NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Statement on FTC Crackdown on Invitation Homes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV1) today released the following statement after the Federal Trade Commission took action against Invitation Homes for deceiving renters about lease costs, charging undisclosed junk fees, failing to inspect homes before renters moved in, and unfairly withholding tenants’ security deposits when they moved out.

    “The FTC took a major step in addressing deceptive rental practices in Southern Nevada which have contributed to skyrocketing rental costs,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Invitation Homes is the second-largest owner of single-family homes in Clark County, with some 3,500 homes. The FTC action requires Invitation Homes to make refunds to consumers and sends a strong message that rent gouging will not be tolerated.”

    Invitation Homes has agreed to a proposed settlement order that would require the company to turn over $48 million to be used to refund consumers harmed by its actions nationally. The corporate landlord will also be required to clearly disclose its leasing prices, establish policies and procedures to handle security deposit refunds fairly, and stop other unlawful behavior.

    See FTC’s news release for more background.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Welcomes $60 Million in Tax Credits for Community Development to Support Small Businesses and Spur Economic Growth

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today the New Hampshire delegation announced that Mascoma Community Development, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mascoma Bank of Lebanon, was awarded $60 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) to incentivize development in underserved communities.

    “Investments into our communities and small businesses are helping develop local economies, create more good-paying jobs, and strengthen our quality of life,” said Congressman Pappas. “These funds will incentivize economic development in New Hampshire’s underserved communities to ensure no city or town is left behind. I’ll continue to advocate for programs that help our state, small businesses, and communities grow and thrive.” 

    “Underserved communities and small businesses often struggle to get the capital they need to grow, which is why this investment is key to the overall economic success of our state. I’m glad to see this award going to Mascoma Community Development to help ensure small businesses and entrepreneurs working to develop these communities have the resources they need to succeed,” said Senator Shaheen. “I look forward to continuing to support programs that provide development opportunities, create jobs and grow our economy in communities across New Hampshire.” 

    “Investing in Granite State businesses and ensuring that they have access to the capital that they need is a key way to help our local economy thrive,” said Senator Hassan. “This federal funding will promote development and growth in the Upper Valley and throughout New Hampshire, and I will keep supporting programs that help create jobs and invest in our state.” 

    “Small businesses and local entrepreneurs are the backbone of New Hampshire’s economy and way of life,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “These resources heading to Mascoma Community Development will go a long way toward uplifting our Main Street businesses and the communities they serve, and I look forward to seeing the benefit the New Market Tax Credit program continues to have on New Hampshire’s economic growth.” 

    This award is provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), which promotes development in low-income urban and rural communities by investing in mission-driven financial institutions. Tax credit allocations awarded to Community Development Entities (CDE), such as Mascoma Community Development, enable CDEs to raise additional capital to invest in low income and distressed communities in return for tax credits. The total tax credit provided to investors equals 39 percent of the original investment and is spread over a seven-year period. 

    Historically, NMTC Program awards have generated $8 of private investment for every $1 invested by the federal government. Through the end of fiscal year 2023, NMTC Program award recipients deployed more than $66 billion in investments in low-income communities and businesses, supporting more than 894,000 jobs and the construction or rehabilitation of nearly 259.5 million square feet of commercial real estate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: SDG Flag Day in Lugano: the important role of cities in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

    Bern, 25.09.2024 – Since 2019, the SDG Flag Day has been held every year on 25 September, at the initiative of the business community (UN Global Compact). Schools, municipalities, organisations, companies and governments raise a flag depicting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to symbolically express their support for the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. By participating in the SDG Flag Day event in Lugano, the two Federal Council delegates for the 2030 Agenda, Markus Reubi and Daniel Dubas, are emphasising the importance of cities in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

    Access to green spaces and public spaces, sustainable transport systems, waste sorting or urban planning with all stakeholders: cities are particularly confronted with the challenges of sustainability. Although they only cover 3% of the Earth’s surface, they consume three quarters of the world’s resources and are responsible for 75% of global emissions. This is why SDG 11 “Sustainable cities and communities” of the 2030 Agenda also addresses this central theme.

    Cities and municipalities must be designed to be more inclusive, resilient and green. On this year’s SDG Flag Day, the City of Lugano is illustrating with various examples how it is contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

    “With his program

    Today’s event in Lugano is the starting point for closer collaboration between the FDFA and various cities in the field of sustainability, which will be supported by a city symposium at the 2025 edition.

    Agenda 2030The 2030 Agenda is the global framework for local, national and international efforts to find common solutions to major global challenges, such as climate change, resource exploitation, biodiversity conservation and health crises. The 2030 Agenda was adopted on 25 September 2015 by 193 UN Member States, including Switzerland. It applies to all States and sets sustainable development goals until 2030. In Switzerland, too, the 2030 Agenda outlines the broad outlines of sustainable development policy. The 17 SDGs and their 169 targets are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda. They are structured around five principles that guide action: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. With these five principles, the 2030 Agenda aims to ensure human well-being, economic development and environmental protection and addresses aspects such as peace, the rule of law and governance. The SDG Flag Day event is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, a global network of businesses committed to the goals of the 2030 Agenda.

    Address for sending questions

    Communication DFAE Federal Palace WestCH-3003 BernTel. Press Service: 41 58 460 55 55E-Mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.chTwitter: @EDA_DFAE

    Author

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairshttps://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/dfae.html

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Announces Over $3 Million in Awards to Advance Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for STEM, R&D-Focused Small Businesses and Startups

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced the 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) Stage Two winners. Forty-four accelerator partnerships received between $50,000 and $150,000 each to advance their work supporting small businesses and startups in STEM and research and development (R&D) across priority areas like national and economic security, domestic manufacturing and production, and sustainability and biotechnology. 

    “Innovation happens everywhere and the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to build on its commitment to promote sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems that advance research and development and commercialization in communities across the nation,” said Administrator Guzman. “The 2024 GAFC Stage Two award winners will drive forward the Investing in America agenda and strengthen America’s global competitiveness by continuing to support the expanding and increasingly diverse entrepreneurs across the nation and provide them with the opportunities that lower barriers for market and capital access.”

    GAFC Stage One prizes emphasized ecosystem network building, while Stage Two efforts focus on the enhanced support that can be provided to small businesses and startups through these Growth Accelerator Partnerships. These partnerships span public, private, nonprofit, and academic institutions, fostering collaboration across industries and geographies, with lead awardees headquartered in 34 U.S. states and territories, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and assisting innovators nationally.

    “Since its launch in 2014, the SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) has made a positive difference to local and national innovation-focused entrepreneurship organizations and the communities they support. The competition has grown to be a core component and vital source of support to our nation’s innovation ecosystem. Over the last decade, SBA has awarded 566 prizes totaling over $33 million to winners across the U.S. and U.S. territories. We are delighted to announce 31 of this year’s Stage Two winners are new to the program, and we are inspired to witness communities of ecosystem developers coming together to build new relationships and networks with GAFC funding,” said Bailey G. DeVries, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. 

    Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Stage Two Winners

    Learn more about each GAFC partnership in the public directory located at https://bit.ly/GAFC24Directory. 

    National and Economic Security

    • Ala., The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship
    • Calif., Starburst Accelerator
    • Colo., Catalyst Accelerator
    • Ind., Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
    • Ind., Indiana Center for Emerging Technologies
    • La., Maven Scouts
    • Md., Rural Autonomous Innovation Network (RAIN) Association of University Research Parks (AURP)
    • Mo., Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation
    • Mont., Early Stage Montana
    • Neb., Invest Nebraska
    • N.M., NewSpace Nexus

    Domestic Manufacturing and Production

    • Ariz., Startup Tucson
    • Ark., Endeavor NWA Entrepreneurs
    • District of Columbia, National Disability Institute
    • Fla., Florida Institute of Technology
    • Fla., International Business Innovation Association
    • Hawaii, XLR8HI
    • N.C., RIoT
    • N.D., Grand Farm Research and Education Initiative Inc.
    • N.Y., FuzeHub
    • N.Y., Southern Tier High Technology Incubator Inc.
    • Utah, Utah Advanced Materials Manufacturing Institute
    • Wash., 360 Social Impact Studios

    Sustainability and Biotechnology

    • Alaska, Spruce Root Inc.
    • Calif., Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
    • Conn., The Community Foundation-Mission Investments Company
    • Ill., University of Illinois Research Park LLC
    • Maine, Central Maine Growth Council
    • Mass., SeaAhead Inc.
    • Minn., RuralWorks Partners LLC
    • N.C., Eva Garland Consulting LLC
    • N.Y., The Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz
    • Ore., Oregon Health and Science University
    • Pa., University City Science Center
    • Puerto Rico, CARBONO3 LLC
    • Tenn., BioTN Foundation Inc.
    • Tenn., Native American Investment and Capital Alliance
    • Texas, Health Wildcatters
    • Texas, Impact Hub Houston
    • Utah, Altitude Lab
    • Va., FedTech
    • Vt., LaunchVT
    • W.Va., U.S. Research Impact Alliance Corp.
    • Washington, D.C., Women in Engineering ProActive Network 

    “Supported by SBA’s Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development (IIED) Division, the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition awards boost strategic partnerships that create a national network so entrepreneurs can tap into significant capital and resources. Our work emphasizes the value of strategic connections and relationships across a wide variety of entrepreneur support organizations and accentuates how the work they are doing can successfully impact the growth and advancement of our federal innovation ecosystem,” said Brittany Sickler, Director of Ecosystem Development, for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. “We are changing the trajectory for underserved communities and founders so that more startups and small businesses can scale and grow. “

    For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (americasseedfund.us). 

    ###

    About SBA Office of Investment and Innovation

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) leads programs that provide the growth-oriented small business and startup community with access to financial capital, networks, assistance, and R&D funds to develop commercially viable innovations. Our work is underpinned by public-private partnerships that help small businesses on their trajectory from idea to IPO. 
     

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Ltd (GBP): Results of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited (the “Company”)
    a closed-ended investment company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey
    with registration number 45582

    Legal Entity Identifier: 5493002XNM3W9D6DF327

    Results of Annual General Meeting

    The Company hereby gives notification that at the annual general meeting of the Company held on Wednesday, 25 September, 2024 at 11.30 a.m., all resolutions set out in the notice of meeting were duly passed. The Board would like to thank the shareholders of the Company for their continued support.

    The details of all resolutions passed are as follows:

    ORDINARY BUSINESS – ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

    1.        That the Company’s annual report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 be received. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    2.        That Mr Erich Bonnet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    3.        That Ms Sylvie Sauton who, being eligible and having offered herself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    4.        That Mr Luke Allen who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    5.        That Mr Frédéric Hervouet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    For further information, please contact:

    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP
    Emmanuel Gavaudan
    +44 20 3751 5389

    JTC Fund Solutions (Guernsey) Limited
    Secretary
    +44 (0) 1481 702400

    25 September, 2024
    Website: www.bgholdingltd.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has been authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission as an authorised closed-ended investment scheme. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Master Fund ICAV have been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    END OF ANNOUNCEMENT

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Ltd (EUR): Results of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited (the “Company”)
    a closed-ended investment company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey
    with registration number 45582

    Legal Entity Identifier: 5493002XNM3W9D6DF327

    Results of Annual General Meeting

    The Company hereby gives notification that at the annual general meeting of the Company held on Wednesday, 25 September, 2024 at 11.30 a.m., all resolutions set out in the notice of meeting were duly passed. The Board would like to thank the shareholders of the Company for their continued support.

    The details of all resolutions passed are as follows:

    ORDINARY BUSINESS – ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

    1.        That the Company’s annual report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 be received. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    2.        That Mr Erich Bonnet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    3.        That Ms Sylvie Sauton who, being eligible and having offered herself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    4.        That Mr Luke Allen who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    5.        That Mr Frédéric Hervouet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    For further information, please contact:

    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP
    Emmanuel Gavaudan
    +44 20 3751 5389

    JTC Fund Solutions (Guernsey) Limited
    Secretary
    +44 (0) 1481 702400

    25 September, 2024
    Website: www.bgholdingltd.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has been authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission as an authorised closed-ended investment scheme. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Master Fund ICAV have been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    END OF ANNOUNCEMENT

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: At Hearing, Warren Slams Trump for Role in Criminalizing Abortion, Pushes Back on Misinformation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    September 25, 2024
    Warren: “The consequences (of overturning Roe v. Wade) have been disastrous. Women hemorrhaging in parking lots until they are closer to death, women airlifted to another state for an emergency abortion, women traveling from emergency room to emergency room, desperate for help, only to be turned away and left to miscarry at home.” 
    Warren: “Thanks to Donald Trump, doctors in nearly half the country now have to wonder if they will face criminal penalties for providing medically necessary care.”
    Video of Exchange (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) highlighted the dangerous consequences women have faced two years after Donald Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Senator Warren recounted recent tragedies in states with abortion bans and warned that doctors’ ability to perform life-saving care in emergency situations is under attack. Just last week, ProPublica reported on the untimely deaths of two Georgia mothers, Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller, who were denied timely care following rare, but treatable, complications from medication abortion. 
    Senator Warren pushed back on Republican efforts to use these womens’ deaths to spread misinformation about the safety of medication abortion, which Dr. Amelia Huntsberger, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, confirmed is “extremely safe.” When asked what is to blame for the unnecessary suffering women are facing when attempting to receive emergency medical care in states with abortion bans, Dr. Huntsberger clarified that “lawmakers, who may or may not have bothered to understand the complexity of pregnancy and medical care, made laws that are impacting physicians’ ability to act and to take care of their patients.” 
    Senator Warren also highlighted the stakes of the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss a case related to the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which requires hospitals that accept Medicare to provide stabilizing care to individuals with an emergency medical condition. Professor Michele Goodwin, JD, Georgetown University School of Law, described the Court’s failure to affirm the 200-year-old principle that federal law preempts state law as “incredibly dangerous.” 
    Senator Warren called for restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade to protect women’s lives and bodily autonomy.  
    Transcript: Hearing on Chaos and Control: How Trump Criminalized Women’s Health Care Senate Finance CommitteeSeptember 24, 2024
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: So it has been two years since Donald Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade. The consequences have been disastrous. Women hemorrhaging in parking lots until they are closer to death, women airlifted to another state for an emergency abortion, women traveling from emergency room to emergency room, desperate for help, only to be turned away and left to miscarry at home. 
    Ms. Joshua, I am deeply sorry for what happened to you. It should not have happened to anyone. Trump’s abortion bans aren’t just causing unnecessary suffering, they’re killing women. 
    Last week, we learned about Amber Nicole Thurman. Amber lived in Georgia. She was mother to a six year old boy. She hoped to become a nurse. After learning she was pregnant, she fled to another state, where she got a medication abortion back in Georgia, Amber experienced a rare complication. She waited 20 hours before doctors performed the life saving surgery that she needed, but 20 hours made it too late. Anti-abortion extremists want to twist Amber’s story to spread misinformation about the safety of medication abortion. 
    Doctor Huntsberger, you are an OBGYN. How safe is medication abortion?
    Dr. Amelia Huntsberger, Obstetrician and Gynecologist: Extremely safe. We have decades of research on mifepristone demonstrating its safety. Risk of complications are always present with any medication, but are quite low. It’s also important to note that the same both medications and treatment with surgical procedures are identical for the management of early pregnancy loss or miscarriage and abortion, 
    Senator Warren: All right, so extremely safe, is what I heard you say. And in the rare case where there is a complication, is it treatable? 
    Dr. Huntsberger: Yes.
    Senator Warren: Eminently treatable. But anti-abortion extremists want to misdirect and cast blame on the providers, arguing that doctors are willfully misapplying the law. 
    Dr Huntsberger, tell us, what’s really going on here?
    Dr. Huntsberger: I think it’s important that instead of trying to shift blame to physicians who are practicing in a really hostile and challenging environment, for us to look at why they are in that circumstance in the first place, and that is because lawmakers, who may or may not have bothered to understand the complexity of pregnancy and medical care made laws that are impacting physicians’ ability to act and to safely take care of their patients. 
    Senator Warren: Okay, so the problem is not here with the physicians, it’s with the lawmakers who are passing these laws. I think what we’re seeing is Republican politicians who pass these medically unsound and dangerous laws that end up intimidating and confusing physicians who are just trying to provide care. 
    Tragically, another Georgia mother, Candy Miller, died at home because Georgia’s abortion ban made her afraid to seek the medical care that she needed. Amber and Candy should be alive today. 
    Now we have a federal law that is designed to prevent tragedies like this from occurring, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, EMTALA, as it’s known, requires hospitals to provide stabilizing care to individuals in an emergency situation. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court heard arguments about whether Idaho’s near total ban on abortion conflicts with EMTALA. 
    Professor Goodwin. You’re a constitutional law expert. The Supreme Court did not actually resolve this. They sent it back to the lower court. What should we take away from this? Does this mean we are now safe and we’ll have the protection in emergency circumstances? Go ahead, Professor Goodwin.
    Professor Michele Goodwin: No, we should all be deeply alarmed by the Supreme Court’s procedural move, rather than substantively answering the question that federal law trumps states’ laws. It’s been a principle in American law for over 200 years, and the Supreme Court’s failure to be clear on that, that a state law does not preempt federal law is something that is incredibly dangerous.
    Senator Warren: Okay. Dangerous. I hear alarm bills going off. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Thanks to Donald Trump, doctors in nearly half the country now have to wonder if they will face criminal penalties for providing medically necessary care. 
    44% of women of reproductive age now live in states where they don’t get to make decisions about their own bodies, and two women, undoubtedly more, have now died because they were not able to access the timely care they needed. We must restore the protection of Roe to make sure this never happens again.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Project Guacamaya uses daily satellite images, Amazon-specific AI models in battle against deforestation

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Project Guacamaya uses daily satellite images, Amazon-specific AI models in battle against deforestation

    “Technology will be a game-changer in saving the Amazon,” says Pablo Arbeláez, director of the CinfonIA Research Center.

    Using data, machine learning, cloud technology, data science and other technology, patterns of deforestation are identified faster, allowing for quicker action to be taken in at-risk areas. The audio language model is a custom-made multimodal language model called CLAP, developed by Microsoft. The image models are trained from open-source models and the framework used to develop the image models, Pytorch Wildlife, was also created by Microsoft.

    “I think it shows the best of private sector, NGOs, universities and governments working together,” says Juan Lavista Ferres, Corporate Vice President and Chief Data Scientist at Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. “This is a great example of how AI accelerates and supports the work of conservationists. We’ve already made significant progress through this collaboration and I’m looking forward to more impact.”

    [embedded content]

    Several key updates have occurred in Project Guacamaya over the past year, giving researchers more options and better ability to track and understand deforestation patterns, including:

    • Daily satellite images from Planet Labs: Prior to this update, imagery was provided monthly. Now, with daily updates, researchers can set up daily alerts using images from the satellites monitoring the Amazon.
    • Amazon-specific AI models: Now, researchers studying animals found in the Amazon can use a region-specific AI model that is more accurate in identifying the species found in the rainforest, allowing them to work 10x faster.
    • Governmental collaboration: The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), which provides the official deforestation reports for Colombia, will now use Project Guacamaya’s models in its reporting.
    • Open-source biodiversity model: The project has released Pytorch Wildlife, an open-source platform that is specifically designed for creating, modifying and sharing powerful AI conservation models.

    “With this connection of knowledge, institutions and technology, we want the country to move more forcefully in making critical decisions on how to maintain and conserve ecosystems,” says Hernando García Martínez, general director of the Instituto Humboldt. “We need people to understand the value of nature.”

    Top image: Amazon-specific AI has made it 10 times easier for scientists studying the wildlife in the Rainforest to identify species found in Colombia, since the model narrows down the focus to animals who live in the region.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO RELEASE: Sen. Johnson’s Full Roundtable Discussion, American Health and Nutrition: A Second Opinion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) led a roundtable discussion titled, American Health and Nutrition: A Second Opinion. Sen. Johnson and a panel of experts provided a foundational and historical understanding of the changes that have occurred over the last century within agriculture, food processing, and healthcare industries which impact the current state of national health.  

     

    Watch the full four-hour discussion here. 

    PARTICIPANTS: 

    Dr. Casey Means

    Dr. Casey Means is a medical doctor, New York Times bestselling author, tech entrepreneur (Levels), aspiring regenerative gardener, and outdoor enthusiast. While training as a surgeon, she saw how broken and exploitative the healthcare system is and left to focus on how to keep people out of the operating room. 

    Dr. Jordan Peterson

    Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is a renowned psychologist, author, and online educator. His bestselling books, including “12 Rules for Life” and “Beyond Order,” have sold millions of copies worldwide. Dr. Peterson’s lectures and podcasts consistently attract large audiences, providing valuable insights into topics such as mythology, psychology, and personal development.

    Calley Means

    Calley Means is the co-founder of Truemed, a company that enables tax-free spending on food and exercise. He recently started an advocacy coalition with leading health and wellness companies called End Chronic Disease. Earlier in his career, he was a consultant for food and pharma companies and is now exposing practices they use to weaponize our institutions of trust. 

    Mikhaila Fuller

    Mikhaila Fuller is a podcaster, lifestyle and diet blogger, the Co-Founder and CEO of Peterson Academy, and the founder of Fuller Health and The Lion Diet. The Lion Diet is a therapeutic and plant free ketogenic diet that can be used to treat autoimmunity and psychiatric disorders. On “The Mikhaila Peterson Podcast,” she discusses health, cultural phenomena, politics, and other topics.

    Alex Clark

    Alex Clark is a food activist, advocate for healthier food systems, and host of the “Culture Apothecary” podcast. She is committed to educating consumers on the importance of organic farming and the dangers of harmful additives in food products. Clark’s mission is to inspire positive change in both personal health choices and industry standards, driving the movement toward cleaner, more responsible food production.

    Vani Hari (Food Babe)

    Vani Hari, known as the “Food Babe,” is a food activist, author, and speaker committed to improving food quality and safety. She has built a powerful platform through her blog, advocating for transparency in food labeling, and the removal of harmful chemicals from processed foods. Her activism has spurred significant changes in the food industry, encouraging consumers to make healthier, more informed choices while prompting companies to adopt cleaner practices. 

    Jillian Michaels

    Jillian Michaels is a globally recognized fitness expert, entrepreneur, and best-selling author. With her no-nonsense approach to health, she has inspired millions through her fitness programs, books, and digital platforms. Best known for her role on “The Biggest Loser,” Michaels promotes a balanced approach to fitness and nutrition, emphasizing long-term health and self-empowerment.

    Max Lugavere

    Max Lugavere is a leading health and wellness advocate, filmmaker, and New York Times bestselling author of “Genius Foods.” His work focuses on the link between diet, lifestyle, and brain health, and he has become a trusted voice in educating people about how nutrition impacts cognitive function.

    Dr. Chris Palmer

    Dr. Chris Palmer, MD is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, researcher, and author of “Brain Energy,” where he explores the groundbreaking connection between metabolic health and mental illness. He is a leader in innovative approaches to treating psychiatric conditions, advocating for the use of diet and metabolic interventions to improve mental health outcomes. Dr. Palmer’s work is reshaping how the medical field views and treats mental health disorders. 

    Brigham Buhler

    Brigham Buhler is the founder and CEO of Ways2Well, a healthcare company that provides personalized preventative care through telemedicine. With a strong background in the pharmaceutical industry, Buhler has focused on making healthcare more accessible by harnessing the power of technology to deliver effective and tailored treatments. His vision for improving health outcomes has positioned him as a leader in modern, patient-centered healthcare solutions.

    Courtney Swan

    Courtney Swan is a nutritionist, real food activist, and founder of the popular platform “Realfoodology.” She advocates for transparency in the food industry, promoting the importance of whole foods and clean eating. Swan is passionate about educating the public on the benefits of a nutrient-dense diet, and she encourages sustainable, chemical-free farming practices to ensure better health for people and the planet.

    Jason Karp

    Jason Karp is the Founder and CEO of HumanCo – a mission-driven company that invests in and builds brands focused on healthier living and sustainability. In addition to HumanCo, Jason is the Co-Founder of Hu Kitchen, known for creating the #1 premium, organic chocolate in the U.S.. Prior to HumanCo, Jason spent over 21 years in the hedge fund industry where he was the Founder and CEO of an investment fund that managed over $4 billion. Jason graduated summa cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

    Grace Price

    Grace Price is an 18-year-old citizen scientist and health activist. Grace gained recognition for her documentary Cancer: A Food-Borne Illness, which challenged the commonly held belief that cancer is a genetic disease. The main focus of her work is advocating for the health of her generation through exposing the corruption behind big food and pharmaceutical conglomerates. 

    Dr. Marty Makary

    Dr. Marty Makary MD, MPH is a surgeon and public policy researcher at Johns Hopkins University. He writes for The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal and is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, “Unaccountable” and “The Price We Pay.” He has been an outspoken opponent of broad vaccine mandates and some COVID restrictions at schools. Dr. Makary holds degrees from Bucknell University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Harvard University. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Adams, McGovern; Sen. Booker Introduce Climate-Smart Farm Conversion Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    Bicameral legislation would enable producers to transition away from factory farming model using conservation dollars

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02), and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act (IACA), which would allow farmers to voluntarily convert their on-farm infrastructure toward more climate-friendly uses with USDA conservation dollars. 

    The IACA would use existing agricultural conservation funds to support farmers transitioning from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to more sustainable and humane production systems. Reps. Adams and McGovern are leading the bill in the House, and Sen. Booker introduced companion legislation in the Senate.  

    “Farmers want to produce food in ways that are good for people and the planet, but aren’t always empowered to do so in a consolidated food system like ours. I’m thrilled to introduce the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act, which unlocks climate-forward conservation dollars to assist producers who want to transition out of the factory farm model,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Whether pasture-based or plant-based, farmers want to farm sustainably, humanely, and resiliently. I’m glad to support them in partnership with Representative McGovern, Senator Booker, and dozens of organizations on the ground.” 

    “We need a food system that feeds everyone while doing right by the people, the planet, and animals” said Congressman McGovern. “Farmers are at the center of that vision, and we need to do everything we can to support them. I’m proud to co-lead this bill with Representative Adams and Senator Booker so that we can empower farmers to break free from a broken system and thrive as independent producers.” 

    “Corporate meatpackers use their market power to trap producers in the factory farm system with terrible profit margins and unsustainable debt,” said Senator Booker. “Their practices contribute to climate change and destroy rural communities. This legislation leverages conservation funding to give farmers a completely voluntary new path forward by providing them with the resources they need to transition to a more climate-friendly and humane production system that is good for people, animals, and the planet.” 

    The IACA is the first stand-alone federal legislation to assist producers who want to make the move from intensive animal agriculture to pasture-based animal agriculture or specialty crop production. It would allow the USDA to create a grant program for eligible climate-smart conversion projects, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act’s pathbreaking investments in agricultural conservation. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Adams, Congressman McGovern, and Senator Booker all signed a letter cautioning against the use of IRA conservation money towards industrial agriculture; the IACA would ensure the integrity and effectiveness of these funds. 

    “Factory farming is not just a nightmare for animals—contract farmers who were promised easy profits and the chance to ‘feed the world’ find themselves taking on seemingly endless debt to raise animals in this cruel industrial model, threatening the security of their families and farms,” said Kara Shannon, director of farm animal welfare policy for the ASPCA. “The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act offers resources to support farmers who are climbing the ladder out of the pit of factory farming and want to transition to more humane and economically sustainable practices. We commend Representatives Adams and McGovern, and Senator Booker for introducing this groundbreaking legislation to create a more compassionate food system that respects animals, farmers, rural communities and our environment.”  

    “The factory farming industry preys on our nation’s farmers by trapping them in exploitative contracts and depriving them of meaningful autonomy. The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act seeks to promote competition in our food system by creating a program for farmers who wish to transition from the highly consolidated factory farming model to climate-smart practices, such as specialty crop production,” said Frances Chrzan, senior federal policy manager, the Transfarmation Project of Mercy For Animals. “We applaud Rep. Alma Adams, Rep. McGovern, and Sen. Cory Booker for introducing legislation to create kinder and more sustainable pathways for farmers, which will benefit not only farmers and our economy but human health, the environment, and farmed animals.”  

    “I know firsthand the difficulty both financially and socially in transitioning from a confinement animal system to a regenerative farming system, having transitioned our farm in 1996,” said Ron Holter of Holterholm Farms. “Financially there is often a lag time from the beginning of what can be an expensive transition to eventually achieving an improved income while the land heals and the livestock become accustomed to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Transitional funds like those provided in the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act would be a blessing to farmers attempting to move to more regenerative, livestock friendly systems.”    

    “We took on over $400,000 in debt to become contract chicken farmers and came close to foreclosure when we decided to get out of industrial animal agriculture. When we cancelled our contract, the integrator came out to our farm, picked up their $20 sign and drove away without another thought,” said Paula Boles, co-owner of JB Farms. “We know too many farmers have similar stories of being exploited by integrators and left with few options to keep their farms going. The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act would help support farmers like us across the country who want to transition to more sustainable and economically viable farming systems.”  

    “In North Carolina’s Duplin and Sampson counties, hogs outnumber people by approximately 30-to-1. The vast majority of these industrial agricultural operations use an outdated cesspit and spray field system in which hog feces and urine are flushed into open-air pits and sprayed onto nearby fields, causing higher rates of anemia, kidney disease, and infant mortality among local communities,” said Dr. Rania Masri, Co-Director of the NC Environmental Justice Network. “NCEJN applauds Rep. Alma Adams, from North Carolina, for introducing the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act and speaking up for the contract farmers, trapped as serfs on their own land, and the communities who are struggling against this polluting industry.”  

    “Too many farmers have been exploited and trapped in the factory farm system for too long, which is why Farm Aid applauds the introduction of the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act,” said Hannah Tremblay, Policy and Advocacy Manager of Farm Aid. “We’re especially excited that livestock farmers will have an opportunity to be a part of the solution to climate change through the funding for climate-smart conversion projects.”  

    “The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act will release farmers ensnared in the highly flawed industrial animal agriculture model and usher in much-needed sustainable food and farm system reform. ‘Get Big or Get Out’ has failed farmers, rural communities, and our country. The IACA will help farmers and rural America get out from under CAFOs and thrive,” said Harry Manin, deputy legislative director of the Sierra Club. 

    “The factory farm system that traps farmers under mountains of debt and damages rural communities, public health and the environment didn’t happen by accident,” said Patty Lovera of the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment. “Factory farms are the result of decades of failed enforcement, bad farm policy and direct government support, including federally-guaranteed loans for new factory farms. The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act would be a critical first step in the transition away from factory farms to a system based on independent, family farm livestock production.” 

    “Today’s factory farm system stacks the cards against farmers, workers, consumers, and the environment while letting Big Ag corporations reap all the rewards. The Industrial Agricultural Conversion Act is an important opportunity to transition our food and agriculture sector away from factory farms and an important lifeline for those squeezed by corporate consolidation,” said Rebecca Wolf, senior food policy analyst for Food and Water Watch.  

    “This bill would give small farmers more control over their operations to not have the larger corporations controlling what they do on their own farms. Factory farms put a strain on our health. This gives those farmers an opportunity to create a better product for our communities and consumers and improve our food system as a whole,” said Philip Barker, farmer and co-founder/co-project director of Operation Spring Plant, Inc. 

    “More than ever before, consumers want the assurance that the products they buy are aligned with their values. The data shows us that 80% of U.S. consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy,” said David Levine, Co-founder and President of the American Sustainable Business Network. “In just the last few years, the sale of meat with labels boasting environmental and labor benefits increased 18% compared to conventionally labeled meat products. In addition, the sustainable fashion industry market is expected to more than double to $15 billion by 2030. Sustainable business is no longer just about doing the right thing, it’s also a wise investment and makes good business sense. Once farmers can move out of the industrial model, they will see higher profits and more resiliency to extreme weather and volatile markets, the Industrial Agriculture Conservation Act will begin to provide the needed support to take that first step to transition.”  

    “Over a decade ago I began to transition away from conventional cattle production to more sustainable, humane and regenerative practices and I’ve seen more benefits than I can name in the health of my animals and land. But without the kind of support this legislation offers, doing the right thing has been a slow and extremely risky process for myself and farmers like me across the country,” said Don Jackson, owner of Pompey’s Rest Farm. “The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act gives farmers a way out of a destructive system that’s squeezing them dry, and that’s a wonderful thing.” 

    Specifically, the IACA would: 

    The text of the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act is available here. 

    A section-by-section of the IACA is available here. 

    A list of endorsers of the IACA at the time of publication is available here. 

    ### 

    Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Charges Texas Associated Person with Misappropriation of Nonpublic Information and Execution of Fictitious Trades

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced today it filed a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas against John Cartwright, a Houston resident.

    The complaint charges Cartwright, an associated person of introducing broker Classic Energy LLC, received confidential information from a Classic customer for brokering natural gas block trades and tipped this information to Peter Miller, an individual proprietary trader. Miller, in turn, traded based on this information and shared his trading profits with Cartwright.

    “Market intermediaries play a vital role ensuring markets for energy derivatives are competitive and liquid,” said Director of Enforcement Ian McGinley. “The CFTC vigorously pursues those who use their positions for personal gain by misappropriating their customers’ confidential information.”

    The CFTC seeks monetary penalties, disgorgement, restitution, registration and trading bans, and a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations.

    Case Background

    The complaint alleges from at least June 2016 to September 2019, Cartwright, while employed by Classic, disclosed material nonpublic information obtained from his customer in breach of his duties to that customer.

    Specifically, when this customer disclosed to Cartwright orders for block trades in natural gas futures, Cartwright disclosed this information only to Miller, who then traded using a spread trading strategy that involved entering into non-arm’s length, fictitious block trades in financially settled natural gas futures contracts with the customer; and electronically executing physically-delivered natural gas futures trades for the same quantity and contract month.

    By trading in this manner, Miller obtained advantageous prices for his block trades and sequenced his spread trades in a manner that maximized his ability to profit unlawfully. Cartwright provided legitimacy to the block trades by confirming their execution to NYMEX as if they were handled in the normal course of Cartwright’s brokerage services. According to the complaint, Miller shared his profits from these trades with Cartwright.

    The CFTC previously filed a complaint against Miller and entered an order against Classic for their roles in the scheme. [See CFTC Press Release Nos. 8396-21 and 8634-22]

    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Lauren Fulks, Alison Auxter, Thomas Simek, Christoper Reed, Charles Marvine, and former staff member Clem Ashley. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Announces Over $3 Million in Awards to Advance Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for STEM, R&D-Focused Small Businesses and Startups

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced the 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) Stage Two winners. Forty-four accelerator partnerships received between $50,000 and $150,000 each to advance their work supporting small businesses and startups in STEM and research and development (R&D) across priority areas like national and economic security, domestic manufacturing and production, and sustainability and biotechnology. 

    “Innovation happens everywhere and the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to build on its commitment to promote sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems that advance research and development and commercialization in communities across the nation,” said Administrator Guzman. “The 2024 GAFC Stage Two award winners will drive forward the Investing in America agenda and strengthen America’s global competitiveness by continuing to support the expanding and increasingly diverse entrepreneurs across the nation and provide them with the opportunities that lower barriers for market and capital access.”

    GAFC Stage One prizes emphasized ecosystem network building, while Stage Two efforts focus on the enhanced support that can be provided to small businesses and startups through these Growth Accelerator Partnerships. These partnerships span public, private, nonprofit, and academic institutions, fostering collaboration across industries and geographies, with lead awardees headquartered in 34 U.S. states and territories, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and assisting innovators nationally.

    “Since its launch in 2014, the SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) has made a positive difference to local and national innovation-focused entrepreneurship organizations and the communities they support. The competition has grown to be a core component and vital source of support to our nation’s innovation ecosystem. Over the last decade, SBA has awarded 566 prizes totaling over $33 million to winners across the U.S. and U.S. territories. We are delighted to announce 31 of this year’s Stage Two winners are new to the program, and we are inspired to witness communities of ecosystem developers coming together to build new relationships and networks with GAFC funding,” said Bailey G. DeVries, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. 

    Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Stage Two Winners

    Learn more about each GAFC partnership in the public directory located at https://bit.ly/GAFC24Directory. 

    National and Economic Security

    • Ala., The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship
    • Calif., Starburst Accelerator
    • Colo., Catalyst Accelerator
    • Ind., Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
    • Ind., Indiana Center for Emerging Technologies
    • La., Maven Scouts
    • Md., Rural Autonomous Innovation Network (RAIN) Association of University Research Parks (AURP)
    • Mo., Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation
    • Mont., Early Stage Montana
    • Neb., Invest Nebraska
    • N.M., NewSpace Nexus

    Domestic Manufacturing and Production

    • Ariz., Startup Tucson
    • Ark., Endeavor NWA Entrepreneurs
    • District of Columbia, National Disability Institute
    • Fla., Florida Institute of Technology
    • Fla., International Business Innovation Association
    • Hawaii, XLR8HI
    • N.C., RIoT
    • N.D., Grand Farm Research and Education Initiative Inc.
    • N.Y., FuzeHub
    • N.Y., Southern Tier High Technology Incubator Inc.
    • Utah, Utah Advanced Materials Manufacturing Institute
    • Wash., 360 Social Impact Studios

    Sustainability and Biotechnology

    • Alaska, Spruce Root Inc.
    • Calif., Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
    • Conn., The Community Foundation-Mission Investments Company
    • Ill., University of Illinois Research Park LLC
    • Maine, Central Maine Growth Council
    • Mass., SeaAhead Inc.
    • Minn., RuralWorks Partners LLC
    • N.C., Eva Garland Consulting LLC
    • N.Y., The Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz
    • Ore., Oregon Health and Science University
    • Pa., University City Science Center
    • Puerto Rico, CARBONO3 LLC
    • Tenn., BioTN Foundation Inc.
    • Tenn., Native American Investment and Capital Alliance
    • Texas, Health Wildcatters
    • Texas, Impact Hub Houston
    • Utah, Altitude Lab
    • Va., FedTech
    • Vt., LaunchVT
    • W.Va., U.S. Research Impact Alliance Corp.
    • Washington, D.C., Women in Engineering ProActive Network 

    “Supported by SBA’s Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development (IIED) Division, the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition awards boost strategic partnerships that create a national network so entrepreneurs can tap into significant capital and resources. Our work emphasizes the value of strategic connections and relationships across a wide variety of entrepreneur support organizations and accentuates how the work they are doing can successfully impact the growth and advancement of our federal innovation ecosystem,” said Brittany Sickler, Director of Ecosystem Development, for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. “We are changing the trajectory for underserved communities and founders so that more startups and small businesses can scale and grow. “

    For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (americasseedfund.us). 

    ###

    About SBA Office of Investment and Innovation

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) leads programs that provide the growth-oriented small business and startup community with access to financial capital, networks, assistance, and R&D funds to develop commercially viable innovations. Our work is underpinned by public-private partnerships that help small businesses on their trajectory from idea to IPO. 
     

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Ltd (GBP): Results of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited (the “Company”)
    a closed-ended investment company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey
    with registration number 45582

    Legal Entity Identifier: 5493002XNM3W9D6DF327

    Results of Annual General Meeting

    The Company hereby gives notification that at the annual general meeting of the Company held on Wednesday, 25 September, 2024 at 11.30 a.m., all resolutions set out in the notice of meeting were duly passed. The Board would like to thank the shareholders of the Company for their continued support.

    The details of all resolutions passed are as follows:

    ORDINARY BUSINESS – ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

    1.        That the Company’s annual report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 be received. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    2.        That Mr Erich Bonnet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    3.        That Ms Sylvie Sauton who, being eligible and having offered herself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    4.        That Mr Luke Allen who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    5.        That Mr Frédéric Hervouet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    For further information, please contact:

    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP
    Emmanuel Gavaudan
    +44 20 3751 5389

    JTC Fund Solutions (Guernsey) Limited
    Secretary
    +44 (0) 1481 702400

    25 September, 2024
    Website: www.bgholdingltd.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has been authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission as an authorised closed-ended investment scheme. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Master Fund ICAV have been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    END OF ANNOUNCEMENT

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Ltd (EUR): Results of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited (the “Company”)
    a closed-ended investment company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey
    with registration number 45582

    Legal Entity Identifier: 5493002XNM3W9D6DF327

    Results of Annual General Meeting

    The Company hereby gives notification that at the annual general meeting of the Company held on Wednesday, 25 September, 2024 at 11.30 a.m., all resolutions set out in the notice of meeting were duly passed. The Board would like to thank the shareholders of the Company for their continued support.

    The details of all resolutions passed are as follows:

    ORDINARY BUSINESS – ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

    1.        That the Company’s annual report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 be received. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    2.        That Mr Erich Bonnet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    3.        That Ms Sylvie Sauton who, being eligible and having offered herself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    4.        That Mr Luke Allen who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    5.        That Mr Frédéric Hervouet who, being eligible and having offered himself for re-election, be re-appointed as a director of the Company. (2,093,048 votes cast, all in favour, none against and none withheld)

    For further information, please contact:

    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP
    Emmanuel Gavaudan
    +44 20 3751 5389

    JTC Fund Solutions (Guernsey) Limited
    Secretary
    +44 (0) 1481 702400

    25 September, 2024
    Website: www.bgholdingltd.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has been authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission as an authorised closed-ended investment scheme. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Master Fund ICAV have been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    END OF ANNOUNCEMENT

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Simpleview Launches a New Digital Asset Management System, Tailored for DMOs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Simpleview, now part of Granicus, is proud to announce the launch of its newly reengineered digital asset management (DAM) system, Simpleview DAM. This cutting-edge platform is powered by Cloudinary — the image and video technology platform that powers visual experiences for many of the world’s top brands. It is specifically designed to streamline and optimize digital asset management, organization, and delivery for destination marketing organizations (DMOs).

    Simpleview, the leading provider of CRM, CMS, and marketing solutions for destinations worldwide, rebuilt Simpleview DAM from the ground up — seamlessly integrating it with the existing tech stack to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows.

    This reimagined DAM serves as a centralized hub for all digital assets — including images, videos, and creative media — making it easier than ever for DMOs to manage and distribute content across multiple platforms.

    With its powerful features and seamless integration with Simpleview CMS and Simpleview’s tech stack, the platform is set to become an essential tool for DMOs looking to enhance their marketing capabilities and deliver exceptional user experiences.

    Supported by Cloudinary’s fully automated Programmable Media transformation and optimization capabilities, DMOs can bring new experiences to market quickly and seamlessly on Simpleview CMS-powered websites. These AI-powered capabilities ensure fast and engaging sites in which every asset is delivered at the highest quality and smallest file size for each user’s unique viewing.

    “As fast and flawless visual experiences become increasingly foundational for modern commerce success, it’s critical that brands can quickly and easily manage, transform, optimize, and deliver their images and videos across channels,” said Evgeni Agronik, VP Ecosystems at Cloudinary. “We’re excited that Simpleview’s impressive roster of DMO customers will now have access to the single source of truth and powerful automation that Cloudinary’s intelligent, composable DAM provides.”

    Notable features of Simpleview DAM include:

    • AI-powered workflows and transformations
    • Optimized visual media for a superior user experience
    • Simplified operations and editing
    • Effortless organization and sharing
    • Enterprise-grade scalability
    • Comprehensive analytics and reporting

    “The launch of Simpleview DAM powered by Cloudinary marks a significant advancement in digital asset management for DMOs,” said Greg Evans, Chief Revenue Officer at Simpleview. “Our SaaS offerings paired with Cloudinary’s AI-backed image and video platform create an enterprise-level ‘SaaS-within-SaaS’ atmosphere — adopting a world-class DAM platform that is now fully integrated with Simpleview’s tourism tech stack, which will help revolutionize asset management and distribution for our clients.”

    About Simpleview
    Simpleview, now part of Granicus, is a worldwide leading provider of CRM, CMS, website design, digital marketing services, and data insights for convention bureaus, venues, tourism boards, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and attractions. The company employs staff across the globe, serving clients of all sizes, including small towns, world capitals, top meeting destinations, and countries across multiple continents. For more information, please visit https://www.simpleviewinc.com/.

    About Cloudinary
    Cloudinary is the image and video technology platform that enables the world’s most engaging brands to deliver transformative visual experiences at global scale. More than two million users and 10,000 customers, including Apartment Therapy, Bleacher Report, Etsy, Grubhub, Mattel, Mediavine, Minted, Paul Smith and Peloton, rely on Cloudinary to bring their campaigns, apps and sites to life. With the world’s most powerful image and video APIs backed by industry-leading artificial intelligence and patented technology, Cloudinary offers a single source of truth for brands to manage, transform, optimize, and deliver visual experiences at scale. For more information, visit www.cloudinary.com.

    Media Contact:
    Stacie Wingfield
    VP of Marketing at Simpleview
    859-206-5020
    stacie.wingfield@simpleviewinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE — Tactile Medical Announces Positive Clinical Trial Results in Lymphedema Patients Using Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device Therapy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (“Tactile Medical”; the “Company”) (Nasdaq: TCMD), a medical technology company providing therapies for people with chronic disorders, today announced the publication of a new clinical study in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. This study assessed outcomes associated with use of the Company’s Flexitouch advanced pneumatic compression device (APCD) in Veterans with lower extremity lymphedema. Notably, this 52-week study represents the largest peer-reviewed, prospective, clinical trial investigating PCDs and lymphedema ever published in the United States.

    The prospective, longitudinal, pragmatic study publication, titled “Longitudinal assessment of health-related quality of life and clinical outcomes with at home advanced pneumatic compression treatment of lower extremity lymphedema”, was authored by Padberg et al. and included 179 Veterans across four participating VA medical centers. The primary outcome measures included disease-specific health-related quality of life (QoL) endpoints obtained at baseline and again at each of 12, 24, and 52 weeks. The secondary outcome measures assessed limb circumference, cellulitis events, skin quality, and therapy compliance over the course of 52 weeks. Among the patients included in the study, chronic venous insufficiency was the most common etiology of lymphedema (phlebolymphedema), presenting in approximately 63% of study participants. Further, mild lymphedema was the most common disease stage, presenting in 68% of patients.

    The study demonstrated significant improvements in its primary endpoint of health-related and general quality of life measures. Specifically, Lymphedema Quality of Life (QoL) increased from 6.2 to 6.9, which includes improvements in function, appearance, symptoms, and emotion.

    The secondary endpoint results demonstrated several statistically significant improvements, baseline to 52 weeks, with reductions in limb girth, cellulitis events, and skin hyperpigmentation. Among these results, the following were observed:

    • Limb girth decreased by 1.4 cm
    • Cellulitis events decreased from 21.4% to 6.1%
    • Skin hyperpigmentation decreased from 75% of patients to 40% 

    There were additional improvements also noted in compliance and limb girth reduction which included:

    • 92% patient compliance (defined as used for 5 to 7 days per week) with Flexitouch at 8 weeks and 72% patient compliance at 52 weeks
    • 74% patient compliance with compression garments at 52 weeks, compared to 64% at baseline
    • 6% limb girth reduction at 12 weeks in patients with moderate (stage 2) and severe (stage 3) lymphedema.

    “We sincerely thank the clinical researchers, patients, and VA Medical Centers for advancing peer-reviewed evidence that supports clinical and patient benefits of our Flexitouch therapy,” said Sheri Dodd, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tactile Medical. “Achieving these impressive study results, including outstanding compliance over a 1-year timeframe, validates the importance of APCD therapy outcomes and demonstrates a patient experience that supports strong adherence to therapy. We are proud to provide Veterans the at-home tools they need to improve their clinical symptoms and quality of life.”

    Full text of the study may be found online at: https://www.jvsvenous.org/article/S2213-333X(24)00208-7/fulltext.

    About Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (DBA Tactile Medical)

    Tactile Medical is a leader in developing and marketing at-home therapies for people suffering from underserved, chronic conditions including lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency and chronic pulmonary disease by helping them live better and care for themselves at home. Tactile Medical collaborates with clinicians to expand clinical evidence, raise awareness, increase access to care, reduce overall healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of patients each year.

    Investor Inquiries:
    Sam Bentzinger
    Gilmartin Group
    investorrelations@tactilemedical.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Huntress Earns 50 New G2 Badges as Fall 2024 Honors Roll Out

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLUMBIA, Md., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leadership, performance, ease of use, and strong partner relationships with small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) are continued themes for Huntress in G2’s Fall 2024 recognitions. Huntress was named a Leader across 19 categories and awarded 50 new badges.

    For the 10th consecutive quarter, Huntress attained the #1 rank in Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) for SMB, based on nearly 400 reviews—with a satisfaction score of 100. Additionally, 97% of respondents indicated they’d recommend Huntress Endpoint Detection and Response.

    “We love G2 recognitions because they are a transparent and trustworthy source that validates our work to secure service providers and small to mid-sized enterprises,” said Seth Geftic, Vice President of Product Marketing for Huntress. “Users are giving us blunt, honest feedback, which we welcome to help us continually improve. And our usability, ease of setup, effectiveness, and strong relationships are key reasons they’re sticking with us.”

    As the world’s leading business software review platform, G2 employs rigorous scoring methodologies to identify the most trusted solutions for software buyers, sellers, and service providers. Based on transparent feedback provided to G2 by actual Huntress users, the autumn line-up of recognition saw Huntress Managed EDR securing badges across 44 categories, while Huntress Security Awareness Training (SAT) earned badges in 6 categories.

    Huntress earned badges for Fall 2024 in a variety of categories, including:

    The high ratings for key categories of both EDR and MDR—such as “ease of setup,” “great results,” and “high performance”—provide important guidance for Huntress in its mission to break down barriers to enterprise-grade security.

    Real Huntress Feedback, Direct from G2 Reviewers

    “Exceptional threat detection software with reliable incident response.”

    – Jeremie W., IT Security Analyst

    “True game changer for threat detection and response.”

    – Patrick C., Senior Cybersecurity Analyst

    “Now we can finally manage cyber threats super efficiently.”

    – Dorothy K., CISO

    “Huntress is the greatest software we use here at our MSP.”

    – Piom G., IT Advanced Support Engineer

    Additional resources:

    • Check out our Fall 2024 G2 achievements blog
    • Learn more about how Huntress EDR stands out from the competition
    • Read about the latest additions to Huntress Managed Security Awareness Training
    • Read the Small-Business G2 Grid report for endpoint detection and response
    • Follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    About Huntress
    Huntress is a leading cybersecurity company focused on protecting and empowering small businesses to mid-sized enterprises. Combining the power of the Huntress Managed Security Platform with a human-led 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), Huntress provides the top-rated technology, services, education, and expertise needed to help companies overcome cybersecurity challenges and protect critical business assets. For more information about Huntress, visit www.huntress.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

    Contacts:
    Valerie Baccei
    press@huntresslabs.com
    +1 (650) 400-7833

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/949cd8ff-91e0-47d1-972c-b3975f90eb8a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investor Alert: Bitcoinup Is Not Registered

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 25, 2024

    The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) warns investors in Saskatchewan of the online entity BitcoinUP.

    “Do your research before engaging with online investment entities,” FCAA Securities Division Executive Director Dean Murrison said. “Ensure that the entity you are investing with is registered to trade in Saskatchewan at aretheyregistered.ca.”

    BitcoinUP claims to offer Saskatchewan residents trading opportunities, including stocks, forex, commodities, currency pairs and cryptocurrencies.

    BitcoinUP is not registered in Saskatchewan to trade or sell securities or derivatives. The FCAA cautions investors and consumers not to send money to companies that are not registered in Saskatchewan, as they may not be legitimate businesses. 

    If you have invested with BitcoinUP or anyone claiming to be acting on their behalf, contact the FCAA’s Securities Division at 306-787-5936.

    In Saskatchewan, individuals or companies need to be registered with the FCAA to trade or sell securities or derivatives. The registration provisions of The Securities Act, 1988, and accompanying regulations are intended to ensure that only honest and knowledgeable people are registered to sell securities and derivatives and that their businesses are financially stable.

    Tips to protect yourself:

    • Always verify that the person or company is registered in Saskatchewan to sell or advise about securities or derivatives. To check registration, visit The Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Registration Search. 
    • Know exactly what you are investing in. Make sure you understand how the investment, product, or service works.
    • Get a second opinion and seek professional advice about the investment.
    • Do not allow unknown or unverified individuals to remotely access your computer.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Exports to Latin America Reach Record $5.4 Billion in 2023

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 25, 2024

    Record Exports to Latin America Reported for Second Consecutive Year

    Saskatchewan’s exports to Latin America reached a new provincial record of $5.4 billion last year driven primarily by potash and agri-food products. Potash accounted for 54.5 per cent of exports in 2023 at nearly $3 billion, while agri-food products totaled over $2.4 billion.

    Exports to Peru also increased by 19.3 per cent in April to June 2024 compared to the same period last year for a total export value of $105.5 million. 

    “The Latin American region is a vital component of our government’s strategy to expand our province’s trade network and export more Saskatchewan products around the world,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Global food security continues to be a priority for our province. These numbers show that our international engagement efforts to promote Saskatchewan as a reliable supplier of food and fertilizer on the world stage are working. This significant growth in or province’s exports creates new jobs and economic opportunities for Saskatchewan’s strong and vibrant communities.” 

    Top agri-food commodities to the region include non-durum wheat, which increased 30.5 per cent from 2022, canola seed, lentils, canola oil, durum wheat and dried peas. The five top countries in Latin America for 2023 were Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, accounting for 85 per cent of Saskatchewan’s exports to the region.

    Saskatchewan’s trade and investment office in Mexico City, which opened in 2022, continues to facilitate new partnerships and grow trade relationships in the region. In September 2023, the office supported a trade and investment mission to Mexico led by Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit that focused on promoting the province’s agricultural and mining sectors. 

    “Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector continues to make an impact on the global stage – and our increased presence in Latin America is no exception,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “Our producers and value-added businesses are able and willing to provide sustainable, high-quality agri-food products to nourish the world and boost our provincial economy.” 

    Earlier this year, Saskatchewan’s Mexico Office assisted Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) to lead eight Saskatchewan companies in a trade mission to Peru and Mexico which resulted in over 186 business-to-business connections and sales of over $1 million in agricultural commodities. 

    The Government of Saskatchewan recently unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada. 

    For more information visit InvestSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crew Returns from Simulated Trip to Mars—Take a Peek Inside their Journey

    Source: NASA

    An all-volunteer crew on a simulated trip to Mars “returned” to Earth on Sept. 23, 2024, after being isolated in a tiny habitat at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Their work is contributing to the science that will propel humanity to the Moon and eventually Mars.
    The HERA missions provide valuable scientific insights into how humans may respond to the confinement, demanding work-life conditions, and remote environments that astronauts may encounter on deep space missions. These insights help NASA prepare for humanity’s next giant leap to the Moon and Mars.
    Campaign 7 Mission 3 started when HERA operations lead Ted Babic rang the bell outside the habitat 10 times, a ceremonial send-off wishing the crew a safe and successful simulated mission to Mars. Seven rings honored the campaign, and three more signaled the mission—continuing a long-standing tradition.   
    At ingress, Anderson, a structural engineer at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia, told HERA’s mission control, “We’re going to take good care of this ship of yours on our journey.”  

    Life on a 45-Day Journey  
    The HERA crew members participated in 18 human health and performance studies, seven of which were led by scientists from outside the United States. These international studies are in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates’ Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the European Space Agency.  

    Throughout the simulation, the crew performed a variety of tasks. They harvested plants from a hydroponic garden, grew shrimp, deployed a small cube satellite to simulate data gathering, conducted a virtual reality “walk” on the surface of Mars, and flew simulated drones on the Martian terrain. These activities are designed to immerse the crew in the task-focused mindset of astronauts. NASA scientists then monitor HERA crew to assess how routine tasks, along with isolation and confinement, impact behavior and performance. 
    As their mission progressed, the team experienced longer communication delays with mission control, eventually reaching five-minute lags. This simulates the challenges astronauts might face on Mars, where delays could be up to 20 minutes. Scientists studying HERA crew are interested to see how this particular group builds independent, autonomous workflows, despite this communication delay.  
    Here are some snapshots of crew activities:  

    All crew members brought books to accompany them on their journey to the Red Planet, while Kent left behind letters for his two daughters to open each day.   
    McCandless also brought letters from loved ones, along with Legos, her favorite card game, and a vintage iPod.  
    Iakymov, an aerospace engineer with more than 15 years of experience in research and design, is carrying postcards and photos of family and friends.   
    Anderson, who describes herself as a massive space nerd, brought extra socks and “The Never Ending Story,” a book she has cherished throughout her life.   
    The crew all shared appreciation for being part of a mission that contributes to the aspirations of future human space exploration travel.   

    Returning to Earth  
    As the mission neared its end, McCandless and Anderson participated in a Groundlink—a live session connecting them with middle school students in a classroom in Coconut Grove, Florida, and in Olathe, Kansas. Groundlinks provide a unique opportunity for students to engage directly with crew members and learn about the realities of long-duration missions. 
    The students asked the crew about life inside the habitat, the challenges of isolation, and what it might be like to live on Mars. They were also curious about the crew’s favorite foods and activities. McCandless shared her love for cheddar crisps and freeze-dried Pad Thai and proudly showed off favorite sports teams from her home state of Kansas, much to the cheers of the crowd. Anderson displayed the massive collection of comics and fantasy books that she read inside the habitat.  
    In the late afternoon of Sept. 23, 2024, the crew egressed from HERA, marking the end of their 45-day simulated mission to Mars. After stepping out of the habitat, the crew expressed gratitude for the opportunity and reflected on the mission’s significance. 
    “Following our safe passage to Mars, and our safe return to Earth, as the crew of Campaign 7, Mission 3, we hereby officially transfer this exploration vessel to the flight analogs operations team,” said Kent. “We hope this vessel continues to serve as a safe home for future HERA crews.” 
    Want to Participate in HERA?  
    NASA is actively seeking healthy, non-smoking volunteers, aged 30 to 55, for future HERA missions. Volunteers, who will be compensated for their participation, must pass a physical and psychological assessment to qualify.  
    For those inspired to take part in this groundbreaking research, opportunities to join future HERA missions await:
    https://analogstudies.jsc.nasa.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: Automotive Supplier Invests $11.2 Million in Toombs County

    Source: US State of Georgia

    Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Shinsung Petrochemical (Shinsung), an automotive supplier, will invest $11.2 million in a new manufacturing facility in Toombs County, creating more than 30 new jobs.

    “Eighty-three percent of expansions and new locations from the past fiscal year are on their way to rural communities, delivering more than 18,300 new jobs and $12.5 billion in investment to hardworking Georgians in communities like Toombs County,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We are excited that Shinsung is joining that growing network of suppliers locating in rural communities and creating new opportunities for all to succeed, no matter their zip code.” 

    Established in 1974, Shinsung specializes in products like automotive sealant. The company will be a key supplier for Hyundai Motor Group and the Metaplant in Bryan County.

    “We enjoyed visiting the location of our future facility in Lyons this week and celebrating our next step in the state of Georgia with our new partners in the community,” said Chan Woo Park, COO of Shinsung. “We look forward to joining Georgia’s network of automotive suppliers, providing adhesive and sealant solutions for manufacturers nearby. We are excited to be in Toombs County in Georgia.”

    Construction on Shinsung’s new manufacturing facility, located at 1407 Highway 1 North in Lyons, is expected to finish in 2025.

    “It has been very rewarding to witness the transformation of Toombs Corporate Center at U.S. Highway 1 in Lyons over the last few years,” said Chair Tim Truxel, Toombs County Development Authority. “We truly appreciate the corporate partners we already have and look forward to a new prosperous relationship with Shinsung Petrochemical, Inc. Congratulations to Toombs County, the State of Georgia, and Shinsung Petrochemical, Inc., for this exciting opportunity!”

    “I am excited to witness this investment to Toombs Corporate Center at U.S. Highway 1 in Lyons”, said Lyons Mayor Willis NeSmith. “The community has worked diligently to make this a premier industrial park. The location is ideal to service the growing automotive industry in Southeast Georgia.”

    “We are so pleased to welcome Shinsung Petrochemical, Inc., to Toombs County,” said Chair David Sikes, Board of Commissioners of Toombs County. “This project is a great addition to our diverse industrial base.”

    Director of Project Implementation and Supplier Strategy Alyce Thornhill represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this project in partnership with the Toombs County Development Authority, Georgia Ports Authority, and Georgia Power.

    “The last few years have been historic for Georgia in many ways, with generational investments in automotive and other key industries creating hope and opportunities for Georgians across the state,” said Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Our partnerships at every level, from local economic developers to statewide partners and including our international presence, have been a large part of that success. Congratulations to Shinsung and Toombs County; we look forward to what the future holds for your new partnership.”

    For over a century, Georgia has fostered healthy industry practices, encouraged collaboration and innovation, and positioned itself as a leader in developing and harnessing emerging technologies for the evolving mobility and energy industries. Since 2018, Georgia has attracted more than 36,000 new jobs and over $28 billion in investments in the e-mobility, clean energy, and battery-related supply chains.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Weekly share repurchase program transaction details

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    September 25, 2024

    SBM Offshore reports the transaction details related to its EUR130 million (c. US$140 million) share repurchase program for the period September 19, 2024 through September 25, 2024.

    The repurchases were made under the EUR65 million share repurchase program announced on February 29, 2024, effective from March 1, 2024 and increased by EUR65 million as announced on August 8, 2024. The objective of the program is to reduce share capital and, in addition, to provide shares for regular management and employee share programs. Information regarding the progress of the share repurchase program and the aggregate of the transactions (calculated on a daily basis) for the period March 1, 2024 through September 25, 2024 can be found in the top half of the table below. Further detailed information regarding both the progress of the share repurchase program and all individual transactions can be accessed via the Investors section of the Company’s website.

    Share Repurchase Program    
           
    Overall progress Share Repurchase Program:    
             
    Total Repurchase Amount   EUR 130,000,000  
    Cumulative Repurchase Amount   EUR 56,484,588  
    Cumulative Quantity Repurchased   3,803,539  
    Cumulative Average Repurchase Price   EUR 14.85  
    Start Date     March 1, 2024  
    Percentage of program completed as of September 25, 2024 43.45%  
             
    Overview of details of last 5 trading days:    
             
    Trade Date Quantity Repurchased Average Purchase Price Settlement Amount  
    September 19, 2024 35,289 EUR 16.47 EUR 581,240  
    September 20, 2024 35,937 EUR 16.46 EUR 591,499  
    September 23, 2024 34,590 EUR 16.47 EUR 569,538  
    September 24, 2024 30,183 EUR 16.76 EUR 505,962  
    September 25, 2024 48,519 EUR 16.48 EUR 799,830  
    Total 184,518 EUR 16.52 EUR 3,048,069  

            
    1All shares purchased via Euronext Amsterdam, CBOE DXE and or Turquoise

    This press release contains information which is to be made publicly available under the Market Abuse Regulation (nr. 596/2014). The information concerns a regular update of the transactions conducted under SBM Offshore’s current share repurchase program, as announced by the Company on February 29, 2024 and August 8, 2024, details of which are available on its website.

            
    Corporate Profile

    SBM Offshore designs, builds, installs and operates offshore floating facilities for the offshore energy industry. As a leading technology provider, we put our marine expertise at the service of a responsible energy transition by reducing emissions from fossil fuel production, while developing cleaner solutions for alternative energy sources.

    More than 7,400 SBMers worldwide are committed to sharing their experience to deliver safe, sustainable and affordable energy from the oceans for generations to come.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.sbmoffshore.com.

    Financial Calendar   Date Year
    Third Quarter 2024 Trading Update   November 14 2024
    Full Year 2024 Earnings   February 20 2025
    Annual General Meeting   April 9 2025
    First Quarter 2025 Trading Update   May 15 2025
    Half Year 2025 Earnings   August 7 2025

    For further information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Wouter Holties
    Corporate Finance & Investor Relations Manager

    Media Relations

    Evelyn Tachau Brown
    Group Communications & Change Director

    Market Abuse Regulation

    This press release may contain inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

    Disclaimer

    Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those in such statements. These statements may be identified by words such as ‘expect’, ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘shall’ and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The principal risks which could affect the future operations of SBM Offshore N.V. are described in the ‘Impact, Risk and Opportunity Management’ section of the 2023 Annual Report.

    Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and performance of the Company’s business may vary materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements described in this release. SBM Offshore does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

    This release contains certain alternative performance measures (APMs) as defined by the ESMA guidelines which are not defined under IFRS. Further information on these APMs is included in the Half-Year Management Report accompanying the Half Year Earnings 2024 report, available on our website https://www.sbmoffshore.com/investors/financial-disclosures.

    Nothing in this release shall be deemed an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. The companies in which SBM Offshore N.V. directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this release “SBM Offshore” and “SBM” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to SBM Offshore N.V. and its subsidiaries in general. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

    “SBM Offshore®“, the SBM logomark, “Fast4Ward®”, “emissionZERO®” and “F4W®” are proprietary marks owned by SBM Offshore.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Visiting Media Appoints Steve Sackman as Senior Vice President of Global Sales

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Visiting Media, the leader in immersive sales enablement for the hospitality industry, is proud to announce the appointment of Steve Sackman as Senior Vice President of Global Sales. A proven hospitality veteran with over 20 years of experience, Sackman will lead Visiting Media’s global sales efforts, accelerating growth and expanding the adoption of cutting-edge immersive technologies designed to transform how hotels engage and convert customers.

    Sackman’s impressive career spans senior leadership roles with top-tier hospitality brands, including Highgate Hotels, Destination Hotels & Resorts, and Convene. His deep expertise in aligning sales strategies with industry trends and delivering exceptional revenue growth has made him a trusted advisor in the industry. Sackman’s hands-on experience working with prestigious properties like CoralTree Hospitality and SLS South Beach enables him to bring a unique perspective to Visiting Media—ensuring the company’s innovative solutions continue to meet the evolving needs of hoteliers and above-property sales teams.

    “Steve’s extensive background in hospitality sales leadership brings a valuable operator’s perspective to our team,” said Jascha Kaykas-Wolff, COO of Visiting Media. “His deep empathy for the challenges and opportunities facing hotel sales executives will be crucial as we continue to deliver impactful solutions like SalesHub™ and Hospitality Cloud. Steve’s leadership will be a game-changer in helping us empower our customers to close deals faster and drive revenue growth.”

    Known for his ability to cultivate high-performing sales teams and foster cross-functional collaboration, Sackman joins Visiting Media at a pivotal moment. With more than 3,300 customers worldwide, the company’s immersive sales enablement platforms are rapidly transforming how hotels showcase their spaces, engage prospective customers, and streamline the booking process. As the industry increasingly embraces virtual experiences to enhance customer engagement, Sackman will play a key role in scaling Visiting Media’s global footprint and delivering powerful, immersive sales tools to hotels around the world.

    “I’m thrilled to join the innovative team at Visiting Media,” said Sackman. “Having worked on the frontlines of hotel sales, I understand firsthand the critical importance of technology that enhances sales efforts and accelerates the decision-making process. Visiting Media’s immersive solutions are a game-changer for the industry, and I’m excited to help more hotels leverage these tools to elevate their sales performance and drive lasting success.”

    With Sackman’s leadership, Visiting Media is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in the hospitality tech space, helping hotels and above-property teams maximize their sales potential through immersive experiences and next-generation sales enablement tools.

    About Visiting Media
    Visiting Media is a software company on a mission to simplify selling spaces and experiences for hospitality. We aim to revolutionize sales enablement and digital asset management solutions for property and above-property sales teams by harnessing the power of immersion to gain a competitive edge. Our innovative solutions redefine the management and distribution of immersive assets across channels, reshaping how the hospitality industry conducts sales and communication. Learn more at visitingmedia.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Energy Granted U.S. Department of Energy’s GAIN Voucher Award in Collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory to Support the Novel ‘ZEUS’ Microreactor Heat Exchanger Design

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) Program Voucher was Awarded to Support NANO Nuclear’s Innovation and Application of Advanced Nuclear Technologies

    New York, N.Y., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing portable, clean energy solutions, today announced that it has been granted the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) Nuclear Energy (NE) voucher award for the independent assessment of its novel heat exchanger concept for open-air Brayton cycle in collaboration with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The heat exchanger concept provides a turnkey solution for NANO Nuclear’s patent-pending, proprietary and portable ‘ZEUS’ microreactor, currently in development.

    Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Awarded U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) GAIN Nuclear Energy Voucher for an Idaho National Laboratory-led Independent Assessment of its Novel, Turnkey Heat Exchanger Concept in its Advanced Portable Nuclear ‘ZEUS’ Microreactor (pictured rendering).

    U.S. Department of Energy’s GAIN Voucher Award can be found here: https://gain.inl.gov/gain-announces-fourth-round-fy-2024-nuclear-energy-voucher-recipients/ and https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/4-gain-vouchers-awarded-advance-data-center-microreactor-deployment

    “It is truly an honor for us to be awarded a GAIN NE voucher to further validate and improve upon our novel heat exchanger concept,” said Prof. Massimiliano Fratoni, Ph.D., Senior Director and Head of Reactor Design of NANO Nuclear Energy. “The heat exchanger is an enabling component of our patent-pending ‘ZEUS’ microreactor design, allowing us to keep the system size compact and simplifying its design to match our vision of developing portable, secure and reliable nuclear microreactors to benefit mankind. I look forward to working alongside the leading technical personnel at the Idaho National Laboratory to further refine and progress its design, and I anticipate that this partnership will be pivotal in the future deployment of our innovative microreactor solutions.”

    With this voucher award, NANO Nuclear will collaborate with INL to conduct an independent evaluation of the heat exchanger design for the ‘ZEUS’ microreactor. Designed to fit within a 45-foot high-cube container, the patent-pending ‘ZEUS’ microreactor features a power conversion unit capable of generating 1 to 2 MW of electricity without the use of fluid coolant.

    A key aspect of this design is its ability to dissipate heat from the reactor vessel using an open-air Brayton cycle. The collaboration with INL will involve the development of a computational model to analyze and verify critical attributes of the heat exchanger essential to reactor operations, providing a comprehensive assessment of its performance.

    “The Department of Energy’s GAIN program is a major driver of nuclear innovation in the United States, and we are delighted to collaborate with the Idaho National Laboratory, with whom NANO Nuclear already maintains good relations, to further strengthen this critical component for our patent-pending ‘ZEUS’ microreactor design,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “Our prior experience with INL, where they conducted a pre-conceptual review of our ‘ODIN’ microreactor design, was extremely valuable to us, and we are eager to take the next step in advancing our technology in collaboration with one of the world’s leading nuclear research institutions.”

    The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) launched the GAIN program in 2016 to offer technical, regulatory, and financial support to help the nuclear industry advance innovative technologies toward commercialization. Since its launch, the program has awarded over 100 NE vouchers.

    GAIN NE voucher recipients do not receive direct financial awards as the vouchers provide funding to DOE laboratories (in this case INL) to help businesses overcome critical technological and commercialization challenges. These vouchers thus grant innovators like NANO Nuclear access to the extensive nuclear research expertise and capabilities across the DOE national laboratory complex.

    “The GAIN voucher gives us the opportunity to develop a model to simulate a critical part of the design in a timely and efficient manner,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear Energy. “It enables us to work alongside the world-class personnel at Idaho National Laboratory and leverage their expertise to model the behavior of this key design choice of our novel heat exchanger concept. This model will serve us well in the future as we integrate it with other design elements to optimize the design for real world applications.”

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across four business lines: (i) cutting edge portable microreactor technology, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation and (iv) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s products in technical development are “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206
    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:
    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
    NANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBE
    NANO Nuclear Energy TWITTER

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release or related events contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements (including the anticipated benefits of NANO Nuclear’s collaboration with INL via the GAIN NE voucher award as described herein) related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) nuclear fuel manufacturing submission and the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, development of competitive technology, (ii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iii) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor technology, (iv) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DoE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act, and (v) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the business of a start-up business operating a highly regulated industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and the NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Kustoff Announces Mobile Office Hours for October

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) announced mobile office hours for the month of October. Mobile office hours will be held on Tuesday, October 1, and Thursday, October 3.
     
    “Mobile office hours are a good way for constituents to connect with our office and let us know how we can continue to best represent Tennessee’s Eighth Congressional District in Washington,” said Congressman Kustoff. “If you need assistance with a federal agency such as the Small Business Administration, Social Security Administration, or the Department of Veterans Affairs, I encourage you to visit our mobile office sites across West Tennessee.”

    Tuesday, October 1

    Lauderdale — 9:00am – 11:00am
    Lauderdale County Courthouse
    100 Court Square
    Ripley, TN 38063

    Tipton — 1:00pm – 3:00pm
    Covington City Hall
    200 W. Washington Ave
    Covington, TN 38019

    Henry — 9:00am – 11:00am
    Paris Henry County Chamber of Commerce 
    2508 E Wood St
    Paris, TN 38242 

    Henderson — 1:00pm – 3:00pm
    Henderson County Court House 
    17 Monroe Ave 
    Lexington, TN 38351 

    Chester — 1:00pm – 3:00pm
    Henderson City Hall
    121 Crook Ave
    Henderson, TN 38340

    Crockett – 9:00am – 11:00am
    Crockett County Chamber
    25 N Bells St.
    Alamo, TN 38001

    Haywood – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
    Brownsville City Hall
    15 E Main St.
    Brownsville, TN 38012

    Thursday, October 3

    Fayette — 9:00am – 11:00am
    Fayette County Chamber of Commerce
    120 E Court Square Unit 101
    Somerville, TN 38068

    Hardeman — 1:00pm – 3:00pm
    Hardeman County Courthouse
    100 N Main St
    Bolivar, TN 38008

    Carroll — 9:00am – 11:00 am
    Town of Huntingdon City Hall
    19810 E Main St 
    Huntingdon, TN 38344

    Gibson — 1:00pm – 3:00pm
    Milan City Hall
    1061 S Main St
    Milan, TN 38358

    McNairy — 9:00am – 11:00am
    McNairy County Court House 
    170 Court Ave 
    Selmer, TN 38375

    Hardin — 1:00pm – 3:00pm
    Tennessee River Museum
    495 Main St 
    Savannah, TN 38372
     
    Lake — 9:00am – 11:00am
    Lake County Courthouse
    116 S Court St
    Tiptonville, TN 38079

    Obion — 1:00pm – 3:00pm
    Obion County Mayor’s Office
    316 S Third St
    Union City, TN 38261
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Potter County, Pa.

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Potter County, Pa.

    Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Potter County, Pa.

    HARRISBURG, Pa. – A new Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be opening at 8 a.m. tomorrow at the Penn-York Retreat Center in Potter County. Beginning tomorrow, survivors will be able to visit DRCs in all four disaster-designated counties in Pennsylvania: Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Union counties. 

    The following is a list of all current DRCs in Pennsylvania. Disaster survivors residing in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, and Union counties can visit any DRC to receive assistance.

    Disaster Recovery Center locations and addresses  Hours of Operation   

    Lycoming County 

    Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Company

    615 East Route 973 Highway 

    Cogan Station, PA 17728

    Monday – Saturday 

    8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

    Sept. 25 hours: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

    Resuming normal hours on Sept. 26

    Potter County 

    Penn-York Retreat Center 

    266 Northern Potter Road 

    Ulysses, PA 16948

    Monday – Saturday 

    8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Opening Sept. 26 at 8 a.m.

    Tioga County 

    Knoxville Community Center 

    301 W. Main Street

    Knoxville, PA 16928

    Monday – Saturday 

    8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

    Union County 

    Union County Resource Center

    480 Hafer Road

    Lewisburg, PA 17837

    Monday – Saturday 

    8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

    Tropical Storm Debby survivors can visit a DRC to: 

    • Start an application for FEMA assistance. 
    • Get help understanding FEMA decision or request for information letters.
    • Check the status of your FEMA application.
    • Meet with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania agencies.
    • Get referrals to non-profits that offer additional help. 
    • Meet with a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representative.

    Survivors do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register with FEMA. If it is not possible to visit a DRC, call 800-621- FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. In addition to applying by phone and in person at a DRC, you can also register for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone.

    For more information on Pennsylvania’s disaster recovery, visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Facebook page, fema.gov/disaster/4815 and facebook.com/FEMA.  

    ###

     

    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

    Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

    erika.osullivan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Polis Administration Announces Solid Power Planned Expansion in Colorado: 40 New Jobs in the Renewable Energy Sector

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that Colorado-based Solid Power, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDP), an industry-leading developer of next-generation all-solid-state battery technology, plans to expand its presence in the state. 

    “We are thrilled that Solid Power will continue to grow in Colorado, creating new jobs in the renewable energy industry. Companies like Solid Power are helping drive innovation in our state and will play a key role in helping us reach our clean energy goals and achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040,” said Governor Polis. 

    A uniquely Colorado success story, Solid Power was founded in 2011 and grew out of research at the University of Colorado Boulder. In 2021, the company went public and listed on NASDAQ. Solid Power is known for its work with BMW, Ford, and SK On. Most recently it was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to begin award negotiations for up to $50 million in federal funding to install the first globally-known continuous manufacturing process of sulfide-based solid electrolyte materials for advanced all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) and expand its electrolyte production capabilities at its Thornton, Colorado facility. These materials help create batteries needed for electric vehicles. Colorado is among the top states for EV adoption in the nation, with more than 22% of new cars sold being electric. 

    Solid Power is committed to supporting the transition to renewable energy by developing ASSBs that are expected to have longer life, be safer, and cost less than current lithium-ion batteries. The company chose Colorado for expansion of up to 40 new jobs because of the state’s talent pipeline and the collaborative network of higher education and research institutions. 

    “We are excited to continue expanding our technology development in Colorado,” said John Van Scoter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Power. “As part of the DOE, State of Colorado, and City of Thornton funding, Solid Power will prioritize employee welfare and safety, community engagement, and benefits to local communities, and we look forward to partnering with various groups in Thornton to add talent and advance our goals.” 

    With this expansion, Solid Power expects to create up to 40 net new jobs at an average annual wage of $77,823.90, which is 111% of the average annual wage in Adams County. The positions will include production operators, chemists, and engineers. Solid Power is also partnering with local institutions such as Northglenn High School, Front Range Community College, and Metropolitan State University of Denver for internship programs, as well as a partnership with the local Adams 12 school district. 

    “Solid Power is a true Colorado success story, who’s next chapter will advance the technologies of tomorrow and create new good jobs for Coloradans. That’s a win for our state and the nation, as we look forward toward a more renewable future,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman. 

    The State of Colorado supported Solid Power’s early growth with an Advanced Industries Accelerator grant in 2014, offered through OEDIT’s Global Business Development division to support the development of early-stage technologies. 

    To support the company’s upcoming expansion, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $160,000 in a performance-based Strategic Fund incentive over an eight-year period, at $4,000 per net new job. These incentives are contingent upon Solid Power, referred to as Project Maverick 2024 throughout the OEDIT review process, meeting net new job creation and salary requirements. 

    “The City Council and I are always delighted to hear that a company in our city is thriving so much that they need to expand their operations here,” says Thornton Mayor Jan Kulmann. “We look forward to the continued growth of Solid Power here in our community. This exciting opportunity for new job development and advanced technologies in the solid-state battery industry further shows Thornton is an attractive destination for business.” 

    “The creation of up to 40 new STEM jobs paying above the annual average wage is wonderful news for the Adams County business community and our residents,” says Board Chair for Adams County Commissioners, Emma Pinter. “Adams County continues to focus on innovative and inclusive initiatives to bring smart growth and opportunities to the area.” 

    In addition to Colorado, Solid Power considered Columbia, South Carolina, for exemption. 

    About Solid Power, Inc. 

    Solid Power is developing solid-state battery technology to enable the next generation of batteries for the fast-growing EV and other markets. Solid Power’s core technology is its electrolyte material, which Solid Power believes can enable extended driving range, longer battery life, improved safety, and lower cost compared to traditional lithium-ion. Solid Power’s business model – selling its electrolyte to cell manufacturers and licensing its cell designs and manufacturing processes – distinguishes the company from many of its competitors who plan to be commercial battery manufacturers. Ultimately, Solid Power endeavors to be a leading producer and distributor of sulfide-based solid electrolyte material for powering both EVs and other applications. For more information, visit http://www.solidpowerbattery.com/. 

    About OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division 

    Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state’s national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development. 

    About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade 

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NYC’s First Mixed-Use Housing & Light Manufacturing Space

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a new, mixed-use residential and light manufacturing development, located in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The $118 million complex reimagines the former Fox’s U-Bet Chocolate Syrup factory at Rockaway Avenue and Newport Street as the Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center’s Brownsville Industrial Center. The development includes 39,000 square feet of affordable, top-of-the-line light manufacturing space on the ground-floor; Bridge Rockaway, a residential building with 174 units of affordable and supportive housing above the manufacturing space; and a 2,000 square-foot community space, spanning half a city block. It is the first new project in New York City to co-locate affordable housing and light manufacturing space on the same site.

    “Our continued efforts to foster renewal in Central Brooklyn are what this development is all about,” Governor Hochul said. “Bridge Rockaway with its affordable homes and supportive services in combination with light manufacturing, which has long provided the pathways to the middle class for Brooklynites, is spurring a fresh start for this piece of Brownsville. This is what it means to be pro-housing and pro-business. Congratulations to The Bridge, the Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center and their partners for bringing these new homes and jobs to the people of Brooklyn.”

    Bridge Rockaway, the residential development at 203 Newport Street, consists of two residential towers – a six-story structure and a seven-story structure – separated by an 11,000-square-foot garden. Units will be affordable to residents earning between 30 percent and 70 percent of the Area Median Income, and 87 units with on-site supportive services will be set-aside for veterans, seniors, and other individuals struggling with homelessness. Residents will have access to the building’s vibrant garden terrace, a reception area with 24/7 staffing, a computer room, community rooms, a bicycle room, and storage and laundry facilities. The Bridge, which operates supportive housing and behavioral health services for New Yorkers living with behavioral health concerns, will own and operate Bridge Rockaway and provide on-site services.

    The GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center at 805 Rockaway Avenue includes 10 units, ranging in size from 1,250 square feet to 6,000 square feet, for light manufacturing businesses that might include custom woodworkers, cabinet makers and artisanal tradespeople, such as set builders and display makers; home goods manufacturers; metal workers and finishers; and garment makers; among others. GMDC’s space features a loading dock with hydraulic lift and a state-of-the-art finishing room for industrial tenants. In addition to these and other services and amenities, GMDC has invested more than $11.5 million abatement measures to ensure the safe coexistence of residential and industrial tenants. GMDC’s project is expected to create up to 35 direct jobs, in addition to indirect jobs and investment. The space is owned and operated by GMDC, a nonprofit industrial developer and property manager with a portfolio of more than 685,000 square feet of industrial space across New York City. The project serves as a model for developing affordable housing on underutilized manufacturing property, while maintaining manufacturing use.

    State support includes a $1.6 million capital grant from Empire State Development to support the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center, per the recommendation of the New York City Regional Economic Development Council. New York State will also provide $11.4 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $46 million in equity, and $16.9 million in subsidy through New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is providing $6.5 million through the Homeless Housing Assistance Program, as well as rental subsidies funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.

    Additional funding is being provided by the City and other public and private sources. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development is providing $17.1 million in support of the project’s residential portion. The U.S. Small Business Administration, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the New York City Neighborhood Capital Corporation, New York City Industrial Development Agency, JP Morgan Chase, the Partnership Fund for New York City, Enterprise Community Loan Fund, and National Grid also provided support.

    The project development team includes The Bridge, Mega Development and Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center. The building was designed by THINK! Architecture and Design.

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda

    Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide, and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 45,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    Last August, Governor Hochul also announced the Pro-Housing Communities Program. Pro-Housing Community certification is a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in State discretionary funding. To date, more than 160 communities have been certified, including New York City.

    Housing and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The environmentally sustainable coexistence of affordable housing and manufacturing in this $118 million, 174-apartment development offers a promising template for the future. Governor Hochul knows that every thriving community needs both quality homes and business. Bridge Rockaway and the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center provide both, plus dedicated wraparound services for seniors, veterans and people who have been chronically unhoused. In terms of what this brings to the neighborhood, it is truly a holistic development – the complete package. We at HCR are proud of the part we played, along with our sister agencies, to bring the shared dream of the Bridge and GMDC to fruition.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Today’s ribbon-cutting for Bridge Rockaway and the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center is a significant step forward in New York State’s commitment to providing affordable housing and driving economic growth in Brooklyn. The inclusion of 39,000 square feet of light manufacturing space not only supports local small businesses but also creates sustainable jobs. This project demonstrates how strategic investments in both housing and manufacturing can uplift communities and build a stronger, more inclusive economy.”

    Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to expanding the supply of permanent supportive housing options across New York State and helping vulnerable New Yorkers break the cycle of homelessness. The opening of Bridge Rockaway provides formerly homeless individuals – including those with mental illness, veterans with disabilities and older adults – with much-needed affordable housing in Brownsville, Brooklyn, that includes essential services that will help the residents live safely and successfully in the community.”

    Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center CEO Brian T. Coleman said, “After nearly eight years of planning, development and construction, we are thrilled to finally open our doors. This project does what no one thought was possible: putting 39,000 square feet of light manufacturing space, more than 170 units of housing, and a community facility on the same site safely and affordably. Now, as we get ready to welcome our first tenants, I thank our partners at The Bridge, Mega Development, and at every level of government for supporting our vision to transform this block and create a stunning new home for businesses and residents in Brownsville.”

    The Bridge CEO Susan Wiviott said, “When The Bridge conceived this project, our goal was to create much needed supportive and affordable housing while preserving manufacturing uses. This first of its kind project proves a concept that can be replicated across the City. I am deeply grateful to our entire development team, particularly Mega Development, Think! Architecture and Design, and GMDC for seeing this project through to completion. We look forward to welcoming our first residents early next week.”

    New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball said, “GMDC’s Brownsville Industrial Center is a fantastic example of a nontraditional approach to addressing two of the City’s priorities; providing much-needed new affordable housing while also creating modern manufacturing space and good jobs. NYCEDC congratulates GMDC and its partners on this remarkable project that can set a model as we work toward a more affordable and equitable city.”

    NYCREDC Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and William D. Rahm said, “The NYCREDC is proud to support Bridge Rockaway and the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center, which not only address the critical need for affordable housing but also strengthens Brownsville’s economy through job creation in the manufacturing sector. By integrating affordable housing with light manufacturing space, we’re creating a vibrant mixed-use environment that will provide both homes and jobs for New Yorkers, fostering long-term benefits for local residents and businesses alike.”

    State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “Thanks to a concerted effort by state, federal and local government funders, Bridge Rockaway is bringing much-needed housing to Brownsville. Of the 174 units, half will be affordable to households earning up to 70 percent Area Median Income (AMI), and the other half will be supportive units for older New Yorkers, veterans and people who have experienced homelessness. This new development is an exciting opportunity for my constituents.”

    Assemblymember Latrice Walker said, “It’s no secret that we have an affordable housing shortage in New York State. The lack of affordable housing is particularly acute among seniors and those who wage a daily battle against homelessness. Not only does a development like Bridge Rockaway offer affordable units, but the complex also offers 87 apartments with supportive services for seniors, veterans and formerly homeless New Yorkers. I’m also excited about the inclusion of manufacturing space that will create up to 35 jobs. Please count me as a resource if you need help connecting people from the community with those job opportunities.”

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “For too long, our zoning laws lived in the past, ignoring the realities of today and the bold possibilities of tomorrow. This new development in Brownsville, Brooklyn is symbolic of the endless potential that still rests in our City. Affordable and supportive housing, industrial development and community space all come together in one mixed-use development, transforming an entire neighborhood. When we open our doors and say, ‘yes’ to housing, jobs and opportunity, there’s nothing our City cannot do.”

    New York City Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer said, “Congratulations to the entire development team on the opening of this exciting and path-breaking project, one that will deliver 170 units of affordable and supportive housing and roughly 40,000 square feet of industrial space. This $118M project exemplifies the spirit of the City of Yes and a modern, flexible approach to building housing while simultaneously supporting a modern industrial sector.”

    Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “New housing and new jobs are a recipe for economic success, and the Bridge Rockaway and GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center complex brings that mixed-use success to our borough. Thanks to this new complex, our neighbors in eastern Brooklyn will have 174 units of new housing, with 87 apartments dedicated to older adults, veterans, and chronically homeless adults, as well as tens of new manufacturing jobs that will benefit Brooklyn’s economy. I am proud to see this mixed-use development come to our borough and thank the many partners who made this day possible.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grants Support Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleets

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $5.5 million available in grants for municipalities to support the installation of electric vehicle chargers, including hydrogen fuel filling station components and Level 2 and direct current fast chargers, as part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grants program. These projects support New York’s ongoing efforts to advance clean transportation and help the State achieve the greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

    “New York is committed to advancing and energizing the transition to a cleaner, healthier, and more efficient transportation future,” Governor Hochul said. “Our sustained investments in electric vehicle infrastructure across the State will help encourage more drivers to make the switch to EVs, promote greener alternatives for transportation, and combat climate change.”

    The 2024 round of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Infrastructure program opened on Sept. 25 with $5.5 million available. Additional information can be found in the request for applications (RFA) document. The deadline for applications is 4 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2025.

    The program includes a variable local match requirement based on the municipality’s median household income (MHI) and whether the ZEV infrastructure is located in a disadvantaged community, based on the disadvantaged communities criteria developed by the Climate Justice Working Group.

    Eligible expenses incurred between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 20, 2026, are eligible for reimbursement.

    Applications are available through the Consolidated Funding Application under the title “2024 Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grants.”

    To be eligible for an award, applicants must be registered in the NYS Statewide Financial System Grant Management System (SFS GM). Information regarding registration in SFS GM can be found on the Grants Management website. More information about the DEC Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grant program, as well as the DEC Municipal ZEV Rebate program, is available on DEC’s website. For questions about the Municipal ZEV program, email [email protected] or call DEC’s Office of Climate Change at 518-402-8448.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “With Governor Hochul’s sustained commitment to ensuring a cleaner, greener future, New York continues to be a leader advancing the State’s transition to clean transportation to help achieve our climate targets. The Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grant program makes it even easier, more accessible, and more affordable to make the switch to greener vehicles and is expanding New York’s EV charging station network. DEC looks forward to continuing to support municipalities statewide that are taking climate action, investing in electric transportation, and helping facilitate the clean energy economy of the future.”

    State Senator Peter Harckham said, “Our transportation sector is a major source of climate and air pollution in New York. The DEC’s Municipal Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure grants program will accelerate the transition to an emissions free future, where we all can breathe easier. This is a good example of how the state and local governments, working together, can create a cleaner, greener New York.”

    Assemblymember Deborah Glick said, “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by shifting to vehicles that do not rely on fossil fuels is essential for New York to achieve our climate goals. One major obstacle to the public’s adoption of electric vehicles is the lack of publicly available charging stations. Making it easier for municipalities to step up and expand this critical piece of the green infrastructure puzzle is welcome news. Thank you to Governor Hochul for this important $5.5 million investment in NYDEC’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grants program to help expand this green infrastructure throughout New York, helping us to further achieve our climate goals.”

    New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan

    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that a minimum of 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path toward a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York’s unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with more than 420 registered and more than 150 certified Climate Smart Communities, over 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Andrew Cardno, Dr. Ralph Thomas and Dr. A.K. Singh Release Their 11th Book: “The Math That Gaming Made, Compendium”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acclaimed gaming and analytics experts Andrew Cardno and Dr. Ralph Thomas of QCI have proudly released their 11th book, “The Math That Gaming Made, Compendium,” a definitive exploration of the mathematical frameworks and strategies that have shaped the modern gaming industry.

    The book, which serves as a comprehensive guide to the intersection of mathematics and gaming, is a deep dive into how advanced analytics, mathematical modeling, and data science have revolutionized the gaming landscape. Covering decades of research and insights, “The Math That Gaming Made, Compendium” provides a wealth of knowledge for industry professionals, data enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about the intricacies of gaming mathematics.

    A Legacy of Expertise

    Andrew Cardno, a recognized authority in gaming analytics, and Dr. Ralph Thomas, a pioneer in gaming data science, bring together their years of experience and research in this book. Together, they offer readers an unparalleled understanding of how math is used to optimize everything from player experiences to casino operations.

    “This book is a culmination of over 20 years of innovation in the gaming industry,” said Andrew Cardno. “It not only highlights how data and analytics have evolved but also provides the tools and knowledge for others to apply these concepts in real-world gaming environments.”

    A Must-Read for Industry Professionals

    Industry expert Buddy Frank shared his praise for the book: “If there’s one thing the casino gaming industry does not do well, it is sharing. This book breaks that mold as the authors dish some of the best advice on improving your slot mix, gaining market share, understanding databases, and a lot more. They even translate all our obscure acronyms. This new volume is several inches thick, but you’ll find gems on every page. Better yet, follow their advice and your profitability will improve.”

    “The Math That Gaming Made, Compendium” is available now through Amazon.

    About Andrew Cardno

    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the field of artificial intelligence and data plumbing, with over two decades of experience leading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams. His expertise has made significant contributions to data tooling, including groundbreaking innovations like the deep zoom image format, now a cornerstone in many mapping tools. Andrew’s leadership has earned him two Smithsonian Laureates and garnered 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Co-founding Quick Custom Intelligence with Dr. Ralph Thomas, Andrew holds over 150 patent applications and has made a profound impact across various industries, from telecommunications and retail to the medical sector. He is also a prolific author, contributing to over 100 industry publications and co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas. Andrew advocates for community and diversity and has made a significant impact on over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, reflecting his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    About Dr. Ralph Thomas

    Dr. Ralph Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence. Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

    About Dr. A.K. Singh

    Chair & Professor, Resorts, Gaming & Golf Management Department at University of Nevada Las Vegas. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Statistics from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, Ashok worked as a Visiting Research Fellow at the NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, NC, in 1977. He has held academic positions since 1978, including: 1978 to July 1991: Associate Professor of Mathematics at New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM. August 1991 to December 2005: Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at UNLV. January 2006 to present: Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at UNLV, serving as Chair of the Resorts, Gaming & Golf Management Department since July 1, 2021. His research interests encompass applications of statistics in engineering, business, and law, as well as machine learning applications in business and medicine, and predictive analytics.

    Contact:

    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence

    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –