Category: Entertainment

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament must condemn hateful ‘hotline’ targeting Israeli visitors

Source: ACT Party

Responding to the Palestinian Solidarity Network’s ‘hotline’ for reporting Israeli soldiers holidaying in New Zealand, ACT MP Simon Court says:

“John Minto and his followers, in their pursuit of Israeli tourists, would create a real-life version of the Hunger Games movies. Their undisguised antisemitic behaviour is not acceptable in a liberal democracy like New Zealand.

“Military service is compulsory for Israeli citizens. This means any Israeli holidaying, visiting family, or doing business in New Zealand could be targeted by John Minto’s hateful campaign.

“This is not normal political activism, it is intimidation targeted toward Jewish visitors. It mirrors the worst instincts of humanity and should be condemned by parties across Parliament.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Championing creativity and diversity during NSW Women’s Week 2025
Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 28 January 2025

Released by: Minister for Women

Fifteen organisations across New South Wales have received a share of more than $430,000 to host events that highlight women’s creativity, diversity and empowerment during this year’s Women’s Week.
The NSW Government is building better communities where women and girls can achieve their potential and thrive.

Women’s Week Grants have been running since 2018 to fund innovative events that empower women and girls to participate in our communities, to advance gender equality in the longer term.

The 15 successful recipients of the 2025 Women’s Week Grants include:
1. Interrelate Ltd – Empowerment through education: addressing the need for menstrual education to support young women in need (Coonamble LGA)
2. Kiama Municipal Council - Paint the Town Femme (Kiama LGA) 
3. Powerhouse Youth Theatre Inc. - Khair (خير): A Woman’s Tale (Fairfield LGA)
4. NSW Tonga Netball Association Inc - Her Journey (Queanbeyan-Palerang LGA)
5. Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council - Yinaagirbang Maywang (Women Together) (Mid-Western LGA)
6. Accessible Arts - Wellbeing Through Art (City of Sydney LGA)
7. African Sub-Sahara International Development Agency (ASSIDA) - African Women Celebration Week (Liverpool LGA)
8. SSI – Settlement Service International – Celebrating the diversity of regional women (Coffs Harbour LGA)
9. Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council - Rise & Shine: Gamilaroi Women’s Week Celebration (Liverpool Plains LGA)
10. Lane Cove Council – Resilience and Radiance (Lane Cove LGA)
11. Diversity Arts Australia - Empowering Diversity: Women in Arts and Creativity Symposium (Parramatta LGA)
12. Northern Beaches Council - NSW Women’s Week Writing and Poetry Workshop Series – Celebrating Female Authors living with a Disability (Northern Beaches LGA)
13. Nourish Nation Foundation Inc – Nourishing Women: A Path to Health Empowerment (Wagga Wagga LGA)
14. Randwick City Council – Women’s Work art show and live music performance (Randwick LGA)
15. Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Organisation –Because of Her, We Can: Health and Wellbeing in Far West NSW (Broken Hill, Central Darling Shire and Balranald LGAs)
NSW Women’s Week, which runs from Sunday 2 to Saturday 8 March, is an annual showcase of the stories and remarkable achievements of women in our state.

The NSW Government’s Women of the Year Awards at the International Convention Centre is the culmination the week-long celebrations and will be held in Sydney on Thursday 6 March.

To find out more about Women’s Week 2025 events, visit NSW Women’s Week 2025 | NSW Government.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is thrilled to fund one of the most diverse range of Women’s Week events this year.

“Alongside some great activities that focus on women’s health, art and stories, we have funded events we hope will engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, women with a disability and women from rural, regional and remote NSW.

“We want these events to inspire creativity and talent, empower women of all ages and backgrounds and encourage diversity and inclusion. I encourage everyone to get involved in the events that are planned in your communities.

“NSW Women’s Week gives women a platform to honour the many contributions to our families and communities in all aspects of social, cultural, and political life.”
MIL OSI News –
January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Seniors set for laughs during free NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Shows in Sydney and Port Stephens
Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 28 January 2025

Released by: Minister for Seniors

Nine comedy geniuses will take to the stage for the NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Shows this March to entertain seniors in Sydney and Port Stephens.
The free events will deliver a day of laughs as comedians Bec Melrose, Rebecca De Unamuno, Simon Kennedy, Gary Eck, Anisa Nandaula, Mat Wakefield, Laura Hughes, Peter Berner, and Tommy Dean show off their talents at the Seniors Festival Comedy Shows.

Emcee Andrew Barnett, will host the fun-filled events at:
- Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday 4 March at 11am
- Soldiers Point Hall in Port Stephens on Thursday 6 March at 10:30am and 1:30pm
Tickets will be available from Tuesday 11 February at 9am at https://www.nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/nsw-seniors-festival-comedy-show.

The annual NSW Seniors Festival takes place from 3 to 16 March. The festival is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, with more than 500,000 people participating in events held across NSW.

Highlights of the festival include the Expo with a range of activities and stalls for seniors to engage in, as well as the free Premier’s Gala Concerts, both of which will be held at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 March.

For tickets to these events and to keep up to date with everything happening at the NSW Seniors Festival, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“It’s fantastic to see the comedy shows being held again – they always draw a great crowd and leave seniors in stitches.

“These events offer our seniors the opportunity to enjoy time out with friends, while watching comedians they know or discover new ones. It’s a popular event that helps keep seniors connected and feeling included. I’m looking forward to seeing them enjoy the shows.

“This is the NSW Government’s way of saying thank you for all the valuable contributions our older generation has made and continues to make to society. I encourage seniors to get their free tickets and attend these great shows in Sydney and Port Stephens.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington MP said:

“It’s terrific news that Port Stephens’ seniors are going to have a laugh soon, especially after the difficult weeks we’ve had recently.

“I just love how the NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show will be held at two sites in the state – Sydney Town Hall and Soldier’s Point Hall.

“Port Stephens is a beautiful community because of the significant contribution our seniors make. Like me, the NSW Government is grateful to them, and this comedy show is our way of giving back.”
MIL OSI News –
January 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: NBT Bancorp Inc. Announces Full Year Net Income and Declares Cash Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NORWICH, N.Y., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NBT Bancorp Inc. (“NBT” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: NBTB) reported net income and diluted earnings per share for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $36.0 million, or $0.76 per diluted common share, compared to $30.4 million, or $0.64 per diluted common share, for the three months ended December 31, 2023, and $38.1 million, or $0.80 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2024. Operating diluted earnings per share⁽¹⁾, a non-GAAP measure was $0.77 for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $0.72 for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $0.80 for the third quarter of 2024.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $140.6 million, or $2.97 per diluted common share, compared to $118.8 million, or $2.65 per diluted common share, in the prior year.

The Company completed the acquisition of Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. (“Salisbury”) on August 11, 2023, adding 13 banking offices, $1.18 billion in loans and $1.31 billion in deposits. The comparisons to the full year of 2023 are significantly impacted by the Salisbury acquisition.

CEO Comments

“Three consecutive quarters of growth in net interest income and margin along with continued strong results from our diverse mix of fee businesses drove NBT’s operating performance in the fourth quarter of 2024,” said NBT President and Chief Executive Officer Scott A. Kingsley. “In addition, we were pleased to receive regulatory approval during the fourth quarter to complete our planned merger with Evans Bancorp, Inc. Evans shareholders also demonstrated strong support for the partnership with the vote to approve the transaction in December. We continue to expect the merger to close in the second quarter of 2025 in conjunction with the core system conversion, and team members from NBT and Evans are working closely to plan a smooth transition for the customers and communities we will serve together in the Buffalo and Rochester markets.”

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Net Income	Net income was $36.0 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.76
Net Interest Income / NIM	Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis was $106.7 million, up $4.4 million from the prior quarter⁽¹⁾ Net interest margin (“NIM”) on an FTE basis was 3.34%⁽¹⁾, up 7 basis points (“bps”) from the prior quarter Included in FTE net interest income was $2.6 million of acquisition-related net accretion, which was consistent with the third quarter of 2024 Earning asset yields of 4.96% were down 5 bps from the prior quarter Total cost of funds of 1.71% was down 14 bps from the prior quarter
Noninterest Income	Noninterest income was $42.2 million, an increase of 11.1% from the fourth quarter of 2023, excluding net securities gains (losses)
Loans and Credit Quality	Period end total loans of $9.97 billion as of December 31, 2024, up $319.2 million, or 3.3%, from December 31, 2023 Net charge-offs to average loans was 0.23% annualized Nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.52% Allowance for loan losses to total loans was 1.16%
Deposits	Deposits were $11.55 billion as of December 31, 2024, up $577.8 million, or 5.3%, from December 31, 2023 Total cost of deposits was 1.60% for the fourth quarter of 2024, down 12 bps from the third quarter of 2024
Capital	Stockholders’ equity was $1.53 billion as of December 31, 2024 Tangible book value per share⁽²⁾ was $23.88 at December 31, 2024 Tangible equity to assets of 8.42%⁽¹⁾ CET1 ratio of 11.93%; Leverage ratio of 10.24%

Loans

Period end total loans were $9.97 billion at December 31, 2024, $9.91 billion at September 30, 2024 and $9.65 billion at December 31, 2023.
Period end total loans increased $319.2 million from December 31, 2023. Total commercial loans increased $322.0 million to $5.30 billion while total consumer loans decreased $2.8 million to $4.67 billion. Excluding the other consumer and residential solar portfolios, which are in a planned run-off status, period end loans increased $478.6 million, or 5.6%.
Commercial line of credit utilization rate was 21% at December 31, 2024, compared to 22% at September 30, 2024 and 20% at December 31, 2023.

Deposits

Total deposits at December 31, 2024 were $11.55 billion, compared to $11.59 billion at September 30, 2024 and $10.97 billion at December 31, 2023. The $577.8 million increase in deposits from December 31, 2023 was primarily due to higher consumer and commercial deposit balances.
The loan to deposit ratio was 86.3% at December 31, 2024, compared to 88.0% at December 31, 2023.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $106.1 million, an increase of $4.4 million, or 4.4%, from the third quarter of 2024 and an increase of $6.9 million, or 7.0%, from the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase in net interest income from the third quarter of 2024 resulted primarily from a decrease in the cost of deposits, an increase in average short-term interest-bearing accounts and the interest earned on those balances combined with a more favorable funding mix.
The NIM on an FTE basis for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 3.34%, an increase of 7 bps from the third quarter of 2024. This increase was driven by an improved funding mix with lower average balances of short-term borrowings, an increase in the average balance of noninterest-bearing demand deposit accounts and a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing deposits. The NIM on an FTE basis increased 19 bps from the fourth quarter of 2023 due to higher earning asset yields and lower average balances of short-term borrowings, partially offset by the increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits.
Earning asset yields for the three months ended December 31, 2024 decreased 5 bps from the prior quarter to 4.96% and increased 17 bps from the same quarter in the prior year. Loan yields for the three months ended December 31, 2024 decreased 9 bps from the prior quarter to 5.65% primarily due to the repricing of $2.1 billion in variable rate loans partly offset by loans originating at higher rates than portfolio yields during the quarter. Earnings asset yields increased 17 bps from the same quarter in the prior year. Average earning assets increased $257.5 million, or 2.1%, from the third quarter of 2024 due to organic loan growth and an increase in short-term interest-bearing accounts. Average earning assets grew $140.6 million, or 1.1%, from the fourth quarter of 2023 due to organic loan growth partially offset by lower average balances of short-term interest-bearing accounts and securities.
Total cost of deposits, including noninterest bearing deposits, was 1.60% for the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of 12 bps from the prior quarter and an increase of 9 bps from the same period in the prior year.
Total cost of funds for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 1.71%, a decrease of 14 bps from the prior quarter and a decrease of 1 bp from the fourth quarter of 2023.

Asset Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses

Net charge-offs to total average loans for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 23 bps compared to 16 bps in the prior quarter. The increase in net charge-offs from the prior quarter was driven by two commercial real estate relationships, of which $1.7 million was previously specifically reserved for in the second quarter of 2024. Net charge-offs for the portfolios in a planned run-off status represented the majority of total net charge-offs for the full year.
Nonperforming assets to total assets was 0.38% at December 31, 2024, compared to 0.27% at September 30, 2024 and 0.28% at December 31, 2023. The increase in nonperforming assets was attributable to a commercial real estate relationship that was placed into a nonaccrual status in the fourth quarter of 2024. The relationship is being actively managed and was written-down to estimated fair value in the fourth quarter of 2024, and as such, no specific reserve has been established.
Provision expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $2.2 million, compared to $2.9 million for the third quarter of 2024. The decrease in provision expense from the prior quarter was primarily due to the run-off of the other consumer and residential solar portfolios partially offset by a higher level of net charge-offs.
The allowance for loan losses was $116.0 million, or 1.16% of total loans, at December 31, 2024, compared to $119.5 million, or 1.21% of total loans, at September 30, 2024 and $114.4 million, or 1.19% of total loans, at December 31, 2023.
The reserve for unfunded loan commitments was $4.4 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $4.6 million at September 30, 2024 and $5.1 million at December 31, 2023.

Noninterest Income

Total noninterest income, excluding securities gains (losses), was $42.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, down $3.1 million, or 6.8%, from the seasonally high third quarter of 2024, and up $4.2 million, or 11.1%, from the fourth quarter of 2023.
Retirement plan administration fees were down $1.7 million from the prior quarter and increased $1.7 million from the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease from the prior quarter, as expected, was due to higher seasonal activity-based fees in the third quarter. The increase from the fourth quarter of 2023 was driven by organic growth and higher market levels.
Wealth management fees were consistent with the prior quarter and increased $1.7 million from the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase from the fourth quarter of 2023 was driven by market performance and growth in new customer accounts.
Insurance revenues decreased $1.0 million from the third quarter, which typically has comparatively higher levels of policy renewals than the fourth quarter.

Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest expense was $100.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $95.7 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $92.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Total noninterest expense increased 4.8% compared to the previous quarter and increased 13.7% from the fourth quarter of 2023, excluding $1.0 million of acquisition expenses in the fourth quarter of 2024, $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively, and the $4.8 million impairment of a minority interest equity investment in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Salaries and benefits increased 3.5% from the prior quarter driven by higher medical costs and an increase in other benefits including higher levels of incentive compensation. The increase from the fourth quarter of 2023 was driven by merit pay increases, higher levels of incentive compensation and higher medical and other benefit costs.
Occupancy costs were consistent with the prior quarter and increased from the fourth quarter of 2023 driven by additional expenses including seasonal maintenance, rent and equipment expense.
Other expense increased $2.5 million from the prior quarter and $0.4 million from the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase from the previous quarter was driven by increases in office supplies and postage, advertising and other expenses.

Income Taxes

The full year effective tax rate was 21.6% for 2024 down from 22.6% for the full year of 2023.

Capital

Tangible common equity to tangible assets⁽¹⁾ was 8.42% at December 31, 2024. Tangible book value per share⁽²⁾ was $23.88 at December 31, 2024, $23.83 at September 30, 2024 and $21.72 at December 31, 2023.
Stockholders’ equity increased $100.5 million from December 31, 2023 driven by net income generation of $140.6 million and an $18.8 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss reflecting the change in the fair value of securities available for sale, partially offset by dividends declared of $62.3 million.
As of December 31, 2024, CET1 capital ratio of 11.93%, leverage ratio of 10.24% and total risk-based capital ratio of 15.03%.

Dividend

The Board of Directors approved a first-quarter cash dividend of $0.34 per share at a meeting held earlier today. The dividend represents a $0.02 per share, or 6.3%, increase over the dividend paid in the first quarter of 2024. The dividend will be paid on March 17, 2025 to stockholders of record as of March 3, 2025.

Stock Repurchase

The Company purchased 7,600 shares of its common stock during 2024 at an average price of $33.02 per share under its previously announced share repurchase program. The Company may repurchase shares of its common stock from time to time to mitigate the potential dilutive effects of stock-based incentive plans and other potential uses of common stock for corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2024, there were 1,992,400 shares available for repurchase under this plan.

Evans Bancorp, Inc. Merger

In December 2024, NBT announced that it had received the regulatory approval and waiver from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York necessary to complete its acquisition of Evans Bancorp, Inc. (“Evans”). Also in December 2024, the shareholders of Evans voted to approve the merger. Evans reported over 75% of the issued and outstanding shares of Evans were represented at a special shareholder meeting and over 96% of the votes cast were voted to approve the merger. NBT and Evans anticipate closing the transaction in second quarter of 2025 in conjunction with the core system conversion, pending customary closing conditions. Evans had assets of $2.28 billion, deposits of $1.90 billion and net loans of $1.76 billion as of September 30, 2024.

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern) Tuesday, January 28, 2025, to review the fourth quarter 2024 financial results. The audio webcast link, along with the corresponding presentation slides, will be available on the Company’s Event Calendar page at www.nbtbancorp.com/bn/presentations-events.html#events and will be archived for twelve months.

Corporate Overview

NBT Bancorp Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Norwich, NY, with total assets of $13.79 billion at December 31, 2024. The Company primarily operates through NBT Bank, N.A., a full-service community bank, and through two financial services companies. NBT Bank, N.A. has 155 banking locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. EPIC Retirement Plan Services, based in Rochester, NY, is a national benefits administration firm. NBT Insurance Agency, LLC, based in Norwich, NY, is a full-service insurance agency. More information about NBT and its divisions is available online at: www.nbtbancorp.com, www.nbtbank.com, www.epicrps.com and www.nbtbank.com/Insurance.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “will,” “can,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or other similar terms. There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) local, regional, national and international economic conditions, including actual or potential stress in the banking industry, and the impact they may have on the Company and its customers, and the Company’s assessment of that impact; (2) changes in the level of nonperforming assets and charge-offs; (3) changes in estimates of future reserve requirements based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements; (4) the effects of and changes in trade and monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”); (5) inflation, interest rate, securities market and monetary fluctuations; (6) political instability; (7) acts of war, including international military conflicts, or terrorism; (8) the timely development and acceptance of new products and services and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users; (9) changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits; (10) changes in the financial performance and/or condition of the Company’s borrowers; (11) technological changes; (12) acquisition and integration of acquired businesses; (13) the possibility that NBT and Evans may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies in the merger within the expected timeframes or at all or to successfully integrate Evans operations and those of NBT; (14) the ability to increase market share and control expenses; (15) changes in the competitive environment among financial holding companies; (16) the effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) with which the Company and its subsidiaries must comply, including those under the Dodd-Frank Act, and the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018; (17) the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters; (18) changes in the Company’s organization, compensation and benefit plans; (19) the costs and effects of legal and regulatory developments, including the resolution of legal proceedings or regulatory or other governmental inquiries, and the results of regulatory examinations or reviews; (20) greater than expected costs or difficulties related to the integration of new products and lines of business; and (21) the Company’s success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items.

The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and advises readers that various factors, including, but not limited to, those described above and other factors discussed in the Company’s annual and quarterly reports previously filed with the SEC, could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results or circumstances for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.

Unless required by law, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligations to, publicly release any revisions that 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.

Non-GAAP Measures

This press release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Where non-GAAP disclosures are used in this press release, the comparable GAAP measure, as well as a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure, is provided in the accompanying tables. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information that is important to an understanding of the results of the Company’s core business as well as provide information standard in the financial institution industry. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP and investors should consider the Company’s performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company. Amounts previously reported in the consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to current period presentation.

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Data
(unaudited, dollars in thousands except per share data)

		2024												2023
	4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
Profitability (reported)
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.76		$	0.80		$	0.69		$	0.71		$	0.64
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding		47,505,760			47,473,417			47,382,814			47,370,145			47,356,899
Return on average assets⁽³⁾		1.04	%		1.12	%		0.98	%		1.02	%		0.89	%
Return on average equity⁽³⁾		9.44	%		10.21	%		9.12	%		9.52	%		8.79	%
Return on average tangible common equity⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾		13.36	%		14.54	%		13.23	%		13.87	%		13.08	%
Net interest margin⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾		3.34	%		3.27	%		3.18	%		3.14	%		3.15	%

	12 Months Ended December 31,
		2024			2023
Profitability (reported)
Diluted earnings per share	$	2.97		$	2.65
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding		47,433,174			44,770,171
Return on average assets		1.04	%		0.95	%
Return on average equity		9.57	%		9.34	%
Return on average tangible common equity⁽¹⁾		13.75	%		13.02	%
Net interest margin⁽¹⁾		3.23	%		3.29	%

		2024												2023
	4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
Profitability (operating)
Diluted earnings per share⁽¹⁾	$	0.77		$	0.80		$	0.69		$	0.68		$	0.72
Return on average assets⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾		1.06	%		1.12	%		0.98	%		0.97	%		0.99	%
Return on average equity⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾		9.60	%		10.23	%		9.14	%		9.04	%		9.79	%
Return on average tangible common equity⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾		13.57	%		14.56	%		13.26	%		13.20	%		14.49	%

		2024												2023
	4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
Balance sheet data
Short-term interest-bearing accounts	$	78,973		$	231,671		$	35,207		$	156,632		$	31,378
Securities available for sale		1,574,664			1,509,338			1,439,445			1,418,471			1,430,858
Securities held to maturity		842,921			854,941			878,909			890,863			905,267
Net loans		9,853,910			9,787,541			9,733,847			9,572,777			9,536,313
Total assets		13,786,666			13,839,552			13,501,909			13,439,199			13,309,040
Total deposits		11,546,761			11,588,278			11,271,459			11,195,289			10,968,994
Total borrowings		414,983			456,666			476,082			518,190			637,387
Total liabilities		12,260,525			12,317,572			12,039,954			11,997,784			11,883,349
Stockholders’ equity		1,526,141			1,521,980			1,461,955			1,441,415			1,425,691

Capital
Equity to assets		11.07	%		11.00	%		10.83	%		10.73	%		10.71	%
Tangible equity ratio⁽¹⁾		8.42	%		8.36	%		8.11	%		7.98	%		7.93	%
Book value per share	$	32.34		$	32.26		$	31.00		$	30.57		$	30.26
Tangible book value per share⁽²⁾	$	23.88		$	23.83		$	22.54		$	22.07		$	21.72
Leverage ratio		10.24	%		10.29	%		10.16	%		10.09	%		9.71	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		11.93	%		11.86	%		11.70	%		11.68	%		11.57	%
Tier 1 capital ratio		12.83	%		12.77	%		12.61	%		12.61	%		12.50	%
Total risk-based capital ratio		15.03	%		15.02	%		14.88	%		14.87	%		14.75	%
Common stock price (end of period)	$	47.76		$	44.23		$	38.60		$	36.68		$	41.91

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Asset Quality and Consolidated Loan Balances
(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

		2024												2023
	4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
Asset quality
Nonaccrual loans	$	45,819		$	33,338		$	34,755		$	35,189		$	34,213
90 days past due and still accruing		5,798			3,981			3,333			2,600			3,661
Total nonperforming loans		51,617			37,319			38,088			37,789			37,874
Other real estate owned		182			127			74			–			–
Total nonperforming assets		51,799			37,446			38,162			37,789			37,874
Allowance for loan losses		116,000			119,500			120,500			115,300			114,400

Asset quality ratios
Allowance for loan losses to total loans		1.16	%		1.21	%		1.22	%		1.19	%		1.19	%
Total nonperforming loans to total loans		0.52	%		0.38	%		0.39	%		0.39	%		0.39	%
Total nonperforming assets to total assets		0.38	%		0.27	%		0.28	%		0.28	%		0.28	%
Allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans		224.73	%		320.21	%		316.37	%		305.12	%		302.05	%
Past due loans to total loans⁽⁴⁾		0.34	%		0.36	%		0.30	%		0.33	%		0.32	%
Net charge-offs to average loans⁽³⁾		0.23	%		0.16	%		0.15	%		0.19	%		0.22	%

		2024												2023
	4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
Loan net charge-offs by line of business
Commercial	$	2,542		$	807		$	(8	)	$	772		$	1,107
Residential real estate and home equity		(25	)		(64	)		(76	)		(32	)		11
Indirect auto		675			725			747			665			399
Residential solar		1,589			1,599			1,610			1,211			1,081
Other consumer		928			853			1,426			2,063			2,729
Total loan net charge-offs	$	5,709		$	3,920		$	3,699		$	4,679		$	5,327

		2024												2023
	4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans by segment
Commercial & industrial		0.73	%		0.73	%		0.76	%		0.79	%		0.84	%
Commercial real estate		0.95	%		1.01	%		1.00	%		0.97	%		0.99	%
Residential real estate		1.00	%		1.00	%		0.98	%		0.89	%		0.84	%
Auto		0.81	%		0.83	%		0.85	%		0.81	%		0.83	%
Residential solar		3.70	%		3.70	%		3.76	%		3.58	%		3.28	%
Other consumer		2.65	%		3.51	%		4.09	%		4.24	%		4.70	%
Total		1.16	%		1.21	%		1.22	%		1.19	%		1.19	%

		2024												2023
	4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
Loans by line of business
Commercial & industrial	$	1,426,482		$	1,458,926		$	1,397,935		$	1,353,446		$	1,354,248
Commercial real estate		3,876,698			3,792,498			3,784,214			3,646,739			3,626,910
Residential real estate		2,142,249			2,143,766			2,134,875			2,133,289			2,125,804
Home equity		334,268			328,687			326,556			328,673			337,214
Indirect auto		1,273,253			1,235,175			1,225,786			1,190,734			1,130,132
Residential solar		820,079			839,659			861,883			896,147			917,755
Other consumer		96,881			108,330			123,098			139,049			158,650
Total loans	$	9,969,910		$	9,907,041		$	9,854,347		$	9,688,077		$	9,650,713

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited, in thousands)

	December 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	205,083	$	173,811
Short-term interest-bearing accounts		78,973		31,378
Equity securities, at fair value		42,372		37,591
Securities available for sale, at fair value		1,574,664		1,430,858
Securities held to maturity (fair value $749,945 and $814,524, respectively)		842,921		905,267
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock		33,957		45,861
Loans held for sale		9,744		3,371
Loans		9,969,910		9,650,713
Less allowance for loan losses		116,000		114,400
Net loans	$	9,853,910	$	9,536,313
Premises and equipment, net		80,840		80,675
Goodwill		362,663		361,851
Intangible assets, net		36,360		40,443
Bank owned life insurance		272,657		265,732
Other assets		392,522		395,889
Total assets	$	13,786,666	$	13,309,040

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Demand (noninterest bearing)	$	3,446,068	$	3,413,829
Savings, NOW and money market		6,658,188		6,230,456
Time		1,442,505		1,324,709
Total deposits	$	11,546,761	$	10,968,994
Short-term borrowings		162,942		386,651
Long-term debt		29,644		29,796
Subordinated debt, net		121,201		119,744
Junior subordinated debt		101,196		101,196
Other liabilities		298,781		276,968
Total liabilities	$	12,260,525	$	11,883,349

Total stockholders’ equity	$	1,526,141	$	1,425,691

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	13,786,666	$	13,309,040

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited, in thousands except per share data)

	Three Months Ended					Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,					December 31,
	2024			2023		2024			2023
Interest, fee and dividend income
Interest and fees on loans	$	141,103		$	132,738	$	552,846		$	462,669
Securities available for sale		8,773			7,208		31,274			29,812
Securities held to maturity		4,931			5,374		20,466			20,681
Other		2,930			5,594		7,084			9,627
Total interest, fee and dividend income	$	157,737		$	150,914	$	611,670		$	522,789
Interest expense
Deposits	$	46,815		$	42,753	$	186,948		$	104,641
Short-term borrowings		918			4,951		8,669			25,608
Long-term debt		293			294		1,166			925
Subordinated debt		1,816			1,795		7,232			6,076
Junior subordinated debt		1,790			1,948		7,533			7,320
Total interest expense	$	51,632		$	51,741	$	211,548		$	144,570
Net interest income	$	106,105		$	99,173	$	400,122		$	378,219
Provision for loan losses	$	2,209		$	5,126	$	19,607		$	16,524
Provision for loan losses – acquisition day 1 non-PCD		–			–		–			8,750
Total provision for loan losses	$	2,209		$	5,126	$	19,607		$	25,274
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	$	103,896		$	94,047	$	380,515		$	352,945
Noninterest income
Service charges on deposit accounts	$	4,411		$	4,165	$	17,087		$	15,425
Card services income		5,652			5,360		22,331			20,829
Retirement plan administration fees		12,924			11,226		56,587			47,221
Wealth management		10,842			9,152		41,641			34,763
Insurance services		3,883			3,659		17,032			15,667
Bank owned life insurance income		2,271			1,776		8,325			6,750
Net securities gains (losses)		222			507		2,789			(9,315	)
Other		2,221			2,643		11,032			10,838
Total noninterest income	$	42,426		$	38,488	$	176,824		$	142,178
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits	$	61,749		$	50,013	$	232,487		$	194,250
Technology and data services		10,220			10,174		39,139			38,163
Occupancy		7,786			7,175		31,309			28,408
Professional fees and outside services		4,843			5,115		19,132			17,601
Amortization of intangible assets		2,080			2,131		8,443			4,734
Reserve for unfunded loan commitments		(125	)		300		(705	)		30
Impairment of a minority interest equity investment		–			4,750		–			4,750
Acquisition expenses		988			254		1,531			9,978
Other		13,234			12,839		46,545			43,750
Total noninterest expense	$	100,775		$	92,751	$	377,881		$	341,664
Income before income tax expense	$	45,547		$	39,784	$	179,458		$	153,459
Income tax expense		9,542			9,338		38,817			34,677
Net income	$	36,005		$	30,446	$	140,641		$	118,782
Earnings Per Share
Basic	$	0.76		$	0.65	$	2.98		$	2.67
Diluted	$	0.76		$	0.64	$	2.97		$	2.65

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Quarterly Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited, in thousands except per share data)

		2024										2023
	4th Q			3rd Q		2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
Interest, fee and dividend income
Interest and fees on loans	$	141,103		$	141,991	$	136,606		$	133,146		$	132,738
Securities available for sale		8,773			7,815		7,562			7,124			7,208
Securities held to maturity		4,931			5,042		5,190			5,303			5,374
Other		2,930			1,382		1,408			1,364			5,594
Total interest, fee and dividend income	$	157,737		$	156,230	$	150,766		$	146,937		$	150,914
Interest expense
Deposits	$	46,815		$	49,106	$	46,688		$	44,339		$	42,753
Short-term borrowings		918			1,431		2,899			3,421			4,951
Long-term debt		293			292		291			290			294
Subordinated debt		1,816			1,810		1,806			1,800			1,795
Junior subordinated debt		1,790			1,922		1,908			1,913			1,948
Total interest expense	$	51,632		$	54,561	$	53,592		$	51,763		$	51,741
Net interest income	$	106,105		$	101,669	$	97,174		$	95,174		$	99,173
Provision for loan losses	$	2,209		$	2,920	$	8,899		$	5,579		$	5,126
Provision for loan losses – acquisition day 1 non-PCD		–			–		–			–			–
Total provision for loan losses	$	2,209		$	2,920	$	8,899		$	5,579		$	5,126
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	$	103,896		$	98,749	$	88,275		$	89,595		$	94,047
Noninterest income
Service charges on deposit accounts	$	4,411		$	4,340	$	4,219		$	4,117		$	4,165
Card services income		5,652			5,897		5,587			5,195			5,360
Retirement plan administration fees		12,924			14,578		14,798			14,287			11,226
Wealth management		10,842			10,929		10,173			9,697			9,152
Insurance services		3,883			4,913		3,848			4,388			3,659
Bank owned life insurance income		2,271			1,868		1,834			2,352			1,776
Net securities gains (losses)		222			476		(92	)		2,183			507
Other		2,221			2,773		2,865			3,173			2,643
Total noninterest income	$	42,426		$	45,774	$	43,232		$	45,392		$	38,488
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits	$	61,749		$	59,641	$	55,393		$	55,704		$	50,013
Technology and data services		10,220			9,920		9,249			9,750			10,174
Occupancy		7,786			7,754		7,671			8,098			7,175
Professional fees and outside services		4,843			4,871		4,565			4,853			5,115
Amortization of intangible assets		2,080			2,062		2,133			2,168			2,131
Reserve for unfunded loan commitments		(125	)		250		(380	)		(450	)		300
Impairment of a minority interest equity investment		–			–		–			–			4,750
Acquisition expenses		988			543		–			–			254
Other		13,234			10,704		10,957			11,650			12,839
Total noninterest expense	$	100,775		$	95,745	$	89,588		$	91,773		$	92,751
Income before income tax expense	$	45,547		$	48,778	$	41,919		$	43,214		$	39,784
Income tax expense		9,542			10,681		9,203			9,391			9,338
Net income	$	36,005		$	38,097	$	32,716		$	33,823		$	30,446
Earnings Per Share
Basic	$	0.76		$	0.81	$	0.69		$	0.72		$	0.65
Diluted	$	0.76		$	0.80	$	0.69		$	0.71		$	0.64

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Average Quarterly Balance Sheets
(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

	Average Balance		Yield / Rates	Average Balance		Yield / Rates	Average Balance		Yield / Rates	Average Balance		Yield / Rates	Average Balance		Yield / Rates
	Q4 – 2024			Q3 – 2024			Q2 – 2024			Q1 – 2024			Q4 – 2023
Assets
Short-term interest-bearing accounts	$	184,988	5.27%	$	62,210	4.87%	$	48,861	5.48%	$	47,972	4.48%	$	319,907	5.59%
Securities taxable⁽¹⁾		2,317,034	2.10%		2,266,930	1.99%		2,280,767	1.97%		2,278,029	1.91%		2,310,409	1.88%
Securities tax-exempt⁽¹⁾⁽⁵⁾		211,493	3.46%		217,251	3.47%		226,032	3.56%		230,468	3.58%		232,575	3.51%
FRB and FHLB stock		33,261	5.75%		35,395	6.97%		40,283	7.41%		42,296	7.89%		47,994	8.98%
Loans⁽¹⁾⁽⁶⁾		9,957,879	5.65%		9,865,412	5.74%		9,772,014	5.63%		9,674,892	5.54%		9,653,191	5.47%
Total interest-earning assets	$	12,704,655	4.96%	$	12,447,198	5.01%	$	12,367,957	4.92%	$	12,273,657	4.84%	$	12,564,076	4.79%
Other assets		1,093,419			1,072,277			1,064,487			1,055,386			1,052,024
Total assets	$	13,798,074		$	13,519,475		$	13,432,444		$	13,329,043		$	13,616,100
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Money market deposit accounts	$	3,504,937	3.27%	$	3,342,845	3.68%	$	3,254,252	3.65%	$	3,129,160	3.56%	$	3,045,531	3.43%
NOW deposit accounts		1,664,960	0.91%		1,600,547	0.87%		1,603,695	0.78%		1,600,288	0.75%		1,645,401	0.80%
Savings deposits		1,561,703	0.05%		1,566,316	0.05%		1,586,753	0.05%		1,607,659	0.04%		1,666,915	0.04%
Time deposits		1,446,798	3.85%		1,442,424	4.00%		1,391,062	4.00%		1,352,559	4.00%		1,343,548	3.81%
Total interest-bearing deposits	$	8,178,398	2.28%	$	7,952,132	2.46%	$	7,835,762	2.40%	$	7,689,666	2.32%	$	7,701,395	2.20%
Federal funds purchased		–	–		2,609	5.34%		29,945	5.56%		19,769	5.53%		217	5.48%
Repurchase agreements		116,408	3.13%		98,035	2.80%		86,405	1.55%		82,419	1.55%		82,387	1.59%
Short-term borrowings		174	4.57%		48,875	5.74%		155,159	5.58%		213,390	5.34%		345,250	5.31%
Long-term debt		29,657	3.93%		29,696	3.91%		29,734	3.94%		29,772	3.92%		29,809	3.91%
Subordinated debt, net		120,967	5.97%		120,594	5.97%		120,239	6.04%		119,873	6.04%		119,531	5.96%
Junior subordinated debt		101,196	7.04%		101,196	7.56%		101,196	7.58%		101,196	7.60%		101,196	7.64%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	$	8,546,800	2.40%	$	8,353,137	2.60%	$	8,358,440	2.58%	$	8,256,085	2.52%	$	8,379,785	2.45%
Demand deposits		3,438,194			3,389,894			3,323,906			3,356,607			3,535,815
Other liabilities		295,292			292,446			306,747			286,749			326,857
Stockholders’ equity		1,517,788			1,483,998			1,443,351			1,429,602			1,373,643
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	13,798,074		$	13,519,475		$	13,432,444		$	13,329,043		$	13,616,100
Interest rate spread			2.56%			2.41%			2.34%			2.32%			2.34%
Net interest margin (FTE)⁽¹⁾			3.34%			3.27%			3.18%			3.14%			3.15%

NBT Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Average Year-to-Date Balance Sheets
(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

	Average				Yield/	Average				Yield/
	Balance		Interest		Rates	Balance		Interest		Rates
Twelve Months Ended December 31,		2024					2023
Assets
Short-term interest-bearing accounts	$	86,213	$	4,412	5.12%	$	126,765	$	6,259	4.94%
Securities taxable⁽¹⁾		2,285,725		45,588	1.99%		2,377,596		45,176	1.90%
Securities tax-exempt⁽¹⁾⁽⁵⁾		221,273		7,788	3.52%		214,053		6,730	3.14%
FRB and FHLB stock		37,789		2,672	7.07%		48,641		3,368	6.92%
Loans⁽¹⁾⁽⁶⁾		9,818,064		553,784	5.64%		8,803,228		463,290	5.26%
Total interest-earning assets	$	12,449,064	$	614,244	4.93%	$	11,570,283	$	524,823	4.54%
Other assets		1,071,455					923,850
Total assets	$	13,520,519				$	12,494,133
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Money market deposit accounts	$	3,308,433	$	116,982	3.54%	$	2,418,450	$	62,475	2.58%
NOW deposit accounts		1,617,456		13,442	0.83%		1,555,414		8,298	0.53%
Savings deposits		1,580,517		734	0.05%		1,715,749		650	0.04%
Time deposits		1,408,410		55,790	3.96%		1,006,867		33,218	3.30%
Total interest-bearing deposits	$	7,914,816	$	186,948	2.36%	$	6,696,480	$	104,641	1.56%
Federal funds purchased		13,016		721	5.54%		24,575		1,269	5.16%
Repurchase agreements		95,879		2,255	2.35%		70,251		747	1.06%
Short-term borrowings		103,963		5,693	5.48%		450,377		23,592	5.24%
Long-term debt		29,715		1,166	3.92%		24,247		925	3.81%
Subordinated debt, net		120,420		7,232	6.01%		105,756		6,076	5.75%
Junior subordinated debt		101,196		7,533	7.44%		101,196		7,320	7.23%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	$	8,379,005	$	211,548	2.52%	$	7,472,882	$	144,570	1.93%
Demand deposits		3,377,352					3,463,608
Other liabilities		295,301					285,310
Stockholders’ equity		1,468,861					1,272,333
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	13,520,519				$	12,494,133
Net interest income (FTE)⁽¹⁾			$	402,696				$	380,253
Interest rate spread					2.41%					2.61%
Net interest margin (FTE)⁽¹⁾					3.23%					3.29%
Taxable equivalent adjustment			$	2,574				$	2,034
Net interest income			$	400,122				$	378,219

⁽¹⁾	The following tables provide the Non-GAAP reconciliations for the Non-GAAP measures contained in this release:

	Non-GAAP measures
	(unaudited, dollars in thousands except per share data)

			2024												2023
		4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
	Operating net income
	Net income	$	36,005		$	38,097		$	32,716		$	33,823		$	30,446
	Acquisition expenses		988			543			–			–			254
	Impairment of a minority interest equity investment		–			–			–			–			4,750
	Securities (gains) losses		(222	)		(476	)		92			(2,183	)		(507	)
	Adjustments to net income	$	766		$	67		$	92		$	(2,183	)	$	4,497
	Adjustments to net income (net of tax)	$	604		$	52		$	72		$	(1,703	)	$	3,435
	Operating net income	$	36,609		$	38,149		$	32,788		$	32,120		$	33,881
	Operating diluted earnings per share	$	0.77		$	0.80		$	0.69		$	0.68		$	0.72

			2024												2023
		4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
	FTE adjustment
	Net interest income	$	106,105		$	101,669		$	97,174		$	95,174		$	99,173
	Add: FTE adjustment		619			639			658			658			669
	Net interest income (FTE)	$	106,724		$	102,308		$	97,832		$	95,832		$	99,842
	Average earning assets	$	12,704,655		$	12,447,198		$	12,367,957		$	12,273,657		$	12,564,076
	Net interest margin (FTE)⁽³⁾		3.34	%		3.27	%		3.18	%		3.14	%		3.15	%

		12 Months Ended December 31,
			2024			2023
	FTE adjustment
	Net interest income	$	400,122		$	378,219
	Add: FTE adjustment		2,574			2,034
	Net interest income (FTE)	$	402,696		$	380,253
	Average earning assets	$	12,449,064		$	11,570,283
	Net interest margin (FTE)		3.23	%		3.29	%

	Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans have been adjusted to an FTE basis using the statutory Federal income tax rate of 21%.

⁽¹⁾	The following tables provide the Non-GAAP reconciliations for the Non-GAAP measures contained in this release:

	Non-GAAP measures (continued)
	(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

			2024												2023
		4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
	Tangible equity to tangible assets
	Total equity	$	1,526,141		$	1,521,980		$	1,461,955		$	1,441,415		$	1,425,691
	Intangible assets		399,023			397,853			398,686			400,819			402,294
	Total assets	$	13,786,666		$	13,839,552		$	13,501,909		$	13,439,199		$	13,309,040
	Tangible equity to tangible assets		8.42	%		8.36	%		8.11	%		7.98	%		7.93	%

			2024												2023
		4th Q			3rd Q			2nd Q			1st Q			4th Q
	Return on average tangible common equity
	Net income	$	36,005		$	38,097		$	32,716		$	33,823		$	30,446
	Amortization of intangible assets (net of tax)		1,560			1,547			1,600			1,626			1,599
	Net income, excluding intangibles amortization	$	37,565		$	39,644		$	34,316		$	35,449		$	32,045

	Average stockholders’ equity	$	1,517,788		$	1,483,998		$	1,443,351		$	1,429,602		$	1,373,643
	Less: average goodwill and other intangibles		399,139			399,113			399,968			401,756			401,978
	Average tangible common equity	$	1,118,649		$	1,084,885		$	1,043,383		$	1,027,846		$	971,665
	Return on average tangible common equity⁽³⁾		13.36	%		14.54	%		13.23	%		13.87	%		13.08	%

		12 Months Ended December 31,
			2024			2023
	Return on average tangible common equity
	Net income	$	140,641		$	118,782
	Amortization of intangible assets (net of tax)		6,332			3,551
	Net income, excluding intangibles amortization	$	146,973		$	122,333

	Average stockholders’ equity	$	1,468,861		$	1,272,333
	Less: average goodwill and other intangibles		399,989			332,667
	Average tangible common equity	$	1,068,872		$	939,666
	Return on average tangible common equity		13.75	%		13.02	%

⁽²⁾	Non-GAAP measure – Stockholders’ equity less goodwill and intangible assets divided by common shares outstanding.
⁽³⁾	Annualized.
⁽⁴⁾	Total past due loans, defined as loans 30 days or more past due and in an accrual status.
⁽⁵⁾	Securities are shown at average amortized cost.
⁽⁶⁾	For purposes of these computations, nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the average loan balances outstanding.

Contact:	Scott A. Kingsley, President and CEO
	Annette L. Burns, Executive Vice President and CFO
	NBT Bancorp Inc.
	52 South Broad Street
	Norwich, NY 13815
	607-337-6589

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

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Announces Mid-Month Open Short Interest Positions in Nasdaq Stocks as of Settlement Date January 15, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the end of the settlement date of January 15, 2025, short interest in 3,099 Nasdaq Global Market^SM securities totaled 12,402,417,655 shares compared with 12,137,206,474 shares in 3,085 Global Market issues reported for the prior settlement date of December 31, 2024. The mid-January short interest represents 2.56 days compared with 2.50 days for the prior reporting period.

Short interest in 1,635 securities on The Nasdaq Capital Market^SM totaled 2,424,890,788 shares at the end of the settlement date of January 15, 2025, compared with 2,331,105,942 shares in 1,643 securities for the previous reporting period. This represents a 1.00 day average daily volume; the previous reporting period’s figure was 1.00.

In summary, short interest in all 4,734 Nasdaq^® securities totaled 14,827,308,443 shares at the January 15, 2025 settlement date, compared with 4,728 issues and 14,468,312,416 shares at the end of the previous reporting period. This is 1.82 days average daily volume, compared with an average of 1.78 days for the prior reporting period.

The open short interest positions reported for each Nasdaq security reflect the total number of shares sold short by all broker/dealers regardless of their exchange affiliations. A short sale is generally understood to mean the sale of a security that the seller does not own or any sale that is consummated by the delivery of a security borrowed by or for the account of the seller.

For more information on Nasdaq Short interest positions, including publication dates, visit http://www.nasdaq.com/quotes/short-interest.aspx or http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/asp/short_interest.asp.

About Nasdaq:
Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Lawson
jennifer.lawson@nasdaq.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d7a3942-1329-4f8e-8919-a36537776f50

NDAQO

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: PD Edge catches suspect in Colonel Light Gardens

Source: South Australia Police

PD Edge arrested a man in Colonel Light Gardens after he was caught allegedly stealing CCTV cameras this morning.

About 2am Tuesday 28 January police were called to a home under construction on Goodwood Road after a man was seen on the owners CCTV cameras in the rear yard.

The owner, who was not at the property at the time, was able to provide police with a good description of the suspect including the clothing he was wearing.

PD Edge was called in and tracked through the property then out into an alley way and back on to Goodwood Road. Clever PD Edge quickly chased down the suspect detaining him in the front yard of a nearby home.

Southern Patrols searched the area locating gloves, a drill, a head lamp and stolen CCTV cameras dumped in a wheelie bin.

The 50-year-old Firle man was charged with being unlawfully on premises, theft and going equipped to commit an offence. He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 11 March.

MIL OSI News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of I&B announces top awards for content creators like influencers, podcasters, animation makers & game developers etc. ahead of 1st World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit
Source: Government of India

Ministry of I&B announces top awards for content creators like influencers, podcasters, animation makers & game developers etc. ahead of 1st World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit

Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launch WAVES Bazaar, an eMarketplace to bring together creators & firms dealing in creative content

Classical & Semi classical Music challenge ‘Wah Ustad’ & Promotion of Khadi among three more Create in India challenges launched for WAVES; Tourism & Cultural heritage promotion content challenge also announced

WAVES to position India as a global capital of content creation; India’s Cultural Heritage being elevated to global prominence, echoing Vivekananda’s legacy: Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw

WAVES is an important platform for art lovers and will inspire Indian creators to narrate before the world our rich cultural heritage: Sh. Gajendra Shekhawat

Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 7:22PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting today marked a significant milestone in the lead-up to the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) with the launch of major initiatives at the National Media Centre, New Delhi by Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Railways and Electronics & Information Technology and Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism.

Sh. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Indian Filmmaker Sh. Shekhar Kapur and Sh. Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO Prasar Bharati were also present at the launch.

Transforming India into a global capital of the creator economy

Echoing the Prime Minister’s vision, of establishing the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) as a summit of global repute, akin to the Davos Economic Forum, the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, mentioned that this effort is part of a broader strategy to highlight India’s creative economy, which is rich with tradition, storytelling, and cultural significance—elements of what is globally recognized as the ‘Orange Economy.‘

“Our rich culture, which once resonated in the halls of the Chicago World’s Fair through Swami Vivekananda, is today being carried forward by our Prime Minister on the global stage, through initiatives like yoga, culture, creativity, and Ayurveda,” stated Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw. “WAVES is an extension of this effort, aiming to make India the global capital of the creator economy.”, he added.

The Union Ministers launched WAVES Bazaar, 3 Create in India Challenges, WAVES Awards and also announced one more Challenge.

WAVES Bazaar: Harnessing the potential of creative economy

The event witnessed the unveiling of the WAVES Bazaar – Global e-Marketplace, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect India’s vast creative talent pool with international markets. The platform enables users to showcase their content, pitch projects, and build meaningful connections that transcend geographical boundaries. It simplifies global business interactions by offering tailored tools and resources, ensuring creators and businesses can expand their reach while discovering new opportunities for growth and success.

On this occasion, Secretary I&B mentioned that WAVES Bazaar is a transformative platform that will unite creators, buyers, and collaborators from across various entertainment sectors such as film, TV, music, esports, animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics. It will bridge geographical gaps, allowing creators to display their work and engage in meaningful B2B interactions.

WAVES Bazaar will also support brand collaborations, funding, and distribution, helping creators secure the backing they need to realise their ideas. This comprehensive e-marketplace will be an important tool to harness the potential of the budding creative economy in India. This platform will enable content creators to market their products, ideas and skills.

WAVES Awards

WAVES Awards are set to commence with nominations opening on February 15, 2025. Celebrating excellence across various creative disciplines, the WAVES Awards feature categories such as Game of the Year, Film of the Year, and Advertising Campaign of the Year. The awards also include Special Selection Awards, honouring lifetime achievements and significant impacts in fields like technology and social influence.

Three new challenges under Create in India Challenges

Another highlight was the launch of three new challenges under the Create in India Challenges, viz. “Resonate: The EDM Challenge”, “Make The World Wear Khadi” and “Wah Ustad”.
1. Wah Ustad
Envisioned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, driven by the esteemed “Dilli Gharana” in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Doordarshan, “Wah Ustad” provides a platform for young, classically trained vocalists to showcase their exceptional skills. It is open to participants aged 18 years and above, including international participation. It is a two-phased competition culminating in a Grand National finale at WAVES 2025 whose registrations have been opened today on the website of Prasar Bharati (https://prasarbharati.gov.in/wah-ustad/).
1. ‘Make The World Wear Khadi’
This challenge invites advertising professionals and freelancers to develop innovative campaigns that position Khadi as a global brand. Open for international participation, this challenge aims to promote Khadi within India and internationally. The participants have to explore innovative design concepts across various formats (e.g., digital, print, video, experiential). “Make The World Wear Khadi” encourages creative thinking and strategic approaches to elevate Khadi’s brand image and drive consumer engagement.
1. Resonate: The EDM Challenge: Hosted by the Indian Music Association (IMA), “Resonate” invites artists, composers, musicians, and performers from around the world to showcase their exceptional talent in Electronic Dance Music (EDM) production. This challenge is open to all nationalities.
New challenge for promoting India’s cultural heritage and tourism

The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting also announced a new challenge aimed at promoting films that explore India’s rich tourism and cultural heritage. This initiative challenges filmmakers to delve deep into the nation’s vibrant cultural tapestry, showcasing it to both national and international audiences. These challenges aim to foster creativity, innovation, and global participation.

WAVES: Showcasing India’s Cultural Prowess Globally

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, described India as a vibrant crucible of storytellers, musicians, content creators, and religious diversity. “Our cultural heritage is not just a testament to our past but the backbone of our future on the global stage,” Shri Shekhawat stated. To leverage this rich cultural tapestry, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched WAVES, a dynamic platform that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of showcasing and economically empowering India’s creative talents.

As India progresses in various sectors—economic, social, and technological—our cultural prowess remains our greatest asset. While expressing gratitude to the Ministry of I&B, he said that through WAVES India’s cultural diversity will gain the global recognition it deserves, positioning the cultural creative economy as an integral part of the world’s formal economy. This initiative underscores the pivotal role that WAVES will play in showcasing and enhancing India’s cultural strength, providing a foundation for our creators to earn respect and recognition worldwide.

Create in India Challenges

Create in India Challenges, the cornerstone of the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has witnessed an overwhelming response from aspiring and professional creators from India and across the globe. With over 70,000 registrations and counting, the challenge has captured the imagination of individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds, fostering a holistic ecosystem for vibrant creativity and innovation. So far, 31 Create in India Challenges have been launched out of which 25 are still open for registration with 22 attracting global participation.

India: Land of storytelling

Acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur also highlighted India’s status as the largest content creation and consumption nation during his address. “India is not just a hub but a powerhouse of cultural and digital content, ranging from films to gaming. This is what we refer to as our ‘soft power’,” Kapur noted. Continuing on this theme, Sh. Kapur expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming WAVES summit, where this expansive creative energy will be showcased, underscoring the event as a critical platform for demonstrating India’s leadership in the global creative economy.

An opportunity, not to be missed

The summit is designed to be the first of its kind, converging audio, video, and entertainment into a single platform, thus providing a unique opportunity for creators from around the globe to network, collaborate, and display their creative prowess. Sh. Vaishnaw exhorted all the content creators to participate actively in WAVES, emphasizing that it is an opportunity that should not be missed.

*****

Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

(Release ID: 2096792) Visitor Counter : 128

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New bus service for shoppers to start

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

The Highland Council’s In-house bus team are introducing a new service to make it more convenient for people living in and around the city to visit two retail parks.

To be known at the “108 Shopper Bus”, the new service will run every Tuesday and Thursday starting at Torvean Park and Ride. The route will be going through all the housing areas along Sir Walter Scott Drive (Distributor Road) to include Holm Dell, Culduthel Mains, Slackbuie, Miller Street, Boswell Road. It will then pass through the back of Inshes Retail Park and then go through the UHI Campus to the Inverness Shopping Park.

The request for the service came from local residents who have been physically unable to catch the service bus as they live too far away from the active bus stops.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “This is another example of us listening to the community and taking action to provide a service specifically tailored to make it more convenient for people to get to two popular shopping areas of the city.

“I am sure this new direct service aimed at shoppers will attract passengers who currently find it difficult to get to the two retail parks without having to first go into the city centre.

The 108 Shopper Bus service starts on Tuesday 4 February. Details of the timetable will shortly be available on the Highland Council Buses dedicated webpage and Facebook page.

27 Jan 2025

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Krishnan Cheerath Appointed Vice President, Products at Mage Data™

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mage Data™ has announced the promotion of Krishnan Cheerath to the position of Vice President of Products. In this new capacity, Krishnan will lead the company’s product vision and strategy – balancing immediate market needs with future-proofing against emerging regulatory requirements and technological advancements to ensure that the product strategy aligns with the overall vision.

Since joining Mage Data in 2017, Krishnan has held positions of increasing responsibility and authority first as a Project Manager and then a Product Manager. His contributions to product strategy and delivery led to his promotion to Director of Product Design in 2023, where he helped to lead the development of the world’s first conversational user interface for a test data management platform for enhanced user experience. During his tenure, he has built an extensive portfolio of innovative product designs with an approach that has helped shaped Mage Data’s ahead-of-the-market offerings. Mage Data looks forward to his continuing to play a pivotal role in shaping the Company’s product vision and strategy as a part of Vision 26 – towards building an increasingly AI-driven solution that shifts the paradigm from being a traditional software solution to a Service-As-A-Software™ model that can serve as a powerful ally helping enterprises navigate complex data security challenges.

Krishnan completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Trichy in 2017 and subsequently completed the Product Strategy course at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. This program helped refine essential skills in product lifecycle management, opportunity assessment, and agile methodologies. Krishnan’s skillset bridges the gap between market needs and the capabilities of rapidly changing technologies and makes him uniquely suited for Mage Data’s culture of innovation and market leadership.

“Krishnan has been a cornerstone of our company’s growth and development,” said Padma Vemuri, Senior Vice President and Chief Solutions Architect at Mage Data. “His promotion is a testament not only to his long hours and commitment to the customer’s needs, but also to the promising future we envision together as he steps into executive leadership. I’m excited about the innovative directions Krishnan will guide us towards, strengthening our offerings and elevating our brand.”

Paula Capps, Chief Operating Officer, added “This promotion exemplifies Mage Data’s commitment to professional growth and development for our team. Hard work, a commitment to excellence, and visionary thinking is valued at Mage Data. Krishnan is an essential member of the team, and we are pleased that he’s taking on more and more responsibility.”

“My time at Mage Data has been an incredible professional journey,” Krishnan Cheerath said. “I am deeply honoured and excited to assume the role of Vice President and embrace the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. I am committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within our teams as we strive to achieve our shared goals.”

About Mage Data:

Mage Data is globally recognized as a premier provider of comprehensive enterprise data security solutions, dedicated to serving organizations with sophisticated data protection mechanisms, intricate discovery techniques, and robust compliance capabilities. Our integrated platform is designed to safeguard sensitive information while ensuring uninterrupted business operations. recognized as a Champion in Test Data Management and a leader in data masking by leading analysts, Mage Data’s patented and award-winning platform enables organizations to navigate privacy regulations while ensuring robust security. The company’s client roster includes Swiss banks, Fortune 10 companies, Ivy League universities, and leaders in the financial and healthcare sectors—all of whom rely on Mage Data’s platform for effective data privacy and security solutions. With industry-leading privacy-enhancing technologies designed to secure sensitive information, Mage Data continues to deliver robust data security while ensuring that essential data assets remain accessible for everyday business use. For further details about Mage Data’s solutions, please visit www.magedata.ai or contact us via email at info@magedata.ai.

Media Contact:
Deeksha Surya
3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor New York, NY 10019
Telephone: +1 212 203 4365
Email: info@magedata.ai

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Montgomery County, MD

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Montgomery County, MD

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Montgomery County, MD

PHILADELPHIA– FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Montgomery County, Maryland. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period. The 90-day appeal period began on Jan. 17, 2025.The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administration staff:For the City of Gaithersburg: Nancy Schumm at nancy.schumm@gaithersburgmd.gov, 240-805-1327.For the City of Rockville: Meredith Neely by email at mneely@rockvillemd.gov, 240-314-8874.For Montgomery County and any other municipalities: Bill Musico by email at william.musico@montgomerycountymd.gov, 240-777-6340.Changes resulting from the new preliminary maps for Montgomery County can also be viewed online at the FEMA Region 3 Flood Map Changes Viewer. More information can also be found on Montgomery County’s website, including interactive flood data and frequently asked questions.For more information about the flood maps:Use a live chat service about flood maps at FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX). Click on the “Live Chat” icon.Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.Montgomery County Flood Mapping MilestonesSept. 12, 2023 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.Feb. 2024 — Multiple Public Open House Meetings jointly hosted by Montgomery County and the Cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville.Jan. 17, 2025 — Appeal Period starts.Fall 2025* — Finalization of preliminary data following appeal resolutions and communities to commence ordinance adoption process. Spring 2026* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. *Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov. ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.Follow us on “X” at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3
erika.osullivan
Mon, 01/27/2025 – 18:30

MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Radix and Celanese Partnership Leverages AI to Harness the Power of Industrial Data

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radix, a global technology solutions company at the forefront of industrial digital transformation, and Celanese, a global chemical and specialty material company, are proud to collaborate with Cognite, the global leader in data and AI for industry, on the development of JO.AI, a groundbreaking generative AI-powered solution designed to revolutionize operations in asset-intensive industries.

Born from the successful development and implementation at Celanese by Radix through their engineering intelligence expertise – and powered by Cognite Data Fusion^®, the market-leading DataOps and AI platform for enterprise-scale, complex industrial data management projects – JO.AI is poised to redefine how industrial manufacturers leverage data for enhanced productivity and operational excellence at scale.

JO.AI will be showcased at the upcoming ARC Industry Leadership Forum 2025 taking place in Orlando, Florida, from February 10-13 under the theme “On the Ground: Accelerate. Optimize. Scale.” Radix will showcase and discuss how the powerful industrial solution is optimizing the future of smart digital manufacturing, directly addressing the challenges faced across industries such as Energy, Chemical, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Power Generation & Distribution, Pulp & Paper, and Metals, Mining & Minerals. Industrial manufacturers often struggle to unlock the full potential of their data, even with the presence of data aggregators.

JO.AI solves this problem by acting as an advanced Industrial Copilot, enabling intuitive, natural language interaction with the Industrial Knowledge Graph provided by Cognite Data Fusion^® to make complex data easier to access and action into intelligence tailored specifically for the process industry. JO.AI leverages Cognite Data Fusion’s unmatched data management and comprehensive AI infrastructure to enable the Gen AI application to carry out more complex operations with greater accuracy.

With Cognite Data Fusion^® as its backbone, JO.AI combines operational insights with pre-trained AI agents focused on specific process use cases. “AI has proven to be a valuable business catalyst in today’s dynamic manufacturing landscape, offering unparalleled opportunities for optimization and innovation,” said Sameer Purao, Senior Vice President and CIO at Celanese. “We developed JO.AI – in collaboration with Radix, on top of the robust data foundation provided by Cognite Data Fusion^® – to harness the power of AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs and elevate overall productivity.

Additionally, AI enables smart production through real-time data analysis, facilitating data-driven decisions, process optimization and swift response to market demand. Incorporating AI into our manufacturing operations is not just a technological advancement, but also a competitive advantage.”

“Digital transformation, especially with AI-powered solutions, is only as strong as the data foundation it’s built upon,” said Bill Hendricks, President of Cognite Americas. “Cognite accelerates time-to-value by enabling seamless integration and management of complex industrial data, providing the essential infrastructure for innovative applications like JO.AI. Working alongside a forward-thinking partner like Radix, who shares our commitment to pushing the boundaries of industrial innovation, we empower organizations to unlock unprecedented value from their data and drive real operational impact.”

JO.AI empowers operators and engineers in four key areas:

1. Optimized Operator Rounds: JO.AI provides insights that ensure operations teams are focusing their rounds on the right checklists.

2. Data-Driven Checklist Management: It recommends the optimal frequency of checklist items, identifies areas with high-volume issues, and highlights deviations.

3. Balanced Workload: JO.AI helps ensure that the checklist workload is appropriate for each shift.

4. Streamlined Maintenance: The solution facilitates maintenance and work notification opportunities, recommending resource plans and even assisting operators in writing work orders.

“JO.AI represents a significant leap forward in the application of AI for industrial settings and asset intensive industries,” said Alex Clausbruch, CEO of Radix North America. “By combining Radix’s expertise in AI and software development with Celanese’s deep industry knowledge, we’ve created a solution that not only addresses the current challenges of data utilization but also unlocks new levels of efficiency and optimization. We believe JO.AI will be a game-changer for asset-intensive industries.”

“The development of JO.AI is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation,” added Justin Conroy, Vice President, Digital Product Portfolio at Radix. “We’ve worked closely with Celanese to ensure that JO.AI meets the specific needs of industrial operators worldwide. This solution is not just about technology; it’s about empowering people and teams with the insights they need to make better decisions and drive real business value.”

Radix will be participating as a Gold Sponsor at the ARC Leadership Forum 2025 in Orlando next month with several opportunities to engage with industry leaders, customers, partners and learn more about JO.AI and its capabilities.

About Radix

Founded in 2010, Radix is a privately held global technology solutions company providing consulting, engineering, operations technology, and data and software technology solutions. Radix combines key capabilities and practices to empower customers to thrive along their digital transformation journey. Radix provides technology-based, data-driven solutions to industrial and non-industrial companies worldwide. Radix has experience leading projects in more than 30 countries and has more than 1,700+ employees around the globe, with North American headquarters in Houston, Texas, main headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, additional offices in Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and a presence in Singapore and Amsterdam. To learn more, visit www.radixeng.com.

About Celanese

Celanese is a global leader in chemistry, producing specialty material solutions used across most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use our chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We are committed to sustainability by responsibly managing the materials we create for their entire lifecycle and are growing our portfolio of sustainable products to meet increasing customer and societal demand. We strive to make a positive impact in our communities and to foster inclusivity across our teams. Celanese is a Fortune 500 company that employs approximately 12,400 employees worldwide with 2023 net sales of $10.9 billion.

About Cognite

Cognite makes Generative AI work for industry. Leading energy, manufacturing, and power & renewables enterprises choose Cognite to deliver secure, trustworthy, and real-time data to transform their asset-heavy operations to be safer, more sustainable, and more profitable. Cognite provides a user-friendly, secure, and scalable platform that makes it easy for all decision-makers, from the field to remote operations centers, to access and understand complex industrial data, collaborate in real time, and build a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cognite.ai and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information:
Citalouise Geiggar, Ph.D.
citalouise.geiggar@radixeng.com
Radix

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05e54c82-5dbb-4054-b519-e0f42ecc5bf1

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrate 50 Years of The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac at the Alley Theatre

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Celebrate 50 Years of The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac at the Alley Theatre

27 January 2025

Get ready to celebrate the iconic music of The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac at a special night in the Alley Theatre on Saturday, 8^th February.

Taking to the stage will be The Illegals, led by Niamh Kavanagh, in a night to mark the 50^th anniversary of two of the most celebrated albums of all time – ‘One of Those Nights’ by The Eagles, and ‘Fleetwood Mac’ which marked the debut of Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham.

Created especially for 2025 The Illegals have compiled this fantastic new show to celebrate these two groundbreaking albums.

Led by Niamh Kavanagh, she of the mesmerizing voice and mischievous spirit, The Illegals will take you on an unforgettable journey for three hours of soulful harmonies, exciting riffs, blistering guitars and memorable songs.

The best of two legendary bands in one night? It’s almost too good to be true.

On the set list for the night will be songs like, ‘One of These Nights’, ‘Rhiannon’, ‘Lyin’ Eyes’, ‘Say That You Love Me’, ‘Take it to The Limit’, ‘Landslide’ – all in celebration of two of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Aside from the headline albums the show also consists of many other hits from The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, as well as some of the solo work from individual members and other artists.

The Illegals are a band of experienced musicians performing mostly in theatres and rock venues throughout the country, they put on a formidable show and will give fans an experience they won’t forget.

Tickets are £22.50 available from the Alley Theatre website www.alley-theatre or call the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444

Check out the full Alley Theatre Spring Programme on www.alley-theatre.com.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Richmond Heights Hotel Manager Sentenced to 39 Months in Prison for Financial Fraud

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced the former assistant general manager of a Richmond Heights, Missouri hotel to 39 months in prison for committing multiple frauds and ordered her to repay $226,882.

From March to October of 2023, Angelique Patterson, 40, manipulated the hotel’s reservation system to alter the records of customers who had paid using cash or credit cards. Patterson retroactively changed those reservations to falsely show that the customers had used the hotel’s loyalty rewards system “points” for their stay. She then added her own credit or debit card information into the system and had the customers’ payments “refunded” to her.

On Oct. 4, 2023, although not on duty, Patterson tried to use the hotel’s desk computer and a coworker’s credentials to fraudulently refund herself an additional $61,998.

Patterson also used hotel customers’ credit card information from August through September of 2021 to make fake charges via the entertainment company she owned, Angel Entertains LLC. She obtained or tried to obtain $109,000 that way.

Patterson pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in September to five counts of wire fraud.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gwen Carroll and Cort VanOstran prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Sonic Speed has Arrived: Sonic the Hedgehog™ PRO Plus microSD Cards are Available Now

Source: Samsung

Samsung Electronics America, a world leader in advanced memory technology, has expanded its microSD portfolio with a line of new cards inspired by iconic characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, giving players an exciting new way to celebrate their fandom, while expanding their storage and powering ultra-fast gameplay. Created in collaboration with SEGA and available to buy starting today, the Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSDs feature special designs depicting Knuckles (128GB), Tails (256GB), Sonic (512GB) and Shadow (1TB).
To celebrate the arrival of Sonic and friends on its PRO Plus microSDs, Samsung is giving every Sonic fan a chance to win a download code1 for Sonic X Shadow Generations ($49.99 value). Released in October 2024, this modern-day remaster of the 2011 classic Sonic Generations also features a new, standalone campaign where Shadow must save the world from his nemesis, Black Doom.
Now through February 28, you’ll be automatically entered to win with the purchase2 of any Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD card on Samsung.com. Samsung is giving away 200 game codes in all, which are valid for a download of Sonic X Shadow Generations via the Steam Store.
“Samsung PRO Plus microSD cards provide gamers, content creators and more with an easy, reliable, and secure way to store large amounts of data – delivering Sonic-speed right to your fingertips,” said Jim Kiczek, Vice President of Memory Marketing at Samsung Electronics America. “Since debuting more than three decades ago, Sonic has become an icon of pop culture, featured in dozens of games, TV series, and movies. Now, with the Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD cards, we’re combining the franchise’s instantly recognizable characters with the speed and reliability of Samsung PRO Plus microSDs to give your gear the ultimate Sonic boost.”
The Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD cards each feature the face and distinct color of their Sonic character – red for Knuckles, yellow for Tails, blue for Sonic and black for Shadow.

They offer rapid sequential read and write speeds3 of up to 180 MB/s and 130 MB/s, helping you wait less and do more. For gamers, A2 Application Performance4 helps you dash through load screens and delivers seamless transitions between titles. At the 1TB capacity, the Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD can store more than 47 hours of 4K UHD video5, more than 437,000 4K UHD images6 or more than 45 (20GB) video games7.
The cards were also tested extensively to deliver the proven reliability users have come to expect from Samsung, including durability against water8, high temperatures9, X-rays10 and even magnetic fields11. Additionally, Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSDs can withstand drops from over 16 feet12, resist wear out up to 10,000 swipes13 and come backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
Plus, they’re compatible with a wide range of devices, including handheld game consoles, smartphones, tablets, action cameras and drones, giving you a dependable sidekick for every use case.

The Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD cards will be available for purchase starting in January 2025 at Samsung.com and other select retailers. They will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $23.99 for the 128GB card, $36.99 for the 256GB card, $68.99 for the 512GB card and $125.99 for the 1TB card.
Sign up here to learn when the cards are ready to buy and unlock 30% off your eligible purchase of Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD cards at Samsung.com. It’s like a real-life bonus stage!
Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD Cards Specifications

Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD Product Specifications
Form FactormicroSDXC
InterfaceUHS-I (SDR104)
Capacities141TB, 512GB, 256GB, 128GB
PerformanceSequential ReadUp to 180 MB/s
Sequential WriteUp to 130 MB/s
Speed classU3, V30, A2, Class 10
CertificationsCE(UKCA)/FCC(IC)/VCCI/RCM
Warranty15Limited 10-year warranty

MIL OSI Economics –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Salford City Council aim to inspire children to love reading

Source: City of Salford

Salford children have helped to launch a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at Little Hulton Library today and have also enjoyed a fun storytelling session.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Salford City Council are inviting parents of children born in 2024 in Little Hulton, Salford to sign up to enrol in the programme.

Councillor Jim Cammell, Councillor Mishal Saeed, Councillor Teresa Pepper and Councillor Hannah Robinson Smith have also helped to launch the scheme.

Salford City Council is funding the latest book gifting programme in the city which is devoted to inspiring a love of reading in children.

Inspired by her father’s inability to read or write, country music icon Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for children in her home county.

Today, her programme spans five countries and gifts over three million free books each month to children, regardless of the family’s income.

Last year, Dolly celebrated her 200 millionth book gifted milestone since inception, with over six million of those going to families in the UK.

The programme posts an age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five. The books are specially wrapped and addressed to the child and delivered, at no cost to the family. When children turn five, they receive a graduation book and a special letter to mark the end of the scheme.

The Little Hulton scheme will provide books for local children, with Salford City Council providing additional funding to run the scheme.

Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services at Salford City Council, said: “It’s great news that we are able to launch another Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Salford. This will add to our work to improve educational outcomes and literacy for early years children in the city. This is particularly important as there continues to be a gap in Salford’s outcomes compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

“We are committed to working in partnership with all our communities to ensure Salford is a great place, where children get the best start in life, and can learn and develop the skills they need to thrive. We have recently launched a gold standard literacy hub with the National Literacy Trust, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will support the work of the hub by promoting reading from the early years of a child’s life.”

Meg Fletcher, Regional Director at The Dollywood Foundation from Dolly Parton Imagination Library, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Salford City Council to reach even more children in the community. We’re building on a strong history of programmes in the city thanks to the tireless efforts of our champions and hope that families enjoy receiving the books each month!”

The council’s Starting Life Well service, which works with all early years settings and schools, and the 0 to 19 years team in Little Hulton will promote and support the programme.

Little Hulton Family Hub staff will be promoting the scheme and also using the books in their sessions with families.

The local library team in Little Hulton will also be supporting the programme, working with local families to promote literacy, and reading for pleasure more widely. There will be a set of books in each early years setting, school, the library and family hub as practical support for the project.

Currently there are seven Dolly Parton Imagination Libraries based within Salford, operated through various community organisations such as schools and charities.

Working towards Salford becoming a UNICEF Child-Friendly City is a priority in the council’s corporate plan, to ensure Salford is a great place for children and young people to grow up and feel safe, cared for, heard and have quality opportunities to play, learn and work. This will take the council on the next stage of its journey to improve education outcomes, support children to have positive and successful futures, and champion the voices and rights of children and young people in the city.

Salford is the 18th most deprived area in the country. Figures from 2022 and 2023 have shown that children’s starting points from early years have been below national average and by the time the children leave primary school Key Stage 2 outcomes are below national levels.

The Dollywood Foundation UK reports there are more than 680 children currently registered in Salford. Since 2013 2,000 children have been impacted by the programme and over 36,500 books sent to children in Salford. The enrolment does not involve means testing, all children in the area can be enrolled and receive the same books regardless of background.

Families with babies born in Little Hulton in 2024 or 2025 can enrol by emailing West.Locality@salford.gov.uk for more information.

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Date published

Monday 27 January 2025

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: St Albans Mayor hosts Holocaust Memorial Day service

Source: St Albans City and District

Publication date: 27 Jan 2025

St Albans Mayor Councillor Jamie Day hosted an annual service to commemorate victims of the Holocaust and other genocides.

The civic event took place on Sunday 26 January at St Albans Masorti Synagogue on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day

It was an occasion to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of other persecuted people killed by the Nazis and later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda and elsewhere.

Local rabbis participated in the programme which featured moving stories about Holocaust survivors, including from Auschwitz survivor Kitty Hart-Moxon.

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster, and St Albans MP, Daisy Cooper, both read eyewitness testimonies while the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, made a moving address.

Two Year 13 pupils from Roundwood Park School in Harpenden talked about what they have learned from studying the Holocaust, and from participating in the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz programme.

There was music including a violin solo and a string quartet along with a performance of a song written by Viktor Ullmann.

Towards the end of the service, a candle was lit by the Lord Lieutenant in memory of those who perished in the Holocaust and other genocides, followed by a minute’s silence.

Holocaust Memorial Day falls every year on 27 January, the date of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. This year marked the 80th anniversary of the event in 1945.

The theme of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is the importance of remembering and learning from the Holocaust and more recent genocides For A Better Future.

Cllr Day, Mayor of St Albans City and District, said:

Our commemoration service was one of many thousands held around the world.

It was a very moving and emotional experience and I thank everyone who took part in this important occasion.

It was great to see our community stand together and honour the millions of people who lost their lives, showing their opposition to prejudice and hatred.

You can find information about Holocaust Memorial Day at https://hmd.org.uk/.

Photo: top, guests at the Holocaust Memorial Day Service; bottom, the Mayor, far left talks to Kitty Hart-Moxon, OBE, centre in wheelchair.

Media Contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Enjoy the magic of the Ulster Orchestra right on your own doorstep

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Enjoy the magic of the Ulster Orchestra right on your own doorstep

27 January 2025

Lift your spirits with a special concert celebrating all the joy and energy of music inspired by folk traditions when the Ulster Orchestra return to the Alley Theatre in Strabane on 7^th February at 7.30pm.

Discover the magic of Bartók’s ‘Romanian Dances’, Bloch’s ‘From Jewish Life’, Vaughan Williams’s ‘5 Variants of Dives and Lazarus’, and movements from Dvořák’s ‘Legends Op.59’ and ‘Czech Suite’. Each piece draws on the composers’ deep connection to folk music, weaving traditional melodies into orchestral masterpieces. These concerts are a tribute to the enduring power of folk traditions to inspire and resonate through classical music.

The Ulster Orchestra will welcome Rolf Verbeek to conduct the performance, while their own Cello Section Leader Thomas Isaac performs as featured soloist.

The ‘On Your Doorstep’ regional concerts offer a unique opportunity for audiences across Northern Ireland to experience the richness of live orchestral music in their own communities. Don’t miss this joyous musical celebration that sees the full Ulster Orchestra onstage in the heart of Strabane.

For tickets and more information, please visit The Alley Theatre website: www.alley-theatre.com or call the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: BexBack Unveils Double Deposit Bonus, $50 Welcome Bonus, and 100x Leverage Crypto Trading with No KYC
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin hovers around the $100,000 mark, analysts predict prolonged market volatility, making cryptocurrency derivatives trading the preferred choice for traders seeking to profit from both upward and downward trends. To empower traders and maximize their potential, BexBack Exchange has introduced an exclusive package featuring a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage for cryptocurrency trading—all with a No KYC policy, ensuring privacy and seamless trading.

How Does 100x Leverage Work?

100x leverage enables traders to control larger positions with minimal capital investment. For example:
- Suppose Bitcoin is priced at $100,000, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. Using 100x leverage, you control a position worth 100 BTC.
- If the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be:
  (105,000−100,000)×100BTC÷100,000=5BTC That’s a 500% return on your initial investment.
With BexBack’s 100% deposit bonus, your trading power doubles, giving you the ability to amplify profits even further.

How the 100% Deposit Bonus Works

BexBack’s deposit bonus is designed to boost your trading potential. While it cannot be withdrawn directly, the bonus:
1. Increases Margin Capacity – Use the bonus to open larger positions and enhance your profit potential.
2. Provides Risk Protection – During significant market fluctuations, the bonus serves as extra margin, reducing liquidation risks.
For example, depositing 1 BTC unlocks an additional 1 BTC in bonus funds, doubling your margin.

Why Choose BexBack?
- No KYC Required: Trade with just an email address—simple and private.
- 100% Deposit Bonus: Double your trading funds instantly.
- $50 Welcome Bonus: Earn $50 after completing your first trade.
- High Leverage: Up to 100x leverage to maximize capital efficiency.
- Demo Account: Practice risk-free with 10 BTC in virtual funds.
- Transparent Fees: No slippage, no spreads, and clear fee structures.
- 24/7 Global Support: Dedicated multilingual customer service anytime, anywhere.
- Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission with no limits on duration or earnings.
About BexBack

BexBack is a premier cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. Headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, BexBack operates under a US MSB (Money Services Business) license. The platform is trusted by over 200,000 traders worldwide, including users in the US, Canada, and Europe.

Don’t Miss Out—Start Trading Today!

If you’re looking to capitalize on Bitcoin’s historic price levels and market volatility, BexBack is the platform for you. With 100x leverage, unbeatable bonuses, and a focus on privacy, BexBack sets you up for success in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency trading.

Sign up now to claim your exclusive bonuses and start building your crypto portfolio.

Website: www.bexback.com

Contact: business@bexback.com

Contact:
Amanda
business@bexback.com

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

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed72ce34-c448-429b-baf5-afdbccee1640

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b63bbbd5-050a-4972-9308-fa38c4b98ca8

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8fe9b4af-bef7-450b-8933-9d7096274920

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a1ccb133-7ea0-4960-a4b2-f127cce10ea8

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9778b6a3-46d2-49b8-a574-adb73a41cd4f

The MIL Network –
January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Applied Labs raises $4.2M to make it easy to build high quality AI support and ops digital employees

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Every company today faces mounting pressure to deploy AI, but most solutions fall short on reliability and cannot handle complex, critical workflows. Applied Labs, founded by early Scale AI leaders, announced $4.2 million funding to transform how businesses deploy AI agents for complex support and operations tasks.

The seed round was led by Abstract, with participation from Point72 Ventures, Outlander, and Tetra. A few notable angel investors include Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch, Modal CTO Akshat Bubna, and ex-Twitter exec Ali Rowghani. This latest round brings the total raised by Applied Labs to $5.2 million.

Applied Labs founders: Soham Waychal and Michael Woo.

Founded in January 2024 by Michael Woo and Soham Waychal, Applied Labs emerged from their firsthand experience with AI applications at Scale AI, where they recognized how much time was spent on critical yet repetitive support interactions and ops workflows. Woo – who joined Scale AI as employee #20 and led a team of 30 focused on ops scalability – saw the opportunity to build AI agents that could handle complex workflows with unprecedented reliability. Waychal, who previously led engineering at a16z-backed Canal and holds 5 AI patents, brings deep technical expertise to the challenge.

“For companies, there’s an explosion of C-Suite and boardroom interest into the question, what is our AI strategy?” said Michael Woo, CEO of Applied Labs. “The bottleneck isn’t the model anymore – LLM quality, speed and cost have reached an inflection point where almost every business can save time, cost and improve the quality of their support and ops. The challenge is in the data, tools and platform for teams to easily setup and perfect AI agents on their business-critical workflows. We’re obsessed with making our AI agents the best where if you’re not using them, you’re falling behind.”

The company focuses on support and operations teams. Their current solution is an end to end AI customer support agent fine-tuned to the businesses’ knowledge base and empowered with AI actions which typically involve first and third party integrations. Digital employees in other domains like operations are incoming. But Woo emphasizes the importance of a human in the loop to ensure quality on all domains. “AI allows you to scale up your best human judgement on an infinite volume of tasks but human judgment is still necessary to get the best quality results and handle edge cases.“ Woo said.

Uniquely, the Applied Labs team is using their expertise at Scale AI to build high quality, reliable and easy to use AI agents. The solution uniquely combines three critical components to get what they believe are the best results: omnichannel interactions spanning chat, email and phone to handle 100% of volume; sophisticated AI agent orchestration for handling Q&A and AI workflows; and comprehensive evaluation tools for testing, auditing and monitoring AI outputs. This approach includes built-in human-in-the-loop escalations, recognizing that finding the right balance between AI efficiency and human touch for complex, emotional interactions remains crucial.

The stakes are high – a single misstep in handling customer inquiries or operational tasks can erode trust and escalate problems. “At Scale when we first did AI labeling or if you think about self-driving cars or even these AI sales agents, if you scale up a poorly thought out AI response or workflow on high volume, it’s deeply damaging.” Woo said. Applied Labs addresses this by building guardrails and monitoring systems to rigorously test the AI with human-in-the-loop auditing before any new capabilities are broadly deployed.

Applied Labs plans to double its headcount in the coming months to meet growing customer interest. The funding will accelerate hiring of engineers to advance the company’s ambitious product roadmap.

“Few founders truly grasp the operational intricacies of deploying AI in mission-critical workflows. Michael’s experience managing Scale AI’s core data product brings a rare fusion of technical acumen and practical experience — exactly what’s needed to make AI both dependable and transformative. Applied Labs’ commitment to pairing trust with capability, underpinned by their human-in-the-loop approach, is precisely what enterprises need to confidently embrace AI-powered customer support. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Michael and his team on this journey” commented Ramtin Naimi, Founder & General Partner, Abstract.

“Technical decision makers will save their team countless hours everyday on the most frustrating and repetitive workflows,” added Woo. “AI agents, when crafted correctly by the right person, allow you to scale up your best human thinking on repetitive support interactions or ops workflows helping save significant time without sacrificing quality.”

Looking ahead, while the AI industry races to replace human workflows, Applied Labs is pioneering a more nuanced vision: high quality AI agents that combine machine efficiency with human judgment. By focusing on quality, reliability and empowering non-technical teams to resolve the most complex, painful issues with AI, the company is building toward a future where almost every company can confidently deploy AI across their most complex operations—transforming not just how work gets done, but redefining what’s possible when artificial and human intelligence work in harmony.

Ends

Media images can be found here.

About Applied Labs
Founded in 2024, Applied Labs is crafting exceptional AI agents that solve real world problems. The team brings together human creativity and artificial intelligence to unlock incredible possibilities. The team is working with ambitious companies to build exceptional AI support and ops agents. Applied Labs is trusted by the world’s largest enterprises, modern small businesses and everyone in between. For more information please visit https://appliedlabs.ai/ or follow via LinkedIn and X.

About Abstract
Abstract is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco with $1.5 billion in assets under management. The firm is sector-agnostic and focused on seed and early-stage founders. Since its founding in 2016, Abstract has invested in many breakout companies, including Solana, Rippling, Partiful, Neon, Garner Health, Clay, Hebbia AI, and X.ai, among others. Today, the firm’s reputation among founders is built on fierce loyalty, unparalleled connections, and a relentless drive to help them win.

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Discover the Future of AI Video in an Online Webinar with Beamr, Oracle and NVIDIA
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Join an online webinar, “The Future of Video AI – From Infrastructure to Experience,” on January 29, 2025, at 11:30 AM ET

Herzliya Israel, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beamr Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: BMR), a leader in video optimization technology and solutions, today announced a webinar exploring “The Future of Video AI – From Infrastructure to Experience”, with Jeffrey Schick, VP Strategic Client Engagement Media and Entertainment at Oracle, Richard Kerris, VP of Media and Entertainment at NVIDIA, and Sharon Carmel, CEO and Co-Founder at Beamr. The online webinar will be held on January 29, 2025, at 11:30 AM ET. To join the webinar, please register here.

The webinar will explore the opportunities and challenges of building high-performance video pipelines for AI-driven applications. The discussion will highlight the infrastructures and technologies essential for creating engaging experiences, providing insights relevant to companies already utilizing AI video pipelines or those considering using them. The webinar will discuss Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), which delivers powerful AI compute with advanced graphics and media accelerated with NVIDIA L40S GPUs. Beamr’s proprietary Content Adaptive Bitrate technology (CABR) is available on OCI through the Beamr Cloud service, allowing high-efficiency video operations. The webinar will also highlight NVIDIA Holoscan for Media, NVIDIA’s AI platform for live media, NVIDIA’s 8th-generation GPU encoder (NVENC), the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture for Generative AI and NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada Generation GPUs.

The webinar will cover:
- How AI is revolutionizing the video industry: Explore the upcoming change in handling, storing and delivering media content while improving user experiences.
- Real-time content personalization: Learn about AI models’ ability to adapt videos and deliver unlimited content versions within the same process, as well as other innovative use cases.
- The landscape of video AI models: Gain insights about generative AI models translating text to video, algorithms transforming video to text, enabling automated tagging and editing, or advanced features like super resolution – taking low resolution videos and transforming them to 4K resolution and beyond.
To join the online webinar “The Future of Video AI – From Infrastructure to Experience”, please register here.

About Beamr

Beamr (Nasdaq: BMR) is a world leader in content-adaptive video optimization and modernization. The company serves top media companies like Netflix and Paramount. Beamr’s inventive perceptual optimization technology (CABR) is backed by 53 patents and won the Emmy® award for Technology and Engineering. The innovative technology reduces video file size by up to 50% while guaranteeing quality.

Beamr Cloud is a high-performance, GPU-based video optimization and modernization service designed for businesses and video professionals across diverse industries. It is conveniently available to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) customers. Beamr Cloud enables video modernization to advanced formats such as AV1 and HEVC, and is ready for video AI workflows. For more details, please visit www.beamr.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this communication may include, among other things, statements about Beamr’s strategic and business plans, technology, relationships, objectives and expectations for its business, the impact of trends on and interest in its business, intellectual property or product and its future results, operations and financial performance and condition. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Investor Contact:

investorrelations@beamr.com

The MIL Network –
January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Arax Investment Partners Acquires Cedrus Financial

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arax Investment Partners (“Arax”), a premier wealth and asset management platform company backed by RedBird Capital Partners (“RedBird”), today announced that it has acquired Cedrus Financial (“Cedrus”), an established RIA headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, managing around $1 billion in assets under management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition marks the latest addition to Arax’s expanding platform, which partners with leading boutique wealth management firms and financial advisors to unlock strategic business growth and provide complementary investment opportunities, alongside an enhanced client experience. Cedrus will operate within Arax Advisory Partners, which is Arax’s coalition of independent firms focused on specialized services, investment advice and supervisory solutions for institutions, high-net-worth families and elite athletes.

“At Cedrus, our goal has always been meeting the needs of our clients,” said Mark Neely, Managing Partner at Cedrus. “Joining the Arax platform provides access to operational synergies and technological advancements that will support the scaled growth of our business, compounding our ability to deliver premium service to our clients and help them achieve their financial goals.”

“Our multi-boutique wealth management strategy continues to attract the best in the business, supporting the growth and expansion of the Arax platform,” said Haig Ariyan, Chief Executive Officer of Arax. “In Cedrus, we found a partner firm with a unique and personalized approach that prioritizes integrity and collaboration in service of clients – in other words, a natural fit for our platform. We look forward to working with the Cedrus team.”

About CĒDRUS Financial
Founded in 2013, Cedrus is a wealth management and investment advisory firm providing financial planning, portfolio management and advisor selection services to high-net-worth families. The firm pairs cutting-edge wealth management strategies with 100 years of combined experience in small business ownership, corporate management and wealth preservation to create holistic wealth management solutions in support of its clients’ financial goals. With a footprint across Colorado and Idaho, Cedrus is the partner of choice for individuals seeking a transparent and communicative approach to managing family wealth.

About Arax Investment Partners
Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing, multi-boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in best-in-class operating companies in partnership with their founders and management teams. Arax is focused on making strategic investments and supporting RIAs, hybrid wealth managers, and advisor teams seeking a new growth platform to scale their businesses.

Arax enables its partners and affiliates to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering industry-leading financial services to their clients. Firms within the Arax network benefit from a seasoned management team with a successful track record of scaling wealth platforms, M&A experience, capital sourcing capabilities and company-building expertise backed by a proven investor with an extensive network, RedBird Capital Partners. Our experienced leaders, multi-platform structure and growth equity partnership create a unique advantage for our partners. For more information, please go to www.araxpartners.com.

About RedBird Capital Partners
RedBird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that builds high-growth companies with strategic capital solutions to founders and entrepreneurs. The firm currently manages $10 billion in assets on behalf of a global group of blue chip institutional and family office investors. Founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, RedBird integrates sophisticated private equity investing with a hands-on business building mandate that focuses on three core industry verticals – Financial Services, Sports and Media & Entertainment. Over his 30-year investment career, Cardinale has partnered with founders and entrepreneurs to build some of the most iconic growth companies in their respective industries. For more information, please go to www.redbirdcap.com.

Media Contact:

Dan Gagnier
Gagnier Communications
RedBird@gagnierfc.com

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Hola Prime Enhances Global Access with Visa Card and New London Office

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hola Prime, a leading name in the prop trading industry, has taken another leap in empowering traders by launching the Hola Prime Visa Card. Designed to streamline access to earnings, this innovative solution ensures that traders can effortlessly manage their payouts whenever and wherever they need.

With the new Visa Card, Hola Prime addresses a major pain point for traders – delayed or complicated payout processes. This card provides instant access to funds, allowing traders to seamlessly handle their earnings through online transactions, in-store purchases, and ATM withdrawals worldwide.

A New Standard in Trader Accessibility

Instant Payouts: Traders can access their earnings immediately without relying on lengthy bank transfers.

Global Usability: Whether online shopping, dining out, or withdrawing cash, the Visa Card works everywhere Visa is accepted.

Enhanced Security: Transactions are safeguarded with 3D Secure technology, providing traders with peace of mind.

Flexible Payments: From contactless payments to POS systems and ATM cash withdrawals, this card caters to all needs.

“Traders can directly receive their payouts on the Hola Prime Visa Card and use them however they like – whether for online purchases, in-store transactions, or ATM withdrawals. These cards now serve as a standard payout withdrawal method for traders,” said CFO, Ms. Sumedha Sharma.

“We already offer one-hour payouts, and this Visa Card takes convenience to the next level, providing traders with the freedom and flexibility they deserve anytime, anywhere” she added.

Global Expansion: Hola Prime Opens Office in London

In a strategic move to expand its global footprint, Hola Prime has inaugurated a new office in London, one of the world’s leading financial hubs. This milestone underlines the firm’s vision of empowering traders globally while ensuring top-notch support for its European clientele.

The London office will enable Hola Prime to serve traders in the region with greater efficiency, offering localized solutions and bolstering its reputation as a global leader in prop trading.

“London is a pivotal market for finance and trading. Establishing our presence here allows us to engage closely with traders and cater to their unique needs in a dynamic and international environment,” said Ms. Sharma.

A Vision for Innovation and Empowerment

Hola Prime’s dual initiatives – the Visa Card and its London expansion – demonstrate its unwavering focus on innovation and trader-centric solutions. From simplifying financial management to enhancing global accessibility, the company is setting benchmarks that resonate with modern traders.

As Hola Prime continues to break new ground, its dedication to fostering a transparent, accessible, and empowering trading ecosystem remains its defining ethos.

About Hola Prime

Hola Prime is a leading global proprietary trading firm with a strong presence in the UK, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Dubai, and India. Renowned for its commitment to transparency, Hola Prime serves prop traders across 175+ countries, offering access to over 50 trading instruments. The firm is dedicated to empowering traders with real-time risk management, advanced technological infrastructure, and a secure trading environment. Committed to fairness and trust, Hola Prime ensures seamless payouts, robust compliance, and a reliable trading experience. With multiple trading platforms and a focus on bringing freshness to the prop trading industry, Hola Prime is redefining the future of trading.

Social Links

Facebook: https://fb.com/profile.php?id=61565158992654&sk=about_contact_and_basic_info

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holaprime_global/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtVEJa1Ml132Be7tnk-DjeQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hola-prime/?viewAsMember=true

Twitter: https://x.com/HolaPrimeGlobal

Discord: https://discord.gg/TJ7TcHPXBf

Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/HolaPrime/

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/HolaPrime/

Medium: https://medium.com/@social_46267

Media Contact

Company: Hola Prime

Contact: Media Team

Email: marketing@holaprime.com

Website: https://holaprime.com/

SOURCE: Hola Prime

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands of pupils set to enjoy free musical extravaganza

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Music Service has provided free tickets to secondary and special schools for two concerts at the city’s largest cultural venue, The University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, on Tuesday 11 February, featuring performances by Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra and young musicians from Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra.

Students will learn about the development of orchestral music through the years, with performances of pieces by Charpentier, Beethoven, Mozart, Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Holst, Christopher Tin and John Williams. In addition, Wolverhampton born composer Grace-Evangeline Mason will feature with an excerpt from her piece, The Imagined Forest.

Presenter Rachel Leach will enthuse the audience with her knowledge, passion and energy while all participating schools will receive a full concert programme and curriculum materials in advance to support pupils’ learning experience.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This will be the second year that our Music Service has joined forces with Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra to offer this fabulous opportunity to local pupils, and they are sure to have a wonderful time.”

Head of Wolverhampton Music Service, Ciaran O’Donnell, added: “We think it is important that every child in Key Stage 3 has the chance to hear a live orchestra during their school days as it is the most authentic way to understand what an orchestra is and what it sounds like.

“I am immensely proud that Wolverhampton has over 100 musicians to bring to the stage to make it all happen – it is unique to our city that we can do that.

“We’re also grateful for the commitment from schools who make the huge effort to transport children there and back.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Spring Festival gala held in Houston

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Themed “Dancing into the Year of the Snake,” the Greater Houston Spring Festival Gala was held Sunday night in the fourth largest U.S. city.

“This gala conveys the auspiciousness and hope of the Year of the Snake to the world, promotes Chinese wisdom and the spirit of progress, and builds a bridge for cultural exchange between the East and the West,” the organizer said.

The gala featured vibrant performances ranging from classical Chinese dances and traditional music to a Texas-style cowboy dance and popular songs.

The night reached its peak when a singer and the audience joined together to sing “Go back home often,” with the crowd illuminating the hall with phone lights, celebrating the joy of the Chinese New Year.

The event was organized by the Houston Chinese Civic Center.

MIL OSI China News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why neglecting your brain health can make it harder to achieve physical goals

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Cambridge

SofikoS/Shutterstock

Our cognition and mental wellbeing are crucial factors for our quality of life and put us in a good position to contribute to society. Ultimately, it can be near impossible to achieve physical goals and demanding life challenges if our brain health is not optimal.

Yet most of us appear to be more concerned with physical health than brain health. According to the YouGov website the most popular New Year’s resolutions in the UK in 2024 were doing more exercise, saving money, losing weight and dieting – with about 20% reporting they were failing some resolutions only just six days into the year. A large study of approximately 1,000 participants showed that mental health only featured in about 5% of resolutions.

It’s easy to monitor your physical health using mobile devices and wearable technology to preserve physical health throughout your life. It may be more unclear, however, how to improve and monitor brain health and mental wellbeing. In our new book Brain Boost: Healthy Habits for a Happier Life, we draw on research to offer practical tips.

A number of factors contribute to our happiness in life, including genetics, our social and physical environment, cognition and our behaviour, such as lifestyle choices. Studies have shown that good cognitive function is related to better wellbeing and happiness.

Interestingly, according to the 2024 World Happiness Report all five Nordic countries – Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden – are in the top 10 happiest countries. The UK and the US, however, do not feature in the top 10.

In the UK, the YouGov website has been tracking mood states and while it reports that happiness is the most commonly expressed emotion, only 45% of people feel it. Ideally this number should be much higher.

In addition, feeling stressed and frustrated are the next top emotions with 40% and 35% of people having these feelings respectively. Disappointingly, optimism is also low, for example, only 23% of 18-24 year-olds and over 75-year-olds feel optimistic on average, and 17% of 45-54 year-olds.

Happiness and wellbeing in general reduces the effects of stress and promotes health and longevity.

Nurturing your brain

In our book, we draw on the latest scientific evidence, including our own, to highlight seven essential lifestyle factors that improve our brain health, cognition and wellbeing. We demonstrate how simple — and often surprising —adjustments to our daily habits can enhance brain fitness, boost cognition, and promote overall wellbeing.

We suggest small incremental steps to improving lifestyle habits and ensuring these fit within our daily activities, as well as being enjoyable and pleasurable. In this way, we can ensure, that unlike New Year’s resolutions that we give up within six days, we can maintain these throughout life. This puts us in a better position to achieve physical challenges in the future.

These lifestyle factors include exercise, diet, sleep, social interactions, kindness, mindfulness and learning, and knowing how to get the best out of work. For example, exercise is an “all-rounder”, as it can boost our physical health but also our brain health, cognition and mood. In fact, studies have shown that exercise can increase the size of our hippocampus, which is critical for learning and memory.

Similarly, sleeping the optimal number of hours each night can improve our immune system, brain structure and mental wellbeing. Our own study showed that sleeping 7-8 hours per night in middle to older adulthood was associated with better brain structure, cognition, such as processing speed and memory, and mental health.

Staying socially connected also plays an important role in our brain health. We have shown that being socially isolated in older adults is associated with a 26% increased risk of dementia. Whereas, having the optimal number of friends in adolescence, about five, is linked with better brain structure, cognition, educational attainment and wellbeing.

Learning new things is also essential to keep the neural circuits in our brain functioning at their best level for as long as possible. We need to challenge ourselves mentally to keep our brains active – just as we need to do physical exercise to keep our bodies fit.

This builds cognitive reserve and helps us in times of stress. We can also keep our brains active in a number of ways, for example, by learning a new language or how to play a musical instrument or you can read an educational book about something that interests you.

Keeping our bodies healthy is incredibly important. But we need to also nurture our brains if we want to be happy, mentally sharp and well protected against diseases such as dementia.

Embracing these simple strategies to prioritise our brain health and wellbeing is essential for a happier and more fulfilling life. Ultimately, lifestyle choices play a significant role in reducing stress and promoting resilience, creativity and overall quality of life.

Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian receives funding from the Wellcome Trust and the Lundbeck Foundation. Her research work is conducted within the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Mental Health and Neurodegeneration Themes. She consults for Cambridge Cognition.

Christelle Langley receives funding from the Wellcome Trust. Her research work is conducted within the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Mental Health and Neurodegeneration Themes.

– ref. Why neglecting your brain health can make it harder to achieve physical goals – https://theconversation.com/why-neglecting-your-brain-health-can-make-it-harder-to-achieve-physical-goals-248043

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Alum Hayley Segar Wows ‘Shark Tank’ Judges, Lands a Deal with Two of Them

Source: US State of Connecticut

UConn alum and swimsuit entrepreneur Hayley Segar ’17 (CLAS) impressed ABC’s “Shark Tank” judges, and left the entrepreneurship competition with a business deal with two of them.

Despite a case of nerves prior to the segment’s taping, Segar was confident and composed when describing onewith, a women’s swimsuit startup that eliminates seams and other uncomfortable features of swimwear. Segar has repeatedly described her business as a UConn-fueled company.

Veteran “Shark” Barbara Corcoran and newcomer Jamie Kern Lima offered Segar $200,000, and plenty of business expertise, in exchange for a 20% stake in the company. Segar enthusiastically accepted their offer.

Onewith has sold $2.3 million in product since its creation at the end of 2021. Following the “Shark Tank” broadcast Friday, 20,000 people visited the swimsuit website.

‘The Story of Every Entrepreneur’

Segar celebrated on Saturday night with a party for more than 100 friends, family members, and business mentors, at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. The event featured live sharks circling a tank, dinner and a prosecco bar, bags of shark-shaped candy for guests, and an immeasurable amount of excitement.

“To be successful on ‘Shark Tank’ is so incredibly validating,’’ she said. “It feels crazy to have this out in the open now after keeping it in my mind and heart for so long.’’ A non-disclosure agreement prevented her from discussing her experience since the September taping.

Segar, a native of New London, told her guests that the joy and excitement depicted on TV is only one part of the entrepreneurship journey.

Segar makes her pitch (Disney/Christopher Willard)

“I’m a private person, I keep my head down and I work hard…this is about much more than getting on a show,’’ she said. “I’ve had to fight for every aspect of my business.’’

Becoming an entrepreneur requires sacrifices, grueling hours, and overcoming moments when all seems hopeless, she said.

She became emotional when she shared how “Shark Tank’s” Kevin O’Leary, often a vocal critic of new entrepreneurs, told her that her presentation was the best he had seen in his years on “Shark Tank.”

“That was the craziest moment for me. I left the tank feeling so proud and so happy,’’ she said.

Segar described “Shark Tank” as the best experience of her life and that having two powerful strategic advisers will allow her to reach a new audience and grow her business in exciting ways.

“With onewith, I knew instantly [that it was going to succeed]. It hit me like a freight train…it was the best possible feeling, and I hope everyone here gets to experience something like it,’’ she said. “I think this is the story of every entrepreneur who loves what they’re doing.’’

UConn Helped Segar Take Idea to Market

Segar came up with the idea after an exhausting search to find flattering swimsuit to bring on a vacation to Miami. She wanted something that felt “one with’’ her body. When she couldn’t find it, she created it herself.

Segar, who graduated from UConn in 2017 with a degree in English Language and Literature, worked in the bridal industry and as a social media influencer after college. But she returned to her alma mater to present her idea to the entrepreneurial community.

She was given an invitation to attend the highly selective Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s 2020 Summer Fellowship Accelerator, a part of the School of Business, and received advice, mentoring and a $15,000 in non-dilutive startup funding.

Through the experts at the accelerator, the UConn School of Law, and the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, she developed confidence in her abilities, as well as a network of business mentors and friends. Many of the UConn people who supported her startup attended the event on Saturday.

“I don’t know where I’d be without your guys, you solidified my belief in me,’’ said Segar, who returns often to coach those who follow in her footsteps. “So much of what I learned in Summer Fellowship stays with me today.’’

Hayley Segar is applauded by the guests at the celebration of her “Shark Tank” success in Norwalk (Courtesy of Hector Pachas)

“Hayley is the type of founder that we dream of working with. She’s always eager to learn something new, and thrives on being challenged,’’ says Michelle Cote, CCEI Director of Strategic partnerships and a longtime champion of Connecticut entrepreneurs. “Hayley puts new knowledge and resources into practice immediately. She has earned every milestone that she has reached with onewith, and I can’t wait to see where she goes next!”

‘Shark Tank’ Has Been on Segar’s Radar

“Shark Tank” has advanced the success of many startups, including Bambas socks, Scrub Daddy sponges, Kodiak pancakes and waffles, The Comfy, a hooded, wearable blanket, and Cousins Maine Lobster Food Trucks.

Corcoran, founder of a New York real estate brokerage company, is an original “shark’’ investor, who has made more than 130 deals on the show, including partnered with The Comfy and Cousins Maine Lobster Food Trucks.

Kern Lima is co-founder of IT Cosmetics, a makeup and skincare line, which she sold to L’Oreal for $1.2 billion in 2016, becoming the first women CEO of a L’Oreal brand. This is her debut season on “Shark Tank.”

“I always knew, from the time I was a little girl, that I would start a company…I felt I was on a path to build something of my own,’’ Segar has said. On Saturday, she said she envisions herself becoming a serial entrepreneur. “I can’t not build things, it’s so fun for me,’’ she said.

Segar’s late grandfather had encouraged her to consider appearing on “Shark Tank,” even before she had a business idea. In the final days of his life, she came up with her swimwear business concept and shared it with him in the hospital.

But he is not the only family member who shaped Segar’s success. She credited her mom, Dawn, for packing the swimsuit orders; her grandmother for processing returns; and her dad, Chip, who went to law school while serving as a deputy police chief, for showing her how much can be accomplished in a day.

Segar’s father wore a blazer to the party with the onewith logo printed across it; her mother, a 1989 alum of the School of Business, wore a sparkling silver jacket.

“All of this just feels surreal,’’ Dawn said, beaming. “It’s going to take a while to sink in. It’s a really big deal and we are incredibly proud of her.’’

MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: DECEMBER 2024: ELFA CapEx Finance Index Shows New Business Volumes Surged at Year-End
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- FORECAST: Growth in new business volumes suggests durable goods orders will expand by 0.35% in December
- Total new business volume (NBV) rose by $11.4 billion, a jump of 8.1% from November to December among surveyed ELFA member companies
- NBV expanded by 4.2% from 2023 to 2024
- Charge-offs (losses) dropped to 0.52%, after rising in the prior month
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — “Just as we predicted last month, the equipment finance industry ended 2024 on a high note,” said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO at ELFA. “A surge in bank financing pushed new business volume to a new high, reflecting more certainty following the election and an acknowledgment that interest rates may not fall much further in 2025. I expect that momentum to continue even if activity slows a little in the months ahead – December is usually a strong month for new business activity with the end-of-quarter, end-of-year spike. The mixture of federal policies will be a big factor in 2025, and deregulation could help demand for construction and mining equipment. However, the industry is well-positioned to face a potentially turbulent 2025.”

Bank financing drove the jump in new activity. Most of the 8.1% monthly rise in NBV came from the banking industry, which surged by 36.2% from November to December. That jump outweighed the modest 0.2% rise in new business growth for captives and the 5.3% contraction in financing activity at independents. The jump in bank lending is the largest on record and pushed the share of bank business activity to nearly 62% of total new business volume, its highest share since before the Global Financial Crisis in the mid-2000s.

Employment contracted further. Employment in the equipment finance industry contracted again in December, with the 12-month change from December 2023 dropping by nearly 2.0%. Employment at banks and captives declined year over year by 1.2% and 7.1%, respectively. Those declines were partially offset by the 2.5% increase in headcount at independents.

The credit approval rate ticked up but remained near its 2024 low. The average credit approval rate increased to 74.3% of all credit decisions in December, after a precipitous decline from August to November. While the overall increase was modest, approval of small ticket financing saw its biggest one-month increase since March, rising by 3.6 percentage points.

Financial conditions remain healthy. Charge-offs dropped to 0.52% as a percentage of net receivables, a welcome decline after the November jump of 0.26 percentage points. Aging receivables over 30 days also rose slightly to 2.0%, but continue to hover near two-year lows.

“Equipment finance activity continues to be supported by a resilient U.S. economy, which ended 2024 on strong footing,” said Tina Eickhoff, CLFP, Senior Vice President, Head of Equipment Finance, U.S. Bank. “Despite a solid year in our industry, we think there is still a lot of pent-up demand for equipment purchases in 2025. With the election behind us and a little more clarity around interest rate cuts and the economic outlook, we expect more firms to be focused on growth projects with new equipment.”

Industry Confidence
The Monthly Confidence Index from ELFA’s affiliate, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, rose for the third consecutive month in January, signaling that industry executives remain optimistic about 2025 despite the high uncertainty surrounding federal immigration and trade policies.

About ELFA’s CFI
The CapEx Finance Index (CFI), formerly the Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25), is the only near-real-time index that reflects capex, or the volume of commercial equipment financed in the U.S. It is released monthly from Washington, D.C., one day before the U.S. Department of Commerce’s durable goods report. This financial indicator complements reports like the Institute for Supply Management Index, providing a comprehensive view of productive assets in the U.S. economy—equipment produced, acquired and financed. The CFI consists of two years of business activity data from 25 participating companies. For more details, including methodology and participants, visit www.elfaonline.org/CFI.

About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. ELFA’s 575 member companies provide essential financing that helps businesses acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. Learn how equipment finance contributes to businesses’ success, U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs at www.elfaonline.org.

Follow ELFA:
X: @ELFAonline
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/89692/

Media/Press Contact: Catherine Lockwood, PR Manager, ELFA, catherine@360livemedia.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a28c88a-dd81-4000-82e4-bdef8f0fff65

The MIL Network –
January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Enphase Energy Announces Technology Integration into Octopus Energy Smart Tariff Program in the United Kingdom

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 27, 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 the Enphase^® Energy System has integrated into Octopus Energy’s smart tariffs, such as “Intelligent Octopus Flux” (IO Flux), which can save customers money on electricity bills.

Last year, Enphase announced a new strategic relationship with Octopus to deploy IQ8™ Microinverters and IQ^® Battery 5P™ in the U.K. Octopus Energy uses Kraken – its proprietary software platform – to manage, control, and optimize distributed energy resources (DERs), allowing customers to flexibly control Enphase’s solar and battery systems. Many Octopus customers have already integrated this technology to unlock low-cost home energy rates.

Now, Octopus customers with Enphase solar and battery systems can benefit from Intelligent Octopus Flux – a smart import and export tariff. The product optimizes the charging and discharging of solar and battery systems, aiming to provide customers the best rates for consuming and selling electricity.

According to Octopus, more than 40% of IO Flux customers make a profit on their energy bills’, getting paid for the energy they export rather than paying for energy import. Octopus customers with Enphase batteries can automatically charge when prices are lowest and export surplus energy during peak times, maximizing savings and supporting grid balance.

“Intelligent Octopus Flux helps customers make the most of their solar panels, optimizing usage in real time to cut bills,” said Nick Chaset, executive vice president at Octopus Energy. “Teaming up with Enphase, renowned for its reliable, top-notch tech, means we can deliver even more value to U.K. homeowners – saving money while building a smarter, greener grid together.”

Octopus Energy is the largest energy provider in the U.K., offering customer service and energy products to more than nine million households. The company has operations in 27 countries and its advanced data and machine learning platform, Kraken, supports more than 60 million customers worldwide.

The third-generation Enphase Energy System with IQ Battery 5P and IQ8 Microinverters offers a significantly improved experience for homeowners and installers because of more power, resilient wired communication, and an improved commissioning experience. Homeowners can also use the Enphase^® App to monitor performance and intelligently manage their systems. Enphase Energy Systems are fully G100-2 compliant to support the latest U.K. Electricity Networks Association requirements for grid connection of solar and battery storage. In addition, Enphase offers 24/7 customer support and an industry-leading warranty for both solar and battery products. This includes a 25-year warranty for all IQ8 Microinverters and a 15-year warranty for all IQ Batteries activated in the United Kingdom.

“This partnership with Octopus Energy represents the next step in our mission to deliver more value to homeowners by combining advanced technology with innovative energy programs,” said Marco Krapels, vice president of worldwide business development at Enphase Energy. “We’re excited to work with Octopus on a global scale to provide meaningful wins for homeowners, Octopus, and all ratepayers, ultimately driving a cleaner, more cost-effective energy future.”

Enphase Energy is also a participant in the Octopus Energy GridBoost battery program in Texas. For more information about Enphase Energy Systems in the United Kingdom, visit the website. For more information about Octopus Energy, please visit their website.

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 more than 73 million microinverters, and approximately 4.0 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.

©2025 Enphase Energy, Inc. All rights reserved. Enphase, the “e” logo, IQ, IQ8, and certain other marks listed at https://enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines are trademarks of Enphase Energy, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About Octopus Energy Group

Octopus Energy is a global clean energy tech business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting edge energy products to 9 million households globally. Its operations span 27 countries and the entire energy value chain. The group invests in, builds and flexibly manages renewable energy, operating a £7 billion portfolio of projects.

Octopus has licensed its advanced data and machine learning platform, Kraken, to support over 60 million customer accounts worldwide through licensing deals with companies such as EDF, E.ON and Origin Energy. Kraken enables Octopus to drive the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative cleantech. Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide. For more information, check out our website.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements related to the expected capabilities and performance of Enphase Energy’s technology and products, including safety, quality and reliability; the availability and market adoption of Enphase Energy’s products in the United Kingdom; and Enphase Energy’s expectations about cost savings on electricity bills and unlocking low-cost home energy rates. These forward-looking statements are based on Enphase’s current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties including those risks described in more detail in Enphase Energy’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other documents filed by Enphase Energy from time to time with the SEC. Enphase Energy 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.

Contact:

Enphase Energy
press@enphaseenergy.com

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

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Enchanting exhibition invites visitors into the world of storybooks

Source: City of Leeds

Cherished childhood stories are being retold to visitors thanks to a nostalgic new exhibition in Leeds.

The Story Time exhibition at Abbey House Museum features a huge variety of historic books and games, each exploring the magical world of children’s stories.

With objects spanning hundreds of years of captivating tales, the exhibition aims to look at how reading, learning and enjoying stories has changed through the ages, and the huge influence children’s books have had on young people’s education, play and imaginations.

Among the many objects on display is a collection of children’s books and reading primers from the early 1800s.

Believed to be among some of the earliest books to ever be published specifically for children, the focus of the writers was to get across a strong moral message rather than create a fun story. Examples include The Mice and their Picnic – A Moral Tale, published in around 1809.

Books of classic bedtime stories and fairytales from the 1920s and 1930s also feature, and include timeless characters such as Red Riding Hood, Mother Goose and Cinderella.

Vintage games and jigsaws made by Leeds firm Waddingtons are also on display, including some of the original artwork for the firm’s iconic circular jigsaws from the 1960s, which were rescued from a bin by a former company employee.

And beautiful Victorian dolls houses are displayed alongside modern classic toys based on characters and TV shows like Pinky and Perky, Stingray, Bugs Bunny, She-Ra, The Wombles, The Shoe People and The Teletubbies.

Kitty Ross, Leeds Museums and Galleries curator of social history, who has been bringing the exhibition together, said: “Storytelling, play and reading are truly timeless elements of our childhoods which span every generation and are such an integral part of our early years.

“What is fascinating is how our approach to these subjects has changed and evolved over time and how our enduring love of stories has been a driving force behind the creation of so many different genres of books, games, toys and entertainment.

“Seeing all of these objects on display together really showcases the remarkable variety of storytelling across the centuries and will hopefully bring back some special memories for visitors too.”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, added: “Seeing this remarkable collection of objects on display will be a wonderful trip down memory lane for visitors and will hopefully inspire different generations to think about stories and play together.

“As a city, Leeds has also played an important role in the history of toys and games, and it’s great to see some exhibits paying tribute to that special heritage on show.”

Story Time is open now at Abbey House Museum. For more information, including opening times and admission, please visit: Story Time | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

ENDS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnics awarded the Honorary Badge of St. Tatiana

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

On January 25, the Day of Remembrance of the Holy Martyr Tatiana, Russian students celebrate their holiday. In the Resurrection Smolny Cathedral — the main church of the educational institutions of the Northern capital — the annual divine liturgy was held and the awarding of the Honorary Badge of Saint Tatiana for special contribution to the spiritual and moral education of youth and students took place. A total of 48 people were nominated for the award, including two polytechnicians.

The event is organized by the St. Petersburg Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Council of Rectors of Universities of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, and the Pokrov Association for the Promotion of Spiritual and Moral Education.

The service was led by Metropolitan Varsonofy of St. Petersburg and Ladoga. In his sermon, he spoke about the feat of the holy martyr Tatiana, the patron saint of students, and also noted the importance of education and spiritual development for young people. The event was attended by Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg Natalia Chechina, heads of administrations, rectors, teachers, cadets and students, and activists of public organizations. For the first time, the service was accompanied by the choir of St. Petersburg State University.

After the end of the service, the ceremony of awarding the Honorary Badge of Saint Tatiana for a special contribution to the spiritual and moral education of youth and active participation in the social activities of the city began. The badge was established in 1997, the laureates are students and teachers of St. Petersburg universities, representatives of youth and public organizations of our city, who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and made a contribution to educational and social work among youth.

From the Polytechnic University, the Deputy Head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity Tatyana Barabanova was awarded the Honorary Badge of Saint Tatiana in the nomination “Mentor of Youth”.

Tatyana participates in the organization of educational and upbringing activities of SPbPU, coordinates the activities of choral and vocal groups, the student orchestra, ensures their participation in the cultural and social life of the Polytechnic University. She successfully organizes events, festivals that promote the development of students’ creative abilities, as well as concert activities of the White Hall. In addition, Tatyana is working on a dissertation on the topic “State educational policy in the system of ensuring national security of modern Russia”, in which she examines state policy on the protection of spiritual values, ensuring the cultural sovereignty of the country, including relying on the experience of SPbPU.

I don’t know what to rejoice more – the sign of Saint Tatiana or the opportunity to find myself on my Angel Day in front of a large icon of the great martyr and participate in a festive service in her honor. I accept all this with great gratitude. To the Polytechnic, which gave me this incredible opportunity, to the people with whom we have been working together for many years on the tasks of educating students in music, creativity, and culture, – shared Tatyana Barabanova.

In the nomination “Youth Degree” the award went to the leading specialist of the Museum of History of SPbPU Maria Zavyalova. Maria is a postgraduate student at the Polytechnic University in the direction of “History of Science and Technology”. She began her social, educational and patriotic activities during her student years at the Military-Historical Club “Our Polytechnic”, where she supervised the direction “Historical Dance”. Maria held historical, cultural and military-patriotic events, supervised a series of excursions “Leningrad Route of Memory”, balls and dance evenings, rallies and reconstructions. She is the organizer of the “Postcard to Mom” campaign, the “Syandeba” rally, the “On the Lines of Leningrad Defense” and Mannerheim Line hikes, and actively participates in volunteer and volunteer seminars, forums and festivals.

At the SPbPU History Museum, Maria Zavyalova conducts excursions, implements historical and educational exhibition projects, and is engaged in scientific activities. The girl is the organizer of the All-Russian action “Night of Museums”, the projects “SPbPU History Museum: Laboratories”, “School of Tour Guides”.

It is a great pleasure to receive such a high award on the Student’s Day, in the main temple of educational institutions of St. Petersburg. Thank you to our beloved Polytechnic University for all-round support. Any project, any idea is unthinkable without a team, without like-minded people. Therefore, I would like to thank the people who were and are nearby. I hope that we will continue to implement new projects that will be useful for our students, residents of St. Petersburg and the whole country, – said Maria.

The students’ celebration ended with a ball at the Stieglitz Academy.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 28, 2025

Category: Entertainment

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