Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE, delegation headed to Zhejiang

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to visit Zhejiang on Tuesday to attend the High-Level Meeting & First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference in Hangzhou, and the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum & Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum in Ningbo.

    Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on April 25.

    The Chief Executive said that Hong Kong and Zhejiang have long maintained frequent exchanges, keeping close ties in economic affairs and trade, cultural exchanges and youth engagement. Under the overall blueprint of the country, both places play important and unique roles.

    He noted that a specific co-operation mechanism between the two places will be established through this visit, further strengthening collaboration, achieving complementarity and mutual benefits, and making greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development.

    Officials including Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak will join parts of the trip. Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip will also accompany Mr Lee on the trip.

    During the visit, Mr Lee and the delegation will meet leaders from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou and Ningbo as well as visit local facilities and projects in areas including innovation and technology, and healthcare.

    Mr Chan will depart on April 23 and return to Hong Kong on April 24. He will be Acting Chief Executive from the afternoon of April 22 to noon on April 23, and from the evening of April 24 to April 25.

    Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will be Acting Chief Executive during Mr Chan’s absence.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: No KYC. 100x Leverage. $50 Welcome Bonus. Crypto Futures Trading Made Easy on BexBack.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack, The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
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    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU to train logisticians for Wildberries: cooperation agreement signed

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On April 18, 2025, a ceremonial signing of a cooperation agreement between the State University of Management and the Russian online store Wildberries took place.

    On behalf of the State University of Management, the document was signed by the rector of the State University of Management, Vladimir Stroyev. On behalf of the new partner, it was signed by the director of innovation and ecosystem development, Wildberries, Igor Koval.

    Also present at the meeting were vice-rectors of the State University of Management Maria Karelina and Pavel Pavlovsky. From Wildberries there were the head of the department for work with educational organizations Yulia Erofeeva, the head of image projects Daria Mudrova, the head of the internship direction Anastasia Avdeeva, the head of the school direction Daria Danilina.

    At the beginning of the meeting, Vladimir Stroyev told the guests about the history of GUU. And although there were two graduates of our university among them, it was also new for them to hear that its history began almost 40 years earlier than they knew – with the Aleksandrovsky Commercial School.

    “Today we are once again beginning to promote the traditions of domestic entrepreneurship, which were lost in Soviet times. Now few remember that in the Russian Empire there were entire entrepreneurial regions that were exempt from taxes. And the Alexander School was directly connected with many famous representatives of the Moscow merchant class,” the rector said.

    Igor Koval immediately admitted that the famous Russian philanthropist Savva Mamontov is his distant relative, and agreed that it would be very logical for the State University of Management to continue the traditions of entrepreneurship. The WB company also sees its mission in the development of Russian entrepreneurship and strives to develop in different directions. Thus, the company recently opened its own production sector.

    Continuing the conversation, Vladimir Stroyev said that some Russian companies started their business within the walls of our university. For example, the Novard group of companies, which recently opened an “auditorium named after itself” in the administrative building. In addition, the rector mentioned that our university is the operator of the All-Russian competition of projects in the field of social entrepreneurship and socially oriented non-profit organizations “My Good Business”.

    Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Maria Karelina reported fresh news that scientists from our university managed to win the first competition of student design bureaus.

    “The grant is not very big, but for us it is first and foremost an ideological victory and an important step to restore the image of a scientific and technical university. No one expected this victory from us. Meanwhile, we have fresh developments in the field of logistics, unmanned aerial vehicles and a large agro-industrial project. All this can be discussed, but it is a long conversation, and I propose to organize a separate meeting with Wildberries technical specialists,” said Maria Karelina.

    Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Pavel Pavlovsky added that our scientists are developing not only flying drones, but also ground-based ones. Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee Andrey Kartapolov, who visited the university last week, noted this development. Pavel Vladimirovich also noted that few see Wildberries as a high-tech company that provides a huge number of jobs, but this is exactly the case. The State University of Management has already developed a special educational program for the needs of WB, a presentation of which was shown to the guests after the meeting with the management.

    Taking the floor again, Maria Karelina informed the guests that the State University of Management has laboratories for reverse engineering, agriculture, and a section on mechanization, where prominent professors and academics work. The university concludes agreements with agricultural universities and plans to create a world-class scientific and methodological center in the field of agro-industrial complex.

    Igor Koval admitted that this topic is very interesting to him and he is ready to support it, since in the past he managed several agricultural enterprises.

    “Returning to our topic, I want to say that we currently have 5 million square meters of warehouses. We are first in the world in this indicator. The issue of automation is very relevant for us, we are interested in logistics projects, we have our own design bureau for logistics complexes, and the State University of Management can be very useful in this,” the guest said.

    At the end of the conversation, Igor Koval invited Vladimir Stroyev to a Wildberries event at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum. The partners agreed to coordinate their schedules to implement this idea.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/19/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: Expo in Hainan opens window for China-Europe economic ties

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

    HAIKOU, April 19 — Amid swaying coconut trees and the soft rustle of sea breeze, I arrived in China’s southern island province of Hainan to cover the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE).

    Beneath the clear blue sky, Haikou’s wave-shaped international convention center buzzed with energy. Crowds flowed through halls lined with dazzling displays of vehicles, cosmetics and homeware from across Europe, including the United Kingdom (UK), France, Italy and Slovakia, which captivated attention and sparked curiosity.

    This year’s guest country of honor, the UK, showcased 53 British brands — a mix of long-established players in the Chinese market and first-time exhibitors — signaling its ambition to deepen economic engagement with China, the world’s second-largest economy.

    Among the returning exhibitors was Tricker’s, one of the UK’s oldest shoemakers. “We’re back because last year’s expo significantly raised our profile in the market,” said Mike Hofmann, managing director at Tricker’s China.

    “We see China not only as a sales market but also as a core place to invest and grow,” he added, highlighting the encouraging signals from China’s recent pro-consumption policies.

    Just a few steps away, a subtle floral fragrance drew me toward a charming booth. It belonged to Aromatherapy Associates, a London-based wellness brand making its debut at the CICPE.

    “Hainan’s Free Trade Port is key to our cross-border strategy,” said Yuan Quan, head of Aromatherapy Associates China. “We’ve seen a growing appetite among Chinese consumers for high-quality, therapeutic wellness products, which present great opportunities for us.”

    Health and wellness stood out as a defining theme at this year’s expo. British biotech company Birmingham Biotech (BHM) chose the occasion to announce its official entry into the Chinese market.

    “The expo opens doors to real-time feedback, collaboration and opportunity,” said Michael Hsu, founder and CEO of BHM.

    He noted that Chinese consumers’ rising preference for drug-free, scientifically validated solutions aligns perfectly with the company’s innovations.

    “The Hainan Free Trade Port’s policy advantages and openness to global cooperation make it an ideal destination for our localization plans,” Hsu added.

    “The sheer scale of the Chinese market is a powerful incentive,” said Mark Clayton, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce South China, noting that “the middle class here is larger than the entire population of the UK.”

    Driven by booming tourism, innovative policies, and robust retail growth, the island province of Hainan is rapidly becoming a vital domestic and international consumption destination, according to a white paper jointly released by KPMG China and the Moodie Davitt Report during the expo.

    France showcased a national pavilion at the expo for the third consecutive year, featuring 12 French brands, including L’Oréal and Pierre Lannier, covering sectors such as cosmetics, luxury goods, health products and wines.

    Familiar names also included Ducati, the legendary Italian motorcycle brand, and ETRO, the renowned Italian luxury fashion house, which set up a dedicated booth celebrating the 40th anniversary of its flagship Arnica fabric.

    “China is rapidly evolving and has become one of our top-priority markets,” said Fabio Lambertini, CEO of Ducati China.

    “Hainan is a crucial node in our long-term vision,” he added. With its winding coastal and mountain roads, he believes the tropical island has the potential to become a new hub for Ducati’s immersive riding experiences and investment.

    The Czech jewelry brand Krasna Duse — meaning “beautiful soul” in Czech — drew a constant stream of visitors with its shimmering displays. While browsing the cases, college student Ma Kanghui selected a pair of earrings. “The brand is completely new to me,” she said. “The designs, with their Czech style, are so beautiful that I couldn’t resist.”

    “Czech crystal has a unique charm and craftsmanship that I believe will conquer customers here in China,” said the company president, Olga Kopalova.

    This year marked Slovakia’s debut with its own national pavilion, featuring a mix of skincare, wine, chocolate, and wellness brands. Pavol Kovarik, sales manager for Slovak beverage brand Cacaofe, said that his 22-hour journey from Vienna to Haikou via Chengdu was not only his first time in China but also the longest trip he had ever taken.

    “I expected an inland Chinese city, but instead I arrived in a tropical paradise. Palm trees, beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere that I never imagined,” Kovarik said.

    “This is a fresh start for our presence in China’s mega market. We also plan to attend exhibitions in Ningbo and Shanghai,” he added. “For now, I am looking forward to taking a bullet train to Sanya after the expo and spend a couple of days there enjoying the beautiful beaches.”

    As the sun dipped below Hainan’s horizon, the expo’s buzz gradually faded, but the conversations it sparked about growth and cooperation are far from over. For many European brands, Hainan is more than just a stage for product display, it’s a gateway to long-term relationships, evolving tastes, and mutual growth.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China trade exhibitions draw international attention

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Foreign buyers have business talks during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

    In spite of intensified trade protectionism and geopolitical tensions, China’s products and market are still appealing to foreign business people.

    A record-breaking 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders are participating in the ongoing fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in the tropical island province of Hainan in south China.

    Meanwhile, the Canton Fair, which kicked off on Tuesday in Guangzhou, south China, drew 64,530 overseas buyers on its opening day, an 8.9 percent year-on-year increase and a record high for the first day. This event in Guangdong Province features major international retailers, including Walmart and Target from the United States, Carrefour from France, Tesco and Kingfisher from the UK, and Germany’s Metro.

    According to Niu Huayong, a professor at the International Business School of Beijing Foreign Studies University, the success of this year’s CICPE and Canton Fair highlights that trade and cooperation remain key drivers of global development. All countries benefit from globalization, he said.

    Amid current global trade turbulence, international buyers attending the Canton Fair still consider Chinese products highly attractive and even irreplaceable.

    Dinova, a retail company headquartered in France which finds most of its suppliers at the Canton Fair, has made China the core of its global sourcing strategy, according to its general manager Sonia Ben Behe.

    “We have explored alternative countries, but no other region matches China’s maturity for our product category. That’s why, as part of a global sourcing strategy, China remains at the core,” she said.

    According to Chris Arthan, an exhibitor from the United States, despite the impact of tariffs, China’s role in the global supply chain remains crucial and widely respected.

    In addition to the strong appeal of Chinese products to global buyers, international brands also have confidence in China’s consumer market. For this year’s CICPE, top producers from around the world eagerly flocked to Hainan.

    The UK, as the guest country of honor at the 2025 event, is occupying an exhibition area of more than 1,300 square meters, displaying 53 brands across the fashion, beauty, homeware, health and jewelry industries, and doubling its 2024 presence.

    “I have seen the tremendous innovation and growth taking place within China’s economy in recent years, not least in digital technologies, life sciences and green energy,” said Douglas Alexander, minister of state of the British Department for Business and Trade, while also emphasizing the UK’s commitment to deepening economic ties with China.

    Notably, the expo has managed to draw an array of top-tier global luxury brands. Richemont’s TimeVallée debuted as an independent exhibitor, while LVMH and Kering Group brands made appearances — reflecting confidence in China’s premium consumption growth.

    “Luxury consumers in China are significantly younger than those in many overseas markets, and that presents a major opportunity for us,” said Nancy Liu, president of luxury travel retailer DFS China. The company has introduced tailored services to cater to the expectations of emerging consumer groups.

    People visit the British pavilion during the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

    Global trade uncertainties and growing supply chain disruptions have not prevented foreign investors from remaining optimistic about the Chinese market. China’s market size, rising consumer demand and supportive policies continue to offer unique and strong appeal, helping to retain investor confidence.

    According to Yao Zhenguo, global senior vice president of Siemens Energy, the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port is unlocking new opportunities for openness. He noted that Siemens will continue to strengthen collaboration across the full industrial chain, drive innovation, and support Hainan Free Trade Port’s international, green and law-based growth.

    Yao said Siemens has deeply felt the momentum of China’s reform and opening up, a view echoed by many exhibitors. They believe that amid a challenging global economic climate and rising trade protectionism, China’s firm commitment to high-standard opening up delivers much-needed stability and certainty, injecting confidence into the world economy.

    China’s total goods imports and exports in yuan-denominated terms expanded 1.3 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025, demonstrating stable growth and strong resilience despite external headwinds, customs data showed.

    U.S. tariff increases on Chinese products will exert some pressure on China’s trade and economy in the short term, but won’t alter the Chinese economy’s long-term positive trajectory, said Sheng Laiyun, deputy director of the National Bureau of Statistics.

    Zhang Yansheng, an economist with the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, told Xinhua that based on the trade events in Guangzhou and Hainan, the resilience of China’s foreign trade against the backdrop of growing protectionism in the world is evident. “We can see that foreign business people continue to seek opportunities in China.”

    “China is a country with a large population, a big economy and a huge scale of opening up,” he continued. “At a time when the sentiment of anti-globalization grows, China will stick to the path of opening up at a high level, and promote economic globalization, as well as trade and investment liberalization.”

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s consumption gains momentum with vast potential

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People visit the exhibition area of Heilongjiang Province at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 18, 2025. The six-day event concluded here on Friday. It attracted the participation of a record-breaking 1,767 companies and 4,209 consumer brands from 71 countries and regions this year. More than 60,000 professional purchasers attended — representing a 10 percent increase from last year. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

    At the energetic China International Consumer Products Expo, crowds throng exhibit halls packed with global brands showcasing a dazzling array of goods.

    From cosmetics and massage chairs to flying cars and humanoid robots, the arrival of retail commodities from all over the world offers a window into the vitality of China’s ever-evolving consumer market.

    This year’s expo, which concluded on Friday, has attracted over 1,700 enterprises and 4,100 brands from more than 70 countries and regions, with a record-breaking 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders participating in the six-day event.

    The hustle and bustle in Hainan is just one facet of the dynamism of the Chinese market. On a broader scope, official data released this week revealed that retail sales of consumer goods rose 5.9 percent year on year last month — a marked acceleration from the 4 percent growth reported for the first two months of this year.

    In the first quarter of 2025, China’s retail sales expanded 4.6 percent year on year, which was 1.1 percentage points faster than in 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

    “Overall, consumer spending in the first quarter of this year continued to improve on the back of policy support,” Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the bureau, said at a press conference, citing pro-spending policies such as the country’s consumer goods trade-in program.

    “The combination of policies in both supply and demand has successfully stimulated consumer sentiment, with notable impacts on capital markets and retail growth momentum,” according to a Deloitte report released at the expo. “This will lay the groundwork for sustained optimism going forward.”

    Evolving services consumption

    As pressures of a sluggish global economy mount, market observers say that China’s consumption upgrade and economic shift toward services-driven growth — sustained by a population of over 1.4 billion — carry immense potential.

    At the Hainan expo, services consumption in sectors such as low-altitude aviation, the silver economy, health and wellness, and AI-powered innovation products from global firms, have dominated many booths.

    OSIM, which has participated in the expo for five consecutive years, is debuting its latest massage chair and its flagship uDream wellness chair, integrating cutting-edge AI that monitors stress and customizes multi-sensory relaxation.

    OSIM sees the expo as a key platform to engage in meaningful conversations with Chinese consumers, said Lin Xiaohui, deputy general manager of brand management and marketing of OSIM North Asia.

    “As China’s consumption structure upgrades, service-related spending is playing an increasingly important role, especially in sectors like health care, education and entertainment,” said Zhang Tianbing, leader of the consumer products and retail sector of Deloitte Asia Pacific.

    “Demographic shifts, including an aging population and smaller household sizes, are reshaping consumer preferences in China,” Zhang said, adding that health consciousness and digital consumption habits are spreading increasingly across all age groups.

    Notably, China’s services consumption is expanding at a faster pace than that of goods, with retail sales of services growing 5 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025.

    From January to March 2025, the country’s per capita spending on services increased 5.4 percent year on year and accounted for 43.4 percent of its total per capita consumer spending, official data showed.

    Kuang Xianming, vice president of the China Institute for Reform and Development, projected that services consumption will exceed 50 percent of China’s total consumption by 2030, signaling the country’s pivotal shift to a service-driven economy. “This expanding market is highly attractive to foreign companies.”

    Open, shared market

    Chinese policymakers have positioned the expansion of domestic demand as the paramount priority on the government’s economic work agenda for this year, emphasizing increased spending power, improved expectations and strengthened consumer confidence.

    The country’s focus on domestic tasks is particularly meaningful against the backdrop of a complex international landscape. By maintaining high-standard opening-up and promoting a more sustainable consumption recovery, China seeks to share its opportunities with the global community.

    “Expanding domestic consumption is not only key to high-quality development but also a strategic move amid global economic uncertainties,” Kuang told Xinhua.

    More importantly, as China continues to open up, this ever-expanding market will become a shared market, he said.

    “We see a lot of encouraging signs by the Chinese government to help boost local consumption. So we’re very excited about what’s to come,” said Mike Hofmann, managing director at Tricker’s China, one of the UK’s oldest established shoemakers. This is the second time his company is exhibiting at the expo, which helped them raise brand awareness in China last year.

    In a key move in China’s opening-up strategy, the Hainan Free Trade Port is set to begin independent customs operations by the end of the year, and global enterprises are eyeing the vast opportunities that come with open trade.

    “Its success will not only benefit China but also provide valuable insights for economies worldwide,” said Zhang Xiangchen, deputy director general of the World Trade Organization.

    Douglas Alexander, minister of state of the British Department for Business and Trade, is also looking forward to the launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port’s independent operations.

    “The UK is keen to explore the opportunities for free and open trade – trade which benefits both Chinese and British firms,” Alexander said. The United Kingdom is the guest country of honor at this year’s expo, showcasing 53 brands across the fashion, beauty, homeware, health and jewelry industries, doubling its 2024 presence.

    Dong Debiao, partner at Deloitte China strategy and client center, told Xinhua that he expects the independent customs operations of Hainan’s free trade port to drive consumption further.

    Hainan is also likely to become a consumption hub linking China and Southeast Asia, with unique advantages in the high-end retail and services trade sectors, he said. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Nation’s free trade zones to get more support in reform push

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

    China will strengthen the building of domestic pilot free trade zones, carry out pioneering and leading reforms, and firmly respond to external risks and challenges in the light of a complex and severe international situation, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

    The ministry will strengthen guidance for pilot free trade zones, expand the reform task authorization for the three pilot free trade zones in Tianjin, Guangdong province, and Fujian province, which were established 10 years ago, and assign them new pilot reform tasks.

    China will support eligible pilot free trade zones to carry out integrated innovation throughout the entire industry chain in key sectors such as biomedicine, equipment manufacturing and marine economy, the commerce ministry said.

    “China will also strengthen policy empowerment for the pilot free trade zones in the central and western regions and border areas, and support them to better play a demonstrative and leading role in serving major national strategies,” said Meng Huating, director of the free trade zone and free trade port department of the Ministry of Commerce.

    Since their establishment a decade ago, the Guangdong, Tianjin, and Fujian pilot free trade zones have made remarkable progress in bold experimentation, as well as pioneering and integrated reforms, the commerce ministry said.

    The three pilot free trade zones have seen rapid development in building modern high-end industrial clusters, and they have gradually formed demonstration samples for coordinated regional development.

    As “experimental fields” for reform and opening-up, the three pilot free trade zones have shaped more than 140 high-quality institutional innovative achievements that have been replicated and promoted at the national level, providing a “free trade solution” for the innovative growth of related industries, the commerce ministry said.

    In Guangdong province, the pilot free trade zone has carried out businesses such as cross-border renminbi loans and bonded aircraft maintenance.

    “We have continued to expand our opening-up in sectors such as law, construction, finance, accounting, engineering, and tourism to Hong Kong and Macao, and issue professional qualification certificates to relevant personnel. Guangdong has become the preferred destination for investment from Hong Kong and Macao,” said Shuang Dehui, deputy director of the Department of Commerce of Guangdong province.

    In Tianjin, more than 100 innovative measures have been implemented at the pilot free trade zone, including convenient Customs clearance, and it has become the most convenient seaport in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, according to the local government.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Intl fair vital platform for foreign capital

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

    China is stepping up efforts to attract foreign capital and deepen two-way investment cooperation, underscoring the nation’s firm commitment to high-level opening-up and the vast potential of its market amid rising global protectionism and economic uncertainty, officials said.

    As part of these efforts, the China International Fair for Investment and Trade has evolved into a vital platform for promoting mutual investment and showcasing China’s ongoing commitment to creating a world-class business environment.

    With its 25th edition to be held from Sept 8 to 11 in Xiamen, Fujian province, the fair is expected to draw growing international attention as a gateway to explore investment opportunities in China.

    “We hope foreign enterprises will take this opportunity to better understand the new opportunities in China’s market and witness firsthand the country’s strong determination to attract foreign capital and foster mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Zhao Yang, deputy director general of the Ministry of Commerce’s department of foreign investment administration, during a fair-related event in Beijing.

    Zhao noted that the country is now working on expanding the catalog of encouraged industries for foreign investment. The updated catalog is expected to include more than 200 new items, representing an increase of over 15 percent compared to the previous version.

    Meanwhile, the fair has been instrumental in propelling the ongoing global efforts of Chinese enterprises and helping them achieve win-win outcomes through investment cooperation with various countries and regions.

    Cao Wen, deputy director general of the ministry’s outward investment and economic cooperation department, said: “By enhancing the facilitation of China’s outbound investment, we are empowering Chinese companies to engage more deeply in the global industrial division of labor. This, in turn, contributes to strengthening the resilience and security of the global industrial chain,” Cao said, adding that in the face of current global economic volatility, it is crucial for all countries to work together to withstand the risks and challenges, and realize shared development.

    “We hope that foreign embassies will make the best use of the fair to proactively showcase their investment climates, favorable policies and attractive projects to Chinese enterprises and investors,” Cao added.

    China’s outbound direct investment in 2024 totaled $162.8 billion, while the cumulative stock of China’s overseas investment has surpassed $3 trillion, spanning 189 countries and regions around the world, the ministry said.

    Lewis Neal, the United Kingdom’s trade commissioner for China, said: “We see Chinese businesses succeed in the UK, and we see UK businesses succeed in China. The UK places high importance on trade and investment cooperation with China, and the wealth of opportunities presented by the Chinese market.”

    The UK is the guest country of honor at this year’s CIFIT.

    Yu Hao, deputy director of the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Commerce, said: “Both domestic and foreign participants will see a noticeable increase this year,” adding that this year’s CIFIT has strengthened cooperation with international organizations such as United Nations Trade and Development and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, as well as with the financial sector.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China firmly opposes US measures targeting its maritime, logistics, shipbuilding sectors

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China on Friday expressed strong opposition to the U.S. measures following its investigation into China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors.

    China has repeatedly reaffirmed its views on the Section 301 investigation and presented the non-paper on its position, urging the United States to stop blaming China for its domestic industrial problems, said a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce.

    As a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism, the measures severely harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, gravely disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains, blatantly violate WTO rules, and fundamentally undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system and international economic and trade order, the spokesperson stressed.

    China urged the United States to respect the facts and multilateral rules and stop its wrongdoing, the spokesperson said, noting that China will closely monitor U.S. actions and resolutely take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Cambodia vow to forge all-weather community with shared future in new era

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to Cambodia on Friday, with both nations agreeing on jointly building an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

    On Thursday, Xi met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Cambodian People’s Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, respectively.

    The two sides exchanged more than 30 bilateral cooperation documents covering such fields as production and supply chain cooperation, artificial intelligence, development assistance, customs inspection and quarantine, as well as health and media.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

    ALL-WEATHER COMMUNITY WITH SHARED FUTURE

    “We must work together to promote the steady and sustained progress in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era,” Xi wrote in his signed article published on Thursday in Cambodian media outlets.

    During their talks, Xi and the Cambodian prime minister agreed to build an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

    Xi called on both sides to build on the momentum, strengthen unity and cooperation, and speed up the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

    During his meeting with the Cambodian King, Xi expressed confidence in writing a splendid chapter of building an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

    China and Cambodia have always been at the forefront of building a community with a shared future for mankind, said Xi.

    For his part, King Sihamoni said that with the joint efforts of both sides, cooperation in various fields has become increasingly close and the building of a community with a shared future has been continuously deepened.

    While meeting with the Cambodian People’s Party president and Senate president, Xi said that building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future is a choice of history and the people.

    He said that the two sides should keep in mind the well-being of their people and the progress of humanity, strive to set an example for building a community with a shared future for mankind in the course of advancing their respective modernization endeavors, and join hands to become forces for peace, stability and progress in a world undergoing profound transformations unseen in a century.

    UNBREAKABLE IRONCLAD FRIENDSHIP

    Friendship is a term frequently emphasized by Xi during his trip to the country.

    In the signed article, Xi said this visit “feels like going to the home of a good friend.”

    He fondly recalled the historic legacy of the good-neighborly relations between the two nations and the friendly exchange that spans two millennia of their shared history.

    “The great Chinese and Khmer civilizations have flourished together, inspiring each other through centuries,” he wrote.

    Xi also highlighted the two countries’ mutual commitment to friendship and righteousness, emphasizing that the friendship was forged by Cambodia’s King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai, among the elder generations of Chinese leaders.

    In 2020, Xi presented Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk with the Friendship Medal of the People’s Republic of China. This medal, Xi said, embodies “the profound friendship of the Chinese people toward the people of Cambodia.”

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cambodian People’s Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

    In his meeting with Hun Sen, the Chinese president said the two sides should deepen practical cooperation across various fields, advance the construction of Cambodia’s Industrial and Technological Corridor and Fish and Rice Corridor, and strengthen collaboration in energy, transportation and other key sectors.

    In view of the headwinds on the international landscape, Xi said unilateralism and hegemonism receive no support of the people, adding that history has shown the unstoppable trend toward a multipolar world, economic globalization, and cultural diversity.

    When meeting with the Queen Mother on Thursday at the Royal Palace, Xi said she is a witness and promoter of the China-Cambodia friendship and has special friendly feelings towards the Chinese people, while Cambodia’s King Father Norodom Sihanouk was a banner of this friendship.

    Under the new circumstances, China and Cambodia should cherish and carry forward this ironclad friendship, endow the China-Cambodia community with a shared future with new connotations of the time, serve the development of their respective countries and the well-being of their people, and make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said when meeting with King Norodom Sihamoni on Thursday.

    King Norodom Sihamoni presented Xi with the National Order of Independence – Grand Collar.

    Xi said that this medal fully demonstrates Cambodia’s high regard for developing China-Cambodia relations and carries the deep friendship of the Cambodian people towards the Chinese people.

    This honor, he said, belongs not only to him personally, but also to all the friendly people who have cultivated and contributed to the friendship between China and Cambodia.

    Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin has said in a written interview with Xinhua that as history and reality have both proven, China and Cambodia are good neighbors, good brothers, good friends and good partners who share weal and woe and stand together through thick and thin.

    The friendship between the two countries is not a transactional relationship, nor a stopgap measure, still less a bloc confrontation. It is rooted in the practical needs of the respective national development and rejuvenation, serves the common interests of both nations and peoples, and aligns with the historical trend of solidarity, self-strengthening and shared development among Global South countries, Wang said.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni walk at the Royal Palace after their meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. Xi met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

    STRIVE TOGETHER, THRIVE TOGETHER

    In his signed article, Xi said that as important members of the big Asian family, China and Cambodia must ride the tide of history and heed the two peoples’ aspirations, and must strive together and thrive together.

    Noting that this is his second visit to Cambodia in nine years, Xi expressed hope that the visit will spearhead progress in building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

    For many years, China has been Cambodia’s largest trading partner and top source of investment, and industrial and supply chain cooperation between the two countries has continued to deepen. The entry into force of both the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement has further strengthened the foundation for bilateral trade and investment.

    Thanks to such free trade agreements, premium agricultural products from Cambodia, including banana, mango and longan, are finding their way into Chinese households.

    “China is a trustworthy partner for Cambodia,” said the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce’s Secretary of State and Spokesperson Penn Sovicheat. “Looking forward, our two-way trade volume will continue to rise, undoubtedly.”

    During talks with Hun Manet, Xi urged the two sides to expand mutually beneficial cooperation of higher quality and voiced China’s readiness to share opportunities and seek common development with Cambodia.

    He called on both sides to vigorously promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously enrich the “Diamond Hexagon” cooperation framework, so as to inject new impetus into their respective modernization efforts.

    China encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest in Cambodia, Xi said, adding that it will open its mega-market to Cambodia and import more high-quality agricultural products from the country.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cambodian People’s Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

    In his meeting with Hun Sen, the Chinese president said the two sides should deepen practical cooperation across various fields, advance the construction of Cambodia’s Industrial and Technological Corridor and Fish and Rice Corridor, and strengthen collaboration in energy, transportation and other key sectors.

    In view of the headwinds on the international landscape, Xi said unilateralism and hegemonism receive no support of the people, adding that history has shown the unstoppable trend toward a multipolar world, economic globalization, and cultural diversity.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC Issues a Nationwide Recall of Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP 500mg/100mL, Due to the Potential Presence of Particulate Matter

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    April 18, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    April 18, 2025
    Product Type:
    Drugs
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Product may contain an inert fiber identified as polypropylene fibers from the IV bag

    Company Name:
    Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC.

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP, 500mg/100mL IV bag

    Company Announcement
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 04/18/2025 – Bridgewater, NJ, Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC, is recalling two lots of Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP, 500mg/100mL, Infusion bags to the hospital/user level as the products may contain an inert fiber identified as polypropylene fibers from the IV bag.
    Risk Statement: Introduction of polypropylene particulates into the epidural space (or inadvertent administration into the intrathecal space) may result in a variety of adverse events. There is a reasonable probability that particulate matter in the epidural space may cause an epidural inflammatory process to meningitis or potentially damage the spinal cord. Administered intrathecally, particulate matter could result in inflammation, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), which could lead to embolization and organ damage.
    To date, Amneal Pharmaceuticals has received no reports of adverse events or injuries related to this recall.
    The recalled product was distributed nationwide to wholesalers/distributors between the dates of 04/23/2024 to 11/8/2024 only.
    The product is indicated for the production of local or regional anesthesia for surgery and or acute pain management and is packaged in 12x100mL Single Dose IV bags (NDC 70121-17343). The affected Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP, 500mg/100mL, products are Lot AL240003 (exp 01/2026) and Lot AL240004 (exp 01/2026). No other Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP lots are impacted.
    Amneal is notifying its customers by UPS and is arranging for return of all recalled products. Wholesalers/distributors are asked to notify their hospital/ user customers of the recall and provide instruction to contact Amneal for the return of the recalled products to Amneal.
    Hospitals/users with questions regarding this recall can contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals by:Phone:      833-582-0812 Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm, ESTFax:           631-983-2595E-mail to:   RopivacaineHCl-Recall@amneal.com
    For Medical Inquiries or to report Adverse Events, or quality problems experienced with the use of this product, please contact Amneal Drug Safety by phone at 1-877-835-5472, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, EST, or e-mail at DrugSafety@amneal.com.
    Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

    This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Amneal Drug Safety
    1-877-835-5472

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    04/18/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Peters Introduces Bill to Bolster Ship Repair Industry, Jobs, and Navy Sailors’ Wellbeing in San Diego

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    Today, Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) introduced the Smart Ship Repair Act (SSRA) of 2025, a follow-up to Rep. Peters’ SSRA of 2023 and SSRA of 2024, which have both become law. This iteration of the SSRA would increase the amount of time a ship is allowed to stay in its homeport for repairs before the Navy can move a ship and its crew to other locations for maintenance work. 

    The SSRA of 2025 would require the Navy to change its current practice of soliciting ship repair contracts on a coast-wide basis for work periods longer than 12 months to only those that are projected to last more than 18 months. Currently, ships homeported in San Diego that need more than 12 months of maintenance could be moved to other facilities along the West Coast if the Navy receives a more cost -effective bid from other companies to perform the work.  This makes it difficult for San Diego’s ship repair industry to recruit and maintain its workforce and invest in its facilities. It also forces sailors to possibly spend their time ashore away from their families after long deployments at sea. 

    “San Diego is home to a vibrant ship repair industry that employs nearly 8,000 workers and supports the Navy’s force posture in the Asia-Pacific,” said Rep. Peters. “This bill will help protect those jobs and support a high quality of life for sailors and their families while also ensuring the Navy can meet its ship repair needs as it prepares for the threats of the future.” 

    “From 2014 to 2024, the Navy’s surface fleet in Hampton Roads decreased from 48 to 28 vessels, creating challenges for our ship repair industry and causing a 30% workforce reduction,” said Rep. Kiggans. “One of the best ways we can support our Navy and bolster our ship repair industry is to ensure our ships are repaired within their homeports. I am proud to introduce this important legislation that will support the highly skilled men and women who repair our ships, strengthen our maritime industrial base, and provide a better quality of life for our servicemembers.” 

    “PSDSRA enthusiastically supports the proposed legislation to extend the coast wide bid threshold to 18 months,” said Gordon Rutherford, President, Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association. “This not only keeps work in San Diego that supports all of our businesses, it also provides stability and better quality of life for the crews of San Diego based ships who already spend enough time away from home in defense of our country.” 

    “Austal USA appreciates Congressman Peters continued efforts to support and bring stability to the ship repair industry in San Diego,” said Larry Ryder, Vice President of Business Development & External Affairs at Austal USA. “The Smart Ship Repair Act of 2024 will help San Diego continue to provide world class ship repair services to the U.S. Navy and support jobs in San Diego.” 

    “BAE Systems appreciates Congressman Peters’ and Congresswoman Kiggans’ continued leadership in support of U.S Navy ship maintenance,” said Paul Smith, Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems Ship Repair. “We believe the Smart Ship Repair Act of 2025 further enhances predictability and stability for necessary naval repair work. This would allow sailors to remain close to home during repair periods up to 18 months, while preserving shipyard worker jobs in the Navy’s key homeports.” 

    According to the Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association, the San Diego shipbuilding and repair industry contributed more than $3.7 billion to the region’s economy in 2023. The nearly 8,000 jobs in the industry support an estimated additional 7,430 jobs in related industries and the local economy. Nearly $474.8 million in tax revenues were generated by shipbuilding and ship repair in 2023. Approximately $307.1 million went to the federal government and $167.7 million went to state and local governments.  

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Highland Park Man Involved in Violent Robberies Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Christopher Bey, a 50-year old from Highland Park, Michigan, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Use of a Firearm in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm relating to an armed robbery, shooting, and attempted armed robbery, all of which occurred in the City of Pontiac, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced today.

    Beck was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge James Dier of the ATF’s Detroit Division and Sheriff Michael Bouchard of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

    “Removing violent offenders from our community is one the office’s top priorities,” stated Acting  U.S. Attorney Julie Beck.  “We will not stop being laser-focused on aggressively prosecuting dangerous individuals who persist in terrorizing our citizens. The strategies we use to identify the drivers of violence, who we then prosecute, works. We are truly making our community safer,” she stated.

    “This 20-year sentence is RIGHTEOUS. Mr. Bey is a sociopathic serial shooter who has consistently shown an inability to follow societal rules.  It most certainly sends a clear message: if you use a firearm to shoot an innocent member of our community, there is absolutely no limit on the resources ATF will expend to hunt you down and hold you accountable for your cowardly conduct,” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Everyone deserves to feel safe when they go to work to provide for their family.  Armed criminals motivated by greed have no place in our Michigan community, and ATF will tirelessly work with our state and local partners to remove the most dangerous offenders off our streets and put them where they belong: behind bars.”

    Bey robbed a Boost Mobile store in the city of Pontiac on February 4, 2023. After entering the store, Bey brandished a firearm and demanded money from the store employee. The employee fully complied with Bey’s demands. Nevertheless, Bey pulled a potato from his pants, affixed it to the barrel of the revolver, and shot the victim twice in the stomach. The victim was in the hospital for approximately one month. Bey later admitted to the ATF that he got the idea to use the potato as a silencer from watching a movie.

    Bey attempted to rob a Dollar General Store in the City of Pontiac on March 24, 2023. After entering the store, Bey handed a store employee a note while pointing a gun at the employee. He ordered the employee to the storeroom and directed the employee to apply handcuffs to himself. A customer accidentally entered the storeroom and fought with Bey, who ran out of the store.

    Bey was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, during the robbery investigations, law enforcement observed social media posts of Bey holding a firearm with his face obscured by a ski mask. Law enforcement was able to use other images from his social media accounts to determine Bey’s identity.

    On July 26, 2023, the Pontiac Gun Violence Task Force (GVTF), assisted by, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 Unit, Customs Border Protection – Aviation Enforcement, and the Detroit Police Department, arrested Christopher Lee Bey.  Bey has been in custody since his arrest.

    The GVTF was established by the ATF and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. The GVTF is tasked with investigating the unlawful possession of firearms and the use of firearms to commit violent crimes within Pontiac, Oakland County, and the Eastern District of Michigan.

    This case was prosecuted by the Violent & Organized Crime Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Texas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Heat and Winds

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas who sustained economic losses due to heat and winds occurring June 1 through Dec. 31, 2024.

    The declaration includes the Texas counties of Andrews, Armstrong, Austin, Bailey, Borden, Brazos, Briscoe, Burleson, Callahan, Castro, Cochran, Coke, Coleman, Collingsworth, Colorado, Concho, Cottle, Crane, Crockett, Crosby, Dawson, Dickens, Donley, Ector, Fayette, Fisher, Floyd, Fort Bend, Gaines, Garza, Glasscock, Gray, Grimes, Hale, Hall, Haskell, Hemphill, Hockley, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, King, Lamb, Lee, Lipscomb, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, McCulloch, Menard, Midland, Mitchell, Motley, Nolan, Parmer, Reagan, Roberts, Runnels, Schleicher, Scurry, Shackelford, Sterling, Stonewall, Swisher, Taylor, Terry, Tom Green, Upton, Waller, Ward, Washington, Wharton, Wheeler, Winkler and Yoakum as well as the New Mexico county of Lea and the Oklahoma counties of Beckham, Ellis and Roger Mills.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Dec. 11, 2025.

    ###

    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: Chemung Financial Corporation Reports First Quarter 2025 Net Income of $6.0 million, or $1.26 per share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ELMIRA, N.Y., April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chemung Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) (Nasdaq: CHMG), the parent company of Chemung Canal Trust Company (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $6.0 million, or $1.26 per share, for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $5.9 million, or $1.24 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, and $7.1 million, or $1.48 per share, for the first quarter of 2024.

    “First quarter results demonstrate steady ongoing delivery of the Corporation’s strategic plan,” said Anders M. Tomson, President and CEO of Chemung Financial Corporation. “Attentive balance sheet management has allowed us to effectively reduce funding costs while growing our asset base. Loan growth in our newer Canal Bank division during the quarter underscores its strategic importance to operations,” Tomson added.

    “Our community banking model serves as a source of strength, consistency, and dependability for our communities, clients, and employees, regardless of the external environment. We are confident these stakeholders will continue to meaningfully drive our Corporation’s success,” concluded Tomson.

    First Quarter Highlights:

    • The Corporation announced a $0.01 dividend increase, representing a 3.2% increase compared to the prior quarter. Dividends declared during the first quarter 2025 were $0.32 per share.
    • Net interest margin expanded four basis points compared to the prior quarter, from 2.92% in the fourth quarter 2024 to 2.96% in the first quarter 2025.1 Interest rate spread increased 11 basis points compared to the prior quarter, from 2.06% in the fourth quarter 2024 to 2.17% in the first quarter 2025.
    • Annualized loan growth totaled 5.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, including annualized commercial loan growth of 10.5%.
    • Loan growth in the Western New York Canal Bank division totaled 14.9% compared to prior-year end and deposit growth totaled 82.0% compared to prior year-end.

    1 See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.

    1st Quarter 2025 vs 4th Quarter 2024

    Net Interest Income:
    Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $19.8 million, in line with the prior quarter, driven by a decrease of $1.0 million in interest expense on deposits, and offset by decreases of $0.7 million in interest income on loans and $0.1 million in each of interest income on taxable securities and interest income on interest-earning deposits, and an increase of $0.1 million in interest expense on borrowed funds.

    Interest expense on deposits decreased primarily due to a decrease of 19 basis points in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits, and despite an increase of $8.7 million in average balances of total interest-bearing deposits, compared to the prior quarter. The average cost of customer time deposits decreased 42 basis points compared to the prior quarter, mainly due to maturities of higher cost CDs associated with campaigns during 2023 and 2024, many of which were renewed at a lower cost. Average balances of customer time deposits decreased $25.9 million compared to the prior quarter. Customer time deposits comprised 21.1% of total average deposits in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 22.1% in the prior quarter. The average cost of brokered deposits decreased 19 basis points, while average balances of brokered deposits increased $38.0 million compared to the prior quarter. The cost of brokered deposits decreased largely due to the short term nature of the Corporation’s brokered deposits coupled with lower market interest rates in the current quarter, while average balances of brokered deposits increased primarily to offset the decrease of $39.0 million in average balances of total customer deposits, or 1.6%, compared to the prior quarter. Additionally, average balances of interest-bearing demand deposits increased $8.9 million while the average cost of interest-bearing demand deposits decreased 12 basis points, and average balances of savings and money market deposits decreased $12.3 million while the average cost of savings and money market deposits decreased 12 basis points, compared to the prior quarter.

    Interest income on loans, including fees, decreased primarily due to a decrease of 16 basis points in the average yield on commercial loans, partially offset by an increase of $43.0 million in average balances of commercial loans, compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in average yield on commercial loans was partially due to the recognition of $0.3 million in interest income on the payoff of a nonaccrual construction loan in the prior quarter, as well as decreases in interest rates on existing variable rate loans, as benchmark indexes repriced lower during the current quarter. The increase in average balances of commercial loans was largely concentrated in commercial real estate. Average balances of residential mortgage loans increased $0.8 million while the average yield on residential mortgage loans decreased one basis point, compared to the prior quarter. Origination yields of residential mortgages remained strong in the first quarter of 2025 despite the overall declining rate environment. Average balances of consumer loans decreased $12.4 million and the average yield on consumer loans decreased seven basis points, compared to the prior quarter, due to net runoff of the indirect auto portfolio, decreases in interest rates on variable rate home equity products, and home equity lines of credit originated in the first quarter of 2025 at a 4.99% introductory rate.

    The decrease in interest income on taxable securities was primarily due to a decrease of $10.1 million in average balances, largely due to paydowns of mortgage-backed and SBA pooled loan securities. The decrease in interest income on interest-earning deposits was mainly due to a decrease in the interest rate paid on deposit balances at the Federal Reserve during the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in interest expense on borrowed funds was due to an increase in average balances of total FHLBNY advances in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the prior quarter.

    Fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 2.96% for the current quarter, compared to 2.92% for the prior quarter. Average interest-earning assets increased $17.7 million, while average interest-bearing liabilities increased $25.1 million during the first quarter, compared to the prior quarter. The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased seven basis points to 4.72%, while the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 18 basis points to 2.55%, compared to the prior quarter. Total cost of funds was 1.92% for the current quarter, compared to 2.04% for the prior quarter, a decrease of 12 basis points.

    Provision for Credit Losses:
    Provision for credit losses was $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $0.6 million in the prior quarter, an increase of $0.5 million, or 83.3%. The increase was primarily due to the annual loss driver update to the Bank’s CECL model, which is implemented in the first quarter of each year, as well as deterioration in FOMC forecasts for the economic variables on which the Bank’s CECL model is based. Partially offsetting these increases were lower net charge-offs in the current quarter, compared to the prior quarter.

    Non-Interest Income:
    Non-interest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $5.9 million, compared to $6.1 million for the prior quarter, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 3.3%, driven by decreases of $0.2 million in wealth management group fee income and $0.1 million in interchange revenue from debit card transactions, partially offset by an increase of $0.1 million in other non-interest income.

    Wealth management group fee income decreased compared to the prior quarter largely due to a decrease in total assets under management, due to a broad decline in financial markets during the first quarter of 2025. Interchange revenue from debit card transactions decreased primarily due to a decline in transaction volume, partially due to the seasonality of holiday spending, compared to the prior quarter. Other non-interest income increased mainly due to recognition of debit card support incentives in the first quarter of 2025.

    Non-Interest Expense:
    Non-interest expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $16.9 million, compared to $17.8 million for the prior quarter, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 5.1%, driven by decreases of $0.4 million in pension and other employee benefits, $0.2 million in salaries and wages, and $0.1 million in each of data processing, loan expense, and furniture and equipment expense.

    Pension and other employee benefits decreased compared to the prior quarter primarily due to a decrease in employee healthcare-related expenses. The decrease in salaries and wages was largely due to higher quarterly incentive compensation expense recognized in the prior quarter. Data processing decreased mainly due to a decrease in card-related expenses, partially attributable to procurement expenses relating to the Canal Bank division in the prior quarter. The decrease in loan expenses was primarily due to a decrease in legal fees in the current quarter, compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in furniture and equipment expense was partially due to branch equipment and non-capitalized fixtures purchased in the prior quarter.

    Income Tax Expense:
    Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $1.7 million, compared to $1.6 million for the prior quarter, an increase of $0.1 million. The effective tax rate for the current quarter increased to 21.6% from 21.2% in the prior quarter. The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to an increase in pretax income.

    1st Quarter 2025 vs 1st Quarter 2024

    Net Interest Income:
    Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $19.8 million, compared to $18.1 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $1.7 million, or 9.4%, driven by decreases of $1.0 million in interest expense on deposits and $0.3 million in interest expense on borrowed funds, and an increase of $0.9 million in interest income on loans, partially offset by a decrease of $0.5 million in interest income on taxable securities.

    Interest expense on deposits decreased primarily due to a decrease of 27 basis points in the average cost of total interest-bearing deposits, which was comprised of decreases of 21 basis points in the average cost of customer interest-bearing deposits and 82 basis points in the average cost of brokered deposits, both largely due to decreases in benchmark interest rates and the Corporation’s balance sheet structure favoring shorter-term liabilities. Average balances of customer interest-bearing deposits increased $55.0 million and average balances of brokered deposits decreased $8.6 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in average balances of customer interest-bearing deposits was primarily due to an increase of $32.9 million in average balances of customer time deposits. The average cost of customer time deposits decreased 38 basis points compared to the same period in the prior year, due to the Corporation’s focus on shorter-term CD campaigns during 2024, and a decrease in interest rates on campaign offerings in the current period. Customer time deposits comprised 21.1% of average total deposits for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 20.1% for the same period in the prior year. Additionally, an increase of $28.3 million in average balances of interest-bearing demand deposits positively benefited the average cost of interest-bearing deposits, as the 1.57% average cost was lower than other types of interest-bearing deposits.

    The decrease in interest expense on borrowed funds was partially due to a decline in borrowing rates between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, as well as a shift in the composition of borrowed funds between these periods. The average cost of total borrowings decreased 69 basis points, compared to the same period in the prior year, comprised of decreases of 91 basis points and 32 basis points in the average cost of FHLBNY overnight advances and other advances and debt, which includes FHLBNY term advances, respectively. The composition of borrowings in the first quarter of 2025 was primarily comprised of FHLBNY term advances and FHLBNY overnight advances, while the composition of borrowings in the same period in the prior year was primarily comprised of a Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) advance and FHLBNY overnight advances.

    Interest income on loans, including fees, increased largely due to an increase in average total loan balances of $88.6 million compared to the same period in the prior year, which was concentrated in the commercial loan portfolio. The average yield on total loans was relatively stable compared to the same period in the prior year, declining two basis points to 5.49% in the first quarter of 2025. Average balances of commercial loans increased $122.1 million compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to growth in commercial real estate balances, while the average yield on commercial loans declined 15 basis points, largely due to repricing of benchmark indexes and $0.3 million in interest income recognized on the payoff of a nonaccrual commercial real estate loan in the same period of the prior year. Average balances of residential mortgage loans and consumer loans each decreased compared to the same period in the prior year, decreasing $2.1 million and $31.4 million, respectively. The decrease in average balances of residential mortgage loans was partially due to relatively low levels of housing inventory across the Bank’s footprint resulting in lower origination volume, which was comparable to the prior year, as well as a continued election to sell a significant portion of conforming mortgages into the secondary market. The decrease in average balances of consumer loans was primarily due to net runoff of indirect auto loans between the first quarters of 2024 and 2025. The average yield on residential mortgage loans and consumer loans each increased in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, increasing 24 and 27 basis points, respectively, each due to strong origination yields in recent periods, and normal runoff of older and typically lower yielding originations. Interest income on interest-earning deposits increased mainly due to a $11.2 million increase in average balances of interest-earning deposits, compared to the same period in the prior year, and despite a decrease of six basis points in the average yield on interest-earning deposits, due to a decrease in the interest rate paid on deposit balances at the Federal Reserve.

    The decrease in interest income on taxable securities was largely due to paydowns and maturities of available for sale securities between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, totaling $55.9 million, primarily on SBA pooled loan and mortgage-backed securities, as well as a decrease in the interest rates of variable rate SBA pooled loan securities, partially offset by purchases of available for sale securities totaling $5.0 million between these periods.

    Fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 2.96% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 2.73% for the same period in the prior year. Average interest-earning assets increased $48.6 million, while average interest-bearing liabilities increased $34.8 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The average yield on interest-earning assets increased two basis points to 4.72%, while the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 30 basis points to 2.55%, compared to the same period in the prior year. Total cost of funds was 1.92% for the current quarter, compared to 2.13% for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of 21 basis points.

    Provision for Credit Losses:
    Provision for credit losses was $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to a credit of $2.0 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $3.1 million, or 155.0%. The increase was largely driven by the directionality of the annual loss driver update applied to the Bank’s CECL model in the first quarter of the current year, compared to the loss driver update applied in the first quarter of the prior year. The current year update resulted in higher modeled baseline loss rates, while the update in the prior year resulted in lower baseline loss rates.

    Non-Interest Income:
    Non-interest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $5.9 million, compared to $5.7 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $0.2 million, or 3.5%, driven by increases of $0.2 million in wealth management group fee income, $0.2 million in service charges on deposit accounts, and $0.1 million in other non-interest income, partially offset by a decrease of $0.1 million in the change in fair value of equity investments. Both the increase in wealth management group fee income and service charges on deposit accounts were primarily due to fee rate increases which were implemented in the second half of 2024. The increase in other non-interest income was largely due to an increase in interest rate swap fee income in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in the change in fair value of equity investments was primarily due to a decrease in the market value of assets held for the Corporation’s deferred compensation plan, largely due to declines in financial markets during the current quarter.

    Non-Interest Expense:
    Non-interest expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $16.9 million, compared to $16.7 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $0.2 million, or 1.2%, driven by increases of $0.2 million in salaries and wages and $0.2 million in other non-interest expense, partially offset by decreases of $0.2 million in pension and other employee benefits and $0.1 million in FDIC insurance.

    Salaries and wages increased largely due to an increase in base salaries, including merit-based increases and additional staffing for the Corporation’s newly opened Western New York regional banking center. The increase in other non-interest expense was primarily due to net recoveries of multiple large altered check charge-offs during the same period in the prior year as well as higher operational losses on the sale of repossessed vehicles during the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in pension and other employee benefits expense was largely due to lower employee healthcare-related expenses compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in FDIC insurance was primarily due to a decrease in the Bank’s assessment rate, due to an improvement in evaluated metrics.

    Income Tax Expense:
    Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $1.7 million, compared to $2.0 million for the first quarter of 2024, a decrease of $0.3 million. The effective tax rate for the current quarter decreased to 21.6%, compared to 22.4% for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily due to a decrease in pretax income.

    Asset Quality
    Non-performing loans totaled $9.9 million as of March 31, 2025, or 0.47% of total loans, compared to $9.0 million, or 0.43% of total loans as of December 31, 2024. The increase in non-performing loans was largely due to increases in non-performing consumer loans and residential mortgage loans of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The increase in non-performing consumer loans was mainly driven by one well-secured home equity loan being placed into nonaccrual status during the quarter. Similarly, the increase in non-performing residential mortgage loans was driven by one loan being placed into nonaccrual status during the quarter. Non-performing commercial loans decreased $0.1 million, primarily due to the payoff of a $0.3 million previously nonaccrual commercial real estate loan, offset by the addition of $0.2 million in nonaccrual commercial and industrial loans. Non-performing assets, which are comprised of non-performing loans, other real estate owned, and repossessed vehicles, were $10.3 million, or 0.37% of total assets as of March 31, 2025, compared to $9.6 million, or 0.35% of total assets as of December 31, 2024. The increase in non-performing assets was largely due to an increase in non-performing loans. Other real estate owned was $0.2 million and repossessed vehicles was $0.2 million as of March 31, 2025.

    Total loan delinquencies as of March 31, 2025 increased compared to December 31, 2024, primarily driven by an increase in commercial loan delinquencies. Annualized net charge-offs to total average loans for the first quarter of 2025 were 0.05%, compared to 0.12% for the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of seven basis points. Net charge-off experience in the first quarter of 2025 was concentrated almost entirely in indirect auto loans. Total annualized consumer net charge-offs were 0.40% of average consumer loan balances for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 0.45% of average consumer loan balances for the fourth quarter of 2024. Commercial loans and residential mortgage loans each had net recovery ratios in the first quarter of 2025, compared to an annualized net charge off ratio of 0.07% of average commercial loan balances and a net recovery ratio of average residential mortgage loan balances in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The allowance for credit losses on loans was $22.5 million as of March 31, 2025 compared to $21.4 million as of December 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments, a component of other liabilities, was $0.5 million as of March 31, 2025 and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2024. The increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans was largely due to the annual review and update to loss drivers used in the Bank’s CECL model, which is implemented each year in the first quarter. The update resulted in higher baseline loss rates for most of the Bank’s loan portfolio segments, and was partially due to the introduction of new periods of data into the analysis. Additionally, the economic variables used as loss drivers for commercial and industrial loans was adjusted as part of the annual update. FOMC forecasts for both national unemployment and U.S. GDP growth deteriorated as of March 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024, as the FOMC incorporated elevated levels of economic uncertainty into their forecasts. Provision for credit losses as a percentage of period-end loan balances was 0.05% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 0.03% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans was 1.07% as of March 31, 2025 and 1.03% as of December 31, 2024 while the allowance for credit losses on loans was 227.93% of non-performing loans as of March 31, 2025 and 238.87% as of December 31, 2024.

    Balance Sheet Activity
    Total assets were $2.797 billion as of March 31, 2025, compared to $2.776 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $20.6 million, or 0.7%. This increase was driven by increases of $26.2 million in loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs and $6.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by decreases of $4.2 million in total investment securities and $6.7 million in accrued interest receivable and other assets.

    Loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs increased mainly due to growth in commercial loan balances, which was concentrated in commercial real estate. Total commercial loan balances increased $39.5 million, or 2.6%, compared to the prior year-end. Commercial real estate balances grew $43.3 million while commercial and industrial balances contracted $3.8 million, both compared to the prior year-end. Over half of total growth in commercial loan balances was attributable to the Bank’s new Canal Bank division in Western New York. Residential mortgages increased $0.5 million, or 0.2%, compared to the prior year-end, as the Corporation continued to elect to sell a portion of originations into the secondary market and low levels of housing inventory persisted across the Bank’s footprint. Consumer loans decreased $13.7 million, or 4.9%, compared to the prior-year end, largely due to lower levels of indirect auto loan origination activity, and a relatively fast turnover rate in the portfolio.

    The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to an increase of $36.5 million in total deposits compared to the prior year-end and $13.6 million in net paydowns and maturities of available for sale securities in the current period. Partially offsetting this increase were a decrease of $24.2 million in total advances and other debt and an increase of $26.2 million in loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs.

    Total investment securities decreased primarily due to a decrease of $3.1 million in securities available for sale, compared to the prior year-end. Net paydowns and maturities of securities available for sale for the current year totaled $13.6 million, mainly due to paydowns on mortgage-backed securities and SBA pooled loan securities. The market value of securities available for sale increased $11.0 million, due to favorable changes in market interest rates during the current year. Also contributing to the decrease in total investment securities was a decrease of $1.1 million in FHLB and FRB stock, at cost, mainly due to a decrease in total borrowing through the FHLBNY as of March 31, 2025, compared to the prior year-end. The decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets was largely due to decreases in interest rate swap assets and deferred tax assets.

    Total liabilities were $2.568 billion as of March 31, 2025, compared to $2.561 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $7.6 million, or 0.3%. This increase was driven by an increase of $36.5 million in total deposits, partially offset by decreases of $24.2 million in advances and other debt and $4.6 million in accrued interest payable and other liabilities.

    Total deposits increased $36.5 million, or 1.5%, compared to the prior year-end, largely due to increases of $33.3 million in interest-bearing demand deposits and $30.4 million in money market deposits. Increases in these deposit types were partially attributable to seasonal inflows of municipal deposits. Total time deposits decreased $25.0 million, consisting of decreases of $13.6 million in customer time deposits and $11.4 million in brokered deposits. The Bank’s CD campaign in the current year primarily consisted of a continuation of six and 15 month offerings, as well as the introduction of a 36 month offering. Additionally, savings deposits increased $4.0 million and non interest-bearing demand deposits decreased $6.1 million. Non interest-bearing deposits comprised 25.5% and 26.1% of total deposits as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

    Advances and other debt decreased mainly due to an increase in total deposits. Advances and other debt as of March 31, 2025 largely consisted of staggered three-month term advances from the FHLBNY, whereas the composition of advances and other debt as of the prior year-end consisted primarily of FHLBNY overnight advances. The decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities was mainly due to a decrease in interest rate swap liabilities.

    Total shareholders’ equity was $228.3 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $215.3 million as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $13.0 million, or 6.0%, driven by a decrease of $8.1 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss and an increase of $4.5 million in retained earnings. The decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss was largely due to an increase in the fair value of securities available for sale, due to favorable changes in market interest rates. The increase in retained earnings was mainly due to net income of $6.0 million, offset by dividends declared of $1.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    The total equity to total assets ratio was 8.16% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 7.76% as of December 31, 2024, and the tangible equity to tangible assets ratio was 7.44% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 7.02% as of December 31, 2024.1 Book value per share and tangible book value per share increased to $47.49 and $42.95, respectively as of March 31, 2025 from $45.13 and $40.55, respectively as of December 31, 2024.1 As of March 31, 2025, the Bank’s capital ratios were in excess of those required to be considered well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

    1 See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations

    Liquidity
    The Corporation uses a variety of resources to manage its liquidity, and management believes it has the necessary liquidity to allow for flexibility in meeting its various operational and strategic needs. These include short-term investments, cash flow from lending and investing activities, core-deposit growth and non-core funding sources, such as time deposits of $250,000 or greater, brokered deposits, FHLBNY overnight and term advances, and FRB advances. Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis for liquidity purposes or on a long-term basis to fund asset growth. As of March 31, 2025, the Corporation’s cash and cash equivalents balance was $53.4 million. The Corporation also maintains an investment portfolio of securities available for sale, comprised primarily of US Government treasury securities, SBA loan pools, mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds. Although this portfolio generates interest income for the Corporation, it also serves as an available source of liquidity and capital if the need should arise. As of March 31, 2025, the Corporation’s investment in securities available for sale was $528.3 million, $341.2 million of which was not pledged as collateral. Additionally, as of March 31, 2025, the Bank’s total advance line capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York was $222.3 million, $85.0 million of which was utilized and $137.3 million of which was available as additional borrowing capacity.

    As of March 31, 2025, uninsured deposits totaled $690.3 million, or 28.4% of total deposits, including $167.6 million of municipal deposits collateralized by pledged assets, when required. As of December 31, 2024, uninsured deposits totaled $652.3 million, or 27.2% of total deposits, including $145.6 million of municipal deposits collateralized by pledged assets. Due to their fluidity, the Corporation closely monitors uninsured deposit levels when considering liquidity management strategies.

    The Corporation considers brokered deposits to be an element of its deposit strategy, and anticipates it may continue utilizing brokered deposits as a secondary source of funding in support of growth. As of March 31, 2025, all brokered deposits carried terms of three months, with staggered maturities, totaling $80.8 million. Excluding brokered deposits, total deposits increased $47.9 million compared to December 31, 2024.

    Other Items
    The market value of total assets under management or administration in our Wealth Management Group was $2.203 billion as of March 31, 2025, including $305.5 million of assets under management or administration for the Corporation, compared to $2.212 billion as of December 31, 2024, including $301.9 million of assets under management or administration for the Corporation, a decrease of $9.5 million, or 0.4%. Excluding assets under management or administration for the Corporation, total market value of Wealth Management Group assets decreased $13.1 million, or 0.7%, largely due to declines in financial markets during the first quarter of 2025.

    As previously announced on January 8, 2021, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, the Corporation may repurchase up to 250,000 shares of its common stock, or approximately 5% of its then outstanding shares. The repurchase program permits shares to be repurchased in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through block trades, and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of March 31, 2025, a total of 49,184 shares of common stock at a total cost of $2.0 million were repurchased by the Corporation under its share repurchase program. No shares were repurchased in the first quarter of 2025. The weighted average cost was $40.42 per share repurchased. Remaining buyback authority under the share repurchase program was 200,816 shares as of March 31, 2025.

    About Chemung Financial Corporation

    Chemung Financial Corporation is a $2.8 billion financial services holding company headquartered in Elmira, New York and operates 30 retail offices through its principal subsidiary, Chemung Canal Trust Company, a full service community bank with trust powers. Established in 1833, Chemung Canal Trust Company is the oldest locally-owned and managed community bank in New York State. Chemung Financial Corporation is also the parent of CFS Group, Inc., a financial services subsidiary offering non-traditional services including mutual funds, annuities, brokerage services, tax preparation services, and insurance.

    This press release may be found at: www.chemungcanal.com under Investor Relations.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Corporation intends its forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in this press release. All statements regarding the Corporation’s expected financial position and operating results, the Corporation’s business strategy, the Corporation’s financial plans, forecasted demographic and economic trends relating to the Corporation’s industry and similar matters are forward-looking statements. These statements can sometimes be identified by the Corporation’s use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” or “intend.” The Corporation cannot guarantee that its expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. The Corporation’s actual results could be materially different from expectations because of various factors, including changes in economic conditions or interest rates, credit risk, inflation, tariffs, cybersecurity risks, changes in FDIC assessments, bank failures, difficulties in managing the Corporation’s growth, competition, changes in law or the regulatory environment, and changes in general business and economic trends.

    Information concerning these and other factors, including Risk Factors, can be found in the Corporation’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These filings are available publicly on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, on the Corporation’s website at http://www.chemungcanal.com or upon request from the Corporate Secretary at (607) 737-3746. Except as otherwise required by law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

     
    Chemung Financial Corporation
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
        March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,
    (in thousands)   2025   2024   2024   2024   2024
    ASSETS                    
    Cash and due from financial institutions   $ 32,087     $ 26,224     $ 36,247     $ 23,184     $ 22,984  
    Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions     21,348       20,811       44,193       47,033       71,878  
    Total cash and cash equivalents     53,435       47,035       80,440       70,217       94,862  
                                             
    Equity investments     3,249       3,235       3,244       3,090       3,093  
                                             
    Securities available for sale     528,327       531,442       554,575       550,927       566,028  
    Securities held to maturity     808       808       657       657       785  
    FHLB and FRB stock, at cost     8,040       9,117       4,189       5,506       4,071  
    Total investment securities     537,175       541,367       559,421       557,090       570,884  
                                             
    Commercial     1,555,988       1,516,525       1,464,205       1,445,258       1,425,437  
    Residential mortgage     275,448       274,979       274,099       271,620       277,246  
    Consumer     266,200       279,915       290,650       294,594       300,927  
    Loans, net of deferred loan fees     2,097,636       2,071,419       2,028,954       2,011,472       2,003,610  
    Allowance for credit losses     (22,522 )     (21,388 )     (21,441 )     (21,031 )     (20,471 )
    Loans, net     2,075,114       2,050,031       2,007,513       1,990,441       1,983,139  
                                             
    Loans held for sale     284                   381       96  
    Premises and equipment, net     16,222       16,375       14,915       14,731       14,183  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     5,332       5,446       5,637       5,827       6,018  
    Goodwill     21,824       21,824       21,824       21,824       21,824  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets     84,090       90,834       81,221       92,212       90,791  
    Total assets   $ 2,796,725     $ 2,776,147     $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890  
                                             
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
    Deposits:                    
    Non interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 619,645     $ 625,762     $ 616,126     $ 619,192     $ 656,330  
    Interest-bearing demand deposits     339,790       306,536       349,383       328,370       315,154  
    Money market deposits     625,505       595,123       630,870       613,131       631,350  
    Savings deposits     249,541       245,550       242,911       248,528       248,578  
    Time deposits     598,915       623,912       611,831       606,700       629,360  
    Total deposits     2,433,396       2,396,883       2,451,121       2,415,921       2,480,772  
                                             
    Advances and other debt     88,701       112,889       53,757       83,835       52,979  
    Operating lease liabilities     5,516       5,629       5,820       6,009       6,197  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     40,806       45,437       42,863       48,826       47,814  
    Total liabilities     2,568,419       2,560,838       2,553,561       2,554,591       2,587,762  
                                             
    Shareholders’ equity                  
    Common stock   53       53       53       53       53  
    Additional paid-in capital   48,157       48,783       48,457       48,102       47,794  
    Retained earnings   252,195       247,705       243,266       239,021       235,506  
    Treasury stock, at cost   (15,180 )     (16,167 )     (15,987 )     (16,043 )     (16,147 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (56,919 )     (65,065 )     (55,135 )     (69,911 )     (70,078 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   228,306       215,309       220,654       201,222       197,128  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,796,725     $ 2,776,147     $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890  
                                           
    Period-end shares outstanding     4,807       4,771       4,774       4,772       4,768  
                         
     
    Chemung Financial Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
        Three Months Ended March 31,   Percent
    Change
    (in thousands, except per share data)   2025   2024  
    Interest and dividend income:            
    Loans, including fees   $ 28,099     $ 27,198     3.3  
    Taxable securities     3,023       3,557     (15.0 )
    Tax exempt securities     251       258     (2.7 )
    Interest-earning deposits     325       206     57.8  
    Total interest and dividend income     31,698       31,219     1.5  
                 
    Interest expense:            
    Deposits     11,156       12,145     (8.1 )
    Borrowed funds     725       985     (26.4 )
    Total interest expense     11,881       13,130     (9.5 )
                 
    Net interest income     19,817       18,089     9.6  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     1,092       (2,040 )   153.5  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     18,725       20,129     (7.0 )
                 
    Non-interest income:            
    Wealth management group fee income     2,867       2,703     6.1  
    Service charges on deposit accounts     1,120       949     18.0  
    Interchange revenue from debit card transactions     1,037       1,063     (2.4 )
    Change in fair value of equity investments     (47 )     101     N/M  
    Net gains on sales of loans held for sale     40       32     25.0  
    Net gains (losses) on sales of other real estate owned     (11 )         N/M  
    Income from bank owned life insurance     8       9     (11.1 )
    Other     875       800     9.4  
    Total non-interest income     5,889       5,657     4.1  
                 
    Non-interest expense:            
    Salaries and wages     7,209       7,016     2.8  
    Pension and other employee benefits     1,922       2,082     (7.7 )
    Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits     (113 )     (232 )   51.3  
    Net occupancy     1,533       1,493     2.7  
    Furniture and equipment     373       398     (6.3 )
    Data processing     2,534       2,573     (1.5 )
    Professional services     638       559     14.1  
    Marketing and advertising     339       345     (1.7 )
    Other real estate owned expense     11       49     N/M  
    FDIC insurance     439       577     (23.9 )
    Loan expense     278       255     9.0  
    Other     1,764       1,583     11.4  
    Total non-interest expense     16,927       16,698     1.4  
                 
    Income before income tax expense     7,687       9,088     (15.4 )
    Income tax expense     1,664       2,038     (18.4 )
    Net income   $ 6,023     $ 7,050     (14.6 )
                 
    Basic and diluted earnings per share   $ 1.26     $ 1.48      
    Cash dividends declared per share   $ 0.32     $ 0.31      
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,791       4,764      
                 
                 
    N/M – Not Meaningful
     
         
    Chemung Financial Corporation   As of or for the Three Months Ended
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,
    (in thousands, except per share data)   2025   2024   2024   2024   2024
    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                    
    Interest income   $ 31,698     $ 32,597     $ 32,362     $ 31,386     $ 31,219  
    Interest expense     11,881       12,776       13,974       13,625       13,130  
    Net interest income     19,817       19,821       18,388       17,761       18,089  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     1,092       551       564       879       (2,040 )
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     18,725       19,270       17,824       16,882       20,129  
    Non-interest income     5,889       6,056       5,919       5,598       5,657  
    Non-interest expense     16,927       17,823       16,510       16,219       16,698  
    Income before income tax expense     7,687       7,503       7,233       6,261       9,088  
    Income tax expense     1,664       1,589       1,513       1,274       2,038  
    Net income   $ 6,023     $ 5,914     $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050  
                                             
    Basic and diluted earnings per share   $ 1.26     $ 1.24     $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48  
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,791       4,774       4,773       4,770       4,764  
    PERFORMANCE RATIOS                    
    Return on average assets     0.88 %     0.85 %     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %
    Return on average equity     10.96 %     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %
    Return on average tangible equity (a)     12.15 %     11.92 %     12.07 %     11.56 %     16.29 %
    Efficiency ratio (unadjusted) (e)     65.85 %     68.88 %     67.92 %     69.43 %     70.32 %
    Efficiency ratio (adjusted) (a)     65.64 %     68.64 %     67.69 %     69.19 %     70.07 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets     2.47 %     2.57 %     2.39 %     2.38 %     2.47 %
    Loans to deposits     86.20 %     86.42 %     82.78 %     83.26 %     80.77 %
    YIELDS RATES – Fully Taxable Equivalent                    
    Yield on loans     5.49 %     5.61 %     5.65 %     5.52 %     5.51 %
    Yield on investments     2.26 %     2.29 %     2.21 %     2.27 %     2.35 %
    Yield on interest-earning assets     4.72 %     4.79 %     4.78 %     4.69 %     4.70 %
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits     2.48 %     2.67 %     2.88 %     2.86 %     2.75 %
    Cost of borrowings     4.54 %     4.74 %     5.08 %     5.04 %     5.15 %
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities     2.55 %     2.73 %     2.97 %     2.94 %     2.85 %
    Cost of funds     1.92 %     2.04 %     2.24 %     2.20 %     2.13 %
    Interest rate spread     2.17 %     2.06 %     1.81 %     1.75 %     1.85 %
    Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent     2.96 %     2.92 %     2.72 %     2.66 %     2.73 %
    CAPITAL                    
    Total equity to total assets at end of period     8.16 %     7.76 %     7.95 %     7.30 %     7.08 %
    Tangible equity to tangible assets at end of period (a)     7.44 %     7.02 %     7.22 %     6.56 %     6.34 %
    Book value per share   $ 47.49     $ 45.13     $ 46.22     $ 42.17     $ 41.34  
    Tangible book value per share (a)     42.95       40.55       41.65       37.59       36.77  
    Period-end market value per share     47.57       48.81       48.02       48.00       42.48  
    Dividends declared per share     0.32       0.31       0.31       0.31       0.31  
    AVERAGE BALANCES                    
    Loans and loans held for sale (b)   $ 2,077,739     $ 2,046,270     $ 2,020,280     $ 2,009,823     $ 1,989,185  
    Interest-earning assets     2,729,661       2,711,995       2,699,968       2,699,402       2,681,059  
    Total assets     2,784,414       2,761,875       2,751,392       2,740,967       2,724,391  
    Deposits     2,445,597       2,446,662       2,410,735       2,419,169       2,402,215  
    Total equity     222,802       219,254       210,421       195,375       195,860  
    Tangible equity (a)     200,978       197,430       188,597       173,551       174,036  
    ASSET QUALITY                    
    Net charge-offs   $ 262     $ 594     $ 78     $ 306     $ 182  
    Non-performing loans (c)     9,881       8,954       10,545       8,195       7,835  
    Non-performing assets (d)     10,282       9,606       11,134       8,872       8,394  
    Allowance for credit losses     22,522       21,388       21,441       21,031       20,471  
    Annualized net charge-offs to average loans     0.05 %     0.12 %     0.02 %     0.06 %     0.04 %
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.47 %     0.43 %     0.52 %     0.41 %     0.39 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.37 %     0.35 %     0.40 %     0.32 %     0.30 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.07 %     1.03 %     1.06 %     1.05 %     1.02 %
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans     227.93 %     238.87 %     203.33 %     256.63 %     261.28 %
    (a) See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.
    (b) Loans and loans held for sale do not reflect the allowance for credit losses.
    (c) Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans only.
    (d) Non-performing assets include non-performing loans plus other real estate owned and repossessed vehicles.
    (e) 
    Efficiency ratio (unadjusted) is non-interest expense divided by the total of net interest income plus non-interest income.
     
     
    Chemung Financial Corporation
    Average Consolidated Balance Sheets & Net Interest Income Analysis and Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income (Unaudited)
               
      Three Months Ended
    March 31, 2025
      Three Months Ended
    March 31, 2024
      Three Months Ended
    March 31, 2025 vs. 2024
    (in thousands) Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate
      Total
    Change
      Due to
    Volume
      Due to
    Rate
                                                                       
    Interest-earning assets:                                                                  
    Commercial loans $ 1,529,028     $ 21,696     5.75 %   $ 1,406,950     $ 20,642     5.90 %   $ 1,054     $ 1,620     $ (566 )
    Residential mortgage loans   275,524       2,701     3.98 %     277,661       2,597     3.74 %     104       (24 )     128  
    Consumer loans   273,187       3,751     5.57 %     304,574       4,016     5.30 %     (265 )     (449 )     184  
    Taxable securities   584,614       3,026     2.10 %     633,294       3,560     2.26 %     (534 )     (278 )     (256 )
    Tax-exempt securities   37,758       279     3.00 %     40,266       282     2.82 %     (3 )     (19 )     16  
    Interest-earning deposits   29,550       325     4.46 %     18,314       206     4.52 %     119       122       (3 )
    Total interest-earning assets   2,729,661       31,778     4.72 %     2,681,059       31,303     4.70 %     475       972       (497 )
                                       
    Non interest-earning assets:                                  
    Cash and due from banks   26,055               25,255                      
    Other assets   50,256               40,665                      
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,558 )             (22,588 )                    
    Total assets $ 2,784,414             $ 2,724,391                      
                               
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                          
    Interest-bearing checking $ 336,162     $ 1,303   1.57 % $ 307,895     $ 1,335   1.74 % $ (32 )   $ 109     $ (141 )
    Savings and money market   858,937       3,866   1.83 %   865,113       4,266   1.98 %   (400 )     (34 )     (366 )
    Time deposits   514,884       4,704   3.71 %   481,965       4,904   4.09 %   (200 )     298       (498 )
    Brokered deposits   112,840       1,283   4.61 %   121,405       1,640   5.43 %   (357 )     (114 )     (243 )
    FHLBNY overnight advances   20,781       236   4.61 %   34,875       487   5.52 %   (251 )     (178 )     (73 )
    FRB advances and other debt   43,950       489   4.51 %   41,465       498   4.83 %   (9 )     27       (36 )
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,887,554       11,881   2.55 %   1,852,718       13,130   2.85 %   (1,249 )     108       (1,357 )
                               
    Non interest-bearing liabilities:                          
    Demand deposits   622,774           625,837                  
    Other liabilities   51,284           49,976                  
    Total liabilities   2,561,612           2,528,531                  
    Shareholders’ equity   222,802           195,860                  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,784,414         $ 2,724,391                  
                                                   
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income       19,897           18,173     $ 1,724     $ 864     $ 860  
    Net interest rate spread (1)       2.17 %       1.85 %          
    Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent (2)           2.96 %           2.73 %          
    Taxable equivalent adjustment       (80 )           (84 )              
    Net interest income     $ 19,817         $ 18,089              
                                       
    (1)  Net interest rate spread is the difference in the average yield on interest-earning assets less the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2)  Net interest margin is the ratio of fully taxable equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
     

    Chemung Financial Corporation

    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations (Unaudited)

    The Corporation prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. See the Corporation’s unaudited consolidated balance sheets and statements of income contained within this press release. That presentation provides the reader with an understanding of the Corporation’s results that can be tracked consistently from period-to-period and enables a comparison of the Corporation’s performance with other companies’ GAAP financial statements.

    In addition to analyzing the Corporation’s results on a reported basis, management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures, because it believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information to investors about the underlying operational performance and trends of the Corporation and, therefore, facilitate a comparison of the Corporation with the performance of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures used by the Corporation may not be comparable to similarly named non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

    The SEC has adopted Regulation G, which applies to all public disclosures, including earnings releases, made by registered companies that contain “non-GAAP financial measures.” Under Regulation G, companies making public disclosures containing non-GAAP financial measures must also disclose, along with each non-GAAP financial measure, certain additional information, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to the closest comparable GAAP financial measure and a statement of the Corporation’s reasons for utilizing the non-GAAP financial measure as part of its financial disclosures. The SEC has exempted from the definition of “non-GAAP financial measures” certain commonly used financial measures that are not based on GAAP. When these exempted measures are included in public disclosures, supplemental information is not required. The following measures used in this Report, which are commonly utilized by financial institutions, have not been specifically exempted by the SEC and may constitute “non- GAAP financial measures” within the meaning of the SEC’s rules, although we are unable to state with certainty that the SEC would so regard them.

    Fully Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest income is commonly presented on a tax-equivalent basis. That is, to the extent that some component of the institution’s net interest income, which is presented on a before-tax basis, is exempt from taxation (e.g., is received by the institution as a result of its holdings of state or municipal obligations), an amount equal to the tax benefit derived from that component is added to the actual before-tax net interest income total. This adjustment is considered helpful in comparing one financial institution’s net interest income to that of other institutions or in analyzing any institution’s net interest income trend line over time, to correct any analytical distortion that might otherwise arise from the fact that financial institutions vary widely in the proportions of their portfolios that are invested in tax- exempt securities, and that even a single institution may significantly alter over time the proportion of its own portfolio that is invested in tax-exempt obligations. Moreover, net interest income is itself a component of a second financial measure commonly used by financial institutions, net interest margin, which is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. For purposes of this measure as well, fully taxable equivalent net interest income is generally used by financial institutions, as opposed to actual net interest income, again to provide a better basis of comparison from institution to institution and to better demonstrate a single institution’s performance over time. The Corporation follows these practices.

                         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except ratio data)   March 31,
    2025
      Dec. 31,
    2024
      Sept. 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    NET INTEREST MARGIN – FULLY TAXABLE EQUIVALENT                                        
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 19,817     $ 19,821     $ 18,388     $ 17,761     $ 18,089  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment     80       88       83       81       84  
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 19,897     $ 19,909     $ 18,471     $ 17,842     $ 18,173  
                                             
    Average interest-earning assets (GAAP)   $ 2,729,661     $ 2,711,995     $ 2,699,968     $ 2,699,402     $ 2,681,059  
                                             
    Net interest margin – fully taxable equivalent (non-GAAP)     2.96 %     2.92 %     2.72 %     2.66 %     2.73 %
                                             

    Efficiency Ratio

    The unadjusted efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense divided by total revenue (net interest income and non-interest income). The adjusted efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure which represents the Corporation’s ability to turn resources into revenue and is calculated as non-interest expense divided by total revenue (fully taxable equivalent net interest income and non-interest income), adjusted for one-time occurrences and amortization. This measure is meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s productivity measured by the amount of revenue generated for each dollar spent.

         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except ratio data)   March 31,
    2025
      Dec. 31,
    2024
      Sept. 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    EFFICIENCY RATIO                                        
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 19,817     $ 19,821     $ 18,388     $ 17,761     $ 18,089  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment     80       88       83       81       84  
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 19,897     $ 19,909     $ 18,471     $ 17,842     $ 18,173  
                                             
    Non-interest income (GAAP)   $ 5,889     $ 6,056     $ 5,919     $ 5,598     $ 5,657  
                                             
    Non-interest expense (GAAP)   $ 16,927     $ 17,823     $ 16,510     $ 16,219     $ 16,698  
                                             
    Efficiency ratio (unadjusted)     65.85 %     68.88 %     67.92 %     69.43 %     70.32 %
    Efficiency ratio (adjusted)     65.64 %     68.64 %     67.69 %     69.19 %     70.07 %
                                             

    Tangible Equity and Tangible Assets (Period-End)

    Tangible equity, tangible assets, and tangible book value per share are each non-GAAP financial measures. Tangible equity represents the Corporation’s stockholders’ equity, less goodwill and intangible assets. Tangible assets represents the Corporation’s total assets, less goodwill and other intangible assets. Tangible book value per share represents the Corporation’s tangible equity divided by common shares at period-end. These measures are meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s use of equity.

         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except per share and ratio data)   March 31,
    2025
      Dec. 31,
    2024
      Sept. 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    TANGIBLE EQUITY AND TANGIBLE ASSETS                    
    (PERIOD END)                                        
    Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 228,306     $ 215,309     $ 220,654     $ 201,222     $ 197,128  
    Less: intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Tangible equity (non-GAAP)   $ 206,482     $ 193,485     $ 198,830     $ 179,398     $ 175,304  
                                             
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 2,796,725     $ 2,776,147     $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890  
    Less: intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 2,774,901     $ 2,754,323     $ 2,752,391     $ 2,733,989     $ 2,763,066  
                                             
    Total equity to total assets at end of period (GAAP)     8.16 %     7.76 %     7.95 %     7.30 %     7.08 %
    Book value per share (GAAP)   $ 47.49     $ 45.13     $ 46.22     $ 42.17     $ 41.34  
                                             
    Tangible equity to tangible assets at end of period (non-GAAP)     7.44 %     7.02 %     7.22 %     6.56 %     6.34 %
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 42.95     $ 40.55     $ 41.65     $ 37.59     $ 36.77  
                                             

    Tangible Equity (Average)

    Average tangible equity and return on average tangible equity are each non-GAAP financial measures. Average tangible equity represents the Corporation’s average stockholders’ equity, less average goodwill and intangible assets for the period. Return on average tangible equity measures the Corporation’s earnings as a percentage of average tangible equity. These measures are meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s use of equity.

                         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except ratio data)   March 31,
    2025
      Dec. 31,
    2024
      Sept. 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    TANGIBLE EQUITY (AVERAGE)                                        
    Total average shareholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 222,802     $ 219,254     $ 210,421     $ 195,375     $ 195,860  
    Less: average intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Average tangible equity (non-GAAP)   $ 200,978     $ 197,430     $ 188,597     $ 173,551     $ 174,036  
                                             
    Return on average equity (GAAP)     10.96 %     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %
    Return on average tangible equity (non-GAAP)     12.15 %     11.92 %     12.07 %     11.56 %     16.29 %
                         

    Adjustments for Certain Items of Income or Expense

    In addition to disclosures of certain GAAP financial measures, including net income, EPS, ROA, and ROE, we may also provide comparative disclosures that adjust these GAAP financial measures for a particular period by removing from the calculation thereof the impact of certain transactions or other material items of income or expense occurring during the period, including certain nonrecurring items. The Corporation believes that the resulting non-GAAP financial measures may improve an understanding of its results of operations by separating out any such transactions or items that may have had a disproportionate positive or negative impact on the Corporation’s financial results during the particular period in question. In the Corporation’s presentation of any such non-GAAP (adjusted) financial measures not specifically discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the Corporation supplies the supplemental financial information and explanations required under Regulation G.

         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except per share and ratio data)   March 31,
    2025
      Dec. 31,
    2024
      Sept. 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    NON-GAAP NET INCOME                                        
    Reported net income (GAAP)   $ 6,023     $ 5,914     $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050  
    Net (gains) losses on security transactions (net of tax)                              
    Net income (non-GAAP)   $ 6,023     $ 5,914     $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050  
                                             
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,791       4,774       4,773       4,770       4,764  
                                             
    Reported basic and diluted earnings per share (GAAP)   $ 1.26     $ 1.24     $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48  
    Reported return on average assets (GAAP)     0.88 %     0.85 %     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %
    Reported return on average equity (GAAP)     10.96 %     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %
                                             
    Basic and diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP)   $ 1.26     $ 1.24     $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48  
    Return on average assets (non-GAAP)     0.88 %     0.85 %     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %
    Return on average equity (non-GAAP)     10.96 %     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %
                                             

    Category: Financial

    Source: Chemung Financial Corp

    For further information contact:
    Dale M. McKim, III, EVP and CFO
    dmckim@chemungcanal.com
    Phone: 607-737-3714

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: FDIC Modifies Approach to Resolution Planning for Large Banks

    Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

    CategoriesBusiness, Commerce, MIL-OSI, United States Federal Government, United States Government, United States of America, US Commerce, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC, US Federal Government, US Insurance Sector, USA

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to California Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Marysville Hotel Fire and Road Closures

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in California of the May 19, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the Marysville Hotel fire and road closures which occurred June 15, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the California counties of Butte, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sierra, Sutter and Yuba.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than May 19.

    ###

    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 USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Texas Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by the Welder Complex Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Texas of the May 19, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the Welder Complex Fire occurring March 4–9.

    The disaster declaration covers Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio counties.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include retrofitting structures to protect against high winds, flood, wildfires, or other physical disasters.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their disaster readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is also available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return for physical damage applications is May 19. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 19.

    ###

    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 USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Texas Businesses, Nonprofits, and Residents Affected by March Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Texas of the May 19, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the thunderstorms, straight‑line winds and tornadoes occurring March 4.

    The disaster declaration covers the Texas counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall and Tarrant.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is also available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return for physical damage applications is May 19. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 19.

    ###

    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 Economics: Microsoft’s Secure by Design marks a year of success

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft’s Secure by Design marks a year of success

    Cybersecurity is one of the top risks facing businesses. Organizations are struggling to navigate the ever-evolving cyberthreat landscape in which 600 million identity attacks are carried out daily.1 The median time for a cyberattacker to access private data from phishing is 1 hour and 12 minutes, and nation-state cyberattacks are on the rise.2 Organizations also face unprecedented complexity, making security jobs harder—57% of organizations are using more than 40 security tools, which requires significant resourcing and effort to integrate workflows and data.3 These challenges are magnified by the global security talent shortage organizations are facing and there are more than 4 million security jobs unfilled worldwide, rising insider risks, and the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape today.4 These cybersecurity challenges can not only increase significant business disruptions, they can also create devastating economic damages—the cost of cybercrime is expected to grow at 15% year over year, reaching $15.6 trillion by 2029.5 

    Get the latest Secure Future Initiative updates

    In November 2023, to address the evolution of the digital and regulatory landscape, and the unprecedented changes in the cyberthreat landscape, we announced the Microsoft Secure Future Initiative. The Secure Future Initiative (SFI) is a multiyear effort to revolutionize the way we design, build, test, and operate our products and services, to achieve the highest security standards. SFI is our commitment to improve Microsoft’s security posture, thereby improving the security posture of all our customers, and to work with governments and industry to improve the security posture of the entire ecosystem.

    Last year, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), through its “Secure by Design” pledge, called on the technology industry to prioritize security at every stage of product development and deployment. This approach of embedding cybersecurity in digital delivery from the outset is also reflected in the United Kingdom’s Government’s Cyber Security Strategy as well as in the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)’s “Essential Eight” mitigation strategies to protect against cyberthreats. Throughout this blog post, the term “Secure by Design” encompasses both “secure by design” and “secure by default.”

    Read CISA’s Secure by Design pledge

    Microsoft committed to work towards key goals across a spectrum of Secure by Design principles advocated by numerous government agencies around the world. These goals aim to enhance security outcomes for customers by embedding robust cybersecurity practices throughout the product lifecycle. We continue to take our learnings, feed them back into our security standards, and operationalize these learnings as paved paths that can enable secure design and operations at scale. Our SFI updates provide examples of Microsoft’s progress in implementing secure by design, secure by default, and secure in operations principles, and provide best practices based on Microsoft’s own experience, demonstrating our dedication to improving security for customers.

    Keep reading to learn about the initiatives Microsoft has undertaken over the past 18 months to support secure by design objectives as part of our SFI initiative. It is organized around our SFI principles to provide our customers and partners with an understanding of the robust security measures we are implementing to safeguard their digital environments.

    Enhancing security with multifactor authentication and default password management

    Phishing-resistant multifactor authentication provides the most robust defense against password-based cyberattacks, including credential stuffing and password theft. This includes promoting multifactor authentication among customers, implementing it as a default requirement for access, and participating in efforts to establish long-term standards in authentication.

    In October 2024, Microsoft implemented mandatory multifactor authentication for the Microsoft Azure portal, Microsoft Entra admin center, and Microsoft Intune admin center. Since then, Microsoft has worked with our customers to reduce extensions and rapidly advance multifactor authentication adoption. A key achievement is our progress in eliminating passwords across products. Microsoft has introduced enhancements to streamline authentication and improve sign-in experiences, emphasizing usability and security. Users can now remove passwords from their accounts and use passkeys instead, addressing vulnerabilities and preventing unauthorized access.

    On March 26, 2025, Microsoft launched a new sign-in experience for more than 1 billion users. By the end of April 2025, most Microsoft account users will see updated sign-in and sign-up user experience flows for web and mobile apps. This new user experience is optimized for a passwordless and passkey-first experience. Microsoft is also updating the account sign-in logic to make passkey the default sign-in choice whenever possible.

    Additional examples of Microsoft improving authentication and how customers can learn from Microsoft’s approach and solutions include:

    • Microsoft recommendations for organizations to get started deploying phishing-resistant passwordless authentication using Microsoft Entra ID.
    • Security defaults make it easier to help protect against identity-related cyberattacks like password spray, replay, and phishing common in today’s environments. Learn more about preconfigured security settings available in Microsoft Entra ID.
    • Microsoft’s Conditional Access uses identity-driven signals as part of access control decisions.
    • To help prevent phishing, Microsoft added additional hardening to Windows Hello, which is the multifactor authentication solution built-in to Windows. Windows Hello has also been extended to support passkeys, which are an industry standard, and which we continue to evolve. With Hello and passkeys, on Windows, it means much of the web can be protected with multifactor authentication, and people no longer need to choose between a simple sign-in and a safe sign-in. 
    • Learn how Microsoft is advancing decentralized identity standards and verifiable credentials.
    • Following GitHub’s April 2024 update on a year of progress in pushing multifactor authentication adoption, further cohorts requiring multifactor authentication enablement have been rolled out in the past year. This effort continues to drive multifactor authentication utilization with almost 50% of contributing GitHub users having multifactor authentication enabled. Of those, more than 38% of users have two or more methods of two-factor authentication enabled and more than 3.6 million users have a passkey enabled on their account. Additionally, GitHub has pushed for best practices in multifactor authentication methods, and in November 2024 shipped enhancements to the management of multifactor authentication settings for organizations and enterprises that allow the restriction of insecure methods of multifactor authentication such as text messaging.

    Reducing entire classes of vulnerabilities

    Most exploited vulnerabilities today stem from types that can often be mitigated on a large scale, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and memory safety language vulnerabilities. Governments aim to reduce these by encouraging companies to adopt practices like eliminating authorization validation logic mistakes, enabling the use of memory-safe languages, creating secure firmware architectures, and implementing secure administrative protections. The goal is to minimize exploitation risks by addressing systemic vulnerabilities at their root.

    Our introduction of mandatory use of the Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL) across all Microsoft applications helps ensure that advanced identity defenses, such as token binding, continuous access evaluation, and advanced application attack detections, are consistently implemented. This standardizes secure authentication processes, making it significantly harder for attackers to exploit identity-related vulnerabilities. MSAL enables developers to acquire security tokens from the Microsoft identity platform to authenticate users and access secured web APIs. 

    Read the updated Windows Security book and stay secure with Windows

    Microsoft is also committed to adopting memory-safe languages, such as Rust, for developing new products and transitioning existing ones. This approach addresses common vulnerabilities related to memory safety. Microsoft is investing heavily into safe language to enhance the safety of our code, and we are applying this new approach to our security platform and other key areas like Microsoft Surface and Pluton security firmware.   

    In Windows 11, we’ve applied a secure by design strategy from the very first line of code. We have established a Hardware Security Baseline, which helps to ensure every Windows 11 PC has consistent hardware security forming a secure foundation. Windows 11 has secure by default settings and stronger controls for what apps and drivers are allowed to run. This is important as unverified apps and drivers lead to malware and script attacks. And most malware and ransomware apps are unsigned, which means they can be authored and distributed without being provably safe. For consumers and smaller organizations, Smart App Control is a new feature that uses cloud AI to enable millions of known safe apps to run, regardless of where you got them. For larger organizations, IT admins can layer on App Control for Business policies and deploy them using Intune.  

    With Windows powering business critical solutions across a wide variety of customers, we are committed to helping ensure that Windows remains the most secure and reliable platform. At Microsoft Ignite in 2024, we announced the Windows Resilience Initiative focused on enhancing the security and resilience of the Windows operating system. This involves implementing advanced security features, improving threat detection and response capabilities, and to help ensure that Windows can withstand and recover from cyberattacks. As part of the Windows Resilience Initiative, we are working to protect against common cyberattacks in addition to strengthening identity protection mentioned above.  

    As part of this we are addressing the long-standing challenge of overprivileged users and applications, which create significant risk. Yet many people do not want to give up admin control of their PC. To help strike the balance of admin privileges and security we are introducing Administrator protection (currently in Windows Insiders). Admin protection gives you the protection of standard user permissions by default, and when needed you can securely authorize a just-in-time system change using Windows Hello. Once the process has completed, the temporary admin token is destroyed. This means admin privileges do not persist.  Admin protection will be disruptive to cyberattackers, as they no longer have elevated privileges by default, which will help organizations ensure they remain in control of Windows. 

    We are also collaborating with endpoint security partners to adopt safe deployment practices. This means all security product updates will be gradual, minimizing deployment risks and monitoring to help ensure any negative impact is kept to a minimum. Additionally, we are developing new Windows capabilities that allow security product developers to build their products outside of kernel mode, reducing the impact to Windows in the event of a security product crash. 

    Another key development is our secure by design user experience (UX) toolkit. Human error causes the majority of security breaches. The UX toolkit helps build more secure software and improve user security experiences. This toolkit represents a new way of thinking—where design and security aren’t siloed but are working together from the very beginning. Adopted internally and shared externally, the toolkit helps other software organizations in enhancing their security practices.

    Other activities Microsoft has worked on to eliminate classes of vulnerabilities include:

    • Continued support to enable developers to use the memory safe language Rust on Windows.
    • Taking steps to mitigate Windows NT LAN (NTLM) Relay Attacks by default against Exchange Service, Active Directory Certificate Services and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).
    • Zero Trust Domain Name System (DNS) preview expanded to include Windows 11 enterprise customers. This feature helps lock down devices to only access-approved network destinations.
    • Surface embedded firmware products use of a common firmware architecture.
    • Launch of the Windows 365 Link, which is the first Cloud PC device for Windows 365. Windows 365 Link eliminates local data and apps and has no local admin users and provides employees a way to more securely stream their Windows 365 Cloud PC.
    • GitHub released CodeQL support for GitHub Actions workflow files. This new static analysis capability identifies common continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) flaws both in existing code bases and before they are introduced to help eliminate this class of vulnerabilities. Using this new feature, the GitHub Security Lab was able to help secure more than 75 GitHub Actions workflows in open source projects, disclosing more than 90 different vulnerabilities.

    Boosting patch application rates

    Timely and effective patch management is necessary for cybersecurity, as this is how we can reduce the window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit software flaws.

    Microsoft has made measurable increases in the installation of security patches, which we achieved by enabling automatic installation of software patches when possible and enabling this functionality by default, as well as by offering widespread support for these patches.

    Microsoft continues to roll out major security updates on the second Tuesday of each month, known as Patch Tuesday. This regular schedule ensures that all systems receive timely updates to address critical vulnerabilities, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation by cyberattackers.

    Building on this foundation, Microsoft has made significant strides in improving the update process with Windows 11. By reducing the number of required system restarts from 12 to four per year through the use of Hotpatch updates, we have further streamlined operations and encouraged organizations to remain compliant with patching requirements.

    Other examples of our efforts in to boost patch and security update rates include:

    • Windows Hotpatch: Announced at Microsoft Ignite 2024, this provides a 60% reduction in time to adopt security updates, assisted by applying updates seamlessly without system restarts.
    • Microsoft has emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the expected lifespan of products at the time of sale and investing in provisioning capabilities to ease customer transitions to supported versions when products reach the end of their lifecycle. This strategy ensures that customers are well-informed and can smoothly adapt to new technologies.

    Adopting a Vulnerability Disclosure Policy (VDP) and Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) 

    Coordinated vulnerability disclosure, a practice Microsoft adopted more than a decade ago, benefits both security researchers and software manufacturers by enabling collaboration to enhance product security. A VDP that authorizes public testing of products, commits to refraining from legal action against those who follow the VDP in good faith, provides a clear channel for reporting vulnerabilities, and permits public disclosure of vulnerabilities according to coordinated vulnerability disclosure best practices and international standards makes a real difference for cybersecurity. Additionally, manufacturers can demonstrate transparency by including accurate Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) and Common Platform Enumeration (CPE) fields in every CVE record for the manufacturer’s products.

    Our adoption of the CWE and CPE standards in every CVE record for its products is an important achievement. This transparency facilitates accurate and detailed information about vulnerabilities, facilitating timely and effective remediation. By issuing CVEs promptly for all critical or high-impact vulnerabilities, Microsoft demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a secure environment and protecting its customers from potential cyberthreats.

    Another notable highlight is the publication of a machine-readable CSAF files, which provide a clear channel for reporting vulnerabilities and authorizes public testing of Microsoft products. This fosters collaboration between security researchers and software manufacturers, enabling the identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities in a coordinated manner.

    Other activities Microsoft has worked on to adopt VDP and CVE include:

    Empowering customers to detect and document intrusions

    Organizations should do more to detect cybersecurity incidents and understand their impact. To ensure they can do that, manufacturers should provide artifacts and evidence-gathering tools, like audit logs.

    An example of Microsoft’s commitment in this area is our implementation of robust sensors and logs, enhancing detection of cyberthreats. This initiative provides customers with actionable insights into potential intrusions, enabling swift responses and risk mitigation.

    Other activities Microsoft has worked on to empower customers to detect and document inclusions include:

    • Microsoft Purview has expanded its audit logging and retention periods, among other security enhancements, to increase security visibility and incident response capabilities for cloud-based services.
    • Microsoft Security Copilot offers prebuilt promptbooks to automate security-related tasks, such as incident investigations, user analysis, and threat intelligence assessments, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in cybersecurity operations.
    • Microsoft has provided detailed guidance on implementing the United States Department of Defense (DoD) Zero Trust Strategy, with activities categorized into target and advanced phases to achieve full Zero Trust adoption by 2032.
    • Microsoft’s Expanded Cloud Logs Implementation Playbook provides detailed guidance on operationalizing new logging capabilities in Microsoft Purview Audit (Standard).
    • Microsoft has published a whitepaper on lessons learned from red teaming more than 100 generative AI products at Microsoft. The whitepaper highlights the importance of understanding AI systems, breaking them without computing gradients, and the necessity of human involvement in AI red teaming, among other topics.

    GitHub shipped enhanced capabilities to the GitHub audit log to provide customers with increased visibility of API events and features to enable enterprise management, automation, and integration.

    Read the latest SFI updates

    To learn more about Microsoft Security solutions, visit our website. Bookmark the Security blog to keep up with our expert coverage on security matters. Also, follow us on LinkedIn (Microsoft Security) and X (@MSFTSecurity) for the latest news and updates on cybersecurity.


    1Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024.

    2Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2022.

    3IDC North America Tools and Vendors Consolidation Survey, 2023.

    42024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study.

    5Global cybercrime estimated cost 2029.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Harvest NYC Inc Recalls Enoki Mushroom Due to Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    April 16, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    April 18, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesProduceFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Due to possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

    Company Name:
    Harvest NYC Inc
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Hofood99 Inc

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Enoki Mushrooms

    Company Announcement
    Harvest NYC Inc of Brooklyn, NY 11231 is recalling its 200g packages of Enoki Mushroom, because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy persons may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
    The recalled Enoki Mushrooms were distributed nationwide in retail stores. The product comes in a 200g, green plastic package marked with UPC Barcode 6975730520101 on the back label, distributed by Hofood99 Inc., 21903 56th Ave Oakland Gardens, NY 11364.
    No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
    The contamination was discovered after samples were collected from a store in Buffalo, NY and subsequent analysis by NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Laboratory revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in some 200g packages of Enoki Mushroom.
    Consumers who have purchased 200g packages of Enoki Mushroom from January 11- 31, 2025 are urged to destroy the products immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (718) 596-0777.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    (718) 596-0777

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    04/18/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Recall Reminder: Gerber Products Company Previously Recalled and Discontinued All Batches of Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks Due To Potential Choking Hazard

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    April 18, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    April 18, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Potential choking hazard for babies and young children

    Company Name:
    Gerber Products Company
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Gerber

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks

    Company Announcement
    ARLINGTON, Va., April 18, 2025
    On January 31, 2025, Gerber Products Company initiated a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children.
    We are issuing a second press release about this recall due to recent reports of recalled product still available for sale on some retailer shelves and online. The previous announcement on January 31st is linked here and on FDA’s recall page.
    GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS were distributed nationwide.
    Recalled products can be identified as follows:

    Gerber Snacks for Baby soothe ‘n’ chew Teething Sticks, Strawberry Apple, Net Wt 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04618 7, all lot codes
    Gerber Snacks for Baby soothe ‘n’ chew Teething Sticks, Banana, Net Wt 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04608 8, all lot codes
    Gerber Snacks for Baby soothe ‘n’ chew Teething Sticks, Banana, Net Wt 1.58 Oz (45g), with UPC 0 15000 01015 7, all lot codes

    Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks – Product Packaging -See Images Below
    The previously issued recall and discontinuation is isolated to GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE and GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA.
    The recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints of choking incidents.
    Consumers who may have purchased GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS should not feed this product to their child and can return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund. Consumers who find the product for sale in the market should not purchase the product. Anyone with health concerns should contact a health care provider. For any additional support needed, Gerber is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).
    We have been working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on this recall and will cooperate with them fully.
    Again, we sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this action represents to parents, caregivers and retail customers.
    Link to Initial Recall

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Gerber
    1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237)

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    04/18/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Statement On Trump Order Gutting Protections For Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    Published: 04.17.2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to open up the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing.
    “At a time when the climate crisis is threatening our fragile ocean ecosystem and costing us lives and livelihoods every year, President Trump’s response is to gut protections for some of our nation’s most important natural resources, including the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.
    “Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was unequivocal when he assured me during his confirmation hearing that consultation would take place prior to any actions on fisheries in the Pacific. No such consultation occurred in advance of today’s executive order. The public deserves answers, and I expect him to come before Congress to explain this misguided decision.
    “We should be protecting the Pacific’s unmatched ecology and biodiversity for future generations – this order does the opposite.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Private Nonprofits Affected by November Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Oklahoma of the the May 19, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring Nov. 2–5, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Oklahoma counties of Adair, Garvin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Stephens and Washita.

    Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans. Eligible PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements might include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by any disaster. 

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    PNPs are also eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the PNP suffered any physical property damage. 

    Interest rates can be as low as 3.625%, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 19. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 18.

    ###

    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: Kevin Vilkin Joins Conservation International Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kevin Vilkin, co-founder of Emergent Strategic Partners, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Conservation International, a leading global nonprofit dedicated to protecting nature for the benefit of people and the planet. As a board member, Vilkin will contribute his expertise in sustainable innovation and strategic partnerships to support the organization’s mission of advancing conservation efforts worldwide.

    “I have know Kevin for close to a decade,” said Peter Seligmann, Chairman of the Board of Conservation International. “He brings the needed boldness of youth, as well as integrity, intelligence and humanity, to the great challenges that CI and all of our partners must overcome.”

    “Joining the board of Conservation International is a privilege,” said Vilkin. “The organization’s work in preserving our planet’s natural resources is more critical than ever. I am excited to help drive initiatives that create lasting environmental and economic impact.”

    About Conservation International

    Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Go to Conservation.org for more, and follow our work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

    About Kevin Vilkin

    Before launching Emergent, Vilkin founded and successfully exited his first business—a music events company—at the age of 21, helping shape the careers of global artists such as Mumford & Sons and the Zac Brown Band. He founded the Vanguard Program for Summit Series, connecting the world’s most influential leaders, including Richard Branson, Ray Dalio, and Jeff Bezos.

    Vilkin currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Redaptive, ID.me, and GoodLeap. He sits on the Board of Directors at Conservation International, is a member of Business Executives for National Security (BENS), and has been recognized as a Milken Young Leaders Circle and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Additionally, he previously served as a Senior Advisor to TPG Growth.

    About Emergent Strategic Partners

    Emergent develops strategic partnerships that scale sustainable innovations for large enterprises. By connecting leading companies with emerging businesses, Emergent drives cost efficiencies and revenue growth while providing family offices with access to high-potential investment opportunities. Emergent partners’ impact includes $2.2B in revenue generated, $2.8B in enterprise value created, and $1.3B in capital raised.

    Media Contact:
    Paul Orszag
    Emergent Strategic Partners
    porszag@esp.co
    (661) 803-6617

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Ageas announces the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meetings of Shareholders of ageas SA/NV

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ageas announces the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meetings of Shareholders of ageas SA/NV

    As the quorum required for the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Wednesday 23 April 2025 will not be attained, ageas SA/NV is organising the Ordinary and Extraordinary Meetings of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) on Wednesday 21 May 2025 at 10:30 a.m. The Meeting is being held at the Auditorium of AG Insurance, AG Campus, in 1000 Brussels, Rue du Pont Neuf 17.

    The general conditions for attending the Meeting as well as the below documents are available on the Ageas website:

    • the convening notice, together with the agenda containing the items:
      • the approval of the annual report and accounts for 2024,
      • the approval of the 2024 dividend,
      • the discharge of liability,
      • the approval of the remuneration report,
      • the approval of the proposal for the reappointments of Board members,
      • the confirmation of the appointment of the statutory auditor for the audit of the non-financial reporting (CSRD),
      • the approval of proposed amendment to the Articles of Association (authorized capital), and
      • the authorisation for the company to acquire ageas SA/NV shares.
    • the special report by the Board of Directors on the use and purpose of the authorized capital prepared in accordance with article 7:199 of the Companies and Associations Code,
    • the proxy model,
    • the annual report 2024 of ageas SA/NV.

    Shareholders will be able to register, vote and ask questions at the Meeting if, on the date of registration, they hold the number of shares for which they have indicated their intention to exercise their voting rights, irrespective of the number of shares they hold on the day of the Meeting. The registration date has been set at Wednesday 7 May 2025 at midnight (CET).

    Shareholders who wish to attend the Meeting must make their intentions known no later than Thursday 15 May 2025 by communicating their instructions to the company, their bank or their financial institution. The proxies with which shareholders can pass on their voting instructions must be in the company’s possession no later than Thursday 15 May 2025.

    Questions about this Meeting can be e-mailed to general.meeting@ageas.com.

    Ageas is a listed international insurance Group with a heritage spanning of 200 years. It offers Retail and Business customers Life and Non-Life insurance products designed to suit their specific needs, today and tomorrow, and is also engaged in reinsurance activities. As one of Europe’s larger insurance companies, Ageas concentrates its activities in Europe and Asia, which together make up the major part of the global insurance market. It operates successful insurance businesses in Belgium, the UK, Portugal, Türkiye, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries and long-term partnerships with strong financial institutions and key distributors. Ageas ranks among the market leaders in the countries in which it operates. It represents a staff force of about 50,000 people and reported annual inflows of EUR 18.5 billion in 2024.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Judge Finds Alexandria Man Guilty of Child Pornography Offenses

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal judge convicted an Alexandria man, who worked for the Department of Commerce, yesterday on charges of receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Rafferty Daniel Kelly, 40, worked for the Patent and Trademark Office. In March 2022, a federal CSAM investigation involving an Internet-based, peer-to-peer file sharing service led federal agents to execute a search warrant at Kelly’s home where they seized multiple devices. A review of those devices revealed that over a period of at least two years Kelly had downloaded and stored over 50,000 of images of CSAM and child erotica, including images of infants and prepubescent children. Kelly also possessed a handbook on how to groom children.

    At the end of the bench trial, U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff found Kelly guilty of one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Kelly is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24 and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after Judge Nachmanoff returned the verdict.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa K. Strobbe for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz for the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation & Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-246.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: FDIC Announces Three Orders Against Discover Bank, Greenwood, Delaware

    Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

    CategoriesBusiness, Commerce, MIL-OSI, United States Federal Government, United States Government, United States of America, US Commerce, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC, US Federal Government, US Insurance Sector, USA

    WASHINGTON – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today announced the issuance of three orders against Discover Bank, Greenwood, Delaware (Bank). Specifically, the FDIC issued an Amended and Restated Consent Order requiring corrective action, an Order for Restitution requiring a restitution plan to distribute at least $1.225 billion to adversely affected merchants, merchant acquirers, and other intermediaries (collectively, merchants), and an Order to Pay assessing a $150 million civil money penalty.

    The FDIC determined that:

    • For approximately 17 years, the Bank misclassified millions of consumer credit cards as commercial, resulting in higher interchange fees for transactions processed on the Discover network.
    • As a result of the Bank’s misclassification, merchants were overcharged over $1 billion in interchange fees when accepting payments with the misclassified credit cards.

    In a concurrent action, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issued an order requiring corrective action and assessing a civil money penalty of $100 million against the Bank’s parent holding company, Discover Financial Services, Riverwoods, Illinois, and its subsidiary, DFS Services LLC.

    ATTACHMENT:

    # # #

    MEDIA CONTACT: 
    LaJuan Williams-Young
    lwilliams-young@FDIC.gov

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Start Trading on BexBack: No KYC, 100x Leverage, $50 Welcome Bonus & 100% Deposit Match!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin continues to trade below $85,000 and analysts predict that the crypto market will remain volatile, holding spot positions may not generate short-term profits. Recent economic shifts, including policy announcements such as President Trump’s tariff decisions, have brought some stabilization, but the volatility remains. For investors seeking to maximize returns in these uncertain times, BexBack Exchange offers a powerful solution. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, BexBack empowers traders to seize market opportunities. And with no KYC requirements, it provides a seamless and efficient way to trade.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $60,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $63,000, your profit will be (63,000 – 60,000) * 100 BTC / 60,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and more than 50 other major altcoins. Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, BexBack holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by over 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, and offers no deposit fees, along with exceptional customer service, including 24/7 support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f765bfe6-e6f9-4867-ab6f-2fef3da5b961

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/85bc3b21-4e6a-4d8f-a9e2-da37f964315e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2dfa773-8126-4959-a62a-21fa516242e3

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d146fdfe-4b9f-4807-959a-87ca088dfb43

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: International enterprises eye opportunities at China’s major trade exhibitions

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

    GUANGZHOU, April 18 — In spite of intensified trade protectionism and geopolitical tensions, China’s products and market are still appealing to foreign business people.

    A record-breaking 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders are participating in the ongoing fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in the tropical island province of Hainan in south China.

    Meanwhile, the Canton Fair, which kicked off on Tuesday in Guangzhou, south China, drew 64,530 overseas buyers on its opening day, an 8.9 percent year-on-year increase and a record high for the first day. This event in Guangdong Province features major international retailers, including Walmart and Target from the United States, Carrefour from France, Tesco and Kingfisher from the UK, and Germany’s Metro.

    According to Niu Huayong, a professor at the International Business School of Beijing Foreign Studies University, the success of this year’s CICPE and Canton Fair highlights that trade and cooperation remain key drivers of global development. All countries benefit from globalization, he said.

    Amid current global trade turbulence, international buyers attending the Canton Fair still consider Chinese products highly attractive and even irreplaceable.

    Dinova, a retail company headquartered in France which finds most of its suppliers at the Canton Fair, has made China the core of its global sourcing strategy, according to its general manager Sonia Ben Behe.

    “We have explored alternative countries, but no other region matches China’s maturity for our product category. That’s why, as part of a global sourcing strategy, China remains at the core,” she said.

    According to Chris Arthan, an exhibitor from the United States, despite the impact of tariffs, China’s role in the global supply chain remains crucial and widely respected.

    In addition to the strong appeal of Chinese products to global buyers, international brands also have confidence in China’s consumer market. For this year’s CICPE, top producers from around the world eagerly flocked to Hainan.

    The UK, as the guest country of honor at the 2025 event, is occupying an exhibition area of more than 1,300 square meters, displaying 53 brands across the fashion, beauty, homeware, health and jewelry industries, and doubling its 2024 presence.

    “I have seen the tremendous innovation and growth taking place within China’s economy in recent years, not least in digital technologies, life sciences and green energy,” said Douglas Alexander, minister of state of the British Department for Business and Trade, while also emphasizing the UK’s commitment to deepening economic ties with China.

    Notably, the expo has managed to draw an array of top-tier global luxury brands. Richemont’s TimeVallée debuted as an independent exhibitor, while LVMH and Kering Group brands made appearances — reflecting confidence in China’s premium consumption growth.

    “Luxury consumers in China are significantly younger than those in many overseas markets, and that presents a major opportunity for us,” said Nancy Liu, president of luxury travel retailer DFS China. The company has introduced tailored services to cater to the expectations of emerging consumer groups.

    Global trade uncertainties and growing supply chain disruptions have not prevented foreign investors from remaining optimistic about the Chinese market. China’s market size, rising consumer demand and supportive policies continue to offer unique and strong appeal, helping to retain investor confidence.

    According to Yao Zhenguo, global senior vice president of Siemens Energy, the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port is unlocking new opportunities for openness. He noted that Siemens will continue to strengthen collaboration across the full industrial chain, drive innovation, and support Hainan Free Trade Port’s international, green and law-based growth.

    Yao said Siemens has deeply felt the momentum of China’s reform and opening up, a view echoed by many exhibitors. They believe that amid a challenging global economic climate and rising trade protectionism, China’s firm commitment to high-standard opening up delivers much-needed stability and certainty, injecting confidence into the world economy.

    China’s total goods imports and exports in yuan-denominated terms expanded 1.3 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025, demonstrating stable growth and strong resilience despite external headwinds, customs data showed.

    U.S. tariff increases on Chinese products will exert some pressure on China’s trade and economy in the short term, but won’t alter the Chinese economy’s long-term positive trajectory, said Sheng Laiyun, deputy director of the National Bureau of Statistics.

    Zhang Yansheng, an economist with the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, told Xinhua that based on the trade events in Guangzhou and Hainan, the resilience of China’s foreign trade against the backdrop of growing protectionism in the world is evident. “We can see that foreign business people continue to seek opportunities in China.”

    “China is a country with a large population, a big economy and a huge scale of opening up,” he continued. “At a time when the sentiment of anti-globalization grows, China will stick to the path of opening up at a high level, and promote economic globalization, as well as trade and investment liberalization.”

    MIL OSI China News