NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: Wedbush Enters the ETF Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wedbush, a Los Angeles-based financial services firm with global reach, and a legacy of innovation and client-focused investment solutions, introduces Wedbush Fund Advisers and announces its entry into the rapidly growing exchange-traded fund (ETF) market. This milestone marks an expansion of Wedbush’s commitment to cutting-edge investment solutions and highly curated product development.

    A Strategic Expansion into ETFs

    ETFs continue to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the investment management industry, with actively managed and rules-based index ETFs seeing increased adoption by institutional and retail investors alike. Wedbush will sponsor its own ETFs to provide clients and investors with cost-effective, transparent investment options designed to meet modern portfolio construction needs.

    “ETF creation is a logical progression for Wedbush as we continue to provide efficient solutions to our investor clients,” said Gary Wedbush, Chief Executive Officer at Wedbush. “For nearly 70 years, we’ve steadily grown Wedbush by leveraging the expertise of our colleagues and our cutting-edge technology and operational infrastructure. It’s our vision that Wedbush will become the platform of choice for entrepreneurial ETF managers.”

    Wedbush Fund Advisers will rely on a team of experienced professionals bringing a wealth of knowledge in asset management, quantitative research, and market analysis, with the long-term goal of providing investors tools that align with their financial objectives, risk tolerances and market views. Wedbush anticipates further expansion in the ETF space, with additional product launches designed to address emerging trends and investor demand.

    About Wedbush

    Since its founding in 1955, Wedbush is widely known for providing clients, both private and institutional, with a wide range of securities brokerage, clearing, wealth management, and investment banking services. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with 100 registered offices and nearly 900 colleagues, the firm focuses on client service, financial safety, innovation, and the utilization of advanced technology. Certain securities and Investment Advisory services are offered through Wedbush Securities Inc., Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services to the Wedbush Series Trust will be provided by Wedbush Fund Advisers, LLC.

    Media Contact
    Deborah Kostroun, Zito Partners
    deborah@zitopartners.com
    +1 (201) 403-8185

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: First Bank Welcomes Joe Shearin, President, Greater Richmond Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STRASBURG, Va., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First National Corporation (the “Company” or “First National”) (NASDAQ: FXNC), the bank holding company of First Bank (the “Bank”) is pleased to announce the addition of Joe Shearin as President, Greater Richmond Market. Joe will lead First Bank’s strategic efforts across Richmond, Southside Virginia, and northern North Carolina. He will be responsible for community impact and all lines of business banking and business development in the expanded footprint, following the 2024 merger with Touchstone Bank.

    Joe brings over 40 years of banking experience and is retired President and CEO of Sonabank/Southern National Bancorp (formerly EVB/Eastern Virginia Bankshares). During Joe’s tenure as President and CEO of Sonabank, he successfully led the company through major economic conditions, while growing the bank from approximately $500 million in assets to over $3.4 billion when he retired.

    “We are thrilled to have a banker of Joe Shearin’s experience and caliber join our team. He is a proven community leader, and with his banking expertise and knowledge of the greater Richmond and Southside Virginia communities, this is a tremendous win for First Bank,” said Scott C. Harvard, CEO of First National Corporation and First Bank. “We believe banking is a people business, and Joe is a known and trusted advisor to his clients and in the community. His experience clearly aligns with our culture and strategic commitment to growth in the Richmond region and beyond.”

    Joe was appointed in 2023 by Governor Glen Youngkin as the Executive Director of the Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA). The VSBFA is dedicated to providing essential financing programs that support businesses, not-for-profits, and economic development authorities with the financing necessary for economic growth and expansion throughout the Commonwealth. In addition, Joe is the Founder and CEO of Jamescrest Consulting Group, whose mission is to assist organizations develop strategies to help improve their efficiencies, productivity, and profitability. A graduate, and now trustee, of North Carolina Wesleyan University, Joe has served as board member for Infinex Financial Services, Virginia Bankers Association, and director and previous chairman of Virginia Association of Community Banks. Currently he is director and Chairman of the Board for Community Bankers Bank. Joe is very active in the community, serving with many non-profit organizations.

    “As a long-time Prince George and Richmond area resident, I am excited about the opportunity to lead true community banking here. First Bank understands what is important to our current clients and is eager to share those values with new and existing customers,” Joe stated. “While the banking industry in the Tri-Cities market is competitive, we feel the flexibility and efficiency that First Bank provides are key aspects of how we do business and do it well. Our team is focused on delivering community banking with a personal touch and a commitment to service.”

    Joe and his team stand prepared to meet the banking needs of small businesses, corporations, real estate investors, individuals, municipalities, and non-profits alike.

    Harvard added, “Joe adds to already impressive roster of leadership in our growing Richmond area market. His experience fully aligns with our culture and our focus on positioning First Bank for transformational growth in greater Richmond and beyond. We are excited about the significant contributions he will bring to First Bank.”

    First National Corporation (NASDAQ: FXNC) is the parent company and bank holding company of First Bank, a community bank that first opened for business in 1907 in Strasburg. The Bank offers loan and deposit products and services through its website, www.fbvirginia.com, its mobile banking platform, a network of ATMs located throughout its market area, a loan production office, a customer service center in a retirement community, and thirty-three bank branch office locations located through the Shenandoah Valley, the south-central regions of Virginia, the Roanoke Valley, the Richmond MSA, and in northern North Carolina. In addition to providing traditional banking services, the Bank operates a wealth management division under the name First Bank Wealth Management. First Bank also owns First Bank Financial Services, Inc, which owns an interest in an entity that provides title insurance services.

    CONTACTS

    Scott C. Harvard
    President and CEO
    (540) 465-9121
    sharvard@fbvirginia.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d129ef30-5acb-4c96-b0a0-51f51dc1babc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 3D Systems Transforming Dental Lab Efficiency with Integrated Digital Dentistry Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Company to showcase market-leading solutions portfolio at LMT Lab Day 2025
    • Will preview NextDent® 300 MultiJet 3D printer designed to rapidly produce multi-material, monolithic dentures
    • Plans include solutions for nightguards and direct-printed aligners in near future, bolstering portfolio to address straightening, protection, repair, replacement of teeth
    • Comprehensive solutions portfolio for dental laboratories and practitioners intended to cement 3D Systems’ leadership in global digital dental industry — a market estimated to exceed $14 billion by 2032

    ROCK HILL, S.C., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) revealed several new innovations it intends to showcase at LMT Lab Day 2025 including the NextDent® Jetted Denture Solution for multi-material monolithic dentures, as well as previews of its solutions for night guards and direct printed aligners. 3D Systems has established itself as a leader in digital dentistry – revolutionizing the industry with the broadest portfolio of integrated solutions that are helping dental laboratories and clinics more efficiently deliver patient-specific devices. The addition of solutions to address applications for dentures, and in the future night guards and direct-printed aligners, further strengthens the Company’s innovative position in the industry.

    Foundational to 3D Systems’ multi-material, monolithic jetted denture solution the Company introduced at LMT Lab Day 2024, 3D Systems is pleased to debut the NextDent® 300 MultiJet 3D printer. This unique printer facilitates rapid production of patient-specific dentures that are fully cured and safe to handle without the need for additional post-curing steps. To complement the NextDent 300, 3D Systems’ materials scientists developed NextDent® Jet Teeth and NextDent® Jet Base — the former uniquely formulated to mimic tooth rigidity and aesthetics, and the latter to absorb impact. When these materials are used as part of 3D Systems’ FDA-cleared complete workflow solution comprising materials, jetted 3D printing technology, software, and services, high-volume dental laboratories can deliver dentures with improved performance and aesthetics, resulting in a superior patient experience. The speed of 3D Systems’ jetting technology combined with monolithic denture printing accelerates total production rates — enabling a full build of 15 arches in as little as nine hours — significantly reducing time to completion resulting in expedited delivery to the prosthodontist and patient. 3D Systems will be taking pre-orders for its NextDent Jetted Denture solution at Lab Day and anticipates general availability early in the third quarter of 2025.

    With the introduction of the NextDent 300 for multi-material printing, 3D Systems is looking to the future with the next application of this technology for night guards. Night guards are a rapidly growing market segment driven by the need to prevent damage to teeth from night grinding, an affliction affecting millions of people around the world. Night guards are also increasingly used by physicians for the treatment of sleep apnea and related disorders. The Company expects night guards to become an important element of its dental technology portfolio in late 2025.

    Finally, with the exceptional legacy 3D Systems has established for itself as a key supplier of 3D printing technology to the clear aligner industry, its technology today enables the manufacture of roughly one million patient-specific clear aligners daily across this rapidly growing market. The Company believes this work provides a strong foundation upon which to launch the next phase of significant expansion in the dental market, which will include novel technology for the direct printing of clear aligner products. 3D Systems anticipates availability of this solution in 2026.

    “3D Systems has been a pioneer in digital dentistry for years, establishing itself as an industry leader,” said Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president & CEO, 3D Systems. “Additive manufacturing is poised for widespread adoption across all dental applications — to straighten, protect, repair and replace teeth — and we’re perfectly positioned to capitalize on this growth. Our decades of experience developing specialized dental materials and 3D printing technology along with our deep applications expertise will allow us to bring a full spectrum of high-volume production solutions to market in the coming years. We’re committed to this expansion and are working closely with key players in every dental product category to accelerate the availability of these advancements.”

    According to Vantage Market Research, the global dental 3D printing market is estimated to be valued at $14.6 billion by 2032. With decades of experience in the dental industry, 3D Systems has been instrumental in catalyzing the adoption of 3D printing to produce patient-specific dental devices. The Company currently boasts the largest portfolio of dental 3D printing materials to address more than 30 applications and empowers dental facilities to manufacture dental appliances with heightened efficiency while minimizing material waste. This translates to accelerated production timelines, resulting in streamlined experiences for more than one million patients served each day.

    3D Systems will showcase its digital dentistry portfolio designed to address a breadth of dental applications for orthodontics, prosthodontics, and implantology such as the production of trays, models, surgical guides, dentures, orthodontic splints, retainers, crowns, and bridges at LMT Lab Day (booth A-43/B-42, East Exhibit Hall), to be held February 20-22, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (Illinois). Additionally, the Company will highlight how it has validated the NextDent materials portfolio to perform across a wide selection of the industry’s most trusted 3D printers. Attendees are also invited to participate in 3D Systems’ seminars to be held in the Comiskey Room, West Tower, Bronze Level. For more information, please visit the 3D Systems website.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “anticipates” or “plans” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions, and current expectations and may include comments as to the company’s beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as of the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.

    About 3D Systems
    More than 35 years ago, 3D Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing industry. Today, as the leading additive manufacturing solutions partner, we bring innovation, performance, and reliability to every interaction – empowering our customers to create products and business models never before possible. Thanks to our unique offering of hardware, software, materials, and services, each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise of our application engineers who collaborate with customers to transform how they deliver their products and services. 3D Systems’ solutions address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace & defense, automotive, and durable goods. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

    Investor Contact: investor.relations@3dsystems.com 
    Media Contact: press@3dsystems.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09f04e9d-bb94-4270-ad01-0c13663e2c8e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15756820-4962-48ac-ab25-5237f33cdbb6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DDB Miner Introduces Enhanced Profitability with New Contracts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DDB Miner a leading cloud mining platform, has launched a series of upgraded mining contracts designed to maximize profitability for cryptocurrency investors. With the increasing demand for passive income opportunities in the crypto space, these new contracts offer enhanced returns, stability, and accessibility for both novice and experienced miners.

    Revolutionizing Cloud Mining with New Contracts

    The latest contracts from DDB Miner provide an easy and efficient way for investors to earn stable returns without the need for expensive hardware or technical expertise. By leveraging renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, DDB Miner continues to drive down operational costs while ensuring environmentally friendly mining solutions.

    Key Features of the New Cloud Mining Contracts

    • Flexible Investment Options: From entry-level to high-value contracts, users can choose a plan that aligns with their financial goals.
    • Daily Payouts: Investors receive earnings every 24 hours, ensuring a steady cash flow.
    • Automatic Principal Return: At the end of the contract term, the initial investment is automatically returned.
    • Multi-Currency Support: Settle earnings in popular cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, USDT, DOGE, BCH, and SOL.
    • Affiliate Program: Users can earn referral bonuses of up to $22,000 by inviting friends to the platform.

    New Contract Offerings

    • Experience Contract: $100 investment – Total net profit: $106
    • Classic Contract: $1,000 investment – Total net profit: $1,131
    • Premium Contract: $10,000 investment – Total net profit: $18,750
    • Super Contract: $50,000 investment – Total net profit: $97,500

    Why Choose DDB Miner?

    Since its founding in 2017, DDB Miner has built a global user base of over 9 million members. The company operates multiple large-scale mining farms and contributes approximately 3.8% of the world’s computing power. By partnering with top mining equipment manufacturers like Bitmain and Antminer, DDB Miner ensures optimal efficiency and stability for its users.

    Additionally, DDB Miner is legally registered and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority, offering a secure and compliant environment for cloud mining enthusiasts.

    How to Get Started

    1. Register Now: Sign up and receive a $12 bonus.
    2. Choose a Contract: Select an investment plan that suits your goals.
    3. Start Earning: Activate the contract and let the system mine for you.
    4. Track and Withdraw: Monitor your profits through the platform’s intuitive dashboard and withdraw earnings at your convenience.

    To learn more about the new cloud mining contracts, visit DDB Miner’s official website or download the mobile app from Google Play or the Apple Store.

    About DDB Miner DDB Miner is a trusted cloud mining platform, providing network encryption technology services and innovative mining solutions since 2017. With a commitment to clean energy, regulatory compliance, and advanced technology, DDB Miner continues to offer profitable and sustainable mining opportunities for global investors.

    Start using DDB Miner’s worry-free cloud mining solution to increase your income.

    For more details, please visit the DDB Miner official website: https://ddbminer.com.

    Or from Google Play or Apple Store Download our mobile app.

    Media Contact:
    Katerina Audrey
    DDB Miner Media Relations
    Email: info@ddbminer.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by “DDB Miner”. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/846024a7-0642-4702-b261-b3783e562017

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2fa2da22-1f85-4a3e-92de-3a59ff09dfe7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Karolinska Developments portfolio company Promimic publishes positive results on reduction of bacteria growth on HAnano Surface

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, February 18 2025. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) today announces that its portfolio company Promimic has published positive results showing a reduction of bacterial growth on the company’s implant surface HAnano Surface. The results are published in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials.

    Promimic has previously seen an effect on reduced adhesion of bacteria on HAnano Surface, but the recent results also show a reduction of bacterial growth. The results indicate that the effect is bacteriostatic (hinders growth) and not bactericide (germicidal), which can decrease the risk of bacterial resistance.

    The results are based on in vitro tests on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria on HAnano Surface, showing a reduction between 33-46 percent on the bacterial strains S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa, which are common in implant infections.

    ”Bacterial infections associated with dental and orthopedic implants are a serious problem and there is a great need for implants that promote healing and reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Our portfolio company Promimic clearly demonstrates the benefits that surface modification can bring to implant treatment in healthcare and for the individual patient,” says Viktor Drvota, CEO of Karolinska Development.

    Promimic develops and markets HAnano Surface, a unique, nanometer-thin surface treatment that aims to improve the anchorage and healing of orthopedic and dental implants into bone tissue. The technology is well established and has so far been applied to over 1,8 million implants in clinical use around the world.

    Karolinska Development’s shareholding in Promimic, including indirect ownership by KDev Investments, amounts to 14% (2% and 12%, respectively).

    Link to the publication: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/16/2/66

    For further information, please contact:

    Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
    Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com

    Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
    Phone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com

    TO THE EDITORS

    About Karolinska Development AB

    Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patients’ lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

    Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

    Karolinska Development has a portfolio of eleven companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

    The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

    For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How California can rebuild safer, more resilient cities after wildfires without pricing out workers

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Nichole Wissman, Assistant Professor of Management, University of San Diego

    After the fires, what comes next for residents? Zoe Meyers/AFP via Getty Images

    The dramatic images of wealthy neighborhoods burning during the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires captured global attention, but the damage was much more widespread. Many working-class families lost their homes, businesses and jobs. In all, more than 16,000 structures – most of them homes – were destroyed, leaving thousands of people displaced.

    The shock of this catastrophic loss has been reverberating across Southern California, driving up demand for rental homes and prices in an already unaffordable and competitive housing market. Many residents now face rebuilding costs that are expected to skyrocket.

    Climate-related disasters like this often have deep roots in policies and practices that overlook growing risks. In the Los Angeles area, those risks are now impossible to ignore.

    As the region starts to recover, communities have an opportunity to rebuild in better ways that can protect neighborhoods against a riskier future – but at the same time don’t price out low-income residents.

    Sisters Emilee and Natalee De Santiago sit on the front porch of what remains of their home after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., in January 2025.
    Brandon Bell/Getty Images

    Research shows that low-income residents struggle the most during and after a disaster. Disaster assistance also tends to benefit the wealthy, who may have more time and resources to navigate the paperwork and process. This can have long-term effects on inequality in a community. In Los Angeles County, where one-third of even moderate-income households spend at least half their income on housing, many residents may simply be unable to recover.

    My research at the University of San Diego focuses on managing risk in the face of climate change. I see several ways to design solutions that help low- and moderate-income residents recover while building a safer community for the future.

    Better building policies that recognize future risk

    Before a disaster, communities trying to adapt to climate change often prioritize protecting high-risk, high-value property, such as a beachfront or hillside neighborhood with wealthy homes. My own research also shows a trend toward incremental climate adaptations that don’t disturb the status quo too much and, as a result, leave many risks unaddressed.

    Climate risks are often underestimated, in part because of policy limitations and a political reluctance to consider unpopular solutions, such as restricting where people can build. Yet, disasters once considered unimaginable, such as the Los Angeles wildfires, are occurring with increasing frequency.

    An aerial view shows the devastation left by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles in January 2025. Homes in the hills can be at the highest fire risk during dry weather and strong winds.
    AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

    Making communities safer from these risks requires communitywide efforts. And that can mean making difficult decisions.

    Policy changes, such as updating zoning laws to prevent rebuilding in highly vulnerable areas, can avoid costly damage in the future. So can not building in risky areas in the first place.

    California already has some of the strictest wildfire-prevention codes in the country, but the same rules for new homes don’t apply to older homes. Communities can invest in programs to help these property owners retrofit their homes by offering grants or incentives to remove highly flammable landscaping or to “harden” existing homes to make them less vulnerable to burning.

    Research shows that resilience efforts can spur “climate gentrification,” or displacement due to increases in property values. So, focusing on affordability in resilience efforts is important. For long-term affordability and resilience, governments can collaborate with communities to develop strategies such as supporting Community Land Trusts through grants, low-interest loans or land transfers; implementing zoning reforms to enable higher-density, climate-resilient affordable housing; and incentivizing green infrastructure to strengthen community resilience.


    Beverly Hills Fire Department

    In some cases, communities may have to considered managed retreat – moving people out of high-risk areas – but with adequate compensation and support for displaced residents to ensure that they can rebuild their lives elsewhere.

    Making the risks clear through insurance

    Insurance rates can also encourage residents and communities to lower their risks. Yet in many places, insurance policies have instead obscured the risks, leaving homeowners less aware of how vulnerable their property may be.

    For years, insurers underpriced wildfire risk, driven by market competition. California policies also capped the premiums they could charge. As fire damage and rebuilding costs soared in recent years, insurers unwilling to shoulder more of the risk themselves pulled out of the state. That left countless Californians uninsured and hundreds of thousands reliant on the state-run insurance known as the FAIR Plan. The plan imposes caps on payouts and is now struggling to stay solvent, resulting in higher costs that insurers are expected to pass on to consumers.

    Insurance reforms could help reduce the financial burden on vulnerable populations while also lowering overall risk. To achieve this, the reforms could incentivize building more resilient homes in less risky areas.

    As seen with the LA fires, what your neighbor does matters. Reducing fire risk in each home can make entire neighborhoods safer. Insurers can provide a road map for how to reduce those risks, while state and local governments can provide assistance to retrofit homes and help ensure that insurance premiums remain affordable.

    There are also innovative approaches to fund resilience efforts that can include insurers. One example is New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act, which requires fossil fuel companies to finance climate adaptation efforts.

    Equipping communities with resilience hubs

    When disasters strike, local groups and neighbors play critical roles in stabilizing neighborhoods. But residents also need more specialized help to find housing and apply for disaster aid.

    Building resilience hubs in communities could help support residents before, during and after disasters.

    The resilience hub in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles provides one model for what these spaces can achieve. It’s anchored in a community arts center with solar power and backup energy storage. Residents can drop in to cool down during heat waves or charge their phones during power outages. It also hosts community classes, including in disaster preparedness.

    Boyle Heights, a largely Hispanic neighborhood in Los Angeles, has a resilience hub that provides disaster preparedness training, as well as support with food, housing and applying for assistance after disasters strike.
    Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    During and after a disaster, resilience hubs can serve as central organizing points. They can provide crucial information, resources and assistance with completing paperwork to access aid. Having access to skilled help in navigating what can be a complicated, time-consuming process is often critical, particularly for people who aren’t native English speakers.

    Getting assistance is also often critical for displaced renters, who may have little certainty about when or if they will be able to return to their homes. Understanding their legal rights can be confusing, and rising costs as rental housing is rebuilt can price them out of the market.

    Research shows that building a supportive community can provide a crucial social safety net when dealing with disasters and also boost the community’s social and economic well-being.

    Reframing policies for everyone

    The catastrophic LA wildfires were a powerful reminder that governments and communities need to think carefully about the risks they face and the role policies may play as they learn to live with greater fire risk.

    Building a resilient future in a warming world will require bold, innovative and collective strategies that support communities while advancing equitable solutions.

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

    – ref. How California can rebuild safer, more resilient cities after wildfires without pricing out workers – https://theconversation.com/how-california-can-rebuild-safer-more-resilient-cities-after-wildfires-without-pricing-out-workers-247680

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nat King Cole’s often overlooked role in the Civil Rights Movement

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Donna M. Cox, Professor of Music, University of Dayton

    Nat King Cole performs in Copenhagen, Denmark, in April 1960. Ebbe Wrae/JP Jazz Archive/Getty Images

    Six decades after Nat King Cole’s death in 1965, his music is still some of the most played in the world, and his celebrity transcends generational and racial divides. His smooth voice, captivating piano skills and enduring charisma earned him international acclaim.

    One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Cole was not only a groundbreaking musician but also a quiet, yet resolute, advocate for social justice.

    As an African American sacred music scholar, I have been immersed in the inseparable link between music, culture and social change for over 40 years. Examining Cole through the lens of his activism uncovers the nuanced ways in which he challenged the status quo and contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.

    Beneath the polished veneer of his public image lay a deeply personal commitment to confronting racism and advocating for equality that is often overlooked.

    Formative years

    Nathaniel Adams Coles was born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Perlina Adams Coles and Edward James Coles. Perlina served as the organist at the True Light Baptist Church and later the First Baptist Church of North Chicago, both pastored by Nathaniel’s father. She passed her love for music to her children, teaching them to play the piano and organ. Cole’s formative years were spent in church; gospel songs, hymns and spirituals formed the foundation of his musical education.

    Though Cole is primarily remembered for his jazz and pop hits, the emotive power, communal emphasis and uplifting nature of Black sacred music profoundly shaped his artistry throughout his career, despite his single sacred album, “Every Time I Feel The Spirit,” released in 1959. The influence of gospel music, in particular, can be heard in his soulful phrasing and heartfelt delivery, contributing to his remarkable ability to connect with audiences.

    Growing up in Chicago, he was also exposed to a rich tapestry of musical genres, including blues, classical and jazz. This eclectic upbringing laid the foundation for his versatile musical style and commercial success.

    Group portrait of singer Nat King Cole with his mother, Perlina, his younger brother, Ike, and his father, Edward, circa 1940.
    Nat King Cole photograph collection/New York Public Library

    While Cole’s music was not overtly political, his very presence in the mainstream was a statement. In an era of racial segregation, he was a Black man achieving unprecedented success in a predominantly white music industry. His impeccable diction, tailored suits and sophisticated performances countered the prevailing stereotypes of African Americans as uncouth or subservient.

    By embodying a poised and dignified persona, Cole communicated a powerful message: Black excellence and humanity could not be denied. As race scholar George Lipsitz writes in “The Possessive Investment in Whiteness,” “The cultural field … is a site of struggle where meanings are contested and power relations are negotiated.”

    Cole’s success challenged the structural racism that sought to confine Black artists to the margins and opened doors for future generations. He acknowledged the significance of his presence on national television, recognizing it as a potential turning point for Black representation. While hesitant to explicitly label himself an activist, he contemplated the impact of his success on breaking down barriers, believing that “when you’ve got the respect of white and colored, you can ease a lot of things.”

    Confronting racism

    In response to critics who dismiss Cole’s legacy as apolitical, I argue that they overlook the complexity of his resistance. Several scholars have stated that in a society where overt defiance often resulted in violence or economic ruin, Cole’s ability to navigate the entertainment industry while maintaining his dignity was itself a form of activism.

    Though Cole never referred to himself as an activist, he confronted racism in both overt and quiet ways. Scholars such as cultural theorist Stuart Hall and researcher Laura Pottinger define “quiet activism” as modest, everyday acts of resistance – either implicitly or explicitly political – that challenge dominant ideologies and power structures. These acts often entail processes of production or creativity.

    Despite his commercial success, Cole faced relentless systemic and personal racism. In 1948, he purchased a home in the affluent Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, a move met with hostility; the local homeowners association attempted to expel him, and he endured threats and acts of vandalism.

    Yet Cole refused to be intimidated. His resolve was a courageous act of resistance that highlighted the pervasive inequalities of the time.

    Cole faced blatant discrimination in Las Vegas. He was often denied access to the same hotels and restaurants where he performed, forced to stay in segregated accommodations. One particularly notable incident occurred at the Sands Hotel. in Las Vegas. When the maitre d’ tried to deny service to Cole’s Black bandmates in the dining room, Cole threatened to cancel his performance and leave. This forced the hotel management to back down, setting a precedent for other Black entertainers and patrons.

    Cole quietly sued hotels and negotiated contracts that guaranteed his right to stay in the hotels where he performed, a significant step toward desegregation. He also made it a point to bring his entire entourage, including Black musicians and friends, to these establishments, challenging their “whites only” policies.

    ‘We Are Americans Too’

    Photo of Natalie Cole singing with her father, Nat King Cole, in 1957.
    Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

    Cole’s impact extended beyond the realm of music. In 1956, he became the first African American to host a national network television show, “The Nat King Cole Show.” This was a groundbreaking moment, as it brought a Black man into the living rooms of millions of white Americans every week.

    Though the show faced challenges with sponsorship due to racial prejudice, it marked a significant step toward greater representation and acceptance. As historian Donald Bogle notes in his 2001 book “Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks,” “Television … became a new battleground for the image of the black performer.” Cole’s show, despite its short run, was a crucial battle in this war.

    When Cole was attacked onstage by white supremacists during a concert in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1956, it underscored the physical danger Black public figures faced and galvanized Cole’s commitment to the Civil Rights Movement.

    It is important to note that Cole’s support for the Civil Rights Movement was often quiet and behind the scenes. He faced criticism from some who felt he should have been more outspoken. However, his actions demonstrate his commitment to the cause of racial equality. Cole, who died in 1965 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, was a member of his local NAACP branch. He also performed at benefit concerts for the organization, raising money to support their efforts in fighting racial discrimination.

    Shortly after the attack in Birmingham, Cole recorded his only song that is specifically political, “We Are Americans Too.” Recorded in 1956, the song was a powerful statement of belonging and a challenge to racial exclusion. Though it would not come close to reaching commercial success, it did serve as a powerful reminder that African Americans were, in fact, Americans. Over a half-century later, this song still resonates and speaks to the ongoing struggle for full inclusion and recognition for marginalized groups.

    The juxtaposition of the refrain “We are Americans too” against the backdrop of the treatment of Black people during the Civil Rights Movement gives this song emotional weight. The very act of having to assert “We are Americans too” highlights the injustice of the situation.

    It underscores the disconnect between the ideals of American democracy and the reality of racial inequality. In this context, the refrain “We are Americans too” is an act of resistance, a challenge to the prevailing social order. It highlights the hypocrisy of a nation founded on principles of liberty while denying those same liberties to a significant portion of its population. It’s a call for America to finally recognize the full humanity and citizenship of its Black citizens.

    ‘We Are Americans Too.’

    Great art, and great artists, are powerful witnesses of the times in which they live, love, work and play. Their commentary, both artistically and humanly, leaves an important record for generations. This is clearly evident in Nat King Cole.

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

    – ref. Nat King Cole’s often overlooked role in the Civil Rights Movement – https://theconversation.com/nat-king-coles-often-overlooked-role-in-the-civil-rights-movement-248527

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Many gluten-free foods are high in calories and sugar, low on fiber and protein, and they cost more − new research

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sachin Rustgi, Associate Professor of Molecular Breeding, Clemson University

    The vast majority of Americans are not sensitive to foods containing gluten. Westend61 via Getty Images

    U.S. consumers often pay more for gluten-free products, yet these items typically provide less protein and more sugar and calories compared with gluten-containing alternatives. That is the key finding of my new study, published in the journal Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.

    This study compared gluten-free products with their gluten-containing counterparts, and the findings suggested that many perceived benefits of gluten-free products – such as weight control and diabetes management – are exaggerated.

    Currently, many gluten-free products lack dietary fiber, protein and essential nutrients. Manufacturers often add supplements to compensate, but the incorporation of dietary fibers during processing can hinder protein digestion.

    In addition, gluten-free products generally contain higher sugar levels compared with other products containing gluten. Long-term adherence to a gluten-free diet has been associated with increased body mass index, or BMI, and nutritional deficiencies.

    Gluten-free products – defined in the U.S. as those that contain less than or equal to 20 parts per million of gluten – largely lack wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats, all rich sources of arabinoxylan, a crucial nonstarch polysaccharide. Arabinoxylan provides several health benefits, including promoting beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing digestion, regulating blood sugar levels and supporting a balanced gut microbiota.

    Our study also pointed out that it is difficult to find a gluten-free product that excels in all nutritional areas, such as high protein and fiber content with low carbohydrates and sugar.

    On the other hand, gluten-free seeded bread contains significantly more fiber – 38.24 grams per 100 grams – than its gluten-containing counterparts. This is likely due to efforts by manufacturers to address fiber deficiencies by using ingredients such as pseudo-cereals, such as amaranth and quinoa hydrocolloids – meaning water-soluble macromolecules used in gluten-free baked goods made with quinoa flour.

    These improvements, however, vary by manufacturer and region. For example, gluten-free products in Spain tend to have lower fiber content than their gluten-containing counterparts.

    Why it matters

    The term “gluten-free diet” has become a buzzword, much like “organic,” and is now a part of everyday life for many people, often without a full understanding of its actual benefits. While a gluten-free diet is a medical necessity for people who are sensitive to gluten, a condition called celiac disease, or for those with wheat allergies, others adopt a gluten-free diet due to perceived health benefits or because it’s a trend.

    In 2024, the global gluten-free product market was valued at US$7.28 billion and projected to reach $13.81 billion by 2032. The U.S. market share is estimated to be $5.9 billion – a little less than half of the global figure.

    Approximately 25% of the U.S. population consumes gluten-free products. This figure is far higher than the the roughly 6% of people with non-celiac wheat sensitivity, 1% of people with celiac disease and even lower percentages of people with wheat allergies.

    This suggests that many people adopt gluten-free diets for reasons other than medical necessity, which may not offer health or financial benefits.

    Symptoms of celiac disease and gluten intolerance include stomach pain and bloating.

    What’s next

    Investment in research and development is essential to create more nutritionally balanced gluten-free products using locally available ingredients. This will require human feeding trials with different formulations of gluten-free products to ensure that these products meet nutritional needs without adverse effects.

    Collaborations between governments could help secure subsidies, which would reduce production costs and make these products more affordable. Although the initial costs of research and maintaining a gluten-free production line are high, using local ingredients and financial incentives can make these products more cost-competitive compared with their gluten-containing counterparts.

    Public education is also important to keep people informed about the pros and cons associated with a gluten-free diet.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

    Sachin Rustgi receives funding from the US Department of Agriculture and the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research.

    – ref. Many gluten-free foods are high in calories and sugar, low on fiber and protein, and they cost more − new research – https://theconversation.com/many-gluten-free-foods-are-high-in-calories-and-sugar-low-on-fiber-and-protein-and-they-cost-more-new-research-247165

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Treatment Improves Bovine IVF

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Up until the 1950s, scientists were scratching their heads trying to figure out why their experiments using perfectly healthy eggs and sperm to develop in-vitro fertilization (IVF) were unsuccessful.

    Then, they made a critical discovery — sperm capacitation.

    Maria Gracia Gervasi, assistant professor of animal science in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, is an expert on sperm capacitation and the application of assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF in rodent and bovine species. She is part of a team that recently developed a new method for sperm capacitation that makes bovine IVF more effective.

    Sperm capacitation is a set of processes mammalian sperm need to undergo while they are inside the female reproductive system before they can fertilize an egg.

    During capacitation, a series of molecular pathways are activated that cause the sperm to move differently, known as “hyperactive motility.” The sperm needs to be moving this way to successfully penetrate an egg to fertilize it. There are also changes to the sperm head that expose the part of the sperm that fuses with the egg during fertilization.

    The discovery of capacitation enabled the development of IVF technology, revolutionizing human and animal reproduction.

    Gervasi is part of a group of collaborators that published their findings in Theriogenology. Claudia E. Osycka-Salut, a researcher from the Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnologicas (IIBio-UNSAM-CONICET), Buenos Aires is the first author on the paper.

    In Gervasi’s previous lab, they worked on a study showing that using a calcium ionophore – a kind of chemical that binds to and help transport ions – improved sperm capacitation in mice. This led her to wonder if it would work in bovine species as well.

    When bovine sperm are capacitated in the laboratory, scientists put them in a medium containing calcium, bicarbonate, a protein called bovine serum albumin, and heparin.

    “All of these components are required for sperm capacitation in bovine species and IVF,” Gervasi says.

    When Gervasi and her team introduced the calcium ionophore, it increased calcium levels in the medium. This caused the sperm to stop moving. Then, when the researchers washed the calcium out of the medium, the sperm started moving again with hyperactive motility – indicating they had induced capacitation.

    In this study, they found that the ionophore achieved similar results as traditional IVF procedures without heparin.

    However, when they then tested the ionophore with heparin, there were significant improvements in fertilization rates and embryo development.

    The fertilization rate for sperm treated with the ionophore was 83%, compared to 70% in the untreated group. The rate of fertilized eggs that developed into embryos increased from 11% to 27%.

    “The difference is just adding this little sperm treatment before using it for IVF,” Gervasi says.

    This approach could have a significant impact on the bovine industry in the U.S. and globally as IVF is an increasingly popular method for breeding cattle. This is because it is much easier to take semen from a bull with characteristics a farmer wants to introduce into a herd and ship that semen or embryos rather than having to move the bull around.

    “The application of our treatment for in-vitro production to improve the capacitation and fertilization could have a huge impact on the industry because we could double the number of embryos,” Gervasi says. “It’s a big improvement.”

    This treatment could also improve fertilization and embryo development rates for cryogenically preserved semen that has already been sexed. The process of sexing the semen damages the sperm, leading to reduced fertilization rates.

    “Being able to test our treatment with those sperm would also be very applicable to what industry is using nowadays,” Gervasi says.

    Gervasi will follow up this work by seeing if embryos produced from sperm treated with the ionophore remain more successful than those produced without the ionophore once implanted in an animal.

    Gervasi is currently working on a separate sperm treatment that could be combined with the ionophore treatment to bolster the improvements demonstrated in this study. She is also interested in analyzing the genetic quality of the embryos produced using these treatments.

    “My lab here at UConn is focused on understanding how sperm and sperm treatments during capacitation can influence not only fertilization, but post-fertilization events like embryo development,” Gervasi says. “So, I will definitely be focusing a lot on embryo quality and what is the sperm bringing to it.”

    This work was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive #2022-67016-36302 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to be happy with what you have – and avoid the trap of comparison

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Joshua Forstenzer, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Co-Director of the Centre for Engaged Philosophy, University of Sheffield

    Alphavector/Shutterstock

    In many ways, I feel like we shouldn’t be happy with what we have. We live in a world of tremendous inequality and cruelty, running towards an environmental wall. Not just that, but some of the best people I know are chronic persistors: they know how not to accept the unacceptable.

    But we also live in an economy that profits from and purposefully generates private feelings of lack, want, comparison and envy. Somewhat counter-intuitively, this envy often spurs on the feelings of lack and want, rather than the other way around. This is the genius of advertising: to generate “perceived” (aka fake) needs. I see someone living a “good” life – exciting, sexy, creative – and now I want what they have: the shoes, watch, holiday, you name it.

    Envy requires comparison. And comparison requires a scale by which to rank ourselves. Popular culture offers quite a few. Being the object of sexual desire (think of “matches” on dating apps) for example, or digital social connectivity (think of “followers” or “likes”). These can all play a role in shaping your sense of personal success or failure.

    Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions.

    Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    Sometimes, these are presented in a unified pseudo-metric of success. Take for example the idea of a “high-value man”. The parts of the internet that use the concept tend to celebrate having money, a wide social network and being useful to others. This often veers into celebrating material wealth and superficial self improvement as the path to success and sexual attractiveness. The viral TikTok song I’m Looking for a Man in Finance is an only mildly exaggerated spoof of this ideal.

    The implicit assumption is that having more “good things” than others means being more valuable as a person. But behind this there are a host of hidden assumptions – not least that you can “own” the genuinely valuable things in life (as opposed to being them).

    These hidden assumptions usually reveal deep seated shame – the feeling that you are not enough as you are. And that you are not entitled to set the parameters that define the success or failure of your own life.

    Feeling bad about yourself is not always unhealthy. A healthy negative feeling lets you know if you have done something wrong, or acted in a manner that does not meet your own moral standards. This feeling calls for you to change your ways.

    Shame can be very psychologically painful.
    Alphavector/Shutterstock

    The unhealthy feeling, that I am calling “shame”, is not merely the feeling of embarrassment or moral doubt. Rather, it is (to follow vulnerability researcher Brené Brown’s definition) “the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging”.

    This feeling is so psychologically painful that you may reflexively do all you can to remain unaware of it. This denial means that you can start to see your own critical inner voice (itself shaped by past negative experiences) as animated by an “objective” social reality, telling you not just that you’re failing, but that you are a failure. This is often called “projection”.

    Other times, when you can bear to consciously feel this emotion, you may seek to negotiate with it and offer remedial actions to the universe to make up for recurrent feelings of worthlessness. In darker times still, shame can overtake your whole life, paralysing you and creeping into the quietest parts of your private self.

    How to combat shame and be happy with what you have

    Shame can be a remarkably sticky emotion. Identifying and interrogating it can be helpful. Working on revising how you understand your self and your relationship to others can also help. The options are many, but for the sake of illustration here are three that speak to me.

    1. Stoicism

    Stoics believed that your essential nature is stable and the project of life is to fulfil this nature and flourish. When making judgments, people ascribe value to an imagined state of affairs (“it would be really great if I were thinner”) and a belief that a specific course of action will make it a reality (“going without chocolate will return the figure I had in my teens”).

    A stoic approach means connecting with your community.
    Alphavector/Shutterstock

    Both of these can be false, because the things you desire can actually be bad for you, and you have less control over the future than you tend to think. Stoics thought people should try to get the relationship between their emotional state and the goods they pursue into harmony, seeking self-mastery in order to flourish.

    To this end, stoic ethics demand that you recognise and cultivate habits that put you in touch with your own nature within the wider world – starting from the self, expanding to the family, the community, the state, humanity and ultimately the cosmos.

    2. Existentialism

    In contrast, existentialism requires paying attention to the lack of any ultimate purpose in human life. No one thing can ever fully define who you are. Your capacity to reinvent yourself, to value something new, to start a fresh project, is yours alone.

    Existentialists define life’s meaning for themselves.
    Alphavector/Shutterstock

    The empty feeling of meaninglessness you sometimes encounter when you have finally achieved a long sought after goal (like getting that big promotion) can be dizzying. But this feeling is a reminder of the fact that nothing in your nature demands that you achieve any one thing. It’s up to you.

    You must face authentically the fact that you are free and therefore responsible for your projects and the meaning you give to them.

    3. Humanistic psychotherapy

    A humanistic psychotherapeutic perspective offers a middle way. It invites you to look upon yourself with compassion, seeing yourself as complex, responsible and yet also imperfect and vulnerable, always involved in a richly evolving tapestry of relationships that ultimately gives meaning and purpose to your life.

    In humanistic psychotherapy, our relationships give life meaning.
    Alphavector/Shutterstock

    This means that relationships and the recognition you give and derive from them provide the only solid basis for confronting that most important question – “who am I?” – ultimately seeing you through your darkest times. But this means that you need these relationships to be genuine, kind and honest so that you can see yourself and others for the frail, evolving and unique individuals that we all are.

    Joshua Forstenzer’s work receives funding from the Yale Center for Faith and Culture as part of its Templeton-funded Life Worth Living project (https://lifeworthliving.yale.edu/). He is also a consultant to North Consulting as part of the LIFE Erasmus+ project (https://www.kmop.gr/projects-vf/news-life-worth-living/) which uses text-based pedagogic methods to facilitate wellbeing conversations about meaning and purpose with teachers and school leaders in five European countries.

    – ref. How to be happy with what you have – and avoid the trap of comparison – https://theconversation.com/how-to-be-happy-with-what-you-have-and-avoid-the-trap-of-comparison-235476

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mexican national admits intent to distribute cocaine following ICE investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    CAMDEN, N.J. – A Mexican national admitted to trafficking cocaine and illegally reentering the United States after previously sustaining an aggravated felony conviction, following an investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark.

    Anastacio Santiago Chaparro, aka Arnoldo Urquidez, 41, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and illegal reentry by a convicted felon, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey announced on Feb. 7.

    “Our collaboration with the DEA in this investigation thwarted this criminal alien’s plan to introduce a harmful amount of cocaine into New Jersey’s neighborhoods,” said ICE HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “We are committed to keeping our communities safe by bringing drug traffickers to justice and holding them accountable for the violent crimes that often come with their illicit business.”

    According to the investigation, on Nov. 6, 2023, Santiago Chaparro was caught by law enforcement transporting a backpack that contained over 10 kilograms of cocaine. Santiago Chaparro admitted that the cocaine was intended for distribution. Additionally, Santiago Chaparro had been deported from the United States to Mexico three times and previously sustained a conviction for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, an aggravated felony.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Crown LNG Signs Gas Sales MOU with India Gas Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crown LNG Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: CGBS) (“Crown” or “Crown LNG”), a leading provider of LNG liquefaction and regasification terminal technologies for harsh weather locations, announced today the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the India Gas Exchange Ltd. (“IGX”), India’s first automated national level trading platform. The MOU outlines how Crown and IGX plan to cooperate on liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) sales to pipeline customers downstream from Crown’s planned LNG import terminal in Kakinada, India.

    The signing ceremony on the sidelines of India Energy Week 2025 in New Delhi included Swapan Kataria, CEO of Crown LNG, and Rajesh Kumar Mediratta, Managing Director & CEO of IGX, and was witnessed by The Honorable Member of Parliament from Kakinada Shri Tangella Uday Srinivas, an advocate for building infrastructure to empower millions of households and to improve the development of new industries in Andhra Pradesh, including data centers requiring uninterrupted 24/7 power supply.

    The non-binding MOU provides a framework for LNG cargoes traveling through Crown’s regasification terminal to be listed, marketed, and sold on the IGX. Under the agreement, IGX will drive market awareness through workshops and industry engagement initiatives, encouraging wider participation in gas trading. Crown LNG will collaborate closely with IGX on LNG cargo arrivals and sales, ensuring a stable and efficient supply chain. Together, they aim to unlock new opportunities in India’s energy sector and reinforce the role of natural gas as a key driver of sustainable economic growth. Both organizations will explore further areas of cooperation to accelerate India’s 15% gas-based economy target by 2030, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    “This collaboration will offer Crown a unique position to sell gas to a large base of producers, traders, and offtakers throughout India,” said Swapan Kataria, Crown LNG CEO. “We believe this agreement is the first of several that will address the lack of supply for the eastern coast of the fourth largest LNG importer in the world. Together with IGX and our growing network of trusted local partners, we are excited to strengthen India’s energy security and to help make natural gas more accessible to industries and micro-enterprises across India.”

    The Kakinada terminal has received an approved total import capacity of 7.2 MMTPA. Crown expects to achieve final investment decision for the project in 2026 and to deliver first gas in 2029.

    About Crown LNG Holdings Limited
    Crown LNG is a leading provider of offshore LNG liquefaction and regasification terminal infrastructure solutions for harsh weather locations, which represent a significant addressable market for bottom-fixed, gravity based (“GBS”) liquefaction and floating storage regasification units, as well as associated green and blue hydrogen, ammonia and power projects. Through this approach, Crown aims to provide lower carbon sources of energy securely to under-served markets across the globe. Visit www.crownlng.com/investors for more information.

    Forward-Looking Information and Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “future,” “outlook,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. They involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release and on current expectations of Crown’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Crown. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements could include changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    Crown LNG Contacts

    Investors
    Caldwell Bailey
    ICR, Inc.
    CrownLNGIR@icrinc.com

    Media
    Zach Gorin
    ICR, Inc.
    CrownLNGPR@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ECN Capital Schedules Q4-2024 Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ECN Capital Corp. (TSX: ECN) (“ECN Capital” or “the Company”) announced today that it intends to file its financial statements and management discussion and analysis for the three-month period and full year ended December 31, 2024, after markets close on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

    The Company will host an analyst briefing to discuss these results commencing at 5:30 PM (ET) on Thursday, February 27, 2025. The call can be accessed as follows:

    A telephone replay of the conference call may also be accessed until March 27, 2025, by dialing 1-800-645-7964 and entering the passcode 5036#.

    About ECN Capital Corp.

    With managed assets of US$6.7 billion, ECN Capital Corp. (TSX: ECN) is a leading provider of business services to North American based banks, credit unions, life insurance companies, pension funds and institutional investors (collectively our “Partners”). ECN Capital originates, manages and advises on credit assets on behalf of its Partners, specifically consumer (manufactured housing and recreational vehicle and marine) loans and commercial (inventory finance and rental) loans. Our Partners are seeking high quality assets to match with their deposits, term insurance or other liabilities. These services are offered through two operating segments: (i) Manufactured Housing Finance, and (ii) Recreational Vehicles and Marine Finance.

    Contact

    Katherine Moradiellos
    561-631-8739
    kmoradiellos@ecncapitalcorp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Zayo Achieves Record-breaking 1 Tb/s Transmission on Live North American Network with Infinera’s ICE7 Coherent Optical Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER and SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zayo and Infinera (NASDAQ: INFN) announced today the successful completion of a live network trial using Infinera’s ICE7, a seventh-generation embedded optical engine, to deliver 1 Tb/s single 150GHz wavelength transmission over 1,391 kilometers (km) on a major North American route between Sacramento, CA and Salt Lake City. This achievement will enable Zayo to deliver a record-setting 32 terabits of C-Band capacity across this link, with the ability to double bandwidth to 64 terabits with L-Band. Powered by Infinera’s innovative ICE7 optical engine, this trial signals a major industry milestone, demonstrating the power and ability of Infinera’s ICE7 and Zayo’s state-of-the-art network to rapidly and cost-effectively address the increasing capacity demands of AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise needs.

    Zayo operates the largest independent network, spanning 132,000 route miles in North America alone, and one of the largest and most modern 400G networks in North America. The success of the trial demonstrates Zayo’s ability to seamlessly integrate innovative new solutions like Infinera’s ICE7 optical engine into its industry-leading network to deliver the highest capacity, speed, and efficiency to meet the growing demands of its customers.

    Infinera’s ICE7 optical engine features a 5-nm CMOS DSP and leverages the latest generation of advanced high-speed optics to deliver high-baud-rate (140+ Gbaud) and single-wavelength transmission of up to 1.2 Tb/s, highlighting the improved capacity-reach and significantly reduced cost per bit, power consumption, and footprint of coherent optical transport.

    “With the rapid growth in capacity needs due to high-bandwidth applications like AI, Zayo actively seeks innovative solutions to deliver superior performance of our network by increasing capacity, capability, and reach. This successful test highlights how Zayo’s network is, and will continue to be, well positioned to easily meet increasing customer demands,” said Aaron Werley, SVP of Engineering at Zayo. “We are pleased with the performance of Infinera’s ICE7 optical engine. Technology like this that can easily integrate into our existing infrastructure is critical to Zayo’s mission to expand and create capacity across North America in support of our customers’ critical connectivity needs.”

    “The success of this trial marks a major accomplishment for Infinera as it underscores the power of ICE7’s ability to transmit 1 Tb/s high-baud-rate signals across a significant distance, which will be instrumental in driving down network operator costs while meeting the rapidly growing bandwidth demands of their customers,” said Paul Crann, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Optical Systems, at Infinera.

    Infinera Media Contact:
    Anna Vue
    Tel. +1 (916) 595-8157
    avue@infinera.com

    Infinera Investors Contact:
    Amitabh Passi, Head of Investor Relations
    Tel. +1 (669) 295-1489
    apassi@infinera.com

    Zayo Media Contact:
    Bree Wood
    press@zayo.com

    About Zayo
    For more than 17 years, Zayo has empowered some of the world’s largest and most innovative companies to connect what’s next for their business. The Zayo group of companies connects 400 global markets with future-ready networks that span over 18.7 million fiber miles and 146,000 route miles. Zayo’s tailored connectivity solutions and managed services enable carriers, cloud providers, data centers, schools, and enterprises to deliver exceptional experiences, from core to cloud to edge. Discover how Zayo connects what’s next at www.zayo.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    About Infinera
    Infinera is a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions and advanced optical semiconductors that enable carriers, cloud operators, governments, and enterprises to scale network bandwidth, accelerate service innovation, and automate network operations. Infinera solutions deliver industry-leading economics and performance in long-haul, submarine, data center interconnect, and metro transport applications. To learn more about Infinera, visit www.infinera.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and subscribe for updates.

    Infinera and the Infinera logo are registered trademarks of Infinera Corporation.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the operational, performance and financial benefits of Infinera’s ICE7 optical engine. These statements are not guarantees of results and should not be considered as an indication of future activity or future performance. Actual results may vary materially from these expectations as a result of various risks and uncertainties. Information about these risks and uncertainties, and other risks and uncertainties that affect Infinera’s business, is contained in the risk factors section and other sections of Infinera’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Fiscal Quarter ended September 28, 2024 as filed with the SEC on November 5, 2024, as well as any subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. These reports are available on Infinera’s website at www.infinera.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions, or strategies and can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will,” and “would” or similar words. Infinera assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Solid Power, Inc. Announces Timing of Full Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOUISVILLE, Colo., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solid Power, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDP), a leading developer of solid-state battery technology, today announced that it will release its full year 2024 results after market close on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to be followed by a conference call at 2:30 p.m. MT (4:30 p.m. ET) on the same day.

    The call may be accessed through a live audio webcast on Solid Power’s Investor Relations website at www.solidpowerbattery.com/investor-relations. An audio replay will be available at the same location.

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

    Contacts
    investors@solidpowerbattery.com
    press@solidpowerbattery.com

    Source: Solid Power, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Advanced Flower Capital Provides $15 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility to Story Ohio

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (f/k/a AFC Gamma, Inc.) (Nasdaq:AFCG) (“AFC”) today announced that it has committed and funded a $15 million senior secured credit facility to Story of Ohio LLC, the Ohio subsidiary of Story Companies (“Story”), a privately held multi-state operator of cannabis cultivation and retail facilities. Story intends to use the proceeds from the loan to acquire and build out dispensaries in Ohio.

    “We are pleased to support Story as it continues to expand its operations in Ohio,” said Daniel Neville, AFC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Story is one of the top private multi-state cannabis operators, led by a team of serial entrepreneurs who have consistently executed in a volatile cannabis market. We are excited to continue to support Story’s expansion.”

    Jason Vedadi, CEO of Story, commented, “We are pleased to once again partner with AFC to support Story’s expansion into a new state market. Dan Neville and his team understand the complexities of the cannabis industry, and their strategic approach aligns well with our vision for growth. This partnership enables Story to identify and capitalize on key market opportunities, and we look forward to continued success together.”

    AFC will hold the entire credit facility, which consists of a first-lien term loan secured by all of Story of Ohio LLC’s assets, including the value of its cannabis licenses and its owned real estate in both Ohio and Georgia, which is initially included as additional collateral. AFC Agent LLC served as agent for this transaction.

    About Advanced Flower Capital

    Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCG) is a leading commercial mortgage REIT that provides institutional loans to state-law compliant cannabis operators in the U.S. Through the management team’s deep network and significant credit and cannabis expertise, AFC originates, structures, underwrites and manages loans ranging from $10 million to over $100 million, typically secured by quality real estate assets, license value and cash flows. It is based in West Palm Beach, Florida. For additional information regarding the company, please visit https://advancedflowercapital.com/.

    About Story Companies

    Story Companies is an emerging American Multi State Operator (MSO) in the fast-growing cannabis industry. Its core strategy is to develop and acquire vertically integrated cannabis assets in states which it believes have high profit margins, steep growth curves and which have recently, or are expected to soon, permit adult-use sales of cannabis. Story solves inherent risks in cannabis investing by bringing successful business and operational management expertise, access to capital, and proven integrity to the cannabis opportunity set. Story seeks to build its portfolio quickly and efficiently across multiple states and roll up the assets into a unified, branded company that will successfully compete with the largest MSOs.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect the company’s current views and projections with respect to, among other things, market expansion and borrower activity and growth initiatives. All statements, other than historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” “will,” “intends,” “plans,” “guidance,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” and “future” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions and are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results. Certain factors, risks and uncertainties discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in AFC’s most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings, could cause actual results and performance to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Advanced Flower Capital
    Robyn Tannenbaum
    561-510-2293
    ir@advancedflowercapital.com

    Media Contact

    Profile Advisors
    Rich Myers & Rachel Goun
    347-774-1125
    srt@profileadvisors.com    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Allegro MicroSystems to Present at Morgan Stanley’s Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 4, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MANCHESTER, N.H., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (“Allegro”) (Nasdaq: ALGM), a global leader in power and sensing semiconductor solutions for motion control and energy efficient systems, today announced that the company will present at Morgan Stanley’s Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at The Palace Hotel in San Francisco, CA. Derek D’Antilio, EVP and Chief Financial Officer, is scheduled to participate in a fireside chat at 7:45 AM PT.

    A live and archived webcast of the fireside chat will be available on the Investor Relations page of the company’s website at www.allegromicro.com.

    About Allegro MicroSystems
    Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is leveraging more than three decades of expertise in magnetic sensing and power ICs, to propel automotive, clean energy and industrial automation forward with solutions that enhance efficiency, performance and sustainability. Allegro’s commitment to quality drives transformation across industries, reinforcing our status as a pioneer in “automotive grade” technology and a partner in our customers’ success. 

    Contact: Jalene Hoover
    VP of IR & Corporate Communications
    Phone: +1 512 751 6526
    jhoover@allegromicro.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Consolidated net sales of $485.7 million, an increase of 3% to the prior year
    • Energy Systems and Distribution net sales increased 5% and 6%, respectively, while Water Systems net sales were flat
    • Operating income was $43.0 million with operating margin of 8.9%
    • GAAP fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.72

    Full Year 2024 Highlights

    • Consolidated net sales of $2.0 billion, a decrease of 2% to the prior year
    • Distribution net sales increased 2%, while Water Systems and Energy Systems net sales decreased 2% and 8%, respectively
    • Operating income was $243.6 million with operating margin of 12.1%
    • GAAP fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.86
    • Cash flows from operating activities were $261.4 million

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. today announced its fourth quarter and full year financial results for fiscal year 2024.

    Fourth quarter 2024 net sales were $485.7 million, compared to fourth quarter 2023 net sales of $473.0 million. Fourth quarter 2024 operating income was $43.0 million, compared to fourth quarter 2023 operating income of $50.8 million. Fourth quarter 2024 EPS was $0.72, versus EPS in the fourth quarter 2023 of $0.82.

    Full year 2024 net sales were $2.0 billion, compared to full year 2023 net sales of $2.1 billion. Full year 2024 operating income was $243.6 million, compared to full year 2023 operating income of $262.4 million. Full year 2024 EPS was $3.86, versus EPS in the full year 2023 of $4.11.

    “The fourth quarter marked a solid finish to a challenging year. Our results were driven by strong performance in our newly renamed Energy Systems segment. While we have worked through the elevated post-COVID backlogs at this time, underlying demand remains healthy, and we continue to execute on productivity initiatives as we align our businesses with the more normalized environment,” commented Joe Ruzynski, Franklin Electric’s CEO.

    “Our resiliency is supported by the breadth of our global portfolio, which has proven to be a strategic asset as we closed out a year shaped by macroeconomic pressures. Order trends have improved, and with the support of a very healthy balance sheet, we are well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the year ahead. In 2025, our focus turns to driving revenue growth and margin expansion as we accelerate innovation and growth,” concluded Mr. Ruzynski.

    Segment Summaries

    Water Systems net sales were $279.6 million in the fourth quarter, flat compared to the fourth quarter 2023. Results were driven by higher sales of groundwater products, water treatment products and all other surface products. These sales increases were offset by lower sales of large dewatering pumps, which had a record fourth quarter last year. Water Systems operating income in the fourth quarter 2024 was $35.6 million. Fourth quarter 2023 Water Systems operating income was $44.1 million.

    Distribution net sales were $157.2 million, an increase of $9.2 million or 6 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2023. Sales increases were driven by higher volumes and the incremental impact from a recent acquisition. The Distribution segment operating income in the fourth quarter 2024 was $0.5 million. Fourth quarter 2023 Distribution operating income was $1.0 million.

    Energy Systems net sales were $68.8 million in the fourth quarter 2024, an increase of $3.1 million or 5 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2023. Sales increases were driven by higher volumes and price realization. Energy Systems operating income in the fourth quarter 2024 was a record for any fourth quarter at $24.7 million. Fourth quarter 2023 Energy Systems operating income was $19.4 million. The Company has changed the name of the Fueling Systems segment to Energy Systems to reflect its diverse portfolio and growth strategy, as well as to better reflect the markets and customers served by the segment.

    Cash Flow

    The Company ended 2024 with a cash balance of $220.5 million, an increase of $135.5 million compared to the end of 2023. Net cash flows from operating activities for 2024 were $261.4 million versus $315.7 million in the same period in 2023. Cash flow in 2023 benefitted from actions the Company took to improve working capital including inventory reductions as its supply chain resiliency and lead times improved during the year.

    2024 Guidance

    The Company expects its full year 2025 sales including the impact of its recently announced acquisitions to be in the range of $2.09 billion to $2.15 billion and full year 2025 EPS to be in the range of $4.05 to $4.25.

    Earnings Conference Call

    A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The fourth quarter 2024 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/9jnstij5

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer portion of the call, please register for the call at the link below.

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI4b232e4ceea6435ba8f046e92e18e563

    All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

    A replay of the conference call will be available from Tuesday, February 18, 2025, through 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, by visiting the listen-only webcast link above.

    Forward Looking Statements

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases,  raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    About Franklin Electric

    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be named in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies and Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024 and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    Franklin Electric Contact:

    Jeffery L. Taylor
    Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
    InvestorRelations@fele.com

     
    FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
                   
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)              
                   
      Fourth Quarter Ended   Fiscal Year End
      December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
                   
    Net sales $ 485,745     $ 472,970     $ 2,021,341     $ 2,065,133  
                   
    Cost of sales   321,505       312,961       1,304,061       1,368,125  
                   
    Gross profit   164,240       160,009       717,280       697,008  
                   
    Selling, general, and administrative expenses   117,846       108,825       470,136       433,476  
                   
    Restructuring expense   3,360       356       3,499       1,091  
                   
    Operating income   43,034       50,828       243,645       262,441  
                   
    Interest expense   (1,339 )     (1,481 )     (6,319 )     (11,790 )
    Other income, net   630       1,831       1,339       3,696  
    Foreign exchange expense, net   (1,590 )     (4,026 )     (6,818 )     (12,124 )
                   
    Income before income taxes   40,735       47,152       231,847       242,223  
                   
    Income tax expense   6,443       8,322       50,238       47,489  
                   
    Net income $ 34,292     $ 38,830     $ 181,609     $ 194,734  
                   
    Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (637 )     (281 )     (1,300 )     (1,462 )
                   
    Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. $ 33,655     $ 38,549     $ 180,309     $ 193,272  
                   
    Income per share:              
    Basic $ 0.73     $ 0.83     $ 3.92     $ 4.17  
    Diluted $ 0.72     $ 0.82     $ 3.86     $ 4.11  
                   
    FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
           
    (In thousands)      
           
      December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023
    ASSETS      
           
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 220,540     $ 84,963  
    Receivables (net)   226,826       222,418  
    Inventories   483,875       508,696  
    Other current assets   32,950       37,718  
    Total current assets   964,191       853,795  
           
    Property, plant, and equipment, net   223,566       229,739  
    Lease right-of-use Assets, net   62,637       57,014  
    Goodwill and other assets   570,212       587,574  
    Total assets $ 1,820,606     $ 1,728,122  
           
           
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
           
    Accounts payable $ 157,046     $ 152,419  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   139,989       104,949  
    Current lease liability   18,878       17,316  
    Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings   117,814       12,355  
    Total current liabilities   433,727       287,039  
           
    Long-term debt   11,622       88,056  
    Long-term lease liability   43,304       38,549  
    Income taxes payable non-current   –       4,837  
    Deferred income taxes   10,193       29,461  
    Employee benefit plans   29,808       35,973  
    Other long-term liabilities   22,118       33,914  
     
    Redeemable noncontrolling interest   1,224       1,145  
           
    Total equity   1,268,610       1,209,148  
    Total liabilities and equity $ 1,820,606     $ 1,728,122  
           
    FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (Unaudited)
    (In thousands)      
           
      2024   2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net income $ 181,609     $ 194,734  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:      
    Depreciation and amortization   56,073       52,260  
    Non-cash lease expense   21,438       18,852  
    Share-based compensation   12,061       10,133  
    Other   (13,327 )     10,259  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:      
    Receivables   (17,045 )     19,150  
    Inventory   10,889       48,176  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   15,285       (23,085 )
    Operating leases   (21,129 )     (18,874 )
    Income taxes-U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act   (3,870 )     (2,902 )
    Other   19,369       7,007  
           
    Net cash flows from operating activities   261,353       315,710  
           
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Additions to property, plant, and equipment   (41,682 )     (41,415 )
    Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment   1,182       1,494  
    Acquisitions and investments   (5,201 )     (34,831 )
    Other investing activities   73       463  
           
    Net cash flows from investing activities   (45,628 )     (74,289 )
           
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Net change in debt   29,235       (115,529 )
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock   7,204       9,193  
    Purchases of common stock   (61,041 )     (43,332 )
    Dividends paid   (46,876 )     (41,723 )
    Deferred payments for acquisitions   (2,591 )     (802 )
           
    Net cash flows from financing activities   (74,069 )     (192,193 )
           
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (6,079 )     (10,055 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents   135,577       39,173  
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   84,963       45,790  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 220,540     $ 84,963  
           

    Key Performance Indicators: Net Sales Summary

      Net Sales For the Fourth Quarter
      United
    States    		 Latin Europe,
    Middle    		 Asia Total        
    (in millions) & Canada America East & Africa Pacific Water Energy** Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
                       
    Q4 2023 $161.2   $46.6   $45.5   $26.3   $279.6   $65.7   $148.0   ($20.3 ) $473.0  
    Q4 2024 $158.5   $44.3   $49.7   $27.1   $279.6   $68.8   $157.2   ($19.9 ) $485.7  
    Change ($2.7 ) ($2.3 ) $4.2   $0.8   $0.0   $3.1   $9.2   $0.4   $12.7  
    % Change   -2 %   -5 %   9 %   3 %   0 %   5 %   6 %     3 %
                       
    Foreign currency translation, net* ($0.4 ) ($5.5 ) ($0.8 ) ($0.8 ) ($7.5 ) $0.0   $0.0     ($7.5 )
    % Change   0 %   -12 %   -2 %   -3 %   -3 %   0 %   0 %     2 %
                       
    Acquisitions $3.1   $0.0   $0.0   $0.0   $3.1   $0.0   $4.0     $7.1  
    % Change   2 %   0 %   0 %   0 %   1 %   0 %   3 %     2 %
                       
    Volume/Price ($5.4 ) $3.2   $5.0   $1.6   $4.4   $3.1   $5.2   $0.4   $13.1  
    % Change   -3 %   7 %   11 %   6 %   2 %   5 %   4 %   -2 %   3 %
                       
      Net Sales For the Full Year
      United
    States    		 Latin Europe,
    Middle    		 Asia Total        
    (in millions) & Canada America East & Africa Pacific Water Energy** Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
                       
    FY 2023 $744.4   $174.2   $198.3   $86.8   $1,203.7   $296.5   $673.3   ($108.4 ) $2,065.1  
    FY 2024 $708.5   $170.9   $211.4   $93.2   $1,184.0   $273.7   $685.5   ($121.9 ) $2,021.3  
    Change ($35.9 ) ($3.3 ) $13.1   $6.4   ($19.7 ) ($22.8 ) $12.2   ($13.5 ) ($43.8 )
    % Change   -5 %   -2 %   7 %   7 %   -2 %   -8 %   2 %     -2 %
                       
    Foreign currency translation, net* ($0.9 ) ($9.7 ) ($6.3 ) ($2.4 ) ($19.3 ) $0.0   $0.0     ($19.3 )
    % Change   0 %   -6 %   -3 %   -3 %   -2 %   0 %   0 %     -1 %
                       
    Acquisitions $17.6   $0.0   $0.0   $0.0   $17.6   $0.0   $17.1     $34.7  
    % Change   2 %   0 %   0 %   0 %   1 %   0 %   3 %     2 %
                       
    Volume/Price ($52.6 ) $6.4   $19.4   $8.8   ($18.0 ) ($22.8 ) ($4.9 ) ($13.5 ) ($59.2 )
    % Change   -7 %   4 %   10 %   10 %   -1 %   -8 %   -1 %   12 %   -3 %
                       

    *The Company has presented local currency price increases used to offset currency devaluation in the Argentina and Turkey hyperinflationary economies within the foreign currency translation, net row above.
    ** Recognizing the Company’s diverse portfolio and growth strategy, it renamed its Fueling Systems segment to Energy Systems to better reflect the markets and customers served by this business.

    Key Performance Indicators: Operating Income and Margin Summary

    Operating Income and Margins          
    (in millions) For the Fourth Quarter 2024
      Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
    Operating Income / (Loss) $ 35.6   $ 24.7   $ 0.5   $ (17.8 ) $ 43.0  
    % Operating Income To Net Sales   12.7 %   35.9 %   0.3 %     8.9 %
               
    Operating Income and Margins          
    (in millions) For the Fourth Quarter 2023
      Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
    Operating Income / (Loss) $ 44.1   $ 19.4   $ 1.0   $ (13.7 ) $ 50.8  
    % Operating Income To Net Sales   15.8 %   29.5 %   0.7 %     10.7 %
               
    Operating Income and Margins          
    (in millions) For the Full Year of 2024
      Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
    Operating Income / (Loss) $ 197.9   $ 93.6   $ 24.3   $ (72.2 ) $ 243.6  
    % Operating Income To Net Sales   16.7 %   34.2 %   3.5 %     12.1 %
               
    Operating Income and Margins          
    (in millions) For the Full Year of 2023
      Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
    Operating Income / (Loss) $ 196.6   $ 92.7   $ 34.3   $ (61.2 ) $ 262.4  
    % Operating Income To Net Sales   16.3 %   31.3 %   5.1 %     12.7 %
               

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Marc Pinto Named Global Head of Private Credit for Moody’s Ratings

    Source: Moody’s

    Headline: Marc Pinto Named Global Head of Private Credit for Moody’s Ratings

    NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) today announced that Marc Pinto has been named Global Head of Private Credit for Moody’s Ratings. Mr. Pinto will lead research and rating initiatives on private credit across the ratings agency and continue to co-head the Insurance team globally.

    (Photo: Business Wire)

    “By leveraging his extensive industry and leadership experience, Marc will play a critical role in further expanding our robust analytical capabilities, enhancing our market experience and driving our private credit strategy forward,” said Michael West, President of Moody’s Ratings. “Marc’s in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry will be key to our thought leadership as the ties between asset managers and insurance deepen.”

    As part of his new role, Mr. Pinto will promote engagement across Moody’s financial institutions, corporate finance, and structured finance rating groups while enhancing expertise in growth areas of the private credit industry including fund finance, private asset-backed securities (ABS), and privately placed investment-grade corporate assets, among others.

    Mr. Pinto has held a series of analytical leadership roles of increasing scope and responsibility at Moody’s, including Global Head of Funds & Asset Management and Chief Credit Policy Officer for North American banks.

    Mr. Pinto is a Chartered Financial Analyst and an alumnus of Columbia Business School and Trinity College (Connecticut).

    About Moody’s Corporation

    In a world shaped by increasingly interconnected risks, Moody’s (NYSE: MCO) data, insights, and innovative technologies help customers develop a holistic view of their world and unlock opportunities. With a rich history of experience in global markets and a diverse workforce of approximately 16,000 across more than 40 countries, Moody’s gives customers the comprehensive perspective needed to act with confidence and thrive. Learn more at moodys.com.

    Source: Moody’s Corporation Investor Relations

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Maestro Raises $3M in Seed Funding to Propel the Bitcoin DeFi Revolution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure transforms Bitcoin from a store of value into a decentralized financial ecosystem

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Maestro, the first enterprise-grade infrastructure provider designed from the ground up for Bitcoin DeFi, today announced the successful close of its $3 million seed funding round. Co-led by Wave Digital Assets and Draper Associates—with participation from UTXO Management, Bitcoin Frontier Fund, Draper Dragon, and Necto Labs—the capital injection will accelerate Maestro’s mission to enable businesses, financial institutions, and even nation-states to seamlessly interface with the emerging Bitcoin financial system.

    “I believe the Bitcoin economy will be a catalyst for global economic empowerment, transforming how people interact with money on every level. Maestro provides the critical infrastructure needed for this digital financial revolution. I’m thrilled to lead this seed round and support a future where Bitcoin empowers communities worldwide.” — Tim Draper, Founder of Draper Associates

    Maestro stands at the forefront of Bitcoin Defi, pioneering UTXO-based infrastructure services that simplify the complex process of building Bitcoin-native financial applications. Maestro offers high-performance APIs, powerful developer tooling, and innovative solutions such as mempool metaprotocol indexing that enables real-time onchain insights. Maestro is laying the foundation for a decentralized financial ecosystem reminiscent of the transformative impact cloud providers like AWS had on the Web2 technology sector.

    “With this seed round, we’re not just raising capital—we’re igniting a movement to unlock Bitcoin’s full potential as a financial system,” said Marvin Bertin, CEO at Maestro. “Our vision is to redefine how tech companies and enterprises interact with Bitcoin, moving it beyond a digital store of value to a dynamic, programmable platform for decentralized finance. We are running the infrastructure that will power the blockchain economy of tomorrow. ”

    How Maestro is fueling a financial transformation by empowering the Bitcoin ecosystem:

    • An All-In-One Blockchain Infrastructure Platform: Last year Maestro released a state-of-the-art UTXO indexing platform taylor-made for the needs of Defi on Bitcoin. This year, Maestro is onboarding top protocols across all Defi segments: crypto wallets, decentralized exchanges, and lending protocols that will onboard millions to Bitcoin.
    • Bridging Traditional and Decentralized Finance: Maestro’s technology overcomes longstanding barriers, such as poor developer tooling, delivering a user experience that empowers both innovative startups and enterprises to build scalable financial products directly on Bitcoin’s base layer.
    • Ecosystem Partnerships: The company is forging strategic alliances across the Bitcoin landscape. For example, a collaboration with Arch Network to enable Bitcoin contract programmability via a parallel execution layer. Another example is Saturn leveraging Maestro to launch the first AMM DEX on Bitcoin L1, enabling a trustless high-frequency trading experience

    “Saturn and Maestro are redefining what’s possible on the base layer of Bitcoin, delivering a user experience that feels like sub-1-second transactions. It’s about bringing unparalleled efficiency and usability to Bitcoin’s foundation, setting a new standard for decentralized trading,” noted Saturn.

    Maestro’s technology is already making significant inroads into the broader Bitcoin ecosystem. By providing the blockchain infrastructure needed to catalyze what many are calling the first “DeFi Summer” on Bitcoin. The company’s innovative approach not only enhances Bitcoin’s utility but also paves the way for traditional financial institutions to leverage Bitcoin’s $2 trillion market cap to power a new generation of financial services.

    “At Wave, we like to invest in critical infrastructure that powers the future of blockchain adoption. Maestro is solving one of the biggest bottlenecks in crypto—building developer-friendly infrastructure for UTXO chains like Bitcoin and Cardano. Their platform provides scalable APIs that dramatically accelerates development for dApp builders. This is the kind of foundational innovation that moves the entire ecosystem forward. We’re excited to back Maestro as they continue to push the boundaries of blockchain infrastructure and enable the next generation of builders.” – David Siemer, CEO at Wave Digital Assets

    The $3 million raised in this seed round underscores the investment community’s support for Maestro’s vision and technological expertise. With the backing of industry-leading investors, Maestro is well-positioned to accelerate the transition of Bitcoin from a mere store of value to a vibrant, blockchain-native financial ecosystem that is secure, scalable, and accessible to all communities around the globe.

    For more information about Maestro visit www.gomaestro.org.

    About Maestro
    Maestro is the first enterprise-grade infrastructure provider tailor-made for Bitcoin DeFi. Its mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to the Bitcoin Economy by delivering a comprehensive, scalable infrastructure stack optimized for UTXO-based decentralized finance. By empowering developers with robust tools and APIs, Maestro is setting a new standard for how financial applications are built on Bitcoin—fueling the evolution of a decentralized, blockchain-native financial system.

    Press Contact:
    Marvin Bertin
    CEO
    Email: mbertin@gomaestro.org
    TG: @MarvinDefi

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bca2c1f4-5537-427c-af2d-061673b04da5

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ce65303-5cea-48d5-a9a8-6b5beacf14a7

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24e9ec4d-30f7-4978-91a9-7939d5ba34f8

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Inception Growth Acquisition Limited Announces Additional Contribution to Trust Account to Extend Business Combination Period

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inception Growth Acquisition Limited (NASDAQ: IGTA, the “Company”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, announced today that on February 12, 2025, the Company deposited $11,199.60 into the Company’s trust account (the “Trust Account”)  in order to extend the period of time the Company has to complete a business combination for an additional one (1) month period, from February 13, 2025 to March 13, 2025. The purpose of the extension is to provide additional time for the Company to complete a business combination.

    About Inception Growth Acquisition Limited

    Inception Growth Acquisition Limited is a blank check company incorporated under the laws of Delaware whose business purpose is to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. 

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements, including the successful consummation of the Company’s initial public offering, are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    Contact

    Inception Growth Acquisition Limited
    Investor Relationship Department
    (315) 636-6638

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Beamr Strengthens Partnership with AWS by Joining AWS ISV Accelerate: a Global Co-Sell Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    “Our partnership with AWS is strategic to Beamr’s growth, and joining the ISV Accelerate program represents a significant milestone in our cloud strategy,” said Beamr CEO, Sharon Carmel

    Herzliya Israel, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beamr Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: BMR), a leader in video optimization technology and solutions, today announced it has joined the AWS ISV Accelerate program, a global co-sell initiative for Amazon Web Services (AWS) partners. As an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) in the program, Beamr demonstrates strong alignment with AWS’s go-to-market strategies and initiatives. Beamr had progressed from listing on AWS Marketplace to becoming an ISV Accelerate member in just three months.

    “Our partnership with AWS is strategic to Beamr’s growth, and joining the ISV Accelerate program represents a significant milestone in our cloud strategy,” said Beamr CEO, Sharon Carmel. “As businesses and organizations across various industries face growing video operations challenges, this enhanced collaboration with AWS will allow us to deliver our innovative GPU-accelerated solutions to a global customer base more effectively,” Carmel added.

    The AWS ISV program offers key benefits to drive visibility and co-selling opportunities. By joining, Beamr can expand sales operations through the AWS sales organization and the AWS Marketplace, driving increased growth for Beamr Cloud – the video optimization service that is seamlessly connected with AWS S3 cloud storage service. For example, AWS Account Managers are eligible for incentives when selling Beamr Cloud through AWS Marketplace. They also gain exposure to ISVs through solution partner recommendation engines.

    ISVs like Beamr benefit from focused co-sell support and resources, including access to training, workshops, and technical certifications to enhance collaboration and market success. Beamr Cloud offers scalable optimization of large video libraries, automatic upgrade to the high-performance AV1 video format (AOMedia Video 1), efficient and cost-effective video enrichment with AI-driven capabilities, in tandem with video transcoding, and other advanced video operations.

    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 https://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 –

  • MIL-OSI: Lantronix Expands Latin American Market Reach Through Strategic Partnership With Ion LATAM

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader of compute and connectivity for IoT solutions enabling AI Edge Intelligence, today announced a strategic partnership with Ion LATAM, a premier sales and marketing manufacturer’s representative organization covering Mexico, Central America and South America. Designed to broaden Lantronix’s market presence in Latin America, this relationship will expand access of its cutting-edge IoT and AI Edge solutions to the companies’ mutual customers.

    “We are pleased to add Ion LATAM to our network of trusted partners and are excited about growing our business in Latin America in response to the increasing demand for secure, reliable IoT solutions,” said Kurt Hoff, VP of Global Sales & Marketing at Lantronix. “This relationship represents a significant milestone in Lantronix’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative products and services throughout Latin America and the world at large.”

    Under this agreement, Ion LATAM will promote Lantronix’s comprehensive IoT and intelligence edge product portfolio and will also provide expert technical support to customers in Latin America. By leveraging Ion LATAM’s deep industry expertise and customer relationships, the alliance is poised to accelerate the adoption of Lantronix’s innovative solutions across Mexico, Central America and South America.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Lantronix,” said Toby Lasley, president of Ion LATAM. “As a manufacturer representative, we see immense value in offering Lantronix’s world-class IoT and AI Edge Intelligent products,, engineering services and AI-powered Out-of-Band solutions to our customers. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver leading-edge technology to our markets.”

    About Lantronix

    Lantronix Inc. is a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth markets, including Smart Cities, Enterprise and Transportation. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to succeed in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that enable AI Edge Intelligence. Lantronix’s advanced solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing.

    For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements related to Lantronix leadership. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, future business, financial condition, or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other outbreaks, wars and recent tensions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, or other factors; future responses to and effects of public health crises; cybersecurity risks; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 9, 2024, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of that report, as well as in our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in our future filings. In addition, actual results may differ as a result of additional risks and uncertainties of which we are currently unaware or which we do not currently view as material to our business. For these reasons, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date on which they are made. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations, except as required by applicable law or the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. If we do update or correct any forward-looking statements, investors should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections.

    ©2025 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

    Lantronix Media Contact:
    Gail Kathryn Miller
    Corporate Marketing &
    Communications Manager
    media@lantronix.com

    Lantronix Analyst and Investor Contact:
    investors@lantronix.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Vetty Names Industry Expert Jason Putnam as CEO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vetty, the one-stop shop hiring acceleration platform, today announced that Jason Putnam has joined the company as CEO, effective immediately. The appointment marks a new phase in Vetty’s continued expansion, with the company accelerating growth at 78 percent year over year while maintaining high customer satisfaction ratings. Putnam succeeds Reddy Karri, who will remain with the organization as an advisor.

    Krishna Kunapuli, CEO & General Partner at 3Lines Venture Capital, commented, “Jason is the ideal leader for where Vetty is in its journey, combining a knowledge of the industry and the technology with an understanding of this customers’ unique needs. This will allow Jason to assess new areas of opportunity quickly.”

    Bringing more than 25 years of experience to the role, Putnam will set the strategic vision and direction for the next chapter of Vetty. Renowned for his ability to scale businesses, Putnam most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer at Plum, the revolutionary talent assessment platform and before that, as Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Enterprise Business Unit of PandoLogic, where he increased its business pipeline 6X and helped manage the company’s acquisition by Veritone. Throughout Putnam’s career, he has repeatedly grown businesses to successful exits, holding strategic positions at BountyJobs (since acquired by Recruiter.com), Noesis Financing (acquired by LeaseQ), Oodle (acquired by QVC), Jobfox (acquired by Doostang) and KnowledgeStorm (acquired by TechTarget).

    “Jason’s career speaks for itself, and he brings a wealth of experience in our category and a proven track record of success to Vetty,” said Subrat Nayak, company Founder, Chief Product Officer & Executive Chairman. “He knows what it will take for Vetty to continue delivering an exceptional product as we expand our customer base – and will ensure we do.”

    “Joining the Vetty team is an incredible opportunity, given what the company offers and where the industry is right now,” said Putnam. “Having spent most of my career in HR and recruiting technology, I have watched its evolution firsthand. What Vetty offers is unlike other platforms I’ve seen, from the product sophistication to the depth of partnerships and integrations, making this the perfect moment to join the team and bring Vetty to a wider audience.”

    ABOUT VETTY
    Vetty is a one-stop shop hiring acceleration platform where companies can expeditiously complete their screening, credentialing, hiring and onboarding of prospective candidates. Companies count on Vetty to accelerate the time from offer to active and deliver hard ROI. Learn more at https://vetty.co.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb634b74-eabe-4b8a-9470-2f95843b2d89

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental To Release Fourth Quarter Earnings and Host Conference Call on February 25

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ADDISON, Texas, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, today announced that it will report its fourth quarter 2024 financial results on February 25, 2025, premarket. The Company will also host its earnings call starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. CT). The Company’s financial results and presentation will be posted on its website at www.cecoenviro.com.

    The details for the webcast are:

    When: Tuesday, February 25 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time

    Where: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wr6yr8ri

    How: Live over the internet – Simply log on to the web at the address above

    Register to receive the dial-in info and a unique pin:   https://register.vevent.com/register/BI2af3a0a59cc347e5a9441f654aff6aed

    A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the live webcast has concluded.

    ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
    CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets globally through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications in power generation, petrochemical processing, refining, midstream gas transport and treatment, electric vehicle and battery production, metals and mineral processing, polysilicon production, battery recycling, beverage can production, and produced and oily water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other industrial applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Addison, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

    Company Contact:
    Peter Johansson
    Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
    888-990-6670
            
    Investor Relations Contact:
    Steven Hooser and Jean Marie Young
    Three Part Advisors
    214-872-2710
    Investor.Relations@OneCECO.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon will hold an Investor Conference Webinar to introduce the results for Q1-Q4 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Baltic Horizon Fund invites unitholders, investors, analysts and other stakeholders to join its investor conference webinar, scheduled on 25 February 2025 at 13:00 PM (CET) or 14:00 PM (EET).

    The webinar will be hosted by Tarmo Karotam, the Fund Manager of Baltic Horizon Fund. Q&A session will follow after the presentation. Due to limited webinar time, we encourage participants to send their questions no later than one day before the webinar to tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com.

    To join the webinar, please register via the following link: https://nasdaq.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vEnjKPnnQJm5QdqH6sTMfQ

    You will be provided with the webinar link and instructions how to join successfully. When joining the webinar for the first time, you will be asked to download the plug-in which will take only few seconds. In case plug-in can’t be downloaded, a web browser which enables attending the webinar, opens automatically. The registration is open until 25 February at 12:00 PM (CET)/ 13:00 PM (EET).

    Registered participants will receive a reminder e-mail one hour prior to the webinar. The webinar will be recorded and available online for everyone at the company’s website on www.baltichorizon.com and on Nasdaq Baltic youtube.com account.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Transocean Ltd. Announces CEO Succession Plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) today announced its plan for key leadership changes pursuant to the company’s multi-year succession planning strategy. As part of this plan, Keelan Adamson, the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, will become President and Chief Executive Officer following a transition period, which is expected to conclude during the second quarter of 2025. Mr. Adamson will succeed Jeremy Thigpen, who has led Transocean as Chief Executive Officer since 2015. Mr. Adamson is also expected to be nominated to join the Board of Directors at the company’s 2025 annual general meeting of shareholders.

    Mr. Thigpen will continue serving as Chief Executive Officer until Mr. Adamson’s appointment and will continue his service as a member of the company’s Board of Directors through his current term. Thereafter, subject to shareholder approval at the 2025 annual general meeting, Mr. Thigpen is expected to be appointed as Executive Chair of the Board of Directors, and Mr. Chad Deaton, Transocean’s current Chair of the Board, will transition to Lead Independent Director.

    “Keelan is an experienced executive who has a deep understanding of our business, our customers and our industry,” Mr. Deaton said. “Throughout his three decades with Transocean, where his experience has taken him from the drill floor to the executive level, Keelan has helped to shape the foundation of the company and position Transocean for sustained success as the industry’s market leader. This transition represents the culmination of a key part of our multi-year, rigorous and thoughtful succession plan designed to develop internal talent and maintain business and leadership continuity.  Keelan is well-prepared for this opportunity.” 

    Mr. Deaton continued, “On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to recognize and thank Jeremy for leading Transocean through the most challenging market in the history of offshore drilling. He guided Transocean as we transformed our fleet through opportunistic asset transactions, as well as the acquisition of two major competitors; under his leadership, we placed into service the most technologically advanced rigs in the world, including the first 8th generation, 20K drillships. He oversaw the continuation of Transocean’s legacy for leading the industry in innovation, with the application of new technologies that improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of our operations. Jeremy’s contributions and leadership have been recognized and appreciated by the entire industry, and we look forward to his continued work with Transocean as he transitions into his new role.” 

    Mr. Adamson has served as Transocean’s President and Chief Operating Officer since February 2022. Prior to that time, he served as the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer from August 2018 to February 2022, as Senior Vice President, Operations from October 2017 to July 2018, and as Senior Vice President, Operations Integrity and HSE, from June 2015 to October 2017. As part of his responsibilities during this period, Mr. Adamson oversaw the company’s Technical Services team from May 2016 to October 2017. He also served as the company’s Vice President, Human Resources from December 2012 to May 2015, and has held other executive positions with the company, including as the Vice President overseeing Major Capital Projects and Engineering. He joined Transocean in 1995 and has held rig management positions in the United Kingdom, Asia and Africa, sales and marketing leadership roles, and served as the Managing Director for the company’s business in North America, Canada and Trinidad. Mr. Adamson earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from The Queens University of Belfast and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

    “I am honored by and grateful for the opportunity to lead Transocean and its talented and dedicated workforce,” said Mr. Adamson. “With the highest specification fleet in the industry and the unparalleled experience of our offshore crews and shore-based support personnel, we are well-positioned for success. As I work alongside the entire Transocean team as CEO, we will maintain a sharp focus on executing our business strategy – delivering enhanced shareholder value by optimizing operations, safely and efficiently meeting our customers’ objectives and meaningfully reducing our debt. It is an honor to succeed Jeremy, who skillfully guided Transocean through an unprecedented industry downturn and prepared it for the opportunities that we are realizing today.”

    In reflecting on his tenure as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thigpen said, “The trust and support the Board and the entire Transocean team provided during my tenure as CEO helped assemble an impressive team that operates the industry’s most technologically advanced assets, while executing on strategies that preserved and enhanced shareholder value. Transocean is a resilient and strong organization, made stronger by leaders like Keelan whom I have had the pleasure of working closely with for the past decade. Keelan is the right person to lead Transocean as we build upon the company’s position as the leader in offshore drilling.”

    About Transocean

    Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. Transocean specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world.

    Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 34 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 26 ultra-deepwater floaters and eight harsh environment floaters.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements described herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements could contain words such as “possible,” “intend,” “will,” “if,” “expect,” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are beyond our control, and in many cases, cannot be predicted. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, estimated duration of customer contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, the cost and timing of mobilizations and reactivations, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties, the fluctuation of current and future prices of oil and gas, the global and regional supply and demand for oil and gas, the intention to scrap certain drilling rigs, the effects of the spread of and mitigation efforts by governments, businesses and individuals related to contagious illnesses, and other factors, including those and other risks discussed in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the company’s other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. All non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations to the most comparative GAAP measure are displayed in quantitative schedules on the company’s website at: www.deepwater.com. 

    This press release, or referenced documents, do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and do not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”) or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Transocean and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Transocean.

    Analyst Contact:
    Alison Johnson
    +1 713-232-7214

    Media Contact:
    Pam Easton
    +1 713-232-7647

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Releases January 2025 Transparency Report, Showcasing Market Growth and Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has released its January 2025 Transparency Report, highlighting a dynamic start to the year marked by significant growth in trading volumes, platform engagement, and ecosystem innovation.

    Bitget expanded the BGB ecosystem through strategic initiatives, including launching a BGB liquidity pool on Uniswap and a $1.1 million liquidity pool on Bulbaswap following its integration with Morph Chain. These efforts enhance cross-chain compatibility and deepen liquidity, positioning BGB as a strong pillar of the Bitget ecosystem. Additionally, Bitget Research shared a report on 20% of Gen Z and Gen Alpha respondents who are open to incorporating crypto into pension plans, signaling a shift in long-term financial planning preferences toward digital assets.

    January saw the introduction of multiple platform enhancements. Bitget TraderPro Season 4 launched with a 10,000 USDT Grand Prize, enabling traders to test strategies and optimize returns. The HodlerYield service debuted, allowing users to earn passive income by holding USDE and weETH. Bitget Seed, an AI-powered algorithm, was unveiled to identify early-stage Web3 projects, while a strategic integration with Zen streamlined crypto payments across 11 fiat currencies. Bitget also became the first centralized exchange to offer TAO staking, expanding opportunities for users to earn rewards.

    Bitget Wallet strengthened its offerings with a $1 million airdrop for BGB holders, exclusive collaborations with Bitrefill for crypto-powered gift cards, and AI Agent Trading Zone features. The wallet’s limit order support on Base and Solana chains further enhances automated trading capabilities.

    Global engagement efforts included participation in the Crypto XR event in Auxerre, France, attended by over 3,000 enthusiasts, and New Year’s meetups in the Philippines, Vietnam, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Kenya, and other regions. These events fostered deeper connections with users and showcased Bitget’s expanding global footprint.

    Bitget’s January 2025 achievements build on its 2024 momentum, establishing the platform as a top-tier exchange focusing on security, innovation, and accessibility. As the crypto landscape evolves, Bitget remains poised to drive adoption through cutting-edge solutions and strategic partnerships, supporting users in navigating the opportunities and complexities of the digital asset era.

    For the full January 2025 transparency report, visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f7f064f-8f44-40ae-9096-c738e009aaa8

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hyperscale Data Declares Monthly Cash Dividend of $0.2708333 Per Share of 13.00% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.2708333 per share of the Company’s outstanding 13.00% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock. The record date for this dividend is February 28, 2025, and the payment date is Monday, March 10, 2025.

    Link to NYSE quote for the Company’s 13.00% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock: https://www.nyse.com/quote/XASE:GPUSpD

    The Company further announced today that the Board has declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.20833 per share of the Company’s outstanding 10.00% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series E Preferred Stock”). The declared dividend is for the previously deferred dividend for the month ended January 31, 2025. The record date for this dividend is February 28, 2025, and the payment date is Monday, March 10, 2025.

    In addition, the Board has elected not to declare a monthly cash dividend on the Series E Preferred Stock for the month ending February 28, 2025. The certificate of designations for the Series E Preferred Stock permits the Company to defer up to 12 consecutive monthly dividend payments on the Series E Preferred Stock without such deferrals being considered missed. The Company notes that the dividend is a cumulative dividend that accrues for payment in the future.

    For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors, and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

    About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

    Hyperscale Data is transitioning from a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact to becoming solely an owner and operator of data centers to support high performance computing services. Through its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence ecosystems and other industries. It also provides, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc., mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an artificial intelligence software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, Hyperscale Data is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89141; Hyperscale Data, Inc.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8- K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at www.hyperscaledata.com.

    Hyperscale Data Investor Contact:
    IR@hyperscaledata.com or 1-888-753-2235

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Young innovators shine: Meet the finalists of the Verizon Unloc Young Entrepreneurs Challenge

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Young innovators shine: Meet the finalists of the Verizon Unloc Young Entrepreneurs Challenge

    LONDON, U.K. – Five young entrepreneurs have been named as finalists in the latest Young Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC), an initiative launched by Verizon and Unloc.

    The challenge, now in its seventh year, aims to discover the business leaders of tomorrow by tasking young European entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 and 25 to devise a tech-led business idea that addresses a key industry or societal issue.

    This year’s challenge has brought to light a number of business models that tackle current sustainability and healthcare challenges including water restoration robots, biodegradable textiles from kombucha by-products, reforestation hexapod robots, a floating solar solution and a robotic glove for stroke rehabilitation. The team received over 100 competitive and innovative business ideas from a wide range of countries across Europe including the UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Slovakia, Turkey, Portugal, Austria, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Estonia and Poland.

    “Throughout the past seven years, the Young Entrepreneurs Challenge has been a brilliant opportunity to discover young and promising talent across Europe. There is nothing like the imagination and innovation of a young mind. The YEC serves as a platform to help bring their ideas to life,” said Sanjiv Gossain, General Manager and Head of EMEA for Verizon Business.

    “Young entrepreneurs in Europe often face hurdles and scepticism in accessing funding and mentorship. Verizon Business is proud to play a small role in helping this next generation of tech leaders stay a step ahead in the industry, as they work to make a positive impact around the world.”

    “We are in an era where technological innovation is crucial for tackling complex challenges in sustainability, climate change, and health. Investing in the next generation of leaders and their ideas is essential to addressing these issues,” said Hayden Taylor, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Unloc. “Each year, we are amazed by the ingenuity of young entrepreneurs and are impressed to see the innovative ideas submitted for the Young Entrepreneurs Challenge.”

    The five finalists will now compete head-to-head in a grand finale held in March 2025, pitching their business concept live to a panel of expert judges and invited guests representing both the worlds of business and education.

    The winner receives £10,000 (€11,750*), mentorship and a technology support package to help kickstart their business. In addition, the winner will also receive a ticket to attend the Global One Young World 2025 Munich Summit.

    Each runner-up will receive £977 (€1175) to fund their start-up business, a personalised development plan that focuses on key priorities, and access to a series of masterclasses over the next year that will pair the finalists with various industry experts.

    Here are the 2025 finalists:

    Aleksandra Daniljuk – AquaRenew

    Aleksandra aims to address the global environmental crisis of water pollution caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies. Her solution involves small, solar-powered robots that use wire meshes to collect harmful algae blooms, release oxygen through air stones to combat oxygen depletion, and utilise zeolite biofilters to absorb excess nutrients, thereby preventing further eutrophication.

    The key selling point is its self-sustaining business model. The collected algae will be sold to businesses that convert them into biofuels and other sustainable products, creating a revenue stream to fund more robots. This approach not only restores aquatic ecosystems but also fosters sustainability and generates economic value.

    Aleksandra’s solution also aligns with the UN SDG 14: Life Below Water, promoting ecological restoration and sustainability.

    Luisanny Martinez – Skomby by Tex

    Skomby by Tex is a solution to modern challenges in fashion and sustainability that offers a sustainable, biodegradable material made from kombucha fermentation by-products. The eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather and textiles is crafted from bacterial cellulose, offering a lightweight, durable, and unique texture. 

    The material is 100% biodegradable and compostable, and can even be reused as planting capsules. To further enhance the sustainable model of the business, the team uses natural dyes like turmeric, spirulina, and saffron, ensuring no toxic chemicals are involved.

    Skomby by Tex collaborates with local kombucha producers in order to reduce waste and emissions. Luisanny’s long-term vision is to scale production while maintaining low-impact manufacturing practices, such as sun drying and ambient-temperature fermentation.

    Marta Bernardino – Trovador

    The precision reforestation market is projected to reach $9.77 billion by 2033, growing at a 5.74% CAGR, with high demand from the private sector. Recognising a billion-dollar opportunity, Marta developed Trovador, a reforestation robotics company that combats climate change by planting trees in hard-to-reach areas. Unlike drones, which have a low survival rate for seeds, Trovador’s hexapod robots plant saplings with a 90% survival rate. These AI-driven robots navigate challenging terrains like cliffs and slopes, ensuring effective reforestation.

    Trovador’s unique hexapod design preserves essential soil conditions for sapling survival and operates autonomously, overcoming obstacles in real-time. This innovative approach supports sustainability by providing rural communities with a safe, efficient reforestation solution, aligning with several UN Sustainable Development Goals.

    The service is quite simple and self-explanatory: clients select the planting site, the robot is deployed, and reforestation is monitored remotely. With just £2.5 (€3) per tree, Trovador is 30% more affordable than traditional methods, while excelling in speed, safety, and sustainability.

    Sebastiaan Schalkwijk – Solar Sub

    Solar Sub’s floating solar solution revolutionises renewable energy by placing solar panels on water bodies, maximising land use and harnessing natural cooling. This approach enhances system efficiency, increasing energy yield by up to 27% compared to traditional solar systems.

    Solar Sub’s advanced cooling technology and optimal panel positioning improve efficiency and durability, reducing operational costs and extending the lifespan of solar installations. This innovation sets Solar Sub apart from competitors facing issues with panel overheating and degradation.

    Sebastiaan adopts a licensing business model which allows rapid scaling without significant capital investment. This reduces upfront costs and risks, enabling us to focus on strategic partnerships. His model has gained traction with support from key industry players, confirming market interest and feasibility.

    Zain Sumdani – Exoheal

    Exoheal addresses the global shortage of physiotherapists and the inaccessibility of effective therapy with a robotic glove and a machine-learning-powered app. This solution delivers personalised, real-time therapy, enabling stroke recovery from home. Early trials show a 50% improvement in recovery time compared to traditional methods.

    Exoheal app connects patients with hospitals and clinics, allowing remote monitoring and real-time feedback. Its modular design and scalable production ensure affordability and the ability to meet global demand.

    By 2028, Zain and his team aim to transform 100,000 lives, saving governments $178 million in healthcare costs and enabling $16 million in inpatient earnings.

    For more information on the Young Entrepreneurs Challenge visit: youngentrepereneurschallenge.com

    About Unloc

    Unloc was founded in 2013 by award-winning young leaders and advocates Hayden Taylor and Ben Dowling. Our mission is to empower young people to be innovative changemakers who seek to build stronger communities and sustainable businesses. We develop young people’s skills, enhance their potential and boost their determination to succeed. This is encapsulated in our ‘Developing Young Potential’ tagline. We work towards our mission by delivering inspiring educational programmes in our growing network of schools and colleges, our physical Changemaker Studios spaces in Portsmouth and London, and work with business leaders to deliver a range of programmes that help us achieve our mission. For more information about Unloc visit www.unloc.org.uk

    MIL OSI Economics –