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  • MIL-OSI Europe: The European Financial Industry of the Future | 6. Frankfurt Digital Finance Conference & European Fintech Day

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    Check against delivery.
    Ladies and gentlemen,
    I’m glad to join you today at the “Gesellschaftshaus Palmengarten”. Its history goes back to the 19th century. It was the “Gründerzeit” or “founders’ period” – an era of strong economic expansion in Germany – when this building was constructed. And when Germany was developed as an industrial location. Developed by people, men and women, lead by curiosity, innovation, and a desire to achieve.
    We have to cast our minds back a few years to see times of growth, real innovation and increasing productivity in Europe.
    1 The role of the financial industry
    In the 2010s Germany had a period of solid growth that some called “the golden decade”. 
    Today, however, we see a need for growth and increasing productivity. Hence, our competitiveness is at stake. Not only in Germany, but also in other parts of Europe. And this comes at a time, when we are facing numerous major challenges:
    Consider the significant geopolitical uncertainties of our time – which make a rethink necessary in many respects. Also consider the digitalisation of large parts of our economy, incl. disruptive AI. And think about the climate-related need for an ecological transformation.
    Financing all of this requires a substantial amount of capital.
    This is where the financial industry comes in: The financial industry can act as an enabler of growth in the real economy. Growth that is so much needed right now.
    Looking forward, the financial industry could translate growth potential into real growth in many fields – digitalisation, AI, clean tech, pharma, biotech any many more.
    In sum, there are huge business opportunities for Germany and the EU. And we need the Financial industry to take advantage of the business opportunities. 
    But let us not forget that innovation happens in many places – at start-ups but also at well established companies. We need to make sure that a variety of funding sources are available to support our real economies.
    We need a specific financial ecosystem that enables young, innovative companies to flourish. Be it VC, PE, etc. We need established capital markets. Above all, we need a strong and healthy banking sector that supplies our economy with sufficient credit.
    That means: We need both traditional loans and venture capital. In any case, all the pockets of the financial industry provide the basis for a growing economy. It’s also the basis for the ecological transformation. 
    The German Council of Experts on Climate Change published [a week ago] new figures on the investment needs estimated for the transition towards net-zero economic activity. Those investment needs range between 135 and 255 billion euro – each year for Germany alone.[1] That’s a lot.
    Let’s now have a closer look at the digitalization including AI.
    2 Artificial intelligence: innovation and competitiveness
    The term artificial intelligence (AI) was coined in the middle of the 20th century. But it was the release of ChatGPT in November 2022 that marked a breakthrough. For the first time it became possible to use an AI system without detailed technical knowledge.
    Nowadays almost anyone can use AI. The importance of responsible AI practices on the increase – as highlighted in the latest Declaration by the G20.[2]
    There are important questions – to which, to be honest, there are no simple answers:
    Are the opportunities and risks of AI balanced? 
    Does AI lead to a global fragmentation, to a new barrier between those who use AI and those who don’t? 
    Does AI, as a general-purpose technology, help us better manage economic challenges?[3]
    One example of the latter point: Many societies are lacking skilled labour due to demographic change. Here, the use of AI could provide a solution by increasing efficiency or substituting human services. AI can also help drive innovation. 
    AI enables both incremental and disruptive innovation across all parts of society: 
    by facilitating faster decision-making
    optimizing existing processes, 
    or by collecting, processing and using huge amounts of data.

    It fosters creativity, supports scientific breakthroughs, and unlocks opportunities for entirely new industries and business models – a potential, albeit disruptive, growth engine.
    Nevertheless, human creativity is still a key driver of innovation. In 2023, individuals or SMEs filed almost one in four patent applications in Europe.[4]
    Today, we are at a crucial stage: With international competition on the one side and technical and intellectual skills on the other. AI models from the United States are well-known and often considered state of the art. China in particular has recently come up with new and apparently very efficient language models. However, the discussion about the background is not yet complete.
    In Europe, we have to do our utmost to keep up with the pace. An important initiative recently came from France: In Paris the “EU AI Champions Initiative”, a high-level summit, was held at the beginning of this week.
    President Macron mentioned a funding volume of roundabout € 109 billion for AI in France. This approach is very encouraging for other EU member states. By comparison: US-President Trump has mentioned USD 500 billion for his “Stargate” plan in the US. 
    Despite these substantial investments, there is no guarantee of success. On the other hand, we must not allow ourselves to be deterred by possible failures. One example is the French AI chatbot LUCIE, which has been taken offline after giving some weird answers. I am sure France will take this as a chance to try even harder.
    The narrative with all kind of innovation is: Accept failure to grow. The pioneers of the “Gründerzeit” – which I mentioned earlier – knew this only too well.
    We need this kind of courage to embrace a “culture of trial and error”. It provides an important impetus to do things better. On the other hand, we have to ensure that new technology does not cause severe damage. Especially because AI is a relatively new technology with unknown potential and consequences for the entire society.
    Risks can arise for the financial system, but much further afield as well. Imagine, risk management or investment advice would be provided mainly by AI. Would this mean that investment recommendations are becoming more and more similar? Would we have concentration of risks? And what consequences would this have for financial stability?[5]
    Even more far-reaching questions concern our society.
    The core question is: What does AI mean for our democracies, for our constitutions, for our fundamental rights? Specifically, we need to ask ourselves: Where is AI beneficial and where do we need clear rules.
    In other words: What are the basic rules for using this technology?
    It is therefore necessary to find a compromise between having the courage to innovate – and clear rules.
    3 Strengthening the financial industry
    Regardless of how we deal with AI, we have to return to the issue of financing its development. As indicated earlier, the financial industry, as an enabler, has an important role to play.
    Given the challenges of our time I mentioned earlier, it is vital to strengthen the European financial industry. 
    Let me highlight only two measures:
    First, we need to get started on improving start-up funding. In 2024, more than 2,700 innovative start-ups were founded in Germany, the second-highest count after the record year of 2021. There is no shortage of innovative concepts and entrepreneurship per se, but implementation is lacking. 
    Further completing the European capital markets union (CMU) is essential in this respect – promoting the development of the VC and private equity market as well as exit options for start-ups. The European Commission’s “Competitiveness Compass”, published recently, 29 January 2025, is a good start. 
    Second, we need to leverage digital technologies to create efficient, integrated and resilient European financial markets. The digital CMU could be a game changer in this respect. 
    Let me make it perfectly clear: Europe is a leader in this field. 
    We at the Bundesbank are engaged in several initiatives. And we have a prominent role to play in the development of a central bank digital currency (wholesale CBDC).
    4 Conclusion
    Ladies and gentlemen, let me sum up: And I can be very brief, but still to the point.
    The European Financial industry has to become an enabler of growth. Our Financial industry is key to ensure that the European economy stays competitive. 
    Thank you very much. 

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA publishes its final draft technical standards to implement a centralised EBA Pillar 3 data hub

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published its final draft Implementing Technical Standards (ITS) on the Pillar 3 data hub for large and other institutions, which will centralise prudential disclosures by institutions through a single electronic access point on the EBA website. This project is part of the Banking Package laid down in the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR3) and Capital Requirements Directive (CRD6).

    The ITS detail the IT solutions and processes to be followed by large and other institutions when submitting their respective Pillar 3 disclosures. This includes the IT solutions to be used, the data exchange formats to be considered and the technical validations to be performed by the EBA. The EBA will provide additional detailed information to the submitters of Pillar 3 information in the onboarding communication plan it expects to publish by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

    To submit the information to the EBA, institutions will benefit from a transition period for the information with disclosure reference dates from June to December 2025. This will give them enough time to prepare for the new publication process.

    In parallel, the EBA finalised a pilot exercise on a voluntary basis to test the process for large and other institutions. When finalising the draft ITS, the EBA has taken on board the conclusions from this pilot exercise, together with the feedback received during the consultation phase.

    Legal basis, backgrounds and next steps

    The new Banking Package (CRR3/CRD6), which will implement the latest Basel III reforms in the EU, includes a mandate to the EBA to develop a Pillar 3 data hub. The EBA’s plan on how to implement the mandates included in the Banking Package is explained in the ‘EBA Roadmap on strengthening the prudential framework’, published in December 2023.

    The CRR3 (Articles 434 and 434a) mandates the EBA to publish on its website the prudential disclosures for all institutions subject to such requirements, making it readily available in a centralised manner to all the relevant stakeholders through a single electronic access point on its website. To comply with this mandate, the EBA is building a data hub putting together all the disclosures required under Part Eight of the CRR.

    The draft ITS for small and non-complex institutions and on the resubmission policy will be subject to a separate consultation, intended to be launched in the first half of 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV tables Commons motion on preposterous coroner’s verdict

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister today tabled the following motion in the Commons:

    That this House notes the coroner’s ruling in the case involving the death of four fully armed IRA terrorists who had launched a murderous attack on a police station; thanks the SAS for their courageous service in talking terrorism in Northern Ireland; further notes the utilisation of the coronial service and lawfare to vilify the security forces; and calls on the Government to stand up for those who risked their lives to defeat terrorism.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The career guidance project “Smolny School” has been launched

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On February 7, the Committee for Civil Service and Personnel Policy of the St. Petersburg Governor’s Administration launched the career guidance project “Smolny School”. Polytechnic University is one of the partner universities.

    “Smolny School” is a new project aimed at building a career path for high school students based on the “school — university — Smolny” model. The main goal is to attract schoolchildren’s interest in the state civil service, and to help graduates with career guidance. The partners are gymnasiums and schools of St. Petersburg, five key universities, and executive authorities: the Committee for Civil Service and Personnel Policy of the St. Petersburg Governor’s Administration, the Committee for Youth Policy and Interaction with Public Organizations, the Archives Committee of St. Petersburg, and the Corporate University of the City Administration. The project participants will be able not only to attend career guidance events at universities, but also to get acquainted with the executive authorities of St. Petersburg, their professions and specialties, and to immerse themselves in their activities. The defense of their final projects will take place in Smolny in May.

    At the opening of the project, the Vice-Governor of Saint Petersburg Valery Moskalenko and the Chairman of the Committee for Civil Service and Personnel Policy of the Administration of the Governor of Saint Petersburg Andrey Mikhailov delivered welcoming remarks. Representatives of educational institutions and universities that are partners of the project — SPbGEU, Herzen State Pedagogical University, Polytechnic University, HSE University, and RANEPA — also took part in the event.

    This is part of a large systemic work that we are doing to attract young, talented and motivated guys who are determined to bring benefit to our beloved city to the civil service of St. Petersburg. We have attracted our leading universities to the project so that high school students who see themselves in the civil service can learn what areas and training programs prepare specialists for work in government bodies. I am sure that the Smolny School project will make its contribution to this work, – emphasized Valery Moskalenko.

    More than 80 schoolchildren from different districts of St. Petersburg who have demonstrated high academic performance and achievements in federal and regional competitions will participate in the project.

    This career guidance project will help high school students build a career trajectory along the path “school – university – Smolny”. It is important for school graduates not only to choose the right future profession and enter a university in their specialty, but also to decide on the further direction of their professional growth and development. We are waiting for our wonderful guys in 5-6 years for joint fruitful work for the benefit of St. Petersburg and its residents, – noted the project manager Sergey Svechnikov.

    The project was developed and formed by representatives of the Higher School of Public Administration of the Institute of Mechanics and Technology, as well as those responsible for working with applicants at the institute.

    One of the key partners of the project is the Polytechnic University, which will use its platform to allow high school students motivated to work in public service to learn about the areas and programs of study that prepare specialists to work in city government bodies.

    Thus, the project participants will be introduced to SPbPU as part of career guidance events in an interactive form. The children will have excursions around the Polytechnic University, master classes from leading IPMEiT teachers in the field of lawmaking, lean manufacturing, marketing, data analysis, etc.

    I am proud that my colleagues from the Higher School of Public Administration took an active part in the formation of the Smolny School project. Many thanks to the city administration, which once again demonstrates its openness. It is ready to form not only its personnel reserve, but also a reserve for the future. For schoolchildren, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with both government bodies and universities. I hope that the project will bring them closer to one of the most significant decisions in life. After all, making the right choice is an art, – shared the director of IPMEiT Vladimir Shchepinin.

    The Smolny School project is being implemented within the framework of interaction plan Committee on Civil Service and Personnel Policy of the Administration of the Governor of St. Petersburg and SPbPU.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The cost of transporting coal to the U.S. electric power sector fell slightly in 2023

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    February 12, 2025

    We released new data on the U.S. electric power sector’s coal transportation costs. The release incorporates final data for 2023 from Form EIA-923, which we collect from electric power plant owners and operators. The data release based on our Form EIA-923 includes tables with costs, in nominal and real (2023) dollars, across regions, states, and modes of transportation. These transportation rates are calculated as a weighted average of the difference between the commodity cost and total delivered cost of coal shipments to plants in the electric power sector. In addition, the rates are based on the primary transport mode that a plant’s owner or operator selects, but they may include other secondary or tertiary modes.

    Data highlights

    • After accounting for inflation, the average transportation cost for coal in the United States declined from $19.29 per ton in 2022 to $18.77 per ton in 2023 (in 2023 dollars). In nominal terms, it rose from $18.69 in 2022 to $18.77 in 2023.
    • The nominal average cost of transporting coal by railroad and waterway increased slightly in 2023, while the average cost of transporting coal by truck declined slightly.
    • On a regional basis, a mix of marginal increases and decreases in nominal prices existed across modes of transport and across states and coal supply basins. Overall, the average cost of rail transport increased in the Illinois Basin and in Appalachia. The cost decreased in the Western region. By truck and waterway, average costs decreased in Appalachia but increased in the Illinois Basin.
    • Price changes in real terms were more sizable in a few cases. For example:
      • The cost of rail transport from the Northern Appalachian coal basin to North Carolina increased in real terms from $31.99 in 2022 to $38.00 in 2023. This increase is similar to an inflation-adjusted increase in the cost of rail transport from Pennsylvania to North Carolina (from $31.23 in 2022 to $37.44 in 2023).
      • The cost of rail transport from the Central Appalachian coal basin to North Carolina increased in real terms from $25.08 in 2022 to $29.49 in 2023. This increase is similar to an inflation-adjusted increase in the cost of rail transport from West Virginia to North Carolina (from $26.98 in 2022 to $30.66 in 2023).
      • The cost of truck transport from the Northern Appalachian coal basin to Pennsylvania declined in real terms from $13.05 in 2022 to $8.50 in 2023. This decrease is similar to an inflation-adjusted decrease in the cost of intrastate truck transport in Pennsylvania (from $12.62 in 2022 to $8.50 in 2023).
      • The cost of rail transport from the Illinois Basin to Kentucky declined in real terms from $13.12 in 2022 to $7.62 in 2023. This decrease is similar to an inflation-adjusted decrease in the cost of intrastate rail transport in Kentucky (from $15.06 in 2022 to $7.92 in 2023).
    • The overall volume of coal transport decreased across all modes of transport in 2023 compared with 2022.

    Principal contributor: Jonathan Church

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Humanities Fellow Studying Literature from Black Power Era and its Reception in France

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    When Grégory Pierrot talks about growing up in northeastern France near Luxembourg and Germany, he uses the word “American” at least a half dozen times.

    “I’ve had a long personal relationship with American culture,” he says, describing how as a boy he’d listen to American music and write down as many words as he could catch to translate into French, so he could figure out what was being said.

    Now an associate professor of English at UConn Stamford who teaches African American literature, Pierrot says he’s been a student of American culture – its literature, music, and history – since he was a teenager, even as his methods have turned more intellectual.

    His latest project for Rot Bo Krik, “It was Nation Time: Fictions of African American Revolution,” which looks at African American literature during the Black Power era and how readers of French translations received the works, might be the best way to encapsulate all that has intrigued him since his youth.

    “I’m very interested in the way literature, music, and film – all those things that may seem less serious than politics or unrelated to it – actually convey most of what people think they know about a given moment or given political period,” Pierrot says. “Ideas are conveyed in those texts, in those songs, and in those films, and they have much more of an impact on us than scholarly studies or political speeches even.”

    Pierrot says the French, even though an ocean away, are fascinated by what happened in America in the mid-1960s to 1970s, those volatile years after Jackie Robinson and Rosa Parks when the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts took effect, the Black Panthers took rise, and Martin Luther King Jr. took his last breath.

    Writers including John A. Williams, best known for “The Man Who Cried I Am”; Chester Himes, who wrote a series of “Harlem Detective” novels; and Sam Greenlee, author of “The Spook Who Sat by the Door” told fictionalized but compelling accounts of what being Black in the United States was like.

    “This is such a fraught moment in American history, with fraught ideas in American politics,” Pierrot says. “This idea of a ‘Black Revolution,’ while it wasn’t greatly popular, it was in the air. So, when novels like these came out everybody would be talking about them.”

    Through the years, for instance, Williams’ novel “Sons of Darkness, Sons of Light,” which imagined the outset of such a revolution, and his “Captain Blackman,” which traces Black soldiers’ contributions to the Army, have been forgotten – along with so many other works, even as those stories echo in the events of today.

    “It’s shocking just how much the plots in these novels often sound like they could have been written yesterday,” Pierrot says. “In quite a few of these, either the premise or one of the important events in the plot has to do with young African American boys being shot by police for no reason. Others have to do with the rise of extreme right-wing politics. To that extent, they are very much of this moment.”

    Of course, France and the U.S. have been connected since long before the American Revolution gave this country its independence from Britain, and France gifted the Statue of Liberty to celebrate a century of liberty.

    France has been the place where African Americans, particularly artists, have fled when wanting or needing to escape racism in North America, Pierrot explains, as France, perhaps infamously, prides itself as being a place where racism doesn’t exist.

    “Racism in France was different enough than what was happening in the U.S. that it felt like relief for African Americans who still get treated very differently than other members of the African diaspora in France,” Pierrot says. “Historically, to put it simply, it’s often been easier to be African American than to be Black and French in France.”

    In research for the project, funded as part of a year-long fellowship from the UConn Humanities Institute, Pierrot says that even though he’s built a career absorbed in the literature of this period, he found himself fascinated recently by Malcolm X’s connection to France, which remains largely unknown among citizens there despite pop culture references to him.

    In the 10 years before the Black activist was assassinated in 1965, despite his growth in the U.S. as a name known around the dinner table, he was mentioned only a handful of times in the French newspaper of record.

    Malcolm X traveled to Paris in November 1964 to deliver a speech and attempted to visit a second time in February 1965 but was stopped by French customs at the border and blocked from entry, Pierrot says. Three weeks later he was killed and only then did the French public start hearing about him.

    “The novels from this time, even though they’re works of fiction, are historical artifacts. They give us a view of that moment that we may have forgotten,” he explains.

    “We all have a sense of the 1960s based on the media – films, books, and music – that we consume,” he continues. “There was flower power and Woodstock, but that’s not all the 1960s were. It was a violent time. There were assassinations left and right and wars around the world. The texts I study offer elements of American history that many people do not know or do not quite remember.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Waterbury Poised for Expansion with New Building’s Imminent Opening

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn Waterbury’s local footprint is growing significantly with the expansion of several of its academic, research, and administrative operations into a historic building adjacent to the downtown campus.

    The six-story building at 36 N. Main St. has undergone extensive renovation by Green Hub Development III, LLC., which is leasing about 26,300 square feet to UConn to expand the University’s offerings in nursing, allied health, and other programs.

    UConn has been moving equipment and furnishings into the building and started using some of the space already over the winter, with the rest to be occupied starting later this month.

    They include clinic-style nursing and health care simulation rooms, research facilities, study lounges, office and administrative space, a spacious former banquet room, and other areas suitable for maker space, incubator studios, classes, and large gatherings.

    UConn’s plan to expand its nursing education programs into the building is particularly noteworthy given the high demand in that profession, both statewide and specifically in Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley region.

    “UConn Waterbury’s expansion into this historic space is an investment in our students, faculty, and the greater community,” says Fumiko Hoeft, UConn Waterbury’s campus dean and chief administrative officer, and a neuroscientist and UConn professor of psychological sciences.

    The Odd Fellows Building at 36 N. Main St. in Waterbury sits around the corner from the UConn Waterbury campus on Jan. 27, 2025. About 26,300 square feet of the building’s interior was recently renovated to provide additional space for various programs at UConn Waterbury. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    “With the new facilities, we are strengthening our role as an educational and economic driver in the Naugatuck Valley,” she says. “We are honored to be part of this building’s next chapter. Its transformation aligns with our commitment to innovation, workforce development, and community partnerships.”

    The growth of UConn Waterbury’s campus and academic offerings complements the UConn Strategic Plan, which includes ensuring that the campuses in Waterbury, Hartford, Stamford, and Avery Point offer signature programs that are destinations within UConn.

    “The spirit of every UConn campus is unique, and we are looking closely at their academic offerings and facilities to best build on those strengths and opportunities, in alignment with our university-wide strategic plan,” says Anne D’Alleva, UConn’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

    “At UConn Waterbury, the new space fits perfectly with that vision,” she adds. “Our academic programs and research will grow and thrive there, and further underscore UConn’s role as a core element of this richly diverse, innovative city and region.”

    UConn’s Board of Trustees approved the expansion plans in 2023, which are part of a larger commitment to strengthen the University’s presence and partnerships in the Naugatuck Valley.

    They include UConn’s deep involvement in the Waterbury Promise scholarship program, under which many dozens of Waterbury graduates are attending the University; and the establishment and growth of the allied health sciences major on the campus.

    UConn Waterbury also prides itself on providing a tight-knit community that serves students’ individual needs while ensuring they can access world-class UConn programs in undergraduate and graduate-level fields that lead to strong, satisfying career paths.

    “The demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever. UConn Waterbury’s expansion directly aligns with our mission to prepare students for high-demand careers, ensuring that our regional workforce remains strong and competitive,” says Cathy Awwad, president and chief executive officer of the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board (NRWIB).

    UConn Waterbury’s new space in the building at 36 N. Main St. will also be ideal for serving current students while also advancing community partnerships with schools, the City of Waterbury, the regional business community, and other groups.

    The six-story building, originally built for the local chapter of the International Order of Odd Fellows social group, is in a prime downtown location and dates to 1895.

    Its renovation was funded through a state grant to the City of Waterbury along with Green Hub’s private funding. It was modernized for today’s needs while retaining key elements of its history, including Venetian Gothic exterior features overlooking the Waterbury Green and the ornate ceiling in its former banquet hall.

    “This project has been years in the making, and seeing it come to life is a testament to UConn’s commitment to Waterbury and the region,” says former Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary, who was deeply involved in the project and other partnerships with the University during and after his time in office.

    “This expansion is more than just a physical footprint; it’s an investment in the next generation of healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders,” he says.

    The building is around the corner from UConn Waterbury’s East Main Street location, with easy access between the back courtyard of the campus and an entrance to the newly leased space.

    It will house clinical simulation spaces, clinical and cognitive neuroscience research dry and wet laboratories, a maker space, and an incubator studio.

    It will also provide resources for humanities and social sciences, including the HACER Lab, a hub for humanistic inquiry, research, and pedagogy developed in collaboration with Waterbury students and community partners, the Ideas + Impact initiative and other learning communities focused on social impact, sustainability, and health-related projects.

    These facilities will be used by programs in nursing, allied health, psychological sciences, urban and community studies, humanities and social sciences, business, and community partnerships.

    Additionally, it will serve as the home for the Haskins Global Literacy Hub, a newly formed partnership between Yale, UConn Global Affairs, and UConn Waterbury focused on promoting education and conducting cutting-edge research to enhance literacy globally.

    A large nursing simulation lab with equipment sits on the fifth floor of the Odd Fellows Building in Waterbury on Jan. 27, 2025. About 26,300 square feet of the building’s interior was recently renovated to provide additional space for various programs at UConn Waterbury. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    “Having UConn expand in downtown Waterbury strengthens our local economy, creates new opportunities for students, and enhances the city’s reputation as a center for education and innovation. This project is a great example of how partnerships between the city, state, and private sector can drive meaningful change,” Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski says.

    Programs and activities in the space will also advance UConn Waterbury’s connections with local schools and others as a location for community events.

    For instance, on a recent morning, scores of local high school students visited UConn Waterbury for the kickoff of the Waterbury Robotics Institute to be based at the campus. The initiative, a collaboration with First Robotics, will bring students from the city’s high schools and middle schools to campus to work on projects with their peers, UConn students, and UConn faculty mentors.

    They were among the first to use the newly leased space at 36 N. Main St., with several of the student groups testing and demonstrating their robots in the large collaborative learning room on the building’s second floor.

    “This expansion will have a lasting impact not only on UConn students, but also on Waterbury’s middle and high schoolers who aspire to pursue careers in healthcare, technology, business, and other growing fields,” says Waterbury Public Schools Interim Superintendent Darren Schwartz.

    “The increased access to cutting-edge learning spaces and mentorship opportunities will strengthen our student college and career readiness,” he says.

    The Odd Fellows Building has a rich history in the City of Waterbury, and its restoration and use by UConn carries strong emotional and economic significance to the area.

    Built at a cost of $100,000 and said to be among the finest of its time in the region, the building’s opening in 1895 drew more than 5,000 members of the group from around the East Coast and was featured in the New York Times.

    In fact, the opening was marked by a parade and the event was so important to the city that all factories and schools were closed for the day, and all business shut down at noon, according to another Times article.

    A clothing store occupied the first floor for about its first five years in addition to the meeting rooms and social spaces used by the Odd Fellows and others on the higher floors. Later, the popular Grieve, Bissett & Holland department store was in the building from 1902 until the mid-1960s.

    The structure had been unused for more than 15 years before the renovation.

    “Restoring this landmark building and giving it a new purpose has been incredibly rewarding,” says Joe Gramando, Green Hub’s managing partner. “UConn’s presence here ensures that this space will remain a vibrant part of Waterbury’s future, serving students, researchers, and the broader community for years to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BigCommerce Strengthens Leadership Team with New Chief Revenue and Chief Marketing Officers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading provider of open, composable commerce solutions for B2C and B2B brands and retailers, today announced the additions of Rob Walter as its chief revenue officer and Michelle Suzuki as company’s chief marketing officer.

    Walter is a seasoned revenue leader with 20 years of ecommerce experience leading sales and go-to-market teams at successful companies including Salesforce, Ebay, ChannelAdviser and Amplience.

    Suzuki brings more than 25 years of experience scaling and transforming high-growth companies, including renowned technology companies such as EMC, Ancestry and Ivanti.

    “These additions strengthen BigCommerce’s senior leadership team and reflect our commitment to investing in top talent to help us achieve our goals across BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift,” said Travis Hess, CEO of BigCommerce. “Their experience and expertise will be huge contributors to the success of the company as we refocus on reigniting growth and improving shareholder value.”

    Walter is an accomplished revenue growth and go-to-market executive with a proven track record of scaling teams, driving innovation and achieving exceptional revenue outcomes across the technology and retail sectors. With over two decades of leadership experience in sales, marketing, customer success and professional services, Walter has been instrumental in the growth and success of globally recognized organizations.

    He previously spent six years as chief revenue officer at Amplience, a leading CMS provider and most recently at OroCommerce, a B2B ecommerce solution provider. At both companies Walter led strategy and oversaw sales, marketing, customer success and professional services operations. Under his leadership, Amplience and OroCommerce experienced significant growth.

    “Ecommerce businesses today need to reach their customers in new and dynamic ways,” Walter said. “BigCommerce offers brands and retailers the flexibility to customize and meet their customers wherever they may be, and I look forward to working with our current customers and new ones to help them reach their goals.”

    As CMO of BigCommerce, Suzuki defines strategy and builds high-performing teams responsible for demand generation, customer marketing, partner marketing, digital marketing, content, communications, social media and global regional marketing.

    Previously, Suzuki was CMO at Glassbox, where she led strategy and oversaw a comprehensive suite of marketing functions including brand strategy, digital transformation, demand generation, content marketing, marketing operations, customer engagement, communications/social media and product marketing. Previously, she was senior vice president of global marketing at Instructure, where she was instrumental in transforming the company’s international regions into rapid-growth SaaS businesses. In 2021, she helped lead the company to a successful $3 billion IPO. She has extensive M&A experience—diligence, acquisition and integration—having completed more than 10 transactions in her career.

    “I pride myself on being a data-centric growth marketer who harnesses the combination of creativity, content and data to connect with and delight customers through high-value, customized experiences,” she said. “I’m excited to join BigCommerce at this important time to help lead its return to fast growth and long-term success.”

    About BigCommerce

    BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open SaaS and composable ecommerce platform that empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides its customers sophisticated professional-grade functionality, customization and performance with simplicity and ease-of-use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries rely on BigCommerce, including Coldwater Creek, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., MKM Building Supplies, United Aqua Group and Uplift Desk. For more information, please visit www.bigcommerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    BigCommerce® is a registered trademark of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact:
    Brad Hem
    pr@bigcommerce.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Willis appoints Guy Donahue as Cross Industry Midwest Property Broking Leader

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW), has announced the appointment of Guy Donahue as Cross Industry Midwest Property Broking Leader within Corporate Risk and Broking North America (CRB NA). In this role, Donahue will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives, fostering client relationships, and leading property broking efforts across diverse industries in the Midwest region.

    Bringing more than two decades of experience in large and complex commercial property insurance broking, Donahue has worked extensively across industries such as mining, semiconductors, automotive manufacturing, and pulp and paper. He specializes in developing customized risk financing strategies that help clients manage costs and maximize value. His expertise in global insurance markets—including the U.S., Bermuda, London, and Europe—has enabled him to secure optimal terms for complex property programs.

    Prior to joining Willis, Donahue was Senior Account Manager and Unit Manager for Midwest Property at Lockton Companies, where he led the client growth strategy, managed a diverse portfolio, and oversaw a team of 11 brokers handling more than 45 accounts. Earlier in his career, he served as Senior Vice President, Property Client Advisor at Marsh, where he led a team responsible for complex property programs.

    Scott Pizzi, Head of Property Broking for CRB NA at Willis, commented: “Guy’s deep industry expertise and proven leadership make him a strong addition to our team. His ability to navigate complex risk landscapes and deliver tailored solutions will be instrumental as we strengthen our property broking capabilities in the Midwest.”

    Donahue joined WTW on February 3, 2025 and reports to Scott Pizzi.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media contacts

    Douglas Menelly
    Douglas.Menelly@wtwco.com | +1 (516) 972 0380

    Arnelle Sullivan
    Arnelle.Sullivan@wtwco.com | +1 (718) 208-0474

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nametag Introduces VerifiedHire™ to Combat North Korean Remote IT Worker Fraud

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nametag, the leading provider of integrated identity verification and account protection solutions, today announced VerifiedHire™, a groundbreaking solution for secure employee onboarding and initial credentialing. VerifiedHire combats North Korean IT workers and other remote worker fraud schemes using Nametag’s revolutionary Deepfake Defense™ identity verification (IDV) engine, ensuring that only legitimate users gain access to enterprise networks and applications.

    Nation State Actors Are Exploiting Insecure Hiring Practices to Infiltrate Global Enterprises
    Investigations have uncovered numerous programs to place Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)-affiliated operatives into remote IT jobs within U.S. and global enterprises. This enables the country to avoid international sanctions, funnel money to weapons development programs, and steal secrets. Hundreds of western enterprises have been compromised; one program involving two front companies employing more than 130 DPRK IT workers has generated over $88 million for North Korea’s government. To combat these and other remote worker fraud schemes, Nametag created VerifiedHire.

    VerifiedHire Stops Fake IT Workers and Remote Worker Fraud
    Nametag’s solution prevents imposters from infiltrating corporate networks by replacing outdated, insecure initial credentialing procedures with robust identity assurance. New hires are directed to a self-service onboarding microsite, where they navigate intuitive workflows to verify their identity with Nametag’s Deepfake Defense engine. Verified hires can then set their passwords and enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) with their company’s identity provider(s). Imposters are prevented from gaining access, while security and risk teams gain crucial visibility into potential insider threats.

    “Employee onboarding is a gap in IT security that nobody has been able to figure out—except Nametag,” said the senior IT director at a top-ranked, publicly-traded biotechnology company. “VerifiedHire has transformed our employee onboarding experience. The ability for new hires to set up their own accounts without IT intervention is a game-changer. VerifiedHire is the only solution for employee onboarding and credentialing that delivers the level of identity security and assurance we require.”

    Key Features and Benefits

    • Prevents Infiltration: VerifiedHire is the first solution directly aimed at combating sophisticated remote worker fraud schemes, including deepfake-wielding nation-state threat actors.
    • Stops Contractor Fraud: Enterprises can use Nametag to quickly verify their extended workforce at scale, discovering imposters and revealing potential insider threats.
    • Eliminates Temporary Passwords: VerifiedHire replaces outdated, insecure temporary password delivery systems with an initial credentialing experience that’s modern, secure, and streamlined.
    • Powered by Deepfake Defense: VerifiedHire is built on Deepfake Defense, the only identity verification engine proven effective against modern, AI-powered impersonation threats.
    • Cost Savings: By deflecting new employee verification and initial credentialing to self-service, VerifiedHire creates substantial time and cost savings for IT and Human Resources departments.

    “Nametag’s launch of VerifiedHire underscores our continued commitment to creating end-to-end workforce account protection,” said Aaron Painter, CEO at Nametag. “Since every organization employs a unique approach to employee onboarding, we developed an out-of-the-box-solution that is easily customized to each enterprise’s workflows, software environments, and business requirements.”

    VerifiedHire fits seamlessly into enterprise onboarding workflows through plug-and-play integrations with Identity and Access Management (IAM) providers such as Okta, Microsoft Entra, Cisco Duo, and OneLogin. Nametag also integrates with IT Service Management (ITSM) platforms such as ServiceNow and Zendesk. Turnkey integrations with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) such as Workday are under development. Nametag’s platform supports a deep level of configuration and customization, including industry-leading privacy controls.

    Nametag VerifiedHire™ is available today. Visit getnametag.com to learn more and view a demo.

    About Nametag
    Nametag provides integrated identity verification and account protection solutions that prevent modern impersonation threats and streamline user experiences. Powered by Deepfake Defense™, Nametag detects and blocks sophisticated attacks which bypass other, outdated approaches to user verification, delivering the highest possible level of identity assurance. Nametag’s out-of-the-box solutions help enterprises secure their entire user account lifecycle, from onboarding through recovery, while ensuring compliance with the latest privacy standards. Security-conscious enterprises trust Nametag to protect their businesses and reduce IT and support costs. For more information, visit getnametag.com.

    Nametag Media Contact:
    Jennifer Schenberg
    PenVine for Nametag
    917-445-4454
    jennifer@penvine.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7a13a7c-3efe-4e03-ae07-f395f05d3af5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BOS to Present at the Emerging Growth Conference on February 18, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RISHON LE ZION, Israel, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BOS Better Online Solutions Ltd. (“BOS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BOSC), an integrator of supply chain technologies, is pleased to announce that Eyal Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Emerging Growth Conference on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 9:40 am Eastern Time.

    Mr. Cohen will provide an overview presentation and may subsequently open the floor for questions. Questions may be submitted in advance to Questions@EmergingGrowth.com.

    Investors can register in advance to attend the conference and receive any updates at: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1696664&tp_key=a17d7ff4c2&sti=bosc.

    If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available on EmergingGrowth.com and on the Emerging Growth YouTube Channel, http://www.YouTube.com/EmergingGrowthConference.

    About BOS.
    BOS integrates cutting-edge technologies to streamline and enhance supply chain operations across three specialized divisions:

    • Intelligent Robotics Division: Automates industrial and logistics inventory processes through advanced robotics technologies, improving efficiency and precision.
    • RFID Division: Optimizes inventory management with state-of-the-art solutions for marking and tracking, ensuring real-time visibility and control.
    • Supply Chain Division: Integrates franchised components directly into customer products, meeting their evolving needs for developing cutting-edge products.

    For more information about BOS, please visit https://www.boscom.com/.

    For additional information, contact:

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Uni-Fuels Awarded International Sustainability and Carbon Certifications, Reinforcing Commitment to Sustainable Marine Fuel Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: UFG), (“Uni-Fuels” or the “Company”), a global provider of marine fuel solutions headquartered in Singapore, today announced that the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Uni-Fuels Pte Ltd (“Uni-Fuels Singapore”), has received both ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certifications from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), a globally recognized independent multi-stakeholder initiative and leading certification system supporting sustainable, fully traceable, deforestation-free and climate-friendly supply chains. These certifications highlight the Company’s commitment to sustainability and compliance with European Union (EU) regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the maritime industry.

    The ISCC certifications ensure that the biofuels traded by Uni-Fuels Singapore meet the requirements of the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), including the provision of Proof of Sustainability (PoS). This important documentation ensures biofuels are sustainably sourced and produced, enabling full traceability from feedstock to final product.

    As the maritime sector moves toward greater decarbonization, it is essential for biofuel suppliers to demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards, including the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime. PoS documentation ensures biofuels can be counted toward emissions reduction targets, as opposed to being treated as fossil fuels.

    Uni-Fuels Vice President, Operations Tan Guan Kai commented, “Achieving ISCC certifications demonstrates our commitment to supporting the global transition to cleaner fuels. With Proof of Sustainability documentation, we provide our customers with the assurance that the biofuels they rely on are responsibly produced and fully compliant with evolving regulations.”

    The PoS framework, combined with the ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certifications, ensures customers that the biofuels they use are responsibly sourced, traceable, and produced with sustainability in mind. These certifications provide both regulatory compliance and enhanced transparency, helping to build trust in the biofuel market.

    About Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited

    Uni-Fuels is a fast-growing global provider of marine fuel solutions, helping shipping companies optimize fuel procurement across all markets and time zones. Founded in 2021, Uni-Fuels has evolved from modest beginnings into a dynamic, forward-thinking company. Backed by a passionate team and a growing presence across multiple locations, it has forged trusted partnerships with customers, supporting them in achieving their operational objectives with confidence, from shore to shore.

    For more information, visit www.uni-fuels.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the completion and timing of closing of the offering and the intended use of the proceeds. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements represent Uni-Fuels’ current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Contact Information

    For Investor Relations:

    Uni-Fuels Holdings Ltd
    Email: investors@uni-fuels.com

    Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC
    Email: info@skylineccg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Intermex to Release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), a leading omnichannel money remittance services company, will release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 earnings before the start of trading on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The Intermex management team will be hosting a conference call on the same day at 9:00 AM ET.

    Interested parties are invited to join the conference and gain firsthand knowledge about Intermex’s financial performance and operational achievements through the following channels:

    • A live broadcast of the conference call may be accessed via the Investor Relations section of Intermex’s website at https://investors.intermexonline.com/.
    • To participate in the live conference call via telephone, please register HERE. Upon registering, a dial-in number and unique PIN will be provided to join the conference call.
    • Following the conference call, an archived webcast of the call will be available for one year on Intermex’s website at https://investors.intermexonline.com/.

    Investor Day Event

    On the same day, Intermex will host an Investor Day at The Westin New York at Times Square, beginning at 1:00 PM ET. Management will provide strategic updates, insights into key business areas, and future growth opportunities.

    The in-person event is open to institutional investors and research analysts. A live stream and supporting materials will be available for those unable to attend the live event at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/5ymy6w9u. Please note that remote attendees will have listen-only access, as the Q&A session will be reserved for in-person attendees.

    To register for in-person attendance, contact Laurie Berman of PondelWilkinson at lberman@pondel.com or 310-279-5980.

    As part of its ongoing commitment to maximizing shareholder value, Intermex continues to evaluate strategic alternatives. This review may include, among other options, a potential sale, spin-off, or other strategic transaction. The process is ongoing, with no set deadline or definitive timeline for completion. There is no assurance that this review will result in any specific transaction or outcome.

    About International Money Express, Inc.
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology enabling consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany to more than 60 countries. The Company provides the digital movement of money through the Company’s website and mobile app, as well as through its network of agent retailers in the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany, and its Company-operated stores. Transactions are fulfilled and paid through thousands of retail locations and banks around the world. Intermex is headquartered in Miami, Florida, with international offices in Puebla, Mexico, Guatemala City, Guatemala, London, England, and Madrid, Spain. For more information about Intermex, please visit www.intermexonline.com.

    Investor Relations:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    tel. 305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Advanced Flower Capital Schedules Earnings Release and Conference Call for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ending December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (f/k/a AFC Gamma, Inc.) (Nasdaq: AFCG) (“AFC”) today announced that it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 on Thursday, March 13, 2025 before market open. Management will review AFC’s financial results at 10:00 am ET via webcast available on the Investor Relations website at investors.advancedflowercapital.com. Participants are also invited to access the conference call by registering in advance at this link. A replay will be available one hour after the event.

    AFC distributes its earnings releases via its website and email lists. Those interested in receiving firm updates by email can sign up for them here.

    About Advanced Flower Capital Inc.

    Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (Nasdaq: AFCG) is a leading commercial mortgage REIT that provides institutional loans to state law compliant cannabis operators in the U.S. Through the management team’s deep network and significant credit and cannabis expertise, AFC originates, structures and underwrites loans ranging from $10 million to over $100 million, typically secured by quality real estate assets, license value and cash flows. It is based in West Palm Beach, Florida. For additional information regarding the Company, please visit advancedflowercapital.com.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Robyn Tannenbaum
    561-510-2293
    ir@advancedflowercapital.com

    Media Contact

    Profile Advisors
    Rich Myers & Rachel Goun
    347-774-1125
    srt@profileadvisors.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Funds Acquire Bold Production Services, a Leading Provider of Production-Linked Contracted Gas Treatment Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON and NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE:APO), today announced that funds managed by Apollo affiliates (the “Apollo Funds”) have acquired a majority interest in Bold Production Services, LLC (“Bold” or the “Company”), a provider of production-linked, contracted natural gas treatment solutions that enable the downstream use of natural gas, while reducing excess emissions and waste through proprietary equipment design.

    Founded in 2013, Bold’s fleet of 700+ owned assets, including dehydration units, H2S treating units and total flow coolers, serves a blue-chip customer base across the Permian and Eagle Ford basins. The investment from the Apollo Funds will support Bold’s continued growth as natural gas demand is expected to accelerate over the next decade, driven by secular trends associated with the industrial renaissance such as demand for power generation, LNG exports, data centers and other emerging natural gas applications. The Company will continue to be headquartered in Houston, Texas and led by Glen Wind, Chief Executive Officer, along with his team including Blake Maywald, President, Tim Burkett, Chief Financial Officer and Austin Traweek, Chief Operating Officer.

    Glen Wind, CEO of Bold, commented, “We are excited to work with Apollo in our efforts to continue serving our customers seeking reliable gas treatment solutions that help improve operational efficiency. Producers value high performance, scalable treatment services, and Bold remains committed to delivering best-in-class solutions that drive safer, cleaner operations with improved production yields and lower emissions. We look forward to building on our momentum alongside Apollo in the years ahead. We would like to acknowledge and thank the OFS Energy Fund team for their involvement and support in helping us reach this point.”

    Scott Browning, Partner at Apollo, said, “Bold has built a robust platform providing essential gas treatment solutions, with significant growth potential supported by strong customer relationships and attractive expansion opportunities. We are excited to partner with Glen, Blake and the rest of the Bold team in a market where we see the opportunity for significant investment given favorable secular tailwinds. Apollo brings deep expertise in the natural gas value chain and a proven track record supporting the growth of energy-related services that help to fuel the industrial renaissance.”

    Over the past five years, Apollo-managed funds and affiliates have committed, deployed, or arranged approximately $58 billioni into climate and energy transition-related investments, supporting companies and projects across clean energy and infrastructure.

    Vinson & Elkins LLP served as legal counsel to the Apollo Funds. Piper Sandler & Co. acted as financial advisor to Bold, and Troutman Pepper Locke, LLP served as Bold’s legal counsel. Bank OZK supported the transaction through a new credit facility.

    About Bold Production Services, LLC

    Bold Production Services, LLC is an oil & gas infrastructure resource company providing contract services in the treating and removal of impurities found in natural gas, oil, and water. Bold has grown its asset base to include production and treating equipment, as well as a non-triazine based H2S chemical scavenger. To learn more, please visit www.bps-llc.com.

    About Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade to private equity with a focus on three investing strategies: yield, hybrid, and equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of December 31, 2024, Apollo had approximately $751 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Contact Information

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    ___________________________

    i As of December 31, 2024. The firmwide targets (the “Targets”) to deploy, commit, or arrange capital commensurate with Apollo’s proprietary Climate and Transition Investment Framework (the “CTIF”), are (1) $50 billion by 2027 and (2) more than $100 billion by 2030 The CTIF, which is subject to change at any time without notice, sets forth certain activities classified by Apollo as sustainable economic activities (“SEAs”), and the methodologies used to calculate contribution towards the Targets. Only investments determined to be currently contributing to an SEA in accordance with the CTIF are counted toward the Targets. Under the CTIF, Apollo uses different calculation methodologies for different types of investments in equity, debt and real estate. For additional details on the CTIF, please refer to our website here: https://www.apollo.com/strategies/asset-management/real-assets/sustainable-investing-platform.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Inuvo Launches Self-Serve IntentKey Platform: A Revolutionary Interface for AI-Powered Audience Modeling

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inuvo, Inc. (NYSE American: INUV), a leading provider of intelligent advertising technology, today announced the launch of the IntentKey Platform, an advanced AI agent specifically designed for audience modeling using Inuvo’s proprietary IntentKey AI. Designed to address the challenges of modern advertising—including signal loss, privacy regulations, and the growing need for real-time insights—the Platform empowers marketers to build, refine, and activate audience models instantly, paving the way for smarter, more effective campaigns.

    The IntentKey Platform opens significant market opportunities within the advertising technology sector, a market valued at over $200 billion and poised for growth as the obsolescence of cookies and consumer data significantly impacts media spending. This positions Inuvo to capture substantial market share with its unique AI technology and proven ability to deliver advertising performance that significantly surpasses incumbent behavioral targeting media solutions.

    The IntentKey Platform is a purpose-built AI designed to meet the needs of both independent marketers and large-scale enterprises. Key features include:

    • Instant Audience Models: Define and refine audience targets in seconds.
    • Real-Time Updates: Audience models that adapt to trends every five minutes.
    • Flexible Activation: Audience models activated through your DSP of choice or managed as a service by Inuvo.
    • Enhanced Audience Insights: Immediate access to AI-generated demographics including age, gender, income, marital status, education, sentiment, and geography.

    The Platform is available now for marketers and agencies with two use cases:

    • Self-Service: As part of the launch, Inuvo has opened a self-serve capability that enables marketers and agencies to gain hands-on control to independently build and activate custom audience models directly through their preferred demand-side platform (DSP).
    • Managed Service: For clients seeking expert campaign management, the Platform provides visibility into the audience models and insights driving success, with Inuvo’s team delivering full-service optimization and tailored reporting.

    “Marketers are facing a daunting challenge: delivering better performance in a world where consumer privacy is paramount, cookies are disappearing, and costs are rising, all of which reduce return on ad spend. At the same time, the shift toward adaptive, AI-driven agents is replacing the traditional SaaS tools marketers have relied on for years. The IntentKey Platform addresses these issues head-on, offering real-time audience insights and dynamic models that evolve with today’s fast-changing advertising landscape,” said Amir Bahkshaie, Senior VP of Inuvo.

    The IntentKey Platform leverages ethically designed large-language-modeling to address signal loss without relying on cookies or personal identifiers. By analyzing content from the open web, it builds real-time audience models that continuously evolve, delivering actionable insights while maintaining privacy compliance. This innovation reinforces Inuvo’s leadership in AI-powered advertising, offering unparalleled transparency, flexibility, and precision to help marketers create smarter, more effective campaigns.

    As featured in an AdExchanger exclusive, the IntentKey Platform is redefining audience targeting with real-time AI-driven modeling that eliminates reliance on cookies or personal data, highlighting success stories:

    • James & James, a premium furniture brand, used IntentKey to dramatically improve media efficiency and audience precision while uncovering new product opportunities:
      “If we see a wood species trending, we may incorporate it into our lines because people want this type of wood.” — Tristan Cameron, CMO, James & James
    • Emerald Ebikes, an internal Inuvo initiative to better understand client pain points, proved IntentKey’s effectiveness by using AI-generated audience models to drive sales—with no additional targeting data.
      “We actually reach users—they come to the site. We’re not using anything else, and they’re buying our product because of our targeting.” — Amir Bahkshaie, SVP, Inuvo

    To learn more about the IntentKey Platform, book a demo, and start activating AI-powered audiences today., visit www.inuvo.com/IntentKeyPlatform.

    About Inuvo

    Inuvo®, Inc. (NYSE American: INUV) is a market leader in Artificial Intelligence built for advertising. Its IntentKey AI solution is a first-of-its-kind proprietary and patented technology capable of identifying and actioning to the reasons why consumers are interested in products, services, or brands, not who those consumers are. To learn more, visit www.inuvo.com.

    Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding Inuvo’s quarter-end financial close process and preparation of financial statements for the quarter that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including, without limitation risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and represent our views only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” in Inuvo, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 as filed on February 29, 2024, and our other filings with the SEC. Additionally, forward looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends, and uncertainties including the continued impact of Covid-19 on Inuvo’s business and operations. Inuvo cannot provide assurances that the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based will prove to have been correct. Should one of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of this date. Inuvo does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Inuvo further expressly disclaims any written or oral statements made by a third-party regarding the subject matter of this press release. The information which appears on our websites and our social media platforms is not part of this press release.

    Inuvo Company Contact:
    Katie Cooper
    Director of Marketing
    katie.cooper@inuvo.com

    Investor Relations :
    David Waldman / Natalya Rudman
    Crescendo Communications, LLC
    Tel: (212) 671-1020
    inuv@crescendo-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Introducing the American Federation Dollar (AFD): A Gold-Backed Digital Currency Transforming Global Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The American Federation Treasury proudly announces the official launch of the American Federation Dollar (AFD), a groundbreaking gold-backed digital currency engineered to provide a stable, secure, and transparent alternative to traditional fiat currencies. Now officially listed on the Saint Crown Exchange, the AFD ushers in a new era of financial sovereignty, economic stability, and global accessibility.

    A Gold-Backed Digital Currency for Trust and Stability

    The AFD is lawfully backed by over $2 trillion in gold reserves, securely audited and stored in internationally recognized vaults. Each AFD token is pegged to 1/10th the daily spot price of gold, offering users a reliable hedge against inflation and the volatility of fiat currencies and speculative cryptocurrencies.

    Key Advantages of the AFD:

    • Gold-Backed Stability – Each token derives value from physical gold, ensuring a dependable store of value.
    • Blockchain Transparency – AFD transactions operate on an open-source blockchain ledger, ensuring traceability, security, and efficiency.
    • Global Liquidity – AFD is exchangeable with major fiat currencies and digital assets via the Saint Crown Exchange.
    • Legal Compliance – The currency adheres to global financial regulations, ensuring legitimacy and financial security.

    Visionary Leadership

    The AFD is managed by the unincorporated Federation Treasury of The United States of America and operates under the strategic guidance of key figures such as Judge Anna and the Global Family Group. Their leadership emphasizes transparency, economic sovereignty, and historical governance principles.

    “The AFD is designed to restore financial trust by merging gold’s stability with blockchain’s efficiency,” said “The Global Family Bank Digital Treasury, Depository and Currency Exchange.”. “This initiative is a crucial step towards economic self-governance and sustainable financial systems.”

    Revolutionary Features of the AFD:

    • Massive Reserve Backing – Audited in 2024, AFD is supported by over $2 trillion in gold reserves.
    • Decentralized Governance – AFD token holders can participate in policy proposals and system upgrades.
    • Advanced Security & Scalability – Utilizing state-of-the-art encryption and infrastructure, the AFD supports millions of daily transactions.

    Saint Crown Exchange Listing

    The AFD’s listing on the Saint Crown Exchange (https://exchange.saintcrown.org/) enables seamless global transactions. Users can buy, sell, and trade AFD tokens in real-time, ensuring market liquidity and ease of adoption.

    Regulatory Compliance Framework

    The AFD strictly follows international Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, along with gold-backed token certification. A 2024 audit verified AFD’s full reserve banking compliance with ISO 19011:2018 standards.

    Future Roadmap

    • Q1 2025: Official launch and expanded listing on Saint Crown Exchange.
    • Q2 2025: Partnerships with financial institutions and merchants.
    • Q3 2025: Expansion into Africa and African Diaspora markets.
    • Q4 2025: Launch of AFD’s decentralized governance platform.

    A Call for Global Adoption

    The AFD is designed to empower communities and drive economic development, particularly in Africa, African Diaspora nations, and emerging markets. With its gold-backed stability, transparent governance, and cutting-edge technology, the AFD is poised to become a trusted medium of exchange for global trade.

    About the American Federation Treasury

    The American Federation Treasury is an unincorporated entity dedicated to economic and legal restructuring through innovative financial solutions. Committed to transparency and sovereignty, the Treasury champions lawful, asset-backed currencies to restore financial stability.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC – 11 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 11 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 12,253,082 2.2667    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 12,253,082 2.2667    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 2,200 61.326p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 12 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wilbur You and You Capital Investment Firm Partner with Sol Nutrition, Inc. to Revolutionize Herbal Supplements

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — You Capital Investment Firm, led by Managing Partner Wilbur You, is proud to announce its strategic equity partnership with Sol Nutrition, Inc., a premier herbal supplement company owned by renowned wellness expert Dr. Liu. This collaboration is set to redefine the global herbal supplement industry by combining world-class investment expertise with cutting-edge nutritional science.

    With a shared vision of promoting holistic well-being, this partnership will fuel Sol Nutrition’s expansion and innovation, ensuring the production of the highest-quality herbal supplements. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Sol Nutrition is already recognized for its commitment to natural, scientifically backed formulations, and with the support of You Capital, the company is poised for significant growth and market impact.

    “This partnership marks a new era for the health and wellness industry,” said Wilbur You, Managing Partner of You Capital. “Dr. Liu and Sol Nutrition have built an incredible foundation, and we are excited to provide the resources and strategic guidance to elevate their reach and influence.”

    Dr. Liu, Founder of Sol Nutrition, added, “Our mission has always been to deliver the world’s best herbal supplements, and with the backing of You Capital, we are now in a position to bring our vision to a global audience. Together, we will set new standards in quality and innovation.”

    Dr. Liu is a highly respected doctor and the owner of Eastern Medicine, where she has built a reputation for excellence in holistic healing. She has served a distinguished clientele from all over the world, offering tailored wellness solutions that integrate traditional and modern medical practices. Her expertise and influence in the health and wellness industry further solidify Sol Nutrition’s standing as a leader in herbal supplementation.

    This investment underscores You Capital’s commitment to fostering businesses that prioritize health, sustainability, and excellence. The partnership will enable Sol Nutrition to enhance its research and development, expand its product offerings, and strengthen its global distribution network.

    Wilbur You brings a wealth of business acumen to this partnership, having successfully built and scaled Youtech, a full-service digital marketing and technology agency. Under his leadership, Youtech has grown into a nationally recognized firm specializing in marketing, digital strategy, and business transformation. His experience in scaling businesses and leveraging innovative marketing strategies will play a crucial role in positioning Sol Nutrition as a global leader in the herbal supplement industry.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Jessica Starman
    jessica@elev8newmedia.com
    (888) 461-2233

    About You Capital Investment Firm
    You Capital Investment Firm specializes in strategic partnerships and equity investments that drive business growth and industry innovation. Led by Managing Partner Wilbur You, the firm focuses on transformative opportunities in health, technology, and sustainable industries.

    About Sol Nutrition, Inc.
    Sol Nutrition, Inc. is a leading herbal supplement company dedicated to creating science-backed, high-quality natural products. Under the leadership of Dr. Liu, Sol Nutrition continues to pioneer advancements in holistic health and wellness.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China builds over 2,100 ‘quiet communities’ to combat noise pollution

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China has completed the construction of 2,132 “quiet communities” across the country as part of its efforts to tackle noise pollution, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said on Wednesday.
    The initiative aims to create residential areas with reduced noise levels to ensure improved sleep quality for residents, addressing one of the most common environmental complaints in urban areas.
    The ministry has also expanded its noise-monitoring network, installing 4,005 automatic monitoring stations across 338 cities at or above the prefecture level by the end of 2024.
    In a significant regulatory move, approximately 177,000 industrial enterprises have been brought under a noise-emissions permit system, which will achieve full coverage by the end of 2025.
    In 2024, 11 provincial-level regions designated a total area of over 860 square kilometers as noise-sensitive building zones.
    Urban noise levels have improved over the past five years, with compliance rates for both daytime and nighttime noise standards trending upward in designated functional zones, according to the ministry.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mainland spokesperson says Taiwan’s ban on DeepSeek anti-intellectual, absurd

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A file photo of Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday called the ban imposed by Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on AI models developed by mainland-based company DeepSeek an absurd move that uses anti-intellectual measures to pursue their anti-mainland agenda.
    Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media query regarding the DPP authorities’ recent decision to impose a blanket ban on the use of DeepSeek AI models in government agencies and public schools.
    Zhu criticized the DPP authorities for their fear and hostility toward both the mainland and mainland high-tech products, stressing that their arbitrary bans under the pretext of safeguarding security would ultimately harm the interests of businesses and the public on the island.
    She added that the mainland welcomes Taiwan residents to use AI models developed by mainland enterprises and supports cross-Strait cooperation in the AI sector.
    Zhu also responded to Lai Ching-te’s recent claims about increasing mainland espionage cases and intensified “united front” efforts against Taiwan. She said the DPP authorities repeatedly fabricated “mainland threat” and portrayed cross-Strait exchanges as a dire menace in pursuit of their separatist agenda.
    This is the fundamental logic behind Lai and the DPP authorities’ continuous deception, fearmongering and deliberate efforts to escalate cross-Strait tensions, she added.
    In response to a recent report by Taiwan’s mainland affairs council, which includes distorted information about the mainland, Zhu said Taiwan residents are warmly welcomed to visit the mainland.
    As long as Taiwan compatriots see and feel the mainland in person, the rumors fabricated by the DPP authorities will surely collapse, she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China establishes over 30,000 smart factories: ministry

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Feb. 12 — China has built over 30,000 basic-level smart factories as part of a nationwide push to accelerate industrial digitalization and intelligent upgrading, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

    The initiative, under the smart factory gradient cultivation action, has also seen the creation of 1,200 advanced-level and 230 excellence-level smart factories. This achievement highlights the significant progress that has been made in reshaping the country’s manufacturing landscape, according to the ministry.

    The 230 excellence-level factories, distributed across all 31 provincial regions in China and covering over 80 percent of manufacturing sectors, have carried out nearly 2,000 advanced scenarios, including smart warehousing, AI-powered quality inspections, and digital research and development, said MIIT.

    On average, these factories are 28.4 percent shorter in product development cycles, 22.3 percent higher in production efficiency, 50.2 percent lower in defect rates and 20.4 percent lower in carbon emissions, said the ministry.

    MIIT, alongside five other state agencies, jointly launched a smart factory gradient cultivation action last year and classified smart factories into four tiers based on technological maturity and integration depth, including the basic-level, the advanced-level, the excellence-level and the pioneer-level.

    For instance, basic-level smart factories are required to develop foundational capabilities in digitization and networking. This involves deploying the necessary smart manufacturing equipment, industrial software, and systems centered around typical scenarios of smart manufacturing. By doing so, they can achieve real-time data collection, automation of key production processes, enhance the informatization of production and operational management, and utilize intelligence exploration in certain aspects.

    Moving forward, MIIT will expand excellence-level smart factory promotion and prepare to launch pioneer-level cultivation, aiming to further promote the expansion, deeper integration, and elevated evolution of intelligent manufacturing, it said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s icebreaker Xuelong-2 conducts marine ecosystem survey in Amundsen Sea

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s icebreaker Xuelong-2 conducts marine ecosystem survey in Amundsen Sea

    Updated: February 12, 2025 20:47 Xinhua
    Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team work on board of Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Feb. 4, 2025. Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, is conducting a month-long marine ecosystem survey in the Amundsen Sea, which include a comprehensive investigation and monitoring of biological ecology, water, sedimentary and atmospheric environment, and pollutant distribution. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A member of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team takes a picture of a zooplankter with microscope on board of Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team release equipment to collect marine sediment samples on board of Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A picture taken with a microscope shows a zooplankter caught in the Amundsen Sea, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team read riddles on the occasion of the Lantern Festival on board of Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Feb. 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A member of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team operates devices to release equipment for collecting marine sediment samples on board of Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team prepare to release equipment for collecting marine sediment samples on board of Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: CARDIO DAY! | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    : DMD

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #CardioDay

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC_513bO9So

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Holiday Activity and Food Programme agreed in Preston for 2025/2026

    Source: City of Preston

    Following the Full Council meeting on 30 January, Preston City Council agreed to accept funding of up to £600,000 to deliver the Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) in Preston.

    The HAF programme is an initiative funded by the Department for Education for the delivery of food, along with activities for children aged between 5 – 19 years, during the school holidays.

    A competitive grant application process for providers wishing to deliver elements of the programme from April 2025 will now be put into place.

    The programme provides healthy meals, enriching activities, and free childcare places to children from low-income families, benefiting their health, wellbeing and learning. It is primarily aimed at children in receipt of benefits related free school meals but is not exclusively for them and successful providers will be able to use up to 15% of their funding to provide free or subsidised holiday club places for children who are not in receipt of benefits, but those who the local authority believe could benefit from the initiative.

    Councillor Zafar Coupland, Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

    “As a result of this programme, the children attending the activities and accessing the food programme will benefit from being active and eating healthily during the school holidays and will have a greater knowledge of health and nutrition to help them in the future.

    “This is a very important initiative, and I hope the children and young people who take part in the engaging and enriching activities take advantage of the support available in developing resilience, character and wellbeing.”

    More information

    • The expansion of the programme year-on-year has meant a total of 5.4 million HAF days provided between Christmas 2022, Easter and Summer 2023. For several years, local authority areas across Lancashire have been allocated Department of Education funding from Lancashire County Council to provide a funded HAF programme. Since 2022, the HAF programme has provided 10.7 million HAF days to children and young people in this country.
    • With a new contract period under negotiation to start in April 2025, there is an opportunity for Preston City Council to manage the HAF programme in-house to build on the work done previously by an external agency. This would enable the provision of further opportunities for providers due to an increase in capacity and skills at the Council. Lancashire County Council would now prefer a direct award to Preston City Council for simplicity.
    • This funding is for one year only and ends on 31 March 2026.
    • Full details on this funding can be found in the Council HAF report – January 2025
    • Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU Law Clinic in the running for major legal award

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Sarah Calder, Director of ARU’s Law Clinic

    The Law Clinic at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has been recognised for its commercial impact by being shortlisted for a highly prestigious national legal award.

    The service, which has bases in Chelmsford and Cambridge, has been shortlisted for the University Commercial Impact Award at the 2025 LexisNexis Legal Awards.

    The awards recognise outstanding contributions in various categories, including legal services, technology, and pro bono work, and are considered among the most prestigious awards for the legal profession in the UK.

    The Law Clinic offers a variety of free legal services to people in the community, working with local law firms and providing invaluable opportunities for ARU Law students.

    By working in the Law Clinic with local solicitors, barristers and legal executives, it encourages and develops the students’ commercial awareness and strategic thinking skills.

    “Our Law Clinic is set up to maximise our students’ contact with as many lawyers as possible, so that they can showcase their abilities in a practical environment, one in which they can thrive when given real-life challenges to address and assist in resolving.

    “By working alongside a panel of over 100 volunteer solicitors, barristers and legal executives, our students can start to appreciate how each lawyer and law firm has a slightly different approach to delivering advice and how they can tailor their work to best fit alongside our volunteers.

    “Our students become used to dealing with deadlines and understanding the commercial reasons behind the requirements to turn work around within a set time.”

    Sarah Calder, Director of ARU’s Law Clinic

    The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 13 March at the Park Plaza London Riverbank. In the University Commercial Impact category, ARU will be up against fellow universities Aston, Essex, Reading, Sussex, Sheffield Hallam, Northumbria and Queen Mary.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Council homes completed in Kinross

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The new houses for affordable social rent at Kepitknow Crescent have been bought by the Council at the development built by Persimmon Homes.

    The four 3-bed and two 2-bed homes were handed over to the Council today (February 12th) during a visit by Housing and Social Wellbeing Convener, Councillor Tom McEwan.  

    The properties were purchased ‘off the shelf’ from the developer. They have been built to the highest standard, with energy efficiency measures included which will keep tenants’ bills as low as possible and reduce the carbon footprint of the development.

    All of the houses have spaces included that can be used for a home office, reflecting the requirements of modern living.

    Councillor McEwan said: “As a Council we are committed to increasing the number of homes for affordable social rent right across Perth and Kinross, and we are doing this in a number of ways.

    “Our programme of building new Council homes has provided an additional 500 houses and flats since 2012. Our innovative scheme to buy-back ex-Council properties has seen hundreds of new properties added to our housing stock, and we also work hard to bring empty properties back into use as Council housing.

    “Another way to boost affordable social housing numbers is to buy homes “off the shelf” from developers, like we have done here in Kinross. We have invested £1.4m in the homes on this modern new development and is fantastic to see them completed and keys being handed over to tenants. The houses, built to a very high specification, will provide us with valuable affordable housing for tenants in an area of high demand.”

    James MacKay, Persimmon North Scotland Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to be working with Perth and Kinross Council to deliver high-quality, affordable homes for local people.

    “Collaboration is crucial to increasing housing supply and we’re committed to working closely with our partners to deliver the homes that people need.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: More than 90 thousand schoolchildren and students took part in the competition “Science. Territory of Heroes”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Welcome speech by Dmitry Chernyshenko to the participants of the popular science competition “Science. Territory of Heroes”

    16 hours ago

    The final of the popular science competition “Science. Territory of Heroes” for schoolchildren and students from all over the country took place at the National Center “Russia”. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko addressed the participants with a welcoming speech.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the advantages of the profession of a scientist and spoke about the opportunities it opens up for young people.

    “The profession of a scientist in Russia is becoming increasingly popular and prestigious. Our scientists are real superheroes! We are in fifth place in the world in terms of the number of people engaged in research and development. Almost every second scientist in Russia is under 40 years old. The competition “Science. Territory of Heroes” is also gaining popularity. More than 90 thousand schoolchildren and students from all over the country have already become its participants. By involving tens of thousands of young researchers in the scientific field, we are solving one of the main tasks of the Decade of Science and Technology announced by President Vladimir Putin,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    Participants in the final of the popular science competition “Science. Territory of Heroes”

    He added that the country’s future will depend on talented youth. The government will continue to support young people and create conditions so that the path in science is not so difficult and leads to success.

    The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, congratulated the winners of the competition and noted that today more and more young people want to connect their lives with science.

    “All necessary conditions are being created for scientific creativity in our universities and scientific organizations, including the opening of youth laboratories, the updating of the equipment base, and serious grant support. I would like to separately note the strengthening of cooperation between universities, research institutes and the real sector of the economy,” the minister added.

    This year, 10 talented children from all over the country competed in the final duel – from Zavolzhye to Chelyabinsk Oblast. Young researchers answered scientific questions, talked to young scientists and famous popularizers of science, including Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor of the Institute of Laser and Plasma Technologies of the National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI” Vladimir Reshetov, Ambassador of the project – biologist Ilya Gomyranov.

    Third place went to Andrey Khokhlov from Michurinsk, second place went to Timofey Kovalev from Pskov. First place was awarded to Alexander Valov from Klin.

    They received additional points for admission to the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, as well as awards from the competition partner companies. Rosatom State Corporation provided three winners with the opportunity to undergo career consultations, the purpose of which is to help build an individual professional path. Beeline awarded one winner with a grant of 200 thousand rubles for conducting research work and improving competencies in the chosen field. The remaining finalists received gift certificates and prizes from the competition partners, and also took part in an interactive tour of the Sber office.

    The winners of the competition will receive individual internships at the country’s leading scientific centers: the Far Eastern Federal University, the Interuniversity Student Campus of the Eurasian World-Class Scientific and Educational Center, and the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. There, the students will gain unique experience in scientific research, study the areas in which they plan to develop in the future, and meet practicing scientists from the scientific field that interests them.

    The competition “Science. Territory of Heroes” is held annually within the framework of national projects of Russia and is part of the “Science of Winning” initiative of the Decade of Science and Technology.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nurses and Corpsmen enhance multidisciplinary skills at Naval Hospital Bremerton

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Critical multidisciplinary skill sustainment training included a little faux assistance at Naval Hospital Bremerton, February 11, 2025.

    As Navy Nurse Corps officers, civilian registered nurses and hospital corpsmen filed into NHB’s Skills Fair, amongst the training modules designed to refresh their proficiency levels reclined a Mr. [mannequin] Smith.

    Mr. Smith was acknowledged as a 43-year old bedridden patient who had been in the hospital for the past four days, suffering from a chest injury caused by a car accident. His lung had a compressed injury resulting in a chest tube for hemothorax. There were other apparent health complications, including medication management and patient-safety needs.

    Nurse Corps officers assigned to the main hospital, from the branch health clinics located on Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Base Everett, civilian registered nurses and hospital corpsmen
    were tasked to determine what was wrong with Mr. Smith, as well as detect any errors which could compromise patient care and patient safety within the inpatient room setting.

    “This is getting nursing back to nursing,” said Lt. Essie Gutierrez, Directorate of Health Services division officer who organized the event. “We can touch, we can feel, we can do hands-on training. We hope that skills someone hasn’t used in a while get refreshed, so they get more confident in being able to use their skills.

    According to Gutierrez, Navy Nurse Corps officers are required to be able to handle their duties when called upon and must perform a minimum of 144 hours per year of clinical sustainment competency. Joint collaboration with Madigan Army Medical Center is a viable option, but not everyone can afford to take the time away from their current responsibilities.

    “Our chief nursing officer decided to do a skills fair here. It is incumbent upon us, even without an inpatient unit, to ensure we have our clinical sustainment in our hospital by setting up these training modules,” Gutierrez said.

    The mannequin Mr. Smith was part of the “What’s Wrong with the Room” training module. A lengthy list of mistakes was reported by the nurses and corpsmen, which included noting that the patient bed was too high, and the patient had no way to relieve himself. The patient also had no visible identification, lacked nonskid socks, and had an infection bleeding around a chest tube. There was also medication left on a side table by the inpatient bed and more.

    “The What’s Wrong with the Room, is great because it encompasses medication administration, errors with the patient and errors with the inpatient room setting which we just don’t get here,” remarked Gutierrez.

    The other training scenarios included a Wound Care module, which featured such instruction as burn wound care, wound cleaning and irrigation of traumatic wound(s), and dealing with pressure injuries.

    The Airway module went over oxygen therapy with nasal cannula and oxygen mask, cervical collar management and electrocardiogram use.

    The Lines and Specimen Collection module discussed such needs as urinary catheter use, blood product administration and intravenous therapy.

    The Postmortem Care module covered grief support, operational stress control and peer debriefing.

    Each participant was provided a passport, designed as a guide for each of the five training modules. Upon completion of each instructional session, their passport would be stamped as having completed that module.

    Gutierrez affirmed that Nurse Corps officer clinical sustainment is vital for mission readiness and is in keeping with the Navy surgeon general’s priority of being a ready medical force able to support a medically ready force. “Having our corpsmen taking part to improve their knowledge base and any other staff is a plus,” she said.

    The two-day event was tailored to provide critical multidisciplinary skill sustainment training which nurses in an ambulatory care setting like NHB might not use as much as they used to.

    One module at a time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update on December 2024 and January 2025 rental data

    Update on December 2024 and January 2025 rental data

    The national-level stock measure for actual rentals for housing for December 2024 and January 2025 will be included in Selected price indexes: January 2025, which is due out on Friday 14 February.  

    The administrative data used for this measure is provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which recently upgraded their tenancy bond-lodgment system. The stock measure was not included in last month’s SPI release as time was needed to integrate the new system’s data into the rental price indexes.  

    The completed update does not affect the results for the December 2024 quarter consumers price index (CPI), so no revision is required.

    The release does not include the flow of rental properties measures (national and regional) as we are still working to integrate the new system’s data for these measures. The flow measures, which do not affect the CPI, will be included when we are confident they meet customer expectations.  

    Stats NZ would like to thank MBIE and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for collaborating on this work and making it possible to release the latest data. We will provide a further update in due course.

    If you have any questions, please contact our Information Centre at info@stats.govt.nz.

    Ends

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