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Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI: Greenbacker broadens fundraising capabilities with new senior business development hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenbacker Capital Management (“GCM” and, together with its affiliates, “Greenbacker”), an energy transition-focused investment manager, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its distribution and fundraising capabilities, particularly in markets where Greenbacker is seeing increasing investor demand for sustainable investments. As senior members of the business development team, Adam Evans, CAIA, CIMA and John Hennessey broaden Greenbacker’s ability to offer individual and institutional investors the opportunity—across all distribution channels—to participate in the energy transition.

    “With Greenbacker’s evolving set of strategies, the timing couldn’t be better to add these two individuals, and their wealth of experience, to the distribution side of our business,” said Brandon Praznik, Greenbacker’s Executive Vice President of Business Development. “The strategic additions of Adam and John bolster our capital raising efforts as Greenbacker seeks to execute on its growth targets and capitalize on the energy transition opportunity set for our investors.”

    Evans is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience distributing financial services products to institutional and retail investors. As a senior vice president on Greenbacker’s business development team, he is responsible for the distribution of company strategies through all distribution channels in the Central US. Prior to Greenbacker, Evans served as a director within the financial institutions group at Lazard Asset Management, before which he held the role of business development director at Cushing Asset Management. In both roles, Evans was responsible for distributing firm strategies to the registered investment advisor (“RIA”), bank trust, and family office channels, including securing investment in new strategies.

    Hennessey is a seasoned business development professional, bringing to Greenbacker 15 years of experience marketing and distributing investment strategies to the RIA, family office, and institutional channels. As a vice president on Greenbacker’s business development team, he is responsible for the distribution of company strategies through all channels, with a focus on the Southeastern US. Previously in his career, Hennessey served as a director at Chicago Atlantic Group and a vice president at Merit Hill Capital; at both firms, he was responsible for business development, covering the RIA, family office, and institutional channels.

    The two join the company during a period of expansion and transformation for Greenbacker. Greenbacker’s latest quarterly results highlight substantial year-over-year growth in revenue and clean power production, as well as a 30% increase in fee-earning AUM,1 bringing the total to $762 million. As of the end of the second quarter, the company’s aggregate AUM2 had reached $3.7 billion.

    Greenbacker also recently expanded its investments team following the launch of GCM’s fourth sustainability-driven investment strategy, focused on Energy Transition Real Estate. Earlier this year, Greenbacker announced it added three new members to its leadership team, including a new Chief Financial Officer and the newly created Head of Infrastructure and Head of Capital Markets positions. Late last year, the company expanded its private equity investment team, adding a managing director to its Greenbacker Development Opportunities (“GDEV”) strategy, which invests in growth-stage sustainable infrastructure development platforms.

    GCM serves as the SEC-registered investment manager to four energy transition-focused investment strategies. Greenbacker remains committed to empowering a sustainable future by putting investor capital to work in the energy transition asset class. As of June 30, 2024, Greenbacker’s fleet of clean energy projects has produced over 10.7 million MWh of clean power3 since 2016, abating nearly 7.5 million metric tons of carbon4 and conserving approximately 7.4 billion gallons of water,5 compared to the amount of water needed to produce the same amount of power by burning coal.

    About Greenbacker Capital Management
    Greenbacker Capital Management LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser that provides advisory and oversight services related to project development, acquisition, and operations in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability industries. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

    About Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company
    Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC is a publicly reporting, non-traded limited liability sustainable infrastructure company that both acquires and manages income-producing renewable energy and other energy-related businesses, including solar and wind farms, and provides investment management services to other renewable energy investment vehicles. We seek to acquire and operate high-quality projects that sell clean power under long-term contracts to high-creditworthy counterparties such as utilities, municipalities, and corporations. We are long-term owner-operators, who strive to be good stewards of the land and responsible members of the communities in which we operate. Greenbacker conducts its investment management business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenbacker Capital Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. We believe our focus on power production and asset management creates value that we can then pass on to our shareholders—while facilitating the transition toward a clean energy future. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update and forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in its expectations.

    Greenbacker media contact
    Chris Larson
    Media Communications
    646.569.9532
    c.larson@greenbackercapital.com

    1 Fee-earning AUM represents the asset base upon which management fee revenue is earned from GCM’s managed funds. The financial and portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited and subject to change.
    2 Aggregate AUM includes GREC and GCM’s managed funds. AUM represents the underlying fair value of investments, determined generally in accordance with ASC 820, cash and cash equivalents and project level debt. These figures are unaudited and subject to change.
    3 As of June 30, 2024.
    4 As of June 30, 2024. When compared with a similar amount of power generation from fossil fuels. Carbon abatement is calculated using the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator which uses the Avoided Emissions and generation Tool (AVERT) US national weighted average CO2 marginal emission rate to convert reductions of kilowatt-hours into avoided units of carbon dioxide emissions.
    5 As of June 30, 2024. Gallons of water saved are calculated based on Operational water consumption and withdrawal factors for electricity generating technologies: a review of existing literature – IOPscience, J Macknick et al 2012 Environ. Res. Lett. 7 045802.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Disproportionate or usury fees for cash withdrawal from ATMs in the EU – E-001828/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001828/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Matjaž Nemec (S&D)

    Regulation (EU) 2021/1230[1] on cross-border payments in the Union regulates cash withdrawals from ATMs within the EU, including the application of the principle of equality of charges for cross-border cash withdrawals.

    However, this Regulation does not regulate the amounts of those fees, creating ‘Wild West’ conditions on the market, with certain banks or ATM providers charging disproportionately high or usury fees for cash withdrawals, often irrespective of the withdrawn amount. Nova Ljubljanska Banka (NLB) in Slovenia charges EUR 5.99 per cash withdrawal from their ATMs for cards issued by other EU banks[2].

    NLB is one of the biggest banks in Slovenia, and particularly in certain rural areas, has a monopoly on ATM presence. Consumers are sometimes left with no choice but to pay such usurious fees for cash withdrawals.

    Due to a risk of unfair or misleading commercial practices, I ask the Commission the following:

    • 1.Are such fees in line with the relevant EU acquis?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider NLB’s cash withdrawal fees, irrespective of the withdrawn amount, as fair, and does the Commission intend to propose a cap on such fees at EU level?
    • 3.What is the Commission doing to protect EU citizens from such disproportionate and usury fees?

    Submitted: 26.9.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Camaraderie, Enthusiasm Punctuate Wolff New Venture Competition

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A novel treatment for long-term pain management that could revolutionize post-operative care and eliminate the need for opioids for many, won the first-place, $30,000 grand prize at the Wolff New Venture Competition last week.

    Professors and esteemed UConn Health researchers Lakshmi Nair, Ph.D. and Yusuf Khan, Ph.D. say they were both surprised and thrilled that their startup, Soleia Biosciences, received the award. With the financial and business support they’ve received, they hope to advance the treatment that has been in development for 10 years.

    “This prize will really set the stage for everything else we need to do; without it we would have been stuck,’’ Khan says. “Now we can move forward with determining exactly what we need to do to show our product is both safe and effective, and get it into the hands of doctors so they can start treating patients as soon as possible.’’

    “Our job has always been to figure out how to solve medical problems that don’t have a good solution,’’ Khan says. “With the Wolff Prize, we are even closer to that reality.’’

    Competition Awarded $115,000 in Cash and Prizes

    The Wolff New Venture Competition is the School of Business’ pinnacle entrepreneurship challenge. The event on Tuesday night drew dozens of UConn entrepreneurs and their supporters to the Dunkin Park YG Club for a night of competition, camaraderie, networking, and socializing.

    This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Wolff event, which invites five outstanding UConn-affiliated startups to compete annually. Since its inception, the amount of the awards has risen from $15,000 to more than $$115,000 in cash and in-kind services.

    The five 2024 Wolff finalists have developed a diverse set of companies, from toys to e-commerce to a business-travel planning app. Preparation for the event begins in March when 10 startups are selected to participate in the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s (CCEI) Summer Fellowship Accelerator, where they develop their businesses to become market ready.

    “This was by far the best Wolff New Venture Competition to date,’’ says Jennifer Mathieu, executive director of CCEI. “The room was packed with members of our entrepreneurial ecosystem including investors, community partners, dozens of CCEI’s entrepreneurs showcasing their startups, and many of our alumni just there to support.

    “There was an energy in the space; it was one of collaboration, community, and this level of overall excitement that everyone seemed to have about being there. I feel proud of what my team has accomplished in their support of the hundreds of startups that have participated in CCEI programs,’’ she says. “The five teams that pitched have made tremendous progress since working with CCEI. I can’t wait to see what impact they are going to have on the world.’’

    Medical Company Wins Grand Prize

    In addition to the grand prize, Soleia Biosciences also received the Legal Services Award valued at $10,000 and presented by Wiggin and Dana’s emerging companies division.

    The startup is on the cusp of a breakthrough pain-reduction treatment that can extend the duration of local anesthetics, enabling patients to be nearly pain-free and mobile. Nair says the $15 billion post-surgical pain management industry is ready for change.

    “Since opioid use can have such a negative impact on a person, it’s really critical to find non-addictive solutions for both short- and long-term pain,’’ Nair says. “This applies to everyone, young and old; nobody is exempt from these needs.  In younger people it may be part of recovering from a painful sports injury, and in older people more about managing something like osteoarthritis. Regardless of the age or disease, there is a critical need for opioid alternatives.’’

    The company already has patents and compelling pre-clinical data. The founders are looking to hire a consultant to help them begin the FDA approval process.

    Started by Two Car Enthusiasts, WheelPrice Earned Three Honors

    The $10,000 Second-Place Prize, sponsored by Santander Bank, went to WheelPrice, an online marketplace that facilitates the sales of new, used and vintage wheels. The company also won a ​$5,000 Audience Choice Award.
    sponsored by Fiondella Milone & Lasaracina (FML) and a $35,000 pro bono Digital Product Development Award from Revyrie.

    Co-founder Kyle Mayers ’13 (BUS) says the company has something for everyone. “We have wheels for every car from a Honda Civic to a Ferrari,” he says.

    Mayers and co-founder Wally Namane ’13 (BUS), ’18 MBA, both car enthusiasts, met as students through mutual friends at UConn. “We’ve had a life-long obsession with cars,’’ Mayers says.

    Today they hope to become the number one marketplace for the 67 million car enthusiasts in the U.S. Globally, consumers spend $5 billion on wheels annually. They believe their easy-to-use platform and some high-tech features, now in development, will put them in the industry’s drivers’ seat.

    Business-Travel App Took Third Place

    Since the onset of the pandemic, the number of fully remote companies has grown 400%. And although their employees may be on different coasts, Vamos founder Niko Zurita ’10 (BUS) believes every growing business requires face-to-face meetings between colleagues. He is developing an app to tailor meetings and locations to company needs, while also saving them money.

    Vamos received the $7,500 Third Place Prize sponsored by Prime Materials Recovery Inc., and a Digital Surgeons brand consulting award, valued at $10,000.

    Toy Dinosaurs, Natural Food Preservative Captivated Audience

    Lyla Andrick ’24 (CAHNR), created Happy Dinosaur, a company that sells brightly colored dinosaur stuffed animals, from her dorm room at UConn. The plush animals have become so popular that the New England boutiques that stock them can’t keep them on the shelves. As part of her presentation, she passed around a half-dozen dinosaurs, and members of the audience were delighted.

    Happy Dinosaur won a ​$5,000 Community Impact Award, sponsored by Baystate Financial, that will help Andrick create books about the main characters and create a format for children to share imaginative stories about them.

    Meanwhile Atlas, formerly Atlantic Sea Solutions, a company using seaweed extracts as a tasteless, texture-less coating to preserve the shelf-life of peaches, berries and other produce, won a $5,000 Innovation Award, sponsored by Mark and Jamie Summers. The company plans to use the winning to purchase more equipment.

    “What I love about my work and what motivates me is using science and technology to do cool things with food,’’ says co-founder Anuj Purohit, a research associate in the Department of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. “The world population is growing, and we all need good, nutritious food. That’s what drew me to agriculture and what keeps me going.’’

    Experienced Entrepreneurs Say Their Companies are Thriving

    The event also welcomed more than 25 previous Wolff participants who have made great strides with their startups. They were eager to cheer on the next wave of entrepreneurs.

    Jake Winter ’22 (ENG), co-founder and CTO of PatentPlusAI, a company using AI to generate comprehensive patent search reports in less than 24 hours, says the startup has grown exponentially in four years.

    “We’re hustling,’’ says Winter, noting that their client base includes corporate giant IBM. If he could offer advice to the newer entrepreneurs, it would be to “get ridiculously familiar with your market, and once you understand your customer, test as soon as you can,’’ he says.

    For graduate student Amelia Martin, the year since her participation in the Wolff competition has been one of extraordinary growth.

    “A year ago, I didn’t know what to expect. I had the mindset of a student,’’ she says. “Now I think like a CEO.’’

    Her company, Mud Rat, an eco-friendly alternative to the standard Styrofoam surfboard core, has participated in two business accelerators, won a small grant, and is completing its first protype this month. She’s also added to her team. Martin advises those who follow in her footsteps to just keep going when the going is tough. “If you stick with it, you’ll hit all your goals eventually,’’ she says.

    In the last year, alumna Hayley Segar, founder of onewith, a direct-to-consumer swimwear and accessory company, has been featured in People and InStyle magazines. She now employs four manufacturers to make her swimwear and this year sold 50,000 units. She hasn’t lost touch with her roots; her mom still packs her orders.

    She tells the new entrepreneurs to avoid distraction. “They need to be focused and heads-down in the early stages of their company,’’ she says. “It’s exciting, there is a lot of sacrifice, but in the end, owning your own business is extremely satisfying.’’

    She credits UConn for setting her up for success. As she speaks with entrepreneurs who attended other colleges, none of them had the expert entrepreneurial support that UConn offered, Segar says.

    Judges Were Impressed by What They Heard

    Competition judge Luke Steinberger, COO at Revyrie, a company that helps build and scale companies and a sponsor of the event, says he was very impressed with all the presentations.

    “They were well prepared, and I loved the diversity of ideas,’’ he says. “The program exceeded my expectations. I’m very happy to be involved and will be back next year.’’

    Judge Adam Silverman, partner at law firm Wiggin and Dana, says he didn’t know exactly what to expect before the competition. “It was great to be a part of the competition. I was impressed by the quality of the companies, the focus of the founders, and the exciting use of technology,’’ he says.

    School of Business Dean John A. Elliott spoke about how entrepreneurship has grown in the 13 years he has been here.

    “We used to think entrepreneurship was something for juniors and seniors to explore but now we welcome many students who begin their companies as freshmen,’’ he says. “The excitement around entrepreneurship has grown rapidly.’’

    Elliott also thanked the Wolff family, including Greg Wolff who was in attendance, for starting the competition and advocating for entrepreneurship at UConn. Elliott says their influence helped create additional competitions and great support for startups at UConn.

    Alycia Chrosniak, Assistant Director of Brand & Venture Development at CCEI, says working with the startups and watching them grow has been rewarding.

    “But my favorite part will be three months from now when I get the emails about what these new companies and their founders have accomplished,’’ she says. “What we do here is life changing.’’

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Month of Discovery: Sophia Hatzis ’27, a Researcher and Mentor

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Sophia Hatzis ’27 was a newly arrived first-year student when she learned about Innovate Labs at separate campus-wide kick-off events. What she heard intrigued her, so she decided to check it out.

    “I thought it was so cool how Innovate tries to get students to explore things outside of class,” she says. “I thought I could do some cool projects within the lab.”

    A year later, Hatzis has more than met that goal and is now part of the Innovate Labs team, showing a new wave of incoming students around. As a lab research specialist, she helps students discover the possibilities available through Innovate, an educational research lab within the UConn School of Business. The lab provides students of all disciplines with opportunities and resources to learn, explore, and develop industry-valued skills in emerging technology and analytics.

    A Trumbull resident majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Sociology, Hatzis says she is especially excited to be participating in Month of Discovery (MoD) activities this year, something she missed last year because she had yet to be hired.

    “Now, I’ll get to see the other side of things,” she says. “MoD is the whole month of October, and it’s filled with innovation events. Last year, I checked out all the different makerspaces and it inspired me to start working on some of my own projects. This year, Innovate will be running Makerspace Bounce on October 3. I’m looking forward to helping out with that.”

    Outside the lab, Hatzis is an avid hiker. (Courtesy of the Office of Undergraduate Research)

    After graduating, Hatzis plans to pursue human factors engineering, which considers both the user side and consumer side of emerging technology.

    “I like the idea that I can do work that considers the social side and impact of the new things we innovate,” she says. “For example making sure an AI program that does redistricting doesn’t perpetuate gerrymandering, or if you design a traffic control system, the town has the resources to feasibly power it.”

    Hatzis’ work with AI has not gone unnoticed. In April, she was one of handful of tech-savvy students tapped to make presentations at Hartford’s AI Day, an event showcasing sophisticated local AI-based companies and providing networking opportunities for those companies and promising students.

    Hatzis and her partner taught attending business professionals how to use machine learning to create a chatbot. Together, they showed participants how to capture images of themselves smiling, frowning and wearing a shocked expression, then taught them how to train the computer model to recognize facial expressions.

    “These students are so knowledgeable, bright, thoughtful and inquisitive,” Jonathan Moore, executive director of the CT Information Technology Institute and leader of the Innovate Labs initiative, said at the time. “They really are going to shape the future of technology and business.”

    Keeping up with the pace of worldwide innovation is one of her favorite parts of working at Innovate Lab, Hatzis says. “We are constantly adapting to the needs of the campus and the new technologies that come out.”

    Over the summer, Hatzis helped with the Young Scholars Senior Summit program at which students, through the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program, were introduced to the different kinds of technology in the lab and then directed to use it for a project with real world impact.

    “I enjoyed discussing the feasibility of their technology and how they could incorporate it into their ideas,” she says of the experience. “We honestly have something for everyone no matter what they are interested in. Once you get a student started with one thing, I like seeing them get comfortable with the technologies and branching out to try new things outside their comfort zone.”

    Outside the lab, Hatzis is serving as treasurer this fall of a gender-inclusive service fraternity (APO) and dances with the university ballet company. She is also a morale captain for UConn’s HuskyTHON, an annual dance marathon and fundraiser for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and enjoys hiking and exploring. At UConn, she loves to watch sunsets from Horsebarn Hill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Authorizes Marketing of First Home Flu and COVID-19 Combination Test Outside of Emergency Use Authorities

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    For Immediate Release:

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted marketing authorization for the Healgen Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Test. The test, authorized for use without a prescription, is for use by individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms and uses a nasal swab sample to deliver at-home results in approximately 15 minutes for COVID-19 and influenza (flu). The test detects proteins from both SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and influenza A and B (the viruses that causes flu).  

    This is the first over-the-counter (OTC) test that can detect influenza to be granted marketing authorization using a traditional premarket review pathway, which enables the test to be marketed in the absence of an applicable emergency use declaration. Other OTC flu/COVID tests are currently available under emergency use authorization. 

    “As we enter this year’s annual flu season with respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 on many of our minds, our ability to detect these pathogens effectively and efficiently can be impactful on our daily lives. Today’s authorization expands the options for individuals with respiratory symptoms to receive information about their health from the comfort of their home,” said Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D., acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “The FDA continues to take actions that support the development and availability of at-home tests for a variety of medical conditions.”

    The test is for use by individuals 14 years or older taking and testing their own sample, or individuals 2 years and older with a sample taken and tested by an adult. The FDA reviewed data from a study of individuals with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza, which showed that this test correctly identified 99% of negative and 92% of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples, 99.9% of negative Flu A and B samples, and 92.5% and 90.5% of positive Flu A and Flu B samples, respectively. 

    Validation data for the test was gathered through the Independent Test Assessment Program (ITAP), a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx®) Tech program, in collaboration with the FDA. ITAP was launched in 2021 to accelerate test evaluation to support the FDA’s regulatory review and the availability of high-quality, accurate and reliable diagnostic tests to the public. 

    As with all rapid antigen tests, which generally have lower sensitivity than molecular tests, there is a risk of false negative test results. Individuals who test negative and continue to experience symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath may still have SARS-CoV-2, flu or another respiratory infection and should seek follow up care with their health care provider. Individuals who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 or flu should take appropriate precautions to avoid spreading the virus and should seek follow-up care with their physician or health care provider.

    Along with this De Novo authorization, the FDA is establishing criteria called special controls that define the requirements related to labeling and performance testing. When met, the special controls, in combination with general controls, provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for tests of this type. This action also creates a new regulatory classification, which means that subsequent devices of the same type with the same intended use may go through the FDA’s less burdensome 510(k) pathway, whereby additional devices can obtain marketing clearance by demonstrating substantial equivalence to a predicate device.

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Airloom Energy Announces $13.75M Financing to Accelerate Development of Pilot in Wyoming

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LARAMIE, Wyo., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Airloom Energy, the company unlocking the next generation and full potential of wind power, has secured $7.5 million in financing led by Lowercarbon Capital with participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, WYVC, Crosscut Ventures, WovenEarth Ventures, Adiuvans, and the Kutnick Family Office to support its vision of revolutionizing wind energy generation. The company also secured $5 million in Energy Matching Funds from the State of Wyoming and a $1.25M non-dilutive contract from the U.S. Department of Defense.

    The new funding will support the development of a pilot in Wyoming to prove out power production and system efficiency, while demonstrating that Airloom can build wind for one-third the cost of conventional horizontal-axis turbines. The company will break ground on the project in the summer of 2025.

    Just as Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) continue to grow in size and complexity, continued cost reductions are hindered by interest rates and supply chain issues. Airloom takes a fundamentally different approach with its simple, mass-manufacturable design that enables higher energy density and a smaller visual footprint without the massive infrastructure that conventional turbines require.

    More efficient, easier to deploy wind technology has been a goal for decades, but previous efforts haven’t succeeded in displacing HAWTs because they didn’t have the right combination of high energy production, low capital costs, and system sturdiness. Airloom solves this with a robust, scalable system architecture that is engineered to withstand the harsh and dynamic conditions wind turbines are exposed to. In addition, Airloom is engineered to utilize common materials, automated manufacturing, and existing transportation networks. The resulting system is not only built to wind industry engineering standards, but achieves exceptional power production at low-cost.

    “As global demand for renewable energy increases, Airloom’s technology offers a breakthrough in reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) while addressing the supply chain challenges that have long hindered the wind sector,” said Neal Rickner, CEO of Airloom. “With a focus on efficiency, scalability, and sustainability, Airloom is positioned to become a key player in the future of renewable energy.”

    The Airloom team includes industry veterans from Google X, Boeing, GE, Vestas, Gulfstream, DNV GL, and more. Rickner previously served as COO of Makani, a next-generation wind turbine company owned by Alphabet and Shell.

    As Airloom builds its first-of-a-kind pilot project, it has opened dialogue with wind developers, asset owners, and power producers to explore partnerships for its next projects. The company is building a coalition of industry players and early adopters who will get early access as Airloom begins to scale. If you are an interested company or would like to learn more, please visit http://www.airloom.energy.

    About Airloom Energy

    Airloom Energy is developing a new generation of renewable energy technology designed to unlock the full potential of wind power. Airloom’s turbines are more efficient, can be mass manufactured, and deployed just about anywhere. Backed by leading investors, Airloom is on a mission to disrupt the wind energy industry and accelerate the global energy transition. To learn more follow Airloom on LinkedIn @airloomenergy, visit the website http://www.airloom.energy, or reach out directly: info@airloom.energy  

    About Lowercarbon Capital

    Lowercarbon Capital is a multibillion dollar venture capital firm founded by Chris and Crystal Sacca that backs kickass companies making real money slashing CO2 emissions, sucking carbon out of the sky, and buying us time to heal the planet. For more information, visit http://www.lowercarboncapital.com.

    About Breakthrough Energy Ventures

    Breakthrough Energy Ventures is a purpose-built investment firm that partners with, launches, and scales global companies that are building an emissions-free global economy. We seek true breakthroughs and are committed to supporting these entrepreneurs and companies by bringing to bear a unique combination of technical, operational, market, and policy expertise. Backed by many of the world’s top business leaders, companies, and investors, Breakthrough Energy Ventures has raised more than $3.5 billion in committed capital and partnered with more than 110 groundbreaking companies. Breakthrough Energy Ventures is the venture capital arm of Breakthrough Energy, a global network of climate leaders committed to accelerating the world’s journey to a clean energy future. The organization funds breakthrough technologies, advocates for climate-smart policies, and mobilizes partners around the world to take effective action, accelerating progress at every stage. Visit Breakthrough Energy Ventures to learn more.

    About WYVC

    Utilizing federal funds provided by the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), the Wyoming Business Council launched Wyoming Venture Capital (WYVC) in April 2023. Designed to support the innovation and growth needs of founders across the state, WYVC is an equity financing option for Wyoming high-growth companies with an eye toward future exit.

    WYVC utilizes two investment strategies – the Direct Strategy and the Funds Strategy – to support the growth of Wyoming startups. The program targets contributing 20% to selected funds or companies’ fundraising rounds. Ultimately, both strategies are designed to support in-state companies and to help bridge the early gaps in startup equity funding.

    Contact:

    Neal Rickner, CEO
    neal@airloom.energy
    858-254-2246

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8911e47-61c1-4b45-bec0-4a18505f232d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/725e62b4-c946-40a9-a36f-936ec4993c49

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06018e8c-9348-4461-bdad-d484285e5f31

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8958f274-14c9-41c4-abc0-f875c307afe3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mattermost Appoints Dr. Bill Anderson as Principal Product Manager to Lead Innovation in Secure Communications and Emerging Technologies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Palo Alto, Calif., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mattermost, Inc., a leader in delivering the secure, real-time collaboration and workflow tools that modern defense, security and intelligence teams need to maintain command, control, and operational tempo, is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Bill Anderson as Principal Product Manager. With a distinguished career in public and private security companies, Bill will drive Mattermost’s innovation in cutting-edge technology sectors such as AI, quantum cryptography, and secure communications. His leadership is expected to attract new collaborations, particularly with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community (IC), and foster discussions around Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and other federal innovation projects.

    Dr. Anderson holds a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, specializing in cryptography, and brings more than two decades of experience to Mattermost. Bill’s proven ability to innovate and secure information in complex critical infrastructure environments makes him an ideal addition to the Mattermost team as the company continues to push the boundaries of secure collaboration.

    “We are thrilled to have Bill on board as Principal Product Manager,” said Ian Tien, CEO of Mattermost. “His extensive experience in security technologies will play a vital role in advancing our product offerings and forging new alliances within the DoD and IC. Bill is not only an innovator but also a visionary in the field of secure communications, and his insights will help Mattermost drive meaningful progress in security and national defense innovation.”

    Prior to joining Mattermost, Bill served as President of CIS Secure where he introduced a successful secure mobile platform solution for U.S. and international government defense and intelligence use. He is also well known as the founder of Oculis Labs, an innovative data-in-use security company that served both the DoD and the IC, and which he led through a successful acquisition by OptioLabs. As a leader at OptioLabs, Bill first served as Chief Product Officer and later as CEO, where he introduced groundbreaking security solutions for Android devices.

    Dr. Anderson has also held executive roles at SafeNet Inc., Aether Systems, and Certicom, where he managed highly successful cryptography and communications product lines, including pioneering work in elliptic curve cryptography. His leadership extends to his role as Vice Chairman of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) board of directors, where he supported early-stage technology investments.

    Dr. Anderson holds multiple patents, including innovations in computer display privacy and secure information systems. His patented technologies focus on physically securing information on computer monitors, using advanced facial recognition and privacy control mechanisms to ensure that sensitive data is only visible to authorized users.

    “I’m excited to join Mattermost and contribute to its mission of securing communications for organizations with the highest security demands,” said Dr. Bill Anderson. “This is an exciting time in technology, with the rapid advancement of AI, quantum cryptography, and secure collaboration solutions. I look forward to working with Mattermost to bring new, innovative solutions to market, particularly for the DoD and IC, where the need for secure, cutting-edge technology is paramount.”

    Bill’s experience in working with the U.S. government and commercial sectors positions him to bridge the gap between technology development and national security needs. His role will be instrumental in driving the adoption of Mattermost’s solutions within federal agencies and fostering partnerships around innovation projects.

    About Mattermost

    Mattermost is the leading collaboration and workflow platform for mission-critical work. We serve national security, government, and critical infrastructure enterprises, from the U.S. Department of Defense, to global tech giants, to utilities, banks, and other vital services. We accelerate out-of-band incident response, DevSecOps workflow, mission operations, and self-sovereign collaboration to bolster the focus, adaptability, and resilience of the world’s most important organizations. 

    Our enterprise software and single-tenant SaaS platforms are built to meet the custom needs of rigorous and complex environments while offering a secure and unrivaled collaboration experience across web, desktop, and mobile with channel-based messaging, file sharing, audio calling and screen share, with integrated tooling, workflow automation and AI assistance. 

    Mattermost is developed on an open core platform vetted by the world’s leading security organizations, and co-built with over 4,000 open source project contributors who’ve provided over 30,000 code improvements towards our shared vision of accelerating the world’s mission-critical work. 

    For more information visit mattermost.com. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Eviden launches PQC HSMaaS, a EU sovereign, Post-Quantum Cryptography Hardware Security Module as a Service

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Eviden launches PQC HSMaaS, a EU sovereign, Post-Quantum Cryptography
    Hardware Security Module as a Service

    This secure cloud-independent solution, based on ANSSI’s Highest Qualified HSM,
    helps organizations meet the most stringent NIS2 requirements

    Les Assises de la Sécurité, Monaco and Paris, France – October 8, 2024 – Eviden, the Atos Group business leading in digital, cloud, big data and security today announces PQC HSMaaS, its EU sovereign, post-quantum cryptography Hardware Security Module (HSM) as a Service, powered by the Eviden HSM Trustway Proteccio™ brand.

    This secure, cloud-independent solution is the only HSM available on the market today which is based on ANSSI’s (Agence Nationale de la Sécurité des Systèmes d’Information1) Highest Security Qualification (“reinforced qualification”), thereby providing businesses with the highest level of security possible.

    Post-quantum-ready and EU sovereign for NIS2 compliance

    In addition to being based upon one of the most certified HSM on the market, Eviden’s PQC HSMaaS supports Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms, providing encryption that is future-proof against the advances of quantum computing.

    As a fully EU sovereign solution, Eviden’s PQC HSMaaS is hosted in resilient, sovereign data centers in France and managed by French teams, ensuring full control over sensitive data. This minimizes dependence on public cloud providers, reinforcing both data sovereignty and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, Eviden’s PQC HSMaaS helps businesses meet the stringent requirements of the NIS22Directive, securing sensitive data with robust encryption practices that guarantee confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

    Antoine Schweitzer-Chaput, Head of Trustway Business Unit, Eviden, Atos Group said: “This solution not only empowers companies to protect against emerging threats such as quantum computing through Post-Quantum Cryptography support, but it also established us as a strategic partner in helping organizations meet the stringent requirements of the NIS2 Directive. We take pride in offering an HSMaaS that blends the highest levels of security with the flexibility and control businesses need in today’s evolving landscape.”

    Eviden customers can now benefit from the PQC HSMaaS solution, via a monthly subscription. For more information, please visit : https://eviden.com/solutions/digital-security/data-encryption/trustway-proteccio-nethsm/

    ***

    About Eviden

    Eviden is a next-gen technology leader in data-driven, trusted and sustainable digital transformation with a strong portfolio of patented technologies. With worldwide leading positions in advanced computing, security, AI, cloud and digital platforms, it provides deep expertise for all industries in more than 47 countries. Bringing together 47,000 world-class talents, Eviden expands the possibilities of data and technology across the digital continuum, now and for generations to come. Eviden is an Atos Group company with an annual revenue of c. € 5 billion.

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 92,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Zohra Dali – zohra.dali.external@eviden.com – +33 (0) 6 71 92 71 87

    1 National Cybersecurity Agency of France responsible for ensuring the security of information systems across France, particularly within government institutions and critical infrastructure.
    2 The NIS2 Directive (Directive on security of network and information systems) is a European Union regulation aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across the EU. It updates and expands upon the original NIS Directive (2016) to address the evolving landscape of cyber threats and improve the overall level of cybersecurity within member states.

    3 Eviden business is operated through the following brands: AppCentrica, ATHEA, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, Edifixio, Energy4U, Engage ESM, Evidian, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Profit4SF, SEC Consult, Visual BI, Worldgrid, X-Perion.

    Eviden is a registered trademark. © Eviden SAS, 2024.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump and Harris are sharply divided on science, but share common ground on US technology policy

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Kenneth Evans, Scholar in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University

    Science topics don’t always come up during presidential debates – but they did on Sept. 10, 2024. Mario Tama via Getty Images

    For the first time in American history, quantum computing was mentioned by a candidate during a presidential debate, on Sept. 10, 2024. After Vice President Kamala Harris brought up quantum technology, she and former President Donald Trump went on to have a heated back-and-forth about American chipmaking and China’s rise in semiconductor manufacturing. Science and technology policy usually takes a back seat to issues such as immigration, the economy and health care during election season.

    What’s changed for 2024?

    From COVID-19 to climate change, ChatGPT to, yes, quantum computers, science-related issues are on the minds of American policymakers and voters alike. The federal government spends nearly US$200 billion each year on scientific research and development to address these challenges and many others. Presidents and Congress, however, rarely agree on how – and how much – money should be spent on science.

    With the increasing public focus on global competitiveness, the climate crisis and artificial intelligence, a closer look at Trump’s and Harris’ records on science and technology policy could provide a hint about how they’d approach these topics if elected this fall.

    Two distinct visions for science funding

    If politics can be described as “who gets what and when,” U.S. science and technology policy can be assessed through the annual budget process for R&D. By this measure, the differences between the Trump and Biden-Harris administrations couldn’t be starker.

    In his first budget request to Congress, in 2017, Trump spurned decades of precedent, proposing historic cuts across nearly every federal science agency. In particular, Trump targeted climate-related programs at the Department of Energy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.

    Trump’s fiscal policy took a page from Reagan-era conservative orthodoxy, prioritizing military spending over social programs, including R&D. Unlike Reagan, however, Trump also took aim at basic research funding, an area with long-standing bipartisan support in Congress. His three subsequent budget proposals were no different: across-the-board reductions to federal research programs, while pushing for increases to defense technology development and demonstration projects.

    Congress rebuked nearly all of Trump’s requests. Instead, it passed some of the largest increases to federal R&D programs in U.S. history, even before accounting for emergency spending packages funded as part of the government’s pandemic response.

    In contrast, the Biden-Harris administration made science and innovation a centerpiece of its early policy agenda – with budgets to match. Leveraging the slim Democratic majority during the 117th Congress, Biden and Harris shepherded three landmark bills into law: the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act. These laws contain significant R&D provisions focused on environmental projects (IIJA), clean energy (IRA) and American semiconductor manufacturing (CHIPS).

    CHIPS set up programs within the National Science Foundation and the Department of Commerce to create regional technology hubs in support of American manufacturing. The act also set ambitious funding targets for federal science agencies, especially at NSF, calling for its budget to be doubled from $9 billion to over $18 billion over the course of five years.

    Despite its initial push for R&D, the Biden-Harris administration’s final two budget proposals offered far less to science. Years of deficit spending and a new Republican majority in the House cast a cloud of budget austerity over Congress. Instead of moving toward doubling NSF’s budget, the agency suffered an 8% decrease in fiscal year 2024 – its biggest cut in over three decades. For FY2025, which runs from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025, Biden and Harris requested a meager 3% increase for NSF, billions of dollars short of CHIPS-enacted spending levels.

    An emerging consensus on China

    On technology policy, Biden and Harris share more with Trump than they let on.

    Their approach to competing with China on tech follows Trump’s lead: They’ve expanded tariffs on Chinese goods and severely limited China’s access to American-made computer chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

    Biden and Harris have also ramped up research security efforts intended to protect U.S. ideas and innovation from China. Trump launched the China Initiative as an attempt to stop the Chinese government from stealing American research. The Biden-Harris administration ended the program in 2022, but pieces of it remain in place. Scientific collaborations between the United States and China continue to decline, to the detriment of American scientific leadership.

    Semiconductor manufacturing is a key to many technologies; by extension, where it happens can be a security issue.
    Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    The Biden-Harris administration has also drawn from Trump-era policy to strengthen America’s leadership in “industries of the future.” The term, coined by Trump’s then-chief science adviser Kelvin Droegemeier, refers to five emerging technology areas: AI, quantum science, advanced manufacturing, advanced communications and biotechnology. This language has been parroted by the Biden-Harris administration as part of its focus on American manufacturing and throughout Harris’ campaign, including during the debate.

    In short, both candidates align with the emerging Washington bipartisan consensus on China: innovation policy at home, strategic decoupling abroad.

    Science advice not always a welcome resource

    Trump’s dismissal of and at times outright contempt for scientific consensus is well documented. From “Sharpiegate,” when he mapped his own projected path for Hurricane Dorian, to pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, World Health Organization and the Iran nuclear deal, Trump has demonstrated an unwillingness to accept any advice, let alone from scientists.

    Indeed, Trump took over two years to hire Droegemeier as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, or OSTP, doubling the previous record for the length of time a president has gone without a scientific adviser. This absence was no doubt reflected in Trump’s short-on-science budget requests to Congress, especially during the beginning of his administration.

    On the other hand, the Biden-Harris administration has promoted science and innovation as a core part of its broader economic policy agenda. It elevated the role of OSTP: Biden is the first president to name his science adviser – a position currently held by Arati Prabhakar – as a member of his Cabinet.

    By law, the president is required to appoint an OSTP director. But it is up to the president to decide how and when to use their advice. If the new White House wants the U.S. to remain a global leader in R&D, the science adviser will need to continue to fight for it.

    Kenneth Evans receives funding from the National Science Foundation, the American Institute of Physics, and the Clinton Foundation. He is affiliated with Rice University and Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

    – ref. Trump and Harris are sharply divided on science, but share common ground on US technology policy – https://theconversation.com/trump-and-harris-are-sharply-divided-on-science-but-share-common-ground-on-us-technology-policy-239053

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, August 2024

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $70.4 billion in August, down $8.5 billion from $78.9 billion in July, revised.

    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit
    Deficit: $70.4 Billion  –10.8%°
    Exports: $271.8 Billion  +2.0%°
    Imports: $342.2 Billion  –0.9%°

    Next release: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

    (°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, October 8, 2024

    Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)

    August exports were $271.8 billion, $5.3 billion more than July exports. August imports were $342.2 billion, $3.2 billion less than July imports.

    The August decrease in the goods and services deficit reflected a decrease in the goods deficit of $8.4 billion to $94.9 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $0.1 billion to $24.4 billion.

    Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $47.1 billion, or 8.9 percent, from the same period in 2023. Exports increased $79.0 billion or 3.9 percent. Imports increased $126.1 billion or 4.9 percent.

    Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)

    The average goods and services deficit decreased $1.6 billion to $74.1 billion for the three months ending in August.

    • Average exports increased $3.7 billion to $267.8 billion in August.
    • Average imports increased $2.0 billion to $342.0 billion in August.

    Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $11.1 billion from the three months ending in August 2023.

    • Average exports increased $13.3 billion from August 2023.
    • Average imports increased $24.4 billion from August 2023.

    Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)

    Exports of goods increased $4.4 billion to $179.4 billion in August.

      Exports of goods on a Census basis increased $4.9 billion.

    • Capital goods increased $1.7 billion.
      • Telecommunications equipment increased $0.5 billion.
      • Civilian aircraft increased $0.4 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $0.4 billion.
      • Other industrial machinery increased $0.4 billion.
      • Semiconductors decreased $0.8 billion.
    • Consumer goods increased $1.0 billion.
      • Pharmaceutical preparations increased $1.0 billion.
    • Industrial supplies and materials increased $0.9 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold increased $1.5 billion.
      • Crude oil decreased $1.1 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $0.8 billion.
      • Passenger cars increased $0.6 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $0.5 billion.

    Exports of services increased $0.9 billion to $92.3 billion in August.

    • Travel increased $0.5 billion
    • Government goods and services increased $0.2 billion.
    • Transport decreased $0.2 billion.

    Imports (exhibits 4, 6, and 8)

    Imports of goods decreased $3.9 billion to $274.3 billion in August.

      Imports of goods on a Census basis decreased $3.8 billion.

    • Industrial supplies and materials decreased $3.9 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold decreased $1.2 billion.
      • Finished metal shapes decreased $1.0 billion.
      • Crude oil decreased $1.0 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines decreased $1.3 billion.
      • Passenger cars decreased $1.1 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $0.2 billion.

    Imports of services increased $0.7 billion to $67.9 billion in August.

    • Travel increased $0.4 billion.
    • Charges for the use of intellectual property increased $0.4 billion.
    • Transport decreased $0.3 billion.

    Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)

    The real goods deficit decreased $8.6 billion, or 8.9 percent, to $88.6 billion in August, compared to an 8.5 percent decrease in the nominal deficit.

    • Real exports of goods increased $5.5 billion, or 3.8 percent, to $150.1 billion, compared to a 2.9 percent increase in nominal exports.
    • Real imports of goods decreased $3.2 billion, or 1.3 percent, to $238.7 billion, compared to a 1.4 percent decrease in nominal imports.

    Revisions

    Revisions to July exports

    • Exports of goods were revised down less than $0.1 billion.
    • Exports of services were revised down $0.1 billion.

    Revisions to July imports

    • Imports of goods were revised up $0.1 billion.
    • Imports of services were revised down $0.1 billion.

    Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)

    The August figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($5.5), South and Central America ($4.0), Australia ($1.9), Hong Kong ($1.6), Brazil ($0.8), Singapore ($0.5), and United Kingdom ($0.3). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with China ($24.7), European Union ($19.1), Mexico ($14.3), Vietnam ($9.8), Ireland ($8.0), Taiwan ($7.3), Germany ($6.6), Japan ($4.9), South Korea ($4.9), Canada ($3.9), Italy ($2.9), India ($2.7), Switzerland ($2.5), France ($1.7), Malaysia ($1.1), Israel ($1.0), Belgium ($0.6), and Saudi Arabia ($0.1).

    • The deficit with Canada decreased $3.8 billion to $3.9 billion in August. Exports increased $1.1 billion to $28.5 billion and imports decreased $2.7 billion to $32.3 billion.
    • The deficit with China decreased $2.6 billion to $24.7 billion in August. Exports increased $1.1 billion to $12.6 billion and imports decreased $1.5 billion to $37.3 billion.
    • The balance with Belgium shifted from a surplus of $1.0 billion in July to a deficit of $0.6 billion in August. Exports decreased $0.1 billion to $2.8 billion and imports increased $1.5 billion to $3.4 billion.

    All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or http://www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at http://www.bea.gov/news/schedule.

    Next release: November 5, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. EST
    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, September 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Director of Public Policy of TikTok

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the Director of Public Policy of TikTok Southeast Asia, Ms. Shinto Nugroho, at the sidelines of the 2024 ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, in Vientiane, Lao PDR. They discussed how the private sector, such as TikTok, could contribute to the region’s continued growth and development as well as explored future opportunities to advance ASEAN’s digital transformation.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Director of Public Policy of TikTok appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: CrashPlan Acquires Microsoft Partner Parablu to Extend M365 Protection

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data protection and resilience leader CrashPlan announced today it has acquired Parablu, Inc. a leading provider of data security and resiliency solutions known for its market-leading offerings protecting Microsoft 365 (M365) data. The acquisition positions CrashPlan to deliver the industry’s most comprehensive backup and recovery capabilities for data stored on servers, on endpoint devices and in Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams to Azure, their cloud, or to CrashPlan’s proprietary cloud.

    “Organizations of all sizes worldwide rely heavily upon Microsoft applications to store their most valued intellectual property,” said CrashPlan CEO John Becker. “Recent events like the UniSuper incident have reminded organizations that it is mission-critical to back up the valuable data stored on their platforms. In fact, the responsibility to regularly backup data is assigned to users by nearly every SaaS platform’s terms and conditions.”

    The Parablu acquisition enables CrashPlan to offer a complete cyber-ready data resilience solution that protects intellectual property (IP) and other data from accidental data deletion, ransomware, and Microsoft service interruptions.

    In addition to providing data protection and the ability to recover quickly from ransomware incidents, the combined technology can help customers store backup data with no additional costs by leveraging existing OneDrive and Azure infrastructure. Parablu earned a patent for its technology’s integration with Microsoft OneDrive for Business and Google Drive, allowing enterprises with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace subscriptions to use unused portions of their OneDrive for Business or Google Drive storage as secure backup repositories. Because CrashPlan has its own proprietary cloud infrastructure with data centers around the globe rather than relying on third-party cloud providers, customers can also take advantage of unlimited backup for endpoints and low-cost storage for servers and SaaS application backups.

    “Customers frequently come up against storage limits and turn to Parablu for archiving to save money while retaining rich data access,” said Parablu CEO and President Anand Prahlad, who will now act as CTO for CrashPlan. “We have seen even higher demand for M365 and Google Workspace protection over the last year as businesses have come to understand their shared responsibility for data backup.”

    “Idea workers” and the backup gap
    M365 risk is just one dimension of a growing problem inside of intellectual property-intensive businesses: a backup gap. In these organizations, data is distributed, and dozens of ‘idea workers’ – media, researchers, designers, engineers, architects, even lawyers – are constantly iterating within a number of specialized applications. Their files are often multiversion and very large, making backup trickier and endpoints riskier. Backup tools originally built to be used by IT departments for Oracle and SAP databases just don’t meet their needs.

    “Today’s idea workers create and store enormous value for their organizations – and without the right backup tools in place, weeks, even months of work can be lost in an instant,” added Becker. “At CrashPlan, we are building the first comprehensive cyber-ready data resiliency platform for organizations whose ideas power their revenue.”

    About CrashPlan
    CrashPlan® enables organizational resilience through secure, scalable, and straightforward data backup. With automatic backup and customizable file version retention, you can bounce back from any data calamity. What starts as backup and recovery becomes a solution for ransomware recovery, breaches, migrations, and legal holds. So, you can work fearlessly and grow confidently.

    Media Contact:
    Maura Lafferty
    Firebrand Communications

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: iLearningEngines Aims to Serve European Insurtech Market with Enterprise AI Platform and Knowledge Cloud

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iLearningEngines, Inc. (Nasdaq: AILE) (“iLearningEngines” or “the Company”), a leader in AI-powered learning and work automation, today announced the launch of its Insurtech Enterprise AI Knowledge Cloud and hyper apps aiming to serve the European Insurtech industry. iLearningEngines aims to help private insurers and their industry associations adopt and scale their AI projects, particularly where telematics application development can be accelerated and hyper-automated. This will be achieved by leveraging Generative AI partners such as Genlab Venture Studio, a founding member of CoSAI (Coalition for Safe AI), and global cloud service providers, global systems integrators, assurance and audit partners.

    The decision to serve the European Insurtech market builds on the capabilities of the ILE’s Telematics Hyper-App, a cloud marketplace application that is now a cornerstone of the ILE Hyper-App portfolio. The company aims to introduce ILE’s Knowledge Cloud service to insurers across Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and the UK – markets known for their mature digital ecosystems.

    Harish Chidambaran, CEO of iLearningEngines, commented: “The European Insurtech industry can now leverage iLearningEngines’ expertise in hyper-automation, AIOps, and AI model development to drive innovation and operational efficiency. Our AI solutions, which include telematics for industrial fleets and claims automation, can help insurers fast-track their digital transformation and deliver enhanced value to their customers.”

    Balakrishnan Arackal, President of iLearningEngines, added: “We are excited to formally introduce the iLearningEngines offering to Europe. Our strong digital transformation team, led by experts from leading tech companies, combined with our AI platform and marketplace partnerships, positions us uniquely to accelerate the hyper-automation journey of Europe’s top insurers.”

    About iLearningEngines

    iLearningEngines (Nasdaq: AILE) is a leading Applied AI platform for learning and work automation. iLearningEngines enables Enterprises to rapidly productize and deploy a wide range of AI applications and use cases (AI Engines) at scale. 

    iLearningEngines is powered by proprietary vertical specific AI models and data with a flexible No Code AI canvas to drive rapid out-of-the-box deployment while offering low latency and high levels of data security and compliance. Serving over 1,000 enterprise end customers, iLearningEngines is deployed globally into some of the most demanding vertical markets including Healthcare, Education, Insurance, Retail, Energy, Manufacturing and Public Sector to achieve mission critical outcomes.

    For more information about iLearningEngines, please visit: http://www.ilearningengines.com.

    About GenLab Venture Studio

    GenLab Studio is a venture studio focused on business models that leverage the impact, application, and growth of generative AI. By focusing on solid design principles and engaging a diverse community, GenLab Studio aims to create groundbreaking products that help build a more robust AI ecosystem. GenLab is also a founding sponsor of CoSAI.

    For more information about GenLab Studio, please visit: https://genlab.studio/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the Business Combination. Forward looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will, “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend”, “expect”, “should”, “would”, “plan”, “predict”, “potential”, “seem”, “seek”, “future”, “outlook”, the negative forms of these words and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the ability of iLearningEngines to help private insurers and their industry associations adopt and scale their AI projects and hyper-automate and scale their AI DevSecOps best practices; the ability of iLearningEngines’ and GenLab Ventures’ alliance to help to scale model development, AIOps, governance, risk management, and compliance; the potential benefits that iLearningEngines’ digital transformation expertise can provide to private European insurers and their industry association partners, including their ability to accelerate their most critical transformation initiatives, particularly in telematics for global industrial fleets, asset management and claims automation; iLearningEngines’ ability to help the European Insurtech industry achieve operational excellence across the region; and iLearningEngines’ ability to address market opportunities across artificial intelligence. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the iLearningEngines’ management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions this press release relies on. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of iLearningEngines. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political, and legal conditions; the outcome and findings of the ongoing special committee investigation of allegations raised by a recent short-seller report; iLearningEngines’ failure to realize the anticipated benefits of its recently completed business combination with Arrowroot Acquisition Corp.; risks related to the rollout of iLearningEngines’ business and the timing of expected business milestones; iLearningEngines’ dependence on a limited number of customers and partners; iLearningEngines’ ability to obtain sufficient financing to pay its expenses incurred in connection with the closing of the business combination; the ability of iLearningEngines to issue equity or equity-linked securities or obtain debt financing in the future; risks related to iLearningEngines’ need for substantial additional financing to implement its operating plans, which financing it may be unable to obtain, or unable to obtain on acceptable terms; iLearningEngines’ ability to maintain the listing of its securities on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange; the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations of iLearningEngines; the effects of competition on iLearningEngines’ future business and the ability of iLearningEngines to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; risks related to political and macroeconomic uncertainty; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against iLearningEngines or any of their respective directors or officers, including litigation related to the business combination; the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on any of the foregoing risks; and those risks and uncertainties identified in the “Risk Factors” sections of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2024, and its other subsequent filings with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that iLearningEngines does not presently know, or that iLearningEngines does not currently believe are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect iLearningEngines’ expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. iLearningEngines anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause iLearningEngines’ assessments to change. However, while iLearningEngines may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, iLearningEngines specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing iLearningEngines’ assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

    For iLearningEngines Investors:
    iLearningEngines, investors@ilearningengines.com
    Kevin Hunt, iLearningEnginesIR@icrinc.com

    For iLearningEngines PR:
    Dan Brennan, ICR Inc., iLearningPR@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Generator hub expands to Ancoats, boosting support for local businesses

    Source: City of Manchester

    The Generator enterprise hub has opened a site at Royal Mills in Ancoats. It is the second to launch as part of a multi-site project to support early-stage business across Greater Manchester.

    The first site opened in St Peter’s Square, adjacent to Manchester Central Library, earlier this year and has since benefited over 300 pre-startups, new businesses, freelancers and hybrid/remote workers.

    This new site offers a modern and flexible workspace with a wide range of office amenities to meet the needs of Manchester’s growing creative community and includes an in-house podcasting studio, mini photo studio and editing suite, which members can use for free to further their activities.

    Members can meet new people through workshops and networking events as well as receiving on-site support from an Enterprise Officer.

    Additionally, they can benefit from expert IP advice, start-up and new business advice, and access to £5million worth of business resources available through the Business and IP Centre of Greater Manchester and the Build a Business programme.

    Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said:

    “The Generator hubs provide a unique opportunity for independent small businesses and freelancers to access to a range of support to help grow their businesses as well as meeting like-minded people in a creative environment. This second Generator hub in Ancoats is a welcome addition to the original one in the city centre.”

    Below is what some businesses, who have already benefited from the Generator services, have said about their experience:

     

    Wafa Elamin – Founder of Ladr said:

    “Finding the Generator has been a godsend. Before, I was working alone at home but now I love my morning walks into the city to start my day at the Generator. It is convenient, comfortable and quiet and the staff are always friendly!”

    Andrea Whyne and Duré Shahawar, Co-founder of Consult Integrated Solutions said:

    “We both connected at a Generator networking event. Through shared ideas and experiences, we immediately felt a common purpose to bring about sustainable change, and our partnership has flourished ever since. Our experience at the Generator workspace has been invaluable. The creative, collaborative environment has provided the ideal setting to work with like-minded founders. The staff at Generator have been consistently supportive, offering guidance and encouragement. This support network has significantly boosted our journey, helping us feel supported as we take the next steps in growing our business.”

     

    Amy Thomson – Founder of the Travel Podcast Agency said:

    “Using the conference meeting space at Royal Mills Ancoats was brilliant! I held a concept development session there with my first big contract client. This meant I was able to offer a professional workspace in front of my client, I used the big TV screen to present podcast concepts to them and by the end of the day we even raised the standing desk so we could get some much needed movement into the meeting too. As always, the Generator team were super helpful and organised, which made the day totally stress-free”

    The Generator project has received £565,879 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Helene update #10 from Congressman Edwards

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11)

    Dear enewsletter.salutation_for_merging.merge,

    Here’s to hope: 6,586 people have been rescued, evacuated or assisted by search and rescue teams since Hurricane Helene hit, including 39 survivors being rescued on Saturday, October 5, over eight full days into rescue efforts.

    More than 4,000 first responders, national guardsmen, and active-duty military are in Western North Carolina looking for your friends, your family, or if you’re still stranded waiting for help – they’re looking for you. And they won’t stop until every missing person is accounted for.

    I’m sure many of you have heard that there is a second hurricane brewing on the coast of Florida. It is not expected to hit Western North Carolina, but if it maintains it’s intensity as a Category 4 hurricane, it is expected to be catastrophic. I’m here to tell you that we will support Florida in any way we can, but I am also committed to making sure Western North Carolina does not get left behind in place of the newest natural disaster.

    The resources and help I have listed over the last nine days are here to stay.

    Today is update number 10 and includes details on where to find critical health care services including orthopedic care, dialysis treatments, and oxygen tanks, and an updated timeline on power restoration for individuals in the hardest hit areas. More information is to come in the following days.

    As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.

    • Supplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.
      • 84 water systems are on a boil advisory.
      • 24 treatment plants have reported having no power and 33 systems are out of water.
        • Water restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.
    • The Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.
      • FEMA has shipped 13 million meals and 13 million liters of water utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.
        • Of the shipped food and water, more than 6 million liters of water and 4 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.
    • Walmart is hosting activities at the following locations:
      • Hendersonville, NC Store 1242
        • 250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792
          • Portable restrooms
          • Serving hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily
      • Arden, NC Store 1179
        • 60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704
          • Portable restrooms
          • Laundry
          • Showers
          • Wi-fi hotspot and charging stations
        • Buncombe County
          • Buncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:
            • Pack Square Park – you MUST bring your own container for this site
              • 80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801
            • William W. Estes Elementary School
              • 275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
            • Sand Hill-Venable Elementary
              • 154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
            • North Windy Ridge Intermediate School
              • 20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787
            • Fairview Elementary
              • 1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730
          • The following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:
            • Biltmore Baptist Church
              • 35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704
                • Distribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members
                  • Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
                • Community drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies
                  • Saturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.
            • First Baptist Church – Weaverville
              • 63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
                • Hot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
                • Unlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.
                • Supplies and bottled water.
                • Hot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.
          • Food and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:
            • Asheville Middle School
              • 211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
            • Ingles
              • 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711
                • This location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms
            • Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
              • 121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
            • Lucy Herring Elementary
              • 98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
            • Oakley Elementary School
              • 753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
        • Haywood County
          • The following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:
            • Fines Creek Community Center
              • 190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721
              • Open every day until 6:00 p.m.
            • Pigeon Community Center
              • 450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Also offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
            • Cruso Community Center
              • 13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716
                • Daily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
            • First United Methodist Church
              • 566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Includes shower access.
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
            • Maggie Valley Pavilion
              • 3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
                • Daily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
            • Woodland Baptist Church
              • 545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
            • Bethel Elementary School
              • 4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
            • Jonathan Valley Elementary School
              • 410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
                • Monday through Friday
            • St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church – in the Parish Hall
              • 234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
                  • Monday to Friday
                • Hot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.
            • St. Barnabas Catholic Church
              • 109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704
                • Daily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
            • Reynolds Baptist Church – Family Life Center
              • 520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
                • This location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.
          • The following location offers hot meals daily:
            • Maggie Valley Fire Department
              • 2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
          • The following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:
            • Calvary Baptist Church
              • 2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
        • Henderson County
          • Henderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.
          • Distribution will be taking place daily from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at the following locations:
            • Etowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729
            • Rugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791
            • East Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726
            • North Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
            • Mills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759
            • Fletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
          • Each family unit will be provided supplies for one day’s meal and water as available.
          • Individuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.
        • Jackson County
          • In partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:
            • The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:
              • 558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717
              • Hours of operation to come.
              • The Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:
                • 149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783
                • Hours of operation to come.
        • Madison County
          • The following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:
            • Beech Glen Community Center
              • 2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754
              • Daily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.
            • Center Community Center
              • 1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
            • Ebbs Chapel Community Center
              • 281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754
              • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
            • Enon Baptist Church
              • 174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Open Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.
            • Freedom Christian Church
              • 7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • This location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.
            • Laurel Community Center – also has supplies
              • 4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
            • Revere-Rice Community Center
              • 3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)
            • Spring Creek Community Center
              • 13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743
              • Daily hours: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • This location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.
            • Walnut Community Center – also has supplies
              • 46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.
            • N.C. Cooperative Extension – Madison County Center
              • 258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
              • This location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.
        • McDowell County
          • McDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.
          • Distribution takes place daily at the following locations:
            • Former TJ’s Discounts – North Cove
              • 8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752
            • Old Fort Town Hall
              • 38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762
            • New Manna Baptist Church
              • 225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752
            • Solid Rock Free Will Baptist Church – Dysartsville 
              • 7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761
            • Zion Hill Baptist Church
              • 1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752
          • Hot meals are also being provided at the following location:
            • Grace Community Church
              • 5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752
                • Lunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
                • Dinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
          • First Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.
            • Current hours: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
        • Polk County
          • The following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:
            • Mill Spring/Green Creek Community
              • 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
            • Columbus Community
              • 95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722
            • Saluda Community Bus Parking Lot
              • 214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773
            • Tryon Community
              • 301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782
            • Sunny View
              • 86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
        • Rutherford County
          • The following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:
            • Thomas Jefferson High School
              • 2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114
            • Florence Baptist Church
              • 201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043
            • Rutherford County Health Department
              • 221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160
            • Gilkey Church of God
              • 255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
            • Parks, Recreation, & Lake Office
              • 658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Lake Lure Baptist Church
              • 6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Ingles at Lake Lure – meals only
              • 276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746
                • Offers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.
                • Also offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.
            • Father’s Vineyard – also has shower and charging stations
              • 724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160
            • Spencer Baptist Church – water distribution only
              • 187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160
            • United Way of Rutherford County – water distribution and charging stations only
              • 668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043
            • The Church at Sapphire – through October 10
              • 620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774
              • Daily hours: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
            • Little River Baptist Church – through October 11
              • 51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766
              • Breakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
              • Lunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
              • Dinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
        • Transylvania County
          • The following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:
            • The Church at Sapphire – through October 10
              • 620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774
                • Daily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.
              • Little River Baptist Church – through October 11
                • 51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766
                  • Breakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
                  • Lunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
                  • Dinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
              • Cedar Mountain Community Center
                • 10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
                  • Breakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
                  • Lunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.
                  • Dinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
              • Balsam Grove Community Center – daily until power is fully restored
                • 8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708
                  • Daily hours: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:
          • Bottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:
            • 3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
          • Water filling stations can be found at the following locations:
            • City Sports Complex
              • 824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
            • Cedar Mountain Outpost
              • 8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
              • No posted daily hours.
            • Territory Brevard
              • 43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712
              • No posted daily hours.
            • DD Bullwinkles
              • 60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712
              • No posted daily hours.
            • First United Methodist Church
              • 325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712
              • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
            • Pisgah Forest Baptist Church
              • 494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
            • Newfound Artisan
              • 22 W. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712
              • Through today, October 6.
              • Hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.
          • Food, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:
            • Anchor Baptist Church
              • 3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
              • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
            • The Church at Sapphire
              • 620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774
              • Through October 10.
              • Daily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.
        • Yancey County
          • Yancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:
            • Altec
              • 150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714
          • Mobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:
            • 631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714

    • Additionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.
      • Buncombe
        • Curbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.
          • There will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational.
          • Residents can use both recycling and trash carts for household waste.
            • The following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.
          • Debris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.
        • The Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:
          • Tractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711
          • Ingles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711
          • Please Note: Yard waste, bulk item, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time. 
        • Waste Pro collection service will resume today, October 7, for regular Monday route customers.
          • Recycling services are currently suspending while repair work is underway at the recycling process facility.
      • Haywood
        • Household waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.
        • White Oak Landfill has reopened.
      • Henderson
        • Henderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.
        • Henderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.
          • The county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.
        • Storm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.
          • Please be patient.
          • The county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.
      • Madison
        • The Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:
          • Monday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
          • Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
          • Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
          • Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
        • Hot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.
          • Please only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.
          • The pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.
      • Polk
        • The Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
          • 322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
          • The service fee is waived through October 8.
          • Beginning on October 9, drop off of residential trash will be $10.
        • GFL trash services will continue on the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.
          • Two dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.
      • Transylvania
        • The City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.
      • Yancey
        • The Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers were expected to resume operations by yesterday, October 5.
        • No update has been published, but I will keep you posted once I have received confirmation that the facilities have been reopened.

    • The North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.
      • To review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.
        • The site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location, county board of elections, office closures and more.
        • For any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.
          • Please note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.
            • I have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.

    • USPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.
    • There are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.
      • No drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.
        • The following sites are closed with no retail or delivery:
          • Barnardsville – 28709
          • Cedar Mountain – 28718
          • Hot Springs – 28743
          • Rosman – 28772
          • Swannanoa – 28778
        • The following site is closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:
          • Newland – 28657
        • The following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:
          • Alexander – 28701
          • Alternative location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
            • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Bat Cave – 28710
            • Alternative location: 1800 Four Season Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739
              • Daily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Chimney Rock – 28720
            • Alternative location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.
          • Edneyville – 28727
            • Alternative location: 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739
              • Daily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Gerton – 28735
            • Alternative location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730
              • Daily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Green Mountain – 28740
            • Alternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
            • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Marshall – 28753
            • Alternative Location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Micaville – 28755
            • Alternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Montreat – 28757
            • Alternative location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770
              • Daily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.
          • Penland – 28765
            • Alternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
        • All remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.
        • Due to internet outages and connectivity issues, the following sites are providing retail services with cash only, PO Box only:
          • Dana – 28724
          • Enka – 28728
          • Flat Rock – 28731
          • Hendersonville MPO – 28739
          • Lake Lure (OIC) – 28746
          • Little Switzerland – 28749
          • Mountain Home – 28758
          • Naples – 28760
          • Pisgah Forest – 28768
          • Ridgecrest – 28770
          • Skyland – 28776
          • Zirconia – 28790
          • Bostic – 28018
      • Multiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.
        • The Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings in North Carolina are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.
        • Delivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.

    • The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.
      • The EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.
      • Through the program, uninsured residents can:
        • Request a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.
        • Replace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.
          • Uninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.
      • Prescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:
        • 730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
    • For individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:
      • 324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704
      • 505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806
      • 371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
      • 3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
      • 1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
      • 773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786
    • You can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.
    • How to Acquire a Prescription:
      • If a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy’s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.
      • Patients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.

    • There is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:
      • 305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714
    • The following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:
      • Locations open between 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Weaverville
          • 61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787
        • Mercy Urgent Care West Asheville
          • 1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806
        • Mercy Urgent Care Waynesville
          • 120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786
      • Locations open between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Brevard
          • 22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Locations open between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Columbus
          • 140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722
      • Locations open between 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.:
        • Mobile Urgent Care Clinic
          • 12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711
        • Mental Health & Basic Medical Support Center
          • 130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711
        • Pardee Urgent Care
          • 45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
      • Locations open from 12:00-5:00 p.m.
        • Hot Springs Elementary School – Art Room (mental health services only)
        • 63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743
      • The following emergency orthopedic offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily:
        • 800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791
        • 2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704
        • 9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785
        • Please Note: Emergency orthopedic phone services are down so patients will be seen on a walk-in basis without appointment.

    • The following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:
      • Pardee Hospital
        • 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791
          • This location can dialyze 30 patients a day.
        • DaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:
          • DaVita Greer South Dialysis
            • 3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650
            • Contact Number: (864) 801-2065
          • DaVita Saluda River Dialysis
            • 8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673
            • Contact Number: (833) 378-2702
          • DaVita Wofford at Home
            • 8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303
            • Contact Number: (864) 583-4788
          • DaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis
            • 196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316
            • Contact Number: (833) 458-4809

    • Hendersonville High School
      • 1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791
        • Must be assessed through Pardee Hospital.
      • Lincare is only serving established patients.
        • Patients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:
          • Asheville Lincare
            • 103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804
            • Fax number: (866) 234-6698
          • Greenville Lincare
            • 355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607
            • Fax Number: (864) 288-0339
      • The following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment – fire departments are available 24/7:
        • Boiling Springs Fire Department
          • 186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316
        • Reidville Fire Department
          • 7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388
        • Inman City Fire Department
          • 6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349
        • First Presbyterian Church
          • 393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302
          • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
        • Greer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center
          • 113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651
          • Daily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
        • Croft Fire Department
          • 370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302
        • Arkwright Fire Department
          • 1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306
        • Roebuck Fire Department
          • 2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376
        • North Spartanburg Fire Department
          • 8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316

    • Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.
      • Legionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.
      • Legion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.
        • To learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.
        • Applications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.
    • The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.
      • Veterans can:
        • Visit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:
        • Call the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.
      • Local pharmacies in the VA’s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.
    • Hickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.
      • Due to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.
      • Please be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.

    • The United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.
      • If your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.

    • About 117,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.
      • Customers whose properties are inaccessible or not able to receive power may be without electricity for an extended period of time as Duke Energy works to rebuild critical infrastructure.
    • Restoration of service for all other customers in the heavily impacted areas is anticipated within a week, by Sunday, October 13.
      • Crews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.
    • As work on substations conclude, Duke Energy is moving personnel to work on the power grid’s thousands of miles of lines and poles that serve individual homes and businesses.
      • This work can feel slower because the same amount of work restores fewer customers.
    • For more information on Duke Energy’s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:

    • A “DO NOT DRIVE” message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.
      • Unless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.
      • Cherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.
        • Please DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties.
    • USDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.
      • Damage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT’s investment is a significant and most welcome start.
    • A total of 2,050 DOT employees are working to restore and repair road access in WNC.
      • NCDOT also has:
        • DOT also has:
          • 1,100 pieces of heavy equipment for debris clearance and road repairs in affected areas, including dump trucks, backhoes, loaders, graders, etc.
          • More than 50 personnel from neighboring states on the ground providing assistance.
    • NCDOT is reporting about 650 road closures, 106 of which are to primary routes.
      • Now that communications have been largely restored, NCDOT has a more comprehensive picture of debris blocking roadways, road damage, and necessary repairs in our mountains.
      • At least 100 bridges are irreparable and will require replacement.
    • All roadways in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, and Wilkes counties are accessible, although some are requiring four-wheel drive.
      • While none of the above-listed counties are in NC-11, they are a welcome sign of what’s to come.
    • Progress has been made on NCDOT and Tennessee DOT’s plans for reconstruction of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.
      • Bids for stabilization of the westbound lanes of I-40 where the eastbound lanes no longer exist will be opening today, October 7.
      • A contract will be awarded shortly after the bid closes.
      • NCDOT is working to expedite the necessary repairs to restore mobility to the area as soon as possible.
    • Air traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.
      • NCDOT’s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:
        • Scheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.
        • Establishing a first of its kind “corridors in the sky” to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.
        • Having search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.
      • The state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.
        • If you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don’t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.
    • NCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.
      • You can access the map here.

    • Internet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.
      • Restoration timelines are not available at this time.
    • Internet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network’s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.
      • As a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.
    • To mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:
      • 717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
    • The following locations are offering free public wi-fi:
      • First Baptist Church – Weaverville
        • 63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787
      • Downtown Franklin
        • The Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.
      • Transylvania County Library – 24/7
        • 212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Newfound Artison through today, October 6
        • High-speed internet and charging outlets
        • Available 12:00-5:00 p.m.
      • The Yard Brevard
        • 284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Brevard Visitor Center
        • 175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712
        • Available daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    • Communications in the region are improving rapidly.
      • Cell service providers reported significant gains in service coverage on Sunday, October 6.
      • Roughly 80 percent of access to cell service has been restored in Western North Carolina.
      • More than 100 temporary network assets have been deployed across all service providers in NC-11 to assist with service quality.
    • Cell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.
      • Disaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.
        • This allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.
      • If you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.
    • UpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:
      • 470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
    • AT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:
      • Sam’s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806
        • The Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.
        • The public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.
    • Verizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.
      • Wireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.
      • Verizon’s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Asheville YMCA
          • 30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Family Justice Center
          • 35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Groce United Methodist Church
          • 954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805
      • Verizon also has charging stations at the following locations:
        • YMCA of Western North Carolina
          • 348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752
            • Two charging stations at this location
        • WNC Agricultural Center
          • 761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732
            • Three charging stations at this location
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
          • One charging station at this location
    • T-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:
      • Asheville Middle School
        • 211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
      • Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center
        • 285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801
      • First Baptist Church
        • 130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711
    • Additional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.

    • Almost 1,800 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.
      • The total number of deployed guardsmen will continue to increase over the coming days.
    • The National Guard has more than 700 vehicles and 50 helicopters from six states and two active-duty units in Western NC for rescue and recovery, debris clearing, and other missions.
      • So far, the National Guard has:
        • Delivered more than 2,614 tons of commodities to affected areas
        • Cleared 1,052 obstacles
        • Rescued nearly 1,000 individuals
    • The Guard’s key tasks continue to be search and rescue of impacted civilian personnel, followed by:
      • Delivery of essential relief supplies to points of need
      • Clearing of routes to gain access to isolated communities
    • Although airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.
      • If you are looking to fly in resources and don’t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.
    • On October 2, the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).
      • Nearly all 1,000 of the authorized active-duty soldiers have been mobilized to support the residents and affect counties devastated by Hurricane Helene in Western NC.
      • These soldiers are providing additional manpower and logistics capabilities to reach the hardest hit areas as quickly as possible.
    • In addition to the 1,000 previously authorized soldiers, another 500 troops with advanced technological assets were approved for deployment to Western NC to provide greater situational awareness on the ground.
      • These troops are not yet in NC-11, but coordination is taking place for rapid deployment over the coming days.
      • The Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.
    • Here are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:
      • HOTLINE: 888-892-1162
      • Emergency management watch: 919-733-3300
      • Donated goods: 919-825-2474
        • These lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.

    • Asheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.
    • Commercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.
    • If you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news – none of the airport’s lots flooded and all cars are fine.
      • Stay safe and pick up your car when you are able.
    • PLEASE NOTE:
      • No general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.
        • Supply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.
        • FEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.

    Federal Nutrition Programs

      • SNAP
        • North Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.
        • This waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.
      • Child Nutrition
        • The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.
          • Under the waiver approval, NCDPI’s local program operators may:
            • Serve meals in a non-congregate setting
            • Adjust the time of meal service
            • Allow parent pick-up
            • Allow service of meals at school sites
      • Food and Nutrition Services Program
        • People and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.
          • This flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.
      • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
        • Families participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:
          • Have a new eWIC card issued
          • Request replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps
          • Request replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene

    • If you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.
      • The FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.
      • More information to follow.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:
      • Accelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene
      • Advance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene

    • For county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.
      • My office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.

    North Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.

    • Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

    Individual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.

    • To date, FEMA has paid out more than $30 million in housing and other types of assistance and more than 96,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance.

    • Residents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.
    • People in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
      • Please only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.
    • If you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.
      • The form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.
      • Regardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.
        • Buncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.
      • United Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.
        • Text PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.

    For information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.

      • Filing FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)
      • Replacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver’s licenses and identification cards
      • Medical and insurance claims
      • Home repair contracts
      • Utility disputes related to restoration of services
      • Consumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft
      • Housing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures
      • Bankruptcy
      • Probate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title
      • Family law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)
    • If you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:
      • (866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262
        • The hotline is available from:
          • 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.
        • Constituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

      • IRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.
      • Tax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:
        • IRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments – like government assistance payments – are generally excluded from gross income.

    • For those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 5:
      • Buncombe
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Gold’s Gym
          • 801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
        • WNC Agricultural Center
          • 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
      • Haywood
        • Haywood County Government Armory
          • 285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781
      • Henderson
        • Edneyville Elementary School
          • 2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
        • Henderson County Recreation Center
          • 708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • Madison
        • Madison Early College High School
          • 5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755
      •  McDowell
        • Glenwood Baptist Church
          • 1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640
        • YMCA of Western North Carolina
          • 348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752
      • Polk
        • Polk County High School
          • 1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722
      • Rutherford
        • Rutherfordton/Spindale Central High School
          • 641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
      • Transylvania
        • Transylvania Parks & Rec
          • 1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Yancey
        • Blue Ridge Elementary
          • 910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714
        • Cane River Middle School
          • 1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714

    With my warmest regards,

    Chuck Edwards
    Member of Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Jeff Cohen Joins Guggenheim Securities to Expand Consumer & Retail Investment Banking

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Guggenheim Securities, the investment banking and capital markets division of Guggenheim Partners, announced today that Jeff Cohen has joined the firm as a Senior Managing Director. Mr. Cohen brings more than 30 years of investment banking experience to Guggenheim, where he joins the firm’s Consumer & Retail investment banking practice.

    Mr. Cohen most recently served as a Senior Advisor at UBS in the Retail Investment Banking group. Prior to his time at UBS, Mr. Cohen served as Vice Chairman of the Global Retail Investment Banking group at Credit Suisse. He previously held the position of Global Head of Retail Investment Banking at Lazard, UBS, and Wasserstein Perella/Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein. Mr. Cohen began his career as an attorney at Cravath, Swaine & Moore.

    “We are excited to welcome Jeff to Guggenheim,” said Mark Van Lith, CEO of Guggenheim Securities. “Jeff is a longstanding advisor to some the largest and most influential retail companies globally. His impressive track-record of industry-transforming transactions and deep sector expertise will enhance our ability to deliver world-class solutions to our clients. We look forward to his contributions to the firm.”

    Mr. Cohen earned his B.A. and B.S. in economics (Wharton School) from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

    About Guggenheim Securities

    Guggenheim Securities is the investment banking and capital markets business of Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm. Guggenheim Securities offers services that fall into four broad categories: Advisory, Financing, Sales and Trading, and Research. Guggenheim Securities is headquartered in New York, with additional offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, London, Menlo Park, and San Francisco. For more information, please visit GuggenheimSecurities.com, follow us on LinkedIn or contact us at GSinfo@GuggenheimPartners.com or 212.518.9200.

    About Guggenheim Partners

    Guggenheim Partners is a diversified financial services firm that delivers value to its clients through two primary businesses: Guggenheim Investments, a premier global asset manager and investment advisor, and Guggenheim Securities, a leading investment banking and capital markets business. Guggenheim’s professionals are based in offices around the world, and our commitment is to deliver long-term results with excellence and integrity while advancing the strategic interests of our clients. Learn more at GuggenheimPartners.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GuggenheimPtnrs.

    Media Contact

    Steven Lee
    Guggenheim Securities
    212.293.2811
    Steven.Lee@guggenheimpartners.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Photos: Commonwealth of Virginia and FEMA Working Together to Support Recovery for Helene Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: In Photos: Commonwealth of Virginia and FEMA Working Together to Support Recovery for Helene Survivors

    In Photos: Commonwealth of Virginia and FEMA Working Together to Support Recovery for Helene Survivors

    Richmond, Va.— In partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, FEMA is on the ground working in Virginia communities that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

    On Friday, Oct. 3, FEMA leadership, including Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil, Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Jeff Jones, and Region 3 Deputy Regional Administrator Lilian Hutchinson met with Governor Youngkin to survey damage in Damascus, Va. firsthand. Led by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) as well as local and county officials, they were accompanied by members of the Virginia National Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    This strong, interagency partnership makes a difference for communities who will benefit from the unified mission our agencies share to help Virginia recover. 

    Survivors in designated communities can apply for assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App.

    These photos show collaborative response and recovery efforts across southwest Virginia: 

    WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va.— Federal Recovery Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil (Ieft) and Governor Youngkin shake hands, while FEMA Region 3 Deputy Regional Administrator Lilian Hutchinson looks on. (Nicholas Monteleone/ FEMA)
    WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va.— An official points to damage from Hurricane Helene, speaking with FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil. Officials surveyed damage with staff from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia National Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA. (Nicholas Monteleone/ FEMA)
    WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va.— Disaster Survivor Assistance Team Specialist Mo helps a Damascus, Va. resident fill out an application for federal assistance on Oct. 3, 2024. (Philip Maramba/FEMA)
    WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va.— Crews working to restore utilities and infrastructure damaged by Helene. (Nicholas Monteleone/ FEMA)
    PULASKI COUNTY, Va.— Representatives from the Small Business Administration, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and FEMA speak with a disaster survivor outside of her home. (Philip Maramba/ FEMA)
    MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va.— Representatives from the Small Business Administration, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and FEMA survey Helene-related property damage as part of joint Preliminary Damage Assessments. (Philip Maramba/ FEMA)

    FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response | FEMA.gov. 

    For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov,  the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA. 

    ###

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

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

    erika.osullivan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Jeff Cohen Joins Guggenheim Securities to Expand Consumer & Retail Investment Banking

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Guggenheim Securities, the investment banking and capital markets division of Guggenheim Partners, announced today that Jeff Cohen has joined the firm as a Senior Managing Director. Mr. Cohen brings more than 30 years of investment banking experience to Guggenheim, where he joins the firm’s Consumer & Retail investment banking practice.

    Mr. Cohen most recently served as a Senior Advisor at UBS in the Retail Investment Banking group. Prior to his time at UBS, Mr. Cohen served as Vice Chairman of the Global Retail Investment Banking group at Credit Suisse. He previously held the position of Global Head of Retail Investment Banking at Lazard, UBS, and Wasserstein Perella/Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein. Mr. Cohen began his career as an attorney at Cravath, Swaine & Moore.

    “We are excited to welcome Jeff to Guggenheim,” said Mark Van Lith, CEO of Guggenheim Securities. “Jeff is a longstanding advisor to some the largest and most influential retail companies globally. His impressive track-record of industry-transforming transactions and deep sector expertise will enhance our ability to deliver world-class solutions to our clients. We look forward to his contributions to the firm.”

    Mr. Cohen earned his B.A. and B.S. in economics (Wharton School) from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

    About Guggenheim Securities

    Guggenheim Securities is the investment banking and capital markets business of Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm. Guggenheim Securities offers services that fall into four broad categories: Advisory, Financing, Sales and Trading, and Research. Guggenheim Securities is headquartered in New York, with additional offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, London, Menlo Park, and San Francisco. For more information, please visit GuggenheimSecurities.com, follow us on LinkedIn or contact us at GSinfo@GuggenheimPartners.com or 212.518.9200.

    About Guggenheim Partners

    Guggenheim Partners is a diversified financial services firm that delivers value to its clients through two primary businesses: Guggenheim Investments, a premier global asset manager and investment advisor, and Guggenheim Securities, a leading investment banking and capital markets business. Guggenheim’s professionals are based in offices around the world, and our commitment is to deliver long-term results with excellence and integrity while advancing the strategic interests of our clients. Learn more at GuggenheimPartners.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GuggenheimPtnrs.

    Media Contact

    Steven Lee
    Guggenheim Securities
    212.293.2811
    Steven.Lee@guggenheimpartners.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Kwaguilth Totem Pole Laid to Rest on Legislative Grounds

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    October 7, 2024

    Kwaguilth Totem Pole Laid to Rest on Legislative Grounds

    The Kwaguilth totem pole on the southeast grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building will be removed from its plinth and laid to rest in a nearby raised planter bed, Premier Wab Kinew, minister responsible for Indigenous reconciliation, and Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Lisa Naylor announced today. 

    “An important part of reconciliation is recognizing and honouring traditional Indigenous cultures,” said Kinew. “This totem pole has welcomed visitors to the legislative building for many years and it will now return to the earth.” 

    The 16-foot totem pole depicting a legend of the Kwaguilth, Indigenous Peoples from the West Coast, has naturally deteriorated over the years. The totem pole’s condition was inspected in September 2022 by Richard Hunt, a traditional Kwaguilth carver and the son of the totem pole’s original carver, Henry Hunt. Based on that assessment and in keeping with Kwaguilth tradition, it was recommended the totem pole be laid to rest. It will be placed in an east-west orientation in a nearby raised planter bed during the traditional dedication ceremony led by Richard Hunt. 

    “For more than 50 years, this Kwaguilth totem pole has welcomed visitors to the legislative grounds,” said Naylor. “In keeping with Kwaguilth tradition, it will now be laid to rest in a place of honour to let it decay naturally back to the earth.”   

    The totem pole was unveiled on the Legislative Building grounds on July 20, 1971, to commemorate the centenary of the province of British Columbia entering Confederation. 

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts for Hurricane Milton

    Source: US State of Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Major General John D. Haas Adjutant General of Florida, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on preparedness efforts for Hurricane Milton.

    As of 11 a.m. ET, Hurricane Milton is located about 720 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. Milton is forecast to move near or just north of the Yucatan Peninsula today and Tuesday, then cross the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of Florida by Wednesday.

    Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending EO 24-214 and declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties.

    To learn more about navigating hurricane season, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

    State Preparedness Efforts

    • The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 since Tuesday, September 24, for Hurricane Helene, and is at a Level 1 for Hurricane Milton as of October 6, leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
    • The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 600 missions to assist counties in their preparedness efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging resources to deploy for immediate response as soon as it is safe to do so, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
    • FDEM is establishing a 10,000-person base camp at Tropicana Field to support ongoing debris operations and post-landfall responders.
    • FDEM is coordinating the deployment of fuel and EV chargers to pre-stage along evacuation routes to support evacuations.
    • The Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs (FDVA) storm preparations are underway at all State Veterans’ Nursing Homes in anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.
    • All outpatient appointments on Monday will be converted to virtual or rescheduled for the C. W. “Bill” Young VA Medical Center in Bay Pines. The VA Regional Office in St. Petersburg is also closed Monday.
    • The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care to support Florida Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care. Call 1-877-741-3400.
    • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Teams (RLECT) are operational in Tampa, Orlando and Fort Myers.
    • FDLE aviation assets are prepositioned ahead of the storm.
    • The FDLE Sworn Training Unit cut team is on stand-by and ready to deploy. The team helps make temporary, emergency repairs to the homes of first responders so they can quickly get back to work after a storm.
    • Maintenance is complete on all equipment used during Hurricane Helene and Operation Blue Ridge. The equipment, including command buses, sleeping quarters and generators, is ready for deployment.
    • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path.
    • In addition to local officers, approximately 75, FWC officers are ready to deploy and respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as:
      • Airboats
      • Shallow draft boats
      • ATVs/Side-by-sides
      • Larger platform vessels
      • Four-wheel vehicles
      • Specialized high water vehicles
    • FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the state and report on damage after the storm has made landfall.
    • FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.

    Health and Human Services

    • The Florida Department of Health (DOH) deployed nearly 600 emergency response vehicles on the I-4 Corridor in preparation for the storm.
    • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has initiated an event in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS). Health care providers in the have been requested to provide information on census, available beds, evacuation status, accepting evacuees and generator needs from counties declared under EO-24-114. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
      • 64 health care facilities have reported evacuations. This includes:
      • 21 assisted living facilities
      • 4 Hospitals
      • 33 nursing home
      • 1 residential treatment centers for Children and Adolescents
      • 4 residential treatment centers
      • 1 Hospice
    • AHCA is conducting daily calls with the Florida Hospital Association and Florida Healthcare Association to ensure nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals are prepared and have their needs met ahead of Hurricane Milton.
    • The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is working with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available, and with Florida’s agricultural partners so producers have adequate resources.
    • The Florida Forest Service is staging equipment, like high-water vehicles, dump trucks, bulldozers, and front-end loaders to assist with road clearing.
    • The Florida Forest Service and the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement are supporting efforts to expedite debris removal in the Tampa Bay region.
    • Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals and livestock fleeing Hurricane Milton. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), Mississippi, and North Carolina.
    • The Department is working to connect evacuating horse owners with open public and private facilities across the state.
    • The Florida State Fairgrounds has opened the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center on a first come first serve basis for horse owners that are in the direct path of Hurricane Milton. To learn more and reserve a spot, visit floridastatefair.com/equestrian.
    • The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is contacting all our Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates on their ongoing preparation efforts and gather the status of any unmet needs.
    • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues response and pre-landfall protocols and communication with APD-operated facilities, regions, and providers to provide updates on Hurricane Milton and check the status of clients and residents, while simultaneously anticipating unmet needs in potentially affected areas.
    • The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is preparing for Hurricane Milton and ensuring providers in potentially impacted areas have the resources they need for the storm.
    • The Department has secured supplies to ensure readiness in the event the Hope Bus is needed for deployment after landfall.
    • The State Mental Health Treatment Facilities have activated their disaster preparation plans and are assessing facility readiness.
    • DCF has begun contacting foster families, adult protective services clients, and licensed providers in the storm’s path to ensure preparedness.
    • DCF is making preliminary preparations for staffing shelters, delivering emergency supplies, and directing generators to critical human services infrastructure.
    • DCF has instructed all contracted vendors to deploy their Disaster Preparedness Plan.
    • DCF is providing information about Hope Florida to storm shelters, domestic violence shelters, and Continuums of Care ahead of the storm.

    Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

    • The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Hurricane Milton statewide preparedness efforts include clearing shoulders in preparation for potential Emergency Should Use (ESU):
      • Currently analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges.
      • Inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
      • Monitoring interstate traffic speeds and levels for the potential implementation of Emergency Should Use (ESU) to assist with evacuations if necessary.
      • Securing high mast lighting, maintenance yards, active construction projects, rest areas/welcome centers, service plazas, and weigh stations that had returned to normal since Hurricane Helene.
      • Barges at the Howard Frankland Bridge project is being secured.
      • FDOT has suspended construction projects with lane closures within all counties statewide located on all interstates and Florida Turnpike facilities.
      • Replenishing fuel reserves, checking generator readiness, and pre-positioning assets as appropriate.
      • Completing repairs on malfunctioning vehicles and equipment in preparation for deployment.
      • Initiated communication with modal partners – seaports, airports, railroads, transit, and spaceports. All partners are currently in monitoring posture.
      • Staging ITS trailers, as well as drone teams and equipment are being prepped and ready to deploy as needed.
      • Expanded Road Ranger Service across the impact zones.
    • Resources prepped and staged strategically (close to the projected path for quick implementation)
      • Cut & Toss Ops = 328 team members on standby
      • Over 1,015 generators
      • Over 350 pieces of heavy equipment and trucks
      • 67 pumps pre-positioned
      • Satellite internet equipment= 58 Starlink devices
      • Over 1,900 team members on standby for various emergency response efforts, including, damage assessment, flooding, traffic signals outages, etc.
      • FDOT has 20 drone pilots on standby
      • 8 ITS trailers staged
      • Over 150 bridge inspectors on standby
    • FDOT has removed 139,718 cubic yards of debris statewide (66,278 from state roads and 73,440 from local roads).
    • FDOT is supporting our local communities with supplemental sand and debris removal from local roads on the barrier islands in Pinellas and Manatee counties.
    • At the direction of Gov. DeSantis, FDOT is coordinating debris removal assignments for the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Agriculture, amongst others, who have activated available state personnel and resources to clear and haul remaining debris.
    • Approximately 450 truckloads and 8,100 cubic yards of debris have been removed from Pinellas barrier islands.
    • FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
    • Transportation Modes:
      • Seaports, Airports, Rail, and Transit partners are monitoring storm conditions.
      • Please check with your airline or transportation service provider directly about potential service impacts.
      • Transit agencies in the impacted area are offering evacuation transportation to shelters. Please check with your local transit provider for schedules.
      • SunRail operations will be suspended starting Tuesday, October 8
    • Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm generated solid waste and debris.
    • DEP’s Emergency Final Order also removes barriers for expediting necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, including coastal structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems that may be damaged by the storm.
    • DEP is coordinating with Landfill Strike Teams to assess Disaster Debris Management Sites (DDMS) operating as a result of Hurricane Helene.
    • For counties and local governments in need of additional debris disposal locations, especially ahead of Hurricane Milton, DEP has approved all pending DDMS site activation requests and stands ready to approve the activation of any additional pre-authorized or new DDMSs that may be needed.
      • Currently, 193 DDMS have been authorized to operate.
    • Hurricane Helene kicked up significant amounts of sediment and sand along the coastlines in and along its path. DEP is working with local governments to manage the excess sand and continue removal efforts.
      • For sand that has accumulated on private properties, residents should return it to the beach if it appears clean, smells fresh and is free of debris. If the sand contains debris, residents should contact their local government to find the nearest disposal site. DEP has worked with counties to establish temporary staging areas to properly screen the sand before it is returned to the beach.
    • DEP is working with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to ensure preparations are underway to support drinking and wastewater facilities ahead of Hurricane Milton.
    • Florida’s water management districts are engaging local governments and drainage operators throughout the state and are available to provide technical and other support, including deploying temporary pumps to alleviate localized flooding. As part of standard operations, DEP and Florida’s water management districts continue to monitor water systems and river levels as the storm develops.
    • DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.
    • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has staged high-water rescue vehicles in preparation for landfall of Hurricane Milton.
    • FHP is mobilizing 74 Quick Response Force (QRF) Troopers to stage in preparation for the incoming storm.
    • FHP is providing security at the Pinellas County Landfill and assisting with traffic entering and exiting.
    • All FHP Troops statewide will be going to Alpha/Bravo shifts effective Tuesday., October 8 (Troop C-Tampa area will begin this on 10/7/24 at 6 a.m.). All days off will be canceled.
    • FHP will be assisting with debris cleanup in the Tampa area.
    • FHP is working with its partners at FDOT to prepare and implement the Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) plan for evacuations in the Tampa area.
    • FHP is assisting with traffic control in Taylor County and outside Tropicana Field for debris cleanup crews.
    • FHP is providing security at multiple fuel sites across the state.
    • FHP is assisting with community patrols in Taylor County.
    • FHP air support and drone assets are staged and prepared to deploy when needed.
    • The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is actively preparing mitigation measures by deploying evacuation assets and identifying areas of evacuation. Updates will be made available to the public at http://www.fdc.myflorida.com/weather-updates.
    • The Florida Department of Education (DOE) is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton and is working with school districts as they begin preparation efforts. The Department is also in close contact with districts that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and will assist them with addressing critical needs ahead of the storm. Updates on school closures can be found at FLDOE.org/storminfo.

    Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers

    • The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is staging assets and personnel across 13 offices statewide and is prepared to surge resources to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene that receive a second impact from Hurricane Milton.
    • Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz.
    • FloridaCommerce activated the private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
    • FloridaCommerce is hosting daily private sector coordination calls. Briefings will be provided by Emergency Support Functions and private sector partners. For call information email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
    • VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia, Priceline and Booking.com will remain available to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
    • The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) has pulled their Helene Mobile Assistance Centers from the field and will redeploy once storm conditions have passed.
    • The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued a proclamation to financial institutions and securities professionals. In addition, the OFR offers online resources to Floridians who may need help finding information about their financial services provider(s), including state-chartered banks and credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial businesses and professionals.
    • OIR, in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-215. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers. Information can be found here.

      For previous updates see below:
      10/6/2024 (1)
      10/6/2024 (2)

      Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Milton.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Atlanta Warns Public of Disaster Scams

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

    The FBI and the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) remind the public that there is a increased risk for disaster fraud following Hurricane Helene. There have been reports of scammers claiming to work for contractors and insurance companies targeting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Suspected fraudulent activity should be reported to the toll-free NCDF hotline at (866) 720-5721. The hotline is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency reminds those in the disaster zone officials with government disaster assistance agencies do not ask for financial information, and there is no fee required to apply for assistance. If you have Internet access, you can go to fema.gov to apply for assistance directly.

    Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of disaster fraud:

    • Scammers may go door to door to target residents in areas affected by hurricanes. They may also call, text, or e-mail with promises to quickly provide aid. Do not give out personal information without confirming the legitimacy of the person contacting you.
    • Government workers are required to carry official identification and show it if requested. Closely scrutinize any ID you see and call the agency directly to confirm a worker’s identity if you are unsure.
    • Do your homework when it comes to donations. Research charity reviews online, state regulators of charities, and charity reports and ratings via the Better Business Bureau.
    • Never make charitable donations by gift card or wire transfer. Credit cards are safer.
    • Don’t believe your caller ID. Scammers often spoof agency phone numbers. It is always best to research the organization’s telephone number and call directly to verify. Do not be pressured or rushed to donate. If so, it may be a scam.
    • Do not click on links from sources you don’t know. These could be attempts to download viruses onto your computer or cell phone. Manually type out links instead of clicking on them.

    If you think you are a victim of disaster or charity fraud, report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or online at justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Latta, Griffith op-ed: Congress must advance HALT Fentanyl Act to save lives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

    Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA9) penned an op-ed in The Washington Times today outlining the importance of Congress advancing their HALT Fentanyl Act to help save lives. The bill was approved by the House Energy & Commerce Committee in March of 2023 and was passed by the U.S. House in May of 2023. 

    The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently label fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I narcotic, which is a scheduling change supported by the Biden administration. 

    Read an excerpt of the op-ed below, or click here to read the piece in its entirety.

    “As members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, we’ve met too many families who have told their stories of fentanyl poisonings that killed their loved ones. It’s excruciating to hear, but it’s nothing compared with what these families have gone through. 

    “It’s why we rolled up our sleeves and crafted the HALT Fentanyl Act, a bill to help put an end to the fentanyl crisis by permanently labeling fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I narcotics…”

    “This important legislation advanced last year through the House Energy and Commerce Committee and was passed by the full House, where it received wide bipartisan support.

    “However, it is stalled in the Senate. Bill Cassidy, the Louisiana Republican who is leading the Senate version of the HALT Fentanyl Act, moved to pass the bill earlier this year. Unfortunately, the Democrats objected, and the bill didn’t move.

    “What is stopping Senate Democrats from advancing this bill? Our bill has widespread bipartisan support. Both the DEA and Customs and Border Protection have listed this legislation as a top priority in the fight against fentanyl. Even President Biden last year signaled he would sign our bill if it came to his desk.

    “There should be no excuse for this bill not to move through the Senate.

    “It did come as a surprise to us, though, that the Biden administration announced a “new” proposal to designate fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I narcotic — which is exactly what our bill does, but without a research component.

    “While we appreciate the attention to this issue, we agree that the administration’s efforts would be best placed in asking Senate leaders to take up the House-passed HALT Fentanyl Act, where it has been sitting and collecting dust for 16 months.

    “As members of Congress who care deeply about the state of our country and the health and well-being of the American people, we will continue to call on the Senate to bring forward the HALT Fentanyl Act for a vote.

    “We have the chance to help remedy the fentanyl crisis and save lives. Let’s get this done.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Files Amicus Brief In Support Of Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    10.07.24

    The amicus brief filed in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois lays out the structure of the Durbin Amendment, which aligns with the recently enacted Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition

    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and author of the Durbin Amendment, filed an amicus brief in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in support of the recently enacted Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA).  IFPA, which was signed into law on June 7th, bars the charging of interchange fees on the tax and tip portions of credit and debit card transactions.  Last month, the Illinois Bankers Association, along with the American Bankers Association, America’s Credit Unions, and the Illinois Credit Union League, filed a lawsuit, Illinois Bankers Association v. Raoul, claiming IFPA is preempted by federal law, including the 2010 Durbin Amendment.  The bankers’ motion for a preliminary injunction currently is pending before the court. 

    The amicus brief states, “Senator Durbin is uniquely positioned to offer an important perspective on the operation of the Durbin Amendment and how Illinois’ law aligns with it.  This perspective will help the Court decide the pending motion and resolve the case.”

    The amicus brief describes how IFPA is consistent with the Durbin Amendment’s intent.  The Durbin Amendment created a ceiling—not a uniform standard—for debit interchange fees that card networks like Visa and Mastercard were facilitating on behalf of financial institutions that issued their network-branded cards.  By imposing such constraints, the Durbin Amendment sought to reduce the billions of dollars per year in excessive debit interchange fees that were being charged to merchants and which were borne ultimately by consumers in the form of higher retail prices.

    The amicus brief continues, “The purpose of the Durbin Amendment was to rein in centrally-fixed debit interchange fees that had been insulated from competitive market forces and resulted in excessively high fees that burdened merchants and consumers.  The Durbin Amendment and its implementing Regulation II did so by establishing a fee maximum for any debit interchange fees that networks like Visa and Mastercard fixed on covered issuers’ behalf.  The IFPA aligns with the Durbin Amendment’s text, structure, and purpose.  Like the Durbin Amendment, the IFPA only applies to fees that are price-fixed by networks on behalf of issuers.  The IFPA defines the fees it regulates as fees ‘established, charged, or received by a payment card network for the purpose of compensating an issuer for its involvement in an electronic payment transaction’—a definition that closely aligns with the Durbin Amendment’s definition.”

    The amicus brief concludes, “In short, the IFPA is both consistent with the Durbin Amendment and consistent with sound policy that will help protect merchants and consumers from excessive and anti-competitive fees.”

    Durbin’s amicus brief to the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois can be read in full here.

    In Congress, Durbin has made it a priority to protect consumers.  Durbin’s Credit Card Competition Act is bipartisan legislation that would enhance competition and choice in the credit card network market, which is currently dominated by the Visa-Mastercard duopoly.  It is estimated that businesses paid more than $100 billion in swipe fees on Visa- and Mastercard-branded cards in 2023 alone.

    Building off of debit card competition reforms enacted by Congress in 2010, the Credit Card Competition Act would direct the Federal Reserve to ensure that the largest credit card-issuing banks offer a choice of at least two networks, one of which must be a network other than Visa and Mastercard, over which an electronic credit transaction may be processed.

    Visa and Mastercard wield enormous market power in credit cards; according to the Federal Reserve, they account for nearly 576 million cards, or about 83 percent of general-purpose credit cards.  Visa’s and Mastercard’s market power and network structure have enabled them to impose fees on U.S. merchants that are among the world’s highest, charging more than $100 billion in U.S. merchant credit card fees in 2023. These fees include interchange fees which Visa and Mastercard require merchants to pay to issuing banks, as well as network fees that Visa and Mastercard require merchants to pay directly to them.  Consumers ultimately pay for all of these fees in the price of the goods and services they buy.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Too good to be true? New study shows people reject freebies and cheap deals for fear of hidden costs

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Vonasch, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Canterbury

    If you’re offered a free cookie, you might say yes. But if you’re paid to eat a free cookie, would your response be the same?

    In our new research, twice as many people were willing to eat a cookie when they weren’t offered payment compared with when they were.

    From a purely economic perspective, our findings reflect irrational decision making. Objectively, a cookie plus money is better than just a cookie.

    But people aren’t purely economic. They’re social animals with a tendency to look for hidden reasons behind other people’s behaviours.

    In the case of overly generous deals, people are expecting a “phantom cost” – one hidden in the initial offer. And this expectation influences their decision to accept something or not.

    Research participants who were offered a free cookie plus payment thought maybe the cookies were poisoned. Or maybe someone spat on them. Or they expected they would then owe a favour to the person handing out the treats once the cookie was eaten.

    Too good to be true

    Our cookies study was just one of ten experiments involving 4,205 participants in the United States and Iran.

    We tested how phantom costs influenced people’s choices to accept or reject overly generous economic offers.

    Each study gave people an offer. They had to decide whether to accept or not, and then explain why.

    One study asked participants to imagine they were a truck driver and looking online for a job. All the jobs were described the same way, but we varied the wage. People offered the normal US$15 per hour were perfectly willing to take the job.

    Others were offered more than the normal wage. The participants in this group imagined phantom costs. And the higher the wage they were offered, the worse the costs they imagined.

    When offered $20 or $25 per hour, participants imagined the role involved more responsibilities or harder work. But they considered this to be worth it. Most people preferred a job that paid a bit more than normal, despite the expectation of phantom costs.

    However, when we offered way too much money – more than $900 per hour – most people rejected the job they were willing to do for $15.

    Why? They imagined far worse phantom costs: driving for the mob, carrying dangerous radioactive waste or smuggling drugs across the border. A suspiciously high hourly rate or wage can end up putting people off.

    Suspicion is global

    We repeated this experiment with different jobs, different normal wages, and in different countries.

    In both the US and Iran, despite very different types of economy, people showed the same pattern of suspicion and rejected very high wages. The only difference was that in Iran the expected wages were lower, so the wages didn’t have to be high by US standards to become suspicious.

    Another experiment tested how phantom costs could affect purchases of plane tickets involving a hypothetical choice between three flights.

    One cost $235, another $275. When the third option was $205, most people chose that. However, if the third option was $15, hardly anyone chose the cheapest flight. They rejected it because they imagined horrible phantom costs such as terrorists and plane crashes.

    However, when we provided a reason for the low price – very uncomfortable seats – most people preferred the $15 flight. Uncomfortable seats are not usually a selling point. But they explained the cheap price, so people didn’t search for other, dangerous explanations.

    Sufficient explanations for something being a great deal remove people’s tendency to imagine phantom costs.

    A good offer, not a suspicious one

    Businesses face a balancing act when it comes to offering customers a good deal.

    On the one hand, the expectation of phantom costs decreases interest in the offer. On the other hand, price-sensitive consumers are often looking for ways to get the best deal.

    To avoid the pitfalls of phantom costs, businesses need to communicate their reasons for offering a particularly good deal. A “holiday sale” or “end-of-season sale”, for example, may explain why items are discounted.

    In the job market, identifying “good performance” as a reason for an employee’s pay raise can sidestep the expectation of hidden downsides – such as an increased workload.

    It’s clear people are not merely self-interested economic beings. We’re savvy, psychological beings capable of reading into the motivations of others to protect ourselves from offers that seem too good to be true.

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

    – ref. Too good to be true? New study shows people reject freebies and cheap deals for fear of hidden costs – https://theconversation.com/too-good-to-be-true-new-study-shows-people-reject-freebies-and-cheap-deals-for-fear-of-hidden-costs-238869

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: South Dakotans Have One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: South Dakotans Have One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

    South Dakotans Have One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

    SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakotans in Davison, Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties impacted by this summer’s severe storms have one week remaining to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline is October 15, 2024.

    How Individuals can Apply for Disaster Assistance

    • Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov for English, or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
    • Use the FEMA mobile app in English or Spanish.
    • Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 anytime from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Shorter wait times are more likely in the mornings or evenings. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

    For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

    U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

    Disaster Recovery Update

    Since President Biden’s major disaster declaration for South Dakota on August 15, federal agencies have approved $13,970,610.76 in grants and loans to assist in recovery (as of Oct. 6).

    To date, a total of 1,370 people in Davison, Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties have applied with FEMA for assistance. FEMA has approved $8,440,710.76 through the Individuals and Households program, consisting of $5,734,872.33 in Housing Assistance for home repairs and rental expenses, and $2,705,838.43 in Other Needs Assistance for repair or replacement of personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving expenses and other disaster-related needs.

    In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $5,529,900 in low interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses.

    Stay in Touch with FEMA

    If you have already applied for disaster assistance with FEMA, it is important that you stay in touch and keep your contact information updated. FEMA may need additional information from you in order to process your assistance or determine your eligibility. Please note that calls from FEMA may come from an unknown number on your caller-ID.

    # # #

    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. 
    Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @femaregion8

    jamie.casterton

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DG Okonjo-Iweala on World Cotton Day: Efforts yielding results, maintain momentum

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Held on African soil for the first time, this year’s World Cotton Day showcased Benin’s  economic successes under the leadership of President Guillaume Athanase Talon, said Director-General Okonjo-Iweala. She praised Benin for its strong economic performance and the prudent management of its economy.

    The Director-General emphasized the importance of cotton to the economies of West and Central Africa, particularly Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire — collectively known as the Cotton4+ countries. As the largest cotton-producing region in Africa, these countries produce over 1 million tons of cotton annually, accounting for 50% of Africa’s total output and 4% of global production.

    In terms of cotton trade, West and Central Africa ranks as the third-largest exporter after the United States and Brazil, contributing significantly to global trade, which has grown from USD 8.2 billion in 2003 to USD 23 billion in 2022, she noted.

    Despite the high quality and environmentally friendly nature of African cotton, the sector faces significant challenges, from market distortions to climate change, DG Okonjo-Iweala said. She noted that 20 years ago, the Cotton4 countries made a call for action at the WTO against unfair trade practices in cotton. This led to cotton gaining a unique status within the WTO, with members regularly meeting to address both the trade and development aspects of the sector.

    Regarding cotton trade, the Director-General emphasized the importance of levelling the playing field by reducing subsidies, which currently amount to USD 8 billion, to allow developing countries greater market access and enable them to benefit more from trade. She noted that WTO members have worked hard and will continue advancing negotiations to achieve this goal.

    On the development front, she highlighted the significant progress made in supporting Cotton4 countries in enhancing their competitiveness and tapping into the vast potential of cotton markets, both in Africa and globally. “The African market for cotton alone is worth USD 12 billion. We are also exploring external opportunities, including the sports apparel value chain, which is expected to reach USD 250 billion by 2026,” she added.

    The Director-General highlighted that new WTO-led initiatives are helping African cotton unlock its full potential, with the milestone “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative, launched in February 2024, serving as a key example.

    This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering public-private partnerships and empowering Cotton4+ countries to achieve sustainable transformation and advance up the value chain. The first phase of the initiative has already been completed, including a baseline study and thorough assessments of each country’s national priorities and challenges.

    The baseline study estimated that Cotton4+ countries need to attract USD 12 billion in investment over the next decade to unlock the full potential of the sector, which could create 500,000 direct jobs, especially for women and youth, DG Okonjo-Iweala said. 

    To facilitate this much-needed investment, the WTO has mobilized resources and called on partners to provide financial and technical support for African cotton. This includes the signing of a joint declaration with the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, the African Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the International Trade Center.

    The Director-General also commended the regional textile and clothing industrial hubs established by Cotton4 governments and financial partners, highlighting the Glo-Djigbe industrial park in Benin, which “plays a crucial role in connecting Benin to global cotton value chains.”

    Looking ahead, the Director-General stated that the partners of the Partenariat pour le Coton will prioritize assisting governments and financial institutions in developing concrete investment projects aligned with each country’s national priorities. She emphasized the need for increased investment in infrastructure, capacity building, product certification, and logistics to support the sustainable growth of the cotton sector.

    The Director-General urged all partners of the Partenariat pour le Coton to seize the opportunity presented by the World Cotton Day event to strengthen cooperation and coordination, with the goal of delivering tangible improvements in the lives of cotton producers and traders.

    WTO’s activities on World Cotton Day

    WTO senior officials will be actively involved throughout the two-day event, contributing to thematic panel discussions and the Business Forum, which will focus on strengthening public-private partnerships to build a sustainable cotton-textile value chain.

    The WTO website features a dedicated page for the event, including news, videos, and the programme: WTO | World Cotton Day 2024. Additional information on the history of World Cotton Day and previous celebrations is also available here: WTO | World Cotton Day: Celebrating the global importance of cotton.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Philips Respironics Issues Additional Usage Instructions for Trilogy Evo Ventilators Related to Use of In-Line Nebulizers

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Medical Devices
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    The use of in-line nebulizers placed in certain locations may lead to aerosol deposits forming over time on the ventilator flow sensor. Should this occur, there is a possibility of inaccurate flow measurements affecting therapy.

    Company Name:
    Philips Respironics, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    Philips Respironics

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Trilogy Evo, Trilogy Evo O2, Trilogy Evo Universal, and Trilogy EV300 ventilators

    Company Announcement

    • Additional Usage Instructions issued by Philips as voluntary correction (Urgent Medical Device Correction in the US, Field Safety Notice outside of the US)
    • Additional Usage Instructions provide user action and guidance for continued use of affected devices
    • Philips Respironics has not received any specific complaints of device malfunctions resulting from in-line nebulizer use; issue identified by retrospective review of flow sensor performance

    Philips Respironics

    Philips Respironics issued a voluntary correction for Trilogy Evo, Trilogy Evo O2, Trilogy Evo Universal, and Trilogy EV300 ventilators regarding the use of in-line nebulizers.

    An Urgent Medical Device Correction (Field Safety Notice in the rest of world) is being sent to health systems and equipment distributors and is being communicated through this additional update to ensure patients who use the devices at home are informed in a timely manner.

    Patients will receive communication from their usual health provider and should not discontinue therapy without consulting their healthcare provider. This update, and the associated Urgent Medical Device Correction (Field Safety Notice in the rest of world) provides instructions for user action and guidance for continued use of affected devices. Philips Respironics is investigating a solution and will provide additional information when available.

    Philips Respironics has not received any specific complaints of device malfunctions resulting from in-line nebulizer use. As part of ongoing quality management, the company performed a retrospective review and identified a potential issue with flow sensors. At the time of this notification, no patient deaths have been reported.

    An in-line nebulizer is a commonly-used accessory that converts therapeutic liquids (such as medication/saline solutions) into an aerosol to treat different respiratory symptoms.

    Philips Respironics has determined that in some circumstances, the use of in-line nebulizers placed in certain locations may lead to aerosol deposits forming over time on the ventilator flow sensor. Should this occur, there is a possibility of inaccurate flow measurements affecting therapy.

    Trilogy Evo ventilators that have never been used with in-line nebulizers are not affected by this issue and can continue to be used in accordance with the guidance in the field safety notice.

    Potential patient impacts

    As indicated in the Urgent Medical Device Correction (Field Safety Notice in the rest of world), if aerosol deposits accumulate over time on the flow sensor, there is a possibility of patient impact due to one or more of the following conditions: the ventilator may become inoperative following stand by or powering off, leading to delay in therapy; and over-delivery of inhaled and exhaled air (tidal volume) and/or under-delivery of oxygen for devices with a specific concentration setting (FiO2).

    Potential hazards to patients from these conditions may include: respiratory discomfort; lung injury from too much air in the lungs or change in pressure (volutrauma/barotrauma); low oxygen saturation; or shortness of breath (dyspnea).

    Customer / user immediate actions required

    1. All Trilogy Evo, Trilogy Evo O2, Trilogy Evo Universal, and Trilogy EV300 users, regardless of in-line nebulizer use are advised to take the following steps from the device Instructions for Use:
      • Ensure that specific alarms are set appropriately for patients.
      • Ensure that alternate sources of ventilation are available in case a ventilator ceases to function.
    2. If using a Trilogy Evo O2, Trilogy Evo Universal, or Trilogy EV300 device with a specific oxygen concentration (FiO2) setting:
      • Ensure patients receive adequate oxygenation by continuous pulse oximetry (SpO2) monitoring in accordance with treatment protocols.
      • Use an external FiO2 analyzer in specific patient cases, and switch to an alternative ventilator if an external FiO2 analyzer is not available.
      • As indicated in the Instructions for use, maintain an immediately available back‐up device or alternative ventilator for rapid therapy transition.
    3. If using in-line nebulizer treatments:
      • Follow the visual instructions in the field safety notice for correct nebulizer placement.
      • For specific prescriptions indicated in the field safety notice, transition patient to alternate device configurations.

    Customers who require further information or support concerning this issue, may contact their local Philips Respironics Customer Service at:

    • For DMEs and Homecare customers: 1-800-345-6443, press option 4, then option 5
    • For Hospital customers: 1 (800) 722-9377, press option 2

    Any adverse events experienced with the use of this product should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch Web site at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Philips Respironics Customer Service
    800-345-6443

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav inaugurates National Postal Week; ‘Customer Meet’ held on ‘Mails and Parcel Day’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav inaugurates National Postal Week; ‘Customer Meet’ held on ‘Mails and Parcel Day’

    Letters retains their importance even in the era of Social Media – Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav

    ‘Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra’ playing key role in connecting local entrepreneurs to the global market – Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav

    India Post has taken innovative initiatives in the field of Mails and Parcel – Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 2:46PM by PIB Ahmedabad

    Department of Posts is continuously expanding its service horizons with innovative services and new technologies, reaching out to the last mile in country. Even in this era of mobile, email, and social media, letters retain their significance. Important documents including Government and Court-related letters, Aadhaar cards, passports, driving licenses, voter ID cards, PAN cards, bank cheque books and ATM cards are still being sent through Post offices. Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region, Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav expressed these views while inaugurating the ‘National Postal Week’ and addressing the ‘Customer Meet’ held on ‘Mails and Parcel Day’ at the Regional PMG office in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad. On this occasion, Director Postal Services, Ms. Meeta K. Shah, also told about Postal services and extensive discussions were held with various exporters.

    Postmaster General Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav said that Department of Posts is implementing numerous innovations in the field of mails and parcel services. India Post offers a range of services designed to meet the specific needs of various business sectors, such as Speed Post, Business Parcel, Dakghar Niryat Kendra, Business Post, Media Post, Bill Mail Service, Retail Post, Logistics Post, Direct Post, e-Post, e-Payment, Aadhaar services, and Passport services. Dakghar Niryat Kendras (DNK) are being established as a one-stop solution for exporters to promote commercial exports through postal channel. Products from One District One Product (ODOP), Geographical Indications (GI), and MSMEs are reaching international markets through Dakghar Niryat Kendras, strengthening the concepts of “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

    Postmaster General, Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav emphasized on the ease and efficiency of the postal network in connecting local entrepreneurs to global markets. He said that special sorting hubs and nodal delivery centers have been established for sorting and distribution of Speed Post and Business Parcels. Cash-on-delivery service is being provided for e-commerce products. The delivery status of postal items is being updated in real-time through the Postman Mobile Application (PMA). Online track and trace facility has also been provided. A new transport policy has been formulated by Department of Posts for the rapid transmission of mail and parcels. India Post and Indian Railways have jointly launched the ‘Rail Post Gati Shakti Express Cargo Service’ as a joint parcel product. He also mentioned about facility of Click & Book service, Parcel Packaging Units, and Digital Payment through QR codes in post office. PMG Shri KK Yadav further added that for quick transmission of international mail, Foreign Post Office in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad and International Business Center in Surat has been established. On-spot custom clearance is available. International parcel service is available for over 200 destination countries and regions worldwide.

    The program was compered by Marketing Executive Shri Chirayu Vyas, with the welcome speech by Assistant Director Shri M.M. Shaikh, and the vote of thanks by Assistant Director Shri Ritul Gandhi. The program was coordinated by Assistant Superintendent Shri Ravindra Parmar, and the Power Point presentation was delivered by Inspector Shri Bhavin Prajapati.

    On this occasion, Director of Postal Services Ms. Meeta K. Shah, Senior Superitendent of Ahmedabad City Division Shri Govind Sharma, Deputy Superintendent Shri V.M. Vahora, Deputy Chief Postmaster GPO Shri Alpesh Shah, Assistant Director Shri M.M. Shaikh, Shri Ritul Gandhi, Ms. Manjula Patel, Assistant Superintendent Shri Ravindra Parmar, Shri Ronak Shah, Inspector Posts Shri Bhavin Prajapati, Shri Yogendra Rathod, and Marketing Executive Shri Khemchand Rathod, Shri Dipal Mehta along with numerous officials from the North Gujarat Region, Ahmedabad, and representatives from various corporate institutions and departments, were present.

    AP/GP/JD

    (Release ID: 2062784) Visitor Counter : 45

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Institute of Foreign Trade to open its first overseas campus in Dubai

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 4:05PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 7 October 2024

     

    The iconic India Pavilion at the Expo City in Dubai will host the first overseas campus of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). An MoU to this effect was signed on 03 October 2024 by Professor Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of IIFT and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority. IIFT is likely to move into its premises by early 2025 with short and medium-term training programmes, research and eventually with lauch of its flagship programme, MBA (International Business). 

    IIFT, regarded as an academic centre of excellence in international business research, training and education, will establish its first campus outside of India at the former Expo 2020 India Pavilion. The campus will be a boon for the 3.5 million-strong Indian community residing in the UAE. It will also open doorways for the overseas expansion and recognition of the IIFT brand. 

    The MoU between IIFT and Dubai EXPO City builds on a range of bilateral agreements between India and the UAE, including a mechanism to settle trade in local currencies,  the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Bilateral Investment Treaty and others. On 2nd September, 2024, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, inaugurated the campus of IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi with its the first B Tech Course. 

    Congratulating the institute, Union Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal said that IIFT’s new campus at Dubai would be a landmark decision in transforming it into a world class institute in real sense. Moreover, with IIFT’s expertise in the area of foreign trade, it would provide opportunity for students, professionals and government officials not only from UAE but from other parts of the world too for training and research in the area of international trade.

    Commerce Secretary and Chancellor of the Institute, Sunil Barthwal expressing his happiness about IIFT’s establishing its maiden overseas campus at Expo City, Dubai, said that institute’s offshore campus in Dubai would be a critical step not only for international expansion of IIFT but it would also facilitate promotion of international trade not only with UAE but also in the entire gulf region and beyond. 

    IIFT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi said that its first offshore campus at Dubai would be a milestone to transform IIFT into a world-class institute with cutting-edge research, training and academic programmes.

     

    About IIFT:

    Established in 1963 as an autonomous body under Ministry of Commerce, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has gained Deemed University status and is one of the premier business institutions in India focussing on Foreign Trade  and highly regarded as an academic centre of excellence in international business research, training and education. IIFT will collaborate with Expo City Dubai on research projects and other knowledge-sharing activities focused on sustainability and innovation.

     

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    PIB Mumbai | SR/ SC/ DR

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

    (Release ID: 2062832) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) commences operations in GIFT City

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 4:02PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 7 October 2024

     

    Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the UAE’s largest sovereign wealth fund and one of the largest such funds in the world, has commenced its India operations after obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and opening its office in the GIFT City. The office is expected to drive further intensification of ADIA’s investment activities in India.

    Ways to leverage its presence in India to further deepen ADIA’s investment profile in India were discussed during the 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments in Mumbai today (October 7, 2024). The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industries Minister, Government of India, and His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

    Since its establishment, the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Ahmedabad is fast emerging as a leading global financial & technology hub, providing a thriving financial ecosystem to support and expand businesses. 

    During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abu Dhabi in July 2023, it was announced that ADIA would establish a presence in GIFT City. This was reiterated in the Joint Statement issued during the visit of the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Ahmedabad in January 2024. Subsequently, ADIA announced setting up an Alternative Investment Fund in GIFT City to hold all its India-related investments. 

    ADIA’s presence in the GIFT City underlines the strong interest from UAE’s institutional investors in India’s growing and dynamic economy. It also buttresses GIFT City’s reputation as a world-class financial services centre, operating under a robust regulatory and legal framework.

    UAE continues to be the largest Arab investor in India, with investments amounting to around US$ 3 billion in FY 2023-24. The UAE was the sixth-largest FDI source for FY 2023-24 and the seventh-largest overall since 2000. Over 70% of all GCC investments come from the UAE. The new India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty, which entered into force on August 31, 2024, will further strengthen two-way investment flows.

     

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    PIB Mumbai | SR/ SC/ DR

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

    (Release ID: 2062830) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –