tech, it was thrilling and exciting, because I never dreamed I'd be in college," Barrett said.
"Jacob's most prominent qualities are his grit and determination. For Jacob, it's not a matter of whether he can do something, but rather what steps will he take to get there," said Kent Kramer, president and CEO of Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana. "His resilience and ability to bounce back again and again after failure is laudable and something few are willing to do. He carries within him a deep-rooted sense of optimism and hope that he can overcome any challenge he chooses to commit to and work for."
In addition to his full-time job at Goodwill and his college classes, Barrett also participates in multiple Special Olympics sports, including basketball, swimming, softball and corn hole.
"At Goodwill, we are committed to helping people reach their full potential through learning and the power of work," said Steven C. Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "Jacob demonstrates every day through his actions and effort that anything is possible, and we're pleased that Goodwill is able to play a role in helping people like Jacob move into and advance through the workforce."
About the Award: Goodwill Industries International's Achiever of the Year is a person who has shown great progress and accomplishment in overcoming challenges to finding employment, and who still benefits from the Goodwill work environment or receives services to support employment at a community site.
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 155 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 12 other countries. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps people find employment, Goodwill is recognized with GuideStar's highest rating, the Platinum Seal of Approval.
Local Goodwill organizations offer employment opportunities, job placement and training services, and other community-based programs, which are funded by selling donated clothing and household items in nearly 3,300 stores and online at ShopGoodwill.com®.
For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: GoodwillIntl. Register for our Legislative Action Center via advocate.goodwill.org.
Media Contact:
Amber Shelton
amber.shelton@goodwill.org
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SOURCE Goodwill Industries International | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/goodwill-team-member-never-gives-up-overcomes-challenges-with-goal-tech-career/ | 2022-07-13T17:07:50Z |
Announces Addition of Indoor Pickleball Courts at Select locations For Members
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- YouFit Gyms, the popular nationwide fitness chain, today, on National Pickleball Day, announced a Charity Pickleball Tournament taking place on September 17-18, 2022 at four South Florida locations. As part of the gym's YouFit Lifts initiative, a community focused program that partners with, and supports, local charities and nonprofit organizations in the communities surrounding their 80 locations across the country, the Pickleball Tournament will donate all funds raised to the Cancer Research Institute in honor of longtime employee, David Sarner, who recently lost his battle to the disease.
Former professional tennis player and YouFit Gyms CEO, Brian Vahaly is excited to bring the fastest growing sport in the country to YouFit. "We strive to make fitness affordable and fun and with the addition of indoor pickleball in our clubs we continue to succeed," says Vahaly. "Pickleball is an incredible exercise for both beginners and experienced players and the sport helps to build a sense of community, another important pillar for YouFit."
The tournament is open to the public as well as members and there will be a $20 entry fee to participate. All funds will be donated to the Cancer Research Institute. Tournament Winners will receive a one-year Premium + Membership to YouFit Gyms and a 2-month supply of energy drinks from CELSIUS, the tournament sponsor. Tournament locations include:
South Pompano - 401 S Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL, 33060
North Lauderdale - 7346 West Mcnab Road, North Lauderdale, FL, 33068
Sunrise - 2101 N University Drive, Sunrise, FL 33322
West Boca Sandalfoot - 23078 Sandalfoot Plaza Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33428
YouFit Gyms is partnering with Pickleball Is Great, a leading pickleball tournament management company, to help run the tournament, bracket system and ensure that players have the proper equipment. Keeping participants energized throughout the two-day event, CELSIUS will be on hand providing samples of their energy drink that is clinically proven to boost metabolism and provide essential energy via formulas infused with essential vitamins and minerals and functional ingredients.
To sign up to participate, visit https://pickleballbrackets.com/ptd.aspx?eid=c6fa70db-b56a-44ee-8852-8017874e331f
Additionally, YouFit will offer indoor pickleball with complimentary equipment rentals at these four locations for Premium and Premium+ members. YouFit has plans to roll out pickleball in more locations over the course of the coming months. "As a former professional tennis player, I understand the benefits pickleball and all racket sports have on mental and physical health," says Vahaly. "Studies have shown that racket sports lower the risk of death from heart disease and stroke by 56%. Our ability to provide our YouFit members a totally different form of exercise that not only boosts health, but also provides a sense of community and fun, is something we are very proud of," Vahaly continued.
For more information or to find a YouFit Gyms location near you, visit https://youfit.com/. Follow on social media at @YouFitGyms.
With 80 locations nationwide, YouFit Gyms offers a premium fitness experience at an accessible price. Memberships start at $9.99 and individual personal training sessions cost as low as $35. YouFit Gyms offer everything from Olympic weightlifting platforms and endless cardio equipment, to small group personal training, high-energy fitness classes, customized nutrition advice from registered dietitians, and virtual fitness classes. By combining cutting-edge workouts and high-end amenities with an unbeatable price, YouFit Gyms members can take charge of their wellness journey, no matter what fitness level they start from.
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SOURCE YouFit Gyms | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/youfit-gyms-hosts-charity-indoor-pickleball-tournament-four-south-florida-locations-benefiting-cancer-research-institute/ | 2022-08-08T15:25:58Z |
The National Football League (NFL) honored Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday, with a moment of silence before its 2022-2023 season kickoff game.
The moment was held in memory of the 96-year-old monarch, “whose message of unity and peace inspired people throughout the world for generations,” the game announcer said.
The moment occurred prior to the start of the season opener between the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi stadium in the California city.
Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland. A funeral for the late queen will be held in 10 days.
King Charles III, the son of Queen Elizabeth and former prince of Wales, immediately ascended to king on Thursday. His wife, Camilla, will now be known as the Queen Consort.
Charles called the queen’s passing “a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” in a statement.
He added, “I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.” | https://cw33.com/news/nfl-honors-queen-elizabeth-ii-with-moment-of-silence-during-season-opener/ | 2022-09-09T16:09:09Z |
Best LifeStraw water purifiers
Whether you’re on a camping trip or in an emergency at home, access to water is critical. A LifeStraw personal water filter can make practically any water safe to drink by filtering out bacteria, parasites and microplastics.
LifeStraw makes a range of water filtering products. The best one for you depends on what you want from a water purifier and when you might plan to use it.
Why would I need a LifeStraw?
The draw of a LifeStraw is that you can use it to safely drink practically any water, including water from lakes, rivers and even puddles. This is ideal if you want to pack light on a long hike or camping trip — rather than bringing enough water to last all day or for several days, you can bring a LifeStraw water bottle and fill it up whenever you spot a body of water. You might also need a LifeStraw in emergencies where tap water is unavailable or unsafe to drink. For more details, see the full guide to water purifiers at BestReviews.
How LifeStraws work
LifeStraws contain a microfiltration membrane that traps all kinds of bacteria, chemicals and parasites, as well as physical contaminants, like sand and silt. As the water travels from one end of the LifeStraw to the other, the membrane catches them so that they don’t make it out of the drinking end. Its simple design does not require batteries or any power source.
Best LifeStraw water filters
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
The classic LifeStraw filter consists of just a straw-like filter that you can drink water through. You can drink from a glass of water or even directly from the source — pop one end in a pond or stream and drink away. This is the most affordable type of LifeStraw but when hiking, it doesn’t give you the convenience of letting you carry water around with you.
Sold by Amazon
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
This LifeStraw water bottle makes it more convenient to drink filtered water on the go. It’s great for hiking as you can fill it up whenever you spot a suitable body of water so that you have water ready to drink when you need it. It features a two-stage filter with the addition of a carbon filter to get rid of chemicals from water. The included carabiner allows you to easily clip it to a pack or belt loop.
Sold by Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond
LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
A stainless steel alternative to the original LifeStraw Go, this water bottle is a great choice for anyone who would prefer to use less plastic. It also has the benefit of being insulated to keep your water cool. Like the plastic model, it has a two-stage filter with a carbon filtration system and a handy carabiner.
Sold by Amazon
LifeStraw Flex Multi-Function Water Filter System
This is a versatile alternative to the classic LifeStraw with a two-stage filter featuring both a membrane filter and a carbon filter to trap chemicals. You can use this LifeStraw product like a straw to drink water from drinking vessels or straight from a water source, use it with the included soft-touch water bottle or use it in line with your own gravity filter or hydration pack bladder.
Sold by Amazon
LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag
An alternative iteration of the LifeStraw Flex, it comes with a one-gallon gravity bag rather than a water bottle. It’s a great choice for camping trips, as you can fill the bag, hang it up and have water on “tap” when you need it. When you don’t need the gravity bag, you can use the filter on its own or inline with a hydration pack.
Sold by Amazon
LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher
The best option for home use, the LifeStraw pitcher has a dual membrane and carbon filter that filters water as you put it into the pitcher, leaving it clean and ready to pour into a glass. It filters out chemicals, bacteria, parasites and solids, such as silt, making it a great choice if your home water supply isn’t as pure as you’d like it to be or you’re worried about contamination.
Sold by Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond
LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System
With a large 12 liter/3.2 gallon gravity bag, this water purification system is great when camping in large groups or for home use if your water supply is cut off. It’s completely gravity-fed so there’s no need for a pump. It can filter 9-12 liters per hour.
Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/water-containers-accessories-br/which-lifestraw-personal-water-filter-should-i-get/ | 2022-07-20T23:28:07Z |
(The Hill) – President Biden said Sunday that the Group of Seven (G7) nations will ban Russian gold imports to further impose financial costs on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.
“The United States has imposed unprecedented costs on Putin to deny him the revenue he needs to fund his war against Ukraine,” Biden tweeted on Sunday. “Together, the G7 will announce that we will ban the import of Russian gold, a major export that rakes in tens of billions of dollars for Russia.”
Biden’s announcement came on the first day of a G7 meeting in Germany; a formal announcement is expected later on during the summit.
While it does not bring in as much money as energy, gold is a major source of revenue for the Russian economy. Restricting exports to G7 economies will cause more financial strain to Russia as it wages the war in Ukraine.
The G7 includes the United States, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy.
The U.S. and its allies have been searching for more ways to punish Russia for the bloody war that recently entered its fifth month. Biden has announced waves of penalties coordinated with allies that range from sanctions on Russian officials and oligarchs to export controls to sanctions on major Russian banks.
Still, Europeans are limited in what they can do because of their dependence on Russian energy imports. European countries have vowed to phase out Russian oil but have not taken steps like the U.S. to do so immediately.
Biden administration officials teased new announcements to squeeze Russia ahead of Biden’s trip to Europe and it’s possible there will be more announcements beyond the plan to ban Russian gold imports.
Biden embarked on the trip to Europe for the G7 meeting and, later, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit with the goal of demonstrating unity with allies on keeping up pressure on Russia even as the war roils the global economy.
Biden spent Sunday morning meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and later participated in a working lunch with other leaders.
A White House readout of Biden’s meeting with Scholz indicated Ukraine was a main topic of conversation.
“The leaders underlined their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their continued provision of military, economic, humanitarian, and diplomatic support to help Ukraine defend its democracy against Russian aggression,” the White House readout said. “The leaders also discussed efforts to alleviate the impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine on global food and energy security.”
Biden also thanked Scholz for committing to boosting Germany’s defense spending above NATO’s 2 percent of gross domestic product target.
A White House official characterized the meeting as “very warm and friendly” and said there was “very broad alignment on all of the issues that they discussed and all the common challenges that our countries are working on together.” | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/biden-says-g7-will-ban-russian-gold-imports/ | 2022-06-26T15:40:59Z |
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