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  • MIL-OSI Russia: There will be no problems with payments – banks of China and Vietnam will open branches in Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    Why do Chinese banks want to work in Russia?

    The desire of foreign banks from countries conducting trade and economic activities with Russian partners to open structural divisions in the Russian Federation is explained by a number of reasons:

    the risk of secondary sanctions for working with individuals subject to restrictions in China and other countries; blocking sanctions imposed on most domestic financial institutions; difficulties with international payments – Chinese banks are increasingly refusing to make payments to Russians.

    In fact, the volume of trade between Russia and China continues to increase, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for the parties to conduct settlement operations. Opening offices of Chinese banks in the Russian Federation would solve the problem that has arisen due to the pressure of sanctions.

    What operations are available to foreign banks in Russia?

    Pursuit banks from China and Vietnam to open offices on Russian territory is also connected with the approval in 2024 of a bill allowing foreign credit institutions to operate in the Russian Federation. Thus, the document allows foreign banks after opening a branch:

    provide banking services to businesses; make payments and transfers between legal entities; collect cash and other payment documents; open accounts for entrepreneurs.

    “Small banks from China and Vietnam are ready to come to Russia and start working – the signals are coming against the backdrop of the development of economic relations: companies want to ensure settlements in international trade,” the State Duma stated.

    Uninterrupted payments are one of the development areas agreed upon by Beijing and Moscow: the parties previously agreed to develop the settlement infrastructure, including by opening offices and divisions of credit institutions.

    13:10 10/29/2024

    Source:

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://mainfin.ru/news/problems-with-payments-there will be-no-banks-of-China-and-Vietnam-will-open-branches-in-Russia

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE to attend Shanghai expo

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation to visit Shanghai on November 4 and attend the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE).
       
    Apart from attending the opening ceremony of the CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, Mr Lee plans to tour the booths of Hong Kong enterprises at the Hong Kong exhibition area on November 5.
     
    The Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council will hold the 2024 Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Shanghai Forum during the CIIE.
     
    Mr Lee and Financial Secretary Paul Chan, who is scheduled to join the delegation for the trip, will deliver speeches at the conference to promote Hong Kong’s advantages and its role as a connecting platform under the national dual circulation strategy to Mainland and overseas enterprises.
     
    “The CIIE is an important economic diplomatic event held after the victorious conclusion of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, providing vast business opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises to tap into the domestic market,” Mr Lee said.
     
    “Hong Kong has always actively participated in and supported the CIIE. In addition to senior government officials attending, over 300 Hong Kong enterprises are taking part in the exposition this year, jointly promoting Hong Kong’s advantages and development opportunities in different areas and telling Hong Kong’s good stories,” he added.
     
    The Chief Executive will also meet leaders of Shanghai during the visit and exchange views with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises there.
          
    Mr Lee plans to return to Hong Kong on November 6. During his absence, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will be Acting Chief Executive.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Expo seeks to boost SMEs’ growth

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    A fair aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to undertake digital transformation is being held today and tomorrow.

    Held annually, “SME ReachOut: FUND Fair plus Tech Sourcing 2024” is organised by the Productivity Council’s SME ReachOut and supported by the Trade & Industry Department. It provides information on government funding schemes and assists SMEs in their digital transformation efforts with a view to bolstering their sustainable development.

    The event includes five thematic zones, covering government funding schemes, digital transformation, e-commerce, business expansion and ESG (environmental, social and governance). It also involves 10 thematic seminars, at which experts will discuss government funding schemes, digital transformation and e-commerce, helping SMEs to understand market trends and find opportunities for co-operation and technology adoption.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau urged the trade to make good use of the Government’s support measures to expand their operations and embrace change.

    The 2024 Policy Address unveiled a number of initiatives, such as an injection of $1 billion into the BUD Fund (Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading & Domestic Sales), the expansion of E-commerce Easy to cover Association of Southeast Asian Nations markets, and the provision of more targeted funding support for enterprises to implement green transformation projects.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi stresses advancing reform at study session for senior officials

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 29 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for pooling strength to advance reform in a steady and sustained manner, as he addressed senior officials attending a central Party school study session.

    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at the opening of the study session at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance) for principal officials at the provincial and ministerial level.

    The session is themed on implementing the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which rolled out a new package of comprehensive reforms for the country.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi, Zambian president Hichilema exchange congratulations on 60th anniversary of ties

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

    Xi, Zambian president Hichilema exchange congratulations on 60th anniversary of ties

    BEIJING, Oct. 29 — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

    In his message, Xi noted that over the past 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Zambia ties have withstood the test of changes in the international landscape, and the two sides have consistently upheld genuine friendship and joined hands for shared progress.

    In recent years, China and Zambia have seen frequent high-level exchanges, continuously deepened political mutual trust, achieved fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation, and have been supporting each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns, bringing benefits to the two countries and peoples, he said.

    Xi also recalled that President Hichilema attended in September the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), during which the two presidents jointly made strategic guidance for the future development of bilateral relations.

    Noting that he prizes the development of China-Zambia relations, Xi expressed his willingness to work with President Hichilema to take the anniversary as an opportunity to carry forward traditional friendship, cement mutual support, strengthen all-round cooperation, jointly advance the modernization drives of the two countries along the new journey in the new era, solidify the China-Zambia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and build an even closer China-Zambia community with a shared future.

    In his message, Hichilema said that the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties is an important milestone in Zambia-China relations.

    The bilateral partnership, based on mutual respect, win-win cooperation and common prosperity, has made significant contributions to the respective development of the two countries, he said.

    Noting that cooperation projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station have achieved remarkable results, Hichilema said his country will continue to support major initiatives such as the Belt and Road cooperation and work with China to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Hichilema added that he is ready to work with Xi to create a better future and push for greater development of Zambia-China all-weather friendship and their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local entrepreneur sets up shop in city centre Pop Up

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Local entrepreneur and e-tailer JAQUARD&Co are the second business to open in the city centre Portsmouth Pop Up shop. This business started online last year and has already achieved a six figure turnover selling quality home furnishings and décor. They will open for business on Saturday 2 November in the Portsmouth Pop Up shop located in Cascades.

    Paula Haq, entrepreneur and owner of JAQUARD&Co said:

    “I am thrilled to take on the Portsmouth Pop Up shop as a new experience for one of my brands. Not only will it give me exposure and new insights, but it is also a development for my business that I am grateful to explore.

    With the success of JAQUARD&CO online, I would love to see my small business expanding here in Portsmouth alongside the other upcoming brands I’m working on.

    The Portsmouth Pop Up scheme is a great opportunity for me to test run a physical store alongside my online business and grow my business”

    The Portsmouth Pop-Up shop, a joint venture between Portsmouth City Council, Cascades, and Flude, opened in February to address the increasing demand for business space in the city. The first tenant, Goly Natural, a local natural skincare business, has been so successful that they plan to establish a permanent shop next year.

    The Portsmouth Pop Up enables local entrepreneurs and small businesses to trade in a high street location without the commitment or cost of a longer-term lease.

    Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of the council with responsibility for Economic Development said:

    “Despite changing behaviour on the high street, the retail property market remains promising. Pop Up shop schemes can help to bring life back into towns and city centres, whilst giving independent businesses a great opportunity to have a shop front in a prime retail location.

    It is fantastic to see the Portsmouth Pop Up initiative thriving and supporting local businesses like JAQUARD&Co to grow. This is a fantastic example of how we’re working together to regenerate the city centre. “

    Paula added:

    “I’ve been buying and selling products and services since I was 21 alongside my everyday job. When I bought my first house , decorating was my favourite thing to do. The homeware market was short on the things I wanted and instantly that became a business idea.

    I’m very excited to be opening my first ever store and I’m ready for the challenge”

    JAQUARD&Co move into Cascades ready for Christmas offering a range of simple, quality and affordable home furnishings and décor including, cushions, throws, candles, ornaments, dinnerware and kitchenware.

    Businesses can apply to rent the pop-up shop in Cascades, in Portsmouth’s city centre for a minimum of 13 weeks giving them a chance to engage with customers and launch products and services.

    For more information about Portsmouth Pop Up 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: DIT of Moscow: in the first nine months of this year, city residents used the “Removal of Unnecessary Things” service more than 28.6 thousand times

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Muscovites used the service in the first nine months of 2024 “Removal of unnecessary things” over 28.6 thousand times. During this time, they sent more than 719 tons of recyclable materials for recycling or environmentally friendly disposal, which is approximately equal to the weight of 10 medium-haul aircraft.

    In the capital Department of Information Technology (DIT) reported that the demand for the service is constantly growing: compared to the first three quarters of last year, the number of completed applications has increased by more than four thousand.

    “The “Removal of Unnecessary Things” service allows you to include an unlimited number of items in your application. At the same time, at the request of city residents, the list of items available for removal is constantly expanding. Thus, pianos, waste paper, wooden doors, window frames, small household appliances and electronics have been added to the service catalog. Residents of all districts of Moscow, including Zelenograd Administrative Okrug and TiNAO, can use the service,” said Boris Frolov, Deputy Head of the Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow.

    Most often, city residents get rid of large household appliances using the “Removal of Unnecessary Things” service. For example, over the first nine months of this year, residents sent 7.6 thousand washing machines and 7.5 thousand refrigerators for disposal. These are the most frequently removed items.

    The record number of items since the beginning of this year was set by two user requests, each of which included 13 types of items. Among them were such items as a kitchen set, gas and electric stoves, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a wall unit, a wooden door, small electronics, a mattress and other items.

    To use the service, you need a standard or full account on the mos.ru portal. The application must specify name of items and their quantity, address, desired date and time of removal. The operator of the partner organization will call back within 10 minutes to clarify details and confirm the order.

    Specialists work daily and arrive even on the day of the request, if the application is sent before 18:00. Employees of the organization – the service partner will take out unnecessary things on average in just half an hour, even if there is no elevator in the building.

    Service “Removal of unnecessary things” started operating in October 2021. According to Sergei Sobyanin, over the entire period, city residents have sent for recycling or environmentally friendly disposal more than 84 thousand unnecessary things.

    The operation and development of the service is supervised by the capital’s departments information technology, housing and communal services and the State Institution “New Management Technologies”. Removal services are provided by a specialized partner organization.

    The use of digital technologies to improve the quality of life of city residents corresponds to the objectives of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”. More information about the national projects implemented in Moscow can be found on this page.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145882073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Another 12 clinics to be reconstructed in central Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Central Administrative District, another 12 clinics are being reconstructed as part of the second stage of the outpatient modernization program. Work is currently underway in nine medical institutions, and in three of them it will begin as the renovation is completed and the clinics that are already being reconstructed are opened. In the latter, work should be completed in 2025. In addition, one clinic included in the second stage of the outpatient modernization program is already accepting patients.

    “During the reconstruction, the internal layout of the buildings is changed, resulting in more open spaces, and the usable area is increased by converting basements and ground floors into storage and utility facilities. Particular attention during the work is paid to the selection of high-quality materials, modern design and interior. The clinics receive additional energy capacity to connect new and modern equipment. As a result, Muscovites receive high-quality medical services, and doctors – comfortable working conditions,” the press service said.

    Department of Capital Repairs of the City of Moscow.

    Currently, two children’s clinics are being modernized, located on Antonova-Ovseenko Street (building 8) and in Bolshoi Kozlovsky Lane (building 9, building 1). Work is also underway in seven adult medical institutions on Kazakova Street (building 17a), Ladozhskaya Street (building 4/6, building 1), Zamorenova Street (building 27), Bolshaya Bronnaya Street (building 3), Verkhnyaya Krasnoselskaya Street (building 21, building 1), Malaya Yakimanka Street (building 22, building 1) and in Bolshoi Nikolopeskovsky Lane (building 4, building 1). The total area of the buildings is about 60 thousand square meters.

    Many polyclinics will create conditions for the placement of modern mammographs, X-ray machines, including U-arc X-ray machines. In particular, a complex of rooms with functional zones will be prepared for this purpose, including a procedure room (where the X-ray machine will be placed), a control room (for remote control of the machine), specialist offices, auxiliary and utility rooms. Electrical insulating materials resistant to radiation and radiation will be used in the finishing of these zones. In addition, the rooms will have their own ventilation system. When arranging magnetic resonance imaging departments, the procedure room will be shielded using a Faraday cage. This will protect the equipment from the effects of external electromagnetic fields.

    “Some renovated polyclinic buildings will be equipped with rooms for testing the function of external respiration. A day hospital with eight beds will be set up in the medical facility on Malaya Yakimanka Street. In addition, the casualty department located in branch No. 2 of polyclinic No. 64 will be renovated and equipped with modern equipment,” the department’s press service noted.

    Branch No. 1 of Children’s Polyclinic No. 32 and the main building of the adult polyclinic on Malaya Yakimanka Street will have fully equipped rooms for therapeutic exercise classes, and wall bars will also be installed in them. In the main building of Polyclinic No. 220, a halochamber will be re-equipped for the treatment of various respiratory diseases.

    In Branch No. 1 of Children’s Polyclinic No. 104 and Branch No. 1 of Children’s Polyclinic No. 32, filter boxes with an area of about 20 square meters will be created. This will separate the flows of healthy and sick children and thus prevent the spread of infection. In addition, stroller storage with awnings will be set up at the entrances to the buildings in both polyclinics.

    Branch No. 1 of Children’s Polyclinic No. 32 will equip an electro-light therapy room. It will use various types of electric current for treatment, so special materials that do not generate static electricity will be used in the finishing of the premises.

    During the work, not only the clinic buildings are being renovated, but also the adjacent areas. They are being made more convenient and comfortable.

    In one of the polyclinics included in the second stage of the outpatient modernization program, all work has already been completed and patients are being received. The main building of Polyclinic No. 5 on Daev Lane has been almost completely rebuilt – it now has more general practitioner offices, procedure rooms and manipulation rooms. A medical prevention department has been organized, massage rooms, physiotherapy rooms, and a therapeutic exercise room are provided. Specialists have also improved the adjacent territory.

    As part of the first stage of the program, six children’s and eight adult medical institutions were renovated in the district. The work took place in the Arbat, Khamovniki, Tagansky, Presnensky, Krasnoselsky, Meshchansky and Tverskoy districts. These clinics now meet the requirements new Moscow standard. In addition to the buildings themselves, the surrounding areas were also transformed. Specialists arranged convenient paths, installed benches, urns and navigation steles. In addition, the areas were additionally landscaped: about 120 trees and more than 1.1 thousand bushes were planted.

    Moscow Mayor Talks About Implementation of New Moscow Healthcare Standard

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145883073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The capital has provided four sites for the construction of public and business complexes in the Kommunarka district

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Since the beginning of 2024, the city has allocated four land plots for the implementation of large-scale investment projects (MaIP) in the Kommunarka district of the Novomoskovsky administrative district. It is planned to build public and business complexes on them. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “Large-scale investment projects allow us to attract developers to develop urban infrastructure and create jobs. Since the beginning of 2024, the city has provided 5.4 hectares of land in the Kommunarka district of the Novomoskovsky administrative district for the construction of four multifunctional complexes. The total area of the facilities will exceed 340 thousand square meters,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The complexes may include office real estate, bank branches, cafes, restaurants, shops and other facilities. They will be built within five years – this is the term for which the land lease agreements have been concluded.

    “An administrative and business center is being formed on the territory of Kommunarka. For the construction of multifunctional complexes with a total area of about 300 thousand square meters, the city has provided investors with three plots of land with an area of 3.7 hectares. Another 1.7 hectares of land have been allocated near the Kornilovskaya metro station under construction, where a business center with an area of almost 44 thousand square meters will appear,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property

    Maxim Gaman.

    The plots are provided for the implementation of large-scale investment projects. Investors and developers receive land for the construction of facilities without holding tenders. MAIP are significant projects for the city, aimed at the infrastructural development of the capital’s territories and an increase in the number of jobs.

    Previously on the implementation of large-scale investment projects told Sergei Sobyanin. According to him, since the beginning of the year, the largest number of land plots have been allocated in the territory of TiNAO – 18.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145888073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow’s electrical equipment manufacturers increased production by 11 percent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow manufacturers of electrical equipment continue to demonstrate high rates of growth in production volumes. From January to August 2024, enterprises in the industry increased production by 11 percent. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    “Today, Moscow’s electrical engineering industry is represented by more than 130 enterprises – these are both large players with a long history and young companies. The industry employs 17 thousand people. On behalf of Sergei Sobyanin, the city offers manufacturers more than 20 support tools that allow them to expand their production base, create high-tech products and increase production volumes. In the first eight months of 2024, Moscow saw an 11 percent increase in electrical equipment production compared to the same period in 2023. Companies shipped goods worth almost 124 billion rubles to customers,” said Maxim Liksutov.

    From January to August 2024, the production of electric motors, generators, transformers and distribution devices, as well as control and measuring equipment, increased by 14 percent, and household appliances by 10 percent. In particular, Moscow industrialists manufactured over 513 thousand chandeliers, about 103 thousand signaling devices and equipment for ensuring the safety of transport infrastructure, and over 67 thousand DC electric motors.

    “The positive growth trend indicates that Moscow manufacturers are actively developing new markets and confidently meeting the needs of citizens and businesses for quality products. From January to August 2024, industrialists shipped cable products worth 28.7 billion rubles, generators, transformers, switchgear and control and measuring equipment – almost 67 billion rubles,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy

    Anatoly Garbuzov.

    Today, industrialists have all the tools to find a site for production with the support of the city, open it in a short time, attract additional investment, purchase the necessary equipment and enter export markets.

    For example, the company “SAGA Technologies” is actively developing the electric vehicle industry. Today, the plant produces 11 models of charging stations, which are supplied to 11 regions of the country. In the first eight months of this year, the company has produced more than 300 pieces of such high-tech products, which are used for both personal and commercial use.

    This year, the company received the status of a resident of the special economic zone (SEZ) “Technopolis Moscow”, which will allow it to enjoy tax preferences. Thus, companies with a special status are exempt from paying property, land and transport taxes for 10 years, and the profit tax rate for them is only two percent instead of 20.

    The capital manufacturer of lighting equipment “Varton” daily produces up to 10 thousand products of any type of lighting: indoor, outdoor, landscape, architectural, street and highway. Products are developed in the company’s own design bureau, including for individual customer needs.

    Moscow is the largest industrial and scientific-engineering center of Russia. There are more than 4.5 thousand industrial enterprises in the capital, employing over 750 thousand people. Every year, 150 new technology companies open in the city and dozens of investment projects are implemented, which provide it with additional jobs.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145853073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From university excursions to working with neural networks: how initiatives of users of the City of Ideas platform help schoolchildren

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In August 2023, city residents took part in the project “Moscow is a city of discoveries”. It was held on the “City of Ideas” platform and was dedicated to the development of educational tourism for schoolchildren. Muscovites proposed ideas for holding events for students, improving innovative platforms, choosing a corporate character, a project slogan, and many others. After expert selection and user voting, 61 initiatives were selected, 17 of which have already been implemented.

    Educational trips, master classes and educational quests

    Thanks to one of the ideas, schoolchildren from different regions have already visited famous educational institutions. Among them are the National Research University Higher School of Economics, the Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov and the Russian State Social University. The children saw how the educational process is organized, talked to teachers and students, learned about modern teaching methods and research.

    In addition, in the spring and summer, schoolchildren took part in interactive quests about the secrets of the capital “Play Moscow”. They completed exciting tasks, traveling along seven educational routes dedicated to history, architecture, science and other topics. The children solved puzzles and collected information, and at the end they received a reward – a sticker with the symbols of the capital or a toy figurine.

    Master classes on the topic are held for schoolchildren “Creative Industries”together with Moscow technology parks and the Soyuzmultfilm film studio. Among them are classes on the basics of graphic design, an introduction to Python programming, and training in the basics of working with artificial intelligence. This allows students to develop creative abilities and master new skills.

    Visiting technology parks and creating a corporate character

    The city will continue to implement Muscovites’ initiatives. Thus, schoolchildren who dream of connecting their destiny with medicine will be able to visit the ambulance station. Children who are keen on modern trends will be offered to go to the museum of technology of a famous IT corporation. There they will see how the model range of computers, accessories and peripherals has changed over several decades, and will track all stages of innovation and development of digital technologies.

    The participants of the project on the City of Ideas platform came up with a name for a branded virtual character that will appear at the end of this year. In addition, the slogans they created are already heard at industry exhibitions and forums. For example, at the All-Russian Forum of Class Teachers held in October, representatives of the Moscow City Tourism Committee used the slogan “City of Discoveries — Your Compass in the World of Knowledge” in their speeches. And “Travel, Learn, Get Inspired!” was the slogan of the Moscow International Education Fair held in April.

    Platform “City of Ideas” has been operating since 2014. More than 540 thousand users have joined it. They share suggestions on how to make life in the capital even more comfortable. More than seven thousand ideas have already been implemented. City residents participated in projects dedicated to electronic services, culture, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, transport and other topics.

    The project is being developed Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow and the State Institution “New Management Technologies”. The use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life of city residents corresponds to the objectives of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” and the regional project of the capital “Digital Public Administration”.

    The educational and tourist project “City of Discoveries” is Moscow’s flagship in the field of children’s tourism, which appeared in 2020. Over the past four years, more than 10 thousand schoolchildren from all over Russia have become its participants. They visited the offices of Moscow IT companies, leading universities, technology parks, and explored Moscow’s attractions. More than 100 sites have already become partners of the project. The “City of Discoveries” project operates within the framework of the national project “Education”. More information about this and other national projects implemented in Moscow, You can find out here.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145881073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EPA Awards $400,000 to Greenlife Tech Corporation in North Carolina for Developing Environmental Technologies

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    Greenlife Tech Corporation is one of only seven small businesses selected nationwide for this award

    RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, October 25, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $2.8 million in funding to seven small businesses to further develop and commercialize their environmental technologies. With these awards from EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, businesses will be tackling complex challenges including destroying PFAS, cleaning indoor air during wildfires, enhancing recycling systems, reducing food waste, and improving disaster response. 

    Greenlife Tech Corporation of Banner Elk, North Carolina was selected for its development of an autonomous system that controls oxygen levels in refrigerators to preserve produce for a longer time. The company will receive about $400,000 to continue development of this technology.

    “Congratulations to these small businesses for continuing to pursue innovative solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges,” said Maureen Gwinn, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “EPA is proud to invest in these small businesses as they work to help protect human health and the environment across many sectors and help grow the American economy.”

    “We congratulate Greenlife Tech Corporation for developing this promising new technology to prevent and reduce food waste, which is a significant problem in our country and the world,” said acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle of EPA’s Southeast Region. “In 2015, EPA and our sister agency USDA announced a goal to reduce food waste in the U.S. by 50 percent by 2030. New technologies, like this refrigeration technique developed by Greenlife Tech, will help us achieve this important goal.”

    For over 40 years, EPA’s SBIR program has funded small businesses as they create environmental technologies and bring them to the marketplace. SBIR projects are funded in a phased approach. For Phase I, EPA awards contracts of up to $100,000 for six months for “proof of concept” of the proposed technology. Small businesses that have received a Phase I award can compete for a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize the technology. 

    Six other businesses selected nationwide for this award are receiving about $400,000 each in SBIR Phase II awards for the following projects:

    • DiPole Materials, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, to design a biodegradable filter made of electro-spun nanofibers to clean indoor air during wildfires. 
    • Fourth State LLC, Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a plasma treatment technology to destroy PFAS in complex water matrices.
    • Holochip Corporation, Torrance, California, to build an artificial intelligence application to map sites to improve the safety and efficacy of disaster response. 
    • KLAW Industries LLC, Binghamton, New York, to produce a rapidly deployable, autonomous robotic sorting system to improve recycling facilities in disadvantaged communities.
    • Valis Insights, Inc., Worcester, Massachusetts, to develop an automated and AI-driven technology that helps optimize the sorting process for metals recycling. 
    • Water Illumination, Inc., Riverside, California, to create a novel chemical-free UV based PFAS destruction technology for saline wastewater treatment. 

    Learn more about the winning projects.

    Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program.

    Learn more about SBIR. 

    Learn more about food waste and efforts to prevent it.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EPA prevents chemical accident Consent Agreement and Final Order issued to protect Dudley, MA

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    BOSTON (Oct. 25, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) announced a settlement of its administrative penalty and compliance case against Shield Packaging Company in Dudley, Mass. for alleged violations of the chemical accident prevention and preparedness provisions of Clean Air Act.

    The company, an aerosol products manufacturing operation, was issued an EPA compliance order in November of 2023 to correct alleged violations of the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program and General Duty Clause, which were identified after EPA’s August 2021 inspection. The company has been complying with the compliance order, and under the recent settlement, will pay a penalty of $219,500.

    “Workers and those living near businesses have a right to be free of worry about chemical accidents. Facilities storing and handling extremely hazardous substances must remain compliant with the laws and requirements to keep workers and neighbors safe,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “EPA will continue to enforce regulations that protect communities and prevent harmful accidents.”

    Background

    On August 4, 2021, representatives from EPA Region 1 conducted an announced inspection at the facility to assess compliance with the requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112(r), including the Risk Management Regulations (RMP) and other federal environmental laws and regulations.

    Shield Packaging Co. provided various information and documents to EPA both during and after the inspection. EPA issued an administrative notice of violation and compliance order to the company in November of 2023 for many, but not all, of the following violations that EPA subsequently included in the penalty: 

    CAA 112(r) Risk Management Regulations and Process Hazard Analysis Violation (40 C.F.R. § 68.67): Shield Packaging Co. violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to timely update its Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) for the facility’s processes that involve flammable chemical propellants. PHAs are important to help a facility analyze potential causes and effects of a chemical release and help prevent them. RMP regulations require PHAs to be updated at least every five years.  

    CAA 112(r) RMP Compliance Audit Violation (40 C.F.R. § 68.79): Shield Packaging Company violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to timely audit the company’s compliance with the RMP requirements. The company is required to evaluate its compliance with these requirements at least every three years and produce an audit report to verify that procedures and practices developed under RMP regulations are adequate and are being followed at the Facility. The report must also respond to the identified deficiencies at the Facility and document that they have been corrected.  

    CAA 112(r) RMP Mechanical Integrity Procedures Violation (40 C.F.R. § 68.73): Shield Packaging Company violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to establish mechanical integrity procedures for its tanks that store chemical propellants. The company is required to establish and implement written procedures to maintain the ongoing integrity of its process equipment. The company’s 2018 Compliance Audit Checklist revealed that the Facility had no written plan to maintain the mechanical integrity of its process equipment.

    CAA Section 112(r) RMP Training Procedures Violation (40 C.F.R. § 68.71): Shield Packaging Company violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to train the employees involved in certain operating processes and document the training.

    CAA Section 112(r) RMP Emergency Planning and Response Action Plan Violation (40 C.F.R. §§ 68.90 and 68.95): Shield Packaging Company violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to establish an adequate emergency planning and response action program which is important for a facility to have in case of an accidental release of any flammable gases.

    CAA Section 112(r) RMP Operating Procedures Violation (40 C.F.R. § 68.69): Shield Packaging Company violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to annually recertify its written operating procedures. The operating procedures also lacked essential precautions to prevent exposure to chemicals, such as a requirement to use personal protective equipment or including gas detection.

    A copy of the Final Consent Agreement and Final order is available upon request.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EPA announces public comment period for a NPDES permit modification for Ocean Era off the Florida coast

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    Comments must be received by November 25, 2024

    SARASOTA, Fla. (October 25, 2024) – Today, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 (EPA) is announcing the release of a draft modification to a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit previously issued to Ocean Era, Inc. (Ocean Era), for a small-scale marine aquaculture facility approximately 45 miles from Sarasota, off the coast of Florida, in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The draft modification will be subject to a 30-day public comment period.

    EPA issued a NPDES permit to Ocean Era in 2022 that allows the discharge of wastewater from an Aquatic Animal Production Facility producing up to 80,000 pounds/year for one production cycle. The Facility is not yet operating and has not yet been constructed. Information regarding the 2022 permit issuance can be accessed at www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/ocean-era-inc-velella-epsilon-aquatic-animal-production-facility-national-pollutant.
     

    In 2023, Ocean Era submitted a request for permit modification indicating that it will not proceed with the aquaculture project as currently permitted because it intends to make changes to certain aspects of the operation. Specifically, Ocean Era has requested to: 1) change the cultured fish species (from almaco jack to red drum); 2) change the cage net material (from copper to monofilament); and 3) change the type of rearing system (from swivel point mooring system to a stationary cage mooring system).Many communities that are under economic stress, particularly those located in areas that have experienced long periods of disinvestment, lack the resources needed to initiate brownfield cleanup and redevelopment projects. As brownfield sites are transformed into community assets, they attract jobs, promote economic revitalization and transform communities into sustainable and environmentally just places.

    EPA has made a tentative determination to modify the permit based on the project alterations and new information received from Ocean Era. On October 24, 2024, EPA public noticed the draft modified permit package on Regulations.gov. EPA is taking comments for a minimum of 30-days on the draft modified permit through Regulations.gov using Docket ID EPA–R04-OW-2024-0113. EPA notes that in the case of a permit modification, only the permit conditions that are proposed to be modified are reopened and subject to public comment. The draft modified permit and other supporting documents can also be accessed on EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/publicnotices/ocean-era-draft-modified-npdes-permit-fl0a00001.

    For more information on EPA’s NPDES Program visit EPA’s NPDES webpage.     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EPA Announces $500,000 Air Monitoring Grant Project for El Paso-Based Group La Mujer Obrera

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    Contact Information

    Joe Robledo and Jennah Durant (R6press@epa.gov)

    214-665-2200

    DALLAS, TEXAS (October 25, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $500,000 air monitoring grant to La Mujer Obrera, a community group based in El Paso, Texas, to analyze transportation emissions and other local pollution sources. This funding comes from the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan (ARP), which granted select cooperative agreements to conduct ambient air monitoring in communities with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “For over 40 years, La Mujer Obrera has fought for the health and well-being of their neighbors in the Chamizal community of El Paso,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this funding, La Mujer Obrera can address air quality concerns head-on and provide real-time data to residents. I would like to thank La Mujer Obrera for their decades of environmental stewardship and advocacy for their community.”

    “Historic amounts of federal funding have given El Paso the opportunity to innovate, improve, and invest in infrastructure that prioritizes public health and reduces pollution,” said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16). “I am grateful to the EPA for another important investment that moves us closer to our goal of true environmental justice, and to La Mujer Obrera for their critical work to advocate for the health of vulnerable communities.”

    “This is a step forward in addressing the environmental justice problems that have created a public health crisis in the Chamizal. We have the right to a safe community for our children, elders, and future generations. Working in collaboration with residents, we are planning what that looks like,” said Executive Director of La Mujer Obrera Lorena Andrade.

    La Mujer Obrera was founded in 1981 and has campaigned for the protection of basic human rights such as employment, housing, education, nutrition, health, and political liberty. With this funding, La Mujer Obrera plans to deploy air monitors in the Chamizal community to create a mitigation plan armed with data to protect the health of the residents in the neighborhood. Air quality data will provide a baseline analysis across transportation emissions, environmental justice concerns, known pollution sources, and localized environmental justice screening. Working collectively with Chamizal residents, La Mujer Obrera will prepare and design the Chamizal Action Plan. The plan includes a block-by-block localized air quality assessment and data report(s) that will map sources of contamination contributing to ozone emissions, particulate matter, and fugitive dust. Additionally, this plan will educate residents on hazardous air pollutants that are specific to certain communities.

    This funding is designed to be a multi-year plan with the project ending in 2027. By 2027, La Mujer Obrera will incorporate mitigation plans and green infrastructure principles into the planning for future neighborhood improvements and developments for the neighborhood. Lastly, La Mujer Obrera expects residents to experience an improvement in public health and air quality with the support of local, state, and federal government to  reduce emission sources as recommended by the Chamizal Action Plan.

    For more information on the American Rescue Plan, please visit our webpage.
     

    Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EPA Announces Over $132M for Water Infrastructure in Pennsylvania

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    PHILADELPHIA – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3.6 billion in new funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to upgrade water infrastructure and keep communities safe. Combined with $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, this $6.2 billion in investments for Fiscal Year 2025 will help communities across the country upgrade water infrastructure that is essential to safely managing wastewater, protecting local freshwater resources, and delivering safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses.

    The BIL funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure.

    Today’s announcement includes allotments to Pennsylvania of more than $98.5 million for Clean Water General Supplemental funds, over $8.5 million for Clean Water Emerging Contaminant funds, and over $25.2 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.

    This funding is part of a five-year, $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the BIL – the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the BIL mandates that a majority of the funding announced today must be provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or loans that do not have to be repaid.  

    “Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.” 

    “The Mid-Atlantic Region is home to some of the oldest water infrastructure in the country, which is why these once-in-a-generation investments are especially significant here,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Biden-Harris Administration continues to put public health and the environment at the center of its agenda and the American people continue to benefit from leaders making safe water a priority.” 

    “Every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to clean air and pure water, and my Administration is driving out hundreds of millions of state and federal dollars to our local communities to support that goal and ensure families have safe, clean water when they turn on the faucet,” said Governor Josh Shapiro (PA). “Thanks to key investments from the Biden-Harris Administration, we’ve already helped replace over 30,000 lead service lines and created hundreds of good-paying union jobs across the Commonwealth – and this new investment will supercharge that work. Working together, across party lines and all levels of government, we’re continuing to get stuff done and deliver results for the good people of Pennsylvania.” 

    “I’m pleased to see another $132 million in federal funding coming to Pennsylvania through the Biden-Harris administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that I was proud to vote for!” said U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-03). 

    “Access to clean, safe drinking water is fundamental to the health and well-being of our community. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pennsylvania is receiving over $132 million, ensuring that our homes, businesses, and schools will have access to reliable, safe water for many years to come,” said U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). “Specifically, this investment will help modernize wastewater treatment facilities, improve stormwater management, and improve access to clean drinking water for the people of PA-06 and our Commonwealth.” 

    “All Americans deserve access to safe and clean drinking water. I was proud to help pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law last Congress, and I am grateful for the impact this landmark legislation has already made in our community,” said U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (PA-07). “I’ll continue working to secure federal investments to keep the Greater Lehigh Valley healthy and improve our aging infrastructure.” 

    “This $132 million in federal funding coming to PA to upgrade our water infrastructure is a huge win for the people of PA-12, ensuring that families, schools, and businesses have access to safe, clean drinking water,” said U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). “It’s about protecting our communities and our local environment by addressing the aging systems that so many of our neighbors rely on every single day. Safe and clean water is a fundamental right, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that every family—no matter their zip code or income level—has access to it.” 

    Background  

    The EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. 

    The SRF programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than thirty years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. The programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs. 

    To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the BIL are transforming communities across the country, visit the EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see the EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects. 

    For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding and a breakdown of the EPA SRF funding available under the BIL, please visit the Clean Water SRF website and Drinking Water SRF website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $21 Million for Water Infrastructure in Nevada Through Investing in America Agenda

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3.6 billion in new funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade water infrastructure and keep communities safe. Combined with $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, this $6.2 billion in investments for Fiscal Year 2025 will help communities across the country upgrade water infrastructure that is essential to safely managing wastewater, protecting local freshwater resources, and delivering safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses.     

    These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges in financing water infrastructure.  Today’s announcement includes allotments for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds for Nevada ($12,216,000), Clean Water Emerging Contaminants funds ($1,054,000), and $7,921,000 under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminants Fund.

    This funding is part of a five-year, $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that most of the funding announced today must be provided to disadvantaged communities through grants or loans that do not have to be repaid.

    “Access to clean drinking water and dependable wastewater infrastructure is fundamental to the quality of life for all people in Nevada and for all Americans,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This investment, through unprecedented funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, will be instrumental in upgrading water infrastructure and supporting local jobs, economic resiliency, and long-term sustainability for communities throughout the Pacific Southwest.”

    EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
    To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.

    For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.

    The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for over 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant, sustainable water quality and public health benefits nationwide. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which principal and interest payments on loans become available to address future needs.

    Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region on our Instagram, Facebook, X, and website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power at the Donors’ Conference to Support the Displaced and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin

    Source: USAID

    ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: Hello. Thank you all for being here – and a particular thanks to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center for bringing us together. 

    You’ve heard already about the overlapping crises in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin region – violence raging, floods surging, children starving. 

    So today, I’m announcing that the United States will contribute more than $572 million dollars to humanitarian efforts in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. This new funding brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance to more than $1.2 billion in the region this fiscal year. These resources will help our partners provide badly needed basics like food, water, shelter, and health care. 

    This aid, and all of the aid fellow donors are generously committing today, has the potential to save lives. But, it will not fulfill that potential if the assistance can’t safely reach the people who need it most. 

    You know all too well the barriers facing humanitarians in the region. Burdensome and costly requirements for transporting aid; bans on cash assistance; deliberate blockades by armed extremists and the armies combating them; atrocities against civilians.

    So, all of us gathered today should contribute not only the resources needed for humanitarian response, but we must also use our collective influence to demand an environment that allows safe and unhindered delivery of that assistance across the region. 

    Thank you again to all of the donors who are stepping up. As we speak, lives are hanging in the balance, and we have to work together to do everything we can to protect them. 

    Thank you so much.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power Meets with Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Tony Blair

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Spokesperson Benjamin Suarato:‎

    Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair to discuss cooperation between USAID and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI). Administrator Power and former Prime Minister Blair discussed TBI’s longstanding partnership with Power Africa and progress on rural electrification and other shared priorities aimed at improving access to affordable and reliable electricity in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Administrator Power and former Prime Minister Blair also discussed humanitarian efforts to meet the ongoing and urgent needs in the Middle East, initiatives for advancing digital development, and opportunities to support countries experiencing democratic openings, including Guatemala.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Deputy Administrator Michele Sumilas During the World Bank Annual Meetings

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:‎

    From October 23 through 25, Acting Deputy Administrator Michele Sumilas participated in various engagements during the World Bank Annual Meetings. Throughout the week, she engaged USAID’s partners on shared priorities, including boosting food security and climate action, as well as collaborating on humanitarian assistance.

    On Wednesday, Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas represented USAID at a signing ceremony, where Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and Ukrainian Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko marked the intention of the United States to join G7 efforts to make lending available to Ukraine, and provide a $20 billion U.S. loan to Ukraine that will be repaid by proceeds derived from Russia’s frozen assets. 

    Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas then participated in a roundtable hosted by the Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which featured Ministers from Angola, Bhutan, Chad, Comoros, India, Nigeria, and Madagascar. The roundtable provided an opportunity for participants to discuss how the Coalition can be responsive to infrastructure needs in Africa. 

    On Thursday, Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas met with Denmark’s State Secretary for Development Policy Lotte Machon to discuss cooperation on food security, climate action, advancing democracy, and joint efforts on humanitarian assistance in Gaza and Ukraine. 

    The Acting Deputy Administrator also participated in a fireside chat, along with Norway’s Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim and Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P’s) Jean-Michel Severino, Chair of the Supervisory Board, at the Financing for Agricultural Small-and-Medium Enterprises in Africa (FASA) Fund Launch, hosted by the Embassy of Norway. USAID and Norway announced that the United Kingdom and Republic of Korea have joined USAID as partners in the FASA Fund, which will help unlock additional commercial capital. In addition, Norway and USAID announced that Investisseurs and Partenaires (I&P) – a pioneering impact investment group dedicated to financing and supporting African entrepreneurs while strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems across the African continent – was competitively selected as the FASA fund manager. 

    On Friday, Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas met with the United Kingdom’s Second Permanent Under-Secretary Nick Dyer to discuss U.S.-UK shared priorities. She also met Brazil’s Ambassador to the United States Maria Luiza Viotti to discuss key development priorities of Brazil’s G20 presidency, including the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty to include recognition of Brazil’s support for their role in Multi-National Security Support Missions in Haiti, and continued efforts to aid Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Brazil. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proposes historic expansion of film & TV tax credit program

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 27, 2024

    What you need to know: California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program has generated tens of billions of dollars in investments while creating nearly 200,000 jobs, and Governor Newsom is proposing to expand it to outpace other states and bring more business back to California.

    Hollywood, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a proposal to expand California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million annually, a massive increase from the current $330 million annual allocation. This ambitious expansion would position California as the top state for capped film incentive programs, surpassing other states like New York.

    California is the entertainment capital of the world, rooted in decades of creativity, innovation, and unparalleled talent. Expanding this program will help keep production here at home, generate thousands of good-paying jobs, and strengthen the vital link between our communities and the state’s iconic film and TV industry.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Generating investments & creating jobs

    A study of the program found that, for every tax credit dollar approved, it generated at least $24.40 in output, $16.14 in GDP, $8.60 in wages, and $1.07 in initial state and local tax revenue from production in the state.

    Since its inception in 2009, California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program has generated over $26 billion in economic activity and supported more than 197,000 cast and crew jobs across the state. 

    California previously updated the program to include new workforce diversity provisions, more funding for the Career Pathways Training Program, and the nation’s first Safety on Production Pilot Program.

    Tax credits will become refundable for the first time since the program’s inception in 2009, beginning with Program 4.0 set to commence on July 1, 2025.

    Why expansion is needed

    This program has been oversubscribed year after year, with more productions applying than can be accommodated under the current cap.

    Between 2020 and 2024, data shows California lost production spending due to limited tax credit funding and increased competition in other states and countries, directly impacting state jobs and local economies​​.

    In recent years, projects that were unable to secure California’s tax credits and moved to other locations as a result contributed to significant economic losses, with an estimated 71% of rejected projects subsequently filming out-of-state.

    “Hollywood is the cornerstone of this city and our economy and our message to the industry today is clear – we have your back,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “When I was Speaker of the California State Assembly, I worked to support leaders like now-Councilman Paul Krekorian to create the film tax credit. Despite the economy being in a difficult spot, we knew that the industry needed support, and if we could at least start the program, then we could grow it. Today I’m proud to stand with Governor Newsom and industry leaders to continue this important work supporting this legacy industry.”

    Film & TV tax credit recipients in California

    • September 2024: Indie films and “Suits LA.” $51.6 million to support 19 projects, including 15 independent films. Expected to generate $284.4 million in spending, with $112.1 million allocated to wages, and over 3,800 jobs.
    • July 2024: Five new TV projects, including HBO’s “Latitude” and 20th Television’s “All’s Fair.”​ $58 million in tax credits went to five television projects, which was expected to generate $386 million across 438 filming days. Estimated to support 15,869 background performers, 1,196 crew members, and 685 cast members.
    • March 2024: Amazon’s Fallout relocated to California. $152 million in tax credits went to 12 projects, including Fallout’s second season relocating from New York. Projected to bring in over $1.1 billion in spending across the state and support 4,500 cast and crew members, plus 50,000 background performer days.
    • December 2023: The Mandalorian & Grogu to film in California. With a total of $400 million allocated to 15 projects, including Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian & Grogu alone that was set to inject $166 million into California’s economy. Nearly 20,000 jobs created, including 2,252 crew and 598 cast. Other productions included “The Accountant 2” by Amazon Studios, “Untitled 20th Film,” Disney’s untitled live-action feature​.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Oct 26, 2024

    News Welcome to The California Weekly, your Saturday morning recap of top stories and announcements you might have missed. News you might have missed 1. KEEPING CALIFORNIANS SAFE Since Governor Newsom launched the CHP operation in partnership with the City of Oakland,…

    Oct 25, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement regarding the loss of Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, naval aviators from California who perished in an aircraft crash near Mount…

    Oct 25, 2024

    News The bet: When the Dodgers win, Governor Hochul will display Dodgers memorabilia in her office for one day; if the Yankees should win, Governor Newsom will display Yankees memorabilia in his office for one day. SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Newsom accepted a…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – NEW RFP FOR AXIS DEER CONTROL ON MAUI NUI, Oct. 25, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – NEW RFP FOR AXIS DEER CONTROL ON MAUI NUI, Oct. 25, 2024

    Posted on Oct 25, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    NEWS RELEASE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Oct. 25, 2024

    NEW RFP FOR AXIS DEER CONTROL ON MAUI NUI 

    (KAHULUI, MAUI) – Eligible private landowners and lessees of Maui Nui have the opportunity to participate in targeted axis deer control through the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) Landowner Incentive Program (LIP). The goal of this program is to incentivize Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi landowners to decrease the number of axis deer from the landscape.

    This is the fourth Request for Proposals (RFP) administered by DOFAW related to axis deer on Maui Nui. Continual growth of axis deer populations on these islands, and impacts to natural resources, economic interests and public safety continue to be problematic.

    The LIP provides landowners and land managers with an option to help control axis deer numbers on their properties, mitigating their impacts. Recent harvest rates suggest a promising trend toward minimizing environmental and economic damage to property and land and reducing the overall deer population.

    If selected, the contract will run for a 12-month period, approximately Dec. 20, 2024 – Dec. 20, 2025, with the possibility of a one-year extension. A $25-$50/deer reimbursement throughout the life of the contract is pursuant to DOFAW’s detailed fee schedule. All axis deer harvest/control must abide by all applicable laws including Hawai‘i Administrative Rules Chapter 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting.

    The deadline to submit proposals is November 25, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

    Landowners who are currently enrolled in the program will not be eligible for this new round of proposals. Multiple awards will be made under this RFP. Participation in this program is entirely voluntary.

    Proposals will be selected on a competitive basis from available funds. Ranking criteria will include the number of axis deer to be harvested and impacts to overall population control goals. Full details of this RFP, including scope of work, proposal format, special provisions, and other information is at:https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities/opportunity-details/24906.

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

    HD Video – Axis Deer Aerials (Central Maui) (Oct. 25, 2023):

    [embedded content]

    HD Video – Molokaʻi  Axis Deer Aerials, James Espaniola SOTs (Jan. 13, 2022):

    [embedded content]

    Photographs – Axis Deer- Molokaʻi North Shore (Dec. 9, 2021):

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pno81w1tv1et17j/AADvrBRU2IGAwLF81ZG5pN2xa?dl=0

    Photographs – Axis Deer (Sept. 14, 2020):

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ovu1j7o4c1levxs/AAB2JoHvgXc5Hd3SO8TPN9GVa?dl=0

    Program questions can be directed to Jason Omick at: (808) 347-6869 or [email protected].

     

    Media Contact:

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    [email protected]

    808-587-0396

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOSURES ON MAUI, Oct. 25, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOSURES ON MAUI, Oct. 25, 2024

    Posted on Oct 25, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    NEWS RELEASE 

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 25, 2024 

    IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOSURES TO STATE LANDS ON MAUI

    (KEʻANAE, MAUI) – Two upcoming improvement projects on Maui will cause temporary closures to state lands under the care of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW).

    Road widening and infrastructure improvement work scheduled to begin on Monday, Oct. 28 will close the Keʻanae Arboretum, located in the Koolau Forest Reserve in northeast Maui, through Dec. 1. The project will address safety concerns for pedestrian and vehicular access to and from the arboretum. A popular attraction off the Hana Highway, the arboretum’s trail and access road provides an easily accessible route for multiple user groups at the reserve.

    A shorter-term closure will impact parking at the Lahaina-Pali Trailhead (Ukumehame side) on the southern end of West Maui. Testing for coring and drilling work is scheduled from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30. The Lahaina-Pali Trail will remain open during this time with access from the Māʻalaea parking lot and trailhead. This project is part of a feasibility study for developing a sediment capture basin at the base of Manawaipueo Gulch to mitigate damage to the Olowalu reef.

    # # # 

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     Photographs – Improvement Projects on Maui (various dates):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/c2pdepzzes4rlyjnm61ab/AIuQzlETFw69Ztnmuxyo5zo?rlkey=kwk5k5irhbq8stpz9gqv4v8fb&st=for1ziz2&dl=0

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor and First Partner honor fallen naval aviators

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 25, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement regarding the loss of Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, naval aviators from California who perished in an aircraft crash near Mount Rainier:

    “Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Lt. Cmdr. Evans and Lt. Wileman, two decorated naval aviators who stood out for the positive impact they made in the lives of others. We send our deepest condolences to their family, friends and colleagues during this time of mourning. California joins the nation in honoring their heroic service and enduring legacy.”

    Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, a Naval Flight Officer and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, a Naval Aviator had recently returned from a deployment with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, “Zappers,” with whom they spent nine months at sea as a part of Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3).

    In memorial, Governor Newsom ordered flags to be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Voters lacked a genuine choice in Uzbekistan’s technically well-prepared parliamentary elections

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Voters lacked a genuine choice in Uzbekistan’s technically well-prepared parliamentary elections

    TASHKENT, 28 October 2024 – Uzbekistan’s 27 October parliamentary elections took place amid ongoing reforms, including amendments to the Constitution, but the political environment remained constrained, not providing voters with a genuine choice, international observers said in a preliminary statement released today. Despite the ongoing reforms, fundamental freedoms remain disproportionally limited both by legislation and in practice, the statement says.
    “These elections were held under a new mixed electoral system, reflecting significant constitutional amendments and a revised electoral code as part of Uzbekistan’s ongoing reform efforts,” said Mr. Azay Guliyev, Special Co-ordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers. “While these reforms represent progress in enhancing human rights provisions, significant challenges remain in the realization of fundamental freedoms, particularly the rights to association, peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”
    While the election-related laws have gradually evolved and the elections were technically well-prepared, significant challenges in meeting international standards persist in such areas as political party registration, the right to stand, campaign finance transparency, citizen observation, and the publication of polling station results. 
    All five registered political parties were able to campaign freely and with legally enforced equal conditions, but their campaigns were low-key and devoid of real challenges to the policies of the ruling party or to each other. Media coverage was limited by restrictions on free expression, resulting in minimal access for voters to diverse viewpoints. Positively, women were well represented among candidates and in election administration.
    “In a landscape where the five registered parties share a common support for government policies, voters were not presented with genuine alternatives. This further highlights a need to foster a more dynamic and competitive political environment to truly represent citizens’ voices,” said Sargis Khandanyan, Head of the OSCE PA delegation. “At the same time, the increased gender quota for parliamentary candidates marks a positive development. We are hopeful that this will further boost women’s participation in public and political life in line with OSCE commitments.”
    The changes to election-related laws include a revised electoral system, new party list registration rules, modified rules on election management bodies, and an increased gender quota, but the relatively short timeframe for implementing these changes raised questions about compliance with international good practices.
    The country’s media-related laws contain broad and insufficiently defined provisions, including on religious extremism, disturbances of public order and false information and, as such, do not provide legal clarity and unduly restrict the right to freedom of expression. Defamation and insult remain criminalized, while imprisonment is still foreseen for public slander and insulting the president. In addition, undue external interference on media editorial freedom and a limited advertising market stifle open discussion and independent journalism, and result in reported widespread self-censorship. State-owned broadcast and print media provided free airtime and space for contestants in line with the law. Private television channels organized election debates, but provided only limited news coverage and virtually no analysis of the campaign.
    Election preparations at all levels were administered efficiently, and the Central Election Commission held regular live-streamed sessions and swiftly published its decisions, contributing to transparency. Despite previous ODIHR recommendations, the independence of lower-level election commissions remained negatively affected by the prominent role of Mahallas, which are local self-governing bodies  closely aligned with state and local administration in various aspects of the electoral process.
    Election day was calm and orderly, but marred by numerous cases of identified violations and malfeasance, as well as procedural and technical problems. Important safeguards were repeatedly disregarded during voting, counting and tabulation, challenging the integrity of the process and undermining transparency.
    “Uzbekistan’s authorities have partially addressed some prior ODIHR recommendations through recent legislative changes,” said Douglas Wake, Head of the Election Observation Mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. “Nevertheless, given the problems that our observers identified in yesterday’s voting, counting and tabulation, much more must be done to enhance transparency and confidence in the officially announced turnout and results. ODIHR looks forward to further co-operation with Uzbekistan’s authorities, including on the recommendations that will come in our final report.”
    A total of 875 candidates were registered from the five registered political parties. The laws retain burdensome requirements for party registration, as well as broad legal grounds for denying registration and the suspension of party activities. The legal framework also does not allow for independent candidates, thus limiting pluralism and political competition.
    For these elections, the gender quota for women was increased from 30 to 40 per cent.  Women hold 47 of the 150 seats in the outgoing Legislative Chamber and comprised 45 per cent of candidates. Furthermore, the Speaker of the Senate, one of seven Deputy Speakers of the Legislative Chamber, and one of four Deputy Prime Ministers are women. Despite ongoing efforts to increase women’s participation in public and political life, however, women remain underrepresented in decision-making positions. Only two out of 27 ministers and three out of 12 members of the Supreme Judicial Council are women. All regional governors (Hokims) are men.
    The regulations for campaign finance lack clarity and do not facilitate transparency, not providing for effective oversight and public scrutiny. Funding for campaign purposes is allocated exclusively from the state budget, and only to registered political parties with an approved list of candidates.
    International organizations, political parties, Mahallas and accredited media are entitled to observe elections. The CEC registered 851 international observers. Despite previous ODIHR recommendations, the legislation does not contain provisions for citizen election observers.
    For further information, contact:
    Thomas Rymer, press adviser, ODIHR election observation mission, thomas.rymer@odihr-uzbekistan.org
    Anzhelika Ivanishcheva, media officer, OSCE PA, anzhelika.ivanishcheva@oscepa.dk

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Šiaulių Bankas invitation to Q3 2024 Financial Results webinar

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Šiaulių Bankas (SAB1L) invites shareholders, investors, analysts and other stakeholders to join its Investors Webinar for Q3 2024 Financial Results and highlights scheduled on 31 October, 2024 at 8:30 am (EET). The presentation will be held online in English.

    The webinar will be hosted by Vytautas Sinius, CEO, Tomas Varenbergas, Head of Investment Management Division and Tautvydas Mėdžius, Strategy Partner, who will discuss the bank’s financial results for the third quarter of 2024, recent developments, and will take questions from participants.

    Please send your questions in advance to investors@sb.lt   

    How to join the webinar?

    To join the webinar, please register via following link https://sb.zoomtv.lt. After successful registration You will be provided with the webinar link. The webinar will be recorded and available online for everyone at Šiaulių Bankas website www.sb.lt/en/investors 

    Additional information:
    Tomas Varenbergas
    Head of Investment Management Division
    tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Anchor Peabody Signals Growth, Expansion with Slate of New Hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anchor Peabody, a leading investment banking firm for the building products and services industry, has expanded its team of senior executives and banking professionals as part of its ongoing strategy to build the leading M&A advisory team in the building, construction and home services industries.

    Chobun Hieblinger has joined Anchor Peabody as Managing Director. Mr. Hieblinger has over 17 years of financial advisory and investment banking experience, the bulk of which is in building products, including roles with the Lehman Brothers (now Barclays Investment Bank) and RBC Capital Markets. Most recently, Mr. Hieblinger was Managing Director and Head of Building Products at B. Riley Securities in Los Angeles.

    “After two years of slower demand due to higher interest rate and post-COVID dynamics, the building industry is poised for strong growth, driven by favorable demographic trends, aging housing stock, and years of under-building,” said Hieblinger. “With deep relationships, particularly in the tile and stone space, I look forward to helping owners and operators capitalize on this very positive M&A dynamic.”

    Greg Hicks has joined Anchor Peabody as Business Development Director. Mr. Hicks has nearly 20 years of investment banking, principal investing, and corporate development experience, having focused primarily on building products and general industrials. He began his professional career with Lincoln International in Chicago, with stints in Frankfurt and London.  Following Lincoln, he helped found Desco Capital, a private equity / family office. Mr. Hicks then ran Alesco Holdings, an outsourced business development firm, and most recently led M&A for W.W. Williams, one of the nation’s largest industrial distribution, repair and service companies.

    “I’m excited to align myself with Anchor Peabody, where secular tailwinds are expected to produce a robust M&A environment in the home services space for the foreseeable future. I look forward to providing thought-leadership and advice tailored to the HVAC, plumbing and electrical market and its participants,” said Hicks. “The HVAC, plumbing, and electrical M&A market is normalizing after a surge in 2021-2022, with deal volumes returning to more sustainable levels.  Private equity and strategic buyers remain active, with a focus on service-based businesses with recurring revenue streams.”

    About Anchor Peabody
    Anchor Peabody is an investment banking firm comprised of former owners, operators and investors in the building products and services industry. The firm combines over 100 years of capital and mergers & acquisition experience with a modern approach to banking to align with client objectives and eliminate banker burnout from the industry model. For more information, visit www.anchorpeabody.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Solar Alliance signs contract for $3.7 million solar project in Kentucky

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (‘Solar Alliance’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: SOLR, OTC: SAENF), a leading solar energy solutions provider focused on the commercial and utility solar sectors, is pleased to announce it has signed a contract for the design, engineering and installation of a $3.7 million solar project for a customer in Kentucky. The project consists of two sites, both scheduled to begin construction in November 2024: a 553-kilowatt (“kW”) project targeted for completion by the end of 2024 and a 943-kilowatt (“kW”) project targeted for completion by the end of March 2025.

    “This project is a pertinent illustration of the growth we are encountering as a company, and the trust and reputation we are building with regional customers,” said U.S. General Manager Jon Hamilton. “Our in-depth, local expertise combined with practical, efficient execution results in an attractive solar solution for our customer. We are enabling our clients to reduce their energy costs; to secure their long-term energy requirements and to meet their sustainability and energy efficiency objectives – and this is resulting in increased sales for the Company.”

    Solar Alliance assesses the daily demands and energy use profiles of manufacturers, warehousers, retailers and data centers and provides cost-effective solar solutions that include design, engineering, installation and project management services. The Company offers a turnkey approach and simplifies the transition to solar energy.

    “Our strategy of targeting larger revenue projects is generating positive results for Solar Alliance, while lowering operating costs and delivering substantial environmental benefits to our customers,” said CEO Brian Timmons. “We have passed an inflection point and are now delivering larger commercial solar projects on a consistent basis. This project is an outstanding example of the type of project we are now targeting in the U.S. Southeast and reflects the consistent progress we continue to make.”

    Brian Timmons, CEO


    About Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (    www.solaralliance.com)

    Solar Alliance is an energy solutions provider focused on the commercial, utility and community solar sectors. Our experienced team of solar professionals reduces or eliminates customers’ vulnerability to rising energy costs, offers an environmentally friendly source of electricity generation, and provides affordable, turnkey clean energy solutions. Solar Alliance’s strategy is to build, own and operate our own solar assets while also generating stable revenue through the sale and installation of solar projects to commercial and utility customers. The technical and operational synergies from this combined business model supports sustained growth across the solar project value chain from design, engineering, installation, ownership and operations/maintenance.

    Statements in this news release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company’s future plans and objectives or expected results, constitute Forward-looking statements. The words “would”, “will”, “expected” and “estimated” or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this press release include, but is not limited to the targeted completion dates of both sites of the Kentucky solar project and the types of solar projects that the Company is now targeting. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different than those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the ability to raise sufficient capital, changes in economic conditions or financial markets, litigation, legislative or other judicial, regulatory, legislative and political competitive developments, technological or operational difficulties, the ability to maintain revenue growth, the ability to execute on the Company’s strategies, the ability to complete the Company’s current and backlog of solar projects, the ability to grow the Company’s market share, the high growth US solar industry, the ability to convert the backlog of projects into revenue, the expected timing of the construction and completion of the Company’s solar projects, the targeting of larger customers, potential corporate growth opportunities and the ability to execute on the key objectives in 2024. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

    “Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.”

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Appoints Rachel Silverstein as U.S. General Counsel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s prospectus supplement dated March 8, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, Ontario and BROSSARD, Québec, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF), a global leader in vertically integrated Bitcoin data center operations, today announced that it has appointed Rachel Silverstein as U.S. General Counsel, a newly created role, effective November 1, 2024.

    Ms. Silverstein has been a practicing attorney for over 16 years and is one of the most experienced Bitcoin mining-focused attorneys in the U.S., having served as lead counsel on well over a gigawatt worth of Bitcoin mining transactions across multiple states and countries. She is the co-founder of Firm 21m, a law firm dedicated to representing primarily Bitcoin miners, energy companies, investors and data center builders in all manner of commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, strategic financings, energy supply agreements and hosting agreements. Prior to founding the firm, Ms. Silverstein held the positions of General Counsel at CleanSpark, Inc. from 2020 to 2023, and Corporate Counsel at Zappos, among others. She earned a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University and a juris doctorate degree from William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

    “We continue to strengthen the Bitfarms team and are thrilled to have a thought leader like Rachel join our team,” stated Ben Gagnon, Chief Executive Officer. “Internalizing this function will drive improved operating efficiencies, further enhance our corporate governance and reduce legal expenses. Rachel’s extensive expertise and proven track record with Bitcoin miners and data center builders will be invaluable as we continue to scale in the U.S. We look forward to her contributions as we continue to execute on our strategic initiatives and create further shareholder value.”

    Ms. Silverstein stated, “Ben and the management team at Bitfarms are passionate, thoughtful and innovative leaders, and I am honored and excited to join the Company during such a pivotal time of growth. The Company has a compelling strategic vision, and I intend to leverage my industry acumen, deal-closing experience and operations-centric focus to execute on that vision with clarity, diligence and efficiency.”

    About Bitfarms Ltd.

    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company that contributes its computational power to one or more mining pools from which it receives payment in Bitcoin. Bitfarms develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated data centers with in-house management and company-owned electrical engineering, installation service, and multiple onsite technical repair centers. The Company’s proprietary data analytics system delivers best-in-class operational performance and uptime.

    Bitfarms currently has 12 operating Bitcoin data centers and two under development situated in four countries: Canada, the United States, Paraguay, and Argentina. Powered predominantly by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    https://twitter.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding projected growth and expansion, and other statements regarding future plans and objectives of Bitfarms, improved operating efficiencies, financial performance and cost savings in general, and other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information.

    Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of Bitfarms at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Bitfarms to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to: the construction and operation of new facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion of existing facilities may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; new miners may not perform up to expectations; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; the ongoing ability to successfully mine Bitcoin is not assured; failure of the equipment upgrades to be installed and operated as planned; the availability of additional power may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the power purchase agreements and economics thereof may not be as advantageous as expected; For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to Bitfarms’ filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at www.sec.gov), including the MD&A for the year-ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 7, 2024 and the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 filed on August 8, 2024. Although Bitfarms has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by Bitfarms. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Bitfarms undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Bitfarms
    Tracy Krumme
    SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms.
    +1 786-671-5638
    tkrumme@bitfarms.com

    Media Contact:

    Québec: Tact
    Louis-Martin Leclerc
    +1 418-693-2425
    lmleclerc@tactconseil.ca

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pipe Launches Embedded Business Card for Software and Payment Companies, Expanding Their Suite of Embedded Financial Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pipe, a fintech company partnering with software platforms to deliver embedded financial solutions for SMBs, today announced it has expanded its suite of products with the launch of Pipe Business Card1. With the Pipe Business Card, software and payments companies can now launch a new business card program for their customers without managing underwriting, capital markets, fraud, or credit risk on their own.

    77% of SMBs are concerned about capital access2 and 55% of them have reported putting business-related expenses on a personal credit card just to get by3. SMBs need spend management solutions just like mid-market and enterprise businesses have access to today.

    The Pipe Business Card is designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses and is available as an embedded offering for Pipe’s software partners. It’s an SMB-friendly business card with up to 1.5% unlimited cash back4, up to 45 days to pay for day-to-day business expenses, and no annual fees. No personal guarantees or credit checks are required to apply for the card.

    A growing number of small businesses are obtaining capital in minutes through Pipe and its partners, based on their business performance, without the traditional lengthy and arduous application process. The launch of the Pipe Business Card is part of Pipe’s commitment to making capital and financial tools more accessible to SMBs that need them. The Pipe Business Card utilizes the same underwriting model as Pipe Capital, which is based on a customer’s revenue. It integrates directly into the software and payment applications SMBs use day-to-day. Pipe intends to roll out additional services through its partners over the next 12 to 18 months, such as spend management solutions for SMBs.

    Pipe offers software companies numerous advantages when launching the Pipe Business Card to their customers, including:

    • Speed to market – Pipe can help partners rapidly launch an embedded card program in days, not months.
    • Tailored underwriting models – Pipe’s customized underwriting models can be calibrated for partners based on revenue data from their customer base to provide optimal access to capital.
    • Comprehensive support – Pipe’s US-based customer success team handles all dispute management and resolution for partners.

    “In the six months since we launched our embedded Capital, Pipe, and its partners, have helped to finance the dreams of tens of thousands of small businesses. We will continue to develop innovative products that remove the friction from their business,” said Luke Voiles, Chief Executive Officer, Pipe. “The Pipe Business Card is the logical expansion of our suite of capital services, and we expect it to have a meaningful impact on our customers, partners, and the overall SMB market.”

    _______________
    1 Pipe Business Cards are issued by First Internet Bank of Indiana, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa ® Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. The Pipe Business Card will be a pay-in-full charge card. Your Statement Balance must be paid in full 15 days after the close of your statement period. Any outstanding statement balance will be automatically debited from your designated payment due date. If a payment fails, your card will be locked and a percentage of your daily sales will be collected until your balance has been repaid in full.
    2Goldman Sachs 10,000 Voices Survey, January 2024.
    3WalletHub, Small Business Survey, April 2024.
    4 Cash Back refers to rewards earned as a percentage discount on eligible purchases.

    About Pipe
    Pipe makes customer-friendly capital and smart financial tools accessible to growing businesses inside the software they use every day. Our embedded solutions are built to scale and give business builders across industries the power to grow on their own terms. To learn more, visit www.pipe.com or follow us on X @pipe.

    Media Contact
    For Pipe
    Merrill Freund
    merrill@freundpr.com

    The MIL Network –