NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: Decision of the Management Board of Šiaulių Bankas AB on acquisition of own shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On 9 October 2024, the Management Board of Šiaulių Bankas AB (hereinafter – the Bank), implementing the decision of the Bank’s Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (29 March 2024) on the acquisition of the Bank’s own shares decided to buy back 6,000,000 shares of the Bank (ISIN code LT0000102253):

    • Up to 4,254,886 shares, for reduction of the Bank capital;
    • Up to 1,745,114 shares, for employees of Šiaulių Bankas Group as part of the deferred variable remuneration.

    Shares will be purchased on the Nasdaq Vilnius tender offer market under the following terms:

    • Share purchase starts on 10 October 2024;
    • Share purchase ends on 18 October 2024;
    • The date of settlement of the tender offer is on 21 October 2024;
    • Maximum number of shares to be acquired – 6,000,000;
    • The total maximum value of the shares to be acquired is 4.98 million euros;
    • Maximum purchase price is set at EUR 0.83 per share;
    • The acquisition price will be determined using a Dutch auction, meaning all transactions will be carried out at a single price. If fewer shares are offered in the auction than the amount to be purchased, the transactions will occur at the maximum price. If more shares are offered, the orders will be executed at the lowest price at which the full required amount can be purchased.

    “We are launching a two-stage process for buying back our own shares. In the first phase, we will create a liquidity event for investors wishing to sell all or part of their shares. In the second phase, which will begin in November, after the announcement of the Bank’s third-quarter results, shares will be repurchased on the open market. With this share buyback strategy, we believe we will achieve the best results, ensuring a high return for shareholders and increasing the Bank’s attractiveness to investors,” says Tomas Varenbergas, Head of Investment Management Division of Šiaulių Bankas.

    On 15 August 2024 the Bank received permission from the European Central Bank (ECB) to buy back up to 13,745,114 its own shares.

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FloQast CEO Mike Whitmire and Accounting Operations Evangelist Stefan van Duyvendijk Publish New Book to Empower Controllers and Accounting Teams

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FloQast, an Accounting Transformation Platform created by accountants for accountants, today announced the release of “Shift Happens: The Rise of the Operational Mindset and How Controllers Can Drive Real Value,” a new book co-authored by FloQast CEO and Co-Founder Mike Whitmire and Accounting Operations Evangelist Stefan van Duyvendijk. Available on the Amazon Kindle Store starting October 9, the book offers critical insights for accounting professionals as they navigate a rapidly changing business landscape.

    Controllers today face increasing pressure to move beyond traditional accounting responsibilities and embrace a more strategic, operational role within their organizations. “Shift Happens” explores this transformation, providing a roadmap for controllers and accounting teams to elevate their influence and steer organizational strategy, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty and business volatility.

    “Shift Happens” draws from the real-world experiences of Whitmire, van Duyvendijk, and other finance leaders at top-tier organizations to deliver actionable advice for controllers looking to position themselves as operational leaders. By adopting a mindset that balances financial expertise with strategic decision-making, controllers can help their companies thrive in today’s complex and fast-paced environment.

    “The controller’s role is changing fast,” said Mike Whitmire, co-founder and CEO of FloQast, CPA. “Accountants understand a company’s finances better than anyone, which puts them in a unique position to help shape business strategy with real data and insights. With today’s economic pressures and talent shortages, businesses can’t afford to overlook this expertise. Our book gives controllers and their teams the tools they need to step up and make a real difference.”

    Stefan van Duyvendijk echoes Whitmire’s sentiment: “Controllers already have the skills and insights needed to drive operational success, but too often they are limited to financial reporting. With an operational mindset, they can expand their influence, bringing valuable insights to the table that impact the entire organization.”

    “Shift Happens” empowers controllers and accounting teams to embrace this broader scope, teaching them how to bridge the gap between accounting functions and business operations. The book provides practical guidance on how to navigate complex financial regulations, communicate effectively with senior executives, and manage cross-functional teams.

    Earn 10 CPE/CPD Credits with FloQademy!

    As part of its mission to provide continuous education to accounting professionals, FloQast is offering readers the opportunity to earn 10 CPE/CPD credits through FloQademy. Head to floqademy.floqast.com/shift-happens to claim your credits and explore other informative and entertaining courses designed to enhance your accounting expertise.

    About the Authors:

    Mike Whitmire is the CEO and co-founder of FloQast, which he established in 2013 to address critical inefficiencies in accounting operations. With a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Syracuse University, Whitmire’s early career included roles at Ernst & Young and Cornerstone OnDemand, where he contributed to a successful IPO. In addition to “Shift Happens,” Whitmire is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book “Controller’s Code: The Secret Formula to a Successful Career in Finance.” Outside of his work in the accounting industry, Whitmire is an avid woodworker and a dedicated Los Angeles Dodgers fan.

    Stefan van Duyvendijk serves as the Accounting Operations Evangelist at FloQast. Prior to joining FloQast, van Duyvendijk held corporate controller positions at Kodiak Cakes and Skullcandy, building extensive experience in financial operations and regulatory compliance. His expertise includes ASC 606 implementation, close process improvements, business combinations, and financial statement audits. When he’s not advocating for accounting innovation, Stefan enjoys skiing the slopes around his home in Utah.

    Book Availability and Pricing: “Shift Happens: The Rise of the Operational Mindset and How Controllers Can Drive Real Value” will be available on the Amazon Kindle Store starting October 9 for a limited-time introductory price of $2.99 for the Kindle edition and $7.75 for the paperback.

    About FloQast

    FloQast, an Accounting Transformation Platform created by accountants for accountants, enables organizations to automate a variety of accounting operations. Trusted by more than 2,800 global accounting teams – including Twilio, Los Angeles Lakers, Zoom, and Snowflake – FloQast enhances the way accounting teams work, enabling customers to automate close management, account reconciliations, accounting operations, and compliance activities. With FloQast, teams can utilize the latest advancements in AI technology to manage aspects of the close, reduce their compliance burden, stay audit-ready, and improve accuracy, visibility, and collaboration overall. FloQast is consistently rated #1 across all user review sites. Learn more at FloQast.com.

    Contact:
    Kyle Cabodi
    FloQast Director of Corporate Communications
    kyle.cabodi@floqast.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Data Storage Corporation to Present at the MicroCap Rodeo Fall Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) (“DSC” and the “Company”), a provider of diverse business continuity solutions for disaster-recovery, cloud infrastructure, cyber-security, and IT automation, today announced that it will be participating in the MicroCap Rodeo Fall Conference being held Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, in New York City.

    Chuck Piluso, CEO Data Storage Corporation, and Chris Panagiotakos, CFO of Data Storage Corporation, are scheduled to present at 10:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, October 16th. The presentation will be webcast live and available for replay at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/3068/51409 as well as on the Company’s investor relations section of the website at http://www.dtst.com/events.

    Management will also be hosting 1×1 meetings throughout the conference with approved investors.

    Information and registration for the conference can be found here at MicroCap Rodeo.

    About the MicroCap Rodeo Conference:

    The MicroCap Rodeo Conferences stand out as they are organized by money managers and investors, specifically for money managers and investors. This fall, executive management teams from approximately 25 microcap companies across a diverse range of industries will be participating. Investors will have the opportunity to harness top stock ideas for their portfolios through group presentations and 1×1 meetings, offering insights into key value drivers and emerging trends for 2025. Additionally, the event will feature industry guest speakers and ample networking opportunities.

    For more information please contact info@microcaprodeo.com

    About Data Storage Corporation

    Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) is a leading provider of fully managed cloud hosting, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, IT automation, and voice & data solutions. With strategic technical investments in multiple regions, DTST serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, in sectors such as government, education, and healthcare. Focused on the fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar cloud hosting and business continuity market. DTST is recognized as a stable and emerging growth leader in cloud infrastructure, support, and the migration of data to the cloud. Our regional data centers across North America enable us to deliver sustainable services through recurring subscription agreements.

    For more information, please visit www.dtst.com or follow us on Twitter @DataStorageCorp.

    Safe Harbor Provision
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created thereby. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts, although not all forward-looking statements include the foregoing. The forward looking statements in this press release include statements such as continuing to grow revenue and increase profitability as the Company executes on its strategic initiatives, the consolidation of the CloudFirst and Flagship subsidiaries positioning the Company to optimize operations, leverage its technical teams, realize greater efficiencies, and improve internal resource allocation, while capitalizing on extensive cross-selling and upselling opportunities among its customer networks, the two meaningful announced contracts being just the first of many such announcements that will come from the efforts of the combined organizations, having developed a robust business strategy that we will drive growth and secure sustainable profitability while maximizing long term value for shareholders and providing meaningful updates to shareholders as developments unfold. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include the Company’s ability to execute and advance its growth strategies. These risks should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was initially made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Crescendo Communications, LLC
    212-671-1020
    DTST@crescendo-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Light Sail VR Scales Creative Business with OpenDrives Data Management Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OpenDrives, Inc., a leading provider of software-defined media storage workflow solutions, today announced that Light Sail VR, a pioneer specializing in immersive media storytelling has selected the Atlas storage platform to modernize and scale its creative production business. Atlas boasts superior performance, enabling customers like Light Sail VR to increase data storage and processing on the fly, accelerating creative workflows by as much as threefold.

    The transition to Atlas has greatly improved the team’s productivity, streamlined their workflows, and optimized their data management capabilities. With features like mount management and containerization, Light Sail VR was able to effectively scale their existing storage and add resources, thus enabling them to onboard more commercial projects effectively and swiftly using various third-party tools available through OpenDrives’ containers marketplace.

    Light Sail VR Co-Founder and Creative Director Matthew Celia, a recognized leader in virtual reality, comments on the transformation OpenDrives has brought to its operation, “OpenDrives was our most important investment at the very outset, as the new infrastructure would set the stage for greater efficiency. The effortless and swift integration into our existing operation enabled us to continue working on the growing number of creative projects without any technology-related glitches. With the enormous flexibility to expand storage as needed, OpenDrives is a game-changer, allowing us to focus on our actual passion—creativity.”

    For Light Sail VR, finding a collaborator like OpenDrives with deep roots in Hollywood and storytelling expertise was key. That combination with Atlas fuels Light Sail VR’s creativity, centralizing global project collaboration and streamlining remote work.

    “It’s our mission to enhance the creative journey with high-performance, low-latency data solutions,” states Sean Lee, CEO, OpenDrives. “The OpenDrives founders and leaders are from the entertainment industry and thus have a deep understanding of the iterative nature of the creative process. We designed Atlas to enable quicker cycles, not just for faster deliveries, but to enrich creativity even under the tightest of deadlines.”

    Innovating Immersive Experiences with Technology

    Formed in 2015 by visionaries Matthew Celia and Robert Watts and joined later by senior creative technologist Alex Pearce in 2020, Light Sail VR continually seeks advanced solutions to address the ever-changing needs of dynamic virtual reality. The creative team’s outstanding body of work includes high-profile projects with Meta, Amazon, Lionsgate, Paramount, Canon, Adidas, and more. The team is widely recognized as pushing the boundaries of creative workflows in immersive media. Light Sail VR’s adoption of OpenDrives supports the vision where technology and imagination intersect to create gripping experiences in virtual reality.

    Celia concludes, “OpenDrives’ commitment to enable customer success is what distinguishes them. Their capability to provide security, ease, and scalability in managing comprehensive data for filmmaking projects promises not only productivity but also potential for growth and expansion.”

    About OpenDrives
    OpenDrives, Inc. delivers high-performance, economically scalable, and easy-to-use data storage solutions—powered by the company’s software-defined platform Atlas—purpose-built to optimize high-bandwidth, low-latency media workflows. Since 2011 OpenDrives has empowered content creators and creatives with seamless, fast, shared data access, collaboration, and management capabilities that help to break down data barriers and accelerate creativity and innovation. Thanks to world-class support, composable feature bundles that promise performance and cost predictability, and flexible deployment options across on-premises, cloud, or hybrid environments, OpenDrives helps businesses effectively transform data and content into revenue. OpenDrives is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. To learn more about OpenDrives, visit http://www.opendrives.com  

    About Light Sail VR
    Light Sail VR is a full-service cutting-edge creative studio that specializes in immersive media storytelling (180 Video / 360 Video / Spatial Video / Game-Engine Content) for agencies, brands, studios and consumers.

    Founded by managing partners Matthew Celia and Robert Watts in 2015, Light Sail VR specializes in story-driven content with compelling narratives, dynamic characters and entrancing visuals. How a person ‘feels’ inside the VR world is the key to unlocking the true potential of the medium. The technology and tools are important but at the core, it’s all about taking the audience on a journey. Loving the work and helping our clients explore new possibilities for their audiences is an honor and our mission. Journey with us as we push the boundaries of immersive storytelling and create experiences that truly do become memories. To learn more about Light Sail VR, visit http://www.lightsailvr.com.

    Press Contact
    Alex Molina
    Grithaus Agency
    alex@grithaus.agency  
    +1 (617) 834-9600

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/42099cf7-c17b-451b-a29a-02b5783fc5cf

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dbadbfe2-e7e1-4729-aaea-f0c3a75dafd7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ibex Partners with Parloa for Latest GenAI Capabilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON and NEW YORK, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and AI-powered customer engagement technology solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Parloa, a leading provider of generative AI automation solutions. Per the agreement, ibex will leverage Parloa’s AI Agent Management Platform (AMP) as part of the ibex Wave iX solutions suite for clients in North America.

    “ibex is excited to partner with Parloa to leverage cutting-edge GenAI to transform the world of customer experience (CX),” said ibex CEO Bob Dechant. “This strategic partnership unites Parloa’s industry-leading genAI automation for CX with ibex’s ground-breaking Wave iX solutions suite, unmatched BPO expertise, and deep customer insights to deliver the most advanced AI and agent-assisted CX solutions, ever.”

    Parloa’s GenAI-powered AMP platform is designed to support fully dynamic and autonomous personal agents that engage in more natural, engaging customer interactions.

    “We are excited to partner with ibex to bring generative AI to customer engagement at scale,” said Malte Kosub, CEO and Co-founder of Parloa. “By combining our GenAI-based technology with ibex’s expertise, we’re enabling brands to deliver more personalized and efficient customer interactions, enhancing both the customer and agent experience.”

    ibex takes a solutions-driven approach to align with specific business needs and deliver real CX solutions for transformative outcomes. ibex Wave iX, which includes three key solution sets—AgentAI, CustomerAI, and InsightsAI—uses the latest GenAI technology to deliver authentic digital transformation and advanced customer-facing self-service options to businesses of all sizes at every stage of their digital journey. Explore the full suite of ibex Wave iX solutions here.

    About Parloa

    Parloa is a leading AI company for the automation of customer service. Parloa’s platform unites humans and AI in one team to take companies’ service quality to a new level through AI-based customer service, natural-sounding conversations, and outstanding service experiences on the phone and all communication channels. The Parloa platform resolves the majority of customer queries quickly and automatically, allowing contact center agents to focus on complex issues. Parloa was founded in 2018 by Malte Kosub and Stefan Ostwald and today employs more than 250 people in Berlin, Munich, and New York. Find out more about Parloa on our website and join us on LinkedIn to stay up to date.

    About ibex

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

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

    Media Contacts:

    Dan Burris
    ibex
    Daniel.Burris@ibex.co

    Julia Goelles
    Parloa
    julia.goelles@parloa.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49202d3d-6561-4cf6-a051-ddf4a636e145

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Customers award Rightworks with record 11 badges in G2 Fall 2024 Reports

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NASHUA, N.H., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rightworks, the only intelligent cloud services provider purpose-built for accounting firms and professionals, is proud to announce it earned a record 11 badges in G2’s Fall 2024 Reports for its OneSpace and OneSpace Firm solutions. The top honors from G2 continue to differentiate Rightworks as a leader in the accounting profession for its secure, advanced and user-friendly solutions and services backed by dedicated, expert support.

    Rightworks OneSpace earned the following recognitions in G2’s Fall 2024 Reports:

    • Leader
    • Leader — Small-Business
    • High Performer (for OneSpace Firm)
    • High Performer
    • High Performer — Mid-Market
    • High Performer — Small-Business
    • Users Love Us
    • Best Support — Mid-Market
    • Easiest To Do Business With
    • Easiest To Do Business With — Small-Business
    • Momentum Leader

    “We typically see only around 10% of all vendors on G2 appear in our quarterly Market Reports, so it’s a major accomplishment that Rightworks has been recognized this season, 2024,” said Sara Rossio, Chief Product Officer at G2. “We extend our congratulations to Rightworks for receiving praise through authentic customer reviews, powering its rankings on the world’s largest and most trusted software marketplace.”

    Rightworks achieved Leader and High Performer recognition by receiving positive reviews from verified users compared to similar products in each category. Products must receive 10 or more reviews to be included. In G2’s Fall 2024 Reports, just 6% of the Software & Services received a Leader badge.

    “We are honored to receive this remarkable G2 recognition for the 14th consecutive quarter. Our achievement reflects our ongoing efforts to deliver innovative solutions uniquely focused on the accounting profession and support that elevates our customers’ experience,” said Joel Hughes, CEO of Rightworks.

    G2 is the world’s largest and most trusted software marketplace. More than 90 million people annually — including employees at all Fortune 500 companies — use G2 to make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews.

    Learn more about what users have to say by visiting Rightworks’ review page.

    Connect with Rightworks
    Visit our newsroom; read our blog; and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

    About Rightworks
    Rightworks enables accounting firms and businesses to significantly simplify operations and expand their value to clients via our award-winning intelligent cloud and learning resources. This is possible with Rightworks OneSpace, the only secure cloud environment purpose-built for the accounting and tax profession, and Rightworks Academy, the premier community for firm optimization, growth and professional development. The Academy offers access to thought leadership, events, peer communities and extensive learning resources. Founded in 2002, we’ve grown to serve over 10,000 accounting firms in the US—from single practitioners to Top 10 firms. For more information, please visit rightworks.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6a06dcf-e109-4b95-a3ac-7be45320f996

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New funding to support autistic and learning-disabled people in Westminster | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    A charity in London will support the “hidden population” of autistic and learning-disabled people in Westminster, thanks to new funding. 

    Learning Disability Network London (LDN London) currently runs a community centre, the Enablement Hub, on the Harrow Road in Westminster. With support from Westminster Council the charity will expand its current community programme to Victoria, giving advice and running workshops at a second Hub at Victoria Library.

    The charity will grow its team to help more people in the local community.   

    LDN London’s Enablement Hubs support learning disabled and autistic people who get little or no support to manage their lives. They take part in workshops about life skills, including health and relationships, finance, and safety, make friends, and join in activities and events.

    With this funding from Westminster Council’s Fairer Westminster Investment Programme, LDN London will be able to reach more learning disabled and autistic people across Westminster who want help in their daily lives.

    On Friday 13 September, LDN London and Westminster Council officially opened the new Enablement Hub at Victoria Library with a ribbon-cutting and a workshop.  

    Councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, Westminster’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, attended the event. She said:

    “I am so pleased that we are funding LDN London to provide much-needed support, advice, and activities for learning disabled and autistic residents. This is an important step towards ensuring learning disabled and autistic residents are empowered to extend their independence, learn new skills and participate in activities they enjoy.”

     

    Kym, a local resident who regularly goes to the Enablement Hubs, said:

    “I really enjoy coming along to the sessions, especially the sports, dancing and singing sessions. I’ve also enjoyed helping and volunteering. It’s been great socially too and meeting other residents.”

    LDN London will also recruit five new team members as part of this programme, including two autistic or learning disabled apprentices.

    The charity will hire two community outreach workers to give up to 25 hours one-to-one help, supporting people with managing bills, going to health appointments, and completing forms. LDN London will also employ a community engagement worker to lead on initiatives for autistic people.

    Sally, who is one of the interns for LDN London’s Enablement Hub, said:

    “I’ve enjoyed the sessions and as part of it I’ve been given the opportunity to be an intern at LDN London focusing on community engagement. I’ve learnt quite a lot”.

    LDN London has been supporting learning disabled and autistic people in London for over 60 years. The charity was previously named The Westminster Society.

    The Enablement Hubs are tackling inequalities faced by learning disabled and autistic people. Those who don’t qualify for support often must do tasks they find difficult on their own. They also face many challenges in their daily lives because of a lack of the right support and prejudice in society- including poor healthcare, higher rates of mental health problems, loneliness and being victims of crime and hate crimes.

    The charity’s aim for The Enablement Hubs is to support people with learning disabilities to overcome social isolation, be more independent and to be fully included in the community.

    Mandy Crowford, Assistant CEO at LDN London, said: “Too many learning disabled, and autistic people don’t get the support they want and need, and we hope to change that. We want to help this hidden population to live safe, happy and healthy lives.”

    Luana Baptista, head of community engagement at LDN London, said: “We are grateful for this funding, which means we can reach even more learning disabled and autistic people and help them to be fully included in our communities.”

    The workshops at The Enablement Hubs focus on life skills that help people to live independently and have healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. Recent workshops have been on voting, having healthy relationships, inclusive trips to The British Museum, as well as regular men’s and women’s groups.

    If you would like to find out more about The Enablement Hubs, visit Learning Disability Network London’s website:

    LDN Community Hubs

    LDN London’s Hubs are based at 389A Harrow Road and at Victoria Library.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: STS Cloud and Cloudbeds unveil powerful integration to transform hotel group sales and event operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Charleston, SC, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SalesAndCatering.com and Cloudbeds have announced a two-way integration that will empower hotels, resorts, and conference centers to optimize hotel group sales and event management.  By combining Cloudbeds’ innovative property management system (PMS) with STS Cloud’s robust event management and sales capabilities, hoteliers can prevent overbookings, optimize room and event inventory, and deliver personalized service to win more deals. 

    The integration enables hotel staff to manage every aspect of group and event bookings, from room blocks to event contracts, while automatically syncing data with Cloudbeds in real time. Sales managers can easily create and manage contracts, banquet event orders (BEOs), and special requests from any device, enhancing both the guest experience and hotel efficiency. By automating many of the time-consuming aspects, like room block management and rate tracking, hotel teams can operate more efficiently,  maximize revenue from group stays, and focus on creating exceptional guest experiences.

    “Efficiency is a key factor in maximizing hotel group sales and meeting revenue,” said Ryan Hamilton, Co-founder of STS Cloud. “We designed STS Cloud to streamline every part of the sales process—from pipeline management and group block creation to event orders and digital contracts. Our integration with Cloudbeds takes this a step further by allowing sales teams to check room availability and automatically sync room blocks directly into the PMS. This seamless connection not only saves time but also boosts productivity, enabling teams to focus on closing deals and enhancing overall hotel operations. We prioritize quality partnerships and are excited to build a strong relationship with Cloudbeds.”

    The key features of the STS Cloud and Cloudbeds partnership include:

    • Seamless integration:  Room block and rate information will flow effortlessly from STS Cloud into Cloudbeds’ Property Management System (PMS), while STS Cloud will simultaneously pull real-time inventory, pickup, and room rates from Cloudbeds, ensuring hotels maintain accuracy and efficiency in managing their bookings.
    • Efficient event management: Event planners and sales teams can easily create and manage contracts, banquet event orders (BEOs), and special requests directly from their mobile devices, enabling personalized service for every event.
    • Revenue optimization: The platform offers robust tools to upsell additional services such as catering, banquet services, and amenities, helping hotels increase revenue from group bookings.
    • Flexible deployment options: STS Cloud supports both SaaS and on-premise deployment, providing hotels of all sizes with a solution that fits their unique needs.

    “Our collaboration with STS Cloud creates a powerful solution for hotels,” said Richard Castle, Co-Founder of Cloudbeds. “We share a common belief in user-friendly design, advanced functionality,  and expert customer support, which makes for happier, more efficient hotel staff. This two-way integration optimizes group sales and event management. We look forward to growing this partnership to drive even more value for our customers.”

    For more information about the STS Cloud and Cloudbeds integration, visit salesandcatering.com and cloudbeds.com.

    END

    About SalesAndCatering.com

    SalesAndCatering.com provides the most affordable full-featured Sales and Catering systems for hospitality.  Its STS Cloud Sales and Catering system is widely installed and engineered to give property sales teams the sales tools that help them achieve their goals. SalesAndCatering.com’s systems are developed and supported by the company’s US-based offices. It is a trusted full-service sales and catering partner that delivers solutions via a software-as-a-service model that ensures greater client communication to streamline the sales process and maximize staff productivity. SalesAndCatering.com’s systems help hotel companies meet revenue goals through anytime-anywhere data access and integration with multiple PMS systems.  STS Cloud delivers unparalleled performance to help you thrive in today’s competitive sales environment.

    For more information, please visit salesandcatering.com.

    About Cloudbeds

    Cloudbeds is the leading platform redefining the concept of PMS for the hospitality industry, serving tens of thousands of properties in more than 150 countries worldwide. Built from the ground up to be masterfully unified and scalable, the award-winning Cloudbeds Platform brings together built-in and integrated solutions that modernize hotel operations, distribution, guest experience, and data & analytics. Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds has been named a top PMS, Hotel Management System and Channel Manager (2021-2024) by Hotel Tech Report, World’s Best Hotel PMS Solutions Provider (2022) by World Travel Awards, and recognized in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 in 2023.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: VanEck Launches $30M Fund to Support Innovation in Fintech, Crypto and AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Fund is available to Qualified Purchasers Only, is subject to significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please carefully read the Private Placement Memorandum before investing.

    NEW YORK, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VanEck, a leading global investment management firm, announces the launch of VanEck Ventures, a $30 million early-stage fund dedicated to investing in visionary founders operating at the intersection of fintech, digital assets, and artificial intelligence. This launch marks VanEck’s strategic expansion into venture capital, building on its long-established record of identifying and supporting transformative markets.

    “From pioneering an approach to gold investing in 1968 to recognizing the disruptive potential of Bitcoin in 2017, embracing a long-term view on transformative opportunities has always been part of our investment philosophy. This fund extends that vision into the early-stage venture space,” said Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck. “We look forward to supporting founders of what we believe are some of the most disruptive companies in fintech—those building the future of finance.”

    VanEck Ventures invests in category-defining founders pushing the boundaries of financial applications and markets leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and large language models. The fund’s investment philosophy focuses on supporting exceptional teams building at the application layer while maintaining an infrastructure-agnostic approach. The fund’s core investment themes include tokenized assets, internet native financial marketplaces, and next-generation payments building on stablecoins and tokenized capital markets.

    The fund is led by Wyatt Lonergan and Juan Lopez, both seasoned investors with experience in fintech and crypto ventures. Previously, Lonergan and Lopez headed Circle Ventures, the venture arm of USDC-issuer Circle, where they successfully invested over $50 million in early-stage companies ranging from infrastructure to consumer applications. Their leadership, combined with VanEck’s strong reputation in asset management, positions VanEck Ventures as a valuable partner for emerging innovative startups. VanEck’s global workforce and senior leadership support the fund from an operational and advisory perspective.

    “Three inflection points core to our investment thesis are starting to reshape the foundation of the internet: stablecoins emerging as an open-source banking layer, the commoditization of blockspace, and AI breakthroughs. The convergence of these is creating unprecedented opportunities for globally connected, user-centric financial experiences, and we are excited to back founders building on these innovations,” said Wyatt Lonergan, General Partner at VanEck Ventures.

    The fund expects to make 25 to 35 investments with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, focusing on companies that offer both strategic and financial upside. The fund has already made 4 investments yet to be announced.

    “Over the past few years, we’ve seen stablecoins enable seamless, large-scale value storage and transfer along with Linux-like composability,” said Juan Lopez, General Partner at VanEck Ventures. “As several on-chain utilities, focused on programmability and compliance, come to market with growing regulatory clarity, it’s never been a more exciting time to build. Our goal is to be a long-term partner to bold founders defining the next phase of blockchain utility.”

    About VanEck

    VanEck has a history of looking beyond the financial markets to identify trends that are likely to create impactful investment opportunities. We were one of the first U.S. asset managers to offer investors access to international markets. This set the tone for the firm’s drive to identify asset classes and trends – including gold investing in 1968, emerging markets in 1993, and exchange traded funds in 2006 – that subsequently shaped the investment management industry.

    Today, VanEck offers active and passive strategies with compelling exposures supported by well-designed investment processes. As of August 31, 2024, VanEck managed approximately $113.9 billion in assets, including mutual funds, ETFs and institutional accounts. The firm’s capabilities range from core investment opportunities to more specialized exposures to enhance portfolio diversification. Our actively managed strategies are fueled by in-depth, bottom-up research and security selection from portfolio managers with direct experience in the sectors and regions in which they invest. Investability, liquidity, diversity, and transparency are key to the experienced decision-making around market and index selection underlying VanEck’s passive strategies.

    Since our founding in 1955, putting our clients’ interests first, in all market environments, has been at the heart of the firm’s mission.

    General Disclosures

    This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities, financial instruments or digital assets mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, tax advice, or any call to action. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are for illustrative purposes only, are valid as of the date of this communication, and are subject to change without notice. Actual future performance of any assets or industries mentioned is unknown. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its other employees.

    The Fund is available to Qualified Purchasers Only. Please carefully read the Private Placement Memorandum before investing. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. There is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its investment objective and investors may lose their entire investment. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

    The Partnership’s investment program is speculative and entails substantial risks. There can be no assurance that the Partnership’s investment objective will be achieved.

    An investment in the Fund involves a high degree of risk, including, without limitation, uncertain returns, market risk, risks associated with Limited Partner default, indemnification risks, illiquidity, possible lack of diversification, lack of management control, tax risks and potential conflicts of interest. There is no guarantee that the Funds’ investment objectives will be achieved.

    VANECK ABSOLUTE RETURN ADVISERS CORPORATION (“VEARA”), THE INVESTMENT MANAGER OF THE FUND, IS A MEMBER OF NFA AND IS SUBJECT TO NFA’S REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AND EXAMINATIONS. VEARA HAS ENGAGED OR MAY ENGAGE IN UNDERLYING OR SPOT VIRTUAL CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS IN THE FUND. ALTHOUGH NFA HAS JURISDICTION OVER VEARA, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT NFA DOES NOT HAVE REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY FOR UNDERLYING OR SPOT MARKET VIRTUAL CURRENCY PRODUCTS OR TRANSACTIONS OR VIRTUAL CURRENCY EXCHANGES, CUSTODIANS OR MARKETS. YOU SHOULD ALSO BE AWARE THAT GIVEN CERTAIN MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THESE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING LACK OF A CENTRALIZED PRICING SOURCE AND THE OPAQUE NATURE OF THE VIRTUAL CURRENCY MARKET, THERE CURRENTLY IS NO SOUND OR ACCEPTABLE PRACTICE FOR NFA TO ADEQUATELY VERIFY THE OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF A VIRTUAL CURRENCY OR THE VALUATION ATTRIBUTED TO A VIRTUAL CURRENCY BY VEARA.

    General Digital Asset Risks

    Cryptocurrencies and digital assets are not suitable for all investors. Investments in digital assets and Web3 companies are highly speculative and involve a high degree of risk. These risks include, but are not limited to: the technology is new and many of its uses may be untested; intense competition; slow adoption rates and the potential for product obsolescence; volatility and limited liquidity, including but not limited to, inability to liquidate a position; loss or destruction of key(s) to access accounts or the blockchain; reliance on digital wallets; reliance on unregulated markets and exchanges; reliance on the internet; cybersecurity risks; and the lack of regulation and the potential for new laws and regulation that may be difficult to predict. Moreover, the extent to which Web3 companies or digital assets utilize blockchain technology may vary, and it is possible that even widespread adoption of blockchain technology may not result in a material increase in the value of such companies or digital assets.

    Digital asset prices are highly volatile, and the value of digital assets, and Web3 companies, can rise or fall dramatically and quickly. If their value goes down, there’s no guarantee that it will rise again. As a result, there is a significant risk of loss of your entire principal investment.

    Digital assets are not generally backed or supported by any government or central bank and are not covered by FDIC or SIPC insurance. Accounts at digital asset custodians and exchanges are not protected by SPIC and are not FDIC insured. Furthermore, markets and exchanges for digital assets are not regulated with the same controls or customer protections available in traditional equity, option, futures, or foreign exchange investing.

    Digital assets include, but are not limited to, cryptocurrencies, tokens, NFTs, assets stored or created using blockchain technology, and other Web3 products.

    Web3 Companies include but are not limited to, companies that involve the development, innovation, and/or utilization of blockchain, digital assets, or crypto technologies.

    © Van Eck Associates Corporation

    ©️ Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation
    666 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
    Phone: 800.826.2333
    Email: info@vaneck.com

    Media Contact

    Garret J. Shaw
    +1 517.213.3180
    garret@serotonin.co
     

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: 
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c23f9cc-2c26-4460-975f-b5b0c214c2e9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BloFin Shines at TOKEN2049 Singapore, Sets Sights on Expanding Presence at TOKEN2049 Dubai

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BloFin, a leading centralized cryptocurrency exchange (CEX), made a strong impact as a sponsor of TOKEN2049 Singapore for the second consecutive year. This sponsorship underscores BloFin’s increasing influence in the cryptocurrency industry and marks its commitment to furthering its reach, with an upgraded sponsorship planned for TOKEN2049 Dubai later this year.

    At TOKEN2049 Singapore, BloFin hosted the Whale Royale Yacht Club side event, a highlight of the conference. The exclusive gathering brought together key opinion leaders (KOLs), industry executives, and crypto enthusiasts, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations within the cryptocurrency space.

    BloFin Prepares for TOKEN2049 Dubai Expansion

    Looking ahead, BloFin is poised to expand its footprint at TOKEN2049 Dubai, building on the success of its Singapore event. With ambitious growth plans, BloFin continues to focus on providing innovative services to its expanding global user base.

    “We are proud of our achievements at TOKEN2049 Singapore and are excited to build on this momentum as we prepare for TOKEN2049 Dubai,” said Matt, CEO of BloFin. “Our mission is to continue delivering top-tier services while enhancing the user experience.”

    BloFin’s Trading Engine: A Leap Forward in Speed and Reliability

    In tandem with its event sponsorship, BloFin has implemented significant upgrades to its trading platform, reinforcing its reputation as a top destination for crypto traders. The recent introduction of cutting-edge technologies, including In-memory Processing and the Raft Consensus Algorithm System, has dramatically improved trading execution speeds and system reliability, even during peak periods.

    These enhancements highlight BloFin’s dedication to providing a secure and efficient trading environment, in line with its brand promise, “Where Whales Are Made.” With a focus on advanced trading features, enhanced security protocols, and a seamless user experience, BloFin continues to set new standards of excellence for traders and crypto enthusiasts alike.

    About BloFin

    BloFin is a secure, innovative cryptocurrency centralized exchange (CEX) offering over 350 USDT-M perpetual contracts and 250 spot trading pairs. Designed for both novice and experienced traders, BloFin provides a high-performance platform with deep liquidity, competitive pricing, and minimal slippage. Beyond derivatives trading, the platform offers services such as spot trading, copy trading, demo trading, and more.

    Security remains a top priority at BloFin, as demonstrated by its partnerships with Fireblocks for asset protection and Chainalysis for compliance and security. BloFin continues to enhance its offerings to provide a secure, user-friendly experience for its growing global user base.

    For more information, visit BloFin’s website or follow BloFin on Telegram, Twitter.

    Media Contact:
    Annio W.
    Head of Marketing and Public Relations
    Email: annio@blofin.io

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BloFin. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0b53214-e8dd-48b8-a75f-01f12a0bdd5b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/da5ea658-bb4d-4580-a062-f6c43d79cc61

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Air Capital Wealth Management Launches with LPL Financial

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC (Nasdaq:LPLA) announced today that financial advisors Michael Caffrey, CRPC®, Derek Keller, CFP®, CPFA®, CRPC®, MBA, and Gabriel Parham have launched a new independent practice, Air Capital Wealth Management, through affiliation with LPL Strategic Wealth Services, a supported independence model. The team reported having served approximately $685 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from Merrill Lynch.

    Based in Wichita, Kan., known as the Air Capital of the World, the advisors are longtime colleagues who each bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the team. Caffrey was mentored by his father, Ron Caffrey, and has earned recognition on several Forbes lists**. Parham also grew up in the business and recalls making 50-cents an hour as a child to help his mother file — a job that sparked his interest in investments early on. Keller has nearly two decades of experience guiding clients’ financial lives. Together, with support from two assistants, the advisors share a commitment to providing comprehensive services and personalized advice to their clients.

    “Our mission is to help each individual client with their financial goals by simplifying the complexities, making it easier for them to understand,” said Parham, who noted their client base spans from doctors, engineers and pilots to farmers, teachers and small business owners. “We are passionate about building deep relationships with clients and providing them with personalized financial strategies.”

    As they continue to honor the legacy of the firm’s early leaders, Ron Caffrey, Janet Johnson and Deborah Rowley, all who have since retired, the Air Capital team decided the independent model would best suit the growing needs of their business.

    “We want to be able to focus on clients, their goals and objectives, not corporate mandates,” Caffrey said. “LPL provides us with the flexibility and resources we need to make our own decisions and build our business how we want. We also have several new options across the board within LPL’s open architecture platform, including more planning software, which allows us to provide even more comprehensive and personalized experiences for our clients.”

    The team was drawn to LPL’s comprehensive supported independence solution, LPL Strategic Wealth Services (SW), which combines the freedom and flexibility of entrepreneurship with hands-on business services and support to help practices thrive, both operationally and strategically. In addition to having access to LPL’s innovative wealth management platform and sophisticated resources, SW advisors benefit from a truly integrated service that includes simplified pricing, technology and dedicated support to launch their practice. Then, after the transition is complete, SW teams receive ongoing operations support managed by their team of experienced professionals including a business strategist, marketing partner, CFO and administrative assistant. Advisors have one point of contact, a dedicated team and priority access to advocacy and project management for complex business issues, ultimately allowing them to stay focused on the enduring needs of their clients and the culture and evolution of their practice.

    “We truly appreciate all of these dedicated resources and sophisticated capabilities behind the scenes to allow us to run the business as we see fit while also ensuring clients are getting the best care,” Keller said. “We look forward to having more time to interface with clients and providing them with differentiated experiences.”

    Outside the office, all three advisors are active in the community. Keller is a Boy Scout leader, member of Shriners International and proud supporter of his alma mater, Wichita State University. Parham is a member of The American Legion and Fuse Foundation. He also supports Kansas Honor Flight and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Caffrey supports several organizations including the Wichita Wagonmasters, East YMCA Men’s Club, Senior Services of Wichita and St. Thomas Catholic Church. As independent advisors, they look forward to expanding their local presence by using Wichita-based vendors and investing more back into the community.

    Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We welcome Mike, Derek and Gabe to LPL and congratulate them on the launch of their new independent business. We are committed to being a long-term partner to the Air Capital team — and all our advisors — by delivering a leading wealth management platform that supports the full lifecycle of their business.”

    Related

    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that LPL should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving more than 23,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,000 institutions and at approximately 580 registered investment advisor firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional. At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business their way. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. Air Capital Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2023.

    ** Forbes “2024 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors,” “2024 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams,” and “2024 Next-Gen Best-in-State.”

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (704) 996-1840

    Tracking #639367

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The Future of Navigation is Mini: Advanced Navigation Launches Certus Mini Series with INS and AHRS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Advanced Navigation, a world leader in navigation and autonomous systems, has announced the expansion of its versatile Certus range, with the new Mini series.

    Available in three variants, the Certus Mini series includes a GNSS-aided Certus Mini D and Certus Mini N inertial navigation system (INS), while Certus Mini A functions as an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS).

    Weighing no more than 55 grams, the series packs an impressive punch in performance and cost-efficiency, defying expectations for its weight and size.

    Advanced Navigation CEO Chris Shaw said, “Manufacturers and system integrators often face trade-offs between performance, size, cost and weight. The Certus Mini series is a testament these attributes do not need to conflict with one another.

    For customers deploying land-based vehicles, this value-driven breakthrough lowers their entry barrier to precise and reliable navigation. It also unlocks new possibilities for those using lightweight airborne platforms, such as drones, where every gram counts towards flight efficiency and power consumption.

    Designed with flexibility in mind, the series is easily integrated into existing and new system builds with simple plug-and-play connectivity, minimizing development time and costs. This adaptability, paired with its performance and size, makes the Mini series a powerful addition to the already versatile Certus range.”

    The Future of Navigation is Mini

    • Dual-antenna INS – Leading the series, the Certus Mini D features dual-antenna GNSS heading. This allows it to deliver superior accuracy in heading, position and velocity. With a maximum weight of 55 grams, it fills a critical gap in the market for a dual-antenna INS in a lightweight and compact size.
    • Multiband GNSS receiver – By operating on the L1/L5 multi-constellation GNSS, the Certus Mini series offers leading capabilities in interference immunity, position accuracy and multipath resistance in urban environments, such as near tall buildings, tree canopies and canyons.
    • Software-enabled hardware – The series houses Advanced Navigation’s breakthrough algorithmic technology. This software-enabled hardware delivers navigation data superior to outputs based on traditional filter methods, offering new levels of performance for miniature INS in GNSS-challenged environments.

    Advanced Navigation Introduces the Certus Mini Series

    Easily Integrated Into New and Existing Platforms

    The Certus Mini series can be easily integrated into legacy systems and new builds, ensuring seamless upgrades, reducing installation time and minimizing costs. This flexibility accelerates deployment across diverse applications including:

    • Geospatial surveying – Certus Mini can augment drone solutions by providing accurate positioning and attitude without weighing the system down. This enables new applications for surveying environments across open-pit mines, construction sites, urban areas and critical infrastructure.
    • Agriculture – In a new era defined by farming-as-a-service (FaaS), Certus Mini can be used in purpose-built agriculture robots and equipment to assist with a diverse range of tasks, including aerial spraying, weed detection and localization, monitoring crop health, inspecting moisture levels, creating field maps, autonomous pruning and grass-cutting, among others.
    • Open-pit mining – Certus Mini is the ideal solution for surface drilling OEMs and integrators seeking precise rig alignment. Best-in-class accuracy provides precise alignment even in deep pits where multipath errors occur, and a ruggedized design delivers durability and reliability in harsh mining conditions.
    • Asset tracking – Certus Mini can be used to track and monitor assets for a range of industries, including mining, facility management, manufacturing, construction, commercial fleets, automotive, oil and gas, among others.

    Rapid Product Delivery with In-House Manufacturing

    By manufacturing all solutions in-house, Advanced Navigation employs a vertical integration framework which streamlines development, enhances quality control, and ensures agility in responding to customer demand. Further, by utilizing machine learning and advanced quality control mechanisms, only components meeting the highest standards are integrated into the navigation system.

    This in-house capability guarantees exceptional product reliability, quality, and longevity, while providing complete control over production timelines, reducing lead times, and ensuring swift, efficient delivery of the entire product series.

    Advanced Navigation ensures rapid product delivery with in-house manufacturing

    General availability
    The Certus Mini series is now available for purchase in OEM and ruggedized form.

    Certus Mini Dual-antenna Navigation

    • 0.1 ° Roll and Pitch
    • 0.1 ° Heading (GNSS)
    • 10 mm RTK Positioning
    • 1000 Hz Update Rate

    Certus Mini Navigation, single antenna

    • 0.1 ° Roll and Pitch
    • 0.2 ° Heading (Velocity)
    • 10 mm RTK Positioning
    • 1000 Hz Update Rate

    Certus Mini Attitude and heading reference system

    • 0.1 ° Roll and Pitch
    • 0.8 ° Heading (Magnetic)
    • 1000 Hz Update Rate

    Note: The Certus Mini series will replace Advanced Navigation’s legacy systems Orientus and Spatial. Customer support will continue for Orientus and Spatial, with the Certus Mini Series recommended for new design and builds.

    About Advanced Navigation
    Advanced Navigation is a global leader in navigation and autonomous systems. By leveraging capabilities in software-enabled hardware, every solution delivers unrivaled capabilities and exceptional performance across land, air, sea and space applications where GPS is unreliable.

    Made possible with extensive research, testing and onshore automated manufacturing, the company has progressed into deep technology fields, including underwater acoustics, GNSS antennas and receivers, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, photonics, robotics and quantum-enhanced inertial navigation. Customers choose Advanced Navigation for rapid product delivery and unmatched technical field expertise.

    Headquartered in Sydney, Australia with multiple research facilities throughout the country and offices around the world. Advanced Navigation is an Australian manufacturer exporting globally. #JoinTheAutonomyRevolution

    For additional information, visit http://www.advancednavigation.com

    Media Contact
    Stephanie Qiu
    Senior PR & Communications Manager
    stephanie.qiu@advancednavigation.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8dcddce0-5100-486b-a2da-e5e42f29dcde

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0769d46-7105-470c-9e40-7c03da141388

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/115c0419-2618-4756-a41e-c1c2df255e73

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MELD Launches Crypto Neobank

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MELD, a new Neobank focusing on crypto friendliness launches today with their iOS mobile app. Coming to the market with a new type of banking that merges crypto and fiat services into a single platform. MELD gives you a traditional fiat deposit account and a non-custodial crypto account together in the same wallet. Account holders can exchange between crypto and fiat or between crypto tokens on different blockchains. Bringing the best of both worlds together in one account.

    MELD is approaching banking from a decentralized perspective. Through the MELD blockchain, the network is run by individuals or companies so no one single individual is in control. They currently have 26 of these independent nodes running the blockchain with plans to grow it to over 100. This is a fairly common type of blockchain, called Proof of Stake. Where MELD is innovating is on the banking side of the network.

    MELD has developed a proprietary banking system from scratch that integrated several payment and currency providers, some of which duplicate each other. This way, MELD is creating decentralization on the banking side where it can pick and choose the best provider for the right transactions. This also prevents an outage from one provider to stop the service because MELD can switch to a different provider that has a simpler service, creating redundancy in their system.

    In addition to this, MELD is building connectivity between the banking network and the blockchain with their zkBanking Network. This new technology duplicates all of the traditional banking transactions onto the MELD blockchain in a way that maintains privacy. With their zkBanking, users can send a proof of payment, fund or balance to a counterparty that can verify this on the blockchain.

    Notwithstanding the technical innovation, the new MELD Neobank brings fast, cheap and easy banking services to users in more than 160 countries around the world. Primarily targeting users that hold crypto and need an efficient way to convert crypto into fiat to buy crypto with fiat currency. MELDs goal is to let people use crypto as easily as they can use fiat like Euros.

    The banking services are mobile first, available today on iOS only, but the Android version of the Neobank is under development. You can go to the App Store and download MELDapp for Mobile in more than 160 countries.

    This new Neobank wallet supports Euros with an additional 20+ currencies coming in the next few weeks along with 4 of the major blockchains, Ethereum, MELD, Avalanche and Cardano. MELD has an ambitious plan of products and services coming out in the coming months. As a result they are offering early adopters a 70% discount for 2 months. The Premium service is only €5 per month. With this subscription, you lower your fiat/crypto on and off ramping fee from 1% to an incredibly low 0.01% per exchange.

    About MELD
    MELD is a crypto native global neobank powered by the blockchain. Bringing fiat currencies like (30+ including USD and EUR) and crypto currencies (1000+ BTC and ETH) together in one seamless wallet supporting more than 160 countries. MELD makes it easy to navigate between these two worlds and get the best out of both. From generating a yield on your crypto to debit cards and business accounts, MELD brings fundamental banking services to everyone.

    The MELD blockchain powers more than just the MELD Neobank, with a non-custodial lending and borrowing protocol and more than 30 businesses building on MELD. Users interact with all of this through the MELD web and Mobile apps helping people and businesses take full advantage of both their crypto assets and fiat assets.

    You can follow the project and stay up to date with its development at these links: Website | X (Twitter) | Telegram |

    Contact:
    press@meld.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by MELD. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5190354e-313c-44ef-ab60-82088e9d5d6b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Portfolio Update: New Stock Picker Appointed for Alliance Witan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Alliance Witan PLC (the “Company”)
    LEI: 213800SZZD4E21OZ9W55

    Portfolio Update: New Stock Picker Appointed for Alliance Witan

    Alliance Witan PLC (“Alliance Witan” or the “Company”) announces that its investment manager, Willis Towers Watson (“WTW”), has appointed Jennison Associates (“Jennison”) as an additional stock picker for its multi-manager global equity portfolio, taking the total number of stock pickers to eleven.

    New York and Boston-based Jennison was founded in 1969. It has $210 billion of assets under management (as of 30 June 2024) and specialises in investing in companies with exceptional growth prospects. Jennison previously managed part of the multi-manager global equity portfolio of Witan Investment Trust (“Witan”) before the latter’s combination with Alliance Trust plc to create Alliance Witan (the “Combination”), which completed on 9 October.

    Jennison’s allocation of approximately 5% of the Company’s portfolio has been largely filled from a subset of the stocks which it managed within Witan. Most of the balance of Witan’s portfolio transferred pursuant to the Combination has been handed to BlackRock, which is acting as transition manager, for realignment. However, with two managers in common between Alliance Trust and Witan – Veritas Asset Management and GQG Partners – there have also been some other in specie transfers of stock which will be retained.

    The overall risk profile of the Alliance Witan portfolio will remain largely unchanged from that of the Alliance Trust portfolio before the Combination, reflecting the continuation of the distinctive multi-manager approach previously employed. There will be no major regional, style or sectoral biases relative to the market, with most of the added value designed to come from stock picking. Details of allocations by manager will be available in the next factsheet.

    Craig Baker, Chief Investment Officer of WTW and Chair of the Alliance Witan Investment Committee, said: “Jennison has long been one of our highest-rated managers and will diversify our exposure to growth stocks. The combination with Witan gives us the opportunity to transfer them in largely in-specie, hence with relatively low transaction costs.”

    For more information, please contact:    
    Mark Atkinson
    Senior Director
    Client Management, Wealth & Retail
    Willis Towers Watson    		   Sarah Gibbons-Cook/Nick Croysdill

    Quill PR
    Mark.Atkinson@wtwco.com   AllianceTrust@quillpr.com
    Tel: 07918 724303   Tel: 020 7466 5050

    9 October 2024

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lendmark Financial Services Expands Virginia Presence with Williamsburg Branch, Marking its 47th Location in the State

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lendmark Financial Services (Lendmark), a leading provider of household credit and consumer loan solutions, continues to expand its Virginia footprint, opening a new branch in Williamsburg.

    The branch is located at 6614 Mooretown Road, Suite B, and is expected to serve hundreds of customers in its first year. Sonja Winnington, who serves as the branch manager, will be responsible for administration of all daily operations. These include building personal relationships with customers and integrating into the community to ensure area residents receive a superior level of individualized loan services that meet their unique financial needs.

    “As we grow our footprint in Virginia, we will continue to focus on delivering the tailored loan solutions our customers need to meet planned and unplanned life events,” said Dan Quann, Vice President of Branch Operations at Lendmark. “Our Virginia branch openings and overall branch growth demonstrate an ongoing need for diverse household financial options for consumers here and throughout the country.”

    In addition to serving consumers directly, Lendmark provides financing solutions for thousands of retailers and independent auto dealerships, allowing these businesses’ customers to obtain Lendmark financing. Local businesses that are interested in partnering with Lendmark to provide financing solutions for their customers should visit the branch or call 757-378-6363.

    Lendmark’s ‘Climb to Cure’ is its signature cause-related initiative. The company has committed to raising $10 million by 2025 to mark its 10-year anniversary partnering with CURE Childhood Cancer. So far, Lendmark’s employees, partners and customers have raised $8.83 million to support CURE, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to funding targeted pediatric cancer research that is utilized nationwide.

    Lendmark customers can participate by donating $1 when closing their loan. Lendmark matches the donation.

    About Lendmark Financial Services
    Lendmark Financial Services (Lendmark) provides personal and household credit and loan solutions to consumers. Founded in 1996, Lendmark strives to be the lender, employer, and partner of choice by protecting household wealth, offering stability and helping consumers meet both planned and unplanned life events through affordable loan offerings. Today, Lendmark operates more than 515 branches in 22 states across the country, providing personalized services to customers and retail business partners with every transaction. Lendmark is headquartered in Lawrenceville, Ga. For more information, visit http://www.lendmarkfinancial.com.

    Media Contact
    Jeffrey Hamilton
    Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
    jhamilton@lendmarkfinancial.com
    678-625-3128

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0cb5942-d810-4b17-a625-70205d6f609c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Physician and Medical Practice Agree to Pay $625,000 to Settle Kickback Allegations

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    Dr. Eric Troyer, of Landis, North Carolina, and his medical practice, Troyer Medical Inc. P.C. (TMI), have agreed to pay $429,254 to the United States to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations arising from their involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. Troyer and TMI will pay an additional $195,746 to the State of North Carolina, which jointly funded claims paid by the North Carolina Medicaid program. Troyer and his practice have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of other participants in the alleged schemes.

    “Kickbacks to healthcare providers can undermine the integrity of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs and medical decision making,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to pursue those who pay or receive illegal financial inducements, including unlawful inducements for laboratory testing.”

    The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

    The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from August 2015 to November 2021, Troyer and his medical practice received kickbacks from a laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, in return for Troyer’s referrals to that laboratory. According to the settlement, the kickbacks to Troyer and his medical practice allegedly were disguised as payments for purported phlebotomy services, rental of office space and the lease of a chemistry analyzer machine and resulted in the submission of false or fraudulent laboratory testing claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE in violation of the False Claims Act.

    “Patients should be able trust that their healthcare provider’s recommendations are for their well-being and not for the provider’s financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to hold accountable those who undermine the integrity of the healthcare system by giving or receiving kickbacks.”

    “This resolution demonstrates the FBI’s dedication to addressing violations that undermine the public’s trust in our healthcare systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement and regulatory partners, remains committed to ensuring healthcare professionals provide transparent and ethical standards of service.”

    “Kickback arrangements aimed at improperly influencing medical decisions will remain a top investigative priority for our agency,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our ongoing enforcement efforts in this area are focused on protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and preventing schemes that could improperly manipulate the healthcare decisions of patients and their doctors.”

    “Improper financial relationships between physicians and laboratories undermine patient healthcare and trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Kickbacks should never be a consideration in a medical practice selecting a company for laboratory testing. DCIS will continue to bring to justice medical providers who illegally enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer and wellbeing of our Warfighters.”

    The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from HHS-OIG, DCIS, FBI and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

    Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren for the District of South Carolina handled the case. The United States previously resolved allegations that other physicians in South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas received kickbacks from the same laboratory.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces new Ministerial Lead for Jasper

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Following last summer’s unprecedented wildfires that devastated the historic town of Jasper, the community is rebuilding. Businesses are getting back on their feet. Visitors are returning. Jasper is resilient.

    Amid the fires, we worked closely with the Municipality of Jasper and the Government of Alberta to provide urgent support to Albertans and impacted Indigenous communities. As we look ahead, we remain committed to ensuring the long-term recovery of Jasper – one of Canada’s national treasures.

    As part of the federal government’s commitment to the people of Jasper, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, will also serve as Ministerial Lead for Jasper.

    In this role, Minister Boissonnault will lead the federal government’s work to support people and businesses in Jasper and to ensure the community rebuilds stronger than ever. He will co-ordinate federal support with provincial, municipal, and Indigenous partners to accelerate the recovery process, report on its progress, and ensure environmental protection measures remain world class. He will be supported in this role by a working group of Cabinet ministers – each with their own mandate in helping Jasper recover.

    Rebuilding from last summer’s wildfires will require a collective effort. The Government of Canada stands ready to provide financial assistance to the Government of Alberta through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), to help with response and recovery costs and build back stronger.

    A home to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial and a place of natural beauty that has long attracted visitors from all over the world, Jasper is the heart of a vibrant community and national park. Our efforts to restore it are a testament to our commitment to Albertans and to conservation and environmental stewardship for future generations.

    Quotes

    “Our government is here for the people of Jasper. With Minister Boissonnault’s role as Ministerial Lead, we’re undertaking a collective effort – with resources, investments, and partnerships – to help Jasper recover.”

    “As the Alberta Minister in Cabinet and a longtime Jasper visitor, I accept the responsibility that the Prime Minister has given me to lead the rebuild of one of our nation’s most breathtaking communities. Jasper holds a special place in the hearts of millions. My colleagues and I will work hard to give Mayor Ireland, the Town Council, local businesses, and every Jasperite the support they need to build the town back on their terms – and even better than before.”

    Quick Facts

    • Last summer’s wildfires in Jasper National Park were the largest to impact the park in more than a century. Firefighter crews did a heroic job in saving 70 per cent of the infrastructure in the town of Jasper. Recovery and rebuilding efforts are focused on revitalizing both the town and park.
    • Over the course of the incident, over 3,000 personnel from Parks Canada and other agencies across the country worked with the common goals of suppressing the wildfires and helping community members re-enter the town and national park.
    • The working group of Cabinet ministers that will support Minister Boissonnault in his role as Ministerial Lead includes:
      • Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
      • Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
      • Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
      • Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
      • Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
      • Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
    • On July 25, 2024, the Government of Canada approved a request for federal assistance from Alberta to provide firefighting resources, strategic airlift capacity, as well as resources and logistics support from the Canadian Armed Forces to help keep people in Jasper and across the province safe from harm and protect their communities from wildfires.
    • On July 28, 2024, the federal government announced a donation-matching program with the Canadian Red Cross to support wildfire disaster relief and recovery efforts in Alberta, including in Jasper.
    • In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the Government of Canada stepped up to ensure all those impacted could receive essential services and benefits. This included:
      • Providing enhanced Service Canada delivery, outreach to evacuees, and deployment of Service Canada employees to evacuation centres to assist clients in submitting applications for benefits, such as Employment Insurance.
      • Replacing citizenship, immigration, or travel documents that were lost, damaged, or destroyed; extending or restoring people’s temporary resident status; transitioning employer-specific work permits to open work permits, as needed.
    • On October 3, 2024, Bill C-76, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act, received Royal Assent. The amendments made to the Act aim to enable the transfer of land use planning and development authorities from Parks Canada to the Municipality of Jasper, to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
    • Through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), the federal government covers up to 90 per cent of eligible provincial response and recovery expenses following a disaster, including:
      • Evacuation, transportation, emergency food, shelter, and clothing.
      • Repairs to public buildings and related equipment, roads, and bridges.
      • Restoration or replacement of individuals’ uninsurable dwellings (principal residences only), personal furnishings, appliances, and clothing.
      • Restoration of small businesses and farmsteads, including uninsurable buildings and equipment.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Harnessing Renewables in Sub-Saharan Africa: Barriers, Reforms, and Economic Prospects

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Kailhao Cai, Andrea Medici, Giovanni Melina, Gregor Schwerhoff, and Sneha D Thube. “Harnessing Renewables in Sub-Saharan Africa: Barriers, Reforms, and Economic Prospects”, Staff Climate Notes 2024, 005 (2024), accessed October 9, 2024, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798400290107.066

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific of the World Bank

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific of the World Bank, Ms. Manuela V. Ferro, at the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The meeting discussed ways to support renewable energy in the region, particularly to support the ASEAN power grid, scale-up renewable energy, and foster cross border electricity trade among the ASEAN Member States.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific of the World Bank appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: IMF Staff and Tajikistan Authorities Reach Staff-Level Agreement on the First Review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI)

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 9, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the Tajikistan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the first review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). The PCI aims to maintain macroeconomic stability, strengthen the authorities’ policy frameworks, and support their efforts to foster more sustainable and inclusive growth.
    • Macroeconomic performance remains favorable with real GDP growth at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, and twelve-month inflation slowing to 3.6 percent in August. The current account remained in surplus in the first half of 2024, with international reserves at comfortable levels.
    • Policy priorities are to enhance revenue mobilization, rationalize tax exemptions, modernize FX and public debt markets, enhance banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and improve governance and transparency of SOEs and other entities to strengthen the favorable business climate.

    Dushanbe, Tajikistan: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Matthew Gaertner held discussions with the Tajikistan authorities during September 23-October 4, 2024, for the first review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) [[1]].

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Gaertner issued the following statement:

    “The IMF mission held productive discussions with the Tajikistan authorities and reached staff-level agreement on the policies needed to complete the first review under the PCI. The successful completion of the review is subject to approval by IMF management and the IMF Executive Board. Consideration by the Board is expected in November 2024.

    “Real GDP continued to grow at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, supported by strong growth in services and construction. Inflation declined to 3.6 percent in August from 3.8 in December, remaining below the lower bound of the National Bank of Tajikistan’s target range. The current account remained in surplus during the first half of 2024 with strong financial inflows supporting comfortable levels of FX reserves. The authorities recorded a fiscal deficit well below the program’s target in the first half of the year, anchoring a continued reduction in public debt. The banking system is stable, with robust growth in deposits and credit. Strong GDP growth and low inflation are expected to continue in 2025 but geopolitical and climate risks create uncertainty over the medium-term outlook.

    “Program implementation has remained on track, with most of the quantitative targets for end-June 2024 being met and all reform targets being observed. The quantitative targets on net international reserves and the fiscal deficit were met comfortably. Improvements in revenue mobilization and debt management remain central to program objectives. Fiscal reforms have focused on quantifying losses from inefficient tax exemptions and implementing a Medium-Term Revenue Plan aiming to increase fiscal space for priority social and development spending. In line with the updated Debt Management Strategy, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has started issuing government securities at market-based rates to diversify financing sources.

    “Under the PCI, the authorities have improved monitoring of fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises (SOE), bringing all companies with state ownership of at least 20 percent under the monitoring of the MOF. Monetary and exchange rate policy reforms have centered on improving the functioning of the FX market by rationalizing the system supporting remittances and money transfers through the banking system and improving the mechanism for executing government FX transactions to better reflect prevailing market rates.

    “Looking ahead, the authorities will aim to continue to rationalize tax exemptions and tax administration, modernize FX and public debt markets, improve banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and enhance governance and transparency of SOEs and other public and private entities to support a favorable business climate and foster more sustainable and inclusive growth. Enhanced exchange rate flexibility is essential to strengthen resilience to shocks and support the transition to an interest-rate based framework. The authorities have proposed to expand the fiscal reform agenda through new measures aiming to develop a plan to streamline tax exemptions and including all companies with a minimum of 20 percent state ownership in the 2024 Statement of Fiscal Risks.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the authorities for their excellent cooperation and constructive discussions.”

    [[1]] The IMF’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) is designed for countries that do not need balance of payments financial support. The PCI helps countries design effective economic programs that, once approved by the IMF’s Executive Board, signal to donors, multilateral development banks, and markets the Fund’s endorsement of a member’s policies.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Monitoring Impact of Hurricane Milton on Capital Markets

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission is closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Milton on investors and capital markets. The SEC also continues to monitor the prior impact of Hurricane Helene.

    The SEC divisions and offices that oversee companies, accountants, investment advisers, mutual funds, brokerage firms, transfer agents, and other regulated entities and investment professionals will continue to closely track developments. They will evaluate the possibility of granting relief from filing deadlines and other regulatory requirements for those affected by the storms. Entities and investment professionals affected by Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene are encouraged to contact SEC staff with questions and concerns:

    • Division of Examinations staff in the SEC’s Miami Regional Office can be reached by phone at 305-982-6300 or email at miami@sec.gov
    • Division of Examinations staff in the SEC’s Atlanta Regional Office can be reached by phone at 404-842-7600 or email at atlanta@sec.gov
    • Division of Corporation Finance staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-3500 or via online submission at http://www.sec.gov/forms/corp_fin_interpretive
    • Division of Investment Management staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-6825 or email at imocc@sec.gov
    • Division of Trading and Markets staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-5777 or email at tradingandmarkets@sec.gov
    • Office of Municipal Securities staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-5680 or email at munis@sec.gov

    Individuals experiencing problems accessing their securities accounts or with similar questions or concerns relating to either hurricane are encouraged to contact the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy by phone at 1-800-SEC-0330 or email at help@sec.gov.

    Investors should be vigilant for Hurricane Milton-related and Hurricane Helene-related securities scams and check the background of anyone offering them an investment by using the free and simple search tool on Investor.gov. The SEC’s Division of Enforcement will vigorously prosecute those who attempt to defraud victims of the storms. The SEC is asking investors to report any suspicious solicitations at http://www.sec.gov/complaint/tipscomplaint.shtml.

    More information about the SEC’s monitoring of the impact of Hurricane Helene can be found here.

    FOR HURRICANE MILTON:

    What DHS and FEMA are doing

    https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-milton

    Español: https://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/current/hurricane-milton

    What the U.S. government is doing

    https://www.usa.gov/hurricane-milton

    Español: https://www.usa.gov/es/huracan-milton

    FOR HURRICANE HELENE:

    What DHS and FEMA are doing

    https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-helene

    Español: https://www.fema.gov/es/helene

    What the U.S. government is doing

    https://usa.gov/hurricane-helene

    Español: https://usa.gov/es/huracan-helene

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff and Tajikistan Authorities Reach Staff-Level Agreement on the First Review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI)

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 9, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the Tajikistan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the first review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). The PCI aims to maintain macroeconomic stability, strengthen the authorities’ policy frameworks, and support their efforts to foster more sustainable and inclusive growth.
    • Macroeconomic performance remains favorable with real GDP growth at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, and twelve-month inflation slowing to 3.6 percent in August. The current account remained in surplus in the first half of 2024, with international reserves at comfortable levels.
    • Policy priorities are to enhance revenue mobilization, rationalize tax exemptions, modernize FX and public debt markets, enhance banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and improve governance and transparency of SOEs and other entities to strengthen the favorable business climate.

    Dushanbe, Tajikistan: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Matthew Gaertner held discussions with the Tajikistan authorities during September 23-October 4, 2024, for the first review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) [[1]].

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Gaertner issued the following statement:

    “The IMF mission held productive discussions with the Tajikistan authorities and reached staff-level agreement on the policies needed to complete the first review under the PCI. The successful completion of the review is subject to approval by IMF management and the IMF Executive Board. Consideration by the Board is expected in November 2024.

    “Real GDP continued to grow at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, supported by strong growth in services and construction. Inflation declined to 3.6 percent in August from 3.8 in December, remaining below the lower bound of the National Bank of Tajikistan’s target range. The current account remained in surplus during the first half of 2024 with strong financial inflows supporting comfortable levels of FX reserves. The authorities recorded a fiscal deficit well below the program’s target in the first half of the year, anchoring a continued reduction in public debt. The banking system is stable, with robust growth in deposits and credit. Strong GDP growth and low inflation are expected to continue in 2025 but geopolitical and climate risks create uncertainty over the medium-term outlook.

    “Program implementation has remained on track, with most of the quantitative targets for end-June 2024 being met and all reform targets being observed. The quantitative targets on net international reserves and the fiscal deficit were met comfortably. Improvements in revenue mobilization and debt management remain central to program objectives. Fiscal reforms have focused on quantifying losses from inefficient tax exemptions and implementing a Medium-Term Revenue Plan aiming to increase fiscal space for priority social and development spending. In line with the updated Debt Management Strategy, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has started issuing government securities at market-based rates to diversify financing sources.

    “Under the PCI, the authorities have improved monitoring of fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises (SOE), bringing all companies with state ownership of at least 20 percent under the monitoring of the MOF. Monetary and exchange rate policy reforms have centered on improving the functioning of the FX market by rationalizing the system supporting remittances and money transfers through the banking system and improving the mechanism for executing government FX transactions to better reflect prevailing market rates.

    “Looking ahead, the authorities will aim to continue to rationalize tax exemptions and tax administration, modernize FX and public debt markets, improve banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and enhance governance and transparency of SOEs and other public and private entities to support a favorable business climate and foster more sustainable and inclusive growth. Enhanced exchange rate flexibility is essential to strengthen resilience to shocks and support the transition to an interest-rate based framework. The authorities have proposed to expand the fiscal reform agenda through new measures aiming to develop a plan to streamline tax exemptions and including all companies with a minimum of 20 percent state ownership in the 2024 Statement of Fiscal Risks.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the authorities for their excellent cooperation and constructive discussions.”

    [[1]] The IMF’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) is designed for countries that do not need balance of payments financial support. The PCI helps countries design effective economic programs that, once approved by the IMF’s Executive Board, signal to donors, multilateral development banks, and markets the Fund’s endorsement of a member’s policies.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/09/pr-24361-tajikistan-imf-and-authorities-reach-agreement-on-1st-rev-of-pci

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: St. Petersburg Gas Forum 2024: Polytech Showcases Cutting-Edge Developments

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    From October 8 to 11, the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum 2024 is being held in the Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Centre in St. Petersburg. Russia’s leading technical university and the flagship university of PJSC Gazprom, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, traditionally participates in the exhibition and scientific-business programme of the forum. This year, SPbPU and the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences presented a joint stand.

    The St. Petersburg International Gas Forum can be called a unique event without exaggeration, because it is not only an exhibition of achievements in the gas industry, but also provides opportunities for a meaningful dialogue between business, government and science. This is necessary to ensure the technological independence of the Russian energy industry, – noted the rector of SPbPU, chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy.

    Among the innovative developments that forum guests can see at the Polytechnic stand is the installation of selective laser melting with high-temperature heating of the working area “Mercury”, which solves the problems of import preemption in the economy of our country. This is an innovative project, which has no analogues in Russia. The new equipment was created in cooperation with an industrial partner – the company 3DLAM. Thanks to additive metal printing technologies, which Polytechnic is now actively engaged in, it has become possible to manufacture products of the most complex shapes from difficult-to-process alloys. The resulting samples are highly durable and reliable.

    The unit is capable of heating the working area to 1300 degrees for printing new-generation heat-resistant alloys. Joint repair of T32 engine components — the Ladoga gas pumping unit — is currently being discussed.

    In our partnership, we act as an equipment manufacturer, and Polytech acts as a technology center that develops the technology itself, works out modes and prepares technical specifications, according to which we create innovative installations, noted Nikolai Drobchenko, head of the 3DLAM additive technology department.

    Specialists from the research laboratory “Laser and Additive Technologies” of the Institute of Metallurgy and Metallurgy of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University also demonstrate the mobile laser cladding complex “Nomad” and components of gas turbine engines restored using the laser cladding method.

    “Here, there is a synergy of combining scientific research, technological and production experience,” said Mikhail Kuznetsov, head of the Laser and Additive Technologies Research Laboratory. “And all of this is combined into a new development. In this case, it is a layer-by-layer growth complex with high-temperature heating.”

    Also at the Polytechnic stand, you can get acquainted with the work of virtual demonstration complexes based on VR technologies to study the main actions during maintenance and operation of compressor equipment used at underground gas storage facilities.

    Traditionally, the SPbPU History Museum takes part in the exhibition. Its employees tell visitors to the stand about the Polytechnic gas plant, which produced lighting gas for laboratories.

    SPbPU and SPbB RAS stand: L2, Pavilion G.

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

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

    http://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/St. Petersburg-gas-forum-2024-polytech-demonstrates-advanced-developments/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the President of the AIIB

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), H.E. Jin Liqun, on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR today. SG Dr. Kao commended the AIIB’s efforts in advancing connectivity and infrastructure development and looked forward to having deeper cooperation between ASEAN and AIIB in enhancing connectivity in the region.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the President of the AIIB appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: FE International Advises the Acquisition of DropFunnels by OptionScout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FE International, the award-winning strategic advisor for technology businesses, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of DropFunnels, an all-in-one marketing solution, by OptionScout, a FinTech platform.

    From landing page creation to SEO optimization to sales tracking, DropFunnels was designed to help founders launch products faster. It’s easy-to-use and customizable, making it flexible to specific business needs—a feature Jordan Mederich, Founder, found lacking in other solutions.

    “It’s hard as a solo entrepreneur to launch your business very quickly and rapidly iterate to get you the results that you need,” said Mederich. “I decided that there had to be a better way. I wanted to build a sales and marketing tool that would allow anyone, from any background, to very quickly launch and iterate and scale their business online with the power of WordPress.”

    A key priority for the founder was securing a buyer capable of both shaping a long-term strategic vision for DropFunnels and seamlessly transitioning ownership. The team at FE International had already identified the perfect buyer within their extensive network, ensuring a perfect match for the company’s future growth.

    “We’re very excited about the successful transaction,” said Thomas Smale, CEO of FE International, “Especially considering the deep-rooted relationships with the firm that drove both parties across the line.”

    Beau Crabill, Founder of OptionScout, runs a portfolio of fintech solutions and is a previous client of FE International. Upon learning about the opportunity from the FE International team, he quickly moved to submit an offer, recognizing its strategic value. “I was interested in DropFunnels as soon as I saw it on the market,” said Crabill. “This is a product I am passionate about. I believe it truly helps entrepreneurs.”

    His first plan as the owner of DropFunnels is to continue refining the platform. “The only priority is the product,” said Crabill. “I’ve been tracking customer tickets and the reason for them. Operationally, we’ve made zero changes to support, but our support tickets are down about 80%. Why? Because we’ve been focusing on product—making fixes and adding improvements.”

    DropFunnels customers trust the product largely because of the dependable support they receive when issues arise. However, Crabill aims to elevate this experience even further. “A year from now, I don’t want people to rely on support. I want DropFunnels to be viewed like a Toyota—reliable and always working as expected,” he said.

    The deal terms include a short transition time for Mederich, who is already building his next product—Revatto, a subscription recovery and reactivation solution for subscription brands. To learn more, see read our case study on the deal: feinternational.com/blog/profitable-from-day-one/

    About DropFunnels:

    DropFunnels is an all-in-one marketing solution to get businesses online with a website in minutes. It allows users to develop a home site, create an authority blog, and build a high-converting sales funnels all with the ease of a drag and drop editor that requires no coding or tech skills. For more information, visit dropfunnels.com.

    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.

    With its headquarters in New York and locations in London, Miami, San Francisco, Warsaw, and Mumbai, 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. For more information, visit feinternational.com.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact:
    Gaj Tanwar
    Marketing Coordinator, FE International
    Email: gaj.tanwar@feinternational.com

    Website: feinternational.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Redwood Services Wins Memphis Business Journal’s Best Places to Work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Redwood Services (“Redwood”), a home services firm focused on investing in leading residential HVAC, plumbing and electrical services companies in growing U.S. markets, today announced it has won the Memphis Business Journal’s Best Places to Work award in the “Small Business” category.

    “Each day, I witness our Partner Support Center (PSC) teammates come together to help support and elevate our Partner Companies across the country. This is the highest performing team I’ve ever been a part of,” said Richard Lewis, Founder and CEO of Redwood Services. “I want to take the opportunity to thank our PSC teammates for creating such a strong culture, one of both entrepreneurial spirit and accountability.”

    “Since creating Redwood in 2020, we have built one of the top home services firms in the United States. That said, Richard will be the first to tell you our company wouldn’t be where we are today without our PSC teammates giving their all to our Partners and their teams,” said John Conway, Chief Operating Officer of Redwood Services. “This award is another proof point that the vision we laid out from the start is unique and succeeding. I look forward to seeing Redwood’s growth in the years to come.”

    The Memphis Business Journal’s Best Places to Work Awards honors companies in the Mid-South that create policies and foster a work environment that employees value. Memphis Business Journal asked Redwood employees to complete an independent, quantitative, confidential, online employee engagement survey. The Memphis Business Journal analyzed survey results from companies across the Memphis metropolitan area.

    To learn more, read The Memphis Business Journal’s feature story of Redwood Services here.

    About Redwood Services                                              

    Founded in 2020, Memphis-based Redwood Services is building a family of people-focused essential home service companies, actively investing in the HVAC, plumbing and electrical trades throughout the United States. Redwood operates 15 industry leading brands as it continues to build out a national home services platform.

    For more information, visit RedwoodServices.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government honours victims on anniversary of attack against Israel

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Government honours victims on anniversary of attack against Israel – Government.se

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    On 7 October 2023, Hamas committed the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was joined by other ministers in a ceremony at Stockholm’s Great Synagogue on the evening of 7 October 2024 to honour the memory of the victims of the attack.

    • Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson delivers a speech during the memorial ceremony at Stockholm’s Great Synagogue on 7 October.

      Photo: Ninni Andersson/Government Offices

    • Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in discussion at the memorial ceremony at Stockholm’s Great Synagogue on 7 October, the anniversary of the 2023 terrorist attack against Israel.

      Photo: Tom Samuelsson/Government Offices

    • Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Migration Johan Forssell, Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg and Minister for Civil Defence Carl Oskar Bohlin attended the memorial ceremony.

      Photo: Tom Samuelsson/Government Offices

    Mr Kristersson delivered a speech during the ceremony and spoke about honouring the memory of those murdered on 7 October, the importance of an immediate and unconditional release of the hostages and the need for the whole of Swedish society to continue to fight antisemitism.

    Aron Verständig, Chair of the Official Council of Swedish Jewish Communities, and Ziv Nevo Kulman, Israel’s Ambassador to Sweden also spoke.

    Other Government representatives in attendance were Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Migration Johan Forssell, Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg and Minister for Civil Defence Carl Oskar Bohlin. 

    The ceremony was organised by the Jewish Community in Stockholm and the Embassy of Israel in Stockholm.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden statement on successful push to pause EU point-of-origin rule, protect Maine forest products industry

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement after the European Union’s (E.U.) decision to delay its point-of-origin regulation that he and 72 other bipartisan House members requested a pause to last month:

    “Maine’s forest products industry has set the bar globally for sustainability, yet even our own businesses would have been unable to meet the impossibly high standard of this proposal,” Golden said. “I’m glad that the E.U. listened to concerns from both producers and consumers across the world, and I’ll remain focused on ensuring any possible future implementation is workable for Maine businesses.”

    “We applaud the EU’s decision to delay its point-of-origin regulation and Congressman Golden for working to achieve that delay,” Dana Doran, executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast said. “Maine loggers are global leaders in responsible timber harvesting and we are confident the EU can benefit from wood harvested by Maine contractors, grown by Maine landowners and manufactured by Maine mills as long as common-sense prevails in any standards established to regulate those exports.”

    According to the E.U., the new rule will now go into effect on December 30, 2025 for “large companies” (those employing more than 250 workers) and on June 30, 2026 for “small and micro enterprises” (those employing fewer than 50 workers and 10 workers, respectively). 

    Without a delay, the E.U.’s new rule would have mandated new point-of-origin reporting requirements on December 20 of this year for goods exported to the economic bloc to ensure production does not contribute to global deforestation. This includes exact geographic location coordinates to specific plots of land, despite the fact that current technology is unable to trace the source of blended forest products such as wood chips. 

    Implementation could have prevented American-made forest products from reaching the E.U.’s market — devaluing U.S. timberlands and decimating domestic manufacturing in the process. U.S. forest product exports to the E.U. are valued at $3.5 billion.

    Full text of the lawmakers’ letter originally requesting a pause can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson releases 2023–2024 Annual Report 

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Canada’s Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson, Mr. François Boileau, released his annual report, Fair Access to Service, which was tabled yesterday in the House of Commons by Ms. Iqra Khalid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue. The report provides an overview of the activities of the Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson (OTO) between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

    OTTAWA, October 9, 2024 — Canada’s Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson, Mr. François Boileau, released his annual report, Fair Access to Service, which was tabled yesterday in the House of Commons by Ms. Iqra Khalid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue. The report provides an overview of the activities of the Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson (OTO) between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

    The report details how the OTO influenced service improvements at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by reviewing service issues and complaints. It also includes three recommendations to the Minister of National Revenue and the Chair of the Board of Management to improve the CRA’s service to Canadians.

    Through the lens of how the OTO’s work can be a catalyst for change at the CRA, the first section of the report examines complaint trends for the 2023–2024 fiscal year, during which the OTO made a difference by:

    • answering over 4500 enquiries
    • receiving over 2800 complaints
    • referring almost 1400 complaints to CRA Service Feedback
    • prioritizing over 500 complaints and requesting that the CRA review the taxpayer’s issue urgently

    These were the highest number of complaints and enquiries the OTO has ever received outside of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The report also explains how the OTO influenced change at the CRA through requests for service improvement, and it describes the CRA’s actions resulting from these requests. For example, in March 2024, the Ombudsperson requested that the CRA make changes to prevent an issue blocking callers from reaching its contact centres during regular hours of service. As a result, the CRA changed its telephone system to allow callers to access its Individual Tax, Benefits, and Business Enquiries telephone lines during all hours in which the contact centres were open across Canada, regardless of the area code or time zone of the caller.

    Additionally, the report analyzes the CRA’s efforts to make sure vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations get the benefits and credits they are entitled to. It analyzes the CRA’s existing programs, including the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and SimpleFile by Phone, and discusses how they could be improved to better meet Canadians’ needs.

    2023–2024 report highlights:

    Recommendations

    The Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson recommends:

    1.    (…) that the CRA actively work to harmonize the operating hours of the services it provides so that residents across the country receive equal hours of service during the same operating hours depending on the various time zones in the country, to ensure equal availability of services to residents across the country.

    2.    (…) that the CRA define the eligibility criteria for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program (ITAVP) in Quebec, to allow self-employed individuals with a modest income and simple expenses, access to free tax clinics where such a service can be made available.

    3.    (…) that the CRA:

    a)    Provide a permanent grant program for organizations participating in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program (ITAVP); and

    b)    Continue to provide supplemental grant amounts to those that serve Indigenous communities and those organizations that operate in northern, rural and remote communities.

    Trends in complaints

    1.    Collection actions: The CRA fully resumed collection activities in February 2023 after they were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. When compared with the previous fiscal year (April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023), this fiscal year saw more than double the number of complaints and more than triple the number of enquiries related to a CRA collection issue.

    2.    Quality of service provided by CRA contact centres: CRA contact centres continued to generate complaints. For many years, Canadians have made us aware of their dissatisfaction with this service. Some of the issues raised by Canadians related to excessive wait times, receiving conflicting or inconsistent information, agent behaviour, and calls being dropped prematurely.

    3.    Delays in receiving notices of assessment and refunds: We heard that the CRA was taking too long to process income tax and benefit returns and send the related notices of assessment.

    4.    Delays in obtaining the Canada child benefit (CCB): Canadians told us that they experienced delays in the CRA processing their CCB applications and in verifying their eligibility. We also heard from Canadians that they received benefits late due to delays in the CRA processing their income tax and benefit returns. We noted these issues particularly when it was not clear to the CRA who was primarily responsible for the care of the child.

    5.    Delays in resolving service complaints: The CRA’s service standard to resolve complaints is 30 business days from when they receive it. We heard from taxpayers who said the CRA took much longer and were not satisfied with the length of time the CRA took to respond.

    Background information

    The Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson works independently from the CRA. Canadians can submit complaints to the Office if they feel they are not receiving the appropriate service from the CRA. Our main objective is to improve the service the CRA provides to taxpayers and benefit recipients by reviewing individual service complaints and service issues that affect more than one person or a segment of the population.

    The Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson assists, advises and informs the Minister of National Revenue about matters relating to services provided by the CRA. The Ombudsperson ensures, in particular, that the CRA respects eight of the service rights outlined in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The Institute of Intellectual Property is a cross-cutting component of the national innovation system of a technologically developed country

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the plenary session of the XXVIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “IP Era” “Intellectual Property – the Basis of an Innovative Economy: Priorities and Mechanisms of Scientific and Technological Development”

    October 9, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the plenary session of the XXVIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “IP Era” “Intellectual Property – the Basis of an Innovative Economy: Priorities and Mechanisms of Scientific and Technological Development”

    October 9, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the plenary session of the XXVIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “IP Era” “Intellectual Property – the Basis of an Innovative Economy: Priorities and Mechanisms of Scientific and Technological Development”

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the plenary session of the XXVIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “IP Era” “Intellectual Property – the Basis of an Innovative Economy: Priorities and Mechanisms for Scientific and Technological Development”.

    The event participants discussed issues of international scientific and technical cooperation in the field of intellectual property.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that the institute of intellectual property is a cross-cutting component of the national innovation system of each technologically developed country. In Russia, over the past year, strategic goal-setting in the field of scientific and technological development for the next period has been determined.

    “In May, President Vladimir Putin approved a decree on Russia’s national development goals. For the first time in the history of modern Russia, technological leadership has become a national goal. We now have a unique situation, since one of the strategic objectives aimed at achieving this goal is to increase spending on science to 2% of GDP by 2030. Another objective is to increase the share of domestic high-tech goods and services created on the basis of our own development lines by 1.5 times compared to the 2023 level. In this regard, it is important for us not only to increase the volume of scientific research and development, including through extra-budgetary sources, but also to ensure what Rospatent does – timely and seamless transfer of these technologies into products and services in demand by citizens, the state and business,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    To make management decisions and track the effective transfer of technologies from science to industry, a unified digital environment for research and development is being formed within the Science and Innovation domain. The first 14 services are already functioning in it, including the Service of Technology Requests from Business and End-to-End Traceability.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko separately noted that in order to respond to global challenges, it is necessary to concentrate all resources around the tasks of technological leadership.

    “According to the instructions of the head of state, each national project of technological leadership should provide for separate federal projects on advanced training of qualified specialists and development of the most important science-intensive technologies. The role of intellectual property here is the proper legal protection of the result and its transfer from scientific reserves, which will be formed within the framework of separate federal projects, to specific products and their entry into industrial production. In this regard, I would like to note the work of Rospatent, which today is not limited to just protecting intellectual property, but is focusing on stimulating scientific, technological, and entrepreneurial breakthroughs,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    Today, there are a large number of requests from technology companies for reverse engineering of technologies and products that the companies previously purchased abroad. In the process of reverse engineering, scientists and engineers often manage to improve the properties of technologies and products, thereby creating a qualitatively new result.

    According to Dmitry Chernyshenko, today, only registration in the patent offices of friendly countries where such products are planned for sale can provide proper legal protection for products, especially those with export potential. National patent offices can and should act as methodologists in the proper registration of intellectual property rights.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also recalled that the plenary session was timed to coincide with the 6th meeting of the heads of intellectual property departments of the BRICS countries, and noted the Rospatent project to develop a guide to intellectual property systems in the BRICS countries for entrepreneurs.

    The plenary session was attended by Deputy Minister of Economic Development Maxim Kolesnikov, President of the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO) Grigory Ivliev, as well as representatives of the intellectual property departments of the Republic of Belarus, China and South Africa. In addition, a greeting was given by the Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Lilia Gumerova. The session was moderated by the Head of Rospatent Yuri Zubov.

    In addition, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting with the management of Rospatent and subordinate organizations. They discussed the role of Rospatent in ensuring Russia’s technological leadership, IT infrastructure in the field of intellectual property, and legal protection of regional brands as a tool for developing tourism in the regions of Russia.

    “It is important to create developments with export potential and a focus on further commercialization. Intellectual property is an important indicator of the country’s technological development, and promising scientific ideas should receive legal protection and enter industrial production as soon as possible. The necessary digital and analytical services have been formed in the Rospatent system to support science and business,” said Rospatent head Yuri Zubov.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52948/

    MIL OSI Russia News –