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  • MIL-OSI Global: Religion in the workplace is tricky – but employers and employees both lose when it becomes a total taboo

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christopher P. Scheitle, Associate Professor of Sociology, West Virginia University

    Many offices make a point to celebrate diversity, but what does that look like when it comes to faith? FatCamera/E+ via Getty Images

    Since we spend so much of our lives at our jobs, it’s only natural that conversations with colleagues go beyond the work in front of us. People share interests and hobbies, family struggles, health concerns, and hopes or goals, from the silly to the serious.

    The topic of religion, however, can provoke anxiety. Many people might second what the Muslim CEO of a technology company told us: “If you want to express faith, do it! Just do it on your own time.” Uncertainty surrounding religion’s role in the workplace tends to lead to silence. Even among researchers who study workplaces, religion is often ignored.

    Yet for many people, faith is a core component of their identity – part of the “whole self” that employees are increasingly encouraged to bring to work. It’s an important piece of diversity but one that managers often tiptoe around. And for many Americans, faith is part of why they show up at their job each day: 1 in 5 consider their work a spiritual calling.

    We are social scientists who spent the past five years conducting research on the role of faith at work. Our findings – from more than 15,000 surveys with a nationally representative population, and nearly 300 in-depth interviews with some of those workers – confirm that there are many challenges when religion comes into the workplace. However, the costs of ignoring or suppressing workers’ faith often exceed those risks and challenges.

    Conflict and discrimination

    The most common concern we heard about bringing up religion in the workplace is that it will lead to conflict – including conflict from people trying to change each other’s beliefs. A Catholic woman who works in eldercare told us, “I think we shouldn’t talk about religion at work because that’s when the problems arise. I’m going to defend what I think, and they will defend what they think, their way of being, their religion.”

    Several other people we interviewed also expressed concerns that some forms of religious expression could make people uncomfortable, or even turn into harassment. A nonreligious security guard noted that during Christmas and Easter some of his Christian co-workers will say, “‘God bless,’ ‘Let’s pray,’ and stuff like that. It becomes very uneasy for me, uncomfortable.”

    Asking workers to bottle up their faith when they start the workday may seem like the easiest way to avoid these problems. Some workers we interviewed agreed with this sentiment. As one Muslim federal employee told us, “If I wear my religion as a badge on my shoulder, it will rub somebody the wrong way. So, why do that?”

    What’s more, silence around religion may seem like a neutral request. If no one expresses their faith, after all, then no one can be discriminated against, no one can be offended, and no one is seen as getting special treatment for their religious beliefs.

    Not so neutral

    There are a few problems with this logic, however.

    First, employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations tied to workers’ religion. Under most conditions, this includes things such as providing time off for religious observances. It also generally includes accommodating dress and grooming practices tied to one’s religion, such as wearing Sikh turbans or Christian crosses.

    What’s more, vague expectations about not acknowledging faith at work aren’t necessarily so neutral and often tend to disproportionately harm minority groups.

    In our survey, we asked individuals whether they “conceal their religious beliefs at work for fear of others’ perceptions.” Nineteen percent of Jewish workers, 51% of Hindus, 29% of Muslims and 28% of Buddhists said they did. By contrast, only 9% of evangelical Protestants, 15% of nonevangelical Protestants and 13% of Catholics reported that they conceal their faith at work.

    A Jewish project manager at an engineering firm told us how she has tried to conceal her faith from others: “The times that I did have to pray, I actually walked outside into a closed corner in the hallway to do it.”

    In the same survey, we asked individuals if they “have been treated unfairly” at work due to their “religion or non-religion.” Overall, 31% of U.S. adults agreed, and such experiences are most common among Muslim and Jewish workers.

    One Muslim woman we interviewed described how her colleagues made life extremely difficult for her, calling her names that were derisive, and said she’s received little support from her employer. Indeed, during one meeting her boss “got up and talked a lot about me being Muslim, and it was all negative.”

    Satisfaction and belonging

    Whether their co-workers or managers like it, many U.S. adults do see their work and faith as interwoven.

    One of our surveys, for example, asked workers whether they “turn to faith for support through stressful times in their work life.” Nearly half agreed.

    For many Americans, faith is also part of why they do their work in the first place. According to another one of our surveys, 20% of U.S. adults “see their work as a spiritual calling.” This percentage is higher among certain groups, such as evangelical Protestants and Muslims: 33% and 30%, respectively. Viewing work in spiritual terms is also more likely among women, at 24%, and Black workers, at 31%.

    And it is not just workers in explicitly religious jobs who view their work this way. One marine biologist explained to us, “I think that all truth is from God and, as a scientist, I try to understand and reveal the truth of how the world works.”

    Importantly, our research finds that individuals who feel a sense of spiritual connection to their work report greater job satisfaction, find more meaning in their work and better manage negative experiences they encounter in the workplace.

    Social science research has found that people’s well-being, social interactions and performance are harmed when they feel the need to suppress an important part of themselves within a group or organization. In other words, everyone suffers when individuals are not allowed to bring their whole selves to work.

    Welcome at work

    Despite such evidence, our research finds that many organizations are not taking even basic steps to accommodate individuals’ religious lives.

    In one survey, we asked workers whether their “workplace provides accommodations that allow people to practice their religion.” Almost one-fifth of workers disagreed. This percentage was highest among Muslim workers: 54%.

    Workers appreciate when their employers take active steps to let employees know that religious accommodations are available and that religious expression in general is not forbidden. Having upfront conversations about what is or is not appropriate – not only legally but socially – can go a long way toward setting boundaries.

    A Muslim optometry technician we interviewed, for example, recounted how appreciative she was when her boss told her, “If you ever do prayers or anything, feel free to go to that room – it can be your space, you can leave your mat in there.”

    Ideally, however, organizations would take active steps to establish and communicate policies to all employees, rather than reacting to situations as they arise.

    While we recognize the challenges when it comes to addressing individuals’ faith in the workplace, proactively engaging in conversations about the appropriate role of religion at work is better for workers and workplaces.

    Christopher P. Scheitle receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation.

    Denise Daniels receives funding from the Lilly Endowment.

    Elaine Howard Ecklund receives funding from the Templeton Religion Trust and the Lilly Endowment.

    – ref. Religion in the workplace is tricky – but employers and employees both lose when it becomes a total taboo – https://theconversation.com/religion-in-the-workplace-is-tricky-but-employers-and-employees-both-lose-when-it-becomes-a-total-taboo-239996

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What the presidential candidates have done − and where they stand − on education

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Robert Shand, Assistant Professor of Education, American University

    Donald Trump and Kamala Harris present dueling platforms for U.S. education. Getty Images

    When it comes to education policy, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris not only have mostly distinct visions but also distinct track records.

    Harris is calling for a wider role for the federal government and larger investment to improve educational opportunities. Trump is focused on reducing the federal role in education and relying upon states, localities and parents to make educational decisions and investments.

    At the same time, there are some commonalities, including the growing importance of career and technical education. What follows is a review of what the two candidates have done in the world of education while in office.

    On higher education

    The candidates share a concern about the high cost of higher education. But they have different visions for how to address those costs. As California’s attorney general, Harris secured a US$1.1 billion judgment against Corinthian Colleges for false advertising. The judgment provides refunds for students who were misled by claims about job placement rates, program offerings and military affiliations.

    Whereas Harris has pursued for-profit colleges for fraud, Trump has focused on promoting innovation by reducing regulation and expanding alternatives to traditional higher education. This includes making it easier for online, faith-based and for-profit institutions to be accredited.

    As part of the Biden administration, Harris has pursued student loan debt forgiveness. She has also strongly signaled her support for expanding access to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This follows her having co-sponsored legislation for debt-free college as a United States senator.

    The administration has faced challenges to the constitutionality of the loan forgiveness initiative on the grounds that the president does not have the authority under present law to unilaterally cancel debt. Opponents have also said any debt forgiveness would have to be authorized by Congress. Critics say further that loan forgiveness does not address the root causes of rising costs of higher education. Loan forgiveness could cause further price increases if institutions thought that students would care less about the cost of college in anticipation of having their debt forgiven.

    Trump created two entities to advise the federal government on workforce development and training needs: a council of federal officials and an advisory board of business leaders.

    In 2019, Trump signed a bipartisan bill to make permanent $250 million in annual federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, that was previously subject to annual renewal.

    Harris has called for reducing degree requirements for federal jobs. She also promoted job training programs as an alternative to incarceration in her Back on Track initiative as attorney general of California from 2011 to 2017.

    As attorney general and then a U.S. senator from California, she called for greater oversight of advertising by for-profit colleges and debt forgiveness for former students of for-profit colleges. She also supported expanding federal aid to public and nonprofit colleges, including free community colleges and large grants to HBCUs.

    On K-12 education

    The 2024 Trump campaign platform calls for sweeping changes to K-12 education policy. This includes universal school choice and more parental control over schools, which would entail allowing parents across the country to use educational funds to pay for private school through vouchers or tax credits if they chose. It also features a drastically reduced federal role in education. In fact, Trump wants to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Many of these plans, such as direct election of school principals by parents, are unlikely to come to fruition due to the fact that schools in the United States are mainly under state and local control.

    Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Trump expanded college savings 529 plans to allow parents to save up to $10,000 per year tax-free for K-12 private school tuition.

    While president, Trump made several other proposals that could foreshadow his future plans. These proposals include creating a $5 billion federal tax credit for private school tuition, cutting the budget for the U.S. Department of Education in annual budget requests and turning the Title I allocation for supplemental services for students in poverty, such as smaller classes or tutoring, into a block grant to states.

    The Biden administration has sought to expand federal funding for full-service community schools.
    Full-service community schools are public schools that receive additional funding and staffing to help address the academic needs of students as well as factors outside of school, such as access to health care and healthy food, that affect learning.

    The Biden administration also expanded Title IX gender discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

    As a candidate for the presidential nomination in 2019, Vice President Harris also called for federal funding to provide teachers with an average of a $13,500 raise, though she has not made a similar call in this campaign.

    As California attorney general, Harris made reducing chronic absenteeism a signature issue when she led the In School and On Track anti-truancy initiative. This initiative included additional funding to districts and schools to use data to better understand and monitor absenteeism and to communicate with parents about the importance of school attendance.

    The data and communication-focused approach was an evolution from her initial approach as San Francisco district attorney, which placed more emphasis on prosecuting parents for truancy.

    On early childhood learning

    Neither Trump nor Harris has a significant record of tangible actions when it comes to early childhood education. Project 2025, which Trump has disavowed but was written by close allies of the former president, calls for eliminating Head Start, a federally funded, locally run, early childhood learning program to support low-income families.

    Although Trump made several similar proposals to cut funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant by about 5%, they were not passed into law by Congress.

    Harris has made calls for free, universal prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds, but the Biden administration was not able to get its early childhood proposals through Congress.

    More recent studies of some universal pre-K programs have raised questions about how long the academic gains from early childhood programs persist. On net, however, the evidence from the highest-quality studies for high-quality early childhood programs in general, and the Head Start program in particular, suggests that they improve cognitive skills among children.

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

    – ref. What the presidential candidates have done − and where they stand − on education – https://theconversation.com/what-the-presidential-candidates-have-done-and-where-they-stand-on-education-239555

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Scholar’s new rap album seeks to turn the tables on the ‘masters’ from the Old South

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By A.D. Carson, Associate Professor of Hip-Hop, University of Virginia

    Could the path to the Ph.D. run through the recording studio? Ratchapon Supprasert via iStock / Getty Images Plus

    Usually when a rap artist comes out with a new album, it’s released by a record label as part of their career as an entertainer. For Dr. A.D. Carson, a professor of hip-hop at the University of Virginia, his latest album – “Owning My Masters (Mastered): The Rhetorics of Rhymes & Revolutions” – represents a capstone in his academic career.

    Published and released in October 2024 by University of Michigan Press, the album and digital archive features two volumes of hip-hop music, an annotated timeline, several videos and a digital book. The album – originally submitted to Clemson University in South Carolina as Carson’s doctoral dissertation – has been mastered. In the following interview with The Conversation U.S., Carson explains the significance of the project and what it means for hip-hop in the world of academe.

    ‘Owning My Masters’ seems like a deep play on words. Is it?

    Yes. The Latin word “magister” was used to describe a master or teacher in ancient Rome. I earned a master’s degree before enrolling in my doctoral program, so I own that. People probably know that the final step in the process of composing an album is called mastering. In that process, a master version of the recording is created. This is what gets duplicated and released on streaming services, vinyl or whatever way you receive music.

    It’s not always guaranteed that an artist owns the rights to those recordings, but I own all of my music.

    Also, the album was written in South Carolina at Clemson University, which is located on a former plantation owned by the slaveholding U.S. politician John C. Calhoun. Buildings there are named for people who had owned, enslaved and trafficked people; fought in the Civil War to preserve the right to traffic people; and lynched Black people. Earning a terminal degree from a place with that kind of reprehensible history seemed like a way to figuratively own those so-called slave masters and so-called masters and teachers.

    Who is your audience for this album?

    I’m always thinking about multiple audiences. For lovers of hip-hop, the album demonstrates the power and promise I feel listening to albums that have influenced me. For academics, I believe it is the future of research. Academic credentials have been used by folks to perpetuate the idea that expertise looks and sounds a certain way, and this project infiltrates that system to disprove that idea.

    If you’re interested in learning about hip-hop, academia and how arguments are made, the album can be instructive, challenging, entertaining and educational.

    The album had to pass through a doctoral dissertation defense committee and then academic peer review. But before then, I posted drafts on SoundCloud to get feedback from regular folks who use that site to listen to new music.

    What kind of themes does the album address?

    My Ph.D. is in rhetorics, communication and information designs, so it’s also about rap rhetorics – including emphasis on the local and how hip-hop can preserve information like histories and counter-histories.

    Since I had moved to Clemson, and was feeling anxiety about leaving home in Illinois, I wrote “Dissertation (Part 1: The Introduction)” early on in the process. And because I lived in that South Carolina college town, “See the Stripes” is a song about Clemson’s history and its present. The song and its video moved through Clemson’s communities, but then, as protests were happening on campuses across the world, it found national and global audiences with whom the subject matter resonates. When students were finally able to get Calhoun’s name removed from the honors college in 2020, they acknowledged their work was continuing efforts since “See the Stripes.”

    More generally, the album is about form and content. With its form, it demonstrates knowledge production using hip-hop creative and compositional practice. The contents interrogate ideas of home, history, historical imagination, citizenship, political contradictions, race and humanness.

    The album is presented in chronological order from the time I arrived on campus in 2013 until I finished my coursework and submitted the 34-song project to my dissertation committee.

    Owning My Masters (Mastered) Vol. One by A.D. Carson

    Owning My Masters (Mastered) Vol. Two by A.D. Carson

    How would you measure its success?

    I would say earning a Ph.D., earning tenure and having the album count as my academic work qualify as success. Those are things that sound kind of selfish, but I think are incredibly significant for hip-hop and for the ways we think about expertise and success in the culture.

    To me, success is being able to make a living creating challenging and thought-provoking music that doesn’t have to abide by traditional notions of success like sales charts or commercial music awards. I also measure success by the inquiries and applications of students who want to do similar kinds of critical thinking and making. When those people are able to launch and sustain careers, that’s a measure of success in my eyes as well.

    Why haven’t we seen more albums in academia?

    Change in academia comes at a glacial pace, it seems.

    Audiences associate expertise, especially regarding subjects that are considered academic, with how people have demonstrated their understanding of the matters in writing, like traditional theses, dissertations, books and essays. I believe this is connected to the histories in the U.S. that link credibility with formal education and literacy. This is difficult to separate from the history of Black folks being legally prohibited from learning to read.

    While music has long been one of the ways information is recorded and passed from one generation to the next, in my experience, music itself is still not taken as seriously as a form of scholarship as writing books or essays about music.

    These previously excluded forms of scholarship can change the ways people regard academia. In my mind, music sits alongside other scholarly forms that emphasize academic prose. I believe universities should make space and resources available for students to explore it the same way. More generally, I think citing more albums as scholarship – the same way journal articles and academic monographs are cited – would also be transformative.

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

    – ref. Scholar’s new rap album seeks to turn the tables on the ‘masters’ from the Old South – https://theconversation.com/scholars-new-rap-album-seeks-to-turn-the-tables-on-the-masters-from-the-old-south-241895

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The ‘Courage Tour’ is attempting to get Christians to vote for Trump − and focused on defeating ‘demons’

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Michael E. Heyes, Associate Professor and Chair of Religion, Lycoming College

    Evangelist Lance Wallnau addresses people at the ‘Courage Tour’ rally. Michael E. Heyes, CC BY

    As a scholar of religion, I attended the “Courage Tour,” a series of religious-political rallies, when it made a stop in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, from Sept. 27-28, 2024.

    From what I observed, the various speakers on the tour used conservative talking points – such as the threat of communism and LGBTQ+ “ideologies” taking over education – and gave them a demonic twist. They told people that diabolical forces had overtaken America, and they needed to expel them by ensuring Donald Trump was elected.

    The tour is attempting to get those Christians to vote for Trump. The tour has moved through several battleground states such as Arizona, Michigan and Georgia, drawing several thousand people at every site.

    The tour is not only focused on defeating Democrats but also on defeating demons. The idea that demons exert a hold over the material world is a key feature of the New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, worldview. The NAR is a loose group of like-minded charismatic Christian churches and religious leaders – sometimes termed “prophets” – who want to see Christians dominate all walks of life.

    As someone who recently finished a book on the intersection of demons and politics, “Demons in the USA: From the Anti-Spiritualists to QAnon,” I was eager to see this combination for myself. I believe it would be a mistake to think that the New Apostolic Reformation is a fringe group with no real influence.

    The influence and reach

    The group has an associated nonprofit organization known as Ziklag – named for a town in the Hebrew Bible that is an important site associated with David’s kingship – with deep pockets for the movement’s goals. A ProPublica investigation found that the group had already spent US$12 million “to mobilize Republican-leaning voters and purge more than a million people from the rolls in key swing states, aiming to tilt the 2024 election in favor of former President Donald Trump.”

    The Southern Poverty Law Center calls the New Apostolic Reformation “the greatest threat to U.S. democracy that you have never heard of.”

    The diffuse nature of NAR membership and its rapid growth make it difficult to gauge followers: Estimates have placed the number of NAR adherents between 3 million and 33 million, but individuals who may not label themselves as part of the NAR might nevertheless agree with the group’s theology.

    Moreover, Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance’s presence at the meeting I attended is also a tacit and significant endorsement for this group.

    The ‘Seven Mountain Mandate’

    According to NAR’s theology, there are “seven mountains” that govern areas of worldly influence, and Christians are destined to occupy all of them. These mountains are religion, government, family, education, media, entertainment and business.

    Known as the “Seven Mountain Mandate,” this “prophecy” first rose to prominence in 2013 with the publication of “Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountain Mandate,” written by Bill Johnson, lead pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California, and member of the NAR, and Lance Wallnau, NAR prophet and one of the founders of the Courage Tour. In the book, the Seven Mountain Mandate is trumpeted as a message received directly from God.

    The NAR perceives the majority of these mountains as currently occupied by diabolical spiritual forces. To counter these forces, the NAR engages in “spiritual warfare,” which are acts of Christian prayer that are used to defeat or drive out demons.

    As religion scholar Sean McCloud writes, these prayers can be taken from “handbooks, workshops and hands-on participation in deliverance sessions.” Deliverance sessions involve diagnosing and expelling demons from an individual.

    Alternatively, it is not uncommon for pastors to incorporate spiritual warfare into church services. For example, in a much-reported sermon, Paula White-Cain, the former spiritual adviser to Trump, commanded all “satanic pregnancies to miscarry.” In the sermon’s context, satanic pregnancies were not literal pregnancies. Instead, White-Cain was praying for the failure of satanic plots “conceived” by the devil.

    In NAR theology, all Christians are embattled by demons, and spiritual warfare is a necessary part of life. As scholar of religion André Gagné writes, the NAR sees spiritual warfare as happening on three “levels.”

    The ground level occurs in a case of individual exorcism or deliverance, a kind of “one-on-one” battle with demons. The second level is the occult level, in which believers seek to counter what they believe to be demonic movements such as shamanism and New Age thought. Finally, there is the strategic level in which the movement does battle with powerful spirits whom they believe control geographic areas at the behest of Satan.

    Friday night on the Courage Tour.

    The Courage Tour

    The Courage Tour is part of a strategic-level act of spiritual warfare: Stumping for Trump is really about exerting Christian influence over the “government mountain” that followers of the NAR believe to be occupied by the devil.

    According to the speakers on the tour, America is in trouble: It is currently being run by “the Left,” or Democrats, a group that is slowly pushing the U.S. toward communism, a system of government in which private property ceases to exist and the means of production are communally owned.

    It claims that the Left wants to see this shift occur because it is populated by “cultural Marxists.” This is part of a far-right conspiracy theory that suggests all progressive political movements are indebted to the ideas of Karl Marx, whose Communist Manifesto is most closely associated with communism.

    In more extreme forms of communism, nation-states disappear – an idea reflected in speakers’ frequent criticism of “globalism,” which was generally defined as a single, worldwide governmental structure. The group rejects globalism on the grounds that God instituted nation-states as a divinely ordained form of government.

    Wallnau described globalism as a sign of the beast and the end of days, and claimed that “the intent of that Marxist element in our country is to collapse our borders.”

    Promotional sign on the Courage Tour for My Faith Votes, an organization that encourages voters to vote biblically.
    Michael E. Heyes, CC BY

    Demonizing queerness

    The speakers further claimed that this demonic Marxism was perverting the educational system in the United States. For example, numerous speakers criticized schools for supposedly indoctrinating or “evangelizing” children with “LGBTQ ideologies.”

    Wallnau even suggested that the “trans movement” began “in the days of Noah” when the fallen angels of Genesis 6 married human women and had hybrid children. This echoes a discussion Wallnau and Rick Renner had on the “Lance Wallnau Show,” linking such “ideologies” to fallen angels and the Apocalypse.

    This negative view of nontraditional gender and sexual orientations is a long-lived feature of the group. John Weaver, a scholar of religion, notes in his book “The New Apostolic Reformation” that the group’s ideas are indebted to conservative theologian Rousas John Rushdoony, who supported the death penalty for homosexuals.

    Likewise, religion scholar Damon T. Berry writes that members of the movement believe that “demonic spirits” are “acting to subvert the will of God through aspects of culture like the toleration of homosexuality, abortion, addiction, poverty and political correctness.”

    Wallnau encouraged the audience on the Courage Tour to “fight for your families because I don’t want to leave behind a demonic train wreck for my children.”

    As hard as it is to believe, one of the most important questions of the election might well be – how many Americans believe in demons?

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

    – ref. The ‘Courage Tour’ is attempting to get Christians to vote for Trump − and focused on defeating ‘demons’ – https://theconversation.com/the-courage-tour-is-attempting-to-get-christians-to-vote-for-trump-and-focused-on-defeating-demons-241335

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: WHO Will Answer the Call? | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    : Erica Parker, AMVID

    General of the Army Douglas MacArthur spoke to the cadets at U.S. Military Academy on May 12, 1962 and gave what would become known as his “Duty, Honor, Country” speech.

    About the U.S. Army:

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

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

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwvoOyYD32k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ministerial statement on the Investment Canada Act review of Cleveland-Cliffs acquisition of Stelco

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, made the following statement:

    October 30, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario 

    Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, made the following statement:

    “Foreign investment encourages economic growth, innovation, and employment opportunities in Canada. At the same time, the Government of Canada has a responsibility to make sure the most significant foreign investments will benefit Canadians. 

    “On July 15, 2024, Stelco Holdings Inc. and Cleveland-Cliffs announced an agreement pursuant to which Cleveland-Cliffs would acquire all of the outstanding shares of Stelco.  

    “Following an extensive review under the Investment Canada Act, yesterday, I approved the investment. This approval is contingent on a significant package of binding, five-year-long undertakings to support Cleveland-Cliffs’ net benefit case which it provided as part of the review process, including:

    • To respect Stelco’s historic brand by carrying on operations under the name, “Stelco, a Cleveland-Cliffs Company”;
    • To maintain Stelco’s head office in Hamilton, with responsibility for Stelco’s day-to-day operations;
    • To continue to employ at least the same number of unionized employees and the vast majority of non-unionized employees as were employed when the transaction was announced;
    • To honour all existing collective bargaining agreements and Stelco’s employee benefit and pension commitments;
    • To make significant capital and research and development expenditures in support of Stelco’s operations; and
    • To ensure Stelco’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emission intensity do not increase and continue to be at least 25 percent below the global average for integrated steel mills.

    “While Canada welcomes foreign investment, the Government is committed to considering all factors laid out in the Investment Canada Act when reviewing transactions to ensure they are beneficial to Canadian workers and Canada’s economic interests.”

    Media Relations
    Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
    media@ised-isde.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    DTE remains committed to customer satisfaction and has consistently expanded its list of services for business customers. These include:

    • A range of energy efficiency programs that serve thousands of businesses annually, helping them optimize their energy use, reduce operational costs and enhance sustainability.
    • A dedicated business call center that connects business customers directly with DTE representatives who are knowledgeable about the unique energy needs of businesses.
    • An enhanced web experience for business customers allowing them to manage their accounts 24/7. 

    About DTE Energy
    DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ChargeUp Accelerator for Battery Startups Opens Application Period for Cohort 2

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    To apply to ChargeUp, go here.

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

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

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

    For more information on NextCorps, visit nextcorps.org.

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pax8 Tops the Denver Business Journal Fast 50 List in 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Electrify Expo Scheduled To Ignite Austin with an Unforgettable Grand Finale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Electrify Expo returns to the iconic Circuit of the Americas, offering an unparalleled opportunity to ride, drive, and demo the most exciting electric cars, trucks, e-motorcycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, and customized EVs—across 1 million square feet of festival space
    • Feel the rush on the specially designed off-road dirt course in the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally, experiencing its incredible power and performance firsthand
    • The Track Experience powered by Austin Energy will give attendees the ultimate bucket list experience to feel the thrill of their favorite EVs on the legendary race track
    • Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10; tickets can be purchased online or in person

    AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Electrify Expo, North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) festival, will return to Austin for its final stop of the 2024 tour on November 9-10 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Everything’s bigger in Texas, and this year’s event promises to be the largest yet, featuring 1 million square feet of thrilling EV experiences at one of the country’s most iconic motorsport venues. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to get behind the wheel of the world’s leading electric vehicles, from the GMC HUMMER to the Nissan ARIYA to the Tesla Cybertruck.

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

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

    Special Attractions for Austin:

    • The Track Experience Powered by Austin Energy: Get behind the wheel of top EVs on the legendary race track!
    • Experience the Tesla Cybertruck: Witness this highly anticipated vehicle throughout the weekend.
    • GMC Makes its Austin Debut: Check out the GMC HUMMER EV and Sierra EV Denali, making their first appearance at Electrify Expo.
    • Electric Dirt Bike Zone: Feel the thrill of electric dirt bikes as you blaze through a custom-designed dirt track.
    • LSV Demo Zone: Hop in and take a spin with the newest, high-tech electric golf carts.
    • Rivian’s Full Lineup: Test drive the all-new R2 and R3 alongside the popular R1T and R1S.
    • Amazon Recharge Zone: Join a full weekend of programming addressing common EV questions and dispelling myths.
    • Electrify Showoff: Marvel at the most radical customized EVs and get inspired to personalize your own ride!

    “Austin is my hometown and this year we’re pulling out all the stops,” said BJ Birtwell, CEO and founder of Electrify Expo. “With the ever-growing popularity of EVs in Texas, we invite skeptics, enthusiasts, curious onlookers and thrill seekers – to join us for a weekend of exciting experiences for all ages in an outdoor festival environment.”

    Electrify Expo has grown to become the Nation’s leading event for all forms of electric transportation. Whether you crave speed, style or comfort, you’ll find plenty to explore including:

    • Ford: Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, E-Transit
    • GMC: HUMMER EV, Sierra EV Denali
    • Lexus: 2024 RZ 450e, 2024 RX 450h+, 2024 NX 450h+, 2024 TX 550h+
    • Lucid: Air models
    • Nissan: ARIYA, LEAF
    • Porsche: Taycan
    • Rivian: R1T, R1S, R2, R3
    • Tesla: Cybertruck, Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y
    • Toyota: Grand Highlander Hybrid, Prius Prime, RAV 4 Prime, bZ4X, Sienna HV
    • Volvo: EX30, C40 Recharge, XC40 Recharge, EX90
    • Polestar: Polestar 3 and 4

    In addition to automakers, Austin attendees will be treated to an exciting lineup of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility offerings from top brands on two and four wheels, including:

    • SUPER 73
    • GoTrax Bikes + Scooters
    • Stacyc
    • JackRabbit
    • Landmaster
    • Amazon
    • Austin Energy
    • Anker
    • and many more

    For a full brand lineup, visit https://www.electrifyexpo.com/austin.

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

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

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

    Media Contact
    Skyya PR
    ee@skyya.com

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Flourish Launches Integration with Salesforce Sales Cloud and Financial Services Cloud

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Apple Products Less Likely to be Impacted by Outages, Kandji Data Reveals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • 77% of IT professionals agree Apple products are easier to secure than Windows and Android
    • 72% believe that Apple products are more secure than other end-user devices
    • 59% report that Apple products are less likely to be impacted by widespread cyber outages

    SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While cyberattacks continue to rise, the majority of IT professionals (72%) believe that Apple products are more secure than other end-user devices, according to a new survey released today by Kandji, the Apple endpoint management and security platform. Despite the growing threats, the security benefits of Apple products remain a contributing factor to Apple’s growth in the enterprise, with over three-fourths of IT professionals reporting that Apple products are easier to secure than other end-user devices, and the majority (59%) stating that they are less likely to be impacted by widespread cyber outages.

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

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

    Increased iPad, iPhone, and Mac Use Adds to Continued Apple Product Growth in Enterprise

    • 73% of organizations report that the number of Apple products has increased over the last year, driven primarily by employee preference (76%), security (50%), and reliability (43%).
    • 80% of C-level executives report that Apple growth is driven by employee demand.
    • 69% of organizations report that use of iPhone has increased over the last year, driven primarily by employee preference (73%), reliability (56%), and security (56%).
    • 45% of organizations report that the use of iPad has increased over the last year, driven primarily by mobility needs (75%) and hybrid/remote work (61%).
    • 67% of IT professionals expect Apple Vision Pro to be a business productivity solution, not just a personal entertainment unit.

    Security Remains Key Benefit of Apple Device Use

    • 77% of IT professionals agree Apple products are easier to secure than Windows and Android.
    • 72% of IT professionals believe that Apple products are more secure than other end-user devices.
    • 59% of IT professionals report that Apple products are less likely to be impacted by widespread cyber outages.
    • 58% of IT professionals say security is a top benefit received from use of Apple products, a notable 10% increase from 2023.

    Despite Concerns About Artificial Intelligence Overall, IT Professionals Believe Apple Does More to Protect End-User Privacy

    • 92% of IT professionals have concerns about AI, citing worries about errors/inaccuracies (68%), privacy (66%), and security (64%).
    • 72% of C-level executives report concerns about AI causing errors.
    • 71% of IT professionals say when it comes to AI, Apple does more to protect end-user privacy than other vendors.
    • 67% of companies have implemented restrictions around the use of AI, including published policies (69%), access controls (65%), and user education (59%).
    • 54% of IT professionals say IT operations and security share the responsibility of managing restrictions on the use of AI.

    “It’s become abundantly clear that no business is immune to cyberattacks. But there are choices IT and security leaders can make that reduce the risk and impact these bad actors have on the overall organization, one of which is to expand their adoption of Apple products,” said Adam Pettit, CEO and co-founder of Kandji. “Amid the evolving threat landscape, the confidence IT professionals place in Apple products speaks volumes about their irrefutable advantages and resilience. Apple’s commitment to security remains a driving force behind its growth, especially as AI reshapes the workplace. I am excited to witness the limitless potential and business value Apple continues to bring to the enterprise.”

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

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

    Helpful Links

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ServiceTrade 2024 Benchmark Reports Reveal Fire Protection and Mechanical Service Customers Outperform Industry Peers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

    ServiceTrade Customers Outperform Industry Average

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

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

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

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

    The full ServiceTrade Benchmark Reports are available for free download:

    To learn more about ServiceTrade:

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

    Sources: 

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

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

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

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

    Contact:
    Media@KTCMarketingandPR.com

    The MIL Network –

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

    Operating Results

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

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

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

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

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

    Balance Sheet Review

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

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

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

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

    Credit Quality

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

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

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

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

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

    About Summit State Bank

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

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

    Forward-looking Statements

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

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

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

                       
    SUMMIT STATE BANK
    STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (In thousands except earnings per share data)
                       
                       
              Three Months Ended
              September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
              (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
                       
    Interest and dividend income:          
      Interest and fees on loans $ 13,594     $ 13,083     $ 12,831  
      Interest on deposits with banks   592       451       1,263  
      Interest on investment securities   663       709       708  
      Dividends on FHLB stock   128       128       129  
          Total interest and dividend income   14,977       14,371       14,931  
    Interest expense:          
      Deposits   7,563       7,046       6,895  
      Federal Home Loan Bank advances   4       137       10  
      Junior subordinated debt   138       94       94  
          Total interest expense   7,705       7,277       6,999  
          Net interest income before provision for credit losses   7,272       7,094       7,932  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans   1,320       6       (27 )
    (Reversal of) credit losses on unfunded loan commitments   (8 )     (26 )     (5 )
    (Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments   (19 )     4       27  
          Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit          
          losses on loans, unfunded loan commitments and investments   5,979       7,110       7,937  
    Non-interest income:          
      Service charges on deposit accounts   241       227       231  
      Rental income   60       60       61  
      Net gain on loan sales   474       270       1,046  
      Other income   255       244       158  
          Total non-interest income   1,030       801       1,496  
    Non-interest expense:          
      Salaries and employee benefits   3,988       4,039       4,362  
      Occupancy and equipment   420       443       432  
      Other expenses   1,773       2,145       2,132  
          Total non-interest expense   6,181       6,627       6,926  
          Income before provision for income taxes   828       1,284       2,507  
    Provision for income taxes   202       356       686  
          Net income $ 626     $ 928     $ 1,821  
                       
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.09     $ 0.14     $ 0.27  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.09     $ 0.14     $ 0.27  
                       
    Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding   6,719       6,719       6,697  
    Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding   6,719       6,719       6,705  
                       
                     
    SUMMIT STATE BANK
    STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (In thousands except earnings per share data)
                     
                     
              Nine Months Ended
              September 30, 2024     September 30, 2023
              (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)
                     
    Interest and dividend income:        
      Interest and fees on loans $ 39,952       $ 39,152  
      Interest on deposits with banks   1,405         3,618  
      Interest on investment securities   2,084         2,143  
      Dividends on FHLB stock   386         293  
          Total interest and dividend income   43,827         45,206  
    Interest expense:        
      Deposits   21,396         17,114  
      Federal Home Loan Bank advances   332         177  
      Junior Subordinated Debt   325         281  
          Total interest expense   22,053         17,572  
          Net interest income before provision for credit losses   21,774         27,634  
    Provision for credit losses on loans   1,311         373  
    (Reversal of) credit losses on unfunded loan commitments   (99 )       (3 )
    (Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments   (20 )       27  
          Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit        
          losses on loans, unfunded loan commitments and investments   20,582         27,237  
    Non-interest income:        
      Service charges on deposit accounts   701         653  
      Rental income   180         139  
      Net gain on loan sales   1,257         2,481  
      Other income   641         1,630  
          Total non-interest income   2,779         4,903  
    Non-interest expense:        
      Salaries and employee benefits   12,210         12,354  
      Occupancy and equipment   1,348         1,326  
      Other expenses   5,651         5,886  
          Total non-interest expense   19,209         19,566  
          Income before provision for income taxes   4,152         12,574  
    Provision for income taxes   1,203         3,652  
          Net income $ 2,949       $ 8,922  
                     
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.44       $ 1.33  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.44       $ 1.33  
                     
    Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding   6,712         6,694  
    Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding   6,712         6,697  
                     
                     
    SUMMIT STATE BANK
    BALANCE SHEETS
    (In thousands except share data)
                     
                     
            September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
            (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
                     
    ASSETS          
                     
    Cash and due from banks $ 80,928     $ 40,142     $ 86,604  
          Total cash and cash equivalents   80,928       40,142       86,604  
                     
    Investment securities:          
      Available-for-sale, less allowance for credit losses of $38, $57 and $0          
      (at fair value; amortized cost of $86,225, $96,407 and $97,099)   76,205       83,105       80,312  
                     
    Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $15,466, $14,145 and $15,243   917,367       913,514       932,199  
    Bank premises and equipment, net   5,251       5,306       5,334  
    Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock (FHLB), at cost   5,889       5,889       5,541  
    Goodwill     4,119       4,119       4,119  
    Other Real Estate Owned   5,130       5,130       –  
    Affordable housing tax credit investments   7,698       7,942       8,360  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets   16,204       16,898       19,705  
                     
          Total assets $ 1,118,791     $ 1,082,045     $ 1,142,174  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND          
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
                     
    Deposits:          
      Demand – non interest-bearing $ 192,371     $ 183,181     $ 210,258  
      Demand – interest-bearing   212,214       218,124       201,516  
      Savings   45,845       42,974       54,317  
      Money market   219,593       212,750       193,080  
      Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit   80,801       74,744       72,836  
      Other time deposits   251,946       234,814       298,829  
          Total deposits   1,002,770       966,587       1,030,836  
                     
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   –       3,500       –  
    Junior subordinated debt   5,931       5,927       5,916  
    Affordable housing commitment   4,061       4,061       4,435  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   5,367       4,021       7,548  
                     
          Total liabilities   1,018,129       984,096       1,048,735  
                     
    Shareholders’ equity          
      Preferred stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;          
      no shares issued and outstanding   –       –       –  
      Common stock, no par value; shares authorized – 30,000,000 shares;          
      issued and outstanding 6,776,563, 6,784,099 and 6,784,099   37,677       37,623       37,389  
      Retained earnings   70,012       69,651       67,867  
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net   (7,027 )     (9,325 )     (11,817 )
                     
          Total shareholders’ equity   100,662       97,949       93,439  
                     
          Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,118,791     $ 1,082,045     $ 1,142,174  
                     
    Financial Summary
    (Dollars in thousands except per share data)
                 
        As of and for the
        Three Months Ended
        September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
        (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    Statement of Income Data:            
    Net interest income   $ 7,272     $ 7,094     $ 7,932  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans     1,320       6       (27 )
    (Reversal of) credit losses on unfunded loan commitments   (8 )     (26 )     (5 )
    (Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments   (19 )     4       27  
    Non-interest income     1,030       801       1,496  
    Non-interest expense     6,181       6,627       6,926  
    Provision for income taxes     202       356       686  
    Net income   $ 626     $ 928     $ 1,821  
                 
    Selected per Common Share Data:            
    Basic earnings per common share   $ 0.09     $ 0.14     $ 0.27  
    Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.09     $ 0.14     $ 0.27  
    Dividend per share   $ 0.04     $ 0.12     $ 0.12  
    Book value per common share (1)   $ 14.85     $ 14.44     $ 13.77  
                 
    Selected Balance Sheet Data:            
    Assets   $ 1,118,791     $ 1,082,045     $ 1,142,174  
    Loans, net     917,367       913,514       932,199  
    Deposits     1,002,770       966,587       1,030,836  
    Average assets     1,098,469       1,078,700       1,155,007  
    Average earning assets     1,063,476       1,049,254       1,123,951  
    Average shareholders’ equity     99,962       97,548       95,180  
    Nonperforming loans     36,841       35,864       35,267  
    Net loans (charged-off) recovered     –       (1,067 )     10  
    Other real estate owned     5,130       5,130       –  
    Total nonperforming assets     41,971       40,994       35,267  
                 
    Selected Ratios:            
    Return on average assets (2)     0.23 %     0.35 %     0.63 %
    Return on average common shareholders’ equity (2)     2.48 %     3.82 %     7.59 %
    Efficiency ratio (3)     74.45 %     83.94 %     73.46 %
    Net interest margin (2)     2.71 %     2.71 %     2.80 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio     9.94 %     10.22 %     9.65 %
    Tier 1 capital ratio     9.94 %     10.22 %     9.65 %
    Total capital ratio     11.66 %     12.08 %     11.49 %
    Tier 1 leverage ratio     9.18 %     9.31 %     8.47 %
    Common dividend payout ratio (4)     42.34 %     87.96 %     43.82 %
    Average shareholders’ equity to average assets     9.10 %     9.04 %     8.24 %
    Nonperforming loans to total loans     3.95 %     3.87 %     3.72 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     3.75 %     3.79 %     3.09 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.66 %     1.52 %     1.61 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans     41.98 %     39.44 %     43.22 %
         
    (1) Total shareholders’ equity divided by total common shares outstanding.    
    (2) Annualized.    
    (3) Non-interest expenses to net interest and non-interest income, net of securities gains.        
    (4) Common dividends divided by net income available for common shareholders.    
         
                 
    Financial Summary
    (Dollars in thousands except per share data)
               
        As of and for the
        Nine Months Ended
        September 30, 2024     September 30, 2023
        (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)
    Statement of Income Data:          
    Net interest income   $ 21,774       $ 27,634  
    (Reversal of) provision for credit losses on loans     1,311         373  
    (Reversal of) provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments   (99 )       (3 )
    (Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments   (20 )       27  
    Non-interest income     2,779         4,903  
    Non-interest expense     19,209         19,566  
    Provision for income taxes     1,203         3,652  
    Net income   $ 2,949       $ 8,922  
               
    Selected per Common Share Data:          
    Basic earnings per common share   $ 0.44       $ 1.33  
    Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.44       $ 1.33  
    Dividend per share   $ 0.28       $ 0.36  
    Book value per common share (1)   $ 14.85       $ 13.77  
               
    Selected Balance Sheet Data:          
    Assets   $ 1,118,791       $ 1,142,174  
    Loans, net     917,367         932,199  
    Deposits     1,002,770         1,030,836  
    Average assets     1,088,413         1,149,441  
    Average earning assets     1,056,714         1,117,877  
    Average shareholders’ equity     98,333         93,461  
    Nonperforming loans     36,841         35,267  
    Net loans (charged-off) recovered     (1,066 )       31  
    Other real estate owned     5,130         –  
    Total nonperforming assets     41,971         35,267  
               
    Selected Ratios:          
    Return on average assets (2)     0.36 %       1.04 %
    Return on average common shareholders’ equity (2)     4.00 %       12.76 %
    Efficiency ratio (3)     78.23 %       60.13 %
    Net interest margin (2)     2.74 %       3.31 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio     9.94 %       9.65 %
    Tier 1 capital ratio     9.94 %       9.65 %
    Total capital ratio     11.66 %       11.49 %
    Tier 1 leverage ratio     9.18 %       8.47 %
    Common dividend payout ratio (4)     64.23 %       27.36 %
    Average shareholders’ equity to average assets     9.03 %       8.13 %
    Nonperforming loans to total loans     3.95 %       3.72 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     3.75 %       3.09 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.66 %       1.61 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans     41.98 %       43.22 %
         
    (1) Total shareholders’ equity divided by total common shares outstanding.    
    (2) Annualized.    
    (3) Non-interest expenses to net interest and non-interest income, net of securities gains.      
    (4) Common dividends divided by net income available for common shareholders.    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Exciting Opportunity to Leverage Triller’s Underutilized Assets to Create Next-Gen Entertainment Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

    As the Company develops and implements strategies to meet these needs, Triller Group is not starting from scratch. The Company already has a strong foundation with powerful assets and brands in vertical video (Triller App), connected TV (TrillerTV) and content and events (BKFC) that foster passionate user engagement through authenticity and trust. The transformation journey has already started as evidenced by the fact that the Company has:

    • A content-rich Triller App, with 36% of users actively creating content.
    • A highly sophisticated, AI-driven suite of tools and services, currently serving top creators and leading brands globally on the Triller App and across the social media landscape.
    • More than 3,000 events live-streamed annually without a glitch through TrillerTV.
    • Proof of concept with BKFC, the world’s fastest-growing combat league, featuring highly successful events and unique content made accessible across all media distribution channels, including vertical video and connected TV, on a global scale.

    As Triller Group connects and integrates these underleveraged assets, Triller Group will start to occupy a truly unique position as an entertainment platform, translating into unparalleled value for all our stakeholders.

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

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

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

    About Triller Group Inc.

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

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

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

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us following the consummation of the business combination; expectations regarding our strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and our ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in Hong Kong and the international markets the Company plans to serve and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the SEC, the length and severity of the recent coronavirus outbreak, including its impacts across our business and operations. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Investor & Media Relations: 

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

    Anthony Silverman
    ads@apellaadvisors.com

    # # #

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Flourish Launches Integration with XLR8 RIA CRM Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Flourish Announces Integration with Practifi

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Alation Extends Data Intelligence to Google Chrome to Empower Faster Self-Service Analytics Across the Enterprise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

    Key benefits of the Alation Anywhere for Google Chrome extension include: 

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

    To learn more, read the blog “Alation Anywhere for Chrome: Data Intelligence, Where You Are.” 

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FE International Advises on the Strategic Acquisition of UX Design Platform by Digital Marketing Services Provider

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

    About FE International

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

    Media Contact:

    Gaj Tanwar

    Marketing Coordinator, FE International

    Email: gaj.tanwar@feinternational.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Backblaze and Opti9 Partner to Bring High Performance and Low Cost Cloud Storage to Joint Customers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About Backblaze

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

    About Opti9

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

    Press Contact

    Jeanette Foster
    Communications Manager, Backblaze
    jfoster@backblaze.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stack Capital Group Inc. Completes $15.8 Million Main Tranche of a Total $16.7 Million Best Efforts Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About Stack Capital

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

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

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

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

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

    For further information, please contact

    Brian Viveiros
    VP Corporate Development and IR

    647-280-3307
    Info@stackcapitalgroup.com

    www.stackcapitalgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Vail is not the most popular ski destination in the world but ranks 9th according to the Travel App, Visited

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arriving In High Heels Corporation, the company behind the popular travel tracking app, Visited, has published a list of top 25 most popular ski destinations in the world. Based on mountain ranges the most popular locations are the Alps, Dolomites and the Rockies. The top ski destinations around the world include:

    1. Dolomites
    2. Chamonix
    3. Innsbruck
    4. Zermatt
    5. Sudtirol

    Of the US ski destinations, only Vail makes it to the top 10 list at number 9. Park City is the 2nd most popular destination in the U.S. and ranks 18th in the world while Aspen is the 3rd most popular ski destination in the U.S. and is ranked 19th in the world.

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

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

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

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

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

    Contact:
    Anna Kayfitz
    anna@arrivinginhighheels.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: RAISE Summit 2025 to Shape the Future of AI Confirmed for July in Paris

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About the RAISE Summit

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

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

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

    https://www.raisesummit.com/

    Jen Summers

    jen@chainof.events

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Premium Income Corporation Announces Successful Overnight Offering Of Preferred Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Real Estate Split Corp. Completes Overnight Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

    The Company’s investment objectives for the:

    Class A Shares are to provide holders with:

    1. non-cumulative monthly cash distributions; and
    2. the opportunity for capital appreciation through exposure to the portfolio

    Preferred Shares are to:

    1. provide holders with fixed cumulative preferential quarterly cash distributions; and
    2. return the original issue price of $10.00 to holders upon maturity.

    Middlefield Capital Corporation provides investment management advice to the Company.

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: A new pact to bolster business in MENA region

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: A new pact to bolster business in MENA region

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The action plan sets out shared commitments to:

    • Facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing among chambers of commerce through the Chamber Benchmarking initiative
    • Drive the digitalisation of trade in the MENA region, supporting the work of the ICC Digital Standards Initiative
    • Inform and collaborate on the BRICS Business Council in consultation with UAE businesses
    • Support initiatives of ICC and the ICC World Chambers Federation, bringing value to businesses in the UAE and region

    By way of the non-financial, non-binding agreement, ICC and Dubai Chambers have committed to review the action plan as projects develop.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at breakfast meeting hosted by HKEX in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today (October 30):     Carlson (Chairman of HKEX, Mr Carlson Tong), Mohammed (CEO of Saudi Exchange, Mr Mohammed Al-Rumaih), Bill (Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered PLC, Mr Bill Winters), Darryl (Deputy Chief Executive of HKMA, Mr Darryl Chan), Bonnie (CEO of HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,      Good morning, everyone. It is a great pleasure to join you today at this important breakfast session hosted by HKEX, right at the heart of the FII (Future Investment Initiative).     Before we begin, I want to extend my appreciation to HKEX for organising this session and to FII for providing a forum that brings global leaders together to address the future of investment. My special thanks to Mohammed, CEO of Saudi Exchange, and Bill, Global CEO of Standard Chartered, for joining this panel. A moment for co-operation     There couldn’t be a better time for us to gather and discuss how we can strengthen our capital market connectivity. The transformative agenda set forth by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 seeks to foster a dynamic society through extensive infrastructure projects, green transition, and digitalisation. This ambitious vision is driving significant reforms across various sectors, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in economic diversification and innovation.     In light of the evolving geopolitical landscape and shifts in global economic gravity, Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East are actively deploying their capital towards Asia. In this context, Hong Kong emerges as a pivotal player, serving as an international financial centre and a gateway to China and the wider Asian market. Hong Kong’s value proposition     Hong Kong’s unique strengths are anchored in the “one country, two systems” framework, which China has committed to maintain over the long term. This arrangement allows Hong Kong to benefit from both the advantages of being part of China and the defining characteristics as an international city. We enjoy convenient, and at times privileged, access to the Mainland market while retaining our distinctive features, including a common law system, a judiciary that exercises powers independently, the free flow of capital, goods, information, and talent, a low and simple tax regime, and a currency pegged to the US dollar.     Hong Kong is one of the top three international financial centres globally, alongside New York and London. We have also recently been recognised by the Fraser Institute as the freest economy in the world. Our world-class professional services adhere to the highest international standards, bolstered by a wealth of international experience and extensive connections.     In short, Hong Kong presents unique advantages that can create significant value for Middle Eastern investors and capital. Hong Kong is an attractive destination for investment and collaboration, particularly in such areas as fund-raising, asset and wealth management, and green and sustainable finance. Allow me to elaborate. Fund-raising markets     First, our fund-raising market. Carlson will provide a comprehensive overview of how Hong Kong serves as the prime connector between the capital markets of the Mainland and the rest of the world.      Our stock market has a capitalisation of over US$4.5 trillion, which is 12 times of our GDP. It went through some challenging times in 2023 and the earliest part of this. It is making a comeback, particularly following the recent announcement of a stimulus package by the central authorities, aimed at injecting liquidity into the banking sector and supporting the real estate market. Since then, the market has increased by about 15 per cent with high volume. We have seen strong buying interest from American and European investors, who accounted for approximately 85 per cent of the buy side by value. Notably, 90 per cent of these investors are long-term fund managers and investment banks.     Over the past few years, we have continuously reformed our listing regime. These reforms have broadened our market’s appeal and positioned Hong Kong as a leading listing hub for innovative enterprises. For example we are now the second-largest biotech fund-raising hub after the United States.     Our country, China, has consistently supported the development of Hong Kong’s stock market. Just this April, the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced five measures to bolster the development of Hong Kong’s capital markets, including, for example, expanding the Connect Schemes we have with the Mainland to cover more ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and REITs (real estate investment trusts), and facilitating the listing of more leading Mainland companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.     By the way, we are also actively enhancing our connectivity with new markets. Last year, we reached an agreement with the Saudi Exchange and Indonesia Stock Exchange to allow companies in these countries to secondary list on our Stock Exchange. As they come to Hong Kong, they are able to access both international capital and capital from the Mainland under the Connect Schemes.      The upcoming listing of two ETFs investing in Hong Kong stocks on the Saudi Exchange will be further reinforcing our links with Saudi Arabia.     Beyond stock market, we boast a vibrant private equity sector, which manages over US$230 billion in assets, making us number two in Asia, only after the Mainland. Indeed, Hong Kong has a comprehensive chain of funds supporting companies at various stages of growth.      Looking to the future, our stock market is poised to grow deeper and more robust. We are determined to attract more quality issuers from around the globe, and new capital sources, particularly Middle East and Asia.     Asset and wealth management hub     Second, asset and wealth management. Many Middle Eastern families and ultra-high-net-worth individuals are increasingly recognising the need to diversify their asset allocation and look beyond traditional American and European markets. They can certainly look to Hong Kong. We manage over US$4 trillion in assets, with more than half coming from outside Hong Kong and Mainland China. We are also home to 2 700 single-family offices. Beyond diversified investment offerings, we have established a robust network comprising private banks, accounting and legal firms, trusts, and other professional service providers, forming a strong nexus that caters to their needs. This is further complemented by our strong philanthropic culture and programmes for families to leave a lasting legacy, making a difference in the world and shaping a better future for generations to come.Green and sustainable finance     Finally, green and sustainable finance. As a key component of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has embarked on the Saudi Green Initiative, with clear targets to increase the share of renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance land and sea protection. This vision resonates with us well, and we stand ready to contribute.     Hong Kong is Asia’s green finance capital, demonstrated by our leading position in arranging green and sustainable debt, averaging over $63 billion per year over the past three years, accounting for over one-third of Asia’s total. Beyond volume, we are committed to building a green reporting system that meets the highest international standards, by adopting taxonomies interoperable with other international classification frameworks, and adhering to global sustainable reporting standards. Clearly, Hong Kong is an ideal platform for Saudi and Middle Eastern green and sustainable projects looking to access funds in our part of the world.Concluding remarks     Ladies and gentlemen, I have just outlined some of the areas that Hong Kong can play in connecting capital, investments, and opportunities between our markets. I am eager to hear the valuable insights from our panelists this morning on how our capital markets can further collaborate and innovate.      I wish you all the best of health and business in the years to come. May our discussions today inspire new ideas and fruitful collaborations that lead to shared prosperity and growth for all.     Thank you!

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Changes in Nokia Corporation’s own shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    30 October 2024 at 16:00 EET

    Changes in Nokia Corporation’s own shares

    Espoo, Finland – A total of 566 919 Nokia shares (NOKIA) held by the company were transferred today without consideration to participants of Nokia’s equity-based incentive plans in accordance with the rules of the plans. The transfer is based on the resolution of the Board of Directors to issue shares held by the company to settle its commitments to participants of the plans as announced on 4 October 2023.

    The number of own shares held by Nokia Corporation following the transfer is 188 860 209.

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia
    Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 40 803 4080
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TopLine Financial Credit Union Receives a Star Tribune 2024 Minnesota’s Best Award

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, has been voted a 2024 Minnesota’s Best bronze winner in the Insurance Company category.

    As Minnesota’s number one local choice for news, information and advertising, the Star Tribune’s Minnesota’s Best program recognizes the best Minnesota businesses from over 390 categories. The Minnesota’s Best Awards are determined by the votes of Minnesota Star Tribune readers, celebrating the businesses and services that stand out in the community.   A complete list of winners is available online at https://www.votedminnesotasbest.com/categories/2024 and published in the 2024 Winners Guide.

    The communities the credit union serves has recognized TopLine as one of the most appreciated and trustworthy insurance companies in Minnesota. Several qualities that make TopLine stand out include the credit union’s dedication to our mission of “Connected, We All Do Better” by providing affordable and competitive financial services, commitment of employees to help consumers achieve their financial goals, positively making a local and global impact through community outreach activities through non-profit TopLine Credit Union Foundation, and helping consumers with homeownership and investment-related services.

    “We are grateful to our members, communities and Minnesota Star Tribune readers who selected us as the Star Tribune’s Minnesota’s Best bronze award recipient in the Insurance Company category,” says Mick Olson, President and CEO of TopLine Financial Credit Union. “Our TopLine Insurance Agency team is dedicated in providing personal service, and ensuring individuals and families have the proper coverage to protect against unforeseen circumstances.”

    The Star Tribune Minnesota’s Best Awards recognize the top businesses and organizations in the Twin Cities metro area, as voted by the community. The awards celebrate excellence across various industries, highlighting those who consistently deliver outstanding service and contribute to the vibrancy of the region. For more information, visit www.votedminnesotabest.com.

    TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota’s 9th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations — in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Paul’s Como Park — as well as by phone and online at www.TopLinecu.com or www.ahcu.coop. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit union’s foundation, visit www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

    CONTACT:
    Vicki Roscoe Erickson
    Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
    TopLine Financial Credit Union
    verickson@toplinecu.com | 763.391.0872

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5086f707-3428-447c-9b49-ae4b0175c78e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: IntelliTrans Appoints Mayank Sharma as Chief Product Officer to Drive Product Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IntelliTrans, a global leader in multimodal transportation management solutions, has named Mayank Sharma as its new Chief Product Officer. In this role, Sharma will drive product strategy and direction, guiding the development and improvement of IntelliTrans’ product lineup to deliver smarter, simpler solutions for customers. With over 20 years of experience in product innovation and leading global teams, he brings forward-looking insights into the company’s growth and commitment to making complex logistics easier.

    Sharma has a strong background in creating innovative products across different sectors. Most recently, he led the launch of a top-rated dash camera and safety solution at Teletrac Navman, which helped transportation customers improve safety and efficiency. He also worked on strategic partnerships to develop solutions for customers transitioning their truck fleets to cleaner energy options like electric, hydrogen, and CNG/RNG, supporting their shift towards sustainability.

    “We are excited to welcome Mayank to the IntelliTrans team,” said Chad Raube, President and CEO of IntelliTrans. “His vast experience in product management and innovation will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our product portfolio. Mayank’s unique approach to developing market-leading solutions, commercial focus, and fostering agile teams will help propel IntelliTrans forward in achieving our long-term goals.”

    “I’m thrilled to join the IntelliTrans team and work on delivering high-value solutions that address the real-world challenges our clients face in their supply chains,” said Sharma. “I see a great opportunity to use emerging technologies to make our products smarter and more user-friendly, simplifying how our customers manage their operations. I look forward to enhancing the overall experience for IntelliTrans customers and driving innovation in our product suite.”

    Sharma holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and has multiple advanced degrees in Engineering, Design, and Anthropology. This diverse educational background gives him a well-rounded approach to product development and leadership.

    By bringing Sharma on board, IntelliTrans reinforces its dedication to product innovation and growth. The company remains focused on enhancing its multimodal SaaS-based TMS solution, making logistics operations more streamlined, visible, and efficient for its global customers.

    About IntelliTrans Multimodal Transportation Solutions

    IntelliTrans, a Roper Technologies business (Nasdaq: ROP), empowers businesses to optimize their supply chains with seamless freight management and shipment execution across all modes of transportation, including rail, truck, ocean, and barge. IntelliTrans’ trusted transportation management solutions enable customers to solve complex business challenges and help achieve a holistic digital strategy by incorporating multimodal solutions backed by extensive industry knowledge. Recognized as a top transportation management provider, IntelliTrans has recently received the Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Provider Award, the 2023 BIG Innovation Award, the Cloud Computing Product of the Year Award, and the Food Logistics/SDCE Top Software and Technology Award. Unlock hidden efficiencies in your supply chain. Visit our website to see how IntelliTrans can help.

    Media Contact for IntelliTrans:
    Becky Boyd
    MediaFirst PR (M1PR.com)
    404.421.8497
    becky@mediafirst.net

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/060fceb0-b427-493e-a790-3336ff225870

    The MIL Network –