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MIL-OSI: DTE Energy earns top score in Customer Satisfaction for Business Natural Gas Service in Midwest from J.D. Power
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Detroit, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DTE Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is ranked “#1 in Customer Satisfaction with Business Natural Gas Service in the Midwest” in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study.

In addition to ranking DTE first overall in customer satisfaction, customers placed DTE highest in the individual study factors of Price and Corporate Citizenship.

DTE’s top score in the Price study factor reflects the efforts the company takes to keep natural gas service affordable for customers. DTE has saved its customers millions of dollars by buying natural gas before it’s needed, often when prices are lower, and storing it underground until customers need it. This smooths out natural gas costs and protects customers from sudden price spikes.

DTE’s corporate citizenship efforts were also singled out by business customers as best in the Midwest region. DTE has consistently fostered a culture of community involvement and, in 2023 alone, nearly 4,000 of its employees volunteered more than 75,000 hours with 862 nonprofit organizations throughout Michigan.

Additionally, in 2023 the DTE Energy Foundation — the philanthropic arm of DTE — supported nearly 300 non-profit organizations across Michigan focused on driving positive, meaningful change in key areas like jobs, equity, human needs and the environment.

“We’re focused on improving lives for our customers and communities while also keeping natural gas service safe, reliable and affordable,” said Bob Richard, president and chief operating officer, DTE Gas. “We truly value the trust that nearly 90,000 businesses across the state place in us, and we will continue to invest in our system to keep meeting their needs and helping Michigan’s local economies grow.”

DTE is helping to foster business development by expanding natural gas service to rural communities throughout northern and greater Michigan, making them more attractive locations for business growth. Further, DTE invested $2.7 billion with Michigan businesses in 2023, creating and sustaining more than 12,000 jobs across the state.

DTE remains committed to customer satisfaction and has consistently expanded its list of services for business customers. These include:
- A range of energy efficiency programs that serve thousands of businesses annually, helping them optimize their energy use, reduce operational costs and enhance sustainability.
- A dedicated business call center that connects business customers directly with DTE representatives who are knowledgeable about the unique energy needs of businesses.
- An enhanced web experience for business customers allowing them to manage their accounts 24/7.
About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: ChargeUp Accelerator for Battery Startups Opens Application Period for Cohort 2

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BINGHAMTON, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New Energy New York (NENY) has opened applications for the second cohort of ChargeUp. The six-month accelerator program is designed to support startups working on battery innovations to help them advance their technology development and their business. Early-stage U.S. companies that are working on battery innovations anywhere in the supply chain are encouraged to apply. Companies accepted into the accelerator will receive $25,000, connections to investors, and opportunities for follow-on investment, including up to $100,000 in vouchers for technical development. Each month, participation in the Binghamton-based accelerator includes one week of in-person instructional workshops and regional tours of supply chain partners and three weeks of virtual activities, such as instruction provided by industry and business experts, pitch coaching, regional showcases, and building out each company’s data room so they are ready for investment.

The program follows the success of the inaugural cohort of companies that includes Ateios Systems, Fermi Energy, MITO Materials and Standard Potential.

“ChargeUp stands as a flagship accelerator for battery startup companies. Completing the program, we emerged with significant tasks ahead but equipped with essential know-how. Additionally, the ChargeUp network proved tremendously beneficial, enabling us to establish pivotal business relationships. I strongly recommend this program to any battery startup considering joining an accelerator to enhance their growth and success,” said Ray Xu, Co-Founder and CTO of Fermi Energy.

The initiative is part of a $4.5 million grant awarded to NextCorps from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF-2334103) to test an accelerator model focused on technology commercialization for early-stage, deep-tech businesses, and strengthen economic development within region-specific technology hubs located across the U.S. The accelerator is based on curriculum and learnings from two of NextCorps’ proven accelerators: Luminate, the world’s largest accelerator for startups developing technologies enabled by optics, photonics and imaging, and the Manufacturing Accelerator, which helps early-stage companies reduce the risk, waste, and cost associated with getting hardware from prototype to mass production. The methodology used by both programs leverages university, community, and industrial involvement to guide and speed the delivery of emerging technologies.

ChargeUp will follow a similar format, and will be run by Binghamton University’s Koffman Southern Tier Incubator. During the program, companies will receive over 200 hours of curriculum that will prepare them to become investment-ready by mastering business due diligence, design for manufacturing, complex supply chains, product pricing, and other topics. The accelerator also will connect them to resources within the region’s rapidly growing battery industry cluster, which has been federally designated as a battery tech hub, and New York State’s efforts to pioneer critical energy storage technologies through the NENY project.

“The Binghamton region and our network of partners are internationally recognized for its expertise in energy storage. This accelerator will continue to attract the best startups and talent to the region, and connect them to the benchmark assets and expertise available here to change the trajectory of their business and technology commercialization. We had a very successful inaugural cohort and plan to build off the first year of running this program,” said Bandhana Katoch, Assistant Vice President, Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnership at Binghamton University.

Since 2017, the Southern Tier Clean Energy Incubator program has fostered over 60 startup companies. Binghamton University, through its Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships, is leading the NENY initiative, with the cornerstone project, Battery-NY, for the development of a battery technology and prototyping center in the Southern Tier of NY.

Startups applying to ChargeUp must be incorporated, have at least two people working full time on the business, and should have proven their core technology, preferably having developed a working prototype. ChargeUp Cohort 2 begins in April 2025 and concludes in October 2025. Virtual info sessions will be held November 13 and December 10, 2024 and on January 8, 2025, to help companies assess if the program is right for their business.

To apply to ChargeUp, go here.

“Our world is facing energy storage issues that are affecting almost every industry. Testing our proven accelerator methodologies within battery innovation to solve these pressing challenges, and doing so within a rich, industry-leading battery ecosystem makes perfect sense,” said Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, Managing Director, Luminate NY. “We’re eager to support the ChargeUp accelerator and to assess the impact it has on improving success rates for bringing novel technologies to market.”

For more information on ChargeUp, visit https://newenergynewyork.com/programs/chargeup-accelerator/

For more information about Binghamton University’s Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, visit thekoffman.com.

For more information on NextCorps, visit nextcorps.org.

For more information about Binghamton’s New Energy New York initiative, go to newenergynewyork.com.

For more information about NSF grants, visit nsf.gov.

Media Contact
Kari Bayait
kbayait@binghamton.edu
607-725-5975

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9af0d78d-54d3-4f3b-8e9c-da6eedf25490

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Pax8 Tops the Denver Business Journal Fast 50 List in 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DENVER, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pax8, the leading cloud commerce marketplace, today announced it has been named the second fastest-growing company in the Extra Large category on the Denver Business Journal’s (DBJ) 2024 Fast 50 List. The DBJ Fast 50 List recognizes the region’s fastest-growing companies and brightest entrepreneurs. This is Pax8’s fifth year on the DBJ Fast 50 list.

“We are excited about Pax8’s continuous growth trajectory and honored to be recognized by the Denver Business Journal over the years for our strong performance as a global company headquartered in Colorado,” said Nick Heddy, President at Pax8. “Our innovation in building the cloud commerce marketplace of the future, combined with creating a great place to work for our employees are the keys to our growth and success.”

This year’s DBJ Fast 50 list recognized Pax8 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Extra Large category for companies with more than $150 million in revenue. The for-profit companies must be privately held and headquartered in one of the seven surrounding counties of Denver. In 2024, Fast 50 recognized privately-owned companies based on revenue from 2021 to 2023. Pax8’s revenue growth was 58 percent, and the company increased its workforce from 981 to 1,624 employees over that two-year period.

For a complete list of Fast 50 honorees, please visit the 2024 Fast 50 Extra Large list.

To learn more about Pax8, please visit www.pax8.com.

About Pax8
Pax8 is the technology marketplace of the future, linking partners, vendors, and small to midsized businesses (SMBs) through AI-powered insights and comprehensive product support. With a global partner ecosystem of over 35,000 managed service providers, Pax8 empowers SMBs worldwide by providing software and services that unlock their growth potential and enhance their security. Committed to innovating cloud commerce at scale, Pax8 drives customer acquisition and solution consumption across its entire ecosystem.

Follow Pax8 on Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube

Media Contact:
Kristen Beatty
Sr. Director of Public Relations
kbeatty@pax8.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Electrify Expo Scheduled To Ignite Austin with an Unforgettable Grand Finale
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Electrify Expo returns to the iconic Circuit of the Americas, offering an unparalleled opportunity to ride, drive, and demo the most exciting electric cars, trucks, e-motorcycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, and customized EVs—across 1 million square feet of festival space
- Feel the rush on the specially designed off-road dirt course in the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally, experiencing its incredible power and performance firsthand
- The Track Experience powered by Austin Energy will give attendees the ultimate bucket list experience to feel the thrill of their favorite EVs on the legendary race track
- Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10; tickets can be purchased online or in person
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Electrify Expo, North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) festival, will return to Austin for its final stop of the 2024 tour on November 9-10 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Everything’s bigger in Texas, and this year’s event promises to be the largest yet, featuring 1 million square feet of thrilling EV experiences at one of the country’s most iconic motorsport venues. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to get behind the wheel of the world’s leading electric vehicles, from the GMC HUMMER to the Nissan ARIYA to the Tesla Cybertruck.

For the first time ever, attendees will experience the adrenaline rush of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally on a specially designed dirt course with a professional driver to feel the thrill of the vehicle’s effortless electric performance off-road. The dirt course has obstacles, bumps and high-speed tight turns to showcase how the vehicle was purposefully designed for off-road adventures.

“The Mustang Mach-E Rally was tailor-built for off-pavement performance and thrill seekers,” said Tom Somerville, Marketing Director, Enthusiast Electric Vehicles at Ford Motor Company. “The Mustang Mach-E Rally is the first electric vehicle from Ford to take Mustang freedom and fun to dirt roads. The car handles so well in loose corners and on dirt, that we want Electrify Expo attendees in Austin to feel the difference that this electric SUV can offer. Plus, we’re excited to chat with folks about our Ford Power Promise program, which helps take the guesswork out of home charging with a complimentary charger and standard installation so they can fill up at home and are ready to go on whatever adventure each day has in store.”

Special Attractions for Austin:
- The Track Experience Powered by Austin Energy: Get behind the wheel of top EVs on the legendary race track!
- Experience the Tesla Cybertruck: Witness this highly anticipated vehicle throughout the weekend.
- GMC Makes its Austin Debut: Check out the GMC HUMMER EV and Sierra EV Denali, making their first appearance at Electrify Expo.
- Electric Dirt Bike Zone: Feel the thrill of electric dirt bikes as you blaze through a custom-designed dirt track.
- LSV Demo Zone: Hop in and take a spin with the newest, high-tech electric golf carts.
- Rivian’s Full Lineup: Test drive the all-new R2 and R3 alongside the popular R1T and R1S.
- Amazon Recharge Zone: Join a full weekend of programming addressing common EV questions and dispelling myths.
- Electrify Showoff: Marvel at the most radical customized EVs and get inspired to personalize your own ride!
“Austin is my hometown and this year we’re pulling out all the stops,” said BJ Birtwell, CEO and founder of Electrify Expo. “With the ever-growing popularity of EVs in Texas, we invite skeptics, enthusiasts, curious onlookers and thrill seekers – to join us for a weekend of exciting experiences for all ages in an outdoor festival environment.”

Electrify Expo has grown to become the Nation’s leading event for all forms of electric transportation. Whether you crave speed, style or comfort, you’ll find plenty to explore including:
- Ford: Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, E-Transit
- GMC: HUMMER EV, Sierra EV Denali
- Lexus: 2024 RZ 450e, 2024 RX 450h+, 2024 NX 450h+, 2024 TX 550h+
- Lucid: Air models
- Nissan: ARIYA, LEAF
- Porsche: Taycan
- Rivian: R1T, R1S, R2, R3
- Tesla: Cybertruck, Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y
- Toyota: Grand Highlander Hybrid, Prius Prime, RAV 4 Prime, bZ4X, Sienna HV
- Volvo: EX30, C40 Recharge, XC40 Recharge, EX90
- Polestar: Polestar 3 and 4
In addition to automakers, Austin attendees will be treated to an exciting lineup of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility offerings from top brands on two and four wheels, including:
- SUPER 73
- GoTrax Bikes + Scooters
- Stacyc
- JackRabbit
- Landmaster
- Amazon
- Austin Energy
- Anker
- and many more
For a full brand lineup, visit https://www.electrifyexpo.com/austin.

Electrify Expo gates will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10, with a full day of fun concluding at 5 p.m. each day. Tickets for Electrify Expo are available to purchase in person and online.

For more information and to purchase tickets to Electrify Expo visit www.electrifyexpo.com. Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing ee@skyya.com.

About Electrify Expo
Electrify Expo is North America’s largest outdoor electric vehicle (EV) festival showcasing the latest technology and products in electrification including startup and legacy EVs, electric motorcycles, bikes, scooters, skateboards, boats, surfboards and more. The festival addresses one of the most challenging barriers to mass adoption of electric vehicles – understanding how electric transportation works – with meaningful consumer experiences behind the wheel or in the seat on thrilling demo courses. Top brands from around the world exhibit and attend Electrify Expo’s events to meet consumers at all stages on their path to electrification. 2024 events will take place in Long Beach and San Francisco, Calif., Phoenix, Denver, New York, Seattle, Orlando, and Austin, Texas. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit www.electrifyexpo.com and follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact
Skyya PR
ee@skyya.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04b88cf9-9ccd-4a50-b506-a84d6f2346f0

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rapsodo Enhances Its MLM2PRO’s Simulated Golf Experience, Introducing Improved Graphics and Junior Tee Locations

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapsodo, the leading developer of golf and baseball ball-flight monitors and simulators, today announces the launch of enhanced graphics for gameplay and the addition of junior tee placements within its Mobile Launch Monitor 2 Pro (MLM2PRO) for premium MLM2PRO members.

With access to more than 30,000 simulated golf courses – even ones the pros play – and virtual driving ranges, the MLM2PRO is designed to give complete visibility into a player’s game. Users can practice their skills and improve their game anytime, anywhere by having access to simulated courses, ranges as well as tracking key performance metrics. The new enhanced graphics and addition of the junior tee boxes improve the user experience and expand the MLM2PRO’s accessibility features, so golfers at every skill level and age can experience near real-life course conditions during a simulated round.

By understanding the desire for golfers to be fully immersed in their simulation rounds, Rapsodo improved the user experience by enhancing the graphics across its simulated courses. The new version improves the visuals on the course by updating the elevation, trees and course texture. The renovated platform now more closely mimics real-world play for every MLM2PRO premium member.

To ensure MLM2PRO premium members are provided the best experience possible, Rapsodo developed a Level of Detail Assessment that quickly tests the processing capabilities of the device in use and provides a customized recommendation for course play. The suggested setting determines the best level of detail that can be supported without causing performance issues. The MLM2PRO is compatible with either a phone or a tablet, so there’s no need to purchase more expensive equipment, and the new detail assessment provides a great experience for all users no matter which device they choose. The test takes approximately one minute and runs only during the initial use when a Rapsodo member launches Courses, Range or Target Range.

Additionally, as golf’s popularity continues to rise among young athletes, demand for golf technology suitable for junior players has increased. Rapsodo’s latest update adds junior tee placements to each simulated course to accommodate different skill levels and ages. When beginning a round, golfers will have the option to choose from three new sets of tees: Junior 75, Junior 125 and Junior 175. Tee placements start in the middle of the fairway with the numeric value representing the distance from the tee to the center of the green. This will allow beginners to play a simulated course that better represents their real-life game experience. This will allow parents to play at distances they’re used to while also allowing their kids to start from shorter positions, bringing more fun for the whole family to enjoy together.

“As an industry, we’re seeing more people seek less traditional avenues to play golf as the gamification of the sport rises at every level,” said Pete Gibbons, director of golf at Rapsodo. “The latest updates to the MLM2PRO enhance the game experience for our players so they can ensure their simulated round better represents their real-life play. The addition of junior tees also means that golfers at every level can improve their game as they would on the real course. This is another fun feature that opens the door for the whole family to play a simulated round together.”

A media kit with images the enhanced simulation of junior tees and graphics can be found here.

Rapsodo products are available for purchase on Rapsodo.com.

About Rapsodo
Rapsodo defies limits with affordable, professional-grade technology to enhance the way athletes play across the world. Used by MLB teams, NCAA Division I Champions, and elite PGA coaches, Rapsodo technology has earned multiple MyGolfSpy’s Best Of Golf Awards and the Official Player Development Partner of USA Baseball, affirming Rapsodo’s leadership in golf, baseball, and softball tech. Do what you didn’t think was possible. Play Without Limits. Play with Rapsodo. Discover more at Rapsodo.com.

Media Contact:
Amanda Rooney
Uproar PR for Rapsodo
arooney@uproarpr.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: TRM Labs and Flashpoint Join Forces to Enhance Visibility into Cyberattacks Involving Cryptocurrencies

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TRM Labs, a global leader in blockchain intelligence, and Flashpoint, a global leader in threat intelligence, have joined forces to integrate their intelligence networks and give customers unprecedented visibility into cybercriminal activity on blockchain networks.

Disrupting criminal networks is increasingly vital to keep the crypto ecosystem safe from illicit actors and allow it to grow for lawful users. According to a report from TRM Labs, in 2023, criminals handled over USD 34 billion in cryptocurrency. However, by leveraging advanced threat and blockchain intelligence tools, governments and law enforcement agencies have been able to heavily disrupt criminal networks.

TRM Labs makes it easier for investigators to uncover connections between disparate data sources by reducing the need for manual intelligence checks across multiple platforms. Through this strategic partnership, TRM Labs has integrated Flashpoint’s data directly into its blockchain intelligence platform.

Investigators that use TRM Labs will now benefit from Flashpoint’s threat intelligence data within TRM Forensics, including comprehensive details on threat actors, malicious content, illicit forum conversations, and both current and historical information from dark web and social media sources. Users with a Flashpoint license can dive deeper into these insights using Flashpoint’s Ignite Threat Intelligence Platform.

“This integration enables investigators to quickly access TRM and Flashpoint’s threat intelligence in one place, accelerating their ability to detect illicit activity, identify threat actors, and recover stolen funds,” said Esteban Castaño, CEO of TRM Labs.

“Our partnership with TRM Labs illustrates the remarkable potential of uniting blockchain intelligence and threat data to outmaneuver cyber adversaries,” said Josh Lefkowitz, CEO and founder of Flashpoint. “By integrating our industry-leading data into TRM Labs Forensics, investigators are equipped with deep insight into threat actors within the crypto ecosystem, enhancing their ability to detect and disrupt illicit activities within blockchain networks.”

This partnership bolsters TRM Labs’ threat intelligence that includes Chainabuse, the largest crypto-related scam and fraud victim reporting platform.

For more information about this partnership and how it can help enhance investigative outcomes, please visit TRM Labs at https://trmlabs.com.

About TRM Labs

TRM Labs provides blockchain intelligence to help government agencies investigate and build cases for digital asset fraud and financial crime. TRM’s blockchain intelligence platform includes solutions to follow the money, identify illicit actors, build cases, and construct an operating picture of threats. TRM is trusted by a growing number of leading agencies worldwide who rely on TRM for their blockchain intelligence needs. TRM is based in San Francisco, CA, and is hiring across engineering, product, sales, and data science. To learn more, visit www.trmlabs.com.

About Flashpoint

Flashpoint is the leader and largest private provider of threat data and intelligence. We empower mission-critical businesses and governments worldwide to decisively confront complex security challenges, reduce risk, and improve operational resilience amid fast-evolving threats. Through the Flashpoint Ignite platform, we deliver unparalleled depth, breadth and speed of data from highly relevant sources, enriched by human insights. Our solutions span cyber threat intelligence, vulnerability intelligence, geopolitical risk, physical security, fraud and brand protection. The result: our customers safeguard critical assets, avoid financial loss, and protect lives. Discover more at flashpoint.io.

RedIron PR for Flashpoint
Kari Ritacco, kari@redironpr.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Apple Products Less Likely to be Impacted by Outages, Kandji Data Reveals
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- 77% of IT professionals agree Apple products are easier to secure than Windows and Android
- 72% believe that Apple products are more secure than other end-user devices
- 59% report that Apple products are less likely to be impacted by widespread cyber outages
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While cyberattacks continue to rise, the majority of IT professionals (72%) believe that Apple products are more secure than other end-user devices, according to a new survey released today by Kandji, the Apple endpoint management and security platform. Despite the growing threats, the security benefits of Apple products remain a contributing factor to Apple’s growth in the enterprise, with over three-fourths of IT professionals reporting that Apple products are easier to secure than other end-user devices, and the majority (59%) stating that they are less likely to be impacted by widespread cyber outages.

The third annual “Apple in the Enterprise” survey explores Apple’s continued growth in the enterprise, the security and reliability benefits of Apple products, and how IT professionals feel about the use and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace.

Commissioned by Kandji and conducted by Dimensional Research, the global survey gathered insights from more than 300 IT professionals with responsibility for the management and delivery of Apple products to employees at a company with more than 1,000 employees and more than 500 end-user devices – including more than 100 C-level (CIO, CTO, CISO, etc.) executives. Key findings include:

Increased iPad, iPhone, and Mac Use Adds to Continued Apple Product Growth in Enterprise
- 73% of organizations report that the number of Apple products has increased over the last year, driven primarily by employee preference (76%), security (50%), and reliability (43%).
- 80% of C-level executives report that Apple growth is driven by employee demand.
- 69% of organizations report that use of iPhone has increased over the last year, driven primarily by employee preference (73%), reliability (56%), and security (56%).
- 45% of organizations report that the use of iPad has increased over the last year, driven primarily by mobility needs (75%) and hybrid/remote work (61%).
- 67% of IT professionals expect Apple Vision Pro to be a business productivity solution, not just a personal entertainment unit.
Security Remains Key Benefit of Apple Device Use
- 77% of IT professionals agree Apple products are easier to secure than Windows and Android.
- 72% of IT professionals believe that Apple products are more secure than other end-user devices.
- 59% of IT professionals report that Apple products are less likely to be impacted by widespread cyber outages.
- 58% of IT professionals say security is a top benefit received from use of Apple products, a notable 10% increase from 2023.
Despite Concerns About Artificial Intelligence Overall, IT Professionals Believe Apple Does More to Protect End-User Privacy
- 92% of IT professionals have concerns about AI, citing worries about errors/inaccuracies (68%), privacy (66%), and security (64%).
- 72% of C-level executives report concerns about AI causing errors.
- 71% of IT professionals say when it comes to AI, Apple does more to protect end-user privacy than other vendors.
- 67% of companies have implemented restrictions around the use of AI, including published policies (69%), access controls (65%), and user education (59%).
- 54% of IT professionals say IT operations and security share the responsibility of managing restrictions on the use of AI.
“It’s become abundantly clear that no business is immune to cyberattacks. But there are choices IT and security leaders can make that reduce the risk and impact these bad actors have on the overall organization, one of which is to expand their adoption of Apple products,” said Adam Pettit, CEO and co-founder of Kandji. “Amid the evolving threat landscape, the confidence IT professionals place in Apple products speaks volumes about their irrefutable advantages and resilience. Apple’s commitment to security remains a driving force behind its growth, especially as AI reshapes the workplace. I am excited to witness the limitless potential and business value Apple continues to bring to the enterprise.”

To download a full copy of the report, please visit https://www.kandji.io/apple-in-the-enterprise-report/.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted by Dimensional Research and commissioned by Kandji. A total of 314 qualified participants completed the survey. All participants had direct responsibility for
selection, delivery, or management of Apple devices to employees and worked at a company with more than 500 end-user devices and more than 1,000 employees. Participants represented a wide range of job levels, industries, and global regions. This survey included over 100 C-level (CIO, CTO, CISO, etc.) executives.

Helpful Links

About Kandji
Kandji is the Apple endpoint management and security platform. Kandji empowers companies to manage and secure Apple devices in the enterprise and at scale. By centrally securing and managing your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices, IT and InfoSec teams can save countless hours of manual, repetitive work with features like one-click compliance templates and more than 150 pre-built automations, apps, and workflows. Learn more at http://www.kandji.io.

Media Contact
Erica Anderson
Offleash for Kandji
pr@kandji.io

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Flourish Launches Integration with Salesforce Sales Cloud and Financial Services Cloud

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flourish, a platform that provides innovative access to financial products that help registered investment advisors (“RIAs”) improve their clients’ financial outcomes, today announced an integration with Salesforce Financial Services Cloud, the leading automated customer relationship management (CRM) software for financial services, allowing RIAs to prefill Flourish application information using data stored in Salesforce. The integration also extends to three leaders in the Salesforce ecosystem for RIAs: Practifi, Salentica Elements CRM, and XLR8 CRM.

CRM solutions like Salesforce help thousands of financial advisors efficiently manage client data, automate marketing efforts, and build client relationships. Over 850 RIAs use Flourish Cash, which helps clients earn competitive rates on their held-away cash while benefiting from enhanced FDIC insurance coverage through its Program Banks. By integrating with Salesforce, and a suite of integrated applications built specifically for the financial advisor community, advisors can seamlessly access data, streamline operations, and enhance the overall client experience. These integrations are active and in use today.

“Our goal is to seamlessly integrate Flourish into the systems RIAs are already using today to give valuable time back to advisors,” said Max Lane, Flourish CEO. “Adding Salesforce, the number one CRM by market share, makes it even easier for advisors to help their clients earn more on their held away cash while simultaneously growing their practices.”

Simplifying client onboarding by pre-filling information eliminates friction and better enables firms to effortlessly incorporate Flourish Cash into their businesses–especially when an increasing number of firms are embracing ‘held-away cash’ in their holistic planning practices. After all, RIAs know that clients want high yield on their cash: 92% of advisors report that their clients have expressed interest in high yield cash accounts.

Over 850 RIAs managing over $1.6 trillion in combined assets trust Flourish to help them bring more assets into their orbit. The Flourish platform allows advisors to feature their firm’s branding as well as providing client-friendly marketing materials, robust and customizable compliance resources, premium customer support, and more.

Flourish has deep integrations across the RIA ecosystem, allowing advisors to incorporate our products into their existing workflows while seamlessly serving clients. To learn more about Flourish’s integrations with the RIA techstack, including Salesfroce, please visit: https://info.flourish.com/integration-partners.

About Flourish
Flourish builds technology that empowers financial advisors, improves financial lives and retirement outcomes, and delivers new and innovative investment options to advisors. Today, the Flourish platform supports more than $6 billion in assets under custody and is used by more than 850 wealth management firms representing more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management. Flourish is wholly-owned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). For more information, visit www.flourish.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied.

This feedback may not be representative of the experience of other customers, and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.

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The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Fortinet Delivers AI-Enhanced Data Protection and Insider Risk Management
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

News Summary
Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced the general availability of FortiDLP, a next-generation data loss prevention (DLP) and insider risk management solution. Based on Next DLP’s innovative technology and integration into the Fortinet Security Fabric, the new solution bolsters Fortinet’s overall portfolio of DLP capabilities. FortiDLP enables effective management of data security, dynamic enforcement of data protection, and enhanced visibility of insider threats at scale for large enterprise customers.

“In an era when data protection is paramount, FortiDLP offers a next-gen solution that combines AI-enhanced detection and insider risk management to secure sensitive information,” said John Maddison, chief marketing officer at Fortinet. “By leveraging an AI-powered data protection solution with the help of generative AI, security teams can anticipate risks, streamline incident response, and mitigate threats faster than legacy DLP solutions. Protecting your data from both internal and external threats starts with visibility and proactive prevention, and FortiDLP delivers that protection on day one.”

Traditional DLP Solutions Fall Short for CISOs
Gartner® recently predicted in its latest Market Guide for Data Loss Prevention that, “By 2027, 70% of CISOs in larger enterprises will adopt a consolidated approach to address both insider risk and data exfiltration use cases.” However, CISOs and security teams continue to struggle with traditional DLP challenges, like managing data silos and dispersed data with a growing hybrid workforce, navigating cumbersome and rigid policies to classify data, slow performance of legacy tools, and the increasing risk posed by malicious insiders having access to sensitive data.

What Sets FortiDLP Apart from Legacy DLP Solutions
Fortinet’s answer to traditional DLP challenges is FortiDLP, an AI-enhanced, cloud-native endpoint data protection solution that enables customers to address all their data protection requirements with a single solution. With the recent acquisition of Next DLP, Fortinet adds a powerful data protection solution to the Fortinet Security Fabric, giving security teams a more effective way to prevent data leaks and loss, detect behavior-related threats, train employees to make risk-informed decisions and comply with security policies. The solution also addresses employees’ use of unsanctioned SaaS applications and guards against data leakage when employees use shadow AI (unapproved GenAI tools). Some of the key features that set FortiDLP apart from the competition include:
- Shadow AI Data Protection: FortiDLP enables employees to safely use publicly available GenAI tools, such as OpenAI ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and others. Administrators can set policy actions to alert employees to proper data handling practices while allowing them to continue using these tools. The result is a balance between enabling greater productivity while securing the organization against sharing sensitive corporate data with these tools.
- Day One Data Visibility and Protection: FortiDLP provides automated data movement visibility and protection from day one with out-of-the-box policies and machine learning embedded at the endpoint for baselining, with contextual and content inspection that works even if endpoints are disconnected from the network.
- Insider Risk Protection: FortiDLP can identify actions, behaviors, and other indicators and apply appropriate policy actions to identify and stop insiders from disclosing sensitive data outside of the organization. Security teams can also monitor individual user risk with the solution by identifying, analyzing, and capturing employee activity when sensitive data is accessed and/or policies are violated.
- SaaS Application Data Protection: FortiDLP provides comprehensive visibility into user interactions with data in the cloud and maintains protection as data moves out of the cloud. The solution builds a comprehensive risk-scored inventory of SaaS applications utilized across an organization, with insights into data ingress, egress, and credentials. It also fortifies defenses against potential data breaches from business data exposure via unauthorized application usage.
- Origin-Based Data Protection: FortiDLP provides instant visibility into data exposure risk with Secure Data Flow, which complements traditional content and sensitivity classification-based approaches with origin-based data identification, manipulation detection, and data egress controls. Security teams can track and prevent data egress from endpoints and unmanaged mobile devices to USB drives, printers, and SaaS apps like Slack, Office 365, and Google Workspace.
- Risk-Informed User Education: Administrators can configure policies and actions that include the presentation of customizable messages to educate users on the importance of safeguarding sensitive data while also enabling mechanisms that drive accountability for employee behavior.
- AI-Powered Guidance: The FortiDLP AI-powered assistant enhances incident analysis by using FortiAI to summarize and contextualize data associated with observed high-risk activity, mapped to the MITRE Engenuity Insider Threat Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) Knowledge Base for easy consumption by analysts and peers.
As part of its ongoing commitment to offering customers enterprise-grade data protection, Fortinet plans to sell FortiDLP as a stand-alone solution in addition to adding advanced AI-driven data loss prevention capabilities to its security service edge (SSE) offering and integrate additional insider risk and data protection capabilities across the Fortinet Security Fabric.

FortiDLP is based on the next-generation, cloud-native SaaS data protection platform from Next DLP. Next DLP was recognized as a Representative Vendor in the 2023 Gartner Market Guide for Data Loss Prevention¹ and the 2023 Gartner Market Guide for Insider Risk Management Solutions.²

Additional Resources

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

¹Gartner Market Guide for Data Loss Prevention, Ravisha Chugh, Andrew Bales, 4 September 2023.

²Gartner Market Guide for Insider Risk Management Solutions, Brent Predovich, 13 November 2023.

About Fortinet
Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere you need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organizations from both the public and private sectors, including CERTs, government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.

Copyright © 2024 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. The symbols ® and ™ denote respectively federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fortinet’s trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following: Fortinet, the Fortinet logo, FortiGate, FortiOS, FortiGuard, FortiCare, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, FortiASIC, FortiClient, FortiCloud, FortiMail, FortiSandbox, FortiADC, FortiAI, FortiAIOps, FortiAntenna, FortiAP, FortiAPCam, FortiAuthenticator, FortiCache, FortiCall, FortiCam, FortiCamera, FortiCarrier, FortiCASB, FortiCentral, FortiConnect, FortiController, FortiConverter, FortiCSPM, FortiCWP, FortDAST, FortiDB, FortiDDoS, FortiDeceptor, FortiDeploy, FortiDevSec, FortiEDR, FortiExplorer, FortiExtender, FortiFirewall, FortiFlex FortiFone, FortiGSLB, FortiGuest, FortiHypervisor, FortiInsight, FortiIsolator, FortiLAN, FortiLink, FortiMonitor, FortiNAC, FortiNDR, FortiPenTest, FortiPhish, FortiPoint, FortiPolicy, FortiPortal, FortiPresence, FortiProxy, FortiRecon, FortiRecorder, FortiSASE, FortiSDNConnector, FortiSEC, FortiSIEM, FortiSMS, FortiSOAR, FortiStack, FortiSwitch, FortiTester, FortiToken, FortiTrust, FortiVoice, FortiWAN, FortiWeb, FortiWiFi, FortiWLC, FortiWLM and FortiXDR. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Fortinet has not independently verified statements or certifications herein attributed to third parties and Fortinet does not independently endorse such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein constitutes a warranty, guarantee, contract, binding specification or other binding commitment by Fortinet or any indication of intent related to a binding commitment, and performance and other specification information herein may be unique to certain environments.

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: ServiceTrade 2024 Benchmark Reports Reveal Fire Protection and Mechanical Service Customers Outperform Industry Peers

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DURHAM, N.C., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ServiceTrade, Inc., a leading software platform for commercial mechanical and fire system service contractors, is pleased to announce the release of its 2024 ServiceTrade Benchmark Reports. The annual reports provide commercial fire and mechanical contractors with critical insights to evaluate their business performance against peers, enabling them to identify optimization opportunities and strengthen their businesses.

The 2024 ServiceTrade Benchmark Reports offer a data-driven analysis of the operational performance of US and Canada-based commercial fire and mechanical contractor businesses. Specifically, the reports reveal contractors’ performance in year-over-year revenue, driven by smart strategies such as uncovering proactive pull-through revenue opportunities from existing customers, prioritizing high-value work, and optimizing back-end processes. The reports also provide insights and proven best practices to help contractors take advantage of operational trends and identify sustainable growth, revenue performance, and efficiency opportunities.

ServiceTrade Customers Outperform Industry Average

Per the reports, ServiceTrade customers consistently outperform industry averages. The reports measure two key industry sectors: fire protection and commercial mechanical HVAC service.

The median YoY growth rate for mechanical contractors using the ServiceTrade platform was 12.3%, while top performers (those in the 75th percentile) grew at 30.1%. This far outpaces the industry average CAGR for heating and air conditioning contractors’ revenue in the US market, which has shown minimal overall growth of less than 1% over the last five years. Looking forward, the US HVAC services market is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.4% during 2024-2030.

In the fire industry, the median YoY growth rate for ServiceTrade customers was 14.9%, while top performers grew at 33.2%. This far outpaces the industry average performance. Fire Protection contractors’ revenue has contracted at a rate of 1.6% over the last 5 years, despite a post-Covid jump of 1.2% in 2023.

“As the leading provider of field service management software for commercial contractors, we’re proud to provide the industry with these comprehensive benchmarks,” said Shawn Mims, VP of Marketing at ServiceTrade. “The ServiceTrade annual benchmark reports are known for critical data and market insights that help companies focus on the right strategies, tactics and opportunities to improve their business performance.”

The full ServiceTrade Benchmark Reports are available for free download:

To learn more about ServiceTrade:

About ServiceTrade:
ServiceTrade, Inc. is a software platform for commercial mechanical, fire, and life safety contractors. During a chronic skilled labor shortage, ServiceTrade helps commercial contractors increase profit by improving service and project operations, increasing technician productivity, selling more service agreements, and growing customer loyalty. Located in Durham, North Carolina, ServiceTrade was founded in 2012 to automate and streamline the commercial mechanical and fire protection industry and has grown to have more than 1,300 customers. More than 10% of the commercial or industrial buildings in the United States are serviced by contractors using ServiceTrade. Learn more at www.servicetrade.com.

Sources:

Heating & Air-Conditioning Contractors in the US – Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2024-2029), IBIS World, July 2024

US HVAC Services Market Size and Share Analysis – Trends, Drivers, Competitive Landscape, and Forecasts (2024-2030) PS Market Research

U.S. Fire Protection System Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Detection, Suppression, Response, Analysis, Sprinkler System), By Service, By Application, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2030, Grandview Research, February 2024

Fire Protection and Security System Installation Contractors in the US – Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2024-2029), IBIS World, January 2024

Contact:
Media@KTCMarketingandPR.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Summit State Bank Reports Net Income of $626,000 for Third Quarter 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Summit State Bank (the “Bank”) (Nasdaq: SSBI) today reported net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 of $626,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1,821,000, or $0.27 per diluted share for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. Net operating income before credit loss provision and income tax was $2,122,000 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to $2,520,000 for the third quarter ended 2023.

In September 2024 the Bank declared its eighty-third consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

“In this time of economic uncertainty, the Board is focused on balancing its commitment to shareholders while also building capital, increasing liquidity and positioning the Bank to create long-term value,” said Brian Reed, President and CEO. “As such, the Bank is not announcing a dividend for the third quarter of 2024.”

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights (at or for the three months ended September 30, 2024)

Net operating income before credit loss provision and income tax increased quarter-to-date to $2,122,000 for Q3 2024 when compared to $1,955,000 in Q1 2024 to $1,267,000 in Q2 2024.
Operating expenses decreased in the third quarter of 2024 to $6,181,000 compared to $6,926,000 in the third quarter of 2023.
The improvement in net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 was offset by a $1,320,000 provision for credit losses.
Net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $626,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to $1,821,000, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023 and $928,000, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.
The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.66% on September 30, 2024 which is based on estimating credit losses for the life of the loans in the portfolio.
The Bank maintained strong total liquidity of $458,554,000, or 41.0% of total assets as of September 30, 2024. This includes on balance sheet liquidity (cash and equivalents and unpledged available-for-sale securities) of $148,499,000 or 13.3% of total assets, plus available borrowing capacity of $310,055,000 or 27.7% of total assets.
The Bank remains well-capitalized and all regulatory capital ratios were well above minimum requirements on September 30, 2024.
Net loans decreased $14,832,000 to $917,367,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $932,199,000 one year earlier and increased $3,853,000 compared to $913,514,000 three months earlier.
Total deposits decreased 3% to $1,002,770,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $1,030,836,000 at September 30, 2023, and increased 4% when compared to the prior quarter end of $966,587,000.
Book value was $14.85 per share, compared to $13.77 per share a year ago and $14.44 in the preceding quarter.

Operating Results

For the third quarter of 2024, the annualized return on average assets was 0.23% and the annualized return on average equity was 2.48%. This compared to an annualized return on average assets of 0.63% and an annualized return on average equity of 7.59%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2023.

Summit’s net interest margin was 2.71% in the third quarter of 2024 and 2.80% in the third quarter of 2023. Interest and dividend income increased 0.3% to $14,977,000 in the third quarter of 2024 compared to $14,931,000 in the third quarter of 2023. The slight increase in interest income is attributable to a $763,000 increase in interest on loans offset by a decrease of $671,000 in interest on deposits with banks and a decrease in interest on investment securities of $45,000.

“Our earnings have been substantially impacted by the high interest rate environment that continues to put upward pressure on our funding costs,” said Reed. “The cost of deposits was 3.05% during the third quarter, compared to 2.95% during the preceding quarter, as customers continue to focus on higher yields. The recent rate decrease by the Federal Reserve will help alleviate some of the pricing pressures, but rates remain elevated. We have been actively implementing programs to reduce cost of funds while preserving our local deposit relationships.”

Noninterest income decreased in the third quarter of 2024 to $1,030,000 compared to $1,496,000 in the third quarter of 2023. The decrease is primarily attributed to the Bank recognizing $474,000 in gains on sales of SBA and USDA guaranteed loan balances in the third quarter of 2024 compared to $1,046,000 in gains on sales of SBA and USDA guaranteed loan balances in the third quarter of 2023.

Operating expenses decreased in the third quarter of 2024 to $6,181,000 compared to $6,926,000 in the third quarter of 2023. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in the accrual employee bonus expenses of $238,000, a reduction in stock appreciation rights expense of $179,000, a decrease in marketing expense of $113,000 and a decrease of $75,000 in legal expense.

Balance Sheet Review

Net loans decreased 2% to $917,367,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $932,199,000 at September 30, 2023, and decreased 0.4% compared to June 30, 2024. The Bank’s largest loan types are commercial real estate loans which make up 78% of the portfolio, “secured by farmland” totaling 9% of the portfolio, and 8% in commercial and industrial loans. Of the commercial real estate total, approximately 32% or $235,000,000 is owner occupied and the remaining 68% or $491,000,000 is non-owner occupied. The portfolio is well diversified between industries with no significant concentrations, including office space which totals $116,300,000.

Total deposits decreased 3% to $1,002,770,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $1,030,836,000 at September 30, 2023, and increased 4% when compared to the prior quarter end. At September 30, 2024, noninterest bearing demand deposit accounts decreased 9% compared to a year ago and represented 19% of total deposits; savings, NOW and money market accounts increased 6% compared to a year ago and represented 48% of total deposits, and CDs decreased 10% compared to a year ago and comprised 33% of total deposits. The decrease in deposits is a result of the Bank managing its liquidity levels and asset growth. The average cost of deposits was 3.05% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 2.63% in the third quarter of 2023.

Shareholders’ equity was $100,662,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $97,949,000 three months earlier and $93,439,000 a year earlier. The increase in shareholders’ equity compared to a year ago was primarily due to a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss on securities of $4,790,000 and an increase of $2,145,000 in retained earnings. At September 30, 2024 book value was $14.85 per share, compared to $14.44 three months earlier, and $13.77 at September 30, 2023.

Summit State Bank continues to maintain capital levels in excess of the requirements to be categorized as “well-capitalized” with average equity to assets of 9.10% at September 30, 2024, compared to 9.04% at June 30, 2024, and 8.24% at September 30, 2023. The increase compared to September 2023 was due to the Bank’s retention of capital which is exceeding asset growth.

Credit Quality

“Our primary focus has been managing asset quality and reducing portfolio risk,” said Reed. “Our nonperforming loans, which are concentrated in the “secured by farmland” category, remain elevated as we work with our customers to cure or payoff these loans. The Bank is committed to acting so it can replace this segment of the portfolio with performing loans. Our commercial real estate portfolios continue to perform well.”

Nonperforming assets were $41,971,000, or 3.75% of total assets, at September 30, 2024. This compared to $40,994,000 in nonperforming assets at June 30, 2024, and $35,267,000 in nonperforming assets at September 30, 2023. There are three specific relationships totaling $32,200,000, and one real estate owned for $5,130,000, that together make up 89% of nonperforming assets portfolio. These three relationships are “secured by farmland” and the Bank has specific reserves set aside based on current appraised values net of any costs.

There were no net charge-offs during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $1,347,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and net recoveries of $10,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2023. Net charge-offs for the three months ended June 30, 2024 were related to a loan taken into real estate owned.

For the third quarter of 2024, consistent with factors within the allowance for credit losses, the Bank recorded a $1,320,000 provision for credit loss expense for loans, a $8,000 reversal of credit losses for unfunded loan commitments and a $19,000 reversal of credit losses on investments. This compared to a $27,000 reversal of credit loss expense on loans, a $5,000 reversal of credit losses on unfunded loan commitments and a $27,000 provision for credit losses on investments in the third quarter of 2023.

The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.66% on September 30, 2024, and 1.61% on September 30, 2023. The increase is due to a provision for credit losses on loans of $1,320,000 recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2024. The provision covers a $1,000,000 specific loan reserve and $300,000 general pool loan reserve.

About Summit State Bank

Summit State Bank, a local community bank, has total assets of $1.1 billion and total equity of $101 million at September 30, 2024. Headquartered in Sonoma County, the Bank specializes in providing exceptional customer service and customized financial solutions to aid in the success of local small businesses and nonprofits throughout Sonoma County.

Summit State Bank is committed to embracing the diverse backgrounds, cultures and talents of its employees to create high performance and support the evolving needs of its customers and community it serves. At the center of diversity is inclusion, collaboration, and a shared vision for delivering superior service to customers and results for shareholders. Presently, 60% of management are women and minorities with 60% represented on the Executive Management Team. Through the engagement of its team, Summit State Bank has received many esteemed awards including: Top Performing Community Bank by American Banker, Best Places to Work in the North Bay by North Bay Business Journal, Corporate Philanthropy Award by the San Francisco Business Times, Hall of Fame by North Bay Biz Magazine, and Diversity in Business. Summit State Bank’s stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol SSBI. Further information can be found at www.summitstatebank.com.

Forward-looking Statements

The financial results in this release are preliminary. Final financial results and other disclosures will be reported in Summit State Bank’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2024 and may differ materially from the results and disclosures in this release due to, among other things, the completion of final review procedures, the occurrence of subsequent events or the discovery of additional information.

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements contained in this news release, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Bank will be conducting its operations, including the real estate market in California and other factors beyond the Bank’s control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s view only as of the date hereof. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Contact: Brian Reed, President and CEO, Summit State Bank (707) 568-4908


SUMMIT STATE BANK
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands except earnings per share data)


			Three Months Ended
			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

Interest and dividend income:
	Interest and fees on loans		$	13,594		$	13,083		$	12,831
	Interest on deposits with banks			592			451			1,263
	Interest on investment securities			663			709			708
	Dividends on FHLB stock			128			128			129
		Total interest and dividend income		14,977			14,371			14,931
Interest expense:
	Deposits			7,563			7,046			6,895
	Federal Home Loan Bank advances			4			137			10
	Junior subordinated debt			138			94			94
		Total interest expense		7,705			7,277			6,999
		Net interest income before provision for credit losses		7,272			7,094			7,932
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans				1,320			6			(27	)
(Reversal of) credit losses on unfunded loan commitments				(8	)		(26	)		(5	)
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments				(19	)		4			27
		Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit
		losses on loans, unfunded loan commitments and investments		5,979			7,110			7,937
Non-interest income:
	Service charges on deposit accounts			241			227			231
	Rental income			60			60			61
	Net gain on loan sales			474			270			1,046
	Other income			255			244			158
		Total non-interest income		1,030			801			1,496
Non-interest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits			3,988			4,039			4,362
	Occupancy and equipment			420			443			432
	Other expenses			1,773			2,145			2,132
		Total non-interest expense		6,181			6,627			6,926
		Income before provision for income taxes		828			1,284			2,507
Provision for income taxes				202			356			686
		Net income	$	626		$	928		$	1,821

Basic earnings per common share			$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27
Diluted earnings per common share			$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27

Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding				6,719			6,719			6,697
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding				6,719			6,719			6,705


SUMMIT STATE BANK
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands except earnings per share data)


			Nine Months Ended
			September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

Interest and dividend income:
	Interest and fees on loans		$	39,952		$	39,152
	Interest on deposits with banks			1,405			3,618
	Interest on investment securities			2,084			2,143
	Dividends on FHLB stock			386			293
		Total interest and dividend income		43,827			45,206
Interest expense:
	Deposits			21,396			17,114
	Federal Home Loan Bank advances			332			177
	Junior Subordinated Debt			325			281
		Total interest expense		22,053			17,572
		Net interest income before provision for credit losses		21,774			27,634
Provision for credit losses on loans				1,311			373
(Reversal of) credit losses on unfunded loan commitments				(99	)		(3	)
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments				(20	)		27
		Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit
		losses on loans, unfunded loan commitments and investments		20,582			27,237
Non-interest income:
	Service charges on deposit accounts			701			653
	Rental income			180			139
	Net gain on loan sales			1,257			2,481
	Other income			641			1,630
		Total non-interest income		2,779			4,903
Non-interest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits			12,210			12,354
	Occupancy and equipment			1,348			1,326
	Other expenses			5,651			5,886
		Total non-interest expense		19,209			19,566
		Income before provision for income taxes		4,152			12,574
Provision for income taxes				1,203			3,652
		Net income	$	2,949		$	8,922

Basic earnings per common share			$	0.44		$	1.33
Diluted earnings per common share			$	0.44		$	1.33

Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding				6,712			6,694
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding				6,712			6,697


SUMMIT STATE BANK
BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except share data)


			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Cash and due from banks			$	80,928		$	40,142		$	86,604
		Total cash and cash equivalents		80,928			40,142			86,604

Investment securities:
	Available-for-sale, less allowance for credit losses of $38, $57 and $0
	(at fair value; amortized cost of $86,225, $96,407 and $97,099)			76,205			83,105			80,312

Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $15,466, $14,145 and $15,243				917,367			913,514			932,199
Bank premises and equipment, net				5,251			5,306			5,334
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock (FHLB), at cost				5,889			5,889			5,541
Goodwill				4,119			4,119			4,119
Other Real Estate Owned				5,130			5,130			–
Affordable housing tax credit investments				7,698			7,942			8,360
Accrued interest receivable and other assets				16,204			16,898			19,705

		Total assets	$	1,118,791		$	1,082,045		$	1,142,174

LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Deposits:
	Demand – non interest-bearing		$	192,371		$	183,181		$	210,258
	Demand – interest-bearing			212,214			218,124			201,516
	Savings			45,845			42,974			54,317
	Money market			219,593			212,750			193,080
	Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit			80,801			74,744			72,836
	Other time deposits			251,946			234,814			298,829
		Total deposits		1,002,770			966,587			1,030,836

Federal Home Loan Bank advances				–			3,500			–
Junior subordinated debt				5,931			5,927			5,916
Affordable housing commitment				4,061			4,061			4,435
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities				5,367			4,021			7,548

		Total liabilities		1,018,129			984,096			1,048,735

Shareholders’ equity
	Preferred stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
	no shares issued and outstanding			–			–			–
	Common stock, no par value; shares authorized – 30,000,000 shares;
	issued and outstanding 6,776,563, 6,784,099 and 6,784,099			37,677			37,623			37,389
	Retained earnings			70,012			69,651			67,867
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net			(7,027	)		(9,325	)		(11,817	)

		Total shareholders’ equity		100,662			97,949			93,439

		Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,118,791		$	1,082,045		$	1,142,174

Financial Summary
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

	As of and for the
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
Statement of Income Data:
Net interest income	$	7,272		$	7,094		$	7,932
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans		1,320			6			(27	)
(Reversal of) credit losses on unfunded loan commitments		(8	)		(26	)		(5	)
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments		(19	)		4			27
Non-interest income		1,030			801			1,496
Non-interest expense		6,181			6,627			6,926
Provision for income taxes		202			356			686
Net income	$	626		$	928		$	1,821

Selected per Common Share Data:
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27
Dividend per share	$	0.04		$	0.12		$	0.12
Book value per common share (1)	$	14.85		$	14.44		$	13.77

Selected Balance Sheet Data:
Assets	$	1,118,791		$	1,082,045		$	1,142,174
Loans, net		917,367			913,514			932,199
Deposits		1,002,770			966,587			1,030,836
Average assets		1,098,469			1,078,700			1,155,007
Average earning assets		1,063,476			1,049,254			1,123,951
Average shareholders’ equity		99,962			97,548			95,180
Nonperforming loans		36,841			35,864			35,267
Net loans (charged-off) recovered		–			(1,067	)		10
Other real estate owned		5,130			5,130			–
Total nonperforming assets		41,971			40,994			35,267

Selected Ratios:
Return on average assets (2)		0.23	%		0.35	%		0.63	%
Return on average common shareholders’ equity (2)		2.48	%		3.82	%		7.59	%
Efficiency ratio (3)		74.45	%		83.94	%		73.46	%
Net interest margin (2)		2.71	%		2.71	%		2.80	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		9.94	%		10.22	%		9.65	%
Tier 1 capital ratio		9.94	%		10.22	%		9.65	%
Total capital ratio		11.66	%		12.08	%		11.49	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio		9.18	%		9.31	%		8.47	%
Common dividend payout ratio (4)		42.34	%		87.96	%		43.82	%
Average shareholders’ equity to average assets		9.10	%		9.04	%		8.24	%
Nonperforming loans to total loans		3.95	%		3.87	%		3.72	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		3.75	%		3.79	%		3.09	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans		1.66	%		1.52	%		1.61	%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans		41.98	%		39.44	%		43.22	%

(1) Total shareholders’ equity divided by total common shares outstanding.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Non-interest expenses to net interest and non-interest income, net of securities gains.
(4) Common dividends divided by net income available for common shareholders.

Financial Summary
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

	As of and for the
	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
Statement of Income Data:
Net interest income	$	21,774		$	27,634
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on loans		1,311			373
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments		(99	)		(3	)
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments		(20	)		27
Non-interest income		2,779			4,903
Non-interest expense		19,209			19,566
Provision for income taxes		1,203			3,652
Net income	$	2,949		$	8,922

Selected per Common Share Data:
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.44		$	1.33
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.44		$	1.33
Dividend per share	$	0.28		$	0.36
Book value per common share (1)	$	14.85		$	13.77

Selected Balance Sheet Data:
Assets	$	1,118,791		$	1,142,174
Loans, net		917,367			932,199
Deposits		1,002,770			1,030,836
Average assets		1,088,413			1,149,441
Average earning assets		1,056,714			1,117,877
Average shareholders’ equity		98,333			93,461
Nonperforming loans		36,841			35,267
Net loans (charged-off) recovered		(1,066	)		31
Other real estate owned		5,130			–
Total nonperforming assets		41,971			35,267

Selected Ratios:
Return on average assets (2)		0.36	%		1.04	%
Return on average common shareholders’ equity (2)		4.00	%		12.76	%
Efficiency ratio (3)		78.23	%		60.13	%
Net interest margin (2)		2.74	%		3.31	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		9.94	%		9.65	%
Tier 1 capital ratio		9.94	%		9.65	%
Total capital ratio		11.66	%		11.49	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio		9.18	%		8.47	%
Common dividend payout ratio (4)		64.23	%		27.36	%
Average shareholders’ equity to average assets		9.03	%		8.13	%
Nonperforming loans to total loans		3.95	%		3.72	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		3.75	%		3.09	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans		1.66	%		1.61	%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans		41.98	%		43.22	%

(1) Total shareholders’ equity divided by total common shares outstanding.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Non-interest expenses to net interest and non-interest income, net of securities gains.
(4) Common dividends divided by net income available for common shareholders.

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Exciting Opportunity to Leverage Triller’s Underutilized Assets to Create Next-Gen Entertainment Platform
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, NY, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Triller Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ILLR) (“Triller Group” or “the Company”) today announced the release of its latest Fact Sheet, providing initial insights into the Company’s mission to become the next generation Entertainment Platform.

“I could not be more excited about our future prospects, as an App, as a brand and as a group of leading-edge companies”, said Bob Diamond, Chairman of the Board. “We have the disruptive fighting brand in BKFC, the next generation streaming platform in TrillerTV, sophisticated AI tools helping Presidential candidates and NFL franchises find their audiences, and an App upon which we will build an integrated vertical video and connected TV multimedia entertainment platform.”

With the creator economy valued at a massive $180 billion and experiencing robust growth, Triller Group is well positioned to address emerging issues driven by ongoing technological disruption. Issues such as creators or professional content providers struggling to protect, leverage, or monetize their content. Or users looking for better ways to discover and engage with exciting new content. These unmet needs of creators, brands and users create huge market opportunities for Triller Group.

As the Company develops and implements strategies to meet these needs, Triller Group is not starting from scratch. The Company already has a strong foundation with powerful assets and brands in vertical video (Triller App), connected TV (TrillerTV) and content and events (BKFC) that foster passionate user engagement through authenticity and trust. The transformation journey has already started as evidenced by the fact that the Company has:
- A content-rich Triller App, with 36% of users actively creating content.
- A highly sophisticated, AI-driven suite of tools and services, currently serving top creators and leading brands globally on the Triller App and across the social media landscape.
- More than 3,000 events live-streamed annually without a glitch through TrillerTV.
- Proof of concept with BKFC, the world’s fastest-growing combat league, featuring highly successful events and unique content made accessible across all media distribution channels, including vertical video and connected TV, on a global scale.
As Triller Group connects and integrates these underleveraged assets, Triller Group will start to occupy a truly unique position as an entertainment platform, translating into unparalleled value for all our stakeholders.

Over the next few weeks, the Company will provide further updates as an experienced management team renowned for its execution and integrity is being put into place under the leadership of Kevin McGurn, the Company’s previously announced incoming CEO. More details on the transformation plan and associated business plan will also be provided during a planned investor and media day in November 2024.

Triller Group is excited to embark on this journey to redefine entertainment and create unparalleled opportunities for creators, brands and audiences alike.

The Fact Sheet is available on the Company’s Investor Relations page at the following address: https://trillercorp.com/ir/.

About Triller Group Inc.

Triller Group is a US-based company that operates two main businesses: the newly merged US-based social media operations (Triller Corp.), and the legacy operations of the Company in Hong Kong (“AGBA”).

Triller Corp. is a next generation, AI-powered, social media and live-streaming event platform for creators. Pairing music culture with sports, fashion, entertainment, and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology, Triller Corp. uses proprietary AI technology to push and track content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks, enabling them to reach millions of additional users. Triller Corp. additionally owns Triller Sports, Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC); Amplify.ai, a leading machine-learning, AI platform; and TrillerTV, a premier global PPV, AVOD, and SVOD streaming service. For more information, visit www.triller.co.

Established in 1993, AGBA is a leading, multi-channel business platform that incorporates cutting edge machine-learning and offers a broad set of financial services and healthcare products to consumers through a tech-led ecosystem, enabling clients to unlock the choices that best suit their needs. Trusted by over 400,000 individual and corporate customers, the Group is organized into four market-leading businesses: Platform Business, Distribution Business, Healthcare Business, and Fintech Business. For more information, please visit www.agba.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us following the consummation of the business combination; expectations regarding our strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and our ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in Hong Kong and the international markets the Company plans to serve and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the SEC, the length and severity of the recent coronavirus outbreak, including its impacts across our business and operations. 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.

Investor & Media Relations:

Bethany Lai
ir@triller.co
investorrelations@triller.co

Anthony Silverman
ads@apellaadvisors.com

# # #

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Haivision Releases Free Video Player for Real-Time ISR Streams
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MONTREAL, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haivision Systems Inc. (“Haivision”) (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, today announced the general availability of Haivision Play ISR, a free and easily-available desktop video player designed specifically for defense and ISR professionals.

Haivision Play ISR prioritizes low-latency playback of live video with KLV metadata. It enables users to see events unfolding in real-time with metadata providing more awareness than just video alone. The geospatial information contained within KLV-formatted MISB/STANAG metadata provides the crucial context needed for a more complete understanding of mission-critical situations.

Combined with market-leading solutions such as the Makito video encoder and Kraken video processing platform, Play ISR completes Haivision’s end-to-end ISR ecosystem by providing customers with a suite of products that support each critical step along ISR video workflows – from contribution from the field of operation, to distribution to command and control centers, and visualization for real-time analysis and decision-making.

“Playback of low latency video alongside KLV metadata in a free, easy-to-use desktop application, empowers Play ISR users with the real-time situational awareness they need to make faster, more informed decisions in the field,” says John Leipper, Defense Product Manager, Haivision. “This combination of features is unmatched in the market and underscores Haivision’s commitment to supporting the work of defense and ISR teams.”

Available for download as an application for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, Haivision Play ISR features a user-friendly interface suitable for all users.

Key features:
- Playback low-latency video for real-time situational awareness.
- Decodes and displays KLV-formatted MISB geospatial metadata.
- View live video encoded in H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC.
- Play video streams with UDP and SRT protocols.
- Download for free for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
- Easily setup and configure.
Haivision Play ISR equips defense and ISR professionals with the tools they need to make informed decisions in real-time. Download Haivision Play ISR for free today and experience the benefits of low-latency video and KLV metadata for ISR workflows.

About Haivision
Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision making. We provide high quality, low latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open sourced its award-winning SRT low latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit Haivision at haivision.com.

Jennifer Gazin
514.334.5445 ext 8309
jgazin@haivision.com

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Flourish Launches Integration with XLR8 RIA CRM Platform

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flourish, a platform that provides innovative access to financial products that help registered investment advisors (“RIAs”) improve their clients’ financial outcomes, today announced an integration with Concenter Services’ XLR8 CRM, a highly customized version of Salesforce built specifically for financial services firms like RIAs. The integration allows RIAs to leverage the data stored in XLR8/Salesforce to launch and prefill Flourish account applications.

Financial advisors use XLR8 to efficiently manage client data and automate common processes to help grow their practices and better serve clients. Over 850 RIAs invite their clients to Flourish Cash, giving clients a way to earn more on their held-away cash while ensuring it’s safe with elevated FDIC insurance coverage through its Program Banks. By integrating with XLR8, advisors can seamlessly access Flourish data, streamline operations, and improve the overall client experience. This integration is already active and in use.

“Our goal is to bring easy access to Flourish throughout the advisor technology ecosystem. With numerous firms already using both XLR8 and Flourish, we are pleased to now integrate to improve the advisor experience,” said Max Lane, Flourish CEO. “Simplifying client onboarding by pre-filling information eliminates friction and better enables firms to effortlessly incorporate Flourish Cash into their practices. RIAs know that clients want to earn more on their cash: 92% of advisors report that their clients have expressed interest in high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs). An invitation to Flourish makes it easy for advisors to provide a solution.”

“We’re excited to bring our advisors more valuable services from within the XLR8 platform. This integration makes it easier than ever for advisors to help clients earn more on their cash by leveraging the CRM data that’s already in XLR8. This solution streamlines operations and delivers an improved experience for advisors and clients,” said Maria Pezzino, Business Development Manager at XLR8.

Over 850 RIAs managing over $1.5 trillion in combined assets trust Flourish to help them bring more assets into their orbit. The Flourish platform allows advisors to feature their firm’s branding as well as provide client-friendly marketing materials, robust and customizable compliance resources, premium customer support, and more.

Flourish has deep integrations across the RIA ecosystem, allowing advisors to incorporate our products into their existing workflows while seamlessly serving clients. To learn more about Flourish’s integrations with the RIA techstack, including XLR8, please visit: https://info.flourish.com/integration-partners.

About Flourish
Flourish builds technology that empowers financial advisors, improves financial lives and retirement outcomes, and delivers new and innovative investment options to advisors. Today, the Flourish platform supports more than $6 billion in assets under custody and is used by more than 850 wealth management firms representing more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management. Flourish is wholly-owned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). For more information, visit www.flourish.com.

About Concenter Services
Concenter Services, LLC provides CRM software and consulting for Financial Advisory Firms. Concenter Services sells and markets products that run on the Salesforce.com platform. XLR8 is a highly customized CRM overlay to SFDC and is Concenter Services’ flagship product. Concenter Services is a designated Certified Consulting Partner, an ISV Partner, and an OEM Partner with Salesforce. Its professional services team works with firms on migrating CRM data to the XLR8/Salesforce platform, customizing instances of XLR8, and training firm staff to efficiently use XLR8/Salesforce. For more information, visit https://xlr8crm.com/.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied.

This feedback may not be representative of the experience of other customers, and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Flourish is an online platform through which investors can access financial services and products. Flourish’s offerings are provided by different entities and are subject to different terms, investor protections, and risks. Flourish Cash is offered by Flourish Financial LLC, a registered broker-dealer and FINRA member. Flourish Financial LLC is not a bank. Check the background of Flourish Financial LLC and its personnel on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Flourish Crypto is offered by Paxos Trust Company, LLC, a New York limited purpose trust company regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services that provides custody and execution services for the Flourish Crypto accounts, and Flourish Digital Assets LLC, registered in New York as a commodity broker-dealer and provides website and other services and support for Flourish Crypto accounts. Paxos is not an affiliate of Flourish. Flourish Annuities refers generally to the annuity platform operated by Flourish Technologies LLC, where applicable, and to Flourish Insurance Agency LLC in its capacity as a licensed insurance producer providing insurance services related to such platform. Flourish Insurance Agency LLC does business in California under the name Flourish Digital Insurance Agency. An annuity is an insurance contract. Annuities shown on the platform are sold through Flourish Insurance Agency LLC, a licensed insurance producer, with offices in Jersey City, New Jersey, and are issued by one or more approved licensed life insurance companies. The Flourish entities mentioned above are affiliates. Flourish Cash, Flourish Crypto, and Flourish Annuities accounts are separate accounts and only assets in Flourish Cash accounts may be eligible for protection by the FDIC or SIPC. Please review the Legal section of our website, and the disclosures provided with each Flourish service or product, for further information.

The cash balance in a Flourish Cash account will be swept from the brokerage account to deposit account(s) at one or more third-party banks that have agreed to accept deposits from customers of Flourish Financial LLC (Program Banks). The accounts at Program Banks will pay a variable rate of interest. Flourish Cash currently has a tiered interest rate structure, as set forth in the rate tier summary. Each annual percentage yield (APY) may change at any time. The Flourish Cash interest rate(s) could be lower than the rate that could be earned by opening a deposit account directly with a Program Bank. The cash balance in a Flourish Cash account that is swept to one or more Program Banks is eligible for FDIC insurance, subject to FDIC rules, including FDIC aggregate insurance coverage limits. FDIC insurance will not be provided until the funds arrive at the Program Bank. Flourish Cash’s current Program Banks can be found here. For additional information regarding FDIC coverage, visit https://fdic.gov/ and https://www.flourish.com/advisors.

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Flourish Announces Integration with Practifi

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flourish, a platform that provides innovative access to financial products that help registered investment advisors (“RIAs”) improve their clients’ financial outcomes, today announced an integration with Practifi, a CRM platform for the wealth management industry. The integration will benefit clients of both Flourish and Practifi.

Flourish creates innovative tools that empower financial advisors to expand beyond the portfolio and provide solutions for even more aspects of their clients’ financial lives. Built on Salesforce, Practifi enables advisors to bring together many tools and information wealth management firms need to increase efficiency, better manage relationships, and automate their work. Advisors that utilize both Flourish and Practifi now have the ability for data to flow into Practifi from Flourish Cash, Flourish’s cash management solution built explicitly for RIAs that offers clients competitive interest rates and elevated FDIC insurance through its Program Banks, as well as Flourish Annuities, the first end-to-end annuities solution built explicitly for RIAs and their clients.

“This integration makes it easier than ever for advisors to help clients earn more on their cash through Flourish by leveraging their existing CRM data to streamline operations and deliver an improved client experience,” said Adrian Johnstone, CEO of Practifi. “Practifi strives to continually provide more value to RIAs and wealth management firms and this integration with Flourish positively contributes to this strategy.”

“We’re always looking for ways to help advisors become more efficient while also providing better service to their clients,” said Max Lane, Flourish CEO. “Inviting clients to earn more on their held away savings takes only moments for advisors, and information is pre-filled for clients, making it even easier for them to get started. Both sides win.”

Over 850 RIAs managing over $1.5 trillion in combined assets trust Flourish to help them bring more assets into their orbit. The Flourish platform allows advisors to feature their firm’s branding as well as provide client-friendly marketing materials, robust and customizable compliance resources, premium customer support, and more.

Flourish has deep integrations across the RIA ecosystem, allowing advisors to incorporate our products into their existing workflows while seamlessly serving clients. To learn more about Flourish’s integrations with the RIA techstack, including Practifi, please visit: https://info.flourish.com/integration-partners.

About Flourish
Flourish builds technology that empowers financial advisors, improves financial lives and retirement outcomes, and delivers new and innovative investment options to advisors. Today, the Flourish platform supports more than $6 billion in assets under custody and is used by more than 850 wealth management firms representing more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management. Flourish is wholly-owned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). For more information, visit www.flourish.com.

About Practifi
Practifi is a CRM purpose-built for the wealth management industry. By unifying data, automating workflows and surfacing actionable insights, Practifi empowers teams to streamline operations, deliver an exceptional client experience and scale their business. With deep industry expertise and a dedication to client-led innovation, Practifi enables organizations across the globe to deepen loyalty with their clients and pioneer the future of wealth management. To learn more, visit practifi.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied.

This feedback may not be representative of the experience of other customers, and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Flourish is an online platform through which investors can access financial services and products. Flourish’s offerings are provided by different entities and are subject to different terms, investor protections, and risks. Flourish Cash is offered by Flourish Financial LLC, a registered broker-dealer and FINRA member. Flourish Financial LLC is not a bank. Check the background of Flourish Financial LLC and its personnel on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Flourish Crypto is offered by Paxos Trust Company, LLC, a New York limited purpose trust company regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services that provides custody and execution services for the Flourish Crypto accounts, and Flourish Digital Assets LLC, registered in New York as a commodity broker-dealer and provides website and other services and support for Flourish Crypto accounts. Paxos is not an affiliate of Flourish. Flourish Annuities refers generally to the annuity platform operated by Flourish Technologies LLC, where applicable, and to Flourish Insurance Agency LLC in its capacity as a licensed insurance producer providing insurance services related to such platform. Flourish Insurance Agency LLC does business in California under the name Flourish Digital Insurance Agency. An annuity is an insurance contract. Annuities shown on the platform are sold through Flourish Insurance Agency LLC, a licensed insurance producer, with offices in Jersey City, New Jersey, and are issued by one or more approved licensed life insurance companies. The Flourish entities mentioned above are affiliates. Flourish Cash, Flourish Crypto, and Flourish Annuities accounts are separate accounts and only assets in Flourish Cash accounts may be eligible for protection by the FDIC or SIPC. Please review the Legal section of our website, and the disclosures provided with each Flourish service or product, for further information.

The cash balance in a Flourish Cash account will be swept from the brokerage account to deposit account(s) at one or more third-party banks that have agreed to accept deposits from customers of Flourish Financial LLC (Program Banks). The accounts at Program Banks will pay a variable rate of interest. Flourish Cash currently has a tiered interest rate structure and currently has one tier in effect. Rate and FDIC insurance coverage details can be found in the program summary. Each annual percentage yield (APY) may change at any time. The Flourish Cash interest rate(s) could be lower than the rate that could be earned by opening a deposit account directly with a Program Bank. The cash balance in a Flourish Cash account that is swept to one or more Program Banks is eligible for FDIC insurance, subject to FDIC rules, including FDIC aggregate insurance coverage limits. FDIC insurance will not be provided until the funds arrive at the Program Bank. Flourish Cash’s current Program Banks can be found here. For additional information regarding FDIC coverage, visit https://fdic.gov/ and https://www.flourish.com/advisors.

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Wix to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Results on November 20, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Wix to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Results on November 20, 2024

NEW YORK, October 30, 2024 — Wix.com Ltd. (Nasdaq: WIX), today announced that it will report its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 before the market opens on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Management will host a conference call and webcast that morning at 8:30 a.m. ET to answer questions about the Company’s financial results. Prior to the conference call and webcast, Wix will issue a press release reporting these results along with a shareholder update and additional materials at https://investors.wix.com/.

About Wix.com Ltd.

Wix is the leading SaaS website builder platform globally¹ to create, manage and grow a digital presence. What began as a website builder in 2006 is now a complete platform providing users with enterprise-grade performance, security and a reliable infrastructure. Offering a wide range of commerce and business solutions, advanced SEO and marketing tools, Wix enables users to take full ownership of their brand, their data and their relationships with their customers. With a focus on continuous innovation and delivery of new features and products, anyone can build a powerful digital presence to fulfill their dreams on Wix.

For more about Wix, please visit our Press Room

Investor Relations:
ir@wix.com

Media Relations:
pr@wix.com

¹ Based on number of active live sites as reported by competitors’ figures, independent third-party data and internal data as of H1 2024.

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Alation Extends Data Intelligence to Google Chrome to Empower Faster Self-Service Analytics Across the Enterprise
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alation Inc., the data intelligence company, today announced the release of Alation Anywhere for Google Chrome to streamline contextual data discovery and empower users to act on data intelligence within Chrome. The extension allows users to seamlessly search, preview, and retrieve critical metadata from Alation without leaving the browser, delivering trusted, governed data at the point of need for real-time, enterprise-wide decision-making and accelerated time to value. The extension is the latest addition to Alation Anywhere, which integrates data intelligence into Slack, Microsoft Teams, Excel, and Google Sheets.

The constant switching between disparate applications and tools wastes time and valuable resources, complicating access to trusted data for confident decisions. According to Harvard Business Review, this frequent toggling—nearly 1,200 times per day on average—can cost workers almost five workweeks per year or close to four hours each week by reorienting themselves. Without a single source of truth, data users often have to leave their applications running on Chrome to locate relevant data scattered across systems. These inefficiencies slow decision-making, introduce errors, and delay time to value for data and AI initiatives.

Alation Anywhere addresses these challenges by seamlessly integrating data intelligence into the daily tools that knowledge workers rely on, including Chrome. The new extension surfaces critical data intelligence—such as business term definitions, metadata previews, and database details—directly in the browser, eliminating the need to switch away from Chrome. By delivering trusted, contextual, and up-to-date data exactly when and where it’s needed, enterprise users can collaborate more effectively, analyze data more efficiently, and make informed decisions. For example, knowledge workers often rely on applications like Snowflake’s Snowsight, Looker, and Power BI. With the new extension, users gain a side-by-side view of data assets and corresponding metadata from Alation, accelerating time to insight and fostering a more collaborative data culture across the enterprise.

“We’re excited to see how Alation Anywhere for Google Chrome can accelerate our data utilization,” Kazuaki Ideguchi, Manager, Data Platform Department, NTT DOCOMO. “Now, our data analysts will be able to check data definitions directly on the same screen while writing SQL queries in Snowsight, streamlining their workflow. We look forward to Alation continuing to deliver these valuable features that enhance productivity.”

“Organizations today are overwhelmed by the influx of data from countless sources, creating unprecedented complexity in managing their data environments,” said Diby Malakar, VP of Product Management at Alation. “The Alation Anywhere for Google Chrome extension directly addresses this challenge by delivering trusted, governed data straight into the user’s browser. It empowers teams to instantly find, understand, and act on data—without disrupting their workflow. This isn’t just a productivity tool; it’s a critical asset that accelerates decision-making, reduces errors, and drives meaningful business outcomes in today’s decentralized, data-driven world.”

Key benefits of the Alation Anywhere for Google Chrome extension include:
- Streamlined Data Discovery: With Intelligent Search, teams can instantly discover trusted data and BI assets using natural language search. This democratizes access to data across the organization, allowing users to locate relevant data assets quickly without specialized knowledge. The extension boosts productivity by delivering the right data at the point of need, enabling faster, more informed decision-making.
- Automated Metadata Preview: The extension enhances productivity by providing automated, side-by-side previews of data assets in Snowflake’s Snowsight, Looker, and Power BI dashboards alongside Alation’s rich metadata. For example, data teams can access valuable context—such as data quality flags and descriptions about a data asset—directly within Snowsight, Looker, and Power BI. This comprehensive view lets users explore contextual metadata, like schemas, tables, and BI objects, all without leaving Chrome. The extension supports better decision-making by streamlining workflows, improving data accuracy, reducing errors, and ensuring teams rely on trusted, governed data.
- Seamless Access to Glossary Definitions: Users can quickly search for and understand standardized organizational terms directly within Chrome. For instance, an analyst working on a report or PowerPoint can easily find clarity on organizational terms with just a couple of clicks through the Alation glossary. With glossary definitions readily available, teams can maintain consistency across reports, presentations, and daily tasks without disrupting their workflow.
To learn more, read the blog “Alation Anywhere for Chrome: Data Intelligence, Where You Are.”

The Alation Anywhere for Google Chrome extension is available through the internal add-on page within Alation and searchable through the Chrome Marketplace.

About Alation
Alation is the data intelligence company. Nearly 600 global enterprises — including 40% of the Fortune 100 — rely on Alation to realize value from their data and AI initiatives. Customers such as Cisco, DocuSign, Nasdaq, Pfizer, and Samsung trust Alation’s platform for self-service analytics, cloud transformation, data governance, and AI-ready data, fostering data-driven innovation at scale. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, Alation has been recognized five times by Inc. Magazine as one of the Best Workplaces. To learn more, visit www.alation.com.

Media Contact
Lauren Lloyd
Director, Corporate Communications
541-490-6115
lauren.lloyd@alation.com

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: FE International Advises on the Strategic Acquisition of UX Design Platform by Digital Marketing Services Provider

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FE International, Inc., the global market leader in middle-market technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A), is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of a website-user flow design platform by a PE-backed digital services and marketing platform.

The platform offers an array of critical services for web developers and user-experience (UX) designers, thousands of customizable interfaces, instructional materials, and related support services. Overall, the human machine interface (HMI) market is projected to reach over $7 billion worldwide by 2026 through both hardware and software spending. UX platforms make it easier for individuals and business owners to understand best practices for user flows and borrow inspiration from established templates.

The Acquirer operates in the digital marketing software and services space, an industry that is projected to reach nearly $690 billion by 2028. The platform helps brands generate leads and drive more sales through improving media presence, strategically expanding their audience, and connecting them with influencers.

The FE International team garnered multiple offers from strategics in the space through their deep industry expertise. “Due to the active interest, the bidding process quickly raised the value of the deal,” said Thomas Smale, CEO of FE International. “The final offer was almost 50% higher than the seller’s initial expectations. It was a success all around.” Learn more about the value of the digital marketing industry in the 2024 Industry Report recently published by the firm.

About FE International

Founded in 2010, FE International is an award-winning strategic advisor for technology businesses. FE’s team has completed over 1,500 transactions with a combined value of over $50 billion. FE International was named one of The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies from 2020 to 2024 by the Financial Times and is also a four-time Inc. 5000 company.

Media Contact:

Gaj Tanwar

Marketing Coordinator, FE International

Email: gaj.tanwar@feinternational.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Backblaze and Opti9 Partner to Bring High Performance and Low Cost Cloud Storage to Joint Customers

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Backblaze, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLZE), the cloud storage innovator providing a modern alternative to traditional cloud providers, and Opti9, an international leader in hybrid cloud solutions, today announced a partnership to bring the performance of Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage to Opti9’s suite of managed service offerings and solutions.

As part of the partnership, Backblaze announced plans to open a new data region in Canada. Opti9 will be the exclusive Canadian channel for Backblaze B2 Reserve and the Powered by Backblaze program.

“Backblaze and Opti9 focus on empowering businesses with the best cloud solutions available,” said Jim Stechyson, President of Opti9. “Being able to integrate the high performance and low total cost of ownership of Backblaze’s object storage into our set of solutions will greatly enhance our ability to drive success for our customers.”

Opti9 delivers managed cloud services, application development and modernization, backup and disaster recovery, security, and compliance solutions to businesses around the world. B2 Cloud Storage is secure, compliance-ready, always-hot object storage that is one-fifth the price of traditional cloud storage providers and can be used in any of the solutions Opti9 provides.

Increasingly, companies seeking managed services support are demanding solutions made up of best-in-breed providers. While traditional cloud platforms work against this principle, Backblaze and solution providers like Opti9 are committed to delivering cloud solutions without the limitations, complexity, and high pricing that are holding businesses back.

“Businesses want modern storage solutions that serve their needs without worrying about out-of-control fees, complexity, or other limits,” said Gleb Budman, CEO of Backblaze. “Opti9 and Backblaze are both committed to delivering this value to customers—coming together means we can unlock growth for even more businesses around the world.”

The new Canadian data region gives businesses the freedom to access Backblaze’s open, interoperable cloud solution, while still allowing customers to benefit from local storage and compliance. Located in Toronto, Ontario, the data center has been assessed and maintains a security program that addresses the requirements of SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and HIPAA. The region will be available to customers in the first quarter of 2025. For more information on the Opti9 partnership and Canadian data region, please visit the Backblaze blog.

About Backblaze

Backblaze is the cloud storage innovator providing a modern alternative to traditional cloud providers. We deliver high performance, secure cloud object storage that customers use to develop applications, manage media, secure backups, build AI workflows, protect from ransomware, and more. Backblaze helps businesses break free from the walled gardens that traditional providers lock customers into, enabling them to use their data in open cloud workflows with the providers they prefer at a fraction of the cost. Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, Backblaze (NASDAQ: BLZE) was founded in 2007 and serves over 500,000 customers in 175 countries around the world. For more information, please go to www.backblaze.com.

About Opti9

Opti9 is a hybrid cloud solutions provider with offices in Garden City, NY, Omaha, NE, Overland Park, KS, St. Louis, MO, and Ottawa, ON and data centers in North America, Europe, and the APAC region. As an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, Platinum Veeam Cloud & Service Provider, and Zerto Alliance Partner, Opti9 specializes in managed cloud services, application development and modernization, backup and disaster recovery, security, and compliance. With a business-first focus, Opti9 combines experience with innovation to deliver on its “Right Workload, Right Cloud, Right Time” approach. www.opti9tech.com

Press Contact

Jeanette Foster
Communications Manager, Backblaze
jfoster@backblaze.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Applied Rating Index Q3 2024 Released
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Toronto, ON., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems^® today announced the third quarter of 2024 results of the Applied Rating Index™, the Canadian insurance industry’s premium rate index. In Q3 2024, average premiums for both Personal Auto lines and Personal Property lines increased year over year. Quarter over quarter, the premium rate for Personal Auto experienced an increase, whereas the rate for Personal Property saw a decrease compared to Q2 2024.

Key findings for Q3 2024 include:
- Personal Auto: In Q3 2024, Personal Auto premium rate change increased 12.2% versus Q3 2023. Personal Auto premium rate change increased 4.7% versus Q2 2024.
- Personal Property: In Q3 2024, Personal Property premium rate change increased 7.7% versus Q3 2023. Personal Property premium rate change decreased -0.4% versus Q2 2024.
- Provinces: Across Personal Auto, the Alberta and Ontario provinces experienced increased premium rate change, while the Atlantic and Quebec provinces experienced decreased premium rate change year over year with Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces seeing 12.9%, 11.6%, 6.8% and 9.7% respectively. Relative to Q2 2024, all provinces experienced an increase in quarter over quarter premium rate change with Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces experiencing 7.7%, 4.2%, and 4.4% and 5.7% respectively.
  Personal Property lines for Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan & Manitoba experienced increases in premium rate change, while British Columbia, Quebec, the Atlantic provinces, experienced decreases in premium rate change year over year with 5.5%, 10.4%, 7.6%, 7.5%, 4.9%, 5.4% and respectively. Relative to Q2 2024, premium rate change for Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic provinces and Saskatchewan & Manitoba experienced -1.5%, -1.4%, 0.2%, 3.1%, 0.8% and 1.9% respectively.
“The results highlight an ongoing rising trend in premium rates for both Personal Auto and Personal Property lines across all provinces,” said Steve Whitelaw, senior vice president and general manager, Applied Systems Canada. “As we approach the final quarter of the year, the Applied Rating Index will continue to follow rate trends to provide brokers with the information needed in their end-of-year renewal conversations.”

The Applied Rating Index is a data-driven report of current conditions and trends for Personal Auto and Personal Property (Homeowners) insurance premium rates. Analyzing quotes completed, the Applied Rating Index measures the increase or decrease in average premium rate trends across Canada. The Applied Rating Index is the most complete depiction of the premium rate trends being experienced by consumers, brokerages, and their insurers across the Canadian market.

Access the complete quarterly report here.

# # #

Applied Rating Index is a trademark of Applied Systems, Inc. All data is fully anonymized when aggregating and analyzing the Applied Rating Index.

About Applied Systems
Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Stack Capital Group Inc. Completes $15.8 Million Main Tranche of a Total $16.7 Million Best Efforts Financing

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stack Capital Group Inc. (“Stack Capital”) (TSX: STCK) is pleased to announce that it has closed the main tranche of its previously announced private placement (the “Offering”) of up to 1,515,908 units (the “Units”) of Stack Capital (including pursuant to the exercise in full of the agents option) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $16.675 million, priced at $11.00 per Unit. The main tranche consisted of the sale of 1,437,839 Units for gross proceeds of $15,816,229. A second additional tranche has been committed for the balance of the Units that may be issued under the Offering and is expected to close in mid-November 2024. The Offering was conducted on a best efforts basis by a syndicate of agents (the “Agents”) bookrun by Raymond James Ltd., Canaccord Genuity Corp., RBC Capital Markets and TD Securities Inc., and includes Scotia Capital Inc., Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. and National Bank Financial Inc., pursuant to the terms and conditions of an agency agreement between Stack Capital, SC Partners Ltd. (the manager of Stack Capital) and the Agents.

Each Unit is comprised of one common share (a “Common Share”) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of Stack Capital (each whole common share purchase warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share of Stack Capital (a “Warrant Share”) at any time prior to 4:00 p.m. (Toronto, Ontario time) on October 30, 2027 at an exercise price of $11.00 per Warrant Share, subject to adjustment in certain events. The Warrants are being issued pursuant to a warrant indenture entered into between Stack Capital and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as warrant agent (the “Warrant Indenture”). A copy of the Warrant Indenture can be found on Stack Capital’s profile on www.sedarplus.ca.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for general corporate purposes and investments in accordance with Stack Capital’s investment principles. The securities issued under the main tranche of the Offering have a hold period of four months and one day from today.

The Offering and the listing of the Common Shares and Warrant Shares issuable under the Offering has been conditionally approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. This news release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities of Stack Capital in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction or for the account or for the benefit of U.S. Persons (as defined under applicable securities laws) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Stack Capital

Stack Capital is an investment holding company and its business objective is to invest in equity, debt and/or other securities of growth-to-late-stage private businesses. Through Stack Capital, shareholders have the opportunity to gain exposure to the diversified private investment portfolio; participate in the private market; and have liquidity due to the listing of the Common Shares on the TSX. At the same time, the public structure also allows Stack Capital to focus its efforts on maximizing long-term performance through a portfolio of high growth businesses, which are not widely available to most Canadian investors. SC Partners Ltd. has taken the initiative in creating Stack Capital and acts as Stack Capital’s administrator and is responsible to source and advise with respect to all investments for Stack Capital.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities law. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions. Forward-looking information contained or referred to in this news release includes, but may not be limited to, the details of the second tranche of the Offering, the completion of the second tranche of the Offering and the business of Stack Capital.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The material assumptions supporting these forward-looking statements include, among others, that Stack Capital will satisfy the commercial closing conditions of the second tranche of the Offering. Additional risk factors that may impact Stack Capital or cause actual results and performance to differ from the forward looking statements contained herein are set forth in Stack Capital’s current Annual Information Form under the heading Risk Factors (a copy of which can be obtained under Stack Capital’s profile on www.sedarplus.ca).

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Except as required by applicable law, Stack Capital undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact

Brian Viveiros
VP Corporate Development and IR

647-280-3307
Info@stackcapitalgroup.com

www.stackcapitalgroup.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Vail is not the most popular ski destination in the world but ranks 9th according to the Travel App, Visited
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arriving In High Heels Corporation, the company behind the popular travel tracking app, Visited, has published a list of top 25 most popular ski destinations in the world. Based on mountain ranges the most popular locations are the Alps, Dolomites and the Rockies. The top ski destinations around the world include:
1. Dolomites
2. Chamonix
3. Innsbruck
4. Zermatt
5. Sudtirol
Of the US ski destinations, only Vail makes it to the top 10 list at number 9. Park City is the 2nd most popular destination in the U.S. and ranks 18th in the world while Aspen is the 3rd most popular ski destination in the U.S. and is ranked 19th in the world.

Canadian ski destinations have only 2 that made the list which include Whistler in BC in 17th place & Banff in 25th.

The full ski destination list ranked by popularity is available in the travel map app, Visited which can be downloaded for free on iOS or Android. Users can select destinations as ‘been’ or ‘want’ which helps them see their personal travel stats and build their ultimate bucket-list. There are over 150 travel lists available in the app including: cruise ports, diving/snorkelling, film locations, opera houses and more. Other features of the app include the ability to generate a personalized travel map of countries, regions and cities visited as well as a travel itinerary to build the ultimate to visit list by country.

To learn more about the Visited Map App, visit https://visitedapp.com.

About Visited Travel App
Popular travel map app, Visited, was designed to keep track of all countries, regions and cities that you have been to or want to visit in the future. A new feature of the app allows users to receive professionally printed posts of their travels. To help keep track of all the unique places and experiences users had, they can select destinations by travel categories. There are over 150 travel lists to choose from including ski destinations, golf destinations, national parks and more. For those that have a hard time choosing where to go next, Visited, displays countries based on the total places of interest and experiences they want to do in that country, taking away the guess work of where to next. It is the ultimate travel bucket list and travel tracking app.

About Arriving In High Heels Corporation
Arriving In High Heels Corporation is a mobile app company with apps including Pay Off Debt, X-Walk and Visited, their most popular app.

Contact:
Anna Kayfitz
anna@arrivinginhighheels.com

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: RAISE Summit 2025 to Shape the Future of AI Confirmed for July in Paris

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PARIS, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RAISE Summit, the leading conference for the AI industry, has announced its 2025 event. Set to take place on July 8-9 in Paris, RAISE 2025 will bring together thousands of delegates to explore the future of artificial intelligence and meet the visionaries shaping this transformative technology.

Poised to be the largest RAISE Summit yet with more than 5,000 delegates, the 2025 event at the Carrousel du Louvre will feature three stages and an exhibition hall. Highlights include a startup competition, hackathon, and VIP dinner, while 2,000 companies and more than 250 speakers will address key themes including the potential of AI to reshape everyday life.

Speakers confirmed for the 2025 event include Jonathan Ross, CEO and Co-founder of Groq; Clément Delangue, CEO and Co-founder of Hugging Face; and Scott Belsky, Chief Strategy Officer and EVP, Design & Emerging Products at Adobe. Event tracks include Infrastructure, Finance & Insurance, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Public Policy and Compliance & Safety, Breakthrough (Agents Economy, AGI), and Blockchain x Decentralisation.

RAISE Summit Co-Founder Hadrien de Cournon said: “We are thrilled to announce the expansion of RAISE Summit into a two-day event at the iconic Carrousel du Louvre. Following the overwhelming success of our inaugural event in April 2024, it’s clear that businesses are eager to unlock the full potential of generative AI.

“This next edition will be the European flagship AI event for businesses, offering C-suite executives a unique platform to shape their AI strategies and connect with the partners needed to drive meaningful implementation. As AI continues to transform industries, we are committed to helping leaders navigate this journey with confidence and insight.”

One of the main draws of the 2025 summit, the RAISE Startup Competition, will attract cutting-edge innovators from across the world. Sponsored by leading venture capital firms, the competition is designed for emerging AI companies to gain recognition, connect with top investors, and accelerate their growth. The RAISE Summit Hackathon, meanwhile, will feature more than 300 participants tasked with creating impactful solutions that will drive the adoption of AI for businesses and consumers alike.

As a tech-agnostic and cross-industry event, RAISE aims to bring together builders and innovators spanning multiple disciplines to explore and drive the future of AI. Delegates can look forward to in-depth case studies that showcase proven AI implementations and interactive sessions to refine strategy with industry experts. There will also be networking opportunities and side-events with key partners aided by an event app so attendees can plan meetings in advance.

Praises for the inaugural RAISE Summit of 2024 included: “RAISE is where everyone in AI is going,” from Jonathan Ross, Founder, Groq; “As things become more virtual, I think it’s increasingly important for people to come together. The serendipity that can happen when you’re together in a physical space is life-changing,” from Chamath Palihapitiya, Co-Founder, Social Capital; and “I found RAISE to be quite remarkable and I’m sure many people will find value from it through contacts and opportunities,” from Karim Beguir, Co-Founder, Insta Deep.

To reserve a place see here https://www.raisesummit.com/register

About the RAISE Summit

More than just another AI event, RAISE SUMMIT forms a global gathering for the brightest minds, visionary partners, and industry leaders intent on transcending boundaries and driving AI innovation. RAISE Summit is the premier event for professionals seeking to disrupt, build, and connect in the AI industry.

RAISE Summit 2024 saw 2,100 attendees, 545 leading companies, and 110 inspiring speakers, with over 40 sponsors. For 2025, we’re building on that success, expanding to a two-day event, expecting +5000 attendees, 2000 companies, 250 speakers, 200 sponsors and focusing on the transformative potential of Generative AI to reshape industries, societies, and everyday life.

Keynote speakers in 2024 included Chamath Palihapitiya, Co-Founder, Social Capital; Aravind Srinivas, Co-Founder, Perplexity AI; Jonathan Ross, CEO and Co-founder of Groq; Arthur Mensch, Co-Founder, Mistral AI; Caspar Herzberg, CEO, AVEVA Systems; Nicolas Dufourq, CEO, BPI France; Tony Fadell, Entrepreneur & Author – Ex-Apple SVP – iPod; Rodrigo Liang, CEO & Co-Founder of; SambaNova Systems; Renate Nyborg, Founder & CEO, Meeno; Michael Kratsios, ex-CTO of the USA – MD Scale AI. Leading sponsors included Google, AWS, Mistral AI, NVIDIA, Salesforce, Accenture, Tesla, Oracle, Hackerone and bpifrance.

https://www.raisesummit.com/

Jen Summers

jen@chainof.events

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91fcc022-7daa-4394-87be-1f4915e6b62b

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Premium Income Corporation Announces Successful Overnight Offering Of Preferred Shares

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: PIC.PR.A) – Premium Income Corporation (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce a successful overnight treasury offering of 4,350,000 Preferred Shares. Gross proceeds of the offering are expected to be $65,250,000.

The offering is expected to close on or about November 6, 2024, and is subject to certain closing conditions including approval by the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”). The Preferred Shares will be offered at a price of $15.00 per Preferred Share representing a yield on the original issue price of 8.50%. The trading price on the TSX for the Preferred Shares as at the last trade on October 29, 2024, was $15.16. Since the inception of the Fund, the aggregate dividends declared on the Preferred Shares have been $24.36 per share.

The Fund invests in a portfolio consisting principally of common shares of Bank of Montreal, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, National Bank of Canada, Royal Bank of Canada and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. To generate additional returns above the dividend income earned on the Fund’s portfolio, the Fund will selectively write covered call and put options in respect of some or all of the common shares in the Fund’s portfolio. The manager and investment manager of the Fund is Mulvihill Capital Management Inc.

The Preferred Shares pay fixed cumulative preferential monthly cash distributions in the amount of $0.10625 ($1.275 per annum) per Preferred Share representing a yield of 8.50% on the original issue price of $15.00.

The syndicate of agents for the offering was co-led by National Bank Financial Inc., CIBC Capital Markets, RBC Capital Markets, and Scotiabank.

For further information, please contact Investor Relations at 416.681.3966, toll free at 1.800.725.7172, email at info@mulvihill.com or visit www.mulvihill.com

John Germain, Senior Vice-President & CFO Mulvihill Capital Management Inc.
121 King Street West
Suite 2600
Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3T9

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: FBS Research Examines Cryptocurrency’s Impact in Hyperinflated Economies
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FBS, a leading global broker, explores the essential role of cryptocurrencies in hyperinflated economies. In the recently published article, FBS experts analyze the benefits of digital currencies in countries like Venezuela, Argentina, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Brazil, where national currencies continue to suffer rapid devaluation.

As inflation surges in these regions, digital currencies are recognized for their potential to preserve wealth and facilitate transactions outside traditional banking systems. According to FBS analysts, cryptocurrencies offer a flexible, accessible solution, particularly for those facing restrictions on foreign exchange. The adoption of cryptocurrencies — particularly Bitcoin and stablecoins — has increased as individuals, businesses, and governments seek alternatives to maintain financial stability and autonomy.

FBS highlights how different economies leverage digital assets:
- In Venezuela, where inflation has surged, Bitcoin is being used by individuals and enterprises as a store of value, providing stability amidst currency collapse.
- In Argentina, stablecoins pegged to the US dollar offer residents a haven from the peso’s depreciation, especially as regulatory restrictions tighten.
- Zimbabwe’s population similarly turns to Bitcoin and other cryptos to navigate financial instability driven by hyperinflation and limited access to global banking.
- In Nigeria, digital currencies like Bitcoin provide a stable alternative to the naira, especially valuable as inflation and currency restrictions affect everyday transactions.
- In Brazil, residents increasingly rely on stablecoins to secure assets against the volatile real, underscoring the value of digital currencies in Latin America.
The FBS article underscores the transformative impact of cryptocurrencies on daily life and regional economies. It acknowledges, however, that while digital assets can provide temporary financial relief, they cannot resolve systemic issues alone. Sustainable economic recovery ultimately requires broad reforms, with cryptocurrencies serving as a critical tool in the meantime.

To read more about the role of digital assets in hyperinflated economies and how they are reshaping financial survival strategies, users can explore the full article here.

Disclaimer: This material does not constitute a call to trade, trading advice, or recommendation and is intended for informational purposes only.

About FBS

FBS is a licensed global broker with over 15 years of experience and more than 90 international awards. FBS is steadily developing as one of the market’s most trusted brokers, with its traders numbering more than 27,000,000 and its partners exceeding 700,000 around the globe. The annual trading volume of FBS clients is over $8.9 trillion.

Contact
FBS Press Office
FBS
press@fbs.com

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Risk Strategies Acquires Felsen Insurance Services, Inc.

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Risk Strategies, a leading North American specialty insurance brokerage and risk management and consulting firm, today announced it has acquired Felsen Insurance Services, Inc. (Felsen), a New Jersey-based provider of commercial and personal P&C insurance products and services. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Established in 1985, Felsen is based in Denville, New Jersey and led by its founder, Paul Felsen. The agency’s primary business focus is providing insurance products for real estate, condominium associations, high net worth individuals, and religious institutions.

“It’s exciting to add Felsen Insurance Services to bolster our strong specialty presence in the New York metro region,” said Rob Rosenzweig, New York Regional Leader, Risk Strategies. “Bringing on Paul and his team not only gives us more expertise in condominiums and high net worth, it also expands the Risk Strategies presence in the market for religious institutions.”

Felsen’s work for religious institutions has garnered the agency a national reputation for its specialty expertise. The agency has a specialty focus on the needs of synagogues and temples and their associated operations, including day care centers, youth group activities, in-house catering, a cemetery, and rare artifacts like Torah scrolls.

“Becoming part of Risk Strategies allows us to preserve and amplify our specialty focus,” said Paul Felsen, Owner, Felsen Insurance Services, Inc. “It’s great that we can add to Risk Strategies capabilities while bringing to our clients and business a range of capabilities and resources previously far beyond our reach.”

In addition to its specialty in religious institutions, Felsen has notable strength in providing risk management solutions for condominium associations. The agency also has a well-established high net worth practice with specialty experience working with past and present professional athletes and coaches.

To learn more about Risk Strategies, please visit risk-strategies.com.

About Risk Strategies

Risk Strategies, part of Accession Risk Management Group, is a North American specialty brokerage firm offering comprehensive risk management services, property and casualty insurance and reinsurance placement, employee benefits, private client services, consulting services, and financial & wealth solutions. The 9th largest U.S. privately held broker, we advise businesses and personal clients, have access to all major insurance markets, and 30+ specialty industry and product line practices and experts in 200+ offices – Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Grand Cayman, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington, DC. RiskStrategies.com.

Media Contact
Brittany Gould
Senior Account Executive
rsc@matternow.com
978.518.4506

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Real Estate Split Corp. Completes Overnight Offering
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States.

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Real Estate Split Corp. (TSX: RS and RS.PR.A) (the “Company”), is pleased to announce the Company has completed the overnight offering of class A and preferred shares (the “Class A Shares” and “Preferred Shares”, respectively) for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $46.4 million. The Class A Shares and Preferred Shares will trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the existing symbols RS (Class A Shares) and RS.PR.A (Preferred Shares).

The Class A Shares were offered at a price of $12.90 per Class A Share to yield 12.1%. and the Preferred Shares were offered at a price of $10.10 per Preferred Share to yield 4.4% to maturity. The Class A Share and Preferred Share offering prices were determined so as to be non-dilutive to the net asset value per unit of the Company on October 22, 2024, as adjusted for dividends and certain expenses to be accrued prior to or upon settlement of the offering.

The Company has been designed to provide investors with a diversified, actively managed, high conviction portfolio comprised of securities of leading North American real estate companies.

The Company’s investment objectives for the:

Class A Shares are to provide holders with:
1. non-cumulative monthly cash distributions; and
2. the opportunity for capital appreciation through exposure to the portfolio
Preferred Shares are to:
1. provide holders with fixed cumulative preferential quarterly cash distributions; and
2. return the original issue price of $10.00 to holders upon maturity.
Middlefield Capital Corporation provides investment management advice to the Company.

The syndicate of agents for the offering was co-led by CIBC Capital Markets, RBC Capital Markets, and Scotiabank, and included Canaccord Genuity Corp., Hampton Securities Limited, National Bank Financial Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., iA Private Wealth Inc., Raymond James Ltd., Manulife Wealth Inc., Ventum Financial Corp., Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., and Research Capital Corporation.

For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. This offering was made by a prospectus supplement dated October 24, 2024, to the Company’s short form base shelf prospectus dated January 11, 2023 (the “Prospectus”). The Prospectus contains important detailed information about the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares being offered. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained from your CIRO registered financial advisor using the contact information for such advisor. Investors should read the Prospectus before making an investment decision. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Please read the Company’s publicly filed documents which are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: A new pact to bolster business in MENA region
Source: International Chamber of Commerce

Headline: A new pact to bolster business in MENA region

The partnership outlines a four-point action plan, with a particular emphasis on digitalising trade and improving access to finance for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises in the Unites Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond.

In line with shared values and a common purpose to enable business, the partnership will build on successful past initiatives and the extensive network of both organisations.

Signing the agreement on behalf of ICC, Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:

“This agreement aims to further strengthen our longstanding, successful relationship with Dubai Chambers, amplifying and driving our pioneering efforts in key areas such as trade digitalisation and
chamber empowerment.“

His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said:

“This partnership agreement with ICC reflects our shared vision to empower businesses in the MENA region through innovation, digitalisation, and improved access to finance. We look forward to working together to drive sustainable economic growth and unlock new opportunities that will benefit the global business community.“

Signed today at ICC Global Headquarters in Paris, this initial 12-month agreement lays the foundation for more detailed agreements to be developed on specific areas.

The action plan sets out shared commitments to:
- Facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing among chambers of commerce through the Chamber Benchmarking initiative
- Drive the digitalisation of trade in the MENA region, supporting the work of the ICC Digital Standards Initiative
- Inform and collaborate on the BRICS Business Council in consultation with UAE businesses
- Support initiatives of ICC and the ICC World Chambers Federation, bringing value to businesses in the UAE and region
By way of the non-financial, non-binding agreement, ICC and Dubai Chambers have committed to review the action plan as projects develop.
MIL OSI Economics –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message to the 2024 Global Education Meeting

Source: United Nations – English

s you gather for the 2024 Global Education Meeting, you confront a critical global challenge.

Education is the key to unlocking opportunities, equality, prosperity and peace.

But for millions of people around the world, that door remains shut tight.

Seventy per cent of 10-year-olds are unable to understand a basic text, while 250 million children and young people are out of school altogether. This is worsened by a huge financing gap of $97 billion annually for education in low and middle income countries.

We don’t have a moment to lose. At the Transforming Education Summit in 2022, governments committed to ending the learning crisis, and boosting investment in quality education systems that can reach every learner, throughout their lives.

Your meeting is an opportunity to measure how governments are — and are not — living up to this commitment.

In particular, I welcome your focus on closing the financing gap for education through more effective resource mobilization and innovative financing initiatives. I call on governments to arrive at next year’s Conference on Financing for Development and the World Social Summit with concrete solutions that can deliver the education systems all people need and deserve.

Through the recently adopted Pact for the Future, governments committed to investing in accessible, safe, inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

The United Nations is proud to stand with you in this essential global effort.

***

MIL OSI Africa –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister Peacock speech at Charities Aid Foundation’s Centenary Parliamentary Reception
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech delivered by the Minister for Civil Society, celebrating the significant role of the Charities Aid Foundation in the charity sector over the past 100 years.
Location:

Speaker’s House

Delivered on:

29 October 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you for the introduction, Sir James, and thank you Mr Speaker for hosting this event.

Good evening everyone.

It’s a pleasure to be here celebrating Charities Aid Foundation’s centenary.

This evening I will:

take this opportunity to thank CAF for your vital work over the past 100 years – in particular at this moment, as we have committed to reset government’s relationship with civil society as a whole; and

acknowledge the unique benefits of philanthropy to provide support for people across this country with funders, organisations like CAF, and government – including my department – working in partnership.

Giving is a fundamental part of this country; it’s ingrained into our way of life and our communities, and has been for centuries.

CAF has shaped the culture of giving in this country over the past 100 years .

You have played a significant role across the whole of the charity sector in that time – from monthly donation agreements, to direct financial support for charities, to offering expertise – and you are a key stakeholder in my own department’s civil society work.

It is therefore fitting that as CAF turns 100, this government has announced a commitment to reset the relationship with civil society and work together to develop a new Civil Society Covenant. The Covenant will set out the terms of a new relationship between government and civil society and will symbolise recognition of the sector as a trusted and independent partner whose voice is heard.

Earlier this month the Prime Minister hosted a civil society reception to announce our ambitions and I was delighted that we were joined by Charities Aid Foundation’s Chief Executive, Neil Heslop. This event kicked off a new phase of engagement to gather ideas and views to shape the Covenant. I really want to hear your views and strongly encourage you to get involved. You can find out how to contribute on Gov.uk.

This country needs a thriving civil society, and for this, we need organisations like CAF, who can continue to support and innovate in the sector for decades to come.

In my role as Minister for Civil Society, I recognise how giving can be used to shift the dial on local, national and global issues.

For example, Barnsley Youth Choir is one of the best youth choirs in the world and that is largely thanks to the commitment and generosity of local people.

Barnsley Youth Choir provides opportunities for young people in Barnsley. The choir offers bursaries for lower income families and subsidizes events to ensure that children and families can participate without financial strain. The community comes together year after year to provide much needed funds to enable the choir to continue.

Local girl Lucy (Hoylandswaine) has just completed a 100k run over one week to raise over £1200 for Barnsley Youth Choir and this is just one of hundreds of fundraising efforts that take part each year for the Choir.

The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation offers grants of as much as £275,000 to certain charity projects in Yorkshire, such as those promoting the protection of the environment, and has funded projects with South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.

Philanthropy plays a key role in this. Philanthropists can take greater risks, allow more flexibility and pioneer real innovation.

It can be long term and strategic, and range from tackling the big issues of our time, such as by funding climate solutions, to supporting grassroot charities and building up local communities.

CAF’s work is important to enabling and unlocking this type of funding.

Using your expertise from your work on growing place based giving schemes, you built extensive evidence for how funders, including philanthropists, can effectively contribute.

You found that funders can help stimulate giving by providing seed funding, that funding for core staffing costs is crucial, and that embracing flexibility is essential – all important lessons to take forward for work unlocking place based philanthropy.

Of course, government also has a pivotal role in this ecosystem, complementing and working alongside other sources of funding.

DCMS is focused on putting local people, communities and places first. As my department leads on philanthropy, this includes ensuring that the benefits of philanthropy can be felt in all communities.

So we want to ensure that the giving ecosystem connects philanthropic donations with the places where it is needed most.

Together with my ministerial colleagues at DCMS, I will work with colleagues across government and with you and your sectors to make philanthropic giving as easy and compelling as possible across the country, in a renewed partnership.

Congratulations again to Charities Aid Foundation for your 100 year milestone.

I am happy to have had this chance:

to thank Charities Aid Foundation for your work;

to reiterate this government’s commitment to resetting the relationship with civil society, with the development of the new Civil Society Covenant; and

to consider how we can come together to unlock the unique benefits of philanthropy in this country.

Thank you again for inviting me to speak, and enjoy the rest of this evening’s event.

Updates to this page

Published 30 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025

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Updates to this page