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  • MIL-OSI: ibex Unveils Wave iX AI Virtual Agent; Setting a New Standard for AI-Powered Customer Support

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer engagement technology solutions, today announced the launch of ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent, a sophisticated AI solution designed for seamless and scalable automated customer and brand interactions.

    ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent provides AI-driven voice and text conversations that are customized to align with a brand’s persona and specific business needs. It offers human-like, infinitely scalable, and hyper-personalized customer experiences while integrating seamlessly with existing agent support systems to facilitate swift escalation and efficient resolution of more complex customer issues.

    “ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent is more than a new AI solution, it is a transformative approach to the future of customer engagement,” said Bob Dechant, CEO of ibex. “ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent integrates the scalability and efficiency of AI with the necessary brand alignment, enabling businesses need to deliver exceptional, empathetic, and uniquely tailored customer experiences.”

    ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent is a new groundbreaking AI-driven, digital-first customer experience solution within the ibex Wave iX solution suite, which comprises three strategic components—AgentAI, CustomerAI, and InsightsAI—and leverages cutting-edge Generative AI technology to deliver the next generation of AI and agent-assisted customer experience.

    A significant advantage of ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent is its capacity for scalability on-demand. This flexibility enables businesses to dynamically adjust their customer service resources, ensuring optimal allocation during peak periods or unforeseen surges in demand. Coupled with the virtual agent’s empathetic and patient approach, this adaptability ensures that routine interactions are efficiently managed by ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent, allowing human customer service agents to concentrate of resolving more complex issues.

    Seamless customer interactions

    ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent also breaks down communication barriers by offering true omnichannel and multilanguage support. This capability ensures that businesses can effectively communicate with customers across any platform, in their preferred language, creating a seamless and inclusive experience.

    While ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent is designed to handle a wide range of customer inquiries autonomously, it also features a smooth escalation process to human agents when necessary.

    Businesses can easily customize ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent to match their unique brand personality. The platform allows for the creation of channel-specific personas, ensuring consistency across every customer interaction and enabling brands to achieve their desired impact, at scale.

    Always getting smarter

    ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent goes beyond simple query resolution. The platform is designed to understand multiple intents and complex tasks, learning and improving with each interaction. This sophisticated approach allows the virtual agent to gain a deep and accurate understanding of customer actions and patterns, enabling businesses to make rapid, informed choices that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

    To ensure data security and regulatory compliance ibex has implemented strict governance measures in ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent.

    For more information about ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent or to schedule a demo, please visit here.

    About ibex 

    ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of approximately 30 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

    ibex leverages its diverse global team of over 30,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including the AI-powered ibex Wave iX solutions suite, to manage nearly 175 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:
    Dan Burris
    daniel.burris@ibex.co

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0c3b6ba9-0829-4dbc-96ea-4a56a032a004

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Savi Financial Corporation Earns $205,000 in the Third Quarter of 2024; Results Highlighted by NIM Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNT VERNON, Wash., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Savi Financial Corporation, Inc. (OTC Pink: SVVB), the bank holding company for SaviBank, today reported net income of $205,000, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2024. This compared to a net loss of $5,000, or a loss of $0.00 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024, and net income of $558,000, or $0.13 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023. In the first nine months of 2024, the Company reported a net loss of $216,000, or a loss of $0.05 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1.59 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2023. All results are unaudited.

    “We reported improved third quarter 2024 operating results, compared to the preceding quarter, driven by increases in net interest income, lower non-interest expense and net interest margin expansion,” said Michal D. Cann, Chairman and President of Savi Financial Corporation. “Overall, loan growth was muted during the quarter, in part due to a slowdown in the local economy and uncertainties surrounding the election and future economic growth. However, we are seeing improvements in our loan pipeline, particularly with SBA loan originations. Further, we experienced good growth in core deposits during the quarter, with an increase in core deposits from local municipalities, which will allow us to reduce our reliance on brokered deposits to fund future growth.”

    “Loan growth was relatively flat compared to the preceding quarter and up 5% compared to a year ago. However, we did see good growth in the loan pipelines,” said Andrew Hunter, President and CEO of SaviBank. “We continue to seek out lending opportunities from our customers and anticipate slower than historic loan growth for the remainder of the year.”

    “The increase in loan yields during the quarter contributed to net interest margin (NIM) expansion of four basis points during the current quarter,” said Rob Woods, Chief Financial Officer of SaviBank. “We anticipate funding costs are near their peak and will continue to stabilize and should improve over the next few quarters if interest rates continue to decrease.” The Company’s NIM was 3.52% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 3.48% in the preceding quarter, and 3.66% in the third quarter a year ago. The NIM remains higher than the peer average of 3.21% posted by the 171 banks that comprised the Dow Jones U.S. Microcap Bank Index as of June 30, 2024. The cost of funds increased to 244 basis points during the third quarter of 2024, compared to 238 basis points in the preceding quarter.

    Merger

    On March 22, 2024, the Company announced that it had signed a Purchase and Assumption agreement whereby Lakewood, WA. based Harborstone Credit Union will acquire SaviBank in an all-cash transaction. The transaction is structured as a purchase agreement with Harborstone Credit Union purchasing substantially all assets and assuming substantially all liabilities of SaviBank. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2025, subject to receiving all regulatory approvals. Shareholders of Savi Financial have approved the acquisition.

    “We look forward to working with Harborstone Credit Union to continue our tradition of having a positive impact in our local communities,” said Cann. “We are deeply focused on providing resources and services for our customers to succeed, and believe that the additional services, products and locations Harborstone Credit Union provides will help us continue to meet the financial needs of our customers. Through the unique structure of this acquisition by Harborstone Credit Union, we believe we are maximizing value to our shareholders who have supported us over the years.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights:

    • The Company reported net income of $205,000 for the third quarter of 2024, compared to net loss of $5,000 for the second quarter of 2024, and net income of $558,000 for the third quarter of 2023.
    • Earnings per diluted share were $0.05 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to losses per diluted share of $0.00 in the preceding quarter, and earnings per diluted share of $0.13 in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Net interest income was $5.06 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $4.86 million in the second quarter of 2024, and $5.03 million in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Total revenue, consisting of net interest income and non-interest income, was $5.88 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $6.04 million in the preceding quarter and $5.89 million in the third quarter a year ago.
    • Non-interest expense was $5.57 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $5.82 million in the preceding quarter, and $5.56 million in the third quarter a year ago. The decrease in non-interest expense during the third quarter of 2024 was largely due to lower salary and employee benefits compared to the prior quarter.
    • Average third quarter 2024 total loans increased 2% to $512.8 million, compared to $503.8 million in the second quarter of 2024, and increased 8% from $473.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. Total loans at September 30, 2024, decreased to $509.5 million from $512.1 million at June 30, 2024, and increased 5% compared to $487.2 million at September 30, 2023.
    • SBA and USDA loan production for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024, totaled 22 loans for $14.5 million, compared to production of 18 loans for $14.8 million in the year-ago period.
    • Average third quarter 2024 total deposits grew 2% to $502.5 million, from $490.8 million in the preceding quarter, and increased 6% from $474.1 million in the third quarter a year ago. Total deposits increased 4% to $512.9 million, at September 30, 2024, compared to $492.1 million at June 30, 2024, and increased 7% compared to $481.5 million at September 30, 2023.
    • The Company recorded an $86,000 provision for credit losses in the third quarter of 2024, compared to a $255,000 provision in the second quarter of 2024, and a $350,000 credit to the provision in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Allowance for loan losses, as a percentage of total loans, was 1.18% at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.19% at June 30, 2024, and 1.16% at September 30, 2023.
    • Nonperforming loans, as a percentage of total loans, was 0.26% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.24% at June 30, 2024, and 0.09% at September 30, 2023.
    • Nonperforming assets, as a percentage of total assets, was 0.21% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.20% at June 30, 2024, and 0.19% a year ago.
    • Net charge-offs were $214,000 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $35,000 in the second quarter of 2024, and $77,000 in the third quarter a year ago.
    • SaviBank capital levels remained above the threshold for well-capitalized institutions with a tier-1 leverage ratio of 8.19% at September 30, 2024.

    About Northwest Washington

    SaviBank currently operates six branches in Skagit County, two branches in Island County, one branch in Whatcom County and one branch in San Juan County. The Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties region stretches north from the greater Seattle/Everett/Bellevue metropolis to the Canadian border.

    The housing market in Skagit, Island, Whatcom and San Juan counties remains stable, although it has fallen off the record high levels from the past few years. According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, the average home in Skagit County sold for $560,000, up 1.91% in September 30, 2024, compared to a year ago, and there was a 2.37 month supply of homes on the market. For Island County, the average house sold for $605,000, down 0.82% from a year ago and supply totaled 3.18 months. For Whatcom County, the average home sold for $611,000, up 10.38% from a year ago and supply totaled 2.61 months. For San Juan County, the average home sold for $829,000, down from 13.65% a year ago and supply totaled 9.05 months.

    Skagit’s population is projected to grow 3.84% from 2024 through 2029, and median household income is projected to increase by 11.41% during the same time frame. Whatcom County’s population is projected to grow 4.97% from 2024 through 2029, and median household income is projected to increase by 10.99%. Island County’s population is projected to grow 2.24% from 2024 through 2029, and median household income is projected to increase by 12.83%. San Juan County’s population is projected to grow 6.78% from 2024 through 2029, and median household income is projected to increase by 10.88%.

    Sources:
    https://www.nwmls.com/real-estate-news/monthly-market-snapshot/

    https://www.capitaliq.spglobal.com/ 

    About Savi Financial Corporation Inc. and SaviBank

    Savi Financial Corporation is the bank holding company which owns SaviBank. The Bank began operations April 11, 2005, and has 10 branch locations in Anacortes, Burlington, Bellingham, Concrete, Mount Vernon (2), Oak Harbor, Freeland, Sedro-Woolley, and Friday Harbor, Washington. The Bank provides loan and deposit services to customers who are predominantly small and middle-market businesses and individuals in and around Skagit, Island, Whatcom and San Juan counties. As a locally-owned community bank, we believe that when everyone becomes Savi about their finances, our entire community benefits.
    For additional information about SaviBank, visit: www.SaviBank.com.

    About Harborstone Credit Union

    Harborstone Credit Union is a Washington-chartered and federally insured credit union headquartered in Lakewood, Washington. Founded in 1955 as McChord Federal Credit Union, serving airmen on McChord Air Force Base (now Joint Base Lewis McChord), Harborstone Credit Union has grown to become one of the largest credit unions in Washington State with over 91,000 members and approximately $2.1 billion in total assets. Harborstone Credit Union has sixteen branches located throughout King, Pierce, and Thurston counties and offers members a full range of products and services with the aim to assist members in achieving financial well-being through innovative financial solutions that foster thriving communities and economic vitality. For more information, please visit www.harborstone.com.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this news release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to future plans and expectations, and are thus prospective. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, such as the businesses of Harborstone Credit Union and SaviBank may not be integrated successfully or such integration may take longer to accomplish than expected, the expected cost savings and any revenue synergies from the acquisition may not be fully realized within the expected timeframes, disruption from the acquisition may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, associates, or suppliers, the required governmental approvals of the acquisition may not be obtained on the proposed terms and schedule, or Savi Financial shareholders may not approve the acquisition, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, we can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be construed as a representation by the companies or any person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the companies will be achieved. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the companies or any person acting on their behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements above. None of Harborstone Credit Union, Savi Financial or SaviBank undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

     
    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA                           
    (In thousands of dollars, except for ratios and per share amounts)                      
    Unaudited                              
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023    		   Var %   June 30,
    2024    		   Var %   September 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023    		   Var %
    SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS                              
    Interest income $ 8,756     $ 7,573     16 %   $ 8,371     5 %   $ 24,962     $ 21,092     18 %
    Interest expense   (3,698 )     (2,539 )   46       (3,509 )   5       (10,411 )     (6,092 )   71  
    Net interest income   5,058       5,034     0       4,862     4       14,551       15,000     (3 )
    Provision for loan losses   (86 )     350     (125 )     (255 )   (66 )     (578 )     539     (207 )
                                                             
    NII after loss provision   4,972       5,384     (8 )     4,607     8       13,973       15,539     (10 )
    Non-interest income   825       852     (3 )     1,181     (30 )     2,587       2,796     (7 )
    Non-interest expense   (5,566 )     (5,559 )   0       (5,823 )   (4 )     (16,920 )     (16,415 )   3  
    Income before tax   231       677     (66 )     (35 )   (760 )     (360 )     1,920     (119 )
    Federal income tax expense   26       119     (78 )     (30 )   (187 )     (144 )     333     (143 )
    Net income $ 205     $ 558     (63 )%   $ (5 )   (4,200 )%   $ (216 )   $ 1,587     (114 )%
                                   
    PER COMMON SHARE DATA                              
    Number of shares outstanding (000s)   3,465       3,460     0 %     3,465     — %     3,465       3,460     0.14 %
    Earnings per share, basic $ 0.06     $ 0.16     (63 )   $ (0.00 )   (4,200 )   $ (0.06 )   $ 0.46     (114 )
    Earnings per share, diluted $ 0.05     $ 0.13     (63 )   $ (0.00 )   (4,201 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 0.36     (114 )
    Market value   14.50       6.86     111       14.79     (2 )     14.50       6.86     111  
    Book value   10.93       10.95     (0 )     10.61     3       10.93       10.95     (0 )
    Market value to book value   132.63 %     62.65 %   112       139.40 %   (5 )     132.63 %     62.65 %   112  
                                   
    BALANCE SHEET DATA                              
    Assets $ 623,637     $ 591,370     5 %   $ 621,191     0 %   $ 623,637     $ 591,370     5 %
    Investments securities   36,629       35,140     4       34,698     6       36,629       35,140     4  
    Total loans   509,535       487,184     5       512,080     (0 )     509,535       487,184     5  
    Total deposits   512,912       481,476     7       492,140     4       512,912       481,476     7  
    Borrowings   52,500       52,500     –       72,000     (27 )     52,500       52,500     –  
    Sub Debt – Savi Financial Only   17,000       17,000     –       17,000     –       17,000       17,000     –  
    Shareholders’ equity   37,881       37,887     (0 )     36,777     3       37,881       37,887     (0 )
                                   
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET DATA                              
    Average assets $ 622,414     $ 583,931     7 %   $ 612,262     2 %   $ 608,559     $ 557,460     9 %
    Average total loans   512,751       473,590     8       503,793     2       502,860       459,765     9  
    Average total deposits   502,526       474,076     6       490,753     2       498,373       456,093     9  
    Average shareholders’ equity   37,329       37,812     (1 )     36,678     2       37,534       37,082     1  
                                   
    ASSET QUALITY RATIOS                              
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries $ (214 )   $ (77 )   N/M     $ (35 )   N/M     $ (422 )   $ (266 )   N/M  
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans   (0.17 )%     (0.07 )%   N/M       (0.03 )%   N/M       (0.11 )%     (0.08 )%   N/M  
    Non-performing loans as a % of loans   0.26       0.09     183       0.24     6       0.26       0.09     183  
    Non-performing assets as a % of assets   0.21       0.19     10       0.20     4       0.21       0.19     10  
    Allowance for loan losses as a % of total loans   1.18       1.16     2       1.19     (1 )     1.18       1.16     2  
    Allowance for loan losses as a % of non-performing loans   462.69       1,223.59     (62 )     492.30     (6 )     462.69       1,223.59     (62 )
                                   
    FINANCIAL RATIOSSTATISTICS                              
    Return on average equity   2.20 %     5.90 %   (63 )%     -0.05 %   (4,128 )%     -0.77 %     5.71 %   (113 )%
    Return on average assets   0.13       0.38     (66 )     (0.00 )   (4,133 )     (0.05 )     0.38     (112 )
    Net interest margin   3.52       3.66     (4 )     3.48     1       3.47       3.77     (8 )
    Efficiency ratio   81.59       92.23     (12 )     83.37     (2 )     85.53       92.24     (7 )
    Average number of employees (FTE)   136       145     (6 )     140     (3 )     142       146     (3 )
                                   
    CAPITAL RATIOS                              
                                   
    Tier 1 leverage ratio — Bank   8.19       8.24     (1 )%     8.27     (1 )%     8.19       8.24     (1 )%
    Common equity tier 1 ratio — Bank   9.59       9.08     6       9.36     2       9.59       9.08     6  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio — Bank   9.59       9.08     6       9.36     2       9.59       9.08     6  
    Total risk-based capital ratio –Bank   10.78       10.22     5       10.56     2       10.78       10.22     5  
                                   

    Contact:
    Michal D. Cann
    Chairman & President
    Savi Financial Corporation
    (360) 399-7001

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: insightsoftware Eases Reporting for Finance Teams Using Workday, Freeing Time for More Strategic Work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — insightsoftware, the most comprehensive provider of solutions for the Office of the CFO, today launched insightsoftware Reporting for Workday. Establishing a live connection with Workday enables finance teams to speed up report production so they can spend more time on strategic analysis. CFOs, controllers, financial analysts, accountants, operations, and IT managers can report financial data in near real time.

    Finance teams are increasingly seeking to go beyond their native ERP reporting capabilities to create custom reports that are perfectly adapted to their business needs. Consequently, finance professionals often devote considerable time to report creation or rely heavily on IT for support. Research conducted by insightsoftware found that 75% of finance professionals spend at least five to six hours weekly recreating financial reports, totaling 300 hours annually. This underscores the need for more adaptable and user-friendly reporting solutions that allow finance teams to extract greater value from their ERP data using familiar tools like Excel.

    insightsoftware Reporting for Workday empowers finance teams with live connectivity, facilitating more effective reporting on financial data. Built on insightsoftware’s robust connected data Platform, it leverages deep domain expertise with integrated business logic and context, enabling seamless reporting on general ledger data. Finance professionals can efficiently generate financial reports in Excel and delve into transaction details to resolve issues promptly.

    “We are thrilled to offer Workday users a new, more flexible approach to fulfilling their financial reporting needs. Finance teams can now streamline their reporting processes to drive impactful business decisions across their organizations,” said Lee An Schommer, Chief Product Officer and General Manager, FP&A at insightsoftware. “Developing this live connection with Workday demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing finance teams with exactly what they need to help fuel organizational growth.”

    insightsoftware Reporting for Workday offers finance teams a more flexible and intuitive environment for report creation in Excel, delivering the essential context and business understanding needed for crucial decision-making. This goes beyond what is possible with standard ERP and financial system reporting.

    insightsoftware Reporting for Workday is available across North America, EMEA, and APAC regions, ensuring global reach and support. Visit the insightsoftware website to learn more.

    About insightsoftware
    insightsoftware is a global provider of comprehensive solutions for the Office of the CFO. We believe an actionable business strategy begins and ends with accessible financial data. With solutions across financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, and operations, we transform how teams operate, empowering leaders to make timely and informed decisions. With data at the heart of everything we do, insightsoftware enables automated processes, delivers trusted insights, boosts predictability, and increases productivity. Learn more at insightsoftware.com.

    Media Contacts
    Inkhouse for insightsoftware
    insightsoftware@inkhouse.com

    Daniel Tummeley
    Corporate Communications Manager
    PR@insightsoftware.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Flywire Survey Uncovers Increasing Demand for Flexible, Patient-Centric Payment Solutions in U.S. Healthcare

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    80% of respondents said they want the ability to pay for a medical bill in installments or as part of a payment plan

    60% cannot afford to pay for an unexpected illness or injury in one lump sum

    Additional Flywire research shows improving the patient payment experience can boost a hospital’s bottom line

    BOSTON, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flywire Corporation (Nasdaq: FLYW), a global payments enablement and software company, has released its new report, Is Paying for Healthcare Consumer Friendly Yet? examining the topic of healthcare affordability and accessibility among patients in the U.S. The research highlights a significant disconnect between patient expectations and current billing practices in U.S. healthcare, and uncovers opportunities for healthcare providers to both improve the patient payment experience and increase collections.

    “Our research found that patients want medical statements that are easier to understand, the ability to pay bills securely online, and they want to pay in installments of longer than 12 months to better manage the high cost of healthcare,” said John Talaga, EVP and GM of Healthcare, Flywire. “By meeting these demands, hospitals and health systems can not only boost patient satisfaction but also protect the financial health of their organization, as we know that patients satisfied with the financial aspect of their care are more likely to pay their bill, return for service and refer their friends. Flywire helps providers engage patients at every stage of the financial journey, with easy to understand, affordable payment options – streamlining the collections process, while helping patients feel more in control of their medical expenses.”

    Patients Are Stressed About High and Unexpected Medical Costs

    With 89% of Americans concerned about rising medical costs, it’s no surprise that understanding bills has become a top priority for patients. 75% of those surveyed said medical bills are too complicated, up from 65% in 2021. Patients are also stressed about unexpected medical bills that may loom in the future: 60% of those surveyed said they cannot afford to pay for an unexpected illness or injury in one lump sum, which increased from 46% in 2021.

    Patients also emphasized the need for bills to be clearer, with many expressing a desire for simplified, easy-to-read statements that outline charges and payment options more effectively. In fact, nearly everyone surveyed (95%) agreed that there needs to be a better way to simplify and pay for medical bills.

    Patients want payment plans and financing options to help them afford medical bills

    93% say it should be easier to pay their medical bills over time. Those with a child in the household are more likely to say they would want to pay in installments than those without a child in the household (84% vs. 79%).

    81% said they would want to have the ability to pay for a medical expense over time – in installments or as part of a payment plan. Respondents cited both longer terms to pay and financing options as ways to make paying for medical bills more affordable, with 38% saying they would prefer to pay medical bills over 12 or 18 months, and 85% of respondents saying they wish they had consumer-friendly options, like buy-now, pay-later.

    Patients weigh payment security in healthcare payment decisions

    Security remains a top concern for American healthcare patients, with 67% of respondents worried about the potential for healthcare payment data breaches. This concern is exacerbated by the fact that 31% have already received notifications of a breach involving their healthcare or personal information, so it’s no surprise that 59% of patients are more concerned about payment security now than they were a few years ago.

    7 ways Flywire solves patients’ biggest payment concerns and boost health systems’ bottom lines

    Flywire’s solutions are designed to optimize the patient financial experience for health systems throughout the U.S., providing patients with a personalized pathway to pay off their balance that’s fully customized to meet every patient’s unique financial needs. And more data suggests that improving the payment experience is core to protecting the financial health of hospitals and health systems. A separate Total Economic Impact analysis showed that by using Flywire’s patient financial engagement platform, healthcare organizations increased revenue by 29% and reduced bad debt as a percentage of net revenue from 5.5% to 4%. Other Flywire clients have reported to reduce their cost per patient payment by 43%.

    As one client put it:

    “Implementing Flywire has been one of the best decisions we’ve made as an organization, because we have seen it in the feedback from our patients. We see, ‘Thank you for making the statements easy to understand,’ because patients weren’t understanding our statements. And ‘Thank you for having the option to go online and pay and be able to set up payment plans and make arrangements,’” said Sonya Turner, Senior Director Patient Accounting, Centra Healthcare

    Additionally, Flywire helps healthcare systems:

    1. Deliver more payment plan options with personalized payment plans that are tailored to patient financial capacity.

    2. Extend collection terms beyond 12 months with non-recourse, integrated financing.

    3. Provide a single platform for in-house and outsourced payment plans.

    4. Provide a single portal to make payments by integrating with an EHR strategy for a single-sign on experience

    5. Provide a secure way to pay online. Ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards, such as HIPAA and PCI DSS v 4.0, and more.

    6. Increase self-pay collection

    7. Reduce time spent dealing with accounts receivable.

    To view the complete report, please visit here

    About Flywire

    Flywire is a global payments enablement and software company. We combine our proprietary global payments network, next-gen payments platform and vertical-specific software to deliver the most important and complex payments for our clients and their customers.

    Flywire leverages its vertical-specific software and payments technology to deeply embed within the existing A/R workflows for its clients across the education, healthcare and travel vertical markets, as well as in key B2B industries. Flywire also integrates with leading ERP systems, such as NetSuite, so organizations can optimize the payment experience for their customers while eliminating operational challenges.

    Flywire supports more than 4,000 clients with diverse payment methods in more than 140 currencies across more than 240 countries and territories around the world. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA, USA with global offices. For more information, visit www.flywire.com. Follow Flywire on X , LinkedIn and Facebook.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Flywire’s expectations regarding the benefits of its solutions to healthcare patients, Flywire’s business strategy and plans, market growth and trends. Flywire intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as, but not limited to, “believe,” “may,” “will,” “potentially,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” “expect,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations that involve risks, changes in circumstances, assumptions, and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in Flywire’s forward-looking statements include, among others, the factors that are described in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of Flywire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/. Additional factors may be described in those sections of Flywire’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, expected to be filed with the SEC in the fourth quarter of 2024. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and Flywire undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Media Contacts

    Sarah King
    media@flywire.com

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Masha Kahn
    IR@Flywire.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: VT Insurance Agency LLC Selects Applied Digital Agency to Optimize Niche Commercial Lines Workflows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, IL., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems® today announced that VT Insurance Agency LLC, a niche agency specializing in aerial application risks for fixed wing, rotor wing, and drone insurance, has selected Applied Digital Agency to automate the end-to-end commercial lines new business and remarketing workflows. VT Insurance Agency LLC leveraged the flexibility of Applied Epic and its Applied marketing, customer service, payments hub and submissions management applications to meet its unique business needs, reducing duplicative data entry and keeping information easily accessible to optimize the team’s operational and customer service efforts.

    “As our agency grew, we experienced inefficiencies with our previous agency management system due to the number of unnecessary clicks and data re-entry needed to market and service accounts,” said Vaughn Tolbert, owner, VT Insurance Agency LLC and national board member of the Unmanned Pilots Associate for Safety and Standards (U-Pass). “Applied Epic’s modern, customizable technology stood out to us because we were able to integrate our marketing and policy workflows and build out aviation-specific forms that populate information directly from Applied Epic, allowing data to flow through each step of the workflow and give more time to our customers.”

    Applied’s Digital Agency solution consists of a foundational management system, payment hub, online customer self-service and mobile technology, commercial lines application digitization and automation, and insurer connectivity, all hosted in the cloud. The fully integrated solution enables agencies to create higher-value business transactions and deliver superior customer experiences throughout the entire insurance lifecycle. By leveraging integrated applications that enable agencies to manage their entire business and eliminate duplicative work typically caused by multiple, disparate systems, digital agencies operate more efficiently, improve customer service, and accelerate growth and profitability across all lines of business.

    “Independent agents with lean teams must be strategic about the technology they use to enable their unique workflows and keep their bottom line in check,” said Anupam Gupta, chief product officer, Applied Systems. “Applied Digital Agency’s connected workflows and flexible infrastructure allow niche agencies to easily reuse account and policy data they’ve entered once across fields and forms throughout the insurance lifecycle, helping them work smarter and faster, and ultimately increase profitability.”

    # # #

     

    The Applied products and logos are trademarks of Applied Systems, Inc., registered in the U.S.

     

    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.

    About VT Insurance Agency LLC
    VT Insurance Agency is the nation’s leading aerial application drone insurance agency, with a strong focus on agricultural drones. The agency carries 75%-80% of all legal aerial application drone policies, offering Property and Casualty insurance services such as aerial application drone/aircraft, pleasure and business drone/aircraft, aviation commercial general liability, products and completed operations, premises, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, and inventory. VT Insurance Agency is a proud national board member of the Unmanned Pilots Associate for Safety and Standards (U-Pass) and regularly helps push for regulation changes for drones in state and federal agencies.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tabnine Unveils Industry-First, Hyper-Personalized AI Code Review Agent

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tabnine, the originators of the AI code assistant category, today unveiled the Tabnine Code Review Agent; introducing a first-of-its-kind AI software validation agent that enables organizations to produce higher quality, more secure code by leveraging and enforcing any given team’s unique best practices and standards for software development.

    This is the first in a wave of highly advanced AI agents and a suite of product capabilities within Tabnine that provides direct coaching and guidance to how the AI behaves. Tabnine’s Code Review Agent makes it effortless for organizations to codify their institutional knowledge, corporate policies, and software development standards, including best practices and patterns found in their “golden code repos.” The Tabnine Code Review Agent will then enforce adherence to those rules across the software development process. This explicit guidance builds on Tabnine’s personalized approach to AI code generation through awareness and understanding of both locally available code and data in the integrated development environment (IDE) and a company’s software repository. The combination allows Tabnine to fully adapt to and reflect the unique methods and preferences of each engineering team.

    “AI in software development is about much more than just generating more code; it’s greatest power might be in helping improve the quality, security, and compliance of code in real time as we work. By reviewing code at the pull request and ensuring that the code presented matches each team’s unique expectations, we are saving engineering teams significant time and effort while applying a level of rigor to the automation of code review that was never possible with static code analysis,” said Peter Guagenti, President at Tabnine. “Using a set of rules personalized to each given organization, the Tabnine Code Review Agent sets a new bar for the category. Tabnine’s unique approach to personalization allows our agents to behave like a fully onboarded member of your engineering team that is steeped in your team’s ways of working.”

    Tabnine Code Review Agent enables companies to provide the specific parameters they would like to see their code comply with via plain language, with no complex setup required. Tabnine converts this provided knowledge into a set of comprehensive rules. Additionally, Tabnine offers a vast array of predefined rules any team can activate, including commonly used industry standards, as well as language or product-specific best practices.

    When developers create a pull request, the Code Review Agent checks the code in the pull request against the rules established by their team. If any aspect of the code doesn’t conform with those rules, then the Agent flags it to the code reviewer, providing guidance on the issue and suggested edits to fix it. All of the rules are in plain English, which makes it easy to review and maintain over time. Tabnine administrators have complete control and can enable or disable specific rules, and set the severity of rules.

    Tabnine’s Code Review Agent will also soon be available within the full array of IDEs the company supports. The Agent passively reviews code as a developer works; flagging issues and offering suggestions as appropriate inside the code editor.

    The Code Review Agent is in Private Preview and open to any Tabnine enterprise customer. You can request early access by contacting Tabnine. Learn more about the Tabnine Code Review Agent and see it in action here.

    About Tabnine
    Tabnine helps development teams of every size use AI to accelerate and improve the software development life cycle. As the original AI coding assistant, Tabnine has been used by millions of developers around the world to boost code quality and developer happiness using generative AI. Unlike other coding assistants, Tabnine is the AI that you control; it is extensively personalized to your engineering team, private and secure (easily running in your controlled environments), never stores or trains on your company’s code or user data, and offers models trained exclusively on open-source code with permissive licenses to eliminate IP risks. Learn more at tabnine.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Contact
    press@tabnine.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian Engineers to Receive High-Demand Skills Training Through Innovative New Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Foresight Canada is announcing the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineers Upskilling Program (AME-UP). AME-UP is funded by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills and the Government of Canada, and is part of the first wave of partnership agreements that are taking an industry-oriented approach to supporting Canadian workers. These agreements will help thousands of workers find new careers through skills training and job placement in some of the fastest-growing industries in Canada.

    Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector faces pressure to adopt sustainable practices to meet climate targets and stay competitive. Traditional methods contribute to high emissions, waste, and inefficiencies, increasing the demand for greener, more efficient solutions. Cleantech innovations like energy-efficient technologies and waste reduction are crucial, but the transition requires a workforce equipped with specialized skills.

    To address this need, Foresight Canada has launched the 16-week AME-UP program, which connects engineers with cleantech employers, offering hands-on experience, real-world projects, and industry-specific training. Employers benefit from access to skilled engineers through Work Integrated Learning (WIL), helping shape the future workforce while supporting the shift to sustainable manufacturing.

    Upskill Canada, supported by funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) as part of the Upskilling for Industry Initiative, is Canada’s most ambitious talent initiative. Central to all Upskill Canada programs is the role of community training providers, who work closely with industry to identify in-demand skills. Upskilling workers through Upskill Canada programs creates new career pathways for workers and better positions Canadian companies to compete both domestically and internationally.

    Whether you’re an employer seeking top talent or a participant looking to upskill in cleantech, the AME-UP program is for you. Apply today to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth.

    Quick Facts

    Foresight Canada’s mission is to accelerate adoption of the world’s best clean technologies. Since 2013, they have supported 1280+ cleantech ventures, 150+ industry partners, and 300+ investor firms to deploy $1.77 billion in capital, achieve $511 million in revenues, and create 8,760+ high-paying jobs. Their domestic and international engagement includes collaboration with 2,000+ partners and collaborators.

    Quotes

    “Programs like AME-UP are essential to uniting innovators and industry leaders, bridging the gap between technical talent and our cleantech industry, and preparing Canada’s workforce to drive our future economy forward. By fostering collaboration through market-driven programs, we equip engineering talent with the knowledge needed to advance innovation, drive adoption and ensure employers have access to a highly trained, ready-to-impact workforce.” — Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Canada

    “Upskill Canada’s partnership with Foresight Canada will allow more workers to access jobs in Canada’s growing advanced manufacturing sector. Graduates of the AME-UP program will be in high demand, bringing the most up-to-date skills to a rapidly changing industry.” — Rhonda Barnet, CEO, Palette Skills

    About Foresight Canada

    ​​Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada’s largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they de-risk and simplify public and private sector adoption of the world’s best clean technologies to improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing urgent climate challenges.

    About Upskill Canada

    Upskill Canada is a national talent platform that helps fast-growing companies access the talent they need to compete and succeed globally while creating new career pathways for workers to rapidly transition into high-demand roles. Upskill Canada programs are focused on strengthening key growth sectors: digital technology, cybersecurity, agricultural technology, advanced manufacturing, clean technology and biomanufacturing.

    Think you are a great fit for the AME-UP program? Apply now:

    For Employers

    For Participants

    Questions about the program ? Reach out: upskill@foresightcac.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BlackLine Honored with Multiple Consecutive Industry Accolades

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackLine (Nasdaq: BL), the future-ready platform for the Office of the CFO, has been honored with the 2024 ‘Tech Cares’ and ‘Buyer’s Choice’ awards from TrustRadius, a leading B2B software peer review platform. BlackLine has once again demonstrated its commitment to delivering industry-leading solutions while driving corporate social responsibility, marking its fifth consecutive year of recognition for exceptional employee and community programs.

    As a ‘Tech Cares’ award winner, BlackLine is one of 100 B2B technology companies recognized for outstanding dedication to sustainability, volunteerism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), generous donations, community impact, employee well-being and development, support for women in technology, and educational support.

    BlackLine’s TrustRadius Buyer’s Choice Award reinforces its position as a trusted platform for finance and accounting professionals. Based on real customer feedback and satisfaction ratings, the accolade highlights BlackLine’s ability to deliver significant ROI, ease of use, and strong customer support. These prestigious awards underscore BlackLine’s commitment to delivering customer-centric innovation that drives continuous transformation, providing immediate impact and sustained value to its global customer base.

    In addition to the TrustRadius honors, BlackLine was also recognized for the fifth consecutive year by G2, the world’s largest software marketplace, winning the Best Accounting & Finance Software award. This accolade reflects BlackLine’s success in delivering future-ready financial operations for the Office of the CFO, offering solutions that are accurate, efficient, and intelligent. The award, driven by overwhelmingly positive feedback from verified users, highlights BlackLine’s continued leadership in the market with its Financial Close Management solution.

    “We are honored to receive these recognitions from TrustRadius and G2 for both our market-leading solutions and our commitment to social impact,” said Therese Tucker, Founder and Co-CEO of BlackLine. “At BlackLine, our mission is to inspire, power, and guide digital finance transformation, and our values—Think, Create, Serve—are at the core of how we achieve this. We continually challenge ourselves to think critically, create innovative solutions, and serve both our customers and communities with purpose. These awards are a testament to the hard work of our BlackLiners and the trust our customers place in us as we continue to deliver future-ready financial operations globally.”

    Visit BlackLine’s site here to learn more about the company’s industry solutions. To read what customers are saying about BlackLine, visit the company’s page on TrustRadius here, and on G2’s website here.

    About BlackLine

    BlackLine (Nasdaq: BL), the future-ready platform for the Office of the CFO, drives digital finance transformation by empowering organizations with accurate, efficient, and intelligent financial operations.

    BlackLine’s comprehensive platform addresses mission-critical processes, including record-to-report and invoice-to-cash, enabling unified and accurate data, streamlined and optimized processes, and real-time insight through visibility, automation, and AI. BlackLine’s proven, collaborative approach ensures continuous transformation, delivering immediate impact and sustained value. With a proven track record of innovation, industry-leading R&D investment, and world-class security practices, more than 4,400 customers across multiple industries partner with BlackLine to lead their organizations into the future.

    For more information, please visit blackline.com.

    Media Contact:

    Samantha Darilek

    VP, Communications

    BlackLine

    samantha.darilek@blackline.com

    BlackLine Forward-looking Statements

    This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “potential,” “would,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding our growth plans, strategies and opportunities.

    Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon BlackLine’s current plans, estimates and expectations, and are not a representation that such plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith beliefs and assumptions as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize or if any assumptions prove incorrect, actual performance or results may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the Company’s ability to execute on its strategies, attract new customers, enter new geographies and develop, release and sell new features and solutions; and other risks and uncertainties described in the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional information will also be set forth in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

    Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Awaken Greater Generosity: Pushpay Enhances Tools for Church Leaders Ahead of Giving Season

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pushpay, the leading payments and engagement solutions provider for mission-driven organizations, today announces several new product enhancements, deeper partner integrations, and tangible resources to equip today’s ministry leaders for a remarkable season of generosity. As nearly 30 percent of charitable giving occurs in the month of December, and roughly 10 percent in the last three days of the year, Pushpay’s latest innovations are designed to help churches inspire generosity within their community.

    With stock and crypto donations on the rise, today Pushpay announces a deeper connection with Engiven, a leading complex giving provider in the U.S., delivering seamless enrollment for Pushpay customers to receive and quickly process stock and cryptocurrency donations without an additional subscription fee. This includes no additional forms, and streamlined processing for customers and their donors.

    “Churches that enable noncash giving are far more likely to receive major gifts, especially at year-end,” said Co-Founder and CEO of Engiven, James Lawrence. “Pushpay has an amazing history of providing innovative solutions to the Church and I’m excited to see new pathways of generosity unlocked as together we make noncash giving more seamless for churches and their donors.”

    Acts of generosity—whether time, talent or tithes—are often a reflection of how connected someone is to their Church. In fact, recent Pushpay data shows that 57% of churches see an increase in overall giving when they focus on ways to engage and cultivate relationships with their people. Pushpay is releasing several new product features and enhancements to help increase connection and generosity leading into the 2024 holiday season, including:

    • Multi-Fund Giving: Allows donors to support multiple causes in one simple flow. Whether it’s missions, building projects, or specific ministries, donors will have the flexibility to distribute their gift across multiple purposes, all within a single, unified experience.
    • App improvements: The new in-app browser will allow users to securely open all external links—including the giving experience—without ever leaving their church app. The new in-app browser brings giving, forms, and other external links directly into the app experience, simply and securely, while limiting distractions from other browser tabs.
    • Resi livestream attendance in Pushpay Insights: An engaged community is a generous community. Pushpay customers can now have a holistic view of how people connect with their services—whether they are in the building or viewing from their home or other location. This feature allows churches to track Resi livestream attendance alongside in-person participation, bringing both data points into one easy-to-view platform via Pushpay Insights.
    • Auto schedule by event and week: Volunteers play a critical role in church, especially during the month of December. This new feature helps administrators efficiently create stronger, more efficient volunteer teams by simplifying the scheduling process. Administrators will be able to schedule volunteers for a single event or an entire week’s worth of services— all in a fraction of the time.

    “Our goal at Pushpay is to empower churches with the tools they need to engage their communities. Our latest innovations not only simplify the giving process but also help ministry leaders build deeper relationships with their congregation,” said Molly Matthews, Pushpay CEO. “By making generosity more accessible and seamless, we’re enabling churches to focus on what matters most—their mission and their people.”

    Lastly, the Company released a new Generosity Hub, which is an online collection of tools, resources and strategies to help ministry teams cultivate a culture of generosity. From general giving tips, to developing a Giving Tuesday campaign, or ways to leverage technology to deeper donor engagement, resources are targeted to help church leaders develop and execute a successful end of year giving strategy.

    Today’s announcement is further reinforcement of Pushpay’s continued commitment to deliver meaningful technology for the Church that helps people connect with people. In fact, 1.3 million moments of connection between churches and their communities are made possible through Pushpay technology every week, which has also resulted in more than $35 billion of generosity to help fuel the mission of the Church over the last five years alone. For more information about Pushpay, visit www.pushpay.com.

    About Pushpay
    Pushpay empowers mission-driven organizations to engage their communities by bringing people together and fostering meaningful connections. Through its innovative suite of products, Pushpay helps create cultures of generosity by streamlining donation processes, enhancing communications, and strengthening relationships. Pushpay’s purpose-built ministry solutions include ChurchStaq, ParishStaq, Pushpay Insights, Resi, and more— all designed to simplify operations and provide data driven insights to support the mission of its customers. Whether managing donations, organizing events, or connecting with community members, Pushpay’s integrated tools enable ministry leaders to focus on what matters most—growing their ministry and deepening engagement. For more information visit www.pushpay.com

    US Media / PR Contact:
    Chelsea Looney
    PR@pushpay.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Mountain rescue training in Alaska

    Source: US Coast Guard (video statements)

    Crews from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco (WPC 1122), Sitka Mountain Rescue, and Air Force 210th, 211th, and 212th Rescue Squadrons conducted a week-long search and rescue exercise in Sitka, Alaska, April 30 through May 2, 2024. Crews tackled a series of mini scenarios ranging from lost hikers to an avalanche scenario. The exercise culminated with a mass-casualty event involving multiple agencies responding in concert to a scene with 28 survivors in distress. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer Second Class Ian Gray)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY4_OQg6x-w

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wales and Netherlands mark 80th anniversary of city’s liberation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith and Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, have attended commemorations of the liberation of ‘s-Hertogenbosch in 1944 by the 53rd Welsh Infantry Division.

    Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith and Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies holdling a wreath each.

    ‘s-Hertogenbosch, also known as Den Bosch, has maintained strong links to Wales ever since. The city features many tributes to the sacrifices of the Welsh people. A war memorial in the town honours Welsh soldiers who fought for its freedom, and the names of the 146 Welsh soldiers who gave their lives for the town are displayed on its bridge. There is also a Welsh cross in the cathedral with the names of the Welsh soldiers engraved on the windows of the ‘Welsh rooms’ in the town hall.

    Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith and the Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies each laid a wreath, attended a parade walk and the remembrance service to honour the soldiers.

    A large delegation from Wales visited the city, including representatives from cultural and military organisations, and families of the veterans involved – known as ‘the liberators’.

    In 1995, the Pontypridd branch of The Royal Welsh Regimental Association established a link with the city of s’-Hertogenbosch.  An annual dinner was established in Pontypridd to commemorate the battle and officials from Den Bosch continue to attend to this day.

    In April 2019, to commemorate the liberation of their town, 26 Dutch city employers cycled 400 miles to Cardiff, stopping off at various locations including Crickhowell, Pontypridd and Caerphilly. This event culminated in a ceremony for the handover of a Davy Lamp containing a symbolic ‘Flame of Freedom’. The cyclists took this back to s’-Hertogenbosch where it will burn until the commemorations this weekend.

    This year a group have cycled over 300 miles from Pontypridd to Den Bosch to mark the anniversary, organised by Gareth Pennell who was honoured as a freeman of the Dutch city in 2019 in honour of his work on commemorations over the years.

    Wales Office Minister, Dame Nia Griffith said: 

    It is so important that we take time to reflect on the events of 80 years ago and honour those from the 53rd Welsh Infantry Division who fought and died alongside civilians in order to liberate ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

    It is a privilege to represent the UK Government at this commemoration and help make sure that the sacrifice of so many lives is not forgotten.

    The Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: 

    The commemorations this weekend serve as a poignant opportunity for us to remember, reflect and recognise those who served and those who paid the ultimate price for the liberation of this city; they will be remembered. Their sacrifices enable us all to live our lives with the freedom we have today.

    It is our duty to remember what happened here in Den Bosch and ensure future generations understand that, so we can learn the lessons and ensure peace for generations to come.

    Wales has an important relationship with Den Bosch, and we hope to see this continue and grow through economic and cultural ties.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: During COP16, Canada announces new partnerships to support global biodiversity and Indigenous-led action 

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Biodiversity loss poses a fundamental threat to our everyday lives, impacting clean water, air, fertile soil, food, medicine, the global economy and climate control. The climate crisis is affecting biodiversity as events like wildfires become more severe and frequent in Canada and around the world.

    October 29, 2024 – Ottawa, Canada – Global Affairs Canada

    Biodiversity loss poses a fundamental threat to our everyday lives, impacting clean water, air, fertile soil, food, medicine, the global economy and climate control. The climate crisis is affecting biodiversity as events like wildfires become more severe and frequent in Canada and around the world.

    This week, delegations from around the world are meeting at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, to advance the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) to achieve the international community’s goal of living in harmony with nature by 2050.

    Canada is committed to working with all partners to halt and reverse the loss of nature and protect Indigenous rights. That’s why the Government of Canada supports conservation efforts to increase the resilience of communities in many parts of the world.

    Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced 7 projects, worth a total of $62 million, that aim to protect biodiversity in regions around the world, with a particular focus in Latin America. For example, Canada’s contribution will increase the resilience to climate change of Indigenous communities in the Amazon through the integration of ancestral practices to address climate variability.

    These projects will be implemented in partnership with the following institutions:

    • Conservation International – Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
    • UN Development Programme – Biodiversity Ecosystem Restoration for Community Resilience in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh project
    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Supporting the Protection of Marine Biodiversity Within the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean project
    • WildAid – Strengthening Marine Law Enforcement in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean project
    • World Food Programme – Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ Resilience to Climate Change in Colombia project
    • International Union for the Conservation of Nature – Podong Indigenous Peoples Initiative
    • UN Environment Programme – Accelerating Systemic Change for Gender Equality and Biodiversity Conservation Through the National Biodiversity Strategies and Actions Plans Accelerator Partnership 

    “Canada recognizes that biodiversity loss poses a fundamental threat to people, the planet and the global economy. We share the environment and depend on it for our livelihoods, survival and well-being. Canada’s support for Indigenous peoples, women and girls, and all actors working to counter biodiversity loss will help ensure that our communities and ecosystems are resilient and able to thrive.”

    – Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada imposes sanctions as violence in Myanmar escalates

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations against 3 individuals and 4 entities for supplying weapons and military equipment to the Myanmar military.

    October 29, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations against 3 individuals and 4 entities for supplying weapons and military equipment to the Myanmar military.

    The sanctions announced today, in coordination with the United Kingdom and the European Union, respond to the ongoing and increasing aerial attacks by the Myanmar military regime. Over the last six months, military airstrikes killed almost 400 civilians, including more than 60 children, and injured more than 750 people

    These attacks are a grave breach of international peace and security and violate the basic principles of democracy and respect for human rights. The conflict has resulted in a worsening humanitarian crisis and increased instability as the regime escalates violence to assert its authority. 

    Imposing these sanctions on individuals and entities under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) is in direct response to these actions and to those supplying weapons, military equipment, key resources and revenue to the Myanmar military.

    Canada continues to urge all countries to impose similar measures. We call on the international community to suspend all support to the Myanmar military, including the transfer of weapons, materiel, aviation fuel, equipment, and technical assistance to the Myanmar military.  

    Canada will continue to support the aspirations of the people of Myanmar and those who work peacefully to advance a peaceful, inclusive, democratic future. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder – Additional sanctions

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Effective October 29, 2024, Canada is imposing sanctions against the following individuals and entities for supplying weapons and military equipment to the Myanmar military during worsening attacks on civilians.

    Effective October 29, 2024, Canada is imposing sanctions against the following individuals and entities for supplying weapons and military equipment to the Myanmar military during worsening attacks on civilians.

    Canadian measures

    The Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations impose on listed persons a prohibition on any transaction (effectively, an asset freeze) by prohibiting persons in Canada and Canadians outside Canada from engaging in any activity related to any property of these listed persons or providing financial or related services to them.

    The specific prohibitions are set out in the regulations.

    Targeted individuals are senior figures in the Myanmar military responsible for such international humanitarian and human rights law violations. The names of the individuals and entities added to the schedule of these regulations are the following:

    Individuals

    1. Charlie Than
    2. Ne Aung
    3. Win Kyaw Kyaw Aung

    Entities

    1. King Royal Technologies Company Ltd.
    2. Royal Shune Lei Company Ltd.
    3. International Group of Entrepreneurs (IGE)Company Ltd.
    4. Swan Energy Company Limited

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Canada announces $62 million for sustaining livelihoods by protecting biodiversity in developing countries

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, during the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16), the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced a total of $62 million in funding for the following projects

    Today, during the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16), the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced a total of $62 million in funding for the following projects:

    Project: Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
    Partner: Conservation International
    Funding: $20 million for fiscal years 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026

    The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund aims to support the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in 3 biodiversity hot spots: the Cerrado in Brazil; countries in the Indo-Burma region, namely Cambodia, Laos and Thailand; and countries in the Tropical Andes region, namely Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Canada’s contribution will advance gender equality by strengthening leadership skills among women conservationists and enhance locally driven conservation in key biodiversity areas through financial and technical support.

    Project: Biodiversity Ecosystem Restoration for Community Resilience in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh
    Partner: UN Development Programme
    Funding: $12.5 million for fiscal years 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026

    This project aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation and resilient ecosystems in climate-vulnerable and marginalized communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. The project will work with these communities to develop and implement community-based biodiversity conservation plans. It will also increase women’s role in decision making and in implementing inclusive biodiversity ecosystem restoration plans with local government agencies, as well as improve the restoration of biodiversity ecosystems by vulnerable households and enhance resilient alternative livelihoods of ecosystem-dependent communities to improve market access and biodiversity conservation.

    Project: Supporting the Protection of Marine Biodiversity Within the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean Through Dark Vessel Detection Technologies
    Partner: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    Funding: $5 million for fiscal years 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026

    This project shares Canadian technical expertise to assist Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru in protecting their unique marine biodiversity and supporting coastal communities, specifically women, Indigenous people and Afro-descendants. The project will provide access to innovative Canadian satellite surveillance technology by MDA Space Ltd. to support monitoring and enforcement efforts to reduce the threats posed by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities.

    Project: Strengthening Marine Law Enforcement in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean
    Partner: WildAid
    Funding: $5 million for fiscal years 2024 to 2025 to 2026 to 2027

    This project will help improve the protection and sustainable use of marine ecosystems in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama and Peru. This will be achieved by strengthening the capacity of national marine authorities and government-endorsed community organizations to reduce the threats posed by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The project will increase the effectiveness of maritime law enforcement by advocating for compliance through education, outreach and the creation of community-wide benefits.

    Project: Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ Resilience to Climate Change in Colombia
    Partner: World Food Programme
    Funding: $9.5 million for fiscal years 2023 to 2024 to 2027 to 2028

    This project will help increase the resilience of Indigenous communities in the Amazon. The rich and diverse ecosystems in the southern Colombian Amazon rainforest are highly sensitive to climate change, facing rapid alterations in temperature and water availability. This degradation directly affects the food security and nutrition of forest-dependent communities, particularly Indigenous people and women. The project will focus on climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture and environmental management by combining ancestral practices with modern technology. It will promote sustainable agri-food value chains to improve food security and enhance the role of women in climate governance. Project activities will be carried out in Putumayo, Caquetá and Amazonas.

    Project: Podong Indigenous Peoples Initiative
    Partner: International Union for the Conservation of Nature
    Funding: $7 million for fiscal years 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026

    This initiative is the result of a collaboration between the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Indigenous leaders and the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity. Canada’s contribution will help Indigenous people build their capacity to implement gender-responsive biodiversity conservation actions, build leadership skills to engage in global environmental forums and negotiations, and address the barriers Indigenous peoples face in accessing funding for their self-determined climate and biodiversity priorities and actions.

    This initiative will take place in Guatemala, Nepal, Panama and Tanzania. It advances the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which emphasizes Indigenous peoples’ right to conservation and protection of the environment and the productive capacity of their land.

    Project: Accelerating Systemic Change for Gender Equality and Biodiversity Conservation Through the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans Accelerator Partnership
    Partner: UN Environment Programme
    Funding: $3 million for fiscal years 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026

    The National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) Accelerator Partnership is a global initiative launched in Montréal at COP15. It provides knowledge, technical and financial support to developing countries for the preparation and implementation of their national biodiversity strategies and action plans. NBSAPs are essential road maps that guide decision making and on-the-ground action to conserve and use biodiversity in a sustainable manner.

    Canada’s support will help Antigua and Barbuda, Comoros, Costa Rica, Eswatini, Tajikistan, Thailand and Togo develop and update their NBSAPs and ensure that they are gender-responsive and inclusive.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Economic, trade policies explained

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today briefed members of the Trade & Industry Advisory Board on major initiatives related to economic and trade developments in the 2024 Policy Address.

    Mr Yau said that the Policy Address announced a series of initiatives, including a reduction of the duty rate for liquor, to create new impetus for Hong Kong’s economic development.

    Currently, the import prices of about 85% of duty-paid liquor in Hong Kong stand at $200 or below, meaning that such products will not benefit from the duty reduction.

    The commerce chief pointed out that this can avoid providing an incentive for citizens to increase liquor consumption as a result of the duty deduction, adding that the proposal has struck a balance between various policy considerations such as facilitating high-end liquor trade, maintaining healthy public finances and safeguarding public health.

    Mr Yau also briefed the members on the proposal introduced in the Policy Address to build a high value-added supply chain service centre.

    He noted that Invest Hong Kong and the Trade Development Council will set up a mechanism and enhance their interfaces for attracting Mainland enterprises to establish international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong for managing offshore trading and supply chains, and providing one-stop diversified professional advisory services for enterprises in Hong Kong looking to go global.

    Mr Yau also highlighted that the Policy Address rolled out various support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including relaunching the principal moratorium arrangement under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, as well as raising the maximum indemnity ratio of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation to 95%.

    Separately, the Trade & Industry Department briefed the meeting attendees on the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement Agreement on Trade in Services (Amendment Agreement II).

    Mr Yau said the series of measures will provide better support for SMEs while further promoting economic and trade developments, thereby enabling the steady advancement of Hong Kong’s economy.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Geological Survey Grants More than $4.8M to States to Preserve Vital Geologic Data and to Support Infrastructure Development 

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Of the $4.8 million to be awarded, $4.08 million comes from investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Every dollar awarded by the USGS is matched by state geological surveys, doubling the impact of the federal investment. This funding expands the capacity of the USGS NGGDPP to preserve physical samples (e.g., drill cores and geochemical samples) and earth-science assets, which are crucial for future scientific discovery, hazard mitigation, infrastructure development, critical mineral characterization, and climate resilience. 

    The U.S. relies heavily on critical minerals for uses ranging from smartphones and fertilizers to electric vehicles, defense and renewable energy. As supply chain vulnerabilities become a growing concern, interest in domestic resource potential has increased. Data and samples held by state geological surveys are key to identifying critical mineral potential, understanding groundwater resources and geologic hazards and supporting infrastructure projects.  

    Since 2007, the USGS NGGDPP has helped state geological surveys preserve data and samples through annual grants. This year’s funding includes more than $372,000 in appropriated funds from the USGS NGGDPP and an additional $328,000 from the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, on top of the $4.08 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To support these preservation efforts, state geological surveys will contribute $4.8 million in matching funds. 

    The grants will preserve critical data by improving storage conditions for physical samples, advancing new technological methods to better characterize and use those samples, and driving the development of modern digital infrastructure that enhances public access to these important resources. 

    Various fossil specimens from USGS collection.

    Summary of Successes: Why This Matters 

    • Doubling the Impact: Every dollar awarded is matched by state geological surveys, effectively doubling the federal investment and magnifying its impact. 
    • Advancing Science: The program supports the preservation of crucial geological data and physical samples, enabling future scientific discoveries related to critical minerals, groundwater resources and geologic hazards. 
    • Critical Mineral Resources Support: In support of the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, the program facilitates the submission of up to 300 samples per state for geochemical analysis of existing geological materials with critical mineral potential. 
    • Infrastructure Development: Improvement in physical storage conditions preserves the long-term availability of samples and cores for new research without costly reacquisition (AR, AZ, IN, MO, MT, NE, NM, OH, WV). 

    • Data Modernization: Updating data formats and improving digital access to these resources ensures that scientists, policymakers and the public can leverage this valuable information efficiently. An example is well log digitization and conversion to industry standard formats for web access (FL, ID, IN).  

    More information about the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program and its grants can be found at the NGGDPP website.

    For more information about how the USGS is investing funding received from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can be found on the USGS BIL website. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marystown — Man injured by shot from small game rifle, Burin Peninsula RCMP looks to identify hunters in area of Grand Le Pierre

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following the report of a gunshot injury sustained to an individual on the afternoon of October 26, 2024, Burin Peninsula RCMP is looking to identify hunters or any other individuals who may have been present when the incident occurred. The hunting area is located off Route 211, approximately 3 kilometers North/East of the community of Grand La Pierre.

    At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Burin Peninsula RCMP received the report of a gunshot injury from the Burin Peninsula Health Care Centre. A man attended the hospital informing that he had been shot while scouting out the area to set some rabbit snares. A 22-Calibre round was removed from the man who was treated for minor injuries. The incident is believed to have occurred sometime earlier that afternoon between 1:00-1:30 p.m.

    No persons or vehicles were observed by the injured man. Police attended the described location but were unable to locate anyone in the area.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone who may have been in the area on Saturday afternoon or who may have information about this incident is asked to contact Burin Peninsula RCMP at 709-279-3001. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Statement regarding the proposed issue of a prospectus

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Statement regarding the proposed issue of a prospectus

    LEI Code 213800OVSRDHRJBMO720

    Albion Enterprise VCT PLC, Albion Technology & General VCT PLC and Albion Crown VCT PLC (“The Companies”)

    Statement regarding the proposed issue of a prospectus for the Albion VCTs Prospectus Top Up Offers

    The Companies are pleased to announce that, subject to obtaining the requisite regulatory approval, the Companies intend to launch prospectus top up offers of new ordinary shares for subscription in the 2024/2025 tax year (the “Offers”).

    The current intention is for the Companies, in aggregate, to raise up to £50 million, with over-allotment facilities of up to a further £30 million in aggregate, before issue costs, as follows:

      Amount to be raised under each Offer Over-allotment facility
    Albion Enterprise VCT PLC Offer £10 million £10 million
    Albion Technology & General VCT PLC Offer £20 million £10 million
    Albion Crown VCT PLC Offer £20 million £10 million

    Full details of the Offers will be contained in a prospectus that is expected to be made available in November 2024 on the Albion Capital website (www.albion.capital). Application for shares under the Offers will open in early January 2025.

    Enquiries:

    Will Fraser-Allen
    Managing Partner, Albion Capital
    Investment Manager
    Tel: 0207 601 1850

    29 October 2024

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The ancient Irish get way too much credit for Halloween

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lisa Bitel, Dean’s Professor of Religion & Professor of History, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

    The Celtic festival of Samhain celebrates a time of year when the division between Earth and the otherworld collapses, allowing spirits to pass through. Matt Cardy/Getty Images

    This time of year, I often run across articles proclaiming Halloween a modern form of the pagan Irish holiday of Samhain – pronounced SAW-en. But as a historian of Ireland and its medieval literature, I can tell you: Samhain is Irish. Halloween isn’t.

    The Irish often get credit – or blame – for the bonfires, pranksters, witches, jack-o’-lanterns and beggars who wander from house to house, threatening tricks and soliciting treats.

    The first professional 19th-century folklorists were the ones who created a through line from Samhain to Halloween. Oxford University’s John Rhys and James Frazer of the University of Cambridge were keen to find the origins of their national cultures.

    They observed lingering customs in rural areas of Britain and Ireland and searched medieval texts for evidence that these practices and beliefs had ancient pagan roots. They mixed stories of magic and paganism with harvest festivals and whispers of human sacrifice, and you can still find echoes of their outdated theories on websites.

    But the Halloween we celebrate today has more to do with the English, a ninth-century pope and America’s obsession with consumerism.

    A changing of the seasons

    For two millennia, Samhain, the night of Oct. 31, has marked the turn from summer to winter on the Irish calendar. It was one of four seasonal signposts in agricultural and pastoral societies.

    After Samhain, people brought the animals inside as refuge from the long, cold nights of winter. Imbolc, which is on Feb. 1, marked the beginning of the lambing season, followed by spring planting. Beltaine signaled the start of mating season for humans and beasts alike on May 1, and Lughnasadh kicked off the harvest on Aug. 1.

    But whatever the ancient Irish did on Oct. 31 is lost to scholars because there’s almost no evidence of their pagan traditions except legends written by churchmen around 800 A.D., about 400 years after the Irish started turning Christian. Although they wrote about the adventures of their ancestors, churchmen could only imagine the pagan ways that had disappeared.

    A neopagan celebration of Samhain in October 2021.
    Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    An otherworld more utopian than terrifying

    These stories about the pagan past told of Irish kings holding annual weeklong feasts, markets and games at Samhain. The day ended early in northwestern Europe, before 5 p.m., and winter nights were long. After sundown, people went inside to eat, drink and listen to storytellers.

    The stories did not link Samhain with death and horror. But they did treat Samhain as a night of magic, when the otherworld – what, in Irish, was known as the “sí” – opened its portals to mortals. One tale, “The Adventure of Nera,” warned that if you went out on Samhain Eve, you might meet dead men or warriors from the sí, or you might unknowingly wander into the otherworld.

    When Nera went out on a dare, he met a thirsty corpse in search of drink and unwittingly followed warriors through a portal into the otherworld. But instead of ghosts and terror, Nera found love. He ended up marrying a “ban sídh” – pronounced “BAN-shee” – an otherworldly woman. But here’s the medieval twist to the tale: He lived happily ever after in this otherworld with his family and farm.

    The Irish otherworld was no hell, either. In medieval tales, it is a sunny place in perpetual spring. Everyone who lives there is beautiful, powerful, immortal and blond. They have good teeth. The rivers flow with mead and wine, and food appears on command. No sexual act is a sin. The houses sparkle with gems and precious metals. Even the horses are perfect.

    Clampdown on pagan customs

    The link between Oct. 31, ghosts and devils was really the pope’s fault.

    In 834, Pope Gregory IV decreed Nov. 1 the day for celebrating all Christian saints. In English, the feast day became All Hallows Day. The night before – Oct. 31 – became known as All Hallows Eve.

    Some modern interpretations insist that Pope Gregory created All Hallows Day to quell pagan celebrations of Samhain. But Gregory knew nothing of ancient Irish seasonal holidays. In reality, he probably did it because everyone celebrated All Saints on different days and, like other Popes, Gregory sought to consolidate and control the liturgical calendar.

    In the later Middle Ages, All Hallows Eve emerged as a popular celebration of the saints. People went to church and prayed to the saints for favors and blessings. Afterward, they went home to feast. Then, on Nov. 2, they celebrated All Souls’ Day by praying for the souls of their lost loved ones, hoping that prayers would help their dead relatives out of purgatory and into heaven.

    But in the 16th century, the Protestant rulers of Britain and Ireland quashed saints’ feast days, because praying to saints seemed idolatrous. Protestant ministers did their best to eliminate popular customs of the early November holidays, such as candle-lit processions and harvest bonfires.

    In the minds of ministers, these customs smacked of heathenism.

    A mishmash of traditions

    Our Halloween of costumed beggars and leering jack-o’-lanterns descends from this mess of traditions, storytelling and antiquarianism.

    Like our ancestors, we constantly remake our most important holidays to suit current culture.

    Jack-o’-lanterns are neither ancient nor Irish. One of the earliest references is an 18th-century account of an eponymous Jack, who tricked the devil one too many times and was condemned to wander the world forever.

    Supposedly, Jack, or whatever the hero was called, carved a turnip and stuck a candle in it as his lantern. But the custom of carving turnips in early November probably originated in England with celebrations of All Saints’ Day and another holiday, Guy Fawkes Day on Nov. 5, with its bonfires and fireworks, and it spread from there.

    Guy Fawkes Day, an annual celebration in Great Britain, features fireworks and bonfires and is observed on Nov. 5.
    Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis via Getty Images

    As for ancient bonfires, the Irish and Britons built them to celebrate Beltaine, but not Samhain – at least, not according to the medieval tales.

    In 19th-century Ireland, All Hallows Eve was a time for communal suppers, games like bobbing for apples and celebrating the magic of courtship. For instance, girls tried to peel apples in one long peel; then they examined the peels to see what letters they resembled – the initials of their future husbands’ names. Boys crept out of the gathering, despite warnings, to make mischief, taking off farm gates or stealing cabbages and hurling them at the neighbors’ doors.

    Halloween with an American sheen

    Across the Atlantic, these customs first appeared in the mid-19th century, when the Irish, English and many other immigrant groups brought their holidays to the U.S.

    In medieval Scotland, “guisers” were people who dressed in disguise and begged for “soul cakes” on All Souls Day. These guisers probably became the costumed children who threatened – and sometimes perpetrated – mischief unless given treats. Meanwhile, carved turnips became jack-o’-lanterns, since pumpkins were plentiful in North America – and easier to carve.

    Like Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter, Halloween eventually became a feast of consumerism. Companies mass-produced costumes, paper decorations and packaged candy. People in Britain and Ireland blamed the Americans for the spread of modern Halloween and its customs. British schools even tried to quash the holiday in the 1990s because of its disorderly and demonic connotations.

    The only real remnant of Samhain in Halloween is the date. Nowadays, no one expects to stumble into a romance in the sí. Only those drawn to the ancient Celtic past sense the numinous opening of the otherworld at Samhain.

    But who’s to say which reality prevails when the portals swing open in the dark of Oct. 31?

    Lisa Bitel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The ancient Irish get way too much credit for Halloween – https://theconversation.com/the-ancient-irish-get-way-too-much-credit-for-halloween-239801

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Demands Answers on USDA Oversight Following Pure Prairie Poultry’s Abrupt Closure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in demanding answers from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding distribution and oversight of grants and loans following the recent bankruptcy filing of Pure Prairie Poultry.The Minnesota-based poultry processor received more than $45 million in USDA grants and loans intended to help meat and poultry processors start or expand processing capacity. However, Pure Prairie Poultry filed for bankruptcy after only a few short years of operation, which impacted up to 50 farmers and left more than 2 million chickens in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin without feed or the necessary processing capacity following the shutdown of their Charles City, Iowa plant. 
    “Pure Prairie Poultry’s abrupt closure shows the importance of proper vetting and oversight at USDA to ensure the agency’s multi-million dollar grants and loans are actually helping producers, rather than being flushed down the drain and harming entire rural communities in the process,” said Senator Ernst. “Encouraging the growth of meat processing and strengthening our supply chain is a cause I can support, but this lack of accountable spending hurts our farmers, livestock, and taxpayers.”“Over the past two years, USDA has provided $223 million in loan guarantees and grants to 30 meat and poultry processing companies,” the lawmakers wrote. “A press release from the USDA celebrated this funding as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ‘commitment to strengthen critical food supply chain infrastructure to create more thriving communities for the American people.’ Unfortunately, this investment has instead resulted in the loss of income, jobs, and poultry across three states.”“While we share USDA’s desired goals of expanding meat processing capacity and markets and building a robust national food supply chain, it is critical that livestock producers have resilient systems to ensure the production of healthy and affordable protein for both domestic and global consumption. Moreover, American taxpayers deserve the peace of mind that their dollars are being spent wisely,” the lawmakers concluded.
    Click here to read the full letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Rising partisanship is making nonprofits more reluctant to engage in policy debates − new research

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Heather MacIndoe, Associate Professor of Public Policy, UMass Boston

    Divisiveness is on the rise. wildpixel/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Afraid of partisan rancor, nonprofits are biting their tongues, with divisive politics hindering public policy engagement by social service organizations. This is one of our findings in a new study we conducted on behalf of Independent Sector – a coalition of nonprofits, foundations and corporate giving programs.

    Although the law bars charitable nonprofits from endorsing political candidates, charities are allowed to engage in at least some advocacy, lobbying and public affairs work tied to issues that are relevant to their own work. For example, a food pantry can hold an event about food insecurity in its neighborhood. Or the executive director of a homeless shelter can lobby elected officials about proposed zoning changes that would interfere with a planned expansion.

    Nonprofit advocacy involves attempts to influence government policy. This may include some lobbying, along with information-sharing activities, such as sponsoring events to raise public awareness of an issue, conducting research, or educating the public about policies that affect an organization.

    We, scholars who research nonprofits, spoke with a diverse sample of nonprofit leaders to learn about their organizations’ policy engagement.

    Some of the 40 executive directors of social service nonprofits across the nation whom we interviewed had engaged in advocacy, and others had not. The groups were of different sizes and were founded at different times. They were located in red, blue and purple states.

    Our team set out to identify some of the causes of a decline in nonprofit advocacy through these interviews.

    A few of these nonprofit leaders indicated that they lack expertise or don’t fully understand the restrictions they face regarding advocacy. We also heard many of these executives express concerns about partisanship and political polarization.

    As this growing divisiveness has permeated even the most local aspects of American life, many food pantries, homeless shelters and other social service nonprofits are hesitating to take policy positions that may appear partisan to members of their local communities or donors.

    In 2023, fights erupted at Glendale, Calif., school board meetings over the adoption of a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month.
    Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    When addressing a social media post about Israel and Palestine that had been misconstrued and sparked controversy, the leader of a legal services nonprofit remarked: “The more polarized we are as Americans, the harder it becomes for us to have an open conversation.”

    Other nonprofits feared the consequences of any kind of engagement regarding policy questions.

    “Nonprofits sometimes are afraid to engage with government officials,” a food security nonprofit leader said, because that advocacy might lead to “some form of retaliation” by the authorities.

    Another concern they expressed: Advocacy might alienate donors who disagree with the nonprofit leaders’ stances.

    “It’s like there’s no middle ground anymore,” said the executive director of an emergency housing center. Others discussed how polarization has led to more divisions in board rooms and the loss of donors. That makes it harder for these organizations to decide to take a public stand on many issues.

    Why it matters

    This study followed up on an earlier stage of our research, which showed that nonprofit advocacy and lobbying had declined over the past two decades.

    Extreme partisanship weakens democracy and erodes social relationships.

    We find this trend especially concerning because charitable nonprofits often serve as a voice for many people who don’t have one in American society.

    As a result, when nonprofits fail to engage in the policy process, those voices go unheard, and their needs may become more likely to go unmet. One reason for this is that the people with direct expertise aren’t weighing in on policies that could reduce the need for those services in the first place.

    “The loudest voices are the ones that get heard,” as one nonprofit leader put it. The “people we support don’t have a voice.”

    What still isn’t known

    We don’t know how polarization might affect longer-term engagement by the nonprofit sector.

    Indeed, some of these organizations have stepped up their advocacy efforts over the past five years, and some took strategic steps to buffer their organizations from resistance to policy engagement, such as by replacing board members who were opposed to taking policy stances that represented their clients’ interests.

    Future research is needed to understand these dynamics more fully and how nonprofits respond to prolonged contentious political discourse.

    The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

    Heather MacIndoe receives funding from Independent Sector and is a current Visiting Scholar with them.

    Lewis Faulk previously received funding from Independent Sector, where he is also a former visiting scholar.

    Mirae Kim previously received funding from Independent Sector. She is affiliated with the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) as a non-paid board member.

    – ref. Rising partisanship is making nonprofits more reluctant to engage in policy debates − new research – https://theconversation.com/rising-partisanship-is-making-nonprofits-more-reluctant-to-engage-in-policy-debates-new-research-231225

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Corporate social responsibility disclosures are a double-edged sword, new research suggests

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Vivek Astvansh, Associate Professor of Quantitative Marketing and Analytics, McGill University

    Hoping to win over customers, businesses from Amazon to Zoom have taken to touting their good deeds in corporate social responsibility reports.

    CSR reports let companies spotlight what they’ve done for workers, consumers, communities and the environment – essentially all their goals beyond simply making a profit. Research shows that CSR statements are linked to rising sales.

    As a marketing professor, I thought that raised an interesting question: When companies find success with CSR disclosures, are they bringing in new customers – or are their extra sales coming from their existing base alone?

    In a recent study of several hundred Chinese companies, a colleague and I put the question to the test. We found that a CSR disclosure lowers a business’s dependence on current customers by 2.1%.

    That’s welcome news for businesses. It means those additional sales are coming from new customers, who are indeed impressed by the company’s CSR efforts.

    But the findings weren’t all positive.

    To sell more products, companies generally need to buy more supplies. So a logical follow-up question is: Does a company’s CSR disclosure lead it to source purchases from new suppliers?

    In fact, we found the opposite. Companies that released CSR disclosures seemed to scare away new suppliers. This is probably because suppliers often bear the costs when a company chooses to prioritize social responsibility.

    Becoming dependent on suppliers comes at a cost to businesses. When suppliers know a company depends on them, they tend to demand payment in cash rather than credit. That can hurt a company, because it now has less cash for investments.

    So while CSR reports impress customers, they appear to antagonize suppliers – and that comes at a price.

    Why it matters

    Prior research has shown that CSR disclosures can boost sales, but it’s long been unclear whether these additional sales are sourced from old customers or newly acquired ones. Our work brings clarity that businesses can use in making decisions.

    The findings are also of interest to lawmakers, regulators and corporate responsibility advocates who are debating making CSR reports mandatory.

    The U.S. doesn’t require businesses to release CSR reports, but some countries do. One is China, which in 2008 mandated that all public companies submit annual CSR reports starting in 2009. This created the conditions for the nearly natural experiment we conducted.

    Interestingly, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has reportedly considered making some form of corporate social responsibility reporting mandatory. In the absence of requirements, many American corporations will continue to voluntarily report their CSR.

    In other words, the need for empirical evidence on the cost and benefits of CSR disclosure is greater than ever.

    What’s next

    The increasing incidence of extreme weather events and weather-related fatalities and injuries has piqued my interest in environmental responsibility. I have two ongoing research projects.

    First, I’m using a company’s public disclosures to measure its environmental risks and the activities it has undertaken to mitigate them. Second, I am researching how CEO incentives shape a company’s environmental disclosure, activities and spending – or the lack thereof.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

    Vivek Astvansh does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Corporate social responsibility disclosures are a double-edged sword, new research suggests – https://theconversation.com/corporate-social-responsibility-disclosures-are-a-double-edged-sword-new-research-suggests-241540

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Beyond bottled water and sandwiches: What FEMA is doing to get hurricane victims back into their homes

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Shannon Van Zandt, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University

    Two people survey their beachfront home and business, which was destroyed in Hurricane Milton, on Manasota Key, Fla., Oct. 13, 2024. AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

    In a pattern all too familiar to people affected by disasters, hurricanes Helene and Milton have disappeared from the headlines, just a few weeks after these disasters ravaged the Southeast. Although reporters have moved on, recovery is just beginning for people who were displaced.

    According to government and private analysts, damages may exceed US$50 billion apiece for these two storms. The Red Cross estimates that over 7,200 homes were destroyed or severely damaged and that more than 1,200 people were living in shelters across the affected states as of late October 2024.

    Staffers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been on the ground since before Helene and Milton hit, positioned to help as soon as the storms passed, along with state and local responders. But many people aren’t clear about how FEMA helps or what its responsibilities are.

    This may be one reason why the agency has had to dispel rumors about its response to Helene in North Carolina, such as assertions that representatives were coming to seize damaged property.

    We study the impacts of natural disasters and how communities recover. Here’s what FEMA does in zones battered by disasters like Helene and Milton:

    This FEMA video explains how to initiate claims after federally declared disasters.

    Quick cash grants, then funding for repairs

    FEMA works year-round helping communities prepare for disasters and training emergency management personnel to respond to these events. In the wake of declared federal disasters, it offers its Public Assistance and Individuals and Households programs.

    Public Assistance Program funds are available to state and local governments and some nonprofits to help pay for things like removing debris, preventing further damage and restoring public infrastructure. Support from the Individuals and Households Program may include funds for temporary housing and for repairing or replacing primary residences, as well as provision of temporary housing units for people displaced from their homes.

    FEMA launched a new form of flexible aid in March 2024 that provides quick cash payments of $750 per household for immediate needs, such as food, water, gasoline and emergency shelter. Contrary to rumors that have circulated in the wake of Helene, these payments are just a start, not the maximum support that FEMA offers.

    Applicants have to file claims to receive further aid. These requests go through extensive review, such as inspections of home damage. FEMA then decides how much aid to provide, if any.

    The agency will fund repairs intended to make the home safe to live in, but this work may not be enough to return the home to its pre-disaster state. Currently, the maximum FEMA aid for housing assistance is $42,500, plus an additional $42,500 for other disaster-related needs. For many, these amounts will be insufficient.

    FEMA officials say the agency has enough funding to handle immediate response and recovery from both Helene and Milton. However,
    until damage from both storms has been fully assessed, it is hard to know whether FEMA will need supplemental funds from Congress to support long-term recovery.

    Insurance plays a key role

    FEMA’s programs are intended to help with temporary housing and other needs that aren’t covered by insurance. Homeowners are expected to protect themselves against losing their dwellings by insuring their homes.

    However, some natural disasters are not always covered by homeowners insurance. They include storm-driven flooding, earthquakes and wind damage from hurricanes and tornadoes.

    In places that are vulnerable to these hazards, homeowners may have to seek separate coverage, either from private insurers or government-backed lenders of last resort. Households that don’t purchase special coverage, either because it costs too much or they don’t think they need it, will struggle to recover.

    According to FEMA, only 4% of U.S. homeowners have flood insurance, while 99% of U.S. counties have experienced flooding since 1996.

    Other federal funding sources

    Another federal funding source for housing repair and replacement and other personal property losses is the Small Business Administration. But, unlike FEMA grants that don’t need to be repaid, the SBA only offers low-interest loans.

    The main source of funding for long-term housing recovery is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery grants. These funds must be approved by Congress following a disaster, so it can take months or years for funds to reach communities.

    Awarding this money as block grants gives state and local governments more flexibility to meet the needs of affected communities. However, it also makes it easier to allocate the funds in ways that don’t address the housing needs of the people they are intended to help.

    In recent years, we have seen many cases in which state or local officials have spent these funds inappropriately. For example, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour redirected most of his state’s HUD funds to economic development projects, including expanding the port of Gulfport, rather than rebuilding housing for storm survivors.

    Fighting to direct funds to those who need them most often requires legal action, extending the wait for hard-hit communities that need it.

    Renters have few options

    Disaster recovery programs often overlook renters, even though in many areas up to half of residents may rent their homes. Renters have little control over whether their homes are rebuilt at all, much less whether they will be allowed to return to them.

    Our research has shown that owner-occupied housing generally recovers much more quickly than rental housing. Apartment buildings also face a more uncertain recovery than single-family homes.

    Helping the neediest victims

    Even after recent updates to its rules, FEMA still struggles to adequately meet the needs of the most vulnerable groups in society. This includes low-income and minority households, people with disabilities and those who are undocumented.

    Poor households often live in homes that are in bad shape or that have gone through previous disasters without repair. In such cases, it can be hard for FEMA inspectors to determine how much damage was caused by the current disaster, which in turn can lead to claims being denied.

    In south Texas, after hurricanes Dolly and Ike in 2008, thousands of low-income households’ claims were denied, leading to a class-action lawsuit that homeowners ultimately won. After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, many homeowners were denied rebuilding aid because they couldn’t provide a title to prove ownership.

    In response, FEMA created new rules in 2023 for demonstrating ownership. For example, FEMA has modified and expanded the types of documentation needed to prove ownership. The agency has also changed eligibility and assistance rules to make it easier to qualify for assistance.

    Recent research suggests that, at least on the whole, FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program is not likely to underserve poor households. Nonetheless, as people across the Southeast take stock of losses from this year’s hurricanes, we believe it will be important to pay special attention to under-resourced households, whose needs may not be adequately addressed by federal programs.

    Shannon Van Zandt receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the National Institutes for Standards & Technology. She is a board member of Texas Housers, a non-profit that advocates for housing for low-income Texans.

    Walter Gillis Peacock research has been funded by a number of agencies including the National Institute for Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    – ref. Beyond bottled water and sandwiches: What FEMA is doing to get hurricane victims back into their homes – https://theconversation.com/beyond-bottled-water-and-sandwiches-what-fema-is-doing-to-get-hurricane-victims-back-into-their-homes-241176

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK, EU and Canada impose new sanctions targeting Myanmar military regime and its associates

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK, EU and Canada have announced further sanctions targeting the Myanmar military’s access to military material, equipment and funds.

    • The UK, EU and Canada have announced a further round of sanctions to increase pressure on the Myanmar military regime and its associates.  

    • UK sanctions target entities supplying aviation fuel and equipment to the Myanmar military. August 2024 saw the highest number of airstrikes on record by the Myanmar military, killing dozens of civilians.  

    The UK, EU and Canada have announced further sanctions targeting the Myanmar military’s access to military material, equipment and funds.  

    UK action will help to constrain the Myanmar military’s ability to conduct airstrikes on civilians, which amount to gross human rights violations.  

    The latest round of UK sanctions is against six entities involved either in providing aviation fuel to the Myanmar military or in the supply of restricted goods, including aircraft parts. Today’s announcement bolsters previous sanctions against suppliers of aviation fuel to the military in February and March 2023 and arms dealers in October 2023.  

    The UK will continue to work with partners to restrict the sale and transfer of arms and finance to the Myanmar military. Since the coup, the UK has provided more than £150 million for life-saving humanitarian assistance, healthcare, education and support for civil society and local communities in Myanmar.

    Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West said:  

    The human rights violations taking place across Myanmar, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, by the Myanmar military is unacceptable and the impact on innocent civilians is intolerable. 

    That is why today the UK is announcing fresh sanctions targeting the suppliers of equipment and aviation fuel to the Myanmar military. Alongside the EU and Canada, we are today further constraining the military’s access to funds, equipment and resources. 

    These sanctions will increase pressure on the Myanmar military. The UK remains steadfast in our support for the Myanmar people and their aspirations for a peaceful and democratic future.

    On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and installed a military regime. Since then, they have used violence and atrocities to maintain power and suppress any opposition voices. Increasingly brutal tactics have been implemented as the military continue to cling on to power, leading to the highest number of airstrikes on record by the Myanmar military this August (2024), killing dozens of civilians. 

    Over 3.4 million people are now displaced from their homes due to the fighting, over 18 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and Myanmar is now seeing a proliferation in serious and organised crime. 

    Background  

    Since the coup, the UK has designated 25 individuals and 33 entities under the Myanmar Sanctions Regime. The UK continues to lead international efforts to undermine the regime’s credibility and constrain their access to revenue and arms. 

    Today the UK has sanctioned: 

    1. Asia Sun Group Company Limited – for being owned or controlled by Zaw Min Tun, a Myanmar businessman previously sanctioned by the UK in 2023 for making available economic resources, namely aviation fuel, directly or indirectly to or for the benefit of the Myanmar security forces. 

    2. Swan Energy Company Limited – for being associated with Asia Sun Trading Company Limited and by for making available economic resources (aviation fuel) directly or indirectly to or for the benefit of the Myanmar security forces.  

    3. Myan-Oil Company Limited – for being associated with Asia Sun Trading Company Limited. 

    4. Rich Ray Trading Company Limited – for being associated with Asia Sun Trading Company Limited and by making available economic resources (aviation fuel) directly or indirectly to or for the benefit of the Myanmar security forces. 

    5. Progress Technology Support Company (a.k.a Royal Shune Lei Co) – for being involved in the supply to Myanmar of restricted goods or restricted technology or of material related to such goods or technology.  

    6. King Royal Technologies Company Limited- for being involved in the supply to Myanmar of goods or technology which could contribute to a serious human rights violation or abuse.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Independent Chair for Dartmoor Land Use Management Group

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The government has appointed Phil Stocker as Independent Chair of the newly formed Dartmoor Land Use Management Group

    Phil Stocker has been appointed as Independent Chair of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group, as the government moves forward with recommendations to create a long-term plan for land use which preserves the cultural heritage of the area, recovers nature and boosts food production.

    Mr Stocker has strong technical knowledge of farming and the environment and is recognised as progressive ensuring we are balancing food production with nature’s recovery. He has previously held posts at both the Soil Association and RSPB prior to his current role as Chief Executive for the National Sheep Association.

    Phil Stocker is also the Chairman of the Black Mountains Land Use Partnership which has given him unique extensive experience of managing different interests in delivering cooperative and sustainable land management in an upland setting. 

    Appointed through an open recruitment process, Phil Stocker has over 40 years’ experience in agriculture and land management. This included 15 years leading the Soil Association’s support work for its organic farmer and grower members. His varied background and leadership experience puts him in good stead for the role.

    The Dartmoor Land Use Management Group will provide a space for stakeholders to discuss important issues and work to strike the right balance between food security and preserving the diversity and abundance of nature in the area. Mr Stocker will be responsible for steering the Land Use Management Group to meet its aims and objectives. This includes oversight and delivery of the other 25 recommendations attributed to the group, put forward in the response to the review, and ensuring effective ways of working throughout.  

    As Chair, his first task will be to identify and appoint members who bring the necessary knowledge, expertise and engagement to the group. Defra will also review and confirm the appointments to ensure the group has a balanced membership with representation from different stakeholder groups.  

    Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

    Dartmoor is a breathtaking landscape with unique challenges. The area has one of the largest semi-natural moorland habitats in the country and over recent years the relationship between farming, nature and other impacts, such as climate change have lacked balance.

    With more than 40 years’ experience working in farming and the environment, I am delighted that Phil Stocker has been appointed. He is uniquely placed to consider the needs of our land: restoring nature, boosting food production and preserve its beauty for generations to come.

    Phil Stocker, Independent Chair of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group, said:

    It is an honour to have been appointed as Independent Chair of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group. This is a role that comes with great responsibility, and one which I have not taken on lightly.

    As someone who has worked on agriculture and land management across my career, I know only too well the delicate balance between nature and food production.

    It is now my intention to bring people together to ensure that the group delivers a land use plan that reflects the evidence and will create a sustainable future for Dartmoor.

    Andrea Ayres, Natural England Deputy Director for Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said:

    We are working hard to find solutions with farmers and land managers on Dartmoor, and I am confident that Phil Stocker’s leadership will strike the right balance between protecting environmental objectives and preserving grazing on the commons.

    There are a wide range of stakeholders and challenges in Dartmoor and it’s important that all parties come together to build a sustainable vision for the future of this precious landscape.

    Kevin Bishop, Chief Executive, Dartmoor National Park Authority said:

    We want to see thriving farm businesses in Dartmoor that are delivering a high-quality environment that is alive with nature and with opportunities for all to enjoy and cherish this special place.

    We welcome the establishment of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group and look forward to supporting the group deliver land management solutions that help achieve the vision in the Dartmoor Partnership Plan.

    The creation of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group was a key proposal made by the Dartmoor Independent Review and the Government supports the recommendations of the Review.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DeLauro Announces $1.1 Million in Community Project Funding for Marrakech, Inc

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)

    Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) announced $1,100,000 secured for Marrakech, Inc. This investment will support renovations to Marrakech’s headquarters, ensuring the facility is safer and more accessible for people with disabilities. The project will address critical issues, such as deteriorating building conditions and unsafe parking areas, which pose risks to both employees and visitors. Marrakech is a nonprofit organization that has been providing human services for individuals throughout Connecticut since 1971, serving over 1,000 individuals every year.

     “The funds I have secured for community projects go directly to communities and allow them to move forward with local infrastructure projects, foster new developments, invest in childcare, build climate resiliency, help our health care centers support their patients’ medical needs – and so much more,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “The funding we are celebrating for Marrakech will help thoroughly renovate this facility, improving its efficiency, safety, and accessibility. It is my hope that this will improve both the working conditions forstaff and the visiting experience for their clients, creating a new community center for all those seeking a level up.”

     “I cannot overstate enough how important the funding of this project is to Marrakech, Inc. Just when we felt we were out of options, learning of the investment that Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro recommended on behalf of Marrakech actually brought me to tears. The improvements in the efficiency, safety, and accessibility of our main building will not only positively impact the persons supported, their families, and the many employees who work in or frequent the building but will also affect the community around it as we improve the condition of the building. Marrakech has been committed to providing quality services to residents of Connecticut for over 50 years. The support of Marrakech’s project is further proof of the Congresswoman’s commitment to people with disabilities and her understanding of the gravity of this commitment.” – Heather LaTorra, Marrakech Inc. President and CEO.

    Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) secured over $16 million for local projects in Connecticut in the 2024 funding bill. A full breakdown of those projects is available here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DeLauro Statement on Israel’s Targeted Strikes Against Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)

    Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released a statement on Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Iran in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attacks:

    “Israel was right to respond strongly to Iran’s ballistic missile attack to ensure its security. Iran should no longer be permitted to work for Israel’s destruction.

    “Israel has had significant military victories in the last several weeks. Now is the time for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages. I regret that the Israeli government has escalated the war in Gaza with many civilian losses and blocked humanitarian aid. After October 7th, getting to negotiated security arrangements with moderate Arab states and moving to a two-state solution is the best way for Israel to achieve security and peace.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DeLauro Statement on Final Outbound Investment Rule

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)

    Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released a statement in response to the U.S. Treasury Department finalizing its rule on U.S. outbound investments: 

    “The final rule issued by the Treasury Department on U.S. outbound investment is a meaningful step in strengthening U.S. competitiveness and safeguarding our national security and supply chains.

    “As I have said, we cannot allow U.S. capital and capabilities to fuel the Chinese Communist Party’s policies. We have already seen the impact of offshoring crucial manufacturing and innovation capacity on our economy, national security, and industrial base in the form of job losses and shortages of critical materials. I fought hard to take action to turn this around – from pushing for my legislation, the National Critical Capabilities Defense Act, in the House-passed America COMPETES Act to securing funding in the 2022 appropriations bill to protect our critical capabilities.

    “I’m encouraged that the Biden Administration is taking decisive action to protect our key capabilities and sustain American competitiveness, and I will continue fighting to enact legislation that strengthens their efforts.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA asks for input to entities falling within the scope of initial margin model authorisation under the revised European Market Infrastructure Regulation

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA), in cooperation with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), launched today a short survey addressed to entities within the scope of the initial margin (IM) model authorisation regime introduced by the upcoming revised European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR 3). The deadline for submitting responses is Friday 29 November 2024.

    EMIR 3 will introduce important novelties, such as:

    • an authorisation regime for IM models used by counterparties in the EU;
    • a new EBA central validation function for pro-forma margin models (such as ISDA SIMM);
    • a supervision of IM models with greater focus on larger counterparties.

    The EBA, in cooperation with ESMA and EIOPA, is seeking general information on entities within the scope of IM model authorisation, as well as specific information relevant for fee calculation and on initial margins and IM models used.

    This information will guide the EBA in the setup of its central validation function and inform the EBA’s response to the EU Commission’s Call for advice on a possible Delegated Act on fees received on 31 July 2024. The information will also be used to develop proportionate requirements for entities within the scope of IM model authorisation, especially for smaller entities (the so called “Phase 5” and “Phase 6” entities) – as part of upcoming mandates under EMIR 3.

    Consultation process

    Entities currently subject to the requirement to exchange initial margin – in accordance with EMIR and under Article 36 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2251 (the joint ESAs RTS on uncleared OTC derivatives) –  and using at least one IM model to comply with that requirement, are expected to fill in the survey. All entities of a group that are subject to this requirement are expected to fill in the survey separately, at entity level.

    Responses should be submitted by Friday, 29 November 2024, via the online tool that can be accessed under the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/IMMVEMIR3

    To access the survey, a password must be used, which can be obtained from trade associations and competent authorities. Non-supervised entities can contact eba-immv@eba.europa.eu.

    Questions on the survey should be submitted via the contact form available in the online survey tool.

    Next steps

    Closer to the EMIR 3 publication, the EBA will publish on its website operational clarifications aimed to ensure a smooth, convergent entry into force of EMIR 3 requirements in the EU.

    Legal basis and background

    On 7 December 2022, the Commission published its proposal to amend EMIR as regards measures to mitigate excessive exposures to third-country central counterparties and improve the efficiency of Union clearing markets. On 7 February 2024, the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on a compromise text (EMIR 3), which was formally endorsed by the two institutions respectively on 4 March 2024 and 14 February 2024.

    EMIR 3 is expected, in accordance with its Article 11(12a), to grant EBA the additional task to set up a central validation function for the elements and general aspects of pro-forma models (such as ISDA SIMM), and changes thereto, used or to be used by a subset of financial and non-financial counterparties as part of the risk mitigation techniques used on their portfolios of non-centrally cleared OTC derivatives.

    On 31 July 2024, the EBA received a Call for advice on a possible Delegated Act on fees to be charged to financial and non-financial counterparties requiring the validation by EBA of pro-forma models, with the request to submit its response by Q2 2025. As part of its response, the EBA is requested to provide a ‘quantitative and qualitative cost-benefit analysis of all the options considered and proposed’ and to ‘widely consult market participants’.

    MIL OSI Europe News –