NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI: AvidXchange Announces Timing of Its First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVDX), a leading provider of accounts payable (AP) automation software and payment solutions for middle market businesses and their suppliers, today announced that its first quarter 2025 ended March 31, 2025, financial results will be released on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. AvidXchange plans to host a conference call at 10:00 AM ET on May 7, 2025, to discuss the company’s financial results.

    The call will be broadcast live via webcast at https://ir.avidxchange.com/. Following the completion of the call, a recorded replay of the call will be available on the AvidXchange Investor Relations website.

    About AvidXchange

    AvidXchange is a leading provider of accounts payable (“AP”) automation software and payment solutions for middle market businesses and their suppliers. AvidXchange’s software-as-a-service-based, end-to-end software and payment platform digitizes and automates the AP workflows for more than 8,500 businesses and it has made payments to more than 1,350,000 supplier customers of its buyers over the past five years. To learn more about how AvidXchange is transforming the way companies pay their bills, visit www.AvidXchange.com.

    Contact:
    Subhaash Kumar
    skumar1@avidxchange.com
    813.760.2309

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Banzai to Present at the Emerging Growth Conference on Thursday, April 17, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banzai International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNZI) (“Banzai” or the “Company”), a leading marketing technology company that provides essential marketing and sales solutions, today announced that Joe Davy, Founder & CEO, and Alvin Yip, CFO, will present at the Emerging Growth Conference on April 17, 2025.

    Emerging Growth Conference Details:

    A webcast of the presentation will also be available under the Events section of the Company’s investor relations website linked here.

    To schedule a one-on-one investor meeting with Banzai management, please contact your Emerging Growth Conference representative or email MZ Group at BNZI@mzgroup.us.

    About Banzai

    Banzai is a marketing technology company that provides AI-enabled marketing and sales solutions for businesses of all sizes. On a mission to help their customers grow, Banzai enables companies of all sizes to target, engage, and measure both new and existing customers more effectively. Customers who use Banzai’s product suite include Autodesk, Dell Technologies, New York Life, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thinkific, and ActiveCampaign, among thousands of others. Learn more at www.banzai.io. For investors, please visit https://ir.banzai.io.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “propose,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar variations and expressions. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Banzai International, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”): future financial, business and operating performance and goals; annualized recurring revenue and customer retention; ongoing, future or ability to maintain or improve its financial position, cash flows, and liquidity and its expected financial needs; potential financing and ability to obtain financing; acquisition strategy and proposed acquisitions and, if completed, their potential success and financial contributions; strategy and strategic goals, including being able to capitalize on opportunities; expectations relating to the Company’s industry, outlook and market trends; total addressable market and serviceable addressable market and related projections; plans, strategies and expectations for retaining existing or acquiring new customers, increasing revenue and executing growth initiatives; and product areas of focus and additional products that may be sold in the future. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the markets in which the Company operates, customer demand, the financial markets, economic, business and regulatory and other factors, such as the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy. More detailed information about risk factors can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in other reports filed by the Company, including reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations
    Chris Tyson
    Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    BNZI@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    Media
    Rachel Meyrowitz
    Director, Demand Generation, Banzai
    media@banzai.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Royal Navy aircraft carrier in final preparation to lead multinational deployment to Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Royal Navy aircraft carrier in final preparation to lead multinational deployment to Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific

    Nearly 4,000 British personnel will support the deployment, which will deliver trade events in Singapore, Japan, and India, promoting Britain’s world-leading industry

    HMS Prince of Wales

    Final preparations are underway for a multinational deployment, led by the Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, while providing an opportunity to promote British trade and industry.

    Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled to sail from Portsmouth on 22 April, where it will proceed to join a formation of warships, supply ships, and aircraft off the coast of Cornwall, before departing for the Mediterranean where it will conduct exercises to reinforce European security.

    Around 2,500 personnel from the Royal Navy and 592 from the Royal Air Force will be involved in the eight-month deployment, which will see the group sail through the Indian Ocean to conduct exercises and port visits with partners including the US, India, Singapore, and Malaysia. They will be joined by around 900 personnel from the British Army for exercises during the deployment.

    The deployment, named Operation Highmast, provides an opportunity for the UK’s Armed Forces to conduct a major global deployment and a chance to exercise complex operations alongside partners and allies in the region, with 12 other nations supporting the deployment with ships or personnel.

    The Indo-Pacific is a critical region for UK trade, with imports and exports in the region worth billions of pounds for the UK economy, and the deployment will provide a chance for UK companies to take part in trade events during port visits.

    Trade between the UK and Indo-Pacific accounted for 17% of total trade between the UK and all trading partners in the 12 months to September 2024, with the total amount traded in goods and services between the UK and Indo-Pacific standing at £286 billion in the same period.

    As the biggest class of ship in the Royal Navy, the flight decks of HMS Prince of Wales and her sister ship are roughly the size of three football pitches and defended by advanced weapons. A maritime strike force of this size is composed of multiple types of ship, frigates, destroyers, submarines, and supply ships to support logistics.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

    I want to thank the thousands of our Armed Forces personnel involved in the delivery of this immensely complex operation, demonstrating the UK’s world-leading capability to deploy a major military force around the world.

    This is a unique opportunity for the UK to operate in close coordination with our partners and allies in a deployment that not only shows our commitment to security and stability, but also provides an opportunity to bolster our own economy and boost British trade and exports.

    As one of only a handful of countries in the world able to lead a deployment of this scale, the Royal Navy is once again demonstrating its formidable capability while protecting British values and sending a powerful message of deterrence to any adversary.

    Of the 12 other nations supporting the deployment, Norway will provide a warship to support the carrier strike group for the entire duration of the deployment. Canada and Spain are among the other nations providing support to the deployment.

    After its compliment of up to 24 Royal Air Force F-35B Lighting fighter jets is embarked on board HMS Prince of Wales, and the departure for the Mediterranean, the group will initially be placed under NATO command as it joins Exercise Neptune Strike – testing the Alliance’s ability to use high-end maritime strike capabilities, including multiple aircraft carrier and amphibious strike groups.

    The group will transit though the Indian Ocean, conducting exercises and port visits with partners including the US, India, Singapore and Malaysia, before joining 19 partner nations for Exercise Talisman Sabre near Australia, and then training alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and conducting a port visit to India.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said:

    Through this deployment of our Carrier Strike Group and 4,000 Service Personnel, we will stand firm with our allies against those who challenge the international order. Reminding the world that the security of the Euro Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are fundamentally indivisible.

    This isn’t just about hard power; it’s about building influence and opening new trade opportunities both for defence and other sectors of our economy which will deliver British jobs and growth.

    This deployment follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, demonstrating this Government’s commitment to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

    Following the inaugural deployment in 2021, the Carrier Strike Group 2025 highlights the strength of the UK’s leadership in seeking to uphold stability in the Indo-Pacific. This has been bolstered by the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, as well as the landmark Global Combat Air Programme collaboration. 

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and is the foundation of its Plan for Change. The strength, capability and global reach of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, demonstrated through Operation Highmast, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 8 April 2025 A journey to safer childbirth in Pakistan

    Source: World Health Organisation

    It’s time. A pregnant woman in Punjab, Pakistan, dials 1-0-3-4, toll-free. Her journey to safe childbirth has been complicated by a lack of transportation. She is connected to a call centre in Lahore that receives 5000 calls a day from pregnant women and their caregivers in need of transportation for delivery or antenatal complications. The call centre was established in 2017 and currently employs 87 call agents. Utilizing Google maps, GPS trackers and text messaging, the call centre operator dispatches a driver to collect labouring women from their homes and transfers them to a primary care centre, where they will deliver their babies with access to interventions to ensure healthy beginnings for both mother and baby. 

    Call agents in Lahore processing calls and dispatching drivers. © RAS Call Center Lahore / IRMNCHN Program

    In 2007, the maternal mortality ratio in Punjab was 227 deaths per 100 000 live births. This was a result of poor socio-economic conditions, challenges in accessing health care in rural areas, and a lack of decision-making power among young women. At the time, approximately 30% of maternal deaths in Pakistan were attributable to delays in reaching health-care facilities, with many women facing long travel distances to give birth as well as lack of access to transportation.

    Over the last two decades, the Government of Punjab has scaled up around 2500 basic health units and equipped 1800 with 24-hour basic obstetric care services. These basic units, the country’s first-level health-care facilities, play a crucial role in addressing maternal and child health issues, especially in rural areas where access to health care is limited. Based on the 2023 census, nearly two thirds of Pakistan’s population resides in rural areas.

    Under the national universal health coverage essential package of health services, the Government of Punjab has now funded a fleet of over 600 ambulances to transport pregnant women from their homes in rural areas to birth centres for delivery. The same service also transports sick children (under age 5 years) for urgent medical care. On average, the rural ambulance service transports 2800 women each day across the province, including public holidays. The cost per transfer for a typical case is approximately US$ 10–15. The service is vital for the more than 30% of pregnant women in Punjab who cannot reach health facilities for safe delivery. Without the service, they would be forced to deliver at home, without access to emergency obstetric and neonatal care.

    “We promote the rural ambulance service through a combination of community outreach and public awareness campaigns. We visit homes, hold community meetings, and distribute informational materials to ensure that every pregnant woman knows about the toll-free number 1-0-3-4 and how to access the service. During the first antenatal care visit, the staff facilitates the registration of pregnant women for the ambulance service. Their personal touch and deep knowledge of their respective communities make a significant difference in spreading the word effectively,” said Saeeda Khan, Lady Health Worker, Ali Raza Abad, Lahore.

    The government’s Integrated Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health & Nutrition Programme oversees the technical and financial aspects, while the central call centre and daily operations are managed by a telecom operator and a private car rental company, respectively. The rental company supplies fuel, drivers and maintains the ambulance, with performance tracked via a dashboard that requires the engine to start within two minutes of case assignment. 

    A pregnant women arriving at a rural health centre in Challian Wala, Punjab to safely deliver her baby. © RHC Challian Wala / M.B. Din

    The real-time dashboard shows GPS-tracked ambulance locations, allowing call centre operators to assign the nearest vehicle to waiting women and their caregivers. Once assigned, both the driver and the woman receive a call and a text message with their respective contact information. The text messages enable communication between drivers and women and allow drivers to pinpoint exact addresses, a task that is often difficult in rural areas.

    “We prioritize calls based on the urgency of the situation, with high-risk pregnancies and emergencies at the top of the list. If a connection drops or a phone battery dies, our system automatically sends text messages to both the driver and the client, ensuring they can still communicate. Additionally, Lady Health Workers and Skilled Birth Attendants are always ready to step in and provide support, ensuring that no woman is left without assistance,” said Bilal Ahmed, District Transport Officer, Outsourced Management Firm.

    Since its debut in 2017, the ambulance service has facilitated the transport of over 3 million women from their homes to health facilities, approximately three and a half million women from primary care to secondary or tertiary hospitals, and around 10 000 children for urgent referrals. It is estimated that at least half of the 500 000 emergency referrals to secondary and tertiary care hospitals have effectively prevented severe morbidity and mortality among mothers and newborns in Punjab. 

    “Without the rural ambulance service, my birth experience would have been incredibly stressful and risky. I would likely have had to deliver at home without skilled medical assistance, which could have jeopardized both my health and my baby’s. The timely support from Lady Health Workers and Skilled Birth Attendants ensured that I received quality care and safe delivery at a health facility. Their presence and the ambulance service made all the difference,” said Keenza Faisal, Beneficiary, Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore.

    Today, there are 157 maternal deaths for every 100 000 live births in Punjab, a decrease of more than 30% from 2007. This decrease has resulted from interventions related to improved access to maternal health services, in addition to addressing the underlying causes for maternal deaths – for instance, through improved access to family planning.

    Still, there is work to be done. 

    Removing barriers like discriminatory social norms, financial constraints and limited decision-making power for women is essential to advancing maternal and newborn health outcomes.

    Ellen Mpangananji Thom / Deputy WHO County Representative, Pakistan

    “Sustainable progress demands more than just service delivery: health systems must address gender inequalities, strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights, and ensure equitable access to quality emergency obstetric and newborn care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Removing barriers like discriminatory social norms, financial constraints and limited decision-making power for women is essential to advancing maternal and newborn health outcomes,” said Ellen Mpangananji Thom, Deputy WHO County Representative, Pakistan.

    This story was originally brought to life on the WHO-UNFPA Learning by Sharing Portal (LSP), which highlights the critical work of various stakeholders in improving access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services within the broader context of universal health coverage. The LSP seeks to create a repository of implementation stories on effective health system interventions and serves as a valuable resource for shared learning, advocacy and capacity building at global, regional and country levels.

    In follow up to World Health Day, please join the WHO-UNFPA Learning by Sharing Portal (LSP), WHO Pakistan, and the Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department, Punjab, Pakistan, on 9 April at 13:00 CET for an interactive discussion with experts and implementers involved in the roll out of the rural ambulance service in Punjab, Pakistan. Please register for the event here. If you have questions for the implementers, please submit them here.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 8 April 2025 Departmental update WHO launches new membership of expert group for behavioural sciences

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization has launched new membership for its Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Sciences for Better Health. This group will provide scientific advice to channel behavioural science evidence into policy to achieve better health outcomes.

    Expert group for behavioural sciences

    Following a global call which attracted 340 applications from 71 countries, sixteen highly qualified advisers were selected. These experts represent a diversity of 15 nationalities across all six WHO regions and have expertise in social and behavioural sciences, including psychology, anthropology and behavioural economics. Their experience covers a variety of health topics such as maternal, newborn and child health; HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; cardiovascular disease, obesity and physical activity; vaccination; water and sanitation; and emergency preparedness and response. Importantly, they have substantial experience of using behavioural science to design and implement policies and programmes in low- and middle-income countries.

    The new members of the Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Sciences for Better Health will support WHO’s response to Resolution WHA76.7 and contribute to WHO’s 14th Global Programme of Work, through advising on the development of methods, tools and mechanisms to support Member States in applying the behavioural sciences. They will also inform the implementation of the Behavioural Sciences for Better Health Initiative.

    “Integrating behavioural insights into policies is key to advancing health equity efficiently and effectively,” said Dr Ailan Li, Assistant Director-General of WHO. “Understanding human behaviour is essential to designing effective strategies. WHO has a very important leadership role in channelling behavioural sciences evidence into policy to achieve public health impact on the ground and global health outcomes.” 

    “Providing evidence-based advice is central to WHO’s mission, and the Technical Advisory Group will ensure that that advice is based on the latest behavioural science,” said Elena Altieri, Head of the Behavioural Insights Unit at WHO.

    Behavioural science for better health

    Human behaviour affects health outcomes. Understanding and integrating behavioural evidence at the individual, community, and population level is essential to design effective policies and programmes.

    The World Health Assembly Resolution WHA76.7 on Behavioural Sciences for Better Health, which was adopted in 2023, called for the mainstreaming of behavioural sciences to achieve more effective, equitable, and people-centred health policies.

    The Behavioural Sciences for Better Health Initiative promotes and enables the systematic use of behavioural and social sciences in public health across the work of WHO and that of its partners. This initiative is part of WHO’s transformation to better promote health, keep the world safe and serve the most vulnerable in a changing world.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trump state visit looking more ridiculous with every passing day

    Source: Scottish Greens

    08 Apr 2025 External Affairs

    Donald Trump is no friend of Scotland. He must not be allowed to visit.

    More in External Affairs

    The UK government’s proposed state visit for Donald Trump is looking more ridiculous with every passing day, says Scottish Green Co-Leader Lorna Slater, who has urged Downing Street to cancel it.
     
    The call comes as the White House has imposed tariffs on the UK, and while Keir Starmer and other leaders have tried to cozy up to him.
     
    Ms Slater said:

    “The proposed state visit is looking more ridiculous and misguided with every passing day. There is nothing to be gained by grovelling to Donald Trump and giving him the trappings and prestige that he desires.
     
    “Time and again he has proven he cannot be trusted and has even inflicted tariffs on the UK. What kind of message does it send if we roll out the red carpet for him at the same time as he is doing that?
     
    “Donald Trump is a danger to human rights around the world and a danger to our climate. He represents the worst of politics and the decisions he’s making are having a terrible impact on migrant communities, women’s rights and on the US economy.
     
    “He is not a friend of Scotland, and is not going to change who he is because the Prime Minister asks him to.”

     
    Ms Slater added:

    “Scotland’s future can and must be with a closer Europe. That is where Keir Starmer’s priorities should be.
     
    “We can’t wait silently while Trump does even more damage. We should be looking to build our green economy and reach out to countries like Canada that have also been targeted by the White House.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Business of I&T Week upcoming

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Business of Innovation & Technology Week (BIT Week) will make a grand return in April, the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau announced today.

    Mega innovation and technology (I&T) events include InnoEX, the Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference, and the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit.

    The third edition of InnoEX will take place from April 13 to 16 at the Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), bringing together I&T elites, enterprises and buyers from the Mainland and overseas to promote I&T advancements.

    It will showcase cutting-edge technology solutions across five key areas of low-altitude economy, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity and smart mobility.

    The event’s highlight is a Hong Kong pavilion set up by the Digital Policy Office to exhibit over 100 I&T solutions, including those developed by government departments concerning citizens’ daily lives as well as award-winning projects by local innovators and students.

    The second Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2025 will take place concurrently at the HKCEC, assembling top-notch I&T talent and renowned scientists including laureates of the Nobel Prize and Turing Award in the city.

    Through keynote speeches, roundtable forums and other formats, the conference participants will tap into global wisdom on cutting-edge topics in big data, AI, biotechnology, new materials and large models. 

    The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit will happen on April 14 and 15 at the HKCEC, focusing on discussions in large AI models, digital finance, and digital government and smart life.

    Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Sun Dong said that BIT Week will bring together I&T elites from 29 countries and regions and over 2,800 exhibitors, adding that Hong Kong’s I&T strengths will be showcased via a series of exhibitions, forums, seminars, business networking, and talent matching.

    Other industry events during BIT Week include the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), Smart Lighting Expo, and the Hong Kong Web3 Festival, the bureau said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Enphase Energy Announces Conference Call to Review First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, announced today that it will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its first quarter 2025 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2025. The live webcast can be accessed on the Enphase Energy Investor Relations website at investor.enphase.com, and a recorded version of the call will also be available there approximately one hour after the call.

    What:   Enphase Energy’s First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Earnings Conference Call and Webcast
    Date:   Tuesday, April 22, 2025
    Time:   4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
    Live Call:   833.634.5018
    International:   +1.412.902.4214
    Replay:   United States: 877.344.7529
    International: +1.412.317.0088
    Canada: 855.669.9658
    Replay access code: 9557806
         

    About Enphase Energy, Inc.

    Enphase Energy, a global energy technology company based in Fremont, CA, is the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems that enable people to harness the sun to make, use, save, and sell their own power — and control it all with a smart mobile app. The company revolutionized the solar industry with its microinverter-based technology and builds all-in-one solar, battery, and software solutions. Enphase has shipped approximately 80.0 million microinverters, and approximately 4.7 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.

    ©2025 Enphase Energy, Inc. All rights reserved. Enphase Energy, Enphase, the “e” logo, IQ, and certain other marks listed at https://enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines are trademarks or service marks of Enphase Energy, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Contact:

    Zach Freedman
    Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Investor Relations
    ir@enphaseenergy.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Vaughn Harvey as Chief Data and AI Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC, a leading wealth management firm, announces the appointment of Vaughn Harvey as executive vice president and chief data and artificial intelligence (AI) officer. Harvey will lead the company’s data and AI initiatives, driving innovation and digital transformation across the organization.

    Harvey brings over 25 years of experience in AI-driven digital transformations and enterprise-wide data strategies. Most recently, he served as managing director and head of product and transformation for consumer and community bank finance at JP Morgan Chase. Prior to joining JP Morgan Chase, Harvey held a variety of senior analytical roles at Morgan Stanley, PwC and Jefferies.

    “Vaughn’s extensive experience and proven track record in leveraging AI and data to drive business outcomes make him the perfect fit for LPL as we continue to scale our offering and leadership in this space,” said Gary Carrai, chief product officer at LPL Financial. “We look forward to the significant contributions he will bring to our advisors who are looking to AI to streamline and grow their practices in a meaningful way.”

    “Joining LPL Financial is a unique opportunity to lead the next wave of innovation in wealth management,” said Harvey. “I am eager to work with the talented tech team here to drive digital transformation and deliver sophisticated solutions that enhance our clients’ experiences.”

    Harvey holds an MBA in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Sydney. He is based in New York City.

    LPL has already made significant strides in helping advisors implement AI effectively and compliantly. In Q4 2024, LPL launched AI Advisor Solutions, a curated program designed to help advisors maximize their days, deliver bespoke client experiences, and leverage data to provide more sophisticated and personalized financial advice.

    Additionally, LPL’s AI Accelerator program supports the firm’s goal to incorporate and deliver AI solutions that have a tangible and immediate impact on advisors’ businesses. LPL is also actively piloting a program that applies AI to generate customized insights for personalized financial planning and a streamlined new client onboarding process powered by AI.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.7 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC.

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

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

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com
    (402) 740-2047 

    Tracking #: 719808

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Plantro Ltd. Announces Amendments to Terms and Extension to Premium All-Cash Tender Offer to Acquire up to 15% of Class A Limited Voting Shares of Information Services Corporation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Tender Offer expiry extended to April 28, 2025 to allow shareholders more time to consider the Tender Offer
    • Amendments and extension, which will benefit ISC shareholders, following constructive engagement with the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan and the Ontario Securities Commission

    ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plantro Ltd. (“Plantro”) today announced amendments to the terms of, and an extension of, its offer to acquire up to 2,777,342 Class A Limited Voting Shares (the “Class A Shares”) in the capital of Information Services Corporation (TSX: ISC) (“ISC” or the “Company”), (the “Tender Offer”) at a price of $27.25 per Class A Share, payable in cash (the “Tender Price”). The amendments and extension, which will benefit ISC shareholders, were made following constructive engagement with the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan and the Ontario Securities Commission.

    Plantro continues to believe the Tender Offer is an opportunity for ISC shareholders to receive an attractive premium, amid volatile markets, for a highly illiquid stock. Plantro was surprised and disappointed at the aggressive and hyperbolic posture adopted by ISC’s board of directors (the “ISC Board”) in response to the Tender Offer. Plantro has made repeated requests to meet with the Chair, other members of the ISC Board and management. However, the ISC Chair, Board and management have not responded, opting instead to have their legal counsel issue hostile letters to Plantro explicitly stating that ISC has rejected the opportunity to meet.

    Plantro respectfully urges the ISC Board to reconsider its current approach, particularly regarding personal attacks and mischaracterizations. For example, ISC referenced Dye & Durham, an unrelated company to this matter, in which both Plantro and ISC were shareholders in 2015. At that time, ISC acquired a 30% stake in Dye & Durham for $3.3 million. If ISC had the business acumen and foresight to hold onto and maintain this 30% investment until Dye & Durham’s most recent annual meeting of shareholders, the value of that stake at that time would have exceeded ISC’s entire unaffected market capitalization of approximately $450 million.

    In light of the changes made to the Tender Offer for the benefit of ISC shareholders, Plantro strongly encourages the ISC Board to reconsider its recommendation to shareholders.

    Important Amendments for ISC Shareholders

    The terms of the Tender Offer and related Letter of Transmittal are amended as follows:

    • Extended Tender Offer Period – The Tender Offer is now open for acceptance by shareholders of the Company until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on April 28, 2025 (the “Expiry Time”), unless the Tender Offer is further extended, varied or withdrawn.
    • Tender Offer Made to All Shareholders – Plantro is making the Tender Offer to all shareholders of the Company, including shareholders who were not holders of record on March 13, 2025 and the Crown Investment Corporation of Saskatchewan.
    • No Longer Acquiring Shares on a First Come First Serve Basis – Plantro will only take up and pay for Class A Shares that are deposited pursuant to the Tender Offer as at the Expiry Time, and not on a “first come, first served” and/or “rolling” basis. As a result, if more than the maximum number of Class A Shares for which the Tender Offer is made are delivered in accordance with the Tender Offer and not withdrawn at the time of take up of the Class A Shares, the Class A Shares to be purchased from each depositing shareholder will be determined on a pro rata basis according to the number of Class A Shares delivered by each shareholder, disregarding fractions, by rounding down to the nearest whole number of Class A Shares.
    • Shareholders Have the Right to Opt Out of Voting Tender – Plantro has further amended the Tender Offer to allow Class A Shareholders of record on March 13, 2025, to opt out of appointing representatives of Plantro as their nominees and proxy in respect of such shares owned by a shareholder that are not deposited pursuant to the Tender Offer and ultimately taken up and paid for. For clarity, such opt out right will not apply to Class A Shares of record on March 13, 2025, which are deposited pursuant to the Tender Offer and ultimately taken up and paid for, and the holder of such shares will be required to appoint representatives of Plantro as its nominees and proxy for the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 13, 2025 in respect of such shares.

    Plantro is relying on the exemption under section 9.2(4) of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations to the circular requirements of applicable Canadian proxy solicitation laws. For further details, please see below under the heading “Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption Under Canadian Law”. The Tender Offer is not a formal or exempt take-over bid under Canadian securities laws and regulations. In no event will Plantro (or its affiliates or associates) make any such purchases of Class A Shares that would result in Plantro, together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owning or exercising control or direction over more than 15% of the outstanding Class A Shares upon completion of the Tender Offer.

    Full details of the Tender Offer are included in the Offer Documents and are available online on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Plantro’s Advisors

    Plantro has engaged Goodmans LLP as its legal advisor, Carson Proxy as its information agent, Odyssey Trust Company as depositary, and Gagnier Communications as its strategic communications advisor.

    About Plantro

    Plantro is a privately-held company, with an established track record of making successful investments in undervalued and high quality legal, financial, and information services businesses.

    Shareholder Questions

    Shareholders who have questions with respect to the Tender Offer, or who need assistance in depositing their Class A Shares, please contact the depositary and information agent for the Tender Offer:

    Depositary: Odyssey Trust Company

    Toll Free (US & Canada): 1-888-290-1175
    Calls (All Regions): 587-885-0960
    Email: corp.actions@odysseytrust.com

    Information Agent: Carson Proxy

    North America Toll Free: 1-800-530-5189
    Local and Text: 416-751-2066
    Email: info@carsonproxy.com

    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption Under Canadian Law

    Plantro is relying on the exemption under section 9.2(4) of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations to make this public broadcast solicitation. The following information is provided in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations.

    This solicitation is being made by Plantro, and not by or on behalf of management of ISC. The information agent will receive a fee of up to $250,000 for its services as information agent under the Tender Offer, plus ancillary payments and disbursements. Based upon publicly available information, ISC’s registered and head office is located at 300 – 10 Research Drive, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 7J7, Canada. Plantro is soliciting proxies in reliance upon the public broadcast exemption to the solicitation requirements under applicable Canadian corporate and securities laws, conveyed by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication, and by any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian securities laws. In addition, this solicitation may be made by mail, telephone, facsimile, email or other electronic means as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by representatives of Plantro. All costs incurred for such solicitation will be borne by Plantro.

    A registered shareholder who has given a proxy under the terms of the Letter of Transmittal may, prior to its Class A Shares being taken up and paid for under the Tender Offer, revoke the proxy by instrument in writing, including a proxy bearing a later date. The instrument revoking the proxy must be deposited at the registered office of ISC at least 48 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, preceding the date of the meeting or an adjournment or postponement thereof, or with the Chair of the meeting on the day of the meeting, or in any other manner permitted by law, provided that, in each circumstance, a copy of such revocation has been delivered to the depositary, at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada prior to the Class A Shares relating to such proxy having been taken up and paid for under the Tender Offer.

    A non-registered shareholder may revoke a form of proxy or voting instruction form given to an intermediary at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered shareholder by its intermediary. Non-registered shareholders should contact their broker for assistance in ensuring that forms of proxies or voting instructions previously given to an intermediary are properly revoked.

    None of Plantro nor, to its knowledge, any of its associates or affiliates, has any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of ISC’s most recently completed financial year, or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or will materially affect ISC or any of its subsidiaries. None of Plantro nor, to its knowledge, any of its associates or affiliates, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at any upcoming shareholders’ meeting, other than as set out herein.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release may contain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Specifically, certain statements contained in this press release, including without limitation statements regarding the Tender Offer, taking up and paying for Class A Shares deposited under the Tender Offer, and the expiry of the Tender Offer, contain “forward-looking information” and are prospective in nature. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking statements.

    Statements containing forward-looking information are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future outcomes expressed or implied by the statements containing forward-looking information.

    Although Plantro believes that the expectations reflected in statements containing forward-looking information herein made by it (and not, for greater certainty, any forward-looking statements attributable to the Company) are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in formulating the forward-looking information contained herein include the assumption that the business and economic conditions affecting the Company’s operations will continue substantially in the current state, including, without limitation, with respect to industry conditions, general levels of economic activity, continuity and availability of personnel, local and international laws and regulations, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, inflation, taxes, that there will be no unplanned material changes to the Company’s operations, and that the Company’s public disclosure record is accurate in all material respects and is not misleading (including by omission).

    Plantro cautions that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. While these factors and assumptions are considered by Plantro to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances as of the date of this press release, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Plantro and there is no assurance that they will prove correct.

    Important facts that could cause outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information include, among other things, actions taken by the Company in respect of the Tender Offer, the content of subsequent public disclosures by the Company, the failure to satisfy the conditions to the Tender Offer, general economic conditions, legislative or regulatory changes and changes in capital or securities markets. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Although Plantro has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to Plantro or that Plantro presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information.

    Statements containing forward-looking information in this press release are based on Plantro’s beliefs and opinions at the time the statements are made, and there should be no expectation that such forward-looking information will be updated or supplemented as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, and Plantro disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by applicable law. All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

    1380-9916-3157

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Regula Wins Gold in the Globee Awards for Cybersecurity for Its Complete Identity Verification Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Regula, a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification (IDV) solutions, has received Gold in the 2025 Globee Awards for Cybersecurity. This marks Regula’s second consecutive year of winning in the globally recognized Globee Awards program, this time upgrading its Silver award from 2024 to Gold in 2025.

    The Gold Award for Regula in the 2025 Globee Awards for Cybersecurity

    Organized annually for over 20 years, the Globee Awards accolade companies and products that demonstrate superior performance, innovation, and leadership in their field. Regula won the Gold Award in the Identity Proofing and Corroboration category. This recognition spotlights the company’s contribution to enhancing secure and seamless identity verification through its complete software solution comprised of Regula Document Reader SDK and Regula Face SDK.

    Regula’s technologies and forensic devices are used by over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities across the globe. By combining forensic-level document analysis and advanced biometric verification, Regula helps financial institutions, government agencies, and businesses from any industry prevent identity fraud, whether online or in person.

    Regula Document Reader SDK is a robust on-premise software solution that streamlines digital customer onboarding, no matter the device, and automatically reads and authenticates data from a wide range of identity documents, including passports, ID cards, driver’s licenses, etc. Empowered by the world’s largest identity document template database, owned and maintained by Regula, the solution efficiently verifies IDs from 251 countries and territories. Its advanced document liveness verification, in-depth authenticity checks, and inherent ability to cross-validate personal data from multiple ID zones, including MRZs, RFID chips, and barcodes, help detect any inconsistencies that may indicate fraud.

    Along with document verification, Regula Face SDK delivers advanced biometric checks, including face matching and liveness detection performed in accordance with the ISO 30107-3 PAD standard. This ensures that the person presenting an ID is the rightful holder of the document and is physically present at the moment of verification. This makes it possible to detect spoofing techniques such as printed images, masks, video injections, replays, or deepfakes.

    “Winning Gold at the Globee Awards is a strong validation of our endeavor to make digital and physical identity verification secure, reliable, and fraud-proof. In a world where deepfakes and sophisticated document forgery are no longer hypothetical threats, it’s essential to equip organizations with tools that can detect even the most intricate forms of identity fraud. We’re proud that our solutions deliver exactly that,” says Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula.

    This Gold Globee Award adds to Regula’s growing list of industry recognitions in cybersecurity and identity verification. Most recently, the company also received a second Gold award at the Merit Awards for Cybersecurity. Additionally, Gartner named Regula a representative vendor in its latest Market Guide for KYC Platforms for Banking.

    To learn more about Regula’s breakthrough technologies and achievements, visit the official website.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

    Contact:
    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e00852c5-f2a4-42fb-a849-bd04af47002c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aemetis Biogas Monthly RNG Production Increased by 55% in March

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CUPERTINO, Calif., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused on low and negative carbon intensity renewable fuels, announced today that its production of renewable natural gas (RNG) increased 55% in March compared to February. RNG production from anaerobic dairy digesters increases during periods of warmer weather due to improved temperatures for microbial activity that converts organic material into biomethane and the higher production quantity is expected to continue through the summer.

    Aemetis Biogas also completed a sale of LCFS and D3 RINs at the end of Q1. The LCFS credits were generated from RNG dispensed as transportation fuel in Q4 2024 and were booked under the California Air Resource Board (CARB) reporting process at the end of the first quarter this year. The D3 RINs were from production and dispensing of RNG in February 2025.

    “Aemetis Biogas uses animal waste feedstock to produce domestic energy which is not directly impacted by import/export tariffs. The significant 55% increase in monthly RNG production in March compared to February is on track with our 2025 production plan and generates proportionally larger LCFS and D3 RIN revenues, as well as Section 45Z sellable tax credits,” stated Eric McAfee, chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “We are now completing construction of digesters that will process waste from four additional dairies that are expected to be operational in the next few months, supporting the sale of another round of investment tax credits and further increasing RNG production and associated revenues.”

    Aemetis Biogas is in the final phase of Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) pathway approvals for seven dairy digesters by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which is expected to be received before the end of Q2, which should generate about $6 million per year of increased revenues from LCFS credits at current prices.

    CARB is also in the process of finalizing its November 2024 LCFS amendments that are expected to significantly increase the mandated demand for LCFS credits, and CARB just published its final proposed regulations for a fifteen-day comment period last Friday. The higher LCFS credit prices expected to be created by these regulations will further increase Aemetis Biogas LCFS revenue proportionally to the LCFS credit price increase, potentially generating up to 300% more total LCFS revenue per MMBtu of RNG.

    Aemetis Biogas continues to grow production and revenues as it builds digesters and biogas pipelines to capture methane from 50 dairies that have signed agreements to supply the Central Dairy Digester Project near Modesto, California. When completed, the Aemetis Biogas Central Dairy Digester Project is expected to generate 1.65 million MMBtu of dairy RNG each year. Since California imports more than 75% of the crude oil used to produce diesel, the Aemetis RNG project is planned to replace the primarily imported diesel consumed by trucks that drive 77 million miles per year with low emission, local RNG biofuel produced from American domestic waste sources.

    About Aemetis

    Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is a renewable natural gas and renewable fuel company focused on the operation, acquisition, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace petroleum products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in 2006, Aemetis is operating and actively expanding a California biogas digester network and pipeline system to convert dairy waste gas into Renewable Natural Gas. Aemetis owns and operates a 65 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in California’s Central Valley near Modesto that supplies about 80 dairies with animal feed. Aemetis owns and operates an 80 million gallon per year production facility on the East Coast of India producing high quality distilled biodiesel and refined glycerin. Aemetis is developing a sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel fuel biorefinery in California, renewable hydrogen, and hydroelectric power to produce low carbon intensity renewable jet and diesel fuel. For additional information about Aemetis, please visit www.aemetis.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events or other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections of financial results in 2025 and future years; statements relating to the development, engineering, financing, construction and operation of the Aemetis ethanol, biogas, SAF and renewable diesel, and carbon sequestration facilities; our ability to promote, develop, finance, and construct facilities to produce biogas, renewable fuels, and biochemicals; and statements about future market prices and results of government actions. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “showing signs,” “targets,” “view,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and predictions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth or implied by such forward-looking statements and related assumptions due to certain factors, including, without limitation, competition in the ethanol, biodiesel and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, customer adoption, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and in our other filings with the SEC. We are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of these forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws.

    Company Investor Relations
    Media Contact:
    Todd Waltz
    (408) 213-0940
    investors@aemetis.com

    External Investor Relations
    Contact:
    Kirin Smith
    PCG Advisory Group
    (646) 863-6519
    ksmith@pcgadvisory.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FTC Solar Introduces Revolutionary Dual-Row Configuration for 1P Pioneer Tracker™: Industry’s Highest East-West Slope Tolerance for a linked tracker

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FTC Solar, a leading provider of cutting-edge solar tracker technology, is excited to unveil its latest innovation with the dual-row configuration for the 1P Pioneer Tracker™, setting a new standard in efficiency and adaptability for solar installations. Designed to meet the demands of challenging terrain, FTC’s dual-row system significantly enhances project yield, reduces costs, and maximizes land utilization.

    With unmatched East-West slope tolerance and customizable options, the dual-row configuration of the 1P Pioneer Tracker™ provides developers and EPCs with a versatile solution for navigating complex project landscapes.

    Key Features of the Dual-Row Configuration

    • Industry-Leading East-West Slope Tolerance of 17.5%
      FTC Solar’s dual-row design offers the industry’s highest slope tolerance among two-row linked trackers, setting a new benchmark for earthwork efficiency. This innovation allows solar installations on more challenging terrains while minimizing site preparation expenses and environmental impact.
    • Configurable 4X4, 3×3 and 2×2 Tracker Options
      With configurable 4×4, 3×3, and 2×2 modular setups, the dual-row tracker system increases power density by up to 23%. This enables developers to optimize energy output while using the same land footprint, achieving superior efficiency for utility-scale solar projects.
    • Superior Cost Efficiency & Project Economics
      The dual-row configuration optimizes capital costs by streamlining tracker components and reducing material requirements. By integrating a shared drive tube, FTC Solar’s linked tracker lowers installation complexity and enhances cost-effectiveness without compromising performance—delivering a smarter, more scalable solution for solar developers and EPCs.
    • Enhanced Flexibility, Reliability and Stability
      With FTC Solar’s diverse portfolio of solutions, customers gain the flexibility to integrate both independent and dual-row trackers within the same site. This approach optimizes site design while lowering CAPEX. Designed for long-term reliability, the dual-row configuration reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining high operational performance. This enhanced stability results in lower maintenance costs and improved energy output over the system’s lifetime.

    “With the introduction of our dual-row configuration, FTC Solar is adding another design option on how utility-scale projects can approach site design and cost efficiency,” said Yann Brandt, President and CEO of FTC Solar. “By offering industry-leading slope tolerance, modular tracker configurations, and an optimized structural design for a linked tracker, we’re enabling developers to maximize energy production while minimizing installation complexity and capital costs. This innovation enhances both flexibility and reliability, ensuring that our customers can achieve superior project economics without compromising performance.”

    Maximizing Project Value Through Innovation

    The Pioneer 1P Tracker™ dual-row configuration delivers superior slope adaptability, flexible configurations, and cost efficiency, making it an ideal solution for utility-scale solar projects. Offering industry-leading slope tolerance for a linked tracker, it enables developers and EPCs to reduce site preparation costs while adapting to challenging terrains. With configurable 4×4, 3×3, and 2×2 setups, the system optimizes power density and design flexibility, while its shared drive tube and streamlined tracker components lower CAPEX without compromising performance. By integrating these innovations, FTC Solar empowers its customers to expand project viability, enhance energy output, and improve long-term project economics.

    About FTC Solar Inc.

    Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is a leading provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and engineering services. Solar trackers significantly increase energy production at solar power installations by dynamically optimizing solar panel orientation to the sun. FTC Solar’s innovative tracker designs provide compelling performance and reliability, with an industry-leading installation cost-per-watt advantage.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on our current expectations and projections regarding our business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements as predictions of future events, as actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements because of several factors, including those described in more detail above and in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained therein. FTC Solar undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Beat the April 15 Tax Deadline, But Don’t Leave Money Behind

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the deadline to file taxes only 7 days away, H&R Block (NYSE: HRB), the company that pioneered the tax prep category 70 years ago, is providing crucial last-minute tips to help taxpayers navigate the final stretch of tax season while ensuring no dollar is left behind. According to IRS data, 2025 filings are slightly lower compared to last year1, which means millions of taxpayers will be scrambling to meet the April 15th deadline.

    “Each year, millions of taxpayers leave billions of dollars behind because they miss valuable deductions and credits they’re entitled to,” said Andy Phillips, Vice President of The Tax Institute at H&R Block. “Filing taxes can be stressful, especially when you’re facing a fast-approaching deadline, but it is important to be thorough and thoughtful when gathering documents and preparing a return because it could be the difference between owing or getting money back.”

    H&R Block’s The Tax Institute is a team of tax attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents who constantly monitor and analyze federal and state tax code changes to enable the company’s vast network of 60,000 tax professionals and DIY products to address each taxpayer’s unique situation, from life changes to changing tax laws.

    Tax Codes That Maximize Your Refund

    H&R Block helps over 20 million clients each year get back or keep every dollar they’ve earned. Here are the top recommendations to reduce tax liability and maximize refunds.

    • File Even If You Can’t Pay: Many people think if they can’t pay, they shouldn’t file—but that’s a big mistake. The penalty for failing to file on time is ten times the penalty for failing to pay on time. Even if you can’t pay by the due date, you will save money by filing on time.
    • Double-Check Your Dependents: Those who support an elderly parent, an adult child, or even a non-relative living in the home, might be able to claim them as a dependent and get extra credits or deductions. Many people assume only young children qualify, but taxpayers should account for all other dependents for possible tax benefits. The child and dependent care credit is another benefit that can help cover a percentage of expenses such as daycare, childcare and summer camp, for a child under 13 years old. This credit can also be available for the costs of caring for a spouse or parent if they cannot care for themselves.
    • Don’t Leave Money Behind: The most common missed credits and deductions are:
      • Education Credits: Students and parents often overlook education credits such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC).
      • Child Tax Credit (CTC): The Child Tax Credit is up to $2,000 per child under the age of 17, with up to $1,700 being fully refundable even if no taxes are owed.
      • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): This credit is designed to benefit low to moderate-income workers. Many eligible taxpayers miss out on this credit because they don’t realize they qualify.
    • Consider filing even if you aren’t required to file: Individuals who don’t meet the minimum income threshold often don’t file because they aren’t required to, but they may qualify for certain credits that result in a refund.
    • Retirement Plan/IRA Early Withdrawal Penalty: There are now two new exceptions to the 10% penalty on early withdrawals from retirement plans or IRAs for emergency personal expenses and for victims of domestic abuse.
    • Natural Disasters: Legislation passed in December allows tax filers to claim losses not reimbursed by insurance without itemizing, meaning they can deduct that loss while still claiming the standard deduction.
    • Include All Sources of Income: Everyone—and especially gig workers, side hustlers and online sellers—should pay attention to the new 1099-K rules. Many will receive a 1099-K for the first time, as the reporting threshold for online sales and third-party payment apps has lowered significantly from $20,000 to $5,000.

    Because these credits and deductions often go unclaimed, H&R Block offers a free Second Look® tax review to double-check up to three years of tax returns for missed credits or deductions. No other company offers this extensive of a review for free2.

    Expert Help No Matter How You File

    The American tax code contains nearly 10,000 sections with up to 174 pages for each, making filing taxes daunting without professional help. Filers with complex tax situations may benefit from expert assistance. H&R Block offers a range of resources and flexible filing options to help last-minute taxpayers file with confidence and get their maximum refund, guaranteed3.

    • Assisted: File in as little as one hour with options to drop off your documents, meet virtually or in-person with one of the 60,000 company tax professionals at one of 9,000 offices. H&R Block has locations in every state and within 5 miles of most Americans many of which have same-day appointments available.
    • DIY Online: File on your own with H&R Block’s DIY online filing tools, supported by AI Tax Assist and Live Tax Pro Support. Clients can ask unlimited questions through AI Tax Assist and receive live support, free of charge in all DIY paid editions.
    • Tax Pro Review: Filers using H&R Block’s intuitive DIY tax prep service, can add Tax Pro Review any time during the online filing process to have a tax pro review your tax return for any errors or missed opportunities. Once complete the tax pro will sign and file the return on the client’s behalf. This provides extra peace of mind for filers who want the flexibility of preparing their own return and the confidence of an experienced tax pro reviewing their return to ensure accuracy.
    • DIY Software: Download our award-winning desktop software trusted by millions of Americans for over twenty years.

    “Whether completing your own taxes online or getting expert assistance from one of our tax pros, we are here to help our customers file accurately, confidently and get their maximum refund guaranteed,” said Phillips.

    What To Do If You Are Unable to File On Time?

    If you are unable to file your taxes by the April 15th deadline, requesting an extension may be a good option. This will give filers until October 15th, 2025, to file a return, but it’s important to remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay.

    Filers will still need to estimate their tax liability and pay any amount due by April 15th to avoid penalties. Remember that the IRS may have already granted extensions to those affected by natural disasters. Check the IRS website to see if you qualify for automatic relief before requesting an extension.

    To learn more about H&R Block’s tax preparation services, many ways to file, and year-round financial support, visit hrblock.com. For media assets, visit hrblock.com/tax-center/newsroom and for helpful tips and information, follow H&R Block on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. 

    1According to the IRS filing season statistics as of 3/28/2025.
    2At participating offices. Fees apply to file an amended return. The IRS allows taxpayers to amend returns from the previous three tax years to claim additional refunds to which they are entitled.
    3All tax situations are different. Not everyone gets a refund. See hrblock.com/guarantees for complete details.

    Editor’s Note:
    For media assets, visit hrblock.com/tax-center/newsroom or a downloadable Tax Season 2025 media kit, visit https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/media-kit/tax-season-2025/.

    About H&R Block 
    H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Melissa Celebrates 40th Anniversary as the Address Expert

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Celebrating an industry milestone, Melissa today announced its 40th anniversary as the Address Expert. The company is a global leader in data quality and address management solutions, and now marks four decades of innovation and market leadership in data quality, identity verification, and customer address management.

    Established in 1985 by Ray Melissa, the company started with a simple ZIP Code data offering aimed at improving address accuracy for mailers. Today, Melissa has grown into a global powerhouse, serving over 10,000 businesses worldwide with a robust suite of solutions that enhance address, email, phone, and identity verification. Melissa’s newly released catalog features a spectrum of integrations, tools, and services supporting customer data quality across key international arenas such as fintech and financial services, healthcare, public sector services, and online commerce.

    “For Melissa, 2025 is an incredibly special year,” said company founder Ray Melissa. “It’s gratifying to reflect on our journey—from a small data provider to an industry leader shaping the future of data quality and verification. Operating at the crossroads of customer data, global business operations, and emerging AI-driven platforms, we take pride in empowering enterprises to harness the full potential of clean, standardized data in an increasingly connected world.”

    Melissa has long focused on global growth, building partnerships that serve a worldwide enterprise customer base and support data professionals from developers to database managers to data end-users. In 2024 alone, the company introduced new integrations with FedRAMP®, Shopify, Microsoft AppSource, and Google Workspace, reinforcing its presence in cloud-based data services. Additionally, Melissa expanded its international footprint by opening new offices in Mexico and Brazil, further solidifying its role as a trusted partner across five continents.

    Beyond geographic expansion, Melissa has remained at the forefront of technological advancements in data quality. The company recently launched its Melissa Alert Service, a cutting-edge solution designed for continuous data monitoring and automated cleansing. Melissa’s success has also been built on strong collaborations with key postal agencies, technology providers, and recognized authoritative data sources. The company maintains USPS® CASS™, PAVE™, NCOALink® Service, and Canada Post SERP® certifications, ensuring its data solutions meet the highest postal standards worldwide. Melissa is also partnered with ESRI, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, with data integrations that support retailers with optimized address data for smarter ecommerce. Partnerships with Salesforce, Talend, Stripe, Snowflake, and other major platforms continue to enable seamless integrations for enterprise clients.

    “Our partnerships have been instrumental in driving Melissa’s reach,” added Melissa. “By working alongside leading global organizations and authoritative data sources, we ensure that businesses have access to the most accurate, up-to-date, and compliant data solutions available. We don’t plan on slowing down and can see a bright future for continued pioneering of smart, sharp data tools to empower business.”

    Click here to download Melissa’s 2025 Data Quality and Enrichment Catalog; to connect with members of Melissa’s global intelligence team, visit www.Melissa.com or call 1-800-MELISSA.

    About Melissa
    Powering clean customer data for 40 years, Melissa is the Address Expert. Providing address validation, address autocomplete, and geo-verified address data for 240+ countries, Melissa supports global businesses with its offices across five continents. Melissa’s suite of data quality, ID verification, and location data tools and services drives better decision-making, reduced costs, increased efficiency, and improved compliance. Our APIs, CRM and ecommerce integrations, and online tools help Melissa’s 10,000 customers worldwide process billions of addresses daily, fully capitalizing on the business value of customer data. For more information, visit www.Melissa.com or call 1-800-MELISSA (635-4772).

    Media contacts
    Greg Brown
    Vice President, Global Marketing, Melissa
    greg.brown@Melissa.com
    +1-800-635-4772 x1130

    MPoweredPR for Melissa
    pr@mpoweredpr.com
    +1-877-794-6777

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Jennifer Hua Brings Deep Transaction Expertise to Monarch Private Capital’s #BestInClass Renewable Energy Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monarch Private Capital (Monarch), a nationally recognized impact investment firm that develops, finances, and manages a diversified portfolio of projects generating both federal and state tax credits, is pleased to welcome Jennifer Hua as Manager, Renewable Energy.

    In this role, Hua will be responsible for identifying and executing on renewable energy opportunities that generate solid and de-risked returns for Monarch’s investors. Her focus includes sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and executing complex tax equity and credit transfer transactions across a diverse portfolio of renewable energy assets.

    Hua brings a decade of energy sector experience to Monarch. Most recently, she served as Associate Vice President at Foss & Company, where she led due diligence and underwriting for a wide range of projects including solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), renewable natural gas (RNG), fuel cells, and advanced manufacturing. Prior to that, Hua spent seven years at Williams Companies, where she held various roles, culminating in Business Development within the company’s New Energy Ventures division. Her experience includes behind-the-meter solar and storage development, M&A support, and counterparty risk management.

    “Jennifer brings the right mix of experience, leadership, and creativity to help further develop Monarch’s #bestinclass processes,” said Bryan Didier, Partner and Managing Director at Monarch Private Capital. “We are building a team that’s not only highly skilled, but collaborative and forward-thinking—and Jennifer is exactly the kind of leader who will elevate the work we’re doing and help us scale with excellence.”

    In addition to her transaction responsibilities, Hua will contribute to the #everbetter of Monarch’s #bestinclass processes, supporting efforts to ensure the highest quality in underwriting, risk analysis, and investor outcomes. As part of the Renewable Energy leadership team, she will collaborate on key initiatives to strengthen internal systems, improve cross-functional coordination, and advance consistency and quality for Monach’s clients across the transaction lifecycle.

    “Monarch is doing the kind of work that moves the needle in clean energy, and I’m excited to join a team so committed to excellence and impact,” said Hua. “I look forward to contributing to a strong culture of collaboration and continuous improvement—particularly in how we close transactions, support investor outcomes, and scale through smart, standardized processes.”

    Hua holds an MBA from the University of Tulsa and a BBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Oklahoma. She is an active member of Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE) and the Junior League of Denver. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, skiing, cycling, and yoga.

    For more information about Monarch Private Capital, visit www.monarchprivate.com.

    About Monarch Private Capital

    Monarch Private Capital manages impact investment funds that positively impact communities by creating clean power, jobs, and homes. The funds provide predictable returns through the generation of federal and state tax credits. The Company offers innovative tax credit equity investments for affordable housing, historic rehabilitations, renewable energy, film, and other qualified projects. Monarch Private Capital has long-term relationships with institutional and individual investors, developers, and lenders participating in these federal and state programs. Headquartered in Atlanta, Monarch has offices and professionals located throughout the United States.

    CONTACT
    Jane Rafeedie
    Monarch Private Capital
    Jrafeedie@monarchprivate.com
    470-283-8431

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/828d8460-ce11-479a-b849-62ffdd26215b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LightSolver Appoints Former HSBC CEO Colin Bell to Advisory Board

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LightSolver, inventor of a new laser-based computing paradigm, today announced the appointment of financial and banking expert Colin Bell to its Advisory Board. Bell will assist LightSolver with its go-to-market strategy for the financial industry and global enterprise market.

    Colin Bell is a Non-Executive Director of Serendipity Capital. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank plc and HSBC Europe and as Executive Director of HSBC Bank plc. Bell has deep experience in the banking and financial industry, having also served as the Group Chief Compliance Officer and Group Head of Financial Crime Risk at HSBC Group and Head of Compliance and Operational Risk Control at UBS. Additionally, Bell has held appointments with the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO.

    LightSolver has developed an all-optical Laser Processing Unit™ (LPU) that leverages laser interactions to compute large and complex problems faster and more efficiently than the most advanced classical HPC systems. The LPU processes at the speed of light and is ideally suited for computations that require massive numbers of iterations, such as combinatorial optimization problems encountered in transport scheduling, production and supply chain optimization, or trading and portfolio optimization, as well as physical simulations for computer-aided engineering (CAE) and scientific computations.

    “The potential of LightSolver’s all-optical technology to solve complex, compute-intensive challenges is remarkable and can open up new opportunities in the financial sector,” said Bell. “The outcomes of many challenges across risk management, investment and trading could be enhanced by this advanced computing method. I look forward to working with LightSolver to shape its offering and provide impactful solutions for financial institutes and beyond.”

    LightSolver recently announced a partnership with engineering software simulation provider Ansys focused on accelerating simulations for automotive, aerospace, and other industries. It also received a €12.5M grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to advance its all-optical supercomputer.

    “Colin Bell brings invaluable business insight and a deep network across the financial and enterprise sectors,” said LightSolver CEO and co-founder Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D. “His experience leading major institutions will be a key asset as we scale LightSolver’s commercial efforts and position our laser-based computing platform for real-world adoption. We’re excited to work with him to accelerate our growth and bring transformative computing power to the industries that need it most.”

    About LightSolver
    LightSolver is developing an all-optical supercomputer capable of solving complex and large computational problems at the speed of light. Utilizing the interference patterns of lasers, the Laser Processing Unit™ (LPU) can tackle challenges that were previously constrained by the limits of electronics, while fitting into a rack unit and operating at room temperature. Dr. Ruti Ben-Shlomi and Dr. Chene Tradonsky, physicists from the world-renowned Weizmann Institute, founded the company in 2020. More than 2/3 of the team are physics, math and computer science PhDs. LightSolver has secured investment from TAL Ventures, Entree Capital, IBI Tech Fund, Angular Ventures, Maverick, and Artofin. The company has also received a €12.5M grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to advance its all-optical supercomputer. Connect with LightSolver @LightSolverCo on X and on LinkedIn. For more information, visit lightsolver.com or email info@lightsolver.com.

    Media Contact:
    Seth Menacker
    Fusion PR
    lightsolver@fusionpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CNB Financial Corporation Announces that ISS Recommends Shareholders Support the Proposal to Issue Common Stock in connection with the Merger with ESSA Bancorp, Inc., the Proposal to Approve the 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Say-on-Pay Proposal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CLEARFIELD, Pa., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CNB Financial Corporation (“CNB”) (NASDAQ: CCNE) is pleased to announce that leading independent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services Inc (“ISS”) is recommending that CNB shareholders vote “FOR” each of (1) the proposal to issue shares of CNB common stock in connection with the merger of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (“ESSA”) with and into CNB; (2) the proposal to approve the CNB Financial Corporation 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan; and (3) the non-binding advisory resolution to approve the compensation of CNB’s named executive officers in advance of the upcoming CNB Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”).

    The Annual Meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Shareholders of record as of February 18, 2025 will be able to attend the Annual Meeting, vote, and submit questions during the Annual Meeting via live webcast by visiting web.viewproxy.com/CNBFinancial/2025. CNB’s joint proxy statement/prospectus for the Annual Meeting is available at web.viewproxy.com/CNBFinancial/2025.

    Whether or not shareholders plan to attend the Annual Meeting, CNB encourages shareholders to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus and submit their proxy or voting instructions as soon as possible. Information regarding how to vote or revoke previously submitted proxies is available in the joint proxy statement/prospectus referenced above.

    If CNB shareholders have any questions or need assistance with voting, they are encouraged to contact CNB’s proxy solicitor, Alliance Advisors:

    Alliance Advisors, LLC
    200 Broadacres Drive, 3rd Floor
    Bloomfield, NJ 07003
    (833) 215-7302
    CCNE@AllianceAdvisors.com

    About CNB Financial Corporation

    CNB Financial Corporation is a financial holding company with consolidated assets of approximately $6.2 billion. CNB Financial Corporation conducts business primarily through its principal subsidiary, CNB Bank. CNB Bank is a full-service bank engaging in a full range of banking activities and services, including trust and wealth management services, for individual, business, governmental, and institutional customers. CNB Bank operations include a private banking division, one loan production office, one drive-up office, one mobile office, and 56 full-service offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Virginia. CNB Bank, headquartered in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, with offices in Central and North Central Pennsylvania, serves as the multi-brand parent to various divisions. These divisions include ERIEBANK, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, with offices in Northwest Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio; FCBank, based in Worthington, Ohio, with offices in Central Ohio; BankOnBuffalo, based in Buffalo, New York, with offices in Western New York; Ridge View Bank, based in Roanoke, Virginia, with offices in the Southwest Virginia region; and Impressia Bank, a division focused on banking opportunities for women, which operates in CNB Bank’s primary market areas. Additional information about CNB Financial Corporation may be found at www.CNBBank.bank.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements about CNB and its industry involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Statements other than statements of current or historical fact, including statements regarding CNB’s future financial condition, results of operations, business plans, liquidity, cash flows, projected costs, and the impact of any laws or regulations applicable to CNB, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “should” and other similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results.

    Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the following: (i) the ability to complete the proposed merger with ESSA on the proposed terms or on the anticipated timeline, or at all, including the risk that governmental approvals of the merger may not be obtained, or adverse regulatory conditions may be imposed in connection with governmental approvals of the merger and risks and uncertainties related to securing the necessary shareholder approvals and satisfaction of other closing conditions to consummate the proposed merger; (ii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement relating to the proposed merger; (iii) risks related to diverting the attention of management from ongoing business operations; (iv) failure to realize the expected benefits of the proposed merger; (v) significant transaction costs and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities; (vi) the risk of shareholder litigation in connection with the proposed merger, including resulting expense or delay; (vii) the risk that ESSA’s business will not be integrated successfully or that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; (viii) risks related to future opportunities and plans for the combined company, including the uncertainty of expected future financial performance and results of the combined company following completion of the proposed merger; (ix) the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger on the ability of CNB to operate its business and retain and hire key personnel and to maintain favorable business relationships; (x) risks related to the market value of the CNB common stock to be issued in the proposed merger; (xi) other risks related to the completion of the proposed merger and actions related thereto; (xii) the dilution caused by CNB’s issuance of additional shares of its capital stock in connection with the proposed merger; (xiii) national, international, regional and local economic and political climates and conditions; (xiv) changes in general economic conditions, including changes in market interest rates and changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; and (xv) legislative and regulatory changes. Further information about these and other relevant risks and uncertainties may be found in CNB’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in subsequent filings CNB makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. CNB does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the proposed merger, CNB filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4, as amended (File No. 333-285096), that includes a document that serves as a prospectus of CNB and a joint proxy statement of CNB and ESSA (the “joint proxy statement/prospectus”). CNB and ESSA also plan to file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed merger. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4, THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED WITHIN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CNB, ESSA AND THE PROPOSED MERGER. You may obtain a free copy of the registration statement, including the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed by CNB and ESSA with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by CNB with the SEC are available free of charge on CNB’s website at www.cnbbank.bank or by directing a request to CNB Financial Corporation, 1 South Second Street, PO Box 42, Clearfield, PA, attention: Treasurer, telephone (814) 765-9621.

    No Offer

    This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    CNB and its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed merger. You can find information about CNB’s executive officers and directors in the joint proxy statement/prospectus. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants are included in the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents from CNB using the sources indicated above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hanover Bank Unveils a Refreshed Logo to Reflect Commitment to Innovation and Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINEOLA, N.Y., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hanover Bank, the bank subsidiary of Hanover Bancorp (Nasdaq “HNVR”) is excited to unveil its new logo, a brand identity refresh that embodies our continued evolution into a financial services leader recognized for delivering digital banking solutions with unparalleled service.

    Our new logo reflects a forward-thinking vision that builds on the values of trust, stability, and progress – values that have always been at the heart of Hanover Bank since our founding in 2009 – underscoring our commitment to innovation and tradition.

    “We take great pride in our legacy and the strong relationships we’ve built over the years, and this logo represents our commitment to propelling them forward as we deliver a more agile, innovative, and client-focused banking experience, reinforcing our leadership in an ever-evolving world,” said Michael P. Puorro, Chairman and CEO of Hanover Bank.

    The refreshed logo is part of a broader initiative to enhance our banking experience for both individuals and businesses. Our updated identity will be phased in across all touchpoints, including digital platforms, branch signage, advertising and much more.

    “As we look toward the future in an increasingly digital world, we remain steadfast in upholding the core values that have been the foundation of our success. This symbolizes our dedication to both progress and transformation, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to innovation,” concluded Mr. Puorro.

    For more information, please visit hanoverbank.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

    About Hanover Community Bank and Hanover Bancorp, Inc.

    Hanover Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: HNVR), is the bank holding company for Hanover Community Bank, a community commercial bank focusing on highly personalized and efficient services and products responsive to client needs. Management and the Board of Directors are comprised of a select group of successful local businesspeople who are committed to the success of the Bank by knowing and understanding the metro-New York area’s financial needs and opportunities. Backed by state-of-the-art technology, Hanover offers a full range of financial services. Hanover offers a complete suite of consumer, commercial, and municipal banking products and services, including multi-family and commercial mortgages, residential loans, business loans and lines of credit. Hanover also offers its customers access to 24-hour ATM service with no fees attached, free checking with interest, telephone banking, advanced technologies in mobile and internet banking for our consumer and business customers, safe deposit boxes and much more. The Company’s corporate administrative office is located in Mineola, New York where it also operates a full-service branch office along with additional branch locations in Garden City Park, Hauppauge, Forest Hills, Flushing, Sunset Park, Rockefeller Center and Chinatown, New York, and Freehold, New Jersey, with a new branch opening in Port Jefferson, New York in early 2025.

    Hanover Community Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is an Equal Housing/Equal Opportunity Lender. For further information, call (516) 548-8500 or visit the Bank’s website at www.hanoverbank.com.

    Press Contact:
    Ms. Annette Esposito
    First VP-Director of Marketing
    (516) 548-8500

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC 7th Anniversary Celebration Unveils Milestone Events and 10M USDT Prize Pool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is celebrating its 7th anniversary with a global campaign featuring a 10,000,000 USDT prize pool. The milestone event invites users worldwide to compete, collect, and earn through a dynamic three-part celebration, marking not just MEXC’s seven-year journey, but the start of its next chapter in innovation and community empowerment.

    The MEXC 7th Anniversary Celebration Event will be divided into three exciting arenas: Team PNL Rate Competition, Collect, Assemble & Win, and a Solo Leaderboard Battle. Each arena features a generous prize pool, with a total prize pool of up to 10,000,000 USDT. Through various events and rule structures, MEXC offers opportunities for both individual participants and teams to showcase their trading skills and strategies, ensuring that users with diverse needs can earn substantial rewards.

    Key Timeline

    • Team Leader Registration Period: Apr 7, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) – Apr 13, 2025, 15:29 (UTC)
    • Team Member Registration Period: Apr 7, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) – May 4, 2025, 15:55 (UTC)
    • Competition Period: Apr 13, 2025, 16:00 (UTC) – May 4, 2025, 15:59 (UTC)
    • Extended Draw Period: May 4, 2025, 16:00 (UTC) – May 7, 2025, 15:59 (UTC)

    Three Arenas, One Celebration

    1. Team PNL Rate Competition
    Teams compete based on PNL rate, with the top 10 teams sharing 25% of the total prize pool. Leaders and high-performing members receive boosted rewards. Eligible participants must reach a minimum Futures trading volume of 200,000 USDT.

    2. Collect, Assemble & Win
    In this arena, which offers 40% of the prize pool, participants complete tasks to collect Spot, Futures, and DEX+ fragments and forge them into mystery boxes. Every box contains guaranteed random rewards of up to 7,777 USDT.

    3. Solo Leaderboard Battle
    Here, individual traders compete in two rankings: Daily Trading Volume and PNL. A combined 35% of the prize pool is distributed across the top traders, with a minimum entry volume of 20,000 USDT in USDT-M Futures.

    Beyond the competitive formats, the event also includes exclusive anniversary easter eggs that elevate the overall experience. Both the registration and competition periods span 7 days, a symbolic nod to MEXC’s seven-year milestone anniversary celebration. Long-time users can unlock up to 100 USDT in bonuses — a gesture of appreciation for their continued loyalty. Whether joining as a team or going solo, users can enjoy a more gamified, collaborative event structure that reflects MEXC’s continuous push to innovate and engage its global community.

    Built for More than Seven

    Since its establishment in 2018, MEXC has achieved a series of remarkable milestones: from a startup exchange to becoming the industry leader in liquidity, from the MX token reaching new all-time highs (ATH), to surpassing over 36 million users across more than 170 countries and regions. These achievements not only demonstrate MEXC’s strength in the cryptocurrency trading field but also its determination for continuous innovation and market expansion.

    As MEXC celebrates its 7th anniversary, the platform credits its progress to the trust and support of its users — a driving force behind every milestone. In an industry defined by constant change, that support has empowered MEXC to keep evolving, pushing boundaries, and building with long-term vision.

    “Our journey has always been shaped by our users,” said Tracy Jin, COO at MEXC. “Their belief in what we’re building is what fuels us to keep delivering better products, smarter tools, and a stronger community experience. As we celebrate seven years of growth, this milestone reflects not just our past achievements but also the future we are building together. Every challenge and triumph highlights our commitment to innovation, resilience, and, above all, our global community. Moving forward, we will continue to expand our business and services, focusing on our core strengths: the widest selection of tokens, the fastest listing speed, low trading fees, and high liquidity to provide users with a seamless, low-barrier digital asset trading experience.”

    Now, as it looks ahead to the next chapter, MEXC remains focused on innovation, resilience, and deepening its connection with users across the globe.

    For more details and to participate, visit here.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15604f1b-192b-4c67-974d-c5266d780d1a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China continues to support urban renewal projects in 2025

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

    BEIJING, April 8 — The Chinese central government will continue to support urban renewal projects this year, focusing on addressing the pressing concerns of the people and driving high-quality urban development, the Ministry of Finance announced Tuesday.

    According to a statement on the ministry’s website, the government will explore ways to establish a sustainable urban renewal mechanism, tackle gaps and weaknesses in urban infrastructure, and boost the construction of consumption-oriented infrastructure.

    In 2025, financial support for urban renewal will target large cities and metropolises, with no more than 20 cities selected. Priority will be given to mega and super-large cities, as well as large cities along key river basins such as the Yellow River and the Pearl River.

    The central government will provide fixed subsidies to the selected cities based on their regions. Specifically, the total subsidy per city in the eastern region will not exceed 800 million yuan (about 111.05 million U.S. dollars), in the central region not more than 1 billion yuan, and in the western region and for municipalities directly under the jurisdiction by the central government, not more than 1.2 billion yuan. Funds will be allocated annually according to the progress of the projects.

    The selected cities are expected to use the subsidy to significantly improve urban underground pipelines and other infrastructure within three years.

    The efficiency of domestic sewage collection and treatment will be further enhanced in the selected cities, and the living environments in old urban areas will see remarkable advancements, according to the statement. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Security and renewal at heart of plans for steel sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Security and renewal at heart of plans for steel sector

    The Government has hosted the second meeting of the Steel Council today, and reiterated its commitment to British steelmaking.

    • Steel sector, union and trade body leaders meet Government to drive forward development of its steel plan as part of drive towards industrial renewal.
    • Industry Minister restates the Government’s commitment to British-made steel, including energy cost relief for businesses expected to be worth over £300m in 2025 alone.
    • Government is reviewing nearly 100 responses to its steel consultation as it brings forward plans to help the industry secure jobs and deliver economic growth across the UK, as part of its Plan for Change.

    Steel sector leaders were reassured about the Government’s plans to revitalise British steelmaking today (8 April) at the second meeting of the Steel Council, bringing together industry leaders to feed into amid global concerns around US tariffs on steel and aluminium.

    Industry Minister Sarah Jones hosted the meeting earlier today after the Government’s steel plan green paper consultation closed on 30 March, receiving almost 100 responses and recommendations from business leaders and industry experts.

    The meeting follow’s the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday where he pledged to do the right thing by the UK’s national interest, prioritising security and renewal in a changing world.

    Minister Jones reiterated the Government’s firm support for industry and its role in delivering economic growth, as well as in the context of global tariffs on steel and aluminium imposed by the US. She assured Steel Council members the Government is continuing to do all it can to stand up for the sector.

    The meeting comes as the Government continues to work round the clock to protect jobs at British Steel in Scunthorpe.

    CEOs of steel firms including Tata, Liberty, British Steel and others joined leaders from trade unions and the industry’s trade association UK Steel to discuss the sector’s future and the challenges facing it.

    Industry Minister Sarah Jones said:

    We know this is a concerning time for our steel industry in the face of global challenges. That’s why we’re working in lockstep with industry to drive forward our steel plan so it can help the sector secure jobs, deliver growth and power the modern economy.

    This government will always stand up for UK steelmaking, and where others may talk tough, we are acting, with money ready to go to back up British industry. With our steel plan we’re placing it at the heart of our growth mission, and we’ll keep all options on the table to help steel in the UK thrive and deliver on our Plan for Change.

    The Steel Council’s second meeting comes as the final measure in the Government’s British Industry Supercharger package – the Network Charging Compensation (NCC) scheme – comes into force, bringing energy costs for steel companies and other energy-intensive industries closer in line with other major economies worldwide.

    The first payments to industry from the NCC scheme will be made next month and provide over 15 million in energy price relief for businesses in May alone.

    Once fully implemented, the total value of reduced electricity prices from the Supercharger package is expected to be between 320 million and 410 million in 2025, and more than 5 billion over the next 10 years.

    Background:

    A full list of attendees for the Steel Council meeting is below:

    • British Steel
    • Celsa Steel UK
    • Liberty Steel
    • Marcegagalia Stainless Sheffield Ltd
    • Sheffield Forgemasters
    • TATA Steel
    • UK Steel
    • British Metals Recycling Association
    • Materials Processing Institute
    • WMG High Value Manufacturing Catapult
    • Community Union
    • GMB Union
    • Scottish Government
    • Welsh Government
    • Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) Ombudsmen Association meet to strengthen peace, stability and regional integration in West Africa

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, April 8, 2025/APO Group/ —

    On 28 March 2025 the Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), Joy Kategekwa, received a delegation from the Ombudsmen Association of the member states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

    Led by the association’s president, Pascal Essou, Ombudsman of the Republic of Benin, the meeting took place at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan. The ombudsmen were keen to obtain the support of the Bank in strengthening the rule of law, regional integration and confidence of citizens in the administrations of the eight WAEMU countries.

    “I would like to thank the Bank for receiving us with such commitment and enthusiasm in order to begin technical discussions with our Association aimed at deepening strategic dialogue and identifying synergies between our action, on the one hand, and the Bank’s strategic priorities, the High 5s, and its regional integration strategy document for West Africa 2020-2025, on the other hand,” Essou said.

    The meeting was attended by ombudsmen for Côte d’Ivoire, Adama Toungara, and for Senegal, Demba Kandji, who are respectively Secretary General and Treasurer of the Association, as well as by WAEMU representative in Côte d’Ivoire, Gustave Diasso, and several of their colleagues.

    Created in 2008 and based in Ouagadougou, the Ombudsmen Association promotes mediation, citizens’ rights, administrative justice and regional integration in its member countries. It also works for the prevention and resolution of conflicts and crises, supporting long-term peace and the universal and effective application of community law in the union’s countries. The association brings together all the ombudsman institutions of eight countries in West Africa’s franc zone: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

    During the meeting, the association’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029, which is structured around five pillars: governance and the rule of law, performance and partnerships, peace and security, research, and institutional development and communication, was shared. The plan will be validated at a high-level round table on resource mobilisation to be held in Dakar on 29 April. The association asked the Bank to contribute to the success of the round table and to mobilise new partners and the resources that are needed to implement the plan.

    The Abidjan meeting also considered possible avenues of support from the African Development Bank such as technical and financial assistance, strategic advice.

    Kategekwa praised the work of ombudsmen in promoting regional integration, strengthening governance, promoting the rule of law, and fostering civic engagement and administrative efficiency in WAEMU member countries.

    She also pointed out that the Strategic Plan of the WAEMU Ombudsmen Association is aligned with the Bank Group’s Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa (2022-2026) (https://apo-opa.co/4i7lPJ4). She emphasised the role of the Transition Support Facility (https://apo-opa.co/42mQSum) and the window for regional public goods (https://apo-opa.co/42yFEnY) as instruments that can be used to leverage resilience in areas of fragility and governance in Africa.

    “I applaud the initiative by the WAEMU Ombudsmen Association to organise a round table on resource mobilisation. The outcome of this meeting will undoubtedly strengthen our common commitment to building a more integrated, peaceful and just West Africa,” she said.

    Kategekwa was accompanied at the meeting by other Bank staff: the Chief Coordinator for Regional Funds Management, Youssouf Koné; the Head of the Transition States Coordination Office, Riadh Ben Messaoud; and Officer for Institutional Capacity Building, Marcel Maglo.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans submitted for first Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood development

    Source: City of Manchester

    Great Places Housing Group has submitted its proposals for the first planned scheme to be delivered as part of the recently approved masterplan for the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood in east Manchester.

    The affordable housing scheme of 82 apartments for social rent will be on a vacant site on the corner of Grey Mare Lane and Ashton New Road. The former brownfield site was previously occupied by the Manchester Bar pub, which was demolished in 2020.

    The development will deliver a mix of one and two-bed apartments. The proposals include private garden spaces for a number of ground floor apartments, a communal garden, balconies for the majority of apartments above ground floor level and high-quality landscaping. A planned new pedestrian link will also improve the connectivity to Grey Mare Lane and Ashton New Road from Newcombe Close.

    The scheme has been developed working in close partnership with Manchester City Council, One Manchester, and This City as part of the wider proposals for the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood masterplan. The masterplan, which was approved in September, will deliver 1,000 new homes, including a significant number of affordable homes, and new green spaces.

    Commenting on the planning submission Helen Spencer, our Executive Director of Growth, said:

    “We are delighted to submit our plans for the first of our planned affordable housing developments as part of the wider regeneration of the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood. This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable homes for the community in East Manchester.

    “This development has been made possible through our close partnership with Manchester City Council, One Manchester, and This City. Together, we are dedicated to transforming the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood into a vibrant and sustainable community. We look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition and making a positive impact on the lives of local residents.”

    Cllr. Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development at Manchester City Council, added:

    “The Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood is a key regeneration programme for us and this planning application represents the first site of a transformational programme of housing and estate investment in the coming years that will see at least 1,000 new homes, including a large number of social, Council and affordable homes and new green spaces.

    “We have been working closely with the local community around the plans to invest in their community both through formal consultation and a local community steering group, and this is just the start for Grey Mare Lane. Sites will come online quickly in the next few months, and we will begin to realise the potential of the neighbourhood.”

    Find out more about the Grey Mare Lane regeneration

    The development is the first of two proposed developments in the area to be delivered by Great Places, with details for a second affordable homes development on a site on Sunny Lowry Road expected to be submitted next year.

    The new housing investment within the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood is part of the Council’s commitment to delivering at least 36,000 new homes through to 2032 as part of the city’s ambitious housing strategy. This will include 10,000 new affordable homes, and 3,000 of these will be in the city centre.

    Find out more about Manchester City Council’s housing strategy

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Provides Q1 2025 Corporate Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, provides an update on operational milestones and the continued execution of the Company’s business strategy in the first quarter of 2025.

    The Company also announces that it plans to host an investor call and presentation on Thursday, April 10th. For more information, see “Q1 2025 Business Update Investor Call” below.

    Abaxx Corporate Milestone Highlights

    Commercial Development

    • Executed the Company’s first trades in Nickel Sulphate and Lithium Carbonate Futures, including the world’s first trade of a non-Chinese, USD-denominated and physically-deliverable Lithium Carbonate Futures contract.
    • The Company saw the first OTC LNG cargo trade indexed to Abaxx LNG Futures (see the Company’s press release from March 24, 2025).
    • Established active market makers in all three LNG contracts and both carbon contracts across our trading hours.
    • A total of six clearing firms, 29 trading firms, and 14 interdealer brokers (IDBs) are now connected to Abaxx Exchange and Clearing, with an additional four clearing firms, 12 trading firms, and 12 IDBs currently in progress.
    • Completed the first brand listing under the Lithium Carbonate Futures contract.
    • Finalized onboarding with a major global data distribution network expected to expand visibility of Abaxx markets to over 100 million viewers. Added six new market data partners in Q1 2025, bringing the total to six.
    • Engaged in exploratory discussions with an external exchange group seeking to use Abaxx Clearing for third-party clearing services, and also engaged in exploratory discussions with external exchange groups based in China to collaborate on cross-jurisdictional (i.e. onshore/offshore) product listing opportunities with Abaxx Exchange and Clearing.

    Exchange Product Development

    • Launched four new battery metals contracts in Q1 2025, including Nickel Sulphate Futures and three regional physically-deliverable Lithium Carbonate Futures contracts.
    • Submitted a 1-kilobar Singapore Gold Futures contract for regulatory review.
    • Currently in the final development stage of: (i) a financially-settled copper spread contract to support price transparency in global base metals markets, and (ii) the first contracts in a suite of weather futures.

    Risk and Regulatory Development

    • Applied to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for recognition as a Foreign Board of Trade (FBOT).
    • Completed public consultation on rule amendments to introduce additional currencies as acceptable margin collateral.
    • Convened the inaugural meeting of its Risk Advisory Panel and successfully executed a default management fire drill.

    Systems and Operations Development

    • Expanded system capabilities to support multi-currency settlement and collateralization, with projected completion by May 2025.
    • Completed the upgrade of Verifier+ (a digital credentials storage provider) into the Abaxx Trade Registration Platform.
    • Continued progress on ISO/IEC 27001 audit for Abaxx Exchange infrastructure, with certification targeted for June 2025.
    • Enhanced client onboarding workflows and expanded market data access to support growing participant demand.

    Abaxx Console Suite Development

    • Rolled out Verifier+ v2.0 with expanded capabilities and integrated the app with Abaxx Exchange to enable passwordless login for the Abaxx Trade Registration Platform (ATRP).
    • Advanced Abaxx Messenger into pre-release testing as a member support tool for Abaxx Exchange.
    • Reached the initial development milestone for Abaxx Sign, currently progressing through testing and feedback with design partners.
    • Initiated development of AbaxxOne, a middleware solution connecting enterprise identity systems (e.g., Auth0, Okta) to ID++ and the Abaxx Console Suite.

    Financing Development

    • On March 27, 2025, the Company announced it had closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement, securing C$22.85 million through the issuance of secured convertible debentures bearing 7.0% annual interest, convertible at C$13.00 per share and maturing in 2028. The Company is currently in discussions for a potential second tranche (see the Company’s press release dated March 27, 2025).

    Following the successful launch of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing in mid-2024, the first quarter of 2025 marked a period of accelerated growth across product development, commercial engagement, and systems expansion. First trades were executed in the Nickel Sulphate and Lithium Carbonate markets, alongside the first OTC LNG cargo trade indexed to Abaxx LNG Futures, reflecting early adoption of our benchmark contracts.

    We launched four new contracts across our battery metals product suite and submitted a 1-kilobar Singapore Gold Futures contract to support Asia’s kilobar market, an offering not currently matched in London or New York. In parallel, we incorporated Abaxx Spot, a separate entity designed to support convergence between futures and physical gold markets. While the gold futures contract will be listed by Abaxx Exchange, Abaxx Spot enables electronic settlement and physical delivery of 99.99% purity kilobars in Singapore through a secure, transparent gold pool. Together, these initiatives advance our vision of building smarter markets for physical gold trading. Onboarding momentum continued through targeted, on-the-ground engagement at commercial events globally.

    We also scaled platform infrastructure, enhancing client onboarding workflows, expanding market data access, and progressing toward ISO 27001 certification. Core protocol development advanced with upgrades to the ID++ protocol and Verifier+, the initiation of AbaxxOne middleware, and continued development of Abaxx Messenger.

    The following sections provide further information related to these developments across business units and platform initiatives.

    Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing Developments

    Risk and Regulatory: Abaxx Exchange submitted its application to the U.S. CFTC for recognition as a Foreign Board of Trade (FBOT). Once granted, this recognition would enable U.S. trading participants to directly access products listed on Abaxx Exchange. In February, the Company completed a public consultation on rule amendments to support the introduction of additional currencies as acceptable margin collateral. These amendments are now under regulatory review, with the final list of approved currencies to be announced in due course.

    The Company also convened the inaugural meeting of its Risk Advisory Panel on March 17, 2025 with participation from all three direct clearing members. The Risk Advisory Panel serves as a forum for ongoing collaboration between the clearinghouse and its members to strengthen risk management, transparency, and operational resilience. In late March, Abaxx Clearing conducted its first default management firedrill with member participation, a process which validated its preparedness to manage member defaults and execute crisis response procedures effectively.

    Commercial: The Abaxx Commercial team secured market participation leading to the first trades in Nickel Sulphate and Lithium Carbonate Futures during the first quarter of 2025, including the world’s first trade of a non-Chinese, USD-denominated and physically-deliverable Lithium Carbonate Futures contract. The quarter also saw the first OTC LNG cargo trade indexed to Abaxx LNG Futures, reflecting growing confidence in Abaxx’s benchmark contracts. Active market makers were established across all three LNG contracts and both carbon contracts during core trading hours.

    Onboarding efforts continued across firm types. Abaxx maintained six active clearing members and non-direct clearing firm connections, with four additional clearers, that include global bank clearers, currently in progress to establish new clearing connectivity. Twenty-nine trading firms comprised of merchant traders and financial trading firms are now fully onboarded to execute Block Trades with twelve additional firms currently in the onboarding process; clients connected to Abaxx continue to be able to access Abaxx markets through the central limit order book. Fourteen interdealer brokers (IDBs) are onboarded with twelve more in progress. The quarter also included the first brand listing under the Lithium Carbonate Futures contract.

    Abaxx representatives participated in over 300 high-level meetings across 10 global industry events in Q1 2025. Executives were featured on panels at both E-World and the FT Commodities Global Summit, supporting commercial visibility and momentum. Abaxx was also shortlisted for the World LNG Award for Outstanding Contribution 2024.

    To support commercial growth in Asia in Q1, Abaxx expanded marketing efforts in China, including the launch of a dedicated Chinese-language website (https://cn.abaxx.exchange/) and the announcement of a co-hosted Mandarin-language battery metals seminar with Shanghai Metals Market, taking place April 8, 2025. The team also engaged in exploratory discussions with an external exchange group seeking to use Abaxx Clearing for third-party clearing services, and also engaged in exploratory discussions with external exchange groups based in China to collaborate on cross-jurisdictional (i.e. onshore/offshore) product listing opportunities with Abaxx Exchange and Clearing.

    To support broader market visibility, Abaxx Exchange launched abaxx.exchange/marketdata to provide access to market data publicly. Abaxx also formally launched its market data program in Q1, with six partners onboarded to date: five subscribers and one redistributor. Progress is underway to onboard multiple data distributors, including the leading global financial data provider currently in technical integration, another with a distribution network expected to extend Abaxx market visibility to over 100 million viewers, as well as additional partners supporting our broader data distribution strategy.

    Systems and Operations: Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing continued to operate reliably with no downtime since launch, supporting stable onboarding and trading. Systems testing is underway to support multi-currency settlement and collateralization, with rollout on track for completion by May 2025. The ISO/IEC 27001 audit for Abaxx Exchange infrastructure is in progress, with certification targeted for June 2025.

    The Company continues to enhance client onboarding workflows to ensure a seamless experience for market participants. In parallel, integration work is advancing across major market data vendors to expand access to Abaxx Exchange market data and meet growing participant demand.

    Exchange Product Development: Development of the Gold Singapore Futures contract progressed through Stage 3 (Industry Review/Risk/Regulatory), with launch planning underway. Abaxx also advanced a regional copper spread futures contract, a suite of weather derivatives, and carbon market contracts aligned with regional compliance programs, each currently in Stage 3. Certain weather and compliance carbon futures are expected to become the first Abaxx contracts priced in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

    Enhancements to the LNG contract suite included updates to the LNG Northwest Europe contract to incorporate Phase 2 compliance requirements under the EU Methane Regulation. Additional research is underway to update the list of eligible ports, including newly commissioned infrastructure. As of April 4, 2025, Calcasieu Pass LNG was added as an Eligible Loading Port under the Abaxx LNG Gulf of Mexico Futures Contract.

    Phase 2 work also continued on contract extensions designed to complement Abaxx benchmark products, as well as on meeting regulatory requirements for a suite of physically and financially-settled options.

    Additional Corporate Updates

    Abaxx Console Apps:   The Company released upgrades to the ID++ protocol and Verifier+ in Q1 2025, including integrations with Abaxx Exchange and SmarterMarkets Coffeehouse™. Verifier+ improvements followed its public release on the Apple App Store and Google Play, with enhanced app speed, simplified account recovery, broader device compatibility, and expanded user controls for account editing and deletion. Device-native features such as PIN entry and camera functionality were also upgraded.

    Messenger is in its final stages of pre-release testing ahead of deployment as a user support tool for Abaxx Exchange. Feature development for initial release is complete, with improvements to maintaining performance at scale now in testing. These include faster load times for messages, improved performance under load, and interface tools that help support teams manage multiple, ongoing conversations.

    Development of AbaxxOne was initiated as a middleware solution connecting enterprise identity systems (e.g., Auth0, Okta) to the Abaxx ecosystem.

    Abaxx Sign reached its initial functional milestone and is now progressing through internal testing and design partner feedback cycles.

    Integration of PrivacyCode progressed in Q1, with Verifier+ now available as a login option. This marks continued growth in the number of applications and platforms offering Verifier+ as a privacy-enabled authentication method across the Abaxx ecosystem.

    SmarterMarkets™: SmarterMarkets™ conducted on-site interviews at key industry events hosted by the Futures Industry Association and Financial Times in Q1 2025, capturing real-time insights from global market participants for upcoming compilation episodes. These conversations contribute to the ongoing dialogue around the future of energy, climate, technology, and finance — conversations that the SmarterMarkets Coffeehouse platform is designed to elevate.

    Development also began on the mobile application for SmarterMarkets Coffeehouse™, and contributor onboarding was completed for the first cohort of over 50 thought leaders across energy, AI, digital identity, carbon, and market infrastructure. Early contributors have begun publishing content on the platform. By combining verifiable credentials with tiered levels of access, Coffeehouse is designed to facilitate more open and trusted dialogue than traditional social media environments currently support.

    Those interested in joining as commenters or members can join the waitlist at https://smartermarkets.media/waitlist/.

    Q1 2025 Business Update Investor Call

    The Company plans to host a quarterly business update investor presentation, to provide a business update and respond to investor questions.

    The Company will hold the investor presentation via Zoom Meetings on Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST). The Company invites current and prospective shareholders to attend this quarterly business update and Q&A session with the Abaxx executive team. Attendees may email their questions in advance to ir@abaxx.tech.

    Registration will be required to access the meeting. Following the presentation, a recording of the session will be made available on the Abaxx Investor Relations website at investors.abaxx.tech.

    PRESENTATION DETAILS
    DATE: Thursday, April 10, 2025
    TIME: 10:00 a.m. EST
    LOCATION: Zoom Meeting
    To receive the meeting link and passcode, please register here.
    QUESTIONS: Please submit questions ahead of the presentation to: ir@abaxx.tech

    About Abaxx Technologies

    Abaxx is building Smarter Markets — markets empowered by better financial technology and market infrastructure to address our biggest challenges, including the energy transition. In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is a majority-owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, subsidiaries recognized by MAS as an RMO and ACH, respectively.

    Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing are a Singapore-based commodity futures exchange and clearinghouse, introducing centrally cleared, physically deliverable commodities futures and derivatives to provide better price discovery and risk management tools for the commodities critical to our transition to a lower-carbon economy.

    For more information please visit abaxx.tech, abaxx.exchange and smartermarkets.media.

    For more information about this press release, please contact:
    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647 490 1590

    Media and investor inquiries:
    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 647 490 1590
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward- looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes, but is not limited to: the business plans and objectives of Abaxx; the development of new products, futures contracts, markets and technologies and associated benefits; anticipated receipt of regulatory approvals; closing of a second tranche offering of secured convertible debentures; and onboarding of clearing members and firms. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: the inability to receive regulatory approvals in connection with financings or inability to finalize transaction documentation; risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions, protection of intellectual property rights, contractual risk, third-party risk; clearinghouse risk, malicious actor risks, third-party software license risk, system failure risk, risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains, and the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management discussion & analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward- looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bread Financial Schedules First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call for Apr. 24

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bread Financial® Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BFH), a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending, and saving solutions, will host a conference call on Thursday, Apr. 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the company’s first quarter 2025 results.

    Conference Call/Webcast Information
    Participants can register in advance here, and the conference call will be available at the company’s investor relations website. Analysts planning to participate in the Q&A can register in advance here. Additionally, there will be several slides accompanying the webcast. Please go to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register, as well as download and install any necessary software. The webcast will also be archived on the investor relations website.

    About Bread Financial® 
    Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending, and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers. 
         
    To learn more about Bread Financial, our global associates and our sustainability commitments, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

    Contacts
    Brian Vereb — Investor Relations
    Brian.Vereb@breadfinancial.com

    Susan Haugen – Investor Relations
    Susan.Haugen@breadfinancial.com

    Rachel Stultz — Media
    Rachel.Stultz@breadfinancial.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stardust Power Inc. Appoints Carlos Urquiaga as Senior Advisor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stardust Power Inc. (NASDAQ: SDST) (“Stardust Power” or the “Company”), an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Carlos Urquiaga as Senior Advisor, effective immediately. Mr. Urquiaga will report directly to the Founder and CEO, Roshan Pujari.

    Mr. Urquiaga is a highly accomplished financier with over 30 years of experience in the metals and mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, specializing in capital raising, structuring, and financial advisory services. His expertise spans complex financing transactions, including those in the electric vehicle battery materials supply chain. Throughout his career, he has successfully delivered more than $40 billion in financing and advisory transactions, playing a key role in some of the most significant deals in the industry.

    Mr. Urquiaga’s distinguished career includes senior leadership roles at BNP Paribas, Citi and Appian Capital, where he was instrumental in executing high-value transactions, including financing for major projects such as Teck’s Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project funding and Freeport’s Cerro Verde expansion. His work has earned numerous accolades, including “Deal of the Year” awards for his role in financing and strategic advisory efforts.

    As Senior Advisor at Stardust Power, Mr. Urquiaga will focus on guiding the Company through its critical next stages, particularly leading efforts to achieve Final Investment Decision (FID) and supporting the Company’s capital raising activities, both through debt and equity financing. He will also assist in advancing the Company’s strategic initiatives to scale its lithium production and capitalize on the increasing demand for battery-grade materials.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Carlos to Stardust Power,” said Roshan Pujari, Founder and CEO of Stardust Power. “His expertise in structuring complex financing transactions and his deep understanding of the metals and mining sector, particularly in the EV battery supply chain, will be invaluable as we move forward. Carlos will play a crucial role in helping us in reaching FID, secure the necessary capital for growth, and position Stardust Power as a leader in the battery-grade lithium space. His experience in critical minerals and capital markets will be a tremendous asset as we continue to scale and execute our strategic objectives.”

    “The demand for battery-grade lithium is rapidly increasing, and Stardust Power is well-positioned to be a key player in this space. I look forward to working with Roshan and the wider team at Stardust Power to support the Company’s efforts in securing the capital and strategic partnerships necessary to drive its growth and deliver long-term value to shareholders,” said Carlos Urquiaga.

    About Stardust Power Inc.

    Stardust Power is a developer of battery-grade lithium products designed to bolster America’s energy leadership by building resilient supply chains. Stardust Power is developing a strategically central lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma with the anticipated capacity of producing up to 50,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium. The Company is committed to sustainability at each point in the process. Stardust Power trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SDST.”

    For more information, visit www.stardust-power.com

    Stardust Power Contacts

    For Investors:

    Johanna Gonzalez

    investor.relations@stardust-power.com

    For Media:

    Michael Thompson

    media@stardust-power.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecasted,” “projected,” “potential,” “seem,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or otherwise indicate statements that are not of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the ability of Stardust Power to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; risks related to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Stardust Power; risks related to the price of Stardust Power’s securities, including volatility resulting from changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Stardust Power plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Stardust Power’s business and changes in the combined capital structure; and risks related to the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and identify and realize additional opportunities. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

    Stockholders and prospective investors should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in documents filed by Stardust Power from time to time with the SEC.

    Stockholders and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date made, are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, assumptions and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Stardust Power. Stardust Power expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the expectations of Stardust Power with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/47f9eb4c-015e-4c10-bc65-e5d797175745

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: No major gaffes and no knockout punch: the first leaders’ debate was a pedestrian affair

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andy Marks, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Partnerships, Western Sydney University

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have faced off in the first leaders’ debate of the 2025 federal election. The debate, hosted by Sky News and The Daily Telegraph, was held at the Wenty Leagues Club in Sydney’s western suburbs, where an audience of 100 undecided voters asked questions of both leaders.

    All the expected topics were canvassed, including the cost of living, the economy, housing, health and education, immigration, the war in Gaza, and of course US President Donald Trump. So how did the two leaders shape up? Three expert authors give their analysis.

    Andy Marks, Western Sydney University

    A funny thing happened on the way to the “people’s forum”. It reverted to a festival of rhetoric. The first federal election leaders’ debate between Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton began personably.

    The Sky News debate saw Anthony and Peter – yes, first names only – take questions from the floor. It could have been the local sports team’s AGM. It wasn’t.

    “Who’s doing it tough?” Sky News host Kieren Gilbert asked the audience. A sprinkle of hands, some reluctant, some defiant, rose.

    “That was a very confronting scene,” Dutton remarked. “To see that many hands go up”, he added, reflected what he had seen throughout the government’s term: “people in tears” because they couldn’t cope with rising costs.

    Albanese took a different approach. “Wages are up. Unemployment is low,” he said. The election, he argued, is about “what happens next”. The road ahead, he commented, was uncertain. “The world has thrown a lot of challenges at us. We’ve responded the Australian way.”

    The focus was on ideal versus experience. “All you need is your Medicare card, not your credit card,” Albanese assured a questioner of his commitment to lift bulk-billed healthcare.

    Dutton turned that proposition around, asking the questioner, “What’s your experience? Do you use your Medicare card, or your credit card too?” It was his most effective moment.

    Albanese went full-Rudd zinger on energy. “The only gas policy the Coalition has is the gaslighting of the Australian public.”

    When Albanese and Dutton were unleashed on each other, the debate descended into the usual contest over conflicting accounts of surplus records.

    When it mattered, however – when audience members had the floor – it was a forum on what voters were experiencing, and which leader proved the better listener. That won’t be answered until polling day.

    Andrea Carson, La Trobe University

    Dutton faced a tough start to the first televised leaders’ debate of the 2025 federal election campaign, with reports his father had been rushed to hospital shortly before the cameras rolled.

    But if he was rattled, he didn’t show it. Dutton wasted no time speaking to what he saw as Labor’s weaknesses, beginning with cost of living: power bills up, businesses going bust, grocery prices climbing.

    Meanwhile, Albanese began with a few stammers, but quickly dispelled memories of his 2022 gaffes by confidently rattling off numbers that told a story of economic recovery amid the COVID-induced cost-of-living crisis.

    With the primary vote share at record lows for both major parties, and with more Australians voting for minor parties and independent candidates, this is a crucial time to capture Australian’s attention before early voting opens next Tuesday.

    Whether this debate reaches enough voters behind the News Corp paywall is questionable, but the debate’s soundbites will likely have a longer life than the 60-minute broadcast.

    Using the tricks of the trade, Albanese repeated questioner’s names and thanked them for their service as school teachers and truckies, for caring for children, and for keeping Australia moving. He came ready with a well-worn prop – waving his green and gold Medicare card to spruik his plans to increase bulk billing for GP visits.

    But Dutton wasn’t having a bar of it, stating he had seen the stunt before and that “the Mediscare campaign” continues. Albanese retorted by pointing to Dutton’s track record as health minister, claiming bulk billing was then in freefall. Women in the audience nodded in agreement. It was a little win for Albanese.

    Predictably, both leaders kept to their areas of perceived strength: healthcare and education for Labor; the economy and keeping a lid on immigration for the Coalition. Both skirted the tricky question on the Gaza war – and avoided direct criticism of Trump.

    The debate covered plenty of ground – solar power, fuel excise, cuts to universities’ foreign student numbers – but featured little mention of regional Australia or global security.

    Albanese finished his pitch on a message of “staying the course”. Dutton returned to where he started: the economy, promising the Coalition could do it better, weaving in the threat of a Labor/Greens coalition government.

    There were no fatal blows. Just like the polls, it was too close to call an outright winner. But not to worry. There will be another debate next week, this time on the ABC.

    Emma Shortis, RMIT University

    As someone who spends far too much time focused on US politics, it was a little bit refreshing to watch a debate that was a little bit … boring. Two blokes in suits, badly lit, talking about actual policy. In quite a bit of detail!

    We often worry, with good reason, that Australian politics is being Americanised. Tonight showed that isn’t necessarily the case – in fact, the Trump administration’s dismantling of US democracy didn’t feature much this evening.

    And there certainly weren’t many of the outrageous features of US politics – there was some bluster, of course, and some pretty concerning rhetoric around “immigration” – but this wasn’t anything like the corrosive, paranoid politics of America today.

    Albanese opened the debate by noting that “the world has thrown a lot of challenges at Australia”, without mentioning the United States. That’s despite the fact the second Trump administration has effectively set the agenda of Australian politics for the past week at least.

    But the very first question was about the “Trump pandemic”. Albanese was right to say in his response that Trump’s tariffs are an act of “economic self-harm” by the US. It does seem a stretch to suggest Australia got “a better deal” on tariffs because of representations made by the Australian government. Given what we know about the second Trump administration and its treatment of traditional allies, that seems unlikely.

    Dutton once again made the argument that he would be better placed to negotiate with Trump because of his experience with Trump mark 1. But again, given how the Trump administration is treating America’s traditional allies, that’s not particularly convincing.

    Surprisingly, the AUKUS submarine pact only got a mention right at the end. Albanese affirmed Labor’s support for the deal and said the government wouldn’t link the tariff issue to defence. That might be politically desirable, but it will be increasingly difficult as Trump continues to put pressure on the alliance. If Trump places no value in Australia’s free trade agreement with the US, what reason is there to believe he places any value in any other agreements?

    As more and more attention is focused on what “security” actually means, those arbitrary dividing lines to which Australian politics has been so accustomed – such as the one between our defence and trade relationship with the US – might be becoming a little bit blurrier.

    Emma Shortis is also Director of the Australia Institute’s International & Security Affairs Program.

    Andrea Carson and Andy Marks do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. No major gaffes and no knockout punch: the first leaders’ debate was a pedestrian affair – https://theconversation.com/no-major-gaffes-and-no-knockout-punch-the-first-leaders-debate-was-a-pedestrian-affair-253711

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Resolutions of the Annual General Meeting of shareholders of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Annual General Meeting of shareholders of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS was held on 8 April 2025 in the Radisson Collection Hotel Conference Center (2nd floor, Tallinn, Rävala 3).                       

    A total of 130 shareholders attended the meeting representing 8,496,764 votes, i.e. 74.49% of the total votes were represented. Of the participants, 10 shareholders representing 25,527 votes, i.e. 0.22% of all votes attached to the shares, casted their votes electronically before the meeting in accordance with the electronic voting procedure announced in the invitation to the meeting. The meeting therefore had a quorum.

    The Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund adopted the following resolutions:

    Approval of the Fund’s annual report for 2024

    With 8,522,281 i.e. 100% votes in favour, the shareholders decided to approve the annual report of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS for the financial year 2024 as submitted to the General Meeting. No shareholders voted against the decision. 10 votes, i.e. 0% did not participate in the voting.

    Distribution of profit 
    With 8,522,166 i.e. 100% votes in favour, the shareholders decided to approve the proposal for profit distribution proposal: The consolidated net profit of the 2024 financial year of the fund is 13,564 thousand euros. To distribute the undistributed profit as of 31 December 2024 in the total amount of 25 565 thousand euros as follows:
    Transfers to the reserve capital: 1,357 thousand euros.
    Profit to be distributed between the shareholders (net dividend): 12 699 thousand euros (1,11 euro per share).
    Transfers to other reserves shall not be made and profit shall not be used for any other purposes.
    The amount of undistributed profit after transfers is 11 509 thousand euros.
    The list of shareholders entitled to dividends shall be fixed on 22.04.2025 (record date) as at the end of the working day of the registrar of the settlement system of the fund’s securities. Therefore, the date of change in the rights attaching to shares (ex-date) is 21.04.2025. As of this date a person who acquired shares is not entitled to dividends for the 2024 financial year. Dividend shall be distributed to the shareholders on 30.04.2025 by way of bank transfer to the shareholder’s bank account.
    No shareholders voted against the decision. No shareholders were neutral. 125 votes, i.e. 0% did not participate in the voting.

    Extension of the authorisations of the members of the Supervisory Board
    With 6,552,551 i.e. 76.89% votes in favour, the shareholders decided to extend the authorisations of the members of the Supervisory Board Arti Arakas, Sander Rebane, Siive Penu and Olav Miil until 18.06.2030, i.e. for a period of five years from the moment of deciding the extension.
    1,287,306 votes i.e. 15.11% voted against, and 6,839 votes i.e. 0.08% were neutral. 675,595 votes, i.e. 7.93% did not participate in the voting.

    Increase of share capital and listing of new shares on the Main List of Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange
    With 7,127,778 i.e. 83.64% votes in favour, the shareholders decided to delegate to the competence of the Supervisory Board the decision on the increase of share capital for a one-year period following this general meeting by public and/or private offering, excluding the pre-emptive right of existing shareholders to subscribe and taking into account that:
    (i) the number of shares to be issued additionally would not exceed 10% of the number of shares at the time of adoption of this resolution;
    (ii) the minimum price of the shares to be offered (nominal value €10 and premium) per share shall be the average closing price of the fund’s share on the stock exchange for the 60 days preceding the resolution of the Supervisory Board,
    and to apply for the listing and admission to trading of all newly issued shares on the Main List of Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange.
    To authorise the Supervisory Board and the Management Board of the fund to carry out all activities and conclude all agreements necessary for this purpose.
    1,316,587 votes i.e. 15.45% voted against, and 77,066 votes i.e. 0.90% were neutral. 860 votes, i.e. 0,01% did not participate in the voting.

                                                                                      
    The minutes of the General Meeting shall be made available on the fund’s website (https://eref.ee/investorile/uldkoosolekud/) not later than 7 days after the meeting.

    Viljar Arakas
    Member of the Management Board
    Phone 655 9515
    E-mail: viljar.arakas@eften.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE and ISO launch joint initiative on Digital Product Passport to advance sustainability and circular economy

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike are striving to make more informed decisions, driving progress toward a sustainable and circular economy. In order to achieve this, solutions are needed to record products’ lifecycles, including their origin, materials, environmental impact, and compliance with sustainability standards. This is key to ensure that information on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) footprints are genuine and thus to combat greenwashing.  

    Despite numerous initiatives around the world, challenges such as data standardization and interoperability remain critical barriers to creating a unified, cross-sector, and globally applicable framework. But solutions are now in sight with the launch of the joint initiative of UNECE and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on the Digital Product Passport (DPP). Under the leadership of the UN, this initiative aims to balance diverse interests and priorities while fostering alignment across industries and regions. 

    The DPP is envisioned as a game-changing solution that provides the digital “language” and trust architecture for product traceability, from raw materials to the final product. It aims at uplifting and linking all required data, which allows data to remain with the owner, and be published and linked in a decentralized manner, using existing business systems without obliging economic actors along the value chains to depend on the software choices of their customers or suppliers. 

    Alignment with existing UNECE frameworks  

    The DPP initiative aligns with UNECE’s prior work on traceability and transparency, particularly in sectors like garment and footwear, where standardized tools for sustainability data exchange have been developed since 2019. Notable advancements include blockchain pilots (2022–2023) that demonstrated the potential of digital solutions to enhance supply chain visibility and trust. These efforts laid the groundwork for expanding focus to include product circularity data (2023–2024), addressing the growing need for lifecycle transparency.

    Central to this progression is the development of the UN Transparency Protocol (UNTP), which aims to harmonize sustainability data and enable transparency at scale through standardized vocabularies and adaptable sector-specific extensions. By integrating the best practices of the UNTP into the DPP framework, the initiative scales existing successes to meet the demands of an interconnected global economy. 

    Kick-off meeting sets the stage for collaboration 

    The international standard project ISO/PWI 25534-1: Digital Product Passport – Overview and Fundamental Principles was launched with a successful kick-off meeting on 25 February, followed by an Ad Hoc Meeting on 25 March. Together, these sessions brought together over 2,300 global experts, serving as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to refine the scope, priorities, and strategic direction of the DPP initiative. The discussions were further enriched by insights gathered through an online stakeholder survey, ensuring that the project reflects a broad range of industry perspectives and practical needs. 

    Respondents emphasized the need for DPP coverage across the entire supply chain, including raw materials, intermediate products, and end-of-life stages. Key DPP data expected to be included involves product conformity certificates, recycled content, hazardous materials, environmental footprints, and traceability records. However, major interoperability challenges were identified, and adoption barriers and regulatory support emerged as crucial themes. Notably, 89% of respondents believe governments should recommend a global DPP standard, underscoring the importance of regulatory support in driving the initiative forward.  

    Looking ahead: industry-specific symposia and key milestones 

    Starting in April 2025, a series of industry-specific symposia will be organized, focusing on sectors such as batteries, textiles, and construction materials.  

    The project’s outputs, including draft standards and recommendations, are expected to be finalized and submitted by the end of 2025. This timeline reflects the urgency of establishing a global framework that can support both regulatory compliance and market-driven sustainability goals. 

    A unified vision for global interoperability 

    This initiative is not about creating duplicative or conflicting frameworks but rather fostering exploration, alignment, and harmonization. By building on existing efforts and addressing gaps, the DPP aims to become a cornerstone of global interoperability, supporting seamless data exchange and collaboration across borders and industries. 

    We are encouraged by the strong participation and commitment demonstrated throughout the process and look forward to continued collaboration. Your input remains critical to achieving a balanced and effective framework that drives adoption and delivers real-world impact. 

    For more information about the initiative, please visit: 
    🌐 https://unece.org/trade/events/kick-meeting-isopwi-25534-1 

    🌐 https://unece.org/trade/events/adhoc-meeting-isopwi-25534-1 
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –