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Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Global: Horror movies are as much a mainstay of Halloween as trick or treat − but why are they so bloody?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By James Francis, Jr., Instructional Associate Professor, Texas A&M University

    Horror movies are plentiful in 2024, and plenty bloody. The year has seen the release of films awash in blood, such as “Immaculate,” “The First Omen” and “The Strangers.” With Halloween on the way, bloody offerings are streaming, in theaters and running in marathons on cable.

    Watch them, and you’ll likely notice that as the decades pass, the directors, writers and studio executives of these films seem to produce more and more on-screen blood, violence and gore. But why?

    As a professor of horror studies, I explore the depths of the genre with my students – and for us to understand the evolution of blood in horror cinema, we first consider how films reflect their times.

    Alfred Hitchcock and Michael Powell created proto-slashers with “Psycho” and “Peeping Tom,” respectively. Both films were released in 1960 about four months apart, both feature serial killers, and both operate on a “tell, don’t show” visual aesthetic. Rather than show the blood to the audience, the films provide narrative cues to only suggest the blood.

    Janet Leigh’s shower scene in ‘Psycho’ is one of the most memorable moments in movie history.
    Bettmann via Getty Images

    Guts, gore and so much more

    In “Psycho,” Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, is stabbed to death in the famous shower scene. But the quick-cut editing gives only the illusion of her nude body being slashed as a small amount of blood washes down the drain in black-and-white tones. By not shooting “Psycho” in color, and avoiding the image of bright red blood in the bathtub – Hitchcock’s choice – the film doesn’t seem as violent.

    By the late 1960s, the restrictive Hays Code, which prohibited overt on-screen violence and the use of fake blood, was replaced by the less stringent Motion Picture Association of America film ratings system. Filmmakers could latch onto new freedoms to express fear, anxiety and dread in more visceral depictions. One way to do that – more blood.

    In “Night of the Living Dead,” George A. Romero’s 1968 seminal zombie flick, the walking dead consume the flesh of the living. Even though the movie is in black and white, the monochromatic presentation does not dull the display of the undead gobbling guts and licking up blood.

    The film’s release came six months after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and a clear connection between Romero’s film and the Civil Rights Movement then taking place is apparent. The movie’s heightened gore correlates to the movement’s all-too-bloody violent struggle, as Ben, played by Duane Jones, the sole person of color among the living, hides from the ghouls in an abandoned farmhouse with a group of six white people.

    Ben works to keep the group safe but faces ongoing pushback from the white male characters. At the end of the film, a group of vigilantes, believing Ben is a zombie, guns him down before tossing his body into a fire.

    The symbolism as a reflection of the times is hard to miss. Romero and John Russo, who co-wrote the screenplay, didn’t initially intend to make a statement on civil rights; but later, during postproduction, Romero realized the assassination of King turned his movie into a “Black film.”

    Bloody metaphors

    Then came the 1970s, when blood was sprayed all over the screen. But Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974), William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” (1974) and Ridley Scott’s “Alien” (1979) have something else in common: They feature women protagonists who survive the unthinkable.

    Once again, blood is a common denominator. Sally’s body is covered in it after escaping Leatherface; Regan’s body, along with the blood, spews green vomit; and Ripley sees an alien burst out of a crew member’s chest. But the films weren’t just gory – they were metaphors for the uphill battle for women’s rights in the 1970s.

    The original “Halloween” (1978) also fits here, but with a twist. The character of Laurie Strode, perhaps an early prototype of women protagonists in horror films, connects back to a “tell, don’t show” sensibility while simultaneously embracing changing times. While the first kill shows Michael Myers stabbing his older sister, the audience views the death from the partially veiled perspective of Myers behind his Halloween mask. You see little until her body hits the floor to reveal the blood.

    ‘Halloween’ was a huge hit and has thus far spawned six direct sequels, one offshoot, a two-part remake and one reboot trilogy over 46 years.
    Universal History Archive via Getty Images

    Nightmares and reality

    In the 1980s, the slasher subgenre dominated horror – and the bloodier, the better: These movies focus on the number of kills and the creative ways the victims are dispatched.

    Each sequel in these horror franchises needed to up the kills, if for no other reason than to outdo its predecessors and competitors. Audiences began rooting for villains like Myers, Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger, all of whom had their own theme music, and in Freddy’s case, trademark one-liners. Many of the villains had more character development than their victims, who seemed interchangeable and little more than fodder for the slasher machine.

    The 1990s had bigger-budgeted, more innovative films, such as Wes Craven’s “New Nightmare” (1994) and “Scream” (1996). Here the attacks are more personal; the stabbings are close-up. CGI, or computer-generated imagery, used in abundance in the “Nightmare” series, allowed for more creative and bloody kills.

    Scarier times mean bloodier movies

    Since 9/11, horror films have existed in a place where there’s no apparent motive other than violence and bloodshed. In “The Strangers” (2008), the villains tie up, torment and savagely maim their victims. In the 2009 remake of “The Last House on the Left,” it’s the villains who meet a bloody end. Contemporary horror understands how senseless killings on screen are effective, because the removal of emotion from the violence parallels real-world incidents.

    ‘Ghostface’ is the villain in the popular ‘Scream’ series.
    James Gourley/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

    By the late 2010s, horror films link to the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, most notably in the “Halloween” reboot trilogy, as Laurie Strode once again confronts Michael Myers and the trauma he inflicted 40 years prior.

    The kills in the new “Halloween” trilogy are extremely bloody and violent. They also mirror the sexual and societal exploitation of women and their bodies. Ultimately, the series allows the protagonist, and the traumatized town of Haddonfield, to acknowledge the evil, confront it and try to finally put an end to it, once and for all.

    The evolution in the horror genre’s presentation of blood and gore doesn’t necessarily make for scarier movies, but they often point to the scarier times in which we live. Earlier horror films, comparatively tamer and with less blood, were often box-office successes. But today’s audiences probably appreciate them more for their artistic merits than the fear they induce.

    The preferences of horror audiences change over time, much like the ebb and flow of the blood depicted in these movies. The original “Halloween” has hardly a drop; the recent reboots are over the top – but still nowhere close to the mayhem depicted in the just-released “Terrifier 3.”

    What the future holds is anyone’s guess. But check out the world around you, and you’ll certainly get a bloody good hint of what’s to come.

    James Francis, Jr. 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. Horror movies are as much a mainstay of Halloween as trick or treat − but why are they so bloody? – https://theconversation.com/horror-movies-are-as-much-a-mainstay-of-halloween-as-trick-or-treat-but-why-are-they-so-bloody-241214

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Not Just 15 Seconds Faster Detection – Siterwell Unveils New Combo Smoke & CO Detector for Safer Choices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recently, Siterwell is proud to announce the launch of its new A8612B Combo Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector. This alarm achieves smoke detection 15 seconds faster than the latest standard UL217 9th Edition requirements (*Based on the testing from Siterwell’s laboratory, and actual data may slightly vary under real-world conditions). This advancement is driven by Siterwell’s cutting-edge photoelectric sensor, innovative 360° smoke capturing technology, and advanced labyrinth technology, collectively enabling superior smoke detection capabilities.

    Research shows that fifty years ago, it took 20 to 30 minutes for a house to be fully engulfed in flames in the event of a fire. Today, that time has been reduced to just 5 to 10 minutes due to changes in building materials and the widespread use of electrical appliances. According to the US Fire Administration, residents may have less than 2 minutes to escape once the smoke alarm sounds during a home fire. In preventing disaster and saving lives, every second counts. But what if residents had 15 seconds more?

    Indeed, it is this continuous drive for innovative technology that has enabled Siterwell, since its founding in 2010, to emerge as a leader in the alarm security industry, specializing in a comprehensive range of products including smoke, carbon monoxide, gas, heat, and water level alarms, alongside fog machines for theft prevention and advanced IoT intelligent security systems. Focusing on international development, this company collaborates with leading global brands and standards laboratories to ensure superior product performance and consistency, exporting its products to around 66 countries. Drawing on the diverse experiences gained from its global operations, Siterwell continually innovates to meet the evolving safety needs of homes worldwide.

    “Advancing home safety with innovative and efficient solutions is always Siterwell’s commitment. On one hand, dangers in modern homes are constantly evolving, while on the other, the ability to detect these threats quickly and accurately has always been proven essential to ensuring the safety of individuals and homes,” said Aixia, CMO of Siterwell. “The advancement of 15 second faster detection strongly reflects our commitment. By providing household members with 15 seconds more to respond before a fire breaks out, it will significantly enhance personal safety and property protection.”

    “We also understand the frustrations users face with frequent false alarms, especially when triggered by everyday activities like cooking smoke that poses no real danger. That’s why we are proud to introduce our detector, equipped with advanced dual-lightwave technology that accurately differentiates between regular cooking smoke and real threats. This feature ensures users can cook with confidence without unwanted alerts.” She added.

    Beyond faster smoke detection and fewer nuisance alarms, the new detector exemplifies Siterwell’s dedication to delivering genuine assurance and confidence in safety for its users in each feature:

    15-Second Faster, Feel Safer

    Every second counts in a fire, as the risk intensifies rapidly. With advanced Photoelectric smoke sensor, this alarm detects smoke 15 seconds faster than the UL9 standard requirements. This crucial head start can make all the difference in an emergency, significantly enhancing the safety of individuals and homes.

    Reduced Nuisance Alarms from Cooking

    With the advanced dual-lightwave technology, the device accurately differentiates between regular cooking smoke and actual fire smoke. Consequently, the family can enjoy a more peaceful cooking experience, free from unnecessary disturbances.

    Accurate CO Level Monitoring

    Frequent alarms for low, harmless CO levels can undermine users’ confidence in a CO alarm. The intelligent CO detection system in this alarm tailors its responses to varying CO levels by continuously monitoring low levels, and issuing timely alerts for high levels.

    10-Year Battery, Reduced Changes

    Alarms with limited battery life need frequent battery changes, increasing the cost of maintenance. In contrast, this 10-year battery alarm will offer long-lasting and worry-free protection for your home, and minimize battery waste for the environment. (*Only A8612B-4R has a built-in 10-year battery. A8612B-6AR is hardwired and comes with 2 replaceable AA batteries.)

    One-Click Silence, No Disturbing

    A simple press of a button silences low battery alerts for up to 10 hours. This convenient feature enables uninterrupted daily routines while still keeping safety awareness.

    Soft Nightlight for Better Sleep

    Given that conventional lighting can interrupt sleep due to excessive brightness, this device incorporates a specially designed light carrier. It ensures soft lighting to maintain sleep continuity and activates a potent red alert in response to danger.

    Dual-Language Voice Alerts

    In bilingual households, it is crucial that every member can quickly understand alerts in an emergency. The smoke detector supports English and French bilingual announcements, ensuring that individuals receive immediate and clear warnings.

    With advanced smoke and carbon monoxide detection, this alarm provides unparalleled safety for modern homes. For a limited time, customers can enjoy the safety from these top-tier features at an exclusive price starting from $42.39, now available with a 20% discount. Purchases can be made directly from Siterwell official store or through Siterwell’s Amazon store. By choosing Siterwell’s latest innovations, protect your home and family with more than just dual coverage—but with a vital 15-second head start for greater security!

    Social Links

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiterwellElectronics

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@siterwell

    Media Contact

    Company: SITERWELL ELECTRONICS CO., LIMITED

    Contact Person: Marketing Team

    Email: info@siterwellhome.com

    Website: https://store.siterwellhome.com/

    SOURCE: SITERWELL ELECTRONICS CO., LIMITED

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Windsor Mill Woman Sentenced To Over Five Years’ Imprisonment In Connection With Conspiracy Involving Fraudulently Obtaining And Attempting To Obtain More Than $3 Million In Covid-19 Cares Act Loans

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Glenn Used COVID-19 CARES Act Funds to Pay for a Vacation to Jamaica, a Mercedes-Benz, Luxury Jewelry, including a 31 Carat Diamond Necklace and items from Luis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Dior, Cartier, Gucci, Chanel and Hermes.

    Baltimore, Maryland – On October 23, 2024, Tomeka Glenn, a/k/a “Tomeka Harris” and “Tomeka Davis,” age 47, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, was sentenced by United States District Judge Richard D. Bennett to 65 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release in connection with her conviction on conspiracy to commit wire fraud relating to the submission of millions of dollars in fraudulent COVID-19 CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications.  Judge Bennett also directed Glenn to pay restitution in the amount of $3,016,275.62.

    Glenn’s co-defendant Kevin Davis, age 43, also of Windsor Mill, Maryland, pleaded guilty on January 25, 2024 to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  Judge Bennett on May 22, 2024 sentenced him to 24 months’ imprisonment.

    The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge William J. Delbagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department.

    Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program, administered through the Small Business Administration (“SBA”).  The SBA also offered an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and/or an EIDL advance to help businesses meet their financial obligations.  An EIDL advance did not have to be repaid, and small businesses could receive an advance, even if they were not approved for an EIDL loan. The maximum advance amount was $10,000.

    According to Glenn’s plea agreement, beginning in June 2020 and continuing through March 2021,  Glenn and various co-conspirators prepared numerous false and fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications for various businesses (including some that did not exist in any legitimate capacity)  that included false information concerning, among other things, number of employees, monthly payroll costs, and revenue.  The PPP applications also routinely included false and fraudulent Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) tax forms and bank statements, which were submitted by Glenn to substantiate the false representations made in the applications. 

    Glenn admitted that she received kickback payments from the loan borrowers in exchange for her assistance in connection with the submission of fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications, ultimately receiving more than $400,000 in kickbacks in connection with the scheme.  These kickbacks typically amounted to 10% to 20% of the loan amount.  In total, the kickback scheme resulted in the disbursement of at least $2,715,649.12 in fraudulently obtained PPP and EIDL funds in connection with 23 fraudulent PPP and EIDL loans.

    According to Glenn’s plea agreement, Glenn and Davis, received $300,726.50 in PPP/EIDL funds for various entities that they controlled, and Glenn attempted to obtain $601,511.20 in additional fraudulent PPP and EIDL funds too. 

    Glenn used the fraudulently obtained funds to pay for a luxury vacation at a resort in Jamaica, to purchase a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 sedan valued at $148,171.60, to buy thousands of dollars in luxury jewelry, as well as numerous other luxury goods, including items from Luis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Dior, Cartier, Gucci, Chanel, and Hermes.

    At the time of her scheme, neither Glenn nor Davis had any legitimate source of income, and in May 2020, each applied for unemployment insurance benefits in the State of Maryland.  In addition, as detailed in Davis and Glenn’s plea agreements, on January 6, 2023, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at their residence.  Davis and Glenn were present at the residence at the time of the search and were arrested in connection with the fraudulent COVID-19 CARES Act loans.  According to Davis’s plea agreement, during the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement found and seized four firearms loaded with ammunition—a 9mm firearm, and three .40 caliber firearms.  Later investigation revealed that  one of the .40 caliber firearms had earlier been reported stolen by its owner.  As further detailed in Davis’s plea, the firearms were hidden by Davis in the air ducts of the residence: two firearms were hidden in the main bedroom air duct where Davis slept and kept his personal effects; the other two firearms were in the air duct of the bathroom closets to the main bedroom.  Moreover, two of the firearms were further stuffed in socks in an attempt to hide them.  Davis admitted that he possessed and secreted the firearms in the air ducts of his home (and in the socks) in an attempt to conceal them from law enforcement after learning that federal agents had a warrant to search his home.  As admitted to at his plea, Davis’s concealment of the firearms constitutes attempted obstruction of the administration of justice with respect to the investigation.  Each of the four firearms recovered from Davis’s home on January 6, 2023 were later found to have his DNA on them.  A later review of Davis’s iCloud account revealed the existence of, among other things, a series of videos depicting Davis handling firearms, including a shotgun and an assault rifle.  Davis knew that his previous felony conviction prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition.

    As part of their plea agreements, Glenn and Davis will be required to forfeit their interest in any assets derived from or obtained by them as a result of, or used to facilitate the commission of, their illegal activities. Specifically, Glenn is required to forfeit a money judgment in the amount of at least $700,726.50; the 2021 Mercedes-Benz; cash in bank accounts she controlled that were held in the names of business entities; and jewelry, including her 3.03 carat yellow diamond engagement ring, Rolex, Cartier and Breitling watches, and a Diamond Miami Cuban Link Chain with 31.5 carats of VS1 diamonds.  Davis must forfeit the firearms and ammunition.

    The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.  The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors.  The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

    For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI, the SBA-OIG, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Riley, who is prosecuting the case.  He also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber and Paralegal Specialist Juliette Jarman. 

    For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.

    # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal investments to boost tourism in rural New Brunswick

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 25, 2024 · Salisbury, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Tourism plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada, driving local economies, creating jobs and strengthening communities. Tourism also helps preserve, promote and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural heritage – building awareness and understanding of the many people who call this place home. The Government of Canada is investing to help four organizations and two municipalities in rural New Brunswick seize opportunities to boost tourism and ensure the industry is well positioned for long-term, sustainable growth.

    Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, was in Salisbury to announce a total investment of $782,907 for six projects to support the advancement of tourism in the region.

    The funding will support the Town of Salisbury, Fundy – St. Martins, the Maritime Motorsport Hall of Fame, Firefly Forest Ltd., Poley Mountain Resorts Ltd., and Stoke Resort with projects to help expand and upgrade tourism infrastructure.

    For more information on the projects, please see the backgrounder.

    Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector and grow the region’s potential as a world-class destination of choice.

    Quotes

    “With its stunning natural attractions and authentic tourism experiences, rural New Brunswick offers unique opportunities for you to explore all year long. Today’s investment will help tourism operators in the region around Salisbury reach their full potential and bring in even more visitors to this great part of the province.”

    – The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

    “From naturalists and birders visiting our community to residents getting outdoors, this trail investment will be a 365-day amenity for residents and visitors alike. The Town of Salisbury is thrilled to be completing this trail extension and appreciates the essential support of funders such as ACOA to make the project come to fruition.”

    – Robert Campbell, Mayor, Town of Salisbury

    Quick facts

    • Over 7,500 businesses are part of the tourism sector in Atlantic Canada, working in food and beverage, accommodations, recreation, transportation, and travel services.  Together, these companies employ over 111,000 full and part-time workers. 

    • Tourism is a major employer for Atlantic Canadians living outside major cities, representing 9.5% of all local jobs in rural communities. 

    • The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, the Tourism Growth Program and the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.

    Related products

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Connor Burton
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    Ann Kenney
    Senior Communications Officer
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    ann.kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    Austin Henderson
    Chief Administrative Officer
    Town of Salisbury
    Austinhenderson@salisburynb.ca

    Jim Bedford
    Mayor of Fundy – St. Martins
    JamesBedford@FundyStMartins.ca

    James Hare
    General Manager
    Poley Mountain Resorts Ltd.
    Jamie@poleymountain.com

    Marcel Leblanc
    Vice President
    Stoke Resorts (Ten Thirty-Four Holdings & Investments Ltd.)
    Marcel.leblanc.cfp@gmail.com

    Angela Nicholson
    President
    Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame
    maritimemotorsports@gmail.com

    Bruce Fowler
    Secretary
    Firefly Forest Ltd.
    fireflyforestrecreation@hotmail.com

    Stay connected

    Follow ACOA on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chair of the NATO Military Committee: ‘Finland will never again navigate the darkness alone.’

    Source: NATO

    On 24 and 25 October 2024 Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Bauer visited Finland, upon the invitation of its Chief of Defence General Janne Jaakkola. Admiral Bauer’s visit underscored the value of Finland as a NATO Ally and the important contributions it provides to NATO’s deterrence and defence.

    On Thursday 24 October, Admiral Bauer visited the Guards Jaeger Regiment and met with Finnish Defence Support Association members. This gave the opportunity to engage with members and meet current Finnish conscripts.

    In the evening, Admiral Bauer addressed the Finnish National Defence Course Association. This association brings together leaders from across society Finnish society who complete a prestigious national course covering in-depth topics of security and defence. Admiral Bauer’s speech praised the spirit of resilience engraved in Finland’s national defence and emphasised what NATO can learn from Finland’s Comprehensive Security Strategy and Total Defence Concept. 

    Admiral Bauer took the opportunity to discuss Finland’s transition to NATO membership, and looked ahead to the future of its membership in the Alliance. The Chair of the NATO Military Committee stated “Finland’s movement into NATO is a transition, not a transformation. It is an opportunity to inspire Allies, whilst embracing a posture of international resilience. I urge you all to hold the spirit of ‘sisu’ as a firebrand leading the way as you carve out this new path. Knowing that there are friends on either side. And that you need never again navigate the darkness alone.”

    On Friday 25 October, Admiral Bauer met with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, Minister of Defence Anti Häkkänen and the Finnish Parliamentary Defence Committee. These engagements allowed Admiral Bauer the opportunity to discuss strategic developments in NATO’s deterrence and defence and the need for continued support for Ukraine. In his engagements with the Finnish political and military leadership, Admiral Bauer praised the strength that Finland’s membership brings to NATO. Admiral Bauer commended the synergy of Finland’s civilian and military infrastructures and sectors in contributing towards societal resilience. He also underscored the crucial role of defence industries in Allied deterrence and defence.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The best horror movie you’ve never seen

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Scott Malia, Associate Professor of Theatre, College of the Holy Cross

    In ‘Trick ‛r Treat,’ Sam wreaks havoc on characters who betray Halloween traditions. Legendary

    It’s scary movie season, a time when many people watch films about zombies, serial killers, werewolves, magic and mysterious monsters who are impossible to kill.

    However, as far as I know, there’s only one film that features all of those elements – and you’ve probably never seen it.

    Made in 2007, “Trick ‛r Treat” consists of four interconnected horror stories, each about 15 to 20 minutes long, that all take place on a single Halloween night.

    While characters from one story sometimes appear in other segments, the unifying force in the film is Sam, a mysterious creature wearing a burlap mask. He takes umbrage whenever a character disrespects a Halloween tradition, whether it’s by scaring away trick-or-treaters or blowing out a jack-o’-lantern before Halloween is over. Each meets a gruesome end.

    Horror buffs eventually discovered the film. Today, it’s hailed as a modern classic.

    ‘Trick ‛r Treat’ ended up forgoing a theatrical run.

    What went wrong?

    “Trick ‛r Treat” was produced by a major studio, Warner Bros. It featured A-list stars, such as Brian Cox and Oscar-winner Anna Paquin. It was produced by Bryan Singer, who was known for churning out hits such as “X-Men” and “The Usual Suspects.” And though its director, Mike Dougherty, was making his directorial debut, he had worked as a screenwriter on films such as “X2: X-Men United” and “Superman Returns.”

    Despite all of these credentials, the film’s theatrical release was delayed from fall 2007 to 2008. Then a theater run was canceled altogether, with Warner Bros. finally releasing it on video in 2009.

    The studio never gave an official reason for pulling the theatrical release; however, some critics have speculated that the box office success of the “Saw” franchise and Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” remake were factors.

    Other reports suggest that the film’s anthology format, its mixture of horror and comedy, and a plot featuring murdered children made it too hard a sell.

    Given the cost of marketing and promoting “Trick ‛r Treat” to a nationwide audience, perhaps the risk wasn’t worth it for a film with a relatively small US$5 million budget. Dougherty himself said these hang-ups constituted a “perfect storm”, suggesting that no one development sealed the film’s fate.

    Michael Dougherty’s film included a number of elements that became mainstays of the genre – he was just a bit early to the game.
    Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

    Bypassing the box office

    As recently as a decade ago, films released directly to DVD were viewed as flops or cash grabs. In fact, there’s an entire subgenre called “mockbusters” – low-budget rip-offs of studio films, such as “Transmorphers,” which tried to piggyback the success of the “Transformers” franchise, and “Atlantic Rim,” which attempted to do the same for the 2013 blockbuster “Pacific Rim.”

    Then there are direct-to-video sequels meant to capitalize off hits. Disney made a lot of money in the late 1990s and early 2000s producing widely panned, direct-to-video animated features such as “The Return of Jafar” and “Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World.”

    But second lives for films that were initially snubbed or ignored are nothing new.

    “The Boondock Saints” was briefly screened in a handful of theaters for a single week in 1999 before being dumped into the video market. Only then did viewers find it, and it became a cult favorite that eventually begat a sequel.

    The stigma of direct-to-video release has diminished over the past decade thanks to the rise of streaming, in which content made directly for home viewing can receive critical acclaim and attract subscribers.

    Actor Nicolas Cage has made a cottage industry of this format. While some have attributed his massive output in the past decade to his financial difficulties, Cage’s films “Joe” (2013), “Mandy” (2018) and “Pig” (2021) have all received critical acclaim, despite sometimes only running in a handful of theaters for a week before their release into streaming markets and video on demand.

    It’s this sort of tradition that led to the rediscovery of “Trick ‛r Treat.”

    Nicolas Cage attends the special screening of ‘Mandy’ in 2018.
    Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic via Getty Images.

    Hipster horror

    The appeal of “Trick ‛r Treat” is rooted in its subversion of horror tropes.

    For example, women and children, who’ve historically served as victims in the genre, have a lot more agency in Dougherty’s Halloween tale. In fact, the mysterious Sam was played by Quinn Lord, who was only 8 years old when the film was shot. In the film, the character’s origin, age and gender remain undefined since Sam is masked or covered in prosthetics for the entire film, blurring the line between human and monster.

    In addition, the film’s complex structure, which some speculated might have hurt its chances for commercial success, helped fuel the film’s critical praise. Dougherty called it “‘Pulp Fiction’ meets ‘Halloween,’” a nod to the interlocking structure of Quentin Tarantino’s breakout film and the setting of John Carpenter’s horror staple, which also unfolds over one Halloween night.

    It has become somewhat of a cliché to say that esteemed art, initially overlooked, was “ahead of its time.”

    Still, it would be fair to say that “Trick ‘r Treat” arrived on the cusp of what has been called a “horror renaissance” in the past 15 years. Directors like Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, Robert Eggers and Mike Flanagan have found critical and commercial success by branding themselves as horror auteurs.

    In addition, Peele and directors like Nia Dacosta, who helmed 2021’s “Candyman,” have opened up a brand of horror that deals with social issues and identity. Dougherty’s film also anticipated a trend of horror films with a darkly humorous streak, including Peele’s “Get Out” and David Gordon Green’s reimagined “Halloween” sequels.

    Despite the film’s rocky beginnings, “Trick ‛r Treat” received a belated theatrical release in 2022, which has spurred talk of a potential sequel.

    Dougherty even acknowledges that the film may owe its current popularity to its botched release. While some mainstream films disappear quickly, “Trick ‛r Treat” – currently streaming on Max – reappears every Halloween. Just like Sam.

    Scott Malia 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. The best horror movie you’ve never seen – https://theconversation.com/the-best-horror-movie-youve-never-seen-241528

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of 35th U.S.-Egypt Military Cooperation Committee

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Pentagon Spokesperson Tom Crosson provided the following readout:

    The United States and Egypt held the 35th annual U.S.-Egypt Military Cooperation Committee (MCC) in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 23-24, 2024.  Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Middle East Daniel B. Shapiro, and Egypt Assistant Minister of Defense for Foreign Relations Major General Walaa Bibers, co-chaired the event for the United States and Egypt, respectively.

    Building on last year’s strategic forum in Cairo, the MCC reinforced the strong U.S.-Egypt defense partnership through discussions on enhancing security cooperation, shared regional concerns, and building on critical security assistance programs. The delegations exchanged perspectives on regional security challenges, including the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan, Houthi threats to the free flow of global commerce in the Red Sea, and the destabilizing activities by Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups. Both sides agreed on the importance of enhancing regional security integration and deepening U.S.-Egyptian military cooperation.

    DASD Shapiro expressed appreciation for Egypt’s ongoing efforts to facilitate Gaza hostage release and ceasefire talks, as well as Egypt’s role in deescalating regional tensions. He reiterated that the United States seeks a diplomatic resolution along the Israel-Lebanon border that would allow civilians on both sides to return safely to their homes, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and increased delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need. DASD Shapiro and Major General Bibers reaffirmed the enduring U.S. and Egyptian commitment to the bilateral strategic relationship and preserving regional stability. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Stennis Achieves Milestone in Preparation for Future Artemis Testing

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, achieved a key milestone this week for testing a new SLS (Space Launch System) rocket stage to fly on future Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
    Over a two-week period beginning Oct. 10, crews completed a safe lift and installation of the interstage simulator component needed for future testing of NASA’s exploration upper stage (EUS) in the B-2 position of the Thad Cochran Test Stand. The component will function like the SLS interstage section that helps protect the upper stage during Artemis launches.
    “NASA Stennis is at the front end of the critical path for future space exploration,” said Barry Robinson, project manager for exploration upper stage Green Run testing on the Thad Cochran Test Stand. “Installing the interstage simulator is a significant step in our preparation to ensure the new, more powerful upper stage is ready to safely fly on future Artemis missions.”

    The EUS unit, built by Boeing at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, which will be the upper stage for the evolved Block 1B version of SLS and will enable NASA to launch its most ambitious deep space missions. The new stage will replace the current interim cryogenic propulsion stage on the Block 1 version of SLS, which features a single engine and is capable of lifting 27 tons of crew and cargo to lunar orbit.
    The new exploration upper stage will be powered by four RL10 engines, manufactured by SLS engines contractor L3Harris. It will increase payload capacity by 40%, enabling NASA to send 38 tons of cargo with a crew to the Moon or 42 tons of cargo without a crew.

    [embedded content]
    In the first two weeks of October 2024, crews at NASA’s Stennis Space Center completed a successful lift and installation of an interstage simulator unit on the B-2 side of the Thad Cochran test Stand. The interstage simulator is a key component for future testing of NASA’s new exploration upper stage that will fly on Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

    Before the first flight of the exploration upper stage on the Artemis IV mission, the stage will undergo a series of Green Run tests of its integrated systems at NASA Stennis. The test series will culminate with a hot fire of the stage’s four RL10 engines, just as during an actual mission.
    The simulator component installed on the Thad Cochran Test Stand (B-2) at NASA Stennis weighs 103 tons and measures 31 feet in diameter and 33 feet tall. It will function like the SLS interstage section to protect EUS electrical and propulsion systems during Green Run testing. The top portion of the simulator also will serve as a thrust takeout system to absorb the thrust of the EUS hot fire and transfer it back to the test stand. The four-engine EUS provides more than 97,000 pounds of thrust.

    NASA Stennis crews previously lifted the interstage simulator to measure and align it relative to the test stand. It is now outfitted with all piping, tubing, and electrical systems necessary to support future Green Run testing.
    Installation onto the test stand enables NASA Stennis crews to begin fabricating the mechanical and electrical systems connecting the facility to the simulator. As fabrication of the systems are completed, crews will conduct activation flows to ensure the test stand can operate to meet test requirements.
    Through Artemis, NASA will establish the foundation for long-term scientific exploration at the Moon; land the first woman, first person of color and first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface; and prepare for human expeditions to Mars for the benefit of all.
    For information about NASA’s Stennis Space Center, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/stennis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Announces Takedown of Major Gun Trafficking Operation in Queens

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the indictments of three individuals for their roles in a gun trafficking operation that illegally trafficked and sold 184 firearms in Queens County. The 579-count indictment charges Deundre Wright, 22, Abner Sparkes, 31, and Ethan Charles, 22, all of Queens, New York with trafficking and selling numerous assault weapons, semiautomatic pistols, revolvers, high-capacity magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) recovered 184 firearms from the operation, which transported weapons from Goldsboro, North Carolina to New York City where they were sold. If convicted, the defendants face maximum sentences of 25 years in prison. 

    “The majority of guns used in crimes in New York City are illegally trafficked from other states with lax gun laws along the Iron Pipeline and are fueling deadly gun violence in our communities,” said Attorney General James. “This investigation shut down a major gun trafficking operation that brought a flood of dangerous weapons, including assault weapons, from North Carolina into New York City in the span of just a few months. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to keep New Yorkers safe and get illegal guns off our streets. I thank our partners in this investigation for their work to stop gun violence.”

    Firearms and ammunition recovered by the investigation

    The takedown was the result of a joint investigation between the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s New York Strikeforce, which includes members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD)’s DEA Firearms Task Force. The investigation included the use of controlled firearms purchase operations and physical, covert video, and electronic surveillance.

    The investigation revealed that from March to July 2024, Deundre Wright was responsible for sourcing firearms in North Carolina and trafficking them to Queens where they were sold. Wright would travel by bus from Chinatown in Manhattan to North Carolina and back, storing the firearms in luggage during the trips. After transporting the guns to New York, Wright stored them at friends’ homes in Jamaica, Queens, including in cars parked at the homes. Wright would set the prices for the firearms ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per gun, and provide them to Abner Sparkes, who would meet a customer for sales at 115th Road and 222nd Street in Cambria Heights, Queens. Sparkes would meet the customer in a car, conduct the sale, and then bring the cash back to Wright who was parked nearby monitoring the transactions.

    On August 8, 2024, investigators detained Deundre Wright and Ethan Charles in Manhattan while they were exiting a bus carrying suitcases and other luggage. Investigators seized 41 firearms, including four shotguns and an inoperable rocket-propelled grenade launcher in their luggage.

    The rocket-propelled grenade launcher and one of the assault weapons seized by the investigation 

    The indictment — unsealed before Queens County Supreme Court Judge Leigh Cheng — charges the three individuals with multiple crimes, including Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree, and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, among other charges, for their participation in the illegal gun trafficking operation. Each of the three individuals have been charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm in the First Degree, which are both class B violent felonies. If convicted of one count of either of these crimes, the defendants face a maximum of 25 years in prison.

    “Often times we see drug and gun violence go hand in hand. The indictments of these three individuals are thanks to the hard work of our DEA Strikeforce, New York’s Attorney General, and our law enforcement partners, when targeting those who pose a threat to our communities through the sale of illegal firearms,” said DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “The removal of over 150 firearms, which includes numerous assault weapons and semiautomatic pistols, just made the streets of New York City and our neighborhoods safer. The DEA remains committed to protecting our communities, reducing gun violence, and enhancing public safety.”

    “Today’s charges are a stark reminder that high-powered, illegal firearms continue to proliferate and circulate in our communities, and that NYPD investigators and our law enforcement partners are doing the dangerous work of preventing them from getting into criminals’ hands on the streets,” said NYPD Interim Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon. “Disrupting and dismantling gun trafficking networks is a top priority for our city. I thank everyone at Office of the Attorney General and all of our local, state, and federal partners for their hard work on this important case and for their ongoing commitment to our shared public safety mission.”

    The Office of the Attorney General wishes to thank the members of the DEA New York Strikeforce and the NYPD’s DEA Firearms Task Force Officers. The Office of the Attorney General also wishes to thank the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the Goldsboro Police Department in North Carolina, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations for their valuable participation and assistance in this investigation.

    The investigation was led by DEA New York Strikeforce’s Task Force Officer, NYPD Detective Ryan Foy of the NYPD’s DEA Firearms Task Force, under the supervision of NYPD Sergeant Brian O’Hanlon, Captain Jeffrey Heilig, Deputy Chief Carlos Ortiz, and Assistant Chief Jason Savino, under the overall supervision of Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. 

    For OAG, the investigation was led by OCTF Detectives Andrew Scala and Bradford Farrell, under the supervision of OCTF Supervising Detective Paul Grzegorski, Assistant Chief Ismael Hernandez, and Deputy Chief Andrew Boss, with special assistance from the detective specialists from the OAG Special Operations Unit, led by Deputy Chief Sean Donovan. The Attorney General’s Investigations Division is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.

    The case is being prosecuted by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Ann Lee, under the supervision of Downstate OCTF Deputy Chief Lauren Abinanti with the assistance of OCTF Legal Support Analyst Madeline Rosen. Nicole Keary is the Deputy Attorney General in Charge of OCTF. The Criminal Justice Division is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado. Both the Investigations Division and the Division for Criminal Justice are overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New State-of-the-Art System Helps Prepare for Wildfire

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new real-time weather data tool to help inform New Yorkers when there is an increased risk of wildfires. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Mesonet  at the University at Albany researchers are utilizing data from the University at Albany’s statewide weather network to generate daily Fire Danger Ratings to offer more reliable wildfire information and improve public safety.

    “We’re seeing the effects of climate change in real time, with dangerous wildfire seasons across the continent year after year,” Governor Hochul said. “We want to make sure the state has the latest tools and information to prepare for and respond to wildfires to ensure our communities and resources are protected.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Even before wildland fires ignite, accurate data is crucial to deploy resources and advise communities of potential dangers. DEC’s partnership with New York State Mesonet will offer enhanced and reliable wildfire information to help keep communities safe by harnessing the power of the Mesonet to increase the number of stations recording observations in each of the state’s Fire Danger Rating Areas. This data will help inform a new, easier to read map that will benefit New Yorkers when wildfire dangers arise.”

    New York State Mesonet Director June Wang said, “As the climate is getting warmer, the frequency and severity of fire weather is increasing across the U.S. This new collaboration will respond by taking full advantage of NYS Mesonet weather data and expertise, providing a more detailed and accurate fire danger rating scale.”

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Wildfires are a threat to people, animals, nature and communities. This new data tool will help get critical information to the public and firefighters faster and more accurately so that the danger created by these wildfires can be minimized.”

    UAlbany’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center Director and Executive Director of the NYS Mesonet Chris Thorncroft said, “Localized weather data has a critical role to play in how we adapt to the most severe impacts of climate change. We are proud to continue working with our public and private partners across the state on projects like this one that improve the resilience of New Yorkers to weather-related extremes.”

    Localized Fire Weather Information

    The New York State Mesonet is the nation’s most advanced and largest early-warning weather detection system. It features 127 standard weather observation stations that cover the entire state, including at least one in every county and borough. Each site measures temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, pressure, precipitation, solar radiation, snow depth, soil information and offers camera images. The data is collected in real-time every five minutes, feeding weather prediction models and decision-support tools for users across New York.

    DEC’s Wildfire Predictive Services issues and updates a fire danger map that divides New York into multiple Fire Danger Rating Areas and then rates each on a wildfire risk scale from low to extreme.

    The enhanced data collection helps identify the local variability of fire danger across the state, allowing community leaders, emergency managers and everyday New Yorkers to adapt their activities to prevent fires and reduce damage. It will be publicly available, offering year-round fire danger ratings and, in conjunction with DEC’s weather forecasts, other fire weather environmental and meteorological variables for all Fire Danger Rating Areas in New York.

    Improving Wildfire Preparedness

    Fire Danger maps are published simultaneously on both the DEC website and the New York State Mesonet Fire Danger Products web page.

    Similar to the current RAWS system, the New York State Mesonet will provide the national Weather Information Management System, which serves as the host for the  National Fire Danger Rating System, with the data necessary to publish regional fire danger rating products.

    The public website available through the New York State Mesonet offers current and historic fire weather information, updated daily. The project is funded by DEC through a U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant.

    View the New York State Mesonet Fire Danger Products page here.

    The DEC Fire Danger Map will continue to host the fire danger map in addition to specific information about fire danger ratings and the fire danger rating areas.

    Fire Danger is ‘High’ in Entire State

    Recent dry conditions across the state are resulting in a “High” fire danger. A high fire danger means all fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes, including unattended brush and campfires. Fires may become serious and controlling them difficult unless attacked successfully while still small. The remainder of New York State is at a moderate level of fire danger. An updated fire danger map is available on the DEC website. While the statewide burn ban is no longer in effect, brush burning should only be done when absolutely necessary. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State.

    Open burning is prohibited in New York, with these exceptions:

    • Campfires or any other outdoor fires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.
    • Small cooking fires are allowed.
    • Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed. Disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire is allowed, if it is not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
    • Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
    • Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.

    For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC’s FIREWISE New York webpage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor urges public to stay safe at Derry Halloween celebrations

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor urges public to stay safe at Derry Halloween celebrations

    25 October 2024

    As the city’s world renound Halloween celebrations begin in earnest this Monday October 28th, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has appealed to the public to make safe choices to ensure a safe and happy celebration for everyone.

    The Awakening the Walled City Trail in the city centre will run nightly from 6pm to 9pm from Monday October 28th to Wednesday October 30th

    It is set to draw crowds of up to 25,000 people each night before the climactic carnival parade and fireworks on Thursday 31st October which traditionally attracts over 30,000 people.

    Other attractions include ghastly ghost tours, creepy arts and crafts, spooky story-telling and horrific haunted houses.

    With such large crowds expected, Mayor Barr appealed to everyone to follow the Carnival Care guidance and plan ahead to ensure they get to and from the event safely.

    “All the necessary preparations have been made for record crowds over the coming days but we still need the cooperation of the public to ensure that this is an enjoyable festive experience for everyone,” she said.

    “To cope with the huge influx of people expected in and around our city centre, a number of measures have been introduced to manage the numbers.

    “I would ask people to access the trail maps and to follow all signage.

    “For those travelling to and from the event by car, please familiarise yourself with the traffic and travel advice and consider public transport or active travel to help reduce congestion in and around our city centre.

    “Also please co-operate fully with stewards and the PSNI who will be there to ensure your safety.

    “We all have a responsibility to safeguard those around us and to make sure our behaviour doesn’t put others at risk.”

    Parents are being advised to be extra vigilant when it comes to keeping an eye on children and young people throughout the festival.
    Festival and Events Manager at Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, issued some further advice to those attending.

    “With such large crowds expected it is a good idea to plan ahead and arrange meeting points if you are out in a group,” she stressed. “Please ensure teenagers have transport home if out with friends, and that mobile phones are charged.

    “Translink will have additional services operating over the weekend and especially on Halloween night to help reduce traffic and parking in the city centre and ensure people get home safely.

    “We can’t wait to have everyone with us, so access all the information on the event website and plan an unforgettable Derry Halloween.”

    Derry Halloween is funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and The Executive Office, with support from Ulster University and Air Coach.
    Follow all the latest news at derryhalloween.com which includes traffic and travel, carnival care and accessibility advice.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maine Delegation Statement on the One Year Anniversary of Lewiston Shooting

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Maine Delegation Statement on the One Year Anniversary of Lewiston Shooting

    Washington, October 25, 2024

    U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today released the following statement on the first anniversary of the Lewiston shooting that took place on October 25th, taking the lives of 18 innocent people: 

    “One year ago, the unthinkable happened in Lewiston when a gunman opened fire at a bowling alley and restaurant — shaking the community and Maine to its core,” said the Delegation. “For days, families sheltered in their homes as law enforcement worked to track down the shooter. We are thankful for the diligence and bravery that put an end to this nightmare and allowed our state to begin working through the agony and devastation. But the seats at the kitchen table remain empty, with 18 Mainers absent from the lives of their friends and families. Others injured on that horrific day are still recovering from their wounds. As we continue to process the pain, we renew our commitment to helping one another, to remembering the victims and the lives forever changed that day, and to healing.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Slip way to be repaired and ferry service to resume

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Repairs to fix the Mount Edgcumbe slipway will begin next week and the ferry will resume tomorrow (Saturday 26 October).  

    During a review of the slipway at Mount Edgcumbe, Plymouth City Council surveyors identified cracks that needed to be repaired. Whilst plans were being put in place to carry out the works, a further survey was carried out following the recent bad weather.  

    The surveyors found that the storms have caused further deterioration beneath the slipway, resulting in the main concrete walkway coming loose and collapsing in places.  

    Repairs are now urgent, so the slipway has been closed and repair works will commence from Monday 28 October. Works include removing and replacing loose stone work, reinforcing the propping of the concrete slab and filling in any voids or gaps. It is hoped that the repairs will take around eight weeks, but this will be dependent on the weather.   

    The Council has been working with the Cremyll Ferry to identify an alternative landing site. From Saturday 26 October, the ferry service will operate from the beach next to the slipway at low tide, rather than the slipway. Boats have been adapted to enable passengers to get on and off from the beach. Users are encouraged to take care when getting on and off the ferry. 

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, the Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for facilities management, said: “As the owner of the slipway at Mount Edgcumbe, we have been planning for some time to carry out repairs. Unfortunately, the situation became urgent earlier this week when we found further damage due to the recent storms.  

    “We closed the slipway straight away and worked with the ferry operator to put together an alternative plan to enable them to continue operate. I would like to thank them for their patience and support, particularly as they had to suspend their services for two days.  

    “We will work as fast as we can to repair the slipway, but obviously it is winter and the weather might impact how long it will take.”  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stoughton Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A member of a nationwide drug trafficking ring was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for drug trafficking charges. During the investigation, over 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, as well as an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns and over 4,200 rounds of ammunition were seized. An illegal marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants was also dismantled.

    James Holyoke, 43, of Stoughton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 14 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. In August 2022, Holyoke pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, as well as to six counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

    Holyoke was charged along with seven others in July 2021 and was subsequently charged in a superseding indictment that added an additional three defendants in September 2021.  Holyoke was arrested in August 2021 and has remained in custody since that arrest.

    In late 2020, Reshat Alkayisi was identified as a large-scale methamphetamine trafficker, who distributed multi-pound quantities to customers throughout the New England area. Holyoke was identified as one of Alkayisi’s regular large-scale distributors who routinely purchased methamphetamine and redistributed it throughout the Boston area. As part of the investigation, Holyoke participated in 11 controlled purchases of methamphetamine from a cooperating witness. Those controlled purchases resulted in the seizure of over four kilograms of pure methamphetamine.

    Alkayisi pleaded guilty in April 2024 and in September 2024 sentenced to 23 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Holyoke is the 9th defendant to be sentenced in the case. All remaining defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; and Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Katherine Ferguson of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lynn Man Charged with Multiple Drug Offenses After Selling Drugs to an Undercover Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant was on probation for armed robbery when he sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to an undercover officer

    BOSTON – A Lynn man was arraigned Oct. 22, 2024 in connection to an ongoing investigation of fentanyl counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine.

    Ricardo Bratini-Perez, a/k/a “Rico,” a/k/a “Ricofromthesin,” 29, was arraigned on four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analog, and methamphetamine, and one count possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Bratini-Perez on Oct. 3, 2024.

    According to court records, Bratini-Perez was on probation following his release from state custody on armed robbery and firearm charges. While on probation, Bratini-Perez sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to an undercover officer on three occasions in March 2024 and April 2024. On April 8, 2024, Bratini-Perez was arrested following a fourth sale to the undercover officer. Following his arrest, investigators executed a search warrant at Bratini-Perez’s residence and recovered over 5,000 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. 
        
    The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From fish to clean water, the ocean matters and here’s how to quantify the benefits

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefanie Broszeit, Senior Scientist, Marine Ecosystem Services, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

    Drake’s Island in Plymouth Sound, Devon, is part of the UK’s first national marine park. Artur Niedzwiedz/Shutterstock

    Nature protection, conservation and restoration is “not a trivial matter but key to human survival,” according to scientists quoted in a 2005 UN report. To demonstrate this, they developed the concept of “ecosystem services” – the benefits that people derive from nature. Over the next 20 years, this concept has been in constant development to reflect our growing understanding of how ecosystems work and how we benefit from them.

    For many people, it feels wrong to take a human-centred view on nature. But for governments and conservation organisations, this concept is a useful tool. It helps us quantify the value of nature and make sure certain aspects are conserved and protected.

    My team and I provide other scientists with information about how coastal areas help to regulate the climate and reduce water pollution. In part, we work with marine conservation experts who restore ecosystems that have been depleted, such as seagrass or oyster beds. This can help choose the best approaches to restoring coastal areas to healthy habitats while providing other benefits, such as shelter for young fish or food for seabirds. Another group of scientists use our data to assess the value of these habitats, now and in the future once they have been restored to good health.

    In my work as a marine ecologist, I split ecosystem services into three different groups. First, provisioning services include the provision of food or timber along many other material gains we get from nature. For marine ecosystem services ,this includes fish and chemicals used for research and medicines. Second, regulating services support our planet and human wellbeing. Mussels clean water by filtering it and seagrass takes up and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby helping to regulate the climate. Third, cultural services include leisure and recreation such as sea swimming or fishing.

    Diving deeper

    A baby crab on seagrass growing at Kingsand, Plymouth Sound.
    Stefanie Broszeit, CC BY-NC-ND

    To better understand these marine ecosystem services and how to use them sustainably, my research delves into some of the more complicated processes that regulate ecosystem services. In terms of the ocean’s role in regulating climate, it’s not just about seagrass.

    Seaweeds such as kelp take up carbon too, but cannot bury it in the soil beneath them due to holding onto rocks rather than having roots. They store carbon by getting buried in the deep sea when they are whipped off the rocks during winter storms and transported by currents into deeper waters. There, worms and crabs can feed on this important food source, drawing the carbon deeper into the sediment.

    Another step is to measure the benefits of particular ecosystem services. Food provision can be relatively easily measured by data collected by harbours to quantify how much fish is being landed and sold. So we can estimate the volume of harvested fish and calculate their market value. Some cultural services, such as measuring the wellbeing benefits people receive from interacting with coastal environments, can be more difficult to measure.

    Plymouth Sound is a great place to assess both benefits to human wellbeing and marine ecology, because not only is this city a hotspot for marine biology research with three internationally recognised marine institutes, it’s also the UK’s first national marine park. Here, I can engage not only with the ecological sciences and datasets but also with environmental psychologists who study how nature affects us and how we affect nature. My team and I have created the marine, social and natural capital laboratory to explore this more.

    Plymouth Sound provides a multitude of ecosystem services.
    Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock

    Because of so many complex variables, it’s important that scientists like me choose the appropriate indicators to estimate the value of contributions from different ecosystem services. Then, we can assess whether interventions such as restoring seagrass or building a port might help or hinder the marine environment.

    Often, different ecosystem services might interact or conflict with each other. Fishing in the northeast Atlantic might, for example, negatively affect marine mammals such as seal if the fish they rely on as food are also being eaten by humans. So we need to look at the bigger picture to assess all of the ecosystem services provided by a particular area of ocean. And as our understanding of ecosystem services develops, we can refine efforts to give nature a helping hand.

    Swimming, sailing, even just building a sandcastle – the ocean benefits our physical and mental wellbeing. Curious about how a strong coastal connection helps drive marine conservation, scientists are diving in to investigate the power of blue health.

    This article is part of a series, Vitamin Sea, exploring how the ocean can be enhanced by our interaction with it.

    Stefanie Broszeit receives funding from the United Kingdom Research and Innovation and from Horizon Europe, funding European research through the European Commission.

    – ref. From fish to clean water, the ocean matters and here’s how to quantify the benefits – https://theconversation.com/from-fish-to-clean-water-the-ocean-matters-and-heres-how-to-quantify-the-benefits-241625

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tantallon — Police charge three people and seize weapons following search

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP and HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has charged three people and seized firearms and crossbows after executing a search warrant at a Tantallon residence.

    On October 23, officers from the Special Enforcement Section of the Integrated CID, assisted by the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team and the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 12700 block of Peggy’s Cove Rd as part of an ongoing investigation. Three people were safely arrested at the residence.

    During the search, officers located two prohibited firearms, a restricted firearm, ammunition, and four crossbows.

    Jedidiah Lewis Langille, 30, and Trena Whittier, 54, both of Tantallon, and Dean Richardson, 51, of Glen Haven have been charged with 26 criminal code offences. The firearms and weapons related offences include, but are not limited to:

    • Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
    • Possessing a Firearm for a Dangerous Purpose
    • Possessing a Weapon (crossbow) for a Dangerous Purpose
    • Possessing a Loaded Restricted or Prohibited Firearm
    • Possessing a firearm obtained by the commission of an offence

    Langille faces an additional 16 charges related to an existing court-ordered firearms prohibition, including but not limited to:

    • Possessing a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order
    • Possessing a Crossbow Contrary to Prohibition Order
    • Possession Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order

    Langille and Richardson were held in custody and appeared in Halifax Provincial Court on October 24, 2024.

    Whittier was released from custody to appear in Halifax Provincial Court on December 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Want genuine progress towards restoring nature? Follow these 4 steps

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yi Fei Chung, PhD candidate in Environmental Policy, The University of Queensland

    Black Dingo/Shutterstock

    “Nature positive” is seemingly everywhere. Two weeks ago, Australia hosted the first Global Nature Positive Summit. This week, nations are meeting in Colombia for a global biodiversity summit to discuss progress on nature positive commitments.

    Nature positive has a simple meaning: ensuring more nature in future than there is now. Making it a reality is the hard part.

    It’s necessary because nature is in trouble. Once common species are becoming threatened and threatened species are going extinct. Humans, too, will be severely impacted. When ecosystems are healthy, they provide vital benefits. Insects pollinate crops, trees slow floodwaters, earthworms, fungi and soil critters make healthy soil and natural vistas improve our mental wellbeing.

    While Australia’s government is working to embed nature positive ideas in environmental reform efforts, we may see lip service rather than real change. The government’s Nature Positive Plan faces opposition from businesses and politicians ahead of a looming election. And the plan itself doesn’t fully align with true nature positive outcomes.

    In our article published today in Science, we lay out four vital steps to ensure nature positive policies are actually positive for nature.

    Step 1: Ensure biodiversity increases are absolute

    At present, Australia’s planned nature positive reforms would only require developers removing habitat to achieve a relative net gain for nature compared to business as usual.

    We have argued this approach won’t work – it should be an absolute net gain.

    It might sound abstract – but it makes all the difference. For instance, consider a population of endangered koalas living on the site of a new mine. Any negative impact to koalas would have to be offset with a benefit to the species elsewhere, usually on a separate site.

    If Australia had absolute net gain in effect, the company would have to ensure there are more koalas overall. If the mine site and an offset site had a combined population of 100 koalas before the development, this combined population would need to be more than 100 koalas after the development – even though some will be lost.

    But let’s say these 100 koalas over two sites were expected to fall to 80, even if the mine didn’t happen. In this case, a relative net gain could be achieved if the mine and offset site had 90 koalas. The population fell, but less than it would have otherwise.

    Most state and national conservation laws use relative net gain in their biodiversity offsets. It slows the biodiversity decline – but it’s still a decline.

    By contrast, England brought in a net gain approach in February of this year, with developers now required to provide a 10% net gain in biodiversity.

    Importantly, the vast majority of developments affecting threatened species habitat never require any offset at all. Plugging this major gap is also key.



    Read more:
    Developers in England will be forced to create habitats for wildlife – here’s how it works

    For nature positive to work properly, any damage done to a species by a development has to be offset by net gain. Pictured: Peak Hill gold mine in NSW.
    Phillip Wittke/Shutterstock

    Step 2: Avoid conservation payments in risky situations

    The Australian government plans to introduce conservation payments, where developers can pay into a government-managed fund rather than providing direct offsets.

    If developers were to cut down trees used by the critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum, for example, they could choose either to improve habitat elsewhere to offset the damage – or they could pay into the fund instead.

    This is a risky plan. For one, it’s often almost impossible or extremely expensive to find suitable habitat for critically endangered species because they have very little habitat remaining.

    It’s far better to avoid all further habitat removal. For developers, this would mean avoiding damage to rare habitat in the first place.

    Even where offsetting is possible, payments are often inadequate to cover the cost of purchasing and managing an offset site.



    Read more:
    Developers aren’t paying enough to offset impacts on koalas and other endangered species

    Then there’s the time lag. The fund might take years to buy or restore habitat sites, adding to already-long delays between damage and any benefit. And worse, under the government’s proposal, the money could be used for different, potentially less threatened species.

    Under Queensland’s scheme, most developers choose to pay into a fund rather than create their own offset sites. Very little of these offset funds have been spent.

    Meanwhile, the latest independent assessment of the New South Wales biodiversity offset payment scheme recommended the fund be completely phased out.

    Step 3: Go beyond compensation

    Compensating for new damage is important. But it’s not nearly enough. Over the last century, we have done huge damage to the natural world. Australia’s southern seas were once ringed with oyster reefs, for instance, but these were nearly all fished out.

    We need to begin to recover what was lost by restoring ecosystems, managing weeds and reducing risk of diseases.

    Nature-positive laws should include funding and actions designed to produce absolute gains in biodiversity over and above any required compensation.

    The world has long seriously underfunded conservation, including threatened species recovery, ecosystem restoration and protected area management. Australia alone needs a roughly 20-fold increase in funding to actually bring back threatened species.

    While this sounds large, it’s off an extraordinarily low base – just A$122 million in 2019. By contrast, we spend over $100 billion on human health each year.

    Two years ago, the government passed the first of its nature-positive reforms to create a nature repair market aimed at drawing more funds into nature restoration. But as the market will rely on voluntary private sector investment, we don’t know how much funding will flow or whether it will focus on threatened species recovery.

    Step 4: Effectively implement nature positive laws

    Ensuring compliance with new nature-positive laws requires transparent and effective enforcement, such as through the independent national environment protection authority with extra powers proposed in Australia.

    Its independence and powers may be less than required, due to proposed call-in powers allowing the minister to overrule decisions. True independence and adequate resources are crucial.

    If governments do pass environmental reforms, we need to collect adequate and robust data on species to know if they are actually working to boost nature recovery. At present, many Australian threatened species remain unmonitored.

    Is nature positive within reach?

    It’s not easy to create a future with more nature than we have now. Australia’s current government took office vowing to embrace nature positive. To date, their reforms are not yet likely to make that a reality.



    Read more:
    Australia desperately needs a strong federal environmental protection agency. Our chances aren’t looking good

    But the task will only get more urgent. Meaningful nature-positive policy means ensuring targets of absolute net gain for threatened species, ensuring strict compensation for any nature loss, independently resourcing and financing other recovery efforts and implementing these laws effectively.

    With a course correction, Australia can still act as a leading example for other nations as they reform their own policies to meet nature-positive ambitions. Now is the time for real and decisive action.

    We acknowledge our research coauthors, Brooke Williams (Queensland University of Technology), Martine Maron (University of Queensland), Jonathan Rhodes (Queensland University of Technology), Jeremy Simmonds (2rog), and Michelle Ward (Griffith University).

    Yi Fei Chung has received funding from UQ Research Training Scholarship. He is also involving in a Australian Research Council Linkage Project with financial and in-kind support from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Tweed Shire Council, and the NSW Koala Strategy.

    Hannah Thomas has received funding from WWF-Australia and an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. She is an early-career leader with the Biodiversity Council.

    – ref. Want genuine progress towards restoring nature? Follow these 4 steps – https://theconversation.com/want-genuine-progress-towards-restoring-nature-follow-these-4-steps-240569

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Glacier Bancorp, Inc. Announces Results for the Quarter and Period Ended September 30, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    3rd Quarter 2024 Highlights:

    • Diluted earnings per share for the current quarter was $0.45 per share, an increase of 15 percent from the prior quarter diluted earnings per share of $0.39 per share.
    • Net income was $51.1 million for the current quarter, an increase of $6.3 million, or 14 percent, from the prior quarter net income of $44.7 million and a decrease of $1.4 million, or 3 percent, from the prior year third quarter net income of $52.4 million.
    • The net interest margin as a percentage of earning assets, on a tax-equivalent basis, for the current quarter was 2.83 percent, an increase of 15 basis points from the prior quarter net interest margin of 2.68 percent.
    • Net interest income was $180 million for the current quarter, an increase of $13.8 million, or 8 percent, from the prior quarter net interest income of $166 million and an increase of $13.2 million, or 8 percent, from the prior year third quarter net interest income of $167 million.
    • The loan portfolio of $17.181 billion increased $329 million, or 2 percent, during the current quarter and organically increased $57.6 million, or 1 percent annualized, during the current quarter.
    • Total core deposits of $20.711 billion, increased $613 million, or 3 percent, during the current quarter and organically increased $216 million, or 4 percent annualized, during the current quarter.
    • Non-interest bearing deposits of $6.408 billion, increased $314 million, or 5 percent, during the current quarter and organically increased $221 million, or 14 percent annualized, during the current quarter.
    • The loan yield of 5.69 percent in the current quarter increased 11 basis points from the prior quarter loan yield of 5.58 percent and increased 42 basis points from the prior year third quarter loan yield of 5.27 percent.
    • The total cost of funding (including non-interest bearing deposits) of 1.79 percent in the current quarter decreased 1 basis point from the prior quarter total cost of funding of 1.80 percent.
    • Stockholders’ equity of $3.245 billion increased $108 million, or 3 percent, during the current quarter and increased $370 million, or 13 percent, over the prior year third quarter.
    • The Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share. The Company has declared 158 consecutive quarterly dividends and has increased the dividend 49 times.
    • The Company completed the acquisition and core system conversion of six Montana branch locations of Rocky Mountain Bank division (“RMB”) of HTLF Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. with total assets of $403 million, total gross loans of $272 million and total deposits of $397 million.

    Year-to-date 2024 Highlights:

    • Net income for the first nine months of 2024 was $128 million, a decrease of $40.2 million, or 24 percent, from the prior year first nine months net income of $169 million.
    • Interest income for the first nine months of 2024 was $843 million, an increase of $98.7 million, or 13 percent, over the $744 million of interest income for the first nine months of 2023.
    • The loan portfolio increased $983 million, or 6 percent, during the first nine months of 2024 and organically increased $261 million, or 2 percent, during the first nine months of 2024.
    • The $2.740 billion of FRB Bank Term Funding (“BTFP”) was paid off during the current year through a combination of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances and cash.
    • Dividends declared in the first nine months of 2024 were $0.99 per share.
    • The Company completed the acquisition and core system conversion of Community Financial Group, Inc., the parent company of Wheatland Bank (collectively, “Wheatland”), a leading eastern Washington community bank headquartered in Spokane with total assets of $778 million.

    Financial Summary  

      At or for the Three Months ended   At or for the Nine months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share and market data) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Mar 31,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Operating results                      
    Net income $ 51,055     44,708     32,627     52,445     128,390     168,611  
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.45     0.39     0.29     0.47     1.14     1.52  
    Diluted earnings per share $ 0.45     0.39     0.29     0.47     1.13     1.52  
    Dividends declared per share $ 0.33     0.33     0.33     0.33     0.99     0.99  
    Market value per share                      
    Closing $ 45.70     37.32     40.28     28.50     45.70     28.50  
    High $ 47.71     40.18     42.75     36.45     47.71     50.03  
    Low $ 35.57     34.35     34.74     26.84     34.35     26.77  
    Selected ratios and other data                      
    Number of common stock shares outstanding   113,394,786     113,394,092     113,388,590     110,879,365     113,394,786     110,879,365  
    Average outstanding shares – basic   113,394,758     113,390,539     112,492,142     110,877,534     113,093,583     110,857,788  
    Average outstanding shares – diluted   113,473,107     113,405,491     112,554,402     110,886,959     113,137,861     110,882,718  
    Return on average assets (annualized)   0.73 %   0.66 %   0.47 %   0.75 %   0.62 %   0.83 %
    Return on average equity (annualized)   6.34 %   5.77 %   4.25 %   7.12 %   5.47 %   7.72 %
    Efficiency ratio   64.92 %   67.97 %   74.41 %   63.31 %   68.98 %   62.10 %
    Loan to deposit ratio   83.16 %   84.03 %   82.04 %   79.25 %   83.16 %   79.25 %
    Number of full time equivalent employees   3,434     3,399     3,438     3,314     3,434     3,314  
    Number of locations   232     231     232     221     232     221  
    Number of ATMs   279     286     285     274     279     274  
     

    KALISPELL, Mont., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI) reported net income of $51.1 million for the current quarter, an increase of $6.3 million, or 14 percent from the prior quarter net income of $44.7 million and a decrease of $1.4 million, or 3 percent, from the $52.4 million of net income for the prior year third quarter. Diluted earnings per share for the current quarter was $0.45 per share, an increase of 15 percent from the prior quarter diluted earnings per share of $0.39 per share and a decrease of 4 percent from the prior year third quarter diluted earnings per share of $0.47. The decrease in net income compared to the prior year third quarter was due to the increase in funding costs and the increased costs associated with the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB over the prior year third quarter. “Our positive business trends through the third quarter. We were very pleased to see solid earnings, margin and deposit growth,” said Randy Chesler, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We finalized the acquisition of the Rocky Mountain Bank Montana branches from Heartland and welcome the employees to the Glacier team.”

    Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $128 million, a decrease of $40.2 million, or 24 percent, from the $169 million net income for the first nine months of the prior year. Diluted earnings per share for the first nine months of 2024 was $1.13 per share, a decrease of $0.39 per share from the prior year first nine months diluted earnings per share of $1.52. The decrease in net income for the first nine months of the current year compared to the prior year first nine months was primarily due to the significant increase in funding costs. In addition, the current year-to-date results included increased operating costs and a $9.7 million provision for credit losses associated with the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB.

    On July 19, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of six RMB branches in Montana. The branches have been combined with Glacier Bank divisions operating in Montana, including First Bank of Montana, First Security Bank of Bozeman, First Security Bank of Missoula, Valley Bank, and Western Security Bank. On January 31, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Wheatland, headquartered in Spokane, Washington. Wheatland had 14 branches in eastern Washington and was combined with the North Cascades Bank division under the name Wheatland Bank, division of Glacier Bank. The Wheatland Bank division now operates with a combined 23 branches in Central and Eastern Washington and is a Top 5 community bank by deposit share in Eastern Washington. The Company’s results of operations and financial condition include the Wheatland and RMB acquisitions beginning on the acquisition date of each. The following table discloses the preliminary fair value estimates of select classifications of assets and liabilities acquired:

      Wheatland   RMB    
    (Dollars in thousands) January 31,
    2024    		   July 19,
    2024    		   Total
    Total assets $ 777,659   $ 403,052   $ 1,180,711
    Cash and cash equivalents   12,926     76,781     89,707
    Debt securities   187,183     —     187,183
    Loans receivable   450,403     271,569     721,972
    Non-interest bearing deposits   277,651     93,534     371,185
    Interest bearing deposits   339,304     303,156     642,460
    Borrowings   58,500     4,305     62,805
    Core deposit intangible   16,936     9,794     26,730
    Goodwill   38,369     29,794     68,163
     

    Asset Summary

                      $ Change from
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 987,833     800,779     1,354,342     1,672,094     187,054     (366,509 )   (684,261 )
    Debt securities, available-for-sale   4,436,578     4,499,541     4,785,719     4,741,738     (62,963 )   (349,141 )   (305,160 )
    Debt securities, held-to-maturity   3,348,698     3,400,403     3,502,411     3,553,805     (51,705 )   (153,713 )   (205,107 )
    Total debt securities   7,785,276     7,899,944     8,288,130     8,295,543     (114,668 )   (502,854 )   (510,267 )
    Loans receivable                          
    Residential real estate   1,837,697     1,771,528     1,704,544     1,653,777     66,169     133,153     183,920  
    Commercial real estate   10,833,841     10,713,964     10,303,306     10,292,446     119,877     530,535     541,395  
    Other commercial   3,177,051     3,066,028     2,901,863     2,916,785     111,023     275,188     260,266  
    Home equity   931,440     905,884     888,013     869,963     25,556     43,427     61,477  
    Other consumer   401,158     394,587     400,356     402,075     6,571     802     (917 )
    Loans receivable   17,181,187     16,851,991     16,198,082     16,135,046     329,196     983,105     1,046,141  
    Allowance for credit losses   (205,170 )   (200,955 )   (192,757 )   (192,271 )   (4,215 )   (12,413 )   (12,899 )
    Loans receivable, net   16,976,017     16,651,036     16,005,325     15,942,775     324,981     970,692     1,033,242  
    Other assets   2,456,643     2,453,581     2,094,832     2,153,149     3,062     361,811     303,494  
    Total assets $ 28,205,769     27,805,340     27,742,629     28,063,561     400,429     463,140     142,208  
     

    Total debt securities of $7.785 billion at September 30, 2024 decreased $115 million, or 1 percent, during the current quarter and decreased $510 million, or 6 percent, from the prior year third quarter. Debt securities represented 28 percent of total assets at September 30, 2024 compared to 30 percent at December 31, 2023 and 30 percent at September 30, 2023.

    The loan portfolio of $17.181 billion at September 30, 2024 increased $329 million, or 2 percent, during the current quarter. Excluding the RMB acquisition, the loan portfolio organically increased $57.6 million, or 1 percent annualized, during the current quarter. Excluding the RMB and Wheatland acquisitions, the loan portfolio organically increased $261 million, or 2 percent, during the first nine months of 2024 and increased $324 million, or 2 percent, from the prior year third quarter.

    Credit Quality Summary

      At or for the Nine Months ended   At or for the Six Months ended   At or for the Year ended   At or for the Nine Months ended
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Allowance for credit losses              
    Balance at beginning of period $ 192,757     192,757     182,283     182,283  
    Acquisitions   3     3     —     —  
    Provision for credit losses   21,138     14,157     20,790     16,609  
    Charge-offs   (12,406 )   (8,430 )   (15,095 )   (10,284 )
    Recoveries   3,678     2,468     4,779     3,663  
    Balance at end of period $ 205,170     200,955     192,757     192,271  
    Provision for credit losses              
    Loan portfolio $ 21,138     14,157     20,790     16,609  
    Unfunded loan commitments   (1,366 )   (2,390 )   (5,995 )   (4,827 )
    Total provision for credit losses $ 19,772     11,767     14,795     11,782  
    Other real estate owned $ 432     432     1,032     —  
    Other foreclosed assets   201     198     471     48  
    Accruing loans 90 days or more past due   11,551     4,692     3,312     3,855  
    Non-accrual loans   15,937     12,686     20,816     38,380  
    Total non-performing assets $ 28,121     18,008     25,631     42,283  
    Non-performing assets as a percentage of subsidiary assets   0.10 %   0.06 %   0.09 %   0.15 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of non-performing loans   730 %   1,116 %   799 %   455 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans   1.19 %   1.19 %   1.19 %   1.19 %
    Net charge-offs as a percentage of total loans   0.05 %   0.04 %   0.06 %   0.04 %
    Accruing loans 30-89 days past due $ 56,213     49,678     49,967     15,253  
    U.S. government guarantees included in non-performing assets $ 1,802     1,228     1,503     1,057  
     

    Non-performing assets as a percentage of subsidiary assets at September 30, 2024 was 0.10 percent compared to 0.06 percent in the prior quarter and 0.15 percent in the prior year third quarter. Non-performing assets of $28.1 million at September 30, 2024 increased $10.1 million, or 56 percent, over the prior quarter and decreased $14.2 million, or 33 percent, over the prior year third quarter.

    Early stage delinquencies (accruing loans 30-89 days past due) as a percentage of loans at September 30, 2024 were 0.33 percent compared to 0.29 percent for the prior quarter end and 0.09 percent for the prior year third quarter. Early stage delinquencies of $56.2 million at September 30, 2024 increased $6.5 million from the prior quarter and increased $41.0 million from prior year third quarter.

    The current quarter credit loss expense of $8.0 million included $2.8 million of provision for credit losses on loans and $799 thousand of provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments from the acquisition of RMB. Excluding the acquisition of RMB, the current quarter credit loss expense was $4.4 million, including $4.2 million of credit loss expense from loans and $225 thousand of credit loss expense from unfunded loan commitments.

    For the first nine months of the current year, the provision for credit losses of $19.8 million included $8.1 million of provision for credit losses on loans and $1.6 million of provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments from the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB.

    The allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACL”) as a percentage of total loans outstanding at September 30, 2024 was 1.19 percent and remained unchanged from the prior year end and the prior year third quarter. Loan portfolio growth, composition, average loan size, credit quality considerations, economic forecasts and other environmental factors will continue to determine the level of the provision for credit losses for loans. 

    Credit Quality Trends and Provision for Credit Losses on the Loan Portfolio

    (Dollars in thousands) Provision for Credit Losses Loans   Net Charge-Offs   ACL
    as a Percent
    of Loans    		   Accruing
    Loans 30-89
    Days Past Due
    as a Percent of
    Loans    		   Non-Performing
    Assets to
    Total Subsidiary
    Assets
    Third quarter 2024 $ 6,981   $ 2,766   1.19 %   0.33 %   0.10 %
    Second quarter 2024   5,066     2,890   1.19 %   0.29 %   0.06 %
    First quarter 2024   9,091     3,072   1.19 %   0.37 %   0.09 %
    Fourth quarter 2023   4,181     3,695   1.19 %   0.31 %   0.09 %
    Third quarter 2023   5,095     2,209   1.19 %   0.09 %   0.15 %
    Second quarter 2023   5,254     2,473   1.19 %   0.16 %   0.12 %
    First quarter 2023   6,260     1,939   1.20 %   0.16 %   0.12 %
    Fourth quarter 2022   6,060     1,968   1.20 %   0.14 %   0.12 %
     

    Net charge-offs for the current quarter were $2.8 million compared to $2.9 million in the prior quarter and $2.2 million for the prior year third quarter. Net charge-offs of $2.8 million included $1.9 million in deposit overdraft net charge-offs and $815 thousand of net loan charge-offs.

    Supplemental information regarding credit quality and identification of the Company’s loan portfolio based on regulatory classification is provided in the exhibits at the end of this press release. The regulatory classification of loans is based primarily on collateral type while the Company’s loan segments presented herein are based on the purpose of the loan.

    Liability Summary

                      $ Change from
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Deposits                          
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 6,407,728   6,093,430   6,022,980   6,465,353   314,298     384,748     (57,625 )
    NOW and DDA accounts   5,363,476   5,219,838   5,321,257   5,253,367   143,638     42,219     110,109  
    Savings accounts   2,801,077   2,862,034   2,833,887   2,872,362   (60,957 )   (32,810 )   (71,285 )
    Money market deposit accounts   2,854,540   2,858,850   2,831,624   2,994,631   (4,310 )   22,916     (140,091 )
    Certificate accounts   3,284,609   3,064,613   2,915,393   2,742,017   219,996     369,216     542,592  
    Core deposits, total   20,711,430   20,098,765   19,925,141   20,327,730   612,665     786,289     383,700  
    Wholesale deposits   3,334   2,994   4,026   67,434   340     (692 )   (64,100 )
    Deposits, total   20,714,764   20,101,759   19,929,167   20,395,164   613,005     785,597     319,600  
    Repurchase agreements   1,831,501   1,629,504   1,486,850   1,499,696   201,997     344,651     331,805  
    Deposits and repurchase agreements, total   22,546,265   21,731,263   21,416,017   21,894,860   815,002     1,130,248     651,405  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,800,000   2,350,000   —   —   (550,000 )   1,800,000     1,800,000  
    FRB Bank Term Funding   —   —   2,740,000   2,740,000   —     (2,740,000 )   (2,740,000 )
    Other borrowed funds   84,168   88,149   81,695   73,752   (3,981 )   2,473     10,416  
    Subordinated debentures   133,065   133,024   132,943   132,903   41     122     162  
    Other liabilities   397,221   365,459   351,693   347,452   31,762     45,528     49,769  
    Total liabilities $ 24,960,719   24,667,895   24,722,348   25,188,967   292,824     238,371     (228,248 )
     

    Total core deposits of $20.711 billion at September 30, 2024 increased $613 million, or 3 percent, from the prior quarter and increased $786 million, or 4 percent, from the prior year end. Total core deposits organically increased $217 million, or 4 percent annualized, during the current quarter and decreased $227 million, or 1 percent, from the prior year end.

    Total non-interest bearing deposits of $6.408 billion, increased $314 million, or 5 percent, from the prior quarter and increased $385 million, or 6 percent, from the prior year end. Non-interest bearing deposits organically increased $221 million, or 14 percent annualized, during the current quarter and increased $13.6 million, or 23 basis points, from the prior year end. Non-interest bearing deposits represented 31 percent of total deposits at June 30, 2024, compared to 30 percent at December 31, 2023 and 32 percent at September 30, 2023.

    FHLB borrowings of $1.800 billion decreased $550 million, or 23 percent, during the current quarter. Upon maturity in the first quarter of 2024, the Company paid off its $2.740 billion BTFP borrowings with a combination of $2.140 billion in FHLB borrowings and cash.

    Stockholders’ Equity Summary

                      $ Change from
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Common equity $ 3,507,356     3,492,096     3,394,394     3,374,961     15,260     112,962     132,395  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (262,306 )   (354,651 )   (374,113 )   (500,367 )   92,345     111,807     238,061  
    Total stockholders’ equity   3,245,050     3,137,445     3,020,281     2,874,594     107,605     224,769     370,456  
    Goodwill and intangibles, net   (1,106,336 )   (1,066,790 )   (1,017,263 )   (1,019,690 )   (39,546 )   (89,073 )   (86,646 )
    Tangible stockholders’ equity $ 2,138,714     2,070,655     2,003,018     1,854,904     68,059     135,696     283,810  
    Stockholders’ equity to total assets   11.50 %   11.28 %   10.89 %   10.24 %            
    Tangible stockholders’ equity to total tangible assets   7.89 %   7.74 %   7.49 %   6.86 %            
    Book value per common share $ 28.62     27.67     27.24     25.93     0.95   1.38   2.69
    Tangible book value per common share $ 18.86     18.26     18.06     16.73     0.60   0.80   2.13
     

    Tangible stockholders’ equity of $2.139 billion at September 30, 2024 increased $68.1 million, or 3 percent, compared to the prior quarter and was primarily the result of a decrease in unrealized loss on the available-for-sale debt securities which was partially offset by the increase in goodwill and core deposit intangibles associated with the acquisition of RMB. Tangible stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2024 increased $136 million, or 7 percent, compared to the prior year end and was primarily due to $92.4 million of Company common stock issued for the acquisition of Wheatland and the decrease in the unrealized loss on the available-for-sale securities. The increase was partially offset by the increase in goodwill and core deposits associated with the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB. Tangible book value per common share of $18.86 at the current quarter end increased $0.80 per share, or 4 percent, from the prior year end and increased $2.13 per share, or 13 percent, from the prior year third quarter.

    Cash Dividends
    On September 24, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per share. The dividend was payable October 17, 2024 to shareholders of record on October 8, 2024. The dividend was the Company’s 158th consecutive regular dividend. Future cash dividends will depend on a variety of factors, including net income, capital, asset quality, general economic conditions and regulatory considerations.

    Operating Results for Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 
    Compared to June 30, 2024, March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023
     
    Income Summary
      Three Months ended   $ Change from
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Mar 31,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Mar 31,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Net interest income                          
    Interest income $ 289,578     273,834     279,402     264,906     15,744   10,176     24,672
    Interest expense   109,347     107,356     112,922     97,852     1,991   (3,575 )   11,495
    Total net interest income   180,231     166,478     166,480     167,054     13,753   13,751     13,177
    Non-interest income                          
    Service charges and other fees   20,587     19,422     18,563     19,304     1,165   2,024     1,283
    Miscellaneous loan fees and charges   4,970     4,821     4,362     4,322     149   608     648
    Gain on sale of loans   4,898     4,669     3,362     4,046     229   1,536     852
    Gain (loss) on sale of securities   26     (12 )   16     (65 )   38   10     91
    Other income   4,223     3,304     3,686     2,633     919   537     1,590
    Total non-interest income   34,704     32,204     29,989     30,240     2,500   4,715     4,464
    Total income $ 214,935     198,682     196,469     197,294     16,253   18,466     17,641
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)   2.83 %   2.68 %   2.59 %   2.58 %            
     

    Net Interest Income
    The current quarter interest income of $290 million increased $15.7 million, or 6 percent, over the prior quarter and increased $24.7 million, or 9 percent, over the prior year third quarter, with both increases being primarily due to the increase in the loan yields and the increase in average balances of the loan portfolio. The loan yield of 5.69 percent in the current quarter increased 11 basis points from the prior quarter loan yield of 5.58 percent and increased 42 basis points from the prior year third quarter loan yield of 5.27 percent.

    The current quarter interest expense of $109 million increased $2.0 million, or 2 percent, over the prior quarter and was primarily attributable to the increase in average deposit balances. The current quarter interest expense increased $11.5 million, or 12 percent, over the prior year third quarter and was primarily the result of an increase in rates on deposits and borrowings. Core deposit cost (including non-interest bearing deposits) was 1.37 percent for the current quarter compared to 1.36 percent in the prior quarter and 1.03 percent for the prior year third quarter. The total cost of funding (including non-interest bearing deposits) of 1.79 percent in the current quarter decreased 1 basis point from the prior quarter. The current quarter cost of funds increased 21 basis points from the prior year third quarter which was primarily the result of the increased deposit rates.

    The net interest margin as a percentage of earning assets, on a tax-equivalent basis, for the current quarter was 2.83 percent, an increase of 15 basis points from the prior quarter net interest margin of 2.68 percent and was primarily driven by an increase in loan yields. The net interest margin as a percentage of earning assets, on a tax-equivalent basis, for the current quarter was an increase of 25 basis points from the prior year third quarter net interest margin of 2.58 percent and was primarily driven by an increase in loan yields which more than offset the total cost of funding. Core net interest margin excludes the impact from discount accretion and non-accrual interest. Excluding the 4 basis points from discount accretion, the core net interest margin was 2.79 percent in the current quarter compared to 2.63 percent in the prior quarter and 2.55 in the prior year third quarter. “The growth in the loan portfolio at higher yields was funded primarily by the remix of lower yield cash flow from the securities portfolio,” said Ron Copher, Chief Financial Officer. “In addition, the growth in non-interest bearing deposits and the reduction in wholesale funding contributed to the improvement in the current quarter net interest margin.”

    Non-interest Income
    Non-interest income for the current quarter totaled $34.7 million, which was an increase of $2.5 million, or 8 percent, over the prior quarter and an increase of $4.5 million, or 15 percent, over the prior year third quarter. Service charges and other fees of $20.6 million for the current quarter increased $1.2 million, or 6 percent, compared to the prior quarter and increased $1.3 million, or 7 percent, compared to the prior year third quarter. Gain on the sale of residential loans of $4.9 million for the current quarter increased $229 thousand, or 5 percent, compared to the prior quarter and increased $852 thousand, or 21 percent, from the prior year third quarter. Other income of $4.2 million increased $919 thousand, or 28 percent, over the prior quarter and increased $1.6 million, or 60 percent, over the prior year third quarter, with both increases being driven by a $1.2 million gain on the sale of repossessed property during the current quarter.

    Non-interest Expense Summary

      Three Months ended   $ Change from
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Mar 31,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Mar 31,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Compensation and employee benefits $ 85,083   84,434   85,789   77,387   649     (706 )   7,696  
    Occupancy and equipment   11,989   11,594   11,883   10,553   395     106     1,436  
    Advertising and promotions   4,062   4,362   3,983   4,052   (300 )   79     10  
    Data processing   9,196   9,387   9,159   8,730   (191 )   37     466  
    Other real estate owned and foreclosed assets   13   149   25   15   (136 )   (12 )   (2 )
    Regulatory assessments and insurance   5,150   5,393   7,761   6,060   (243 )   (2,611 )   (910 )
    Intangibles amortization   3,367   3,017   2,760   2,428   350     607     939  
    Other expenses   25,848   22,616   30,483   20,351   3,232     (4,635 )   5,497  
    Total non-interest expense $ 144,708   140,952   151,843   129,576   3,756     (7,135 )   15,132  
     

    Total non-interest expense of $145 million for the current quarter increased $3.8 million, or 3 percent, over the prior quarter and increased $15.1 million, or 12 percent, over the prior year third quarter. Compensation and employee benefits increased $7.7 million, or 10 percent, from the prior year third quarter and was driven by annual salary increases, increased performance-related compensation and increases from the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB.

    Other expenses of $25.8 million increased $3.2 million, or 14 percent, from the prior quarter, which was attributable to several miscellaneous category increases including an increase of $1.2 million in outside consulting services. In addition, the current quarter other expenses included $586 thousand of gains from the sale of former branch facilities and disposal of fixed assets compared to $1.5 million in the prior quarter. Other expenses increased $5.5 million, or 27 percent, from the prior year third quarter as a result of several miscellaneous category increases including an increase of $2.7 million in outside consulting services and an increase of $1.6 million in acquisition-related expenses. Acquisition-related expense was $1.9 million in the current quarter compared to $1.8 million in the prior quarter and $279 thousand in the prior year third quarter.

    Federal and State Income Tax Expense
    Tax expense during the third quarter of 2024 was $11.2 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 18 percent, compared to the prior quarter and a decrease of $567 thousand, or 5 percent, from the prior year third quarter. The effective tax rate in the current quarter was 17.9 percent compared to 17.5 percent in the prior quarter and 18.3 percent in the prior year third quarter.

    Efficiency Ratio
    The efficiency ratio was 64.92 percent in the current quarter compared to 67.97 percent in the prior quarter and 63.31 percent in the prior year third quarter. The decrease from the prior quarter was principally driven by the increase in net interest income that more than offset the increase in non-interest expense.

    Operating Results for Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
    Compared to September 30, 2023
     
    Income Summary
      Nine months ended    
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   $ Change   % Change
    Net interest income              
    Interest income $ 842,814     $ 744,159     $ 98,655     13  %
    Interest expense   329,625       218,933       110,692     51  %
    Total net interest income   513,189       525,226       (12,037 )   (2 )%
    Non-interest income              
    Service charges and other fees   58,572       56,042       2,530     5  %
    Miscellaneous loan fees and charges   14,153       12,451       1,702     14  %
    Gain on sale of loans   12,929       9,974       2,955     30  %
    Gain (loss) on sale of securities   30       (202 )     232     (115  )%
    Other income   11,213       8,949       2,264     25  %
    Total non-interest income   96,897       87,214       9,683     11  %
    Total Income $ 610,086     $ 612,440     $ (2,354 )   —  %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)   2.70 %     2.79 %        
     

    Net Interest Income
    Net-interest income of $513 million for the first nine months of 2024 decreased $12.0 million, or 2 percent, over 2023 and was primarily driven by increased interest expense which outpaced the increase in interest income. Interest income of $843 million for 2024 increased $98.7 million, or 13 percent, from the prior year and was primarily attributable to the increase in the loan portfolio and an increase in loan yields. The loan yield was 5.58 percent during the first nine months of 2024, an increase of 44 basis points from the prior year first nine months loan yield of 5.14 percent.

    Interest expense of $330 million for the first nine months of 2024 increased $111 million, or 51 percent, over the same period in the prior year and was primarily the result of higher interest rates on deposits. Core deposit cost (including non-interest bearing deposits) was 1.36 percent for the first nine months of 2024 compared to 0.62 percent for the same period in the prior year. The total funding cost (including non-interest bearing deposits) for the first nine months of 2024 was 1.81 percent, which was an increase of 59 basis points over the first nine months of the prior year funding cost of 1.22 percent.

    The net interest margin as a percentage of earning assets, on a tax-equivalent basis, during the first nine months of 2024 was 2.70 percent, a 9 basis points decrease from the net interest margin of 2.79 percent for the first nine months of the prior year. Excluding the 4 basis points from discount accretion and the 1 basis point from non-accrual interest, the core net interest margin was 2.65 percent in the first nine months of the current year compared to 2.77 percent in the prior year first nine months.

    Non-interest Income  
    Non-interest income of $96.9 million for the first nine months of 2024 increased $9.7 million, or 11 percent, over the same period last year. Gain on sale of residential loans of $12.9 million for the first nine months of 2024 increased by $3.0 million, or 30 percent, over the first nine months of the prior year. Other income of $11.2 million for the first nine months of 2024 increased $2.3 million, or 25 percent, over the same period last year and was primarily driven by a $1.2 million gain on the sale of repossessed property during the current quarter.

    Non-interest Expense Summary

      Nine months ended        
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   $ Change   % Change
    Compensation and employee benefits $ 255,306   $ 237,628   $ 17,678   7 %
    Occupancy and equipment   35,466     33,045     2,421   7 %
    Advertising and promotions   12,407     12,020     387   3 %
    Data processing   27,742     25,241     2,501   10 %
    Other real estate owned and foreclosed assets   187     41     146   356 %
    Regulatory assessments and insurance   18,304     16,277     2,027   12 %
    Core deposit intangibles amortization   9,144     7,304     1,840   25 %
    Other expenses   78,947     63,606     15,341   24 %
    Total non-interest expense $ 437,503   $ 395,162   $ 42,341   11 %
     

    Total non-interest expense of $438 million for the first nine months of 2024 increased $42.3 million, or 11 percent, over the same period in the prior year. Compensation and employee benefits expense of $255 million in the first nine months of 2024 increased $17.7 million, or 7 percent, over the same period in the prior year and was driven by annual salary increases and the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB. Data processing expenses of $27.7 million for the first nine months of 2024 increased $2.5 million, or 10 percent, from the same period in the prior year. Regulatory assessments and insurance expense of $18.3 million for the first nine months of 2024 increased $2.0 million, or 12 percent, over the same period in the prior year which was principally due to the accrual adjustment for the FDIC special assessment. Other expenses of $78.9 million for the first nine months of 2024 increased $15.3 million, or 24 percent, from the first nine months of the prior year and was primarily driven by an increase of $8.6 million of acquisition-related expenses, which was partially offset by gains of $3.1 million from the sale of former branch facilities and disposal of fixed assets.

    Provision for Credit Losses
    The provision for credit loss expense was $19.8 million for the first nine months of 2024, an increase of $8.0 million, or 68 percent, over the same period in the prior year and was primarily attributable to $9.7 million from the acquisitions of Wheatland and RMB. Net charge-offs for the first nine months of 2024 were $8.7 million compared to $6.6 million in the first nine months of 2023.

    Federal and State Income Tax Expense
    Tax expense of $24.4 million for the first nine months of 2024 decreased $12.5 million, or 34 percent, over the prior year. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2024 was 16.0 percent compared to 17.9 percent for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in tax expense and the resulting effective tax rate was the result of a combination of increased federal tax credits and a decrease in the pre-tax income.

    Efficiency Ratio
    The efficiency ratio was 68.98 percent for the first nine months of 2024 compared to 62.10 percent for the same period of 2023. The increase from the prior year was primarily attributable to the increase in interest expense in the current year that outpaced the increase in interest income and increased non-interest expense.

    Forward-Looking Statements  
    This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions that are not historical facts, and other statements identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “should,” “projects,” “seeks,” “estimates” or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that are subject to change. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results (express or implied) or other expectations in the forward-looking statements, including those made in this news release:

    • risks associated with lending and potential adverse changes in the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio;
    • changes in monetary and fiscal policies, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board, which could adversely affect the Company’s net interest income and margin, the fair value of its financial instruments, profitability, and stockholders’ equity;
    • legislative or regulatory changes, including increased FDIC insurance rates and assessments, changes in the review and regulation of bank mergers, or increased banking and consumer protection regulations, that may adversely affect the Company’s business and strategies;
    • risks related to overall economic conditions, including the impact on the economy of an uncertain interest rate environment, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical instability, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East;
    • risks associated with the Company’s ability to negotiate, complete, and successfully integrate any future acquisitions;
    • costs or difficulties related to the completion and integration of pending or future acquisitions;
    • impairment of the goodwill recorded by the Company in connection with acquisitions, which may have an adverse impact on earnings and capital;
    • reduction in demand for banking products and services, whether as a result of changes in customer behavior, economic conditions, banking environment, or competition;
    • deterioration of the reputation of banks and the financial services industry, which could adversely affect the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain customers;
    • changes in the competitive landscape, including as may result from new market entrants or further consolidation in the financial services industry, resulting in the creation of larger competitors with greater financial resources;
    • risks presented by public stock market volatility, which could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock and the ability to raise additional capital or grow through acquisitions;
    • risks associated with dependence on the Chief Executive Officer, the senior management team and the Presidents of Glacier Bank’s divisions;
    • material failure, potential interruption or breach in security of the Company’s systems or changes in technological which could expose the Company to cybersecurity risks, fraud, system failures, or direct liabilities;
    • risks related to natural disasters, including droughts, fires, floods, earthquakes, pandemics, and other unexpected events;
    • success in managing risks involved in the foregoing; and
    • effects of any reputational damage to the Company resulting from any of the foregoing.

    The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if it later becomes aware that actual results are likely to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statement.

    Conference Call Information
    A conference call for investors is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, October 25, 2024. Please note that our conference call host no longer offers a general dial-in number. Investors who would like to join the call may now register by following this link to obtain dial-in instructions: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI32ee03ea65c34bd794e0027768d383d4. To participate via the webcast, log on to: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/9bh88vfv.

    About Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI), a member of the Russell 2000® and the S&P MidCap 400® indices, is the parent company for Glacier Bank and its Bank divisions located across its eight state Western U.S. footprint: Altabank (American Fork, UT), Bank of the San Juans (Durango, CO), Citizens Community Bank (Pocatello, ID), Collegiate Peaks Bank (Buena Vista, CO), First Bank of Montana (Lewistown, MT), First Bank of Wyoming (Powell, WY), First Community Bank Utah (Layton, UT), First Security Bank (Bozeman, MT), First Security Bank of Missoula (Missoula, MT), First State Bank (Wheatland, WY), Glacier Bank (Kalispell, MT), Heritage Bank of Nevada (Reno, NV), Mountain West Bank (Coeur d’Alene, ID), The Foothills Bank (Yuma, AZ), Valley Bank of Helena (Helena, MT), Western Security Bank (Billings, MT), and Wheatland Bank (Spokane, WA).

    Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
     
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Assets              
    Cash on hand and in banks $ 342,105     271,107     246,525     264,067  
    Interest bearing cash deposits   645,728     529,672     1,107,817     1,408,027  
    Cash and cash equivalents   987,833     800,779     1,354,342     1,672,094  
    Debt securities, available-for-sale   4,436,578     4,499,541     4,785,719     4,741,738  
    Debt securities, held-to-maturity   3,348,698     3,400,403     3,502,411     3,553,805  
    Total debt securities   7,785,276     7,899,944     8,288,130     8,295,543  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value   46,126     39,745     15,691     29,027  
    Loans receivable   17,181,187     16,851,991     16,198,082     16,135,046  
    Allowance for credit losses   (205,170 )   (200,955 )   (192,757 )   (192,271 )
    Loans receivable, net   16,976,017     16,651,036     16,005,325     15,942,775  
    Premises and equipment, net   466,977     451,515     421,791     415,343  
    Other real estate owned and foreclosed assets   633     630     1,503     48  
    Accrued interest receivable   114,121     102,279     94,526     104,476  
    Deferred tax asset   125,432     155,834     159,070     203,745  
    Intangibles, net   52,780     43,028     31,870     34,297  
    Goodwill   1,053,556     1,023,762     985,393     985,393  
    Non-marketable equity securities   98,285     121,810     12,755     11,330  
    Bank-owned life insurance   188,971     187,793     171,101     170,175  
    Other assets   309,762     327,185     201,132     199,315  
    Total assets $ 28,205,769     27,805,340     27,742,629     28,063,561  
    Liabilities              
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 6,407,728     6,093,430     6,022,980     6,465,353  
    Interest bearing deposits   14,307,036     14,008,329     13,906,187     13,929,811  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   1,831,501     1,629,504     1,486,850     1,499,696  
    FHLB advances   1,800,000     2,350,000     —     —  
    FRB Bank Term Funding   —     —     2,740,000     2,740,000  
    Other borrowed funds   84,168     88,149     81,695     73,752  
    Subordinated debentures   133,065     133,024     132,943     132,903  
    Accrued interest payable   35,382     31,000     125,907     91,874  
    Other liabilities   361,839     334,459     225,786     255,578  
    Total liabilities   24,960,719     24,667,895     24,722,348     25,188,967  
    Commitments and Contingent Liabilities   —     —     —     —  
    Stockholders’ Equity              
    Preferred shares, $0.01 par value per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding   —     —     —     —  
    Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 234,000,000 shares authorized   1,134     1,134     1,109     1,109  
    Paid-in capital   2,447,200     2,445,479     2,350,104     2,348,305  
    Retained earnings – substantially restricted   1,059,022     1,045,483     1,043,181     1,025,547  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (262,306 )   (354,651 )   (374,113 )   (500,367 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   3,245,050     3,137,445     3,020,281     2,874,594  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 28,205,769     27,805,340     27,742,629     28,063,561  
    Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
     
      Three Months ended   Nine months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Mar 31,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Interest Income                      
    Investment securities $ 46,371   42,165     56,218   53,397     144,754   144,697  
    Residential real estate loans   23,118   21,754     20,764   18,594     65,636   51,508  
    Commercial loans   196,901   188,326     181,472   173,437     566,699   493,706  
    Consumer and other loans   23,188   21,589     20,948   19,478     65,725   54,248  
    Total interest income   289,578   273,834     279,402   264,906     842,814   744,159  
    Interest Expense                      
    Deposits   70,607   67,852     67,196   54,697     205,655   98,942  
    Securities sold under agreements to
    repurchase    		   14,737   13,566     12,598   10,972     40,901   24,185  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   22,344   24,179     4,249   —     50,772   26,910  
    FRB Bank Term Funding   —   —     27,097   30,229     27,097   63,160  
    Other borrowed funds   252   353     344   489     949   1,428  
    Subordinated debentures   1,407   1,406     1,438   1,465     4,251   4,308  
    Total interest expense   109,347   107,356     112,922   97,852     329,625   218,933  
    Net Interest Income   180,231   166,478     166,480   167,054     513,189   525,226  
    Provision for credit losses   8,005   3,518     8,249   3,539     19,772   11,782  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   172,226   162,960     158,231   163,515     493,417   513,444  
    Non-Interest Income                      
    Service charges and other fees   20,587   19,422     18,563   19,304     58,572   56,042  
    Miscellaneous loan fees and charges   4,970   4,821     4,362   4,322     14,153   12,451  
    Gain on sale of loans   4,898   4,669     3,362   4,046     12,929   9,974  
    Gain (loss) on sale of securities   26   (12 )   16   (65 )   30   (202 )
    Other income   4,223   3,304     3,686   2,633     11,213   8,949  
    Total non-interest income   34,704   32,204     29,989   30,240     96,897   87,214  
    Non-Interest Expense                      
    Compensation and employee benefits   85,083   84,434     85,789   77,387     255,306   237,628  
    Occupancy and equipment   11,989   11,594     11,883   10,553     35,466   33,045  
    Advertising and promotions   4,062   4,362     3,983   4,052     12,407   12,020  
    Data processing   9,196   9,387     9,159   8,730     27,742   25,241  
    Other real estate owned and foreclosed assets   13   149     25   15     187   41  
    Regulatory assessments and insurance   5,150   5,393     7,761   6,060     18,304   16,277  
    Intangibles amortization   3,367   3,017     2,760   2,428     9,144   7,304  
    Other expenses   25,848   22,616     30,483   20,351     78,947   63,606  
    Total non-interest expense   144,708   140,952     151,843   129,576     437,503   395,162  
    Income Before Income Taxes   62,222   54,212     36,377   64,179     152,811   205,496  
    Federal and state income tax expense   11,167   9,504     3,750   11,734     24,421   36,885  
    Net Income $ 51,055   44,708     32,627   52,445     128,390   168,611  
    Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    Average Balance Sheets
     
      Three Months ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands) Average
    Balance    		   Interest &
    Dividends    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate    		   Average
    Balance    		   Interest &
    Dividends    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Residential real estate loans $ 1,850,066   $ 23,118   5.00 %   $ 1,796,787   $ 21,754   4.84 %
    Commercial loans 1   13,957,304     198,556   5.66 %     13,740,455     189,939   5.56 %
    Consumer and other loans   1,324,142     23,188   6.97 %     1,290,587     21,589   6.73 %
    Total loans 2   17,131,512     244,862   5.69 %     16,827,829     233,282   5.58 %
    Tax-exempt debt securities 3   1,660,643     14,710   3.54 %     1,707,269     15,111   3.54 %
    Taxable debt securities 4, 5   7,073,967     34,001   1.92 %     7,042,885     29,461   1.67 %
    Total earning assets   25,866,122     293,573   4.52 %     25,577,983     277,854   4.37 %
    Goodwill and intangibles   1,092,632             1,068,250        
    Non-earning assets   836,878             754,491        
    Total assets $ 27,795,632           $ 27,400,724        
    Liabilities                      
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 6,237,166   $ —   — %   $ 6,026,709   $ —   — %
    NOW and DDA accounts   5,314,459     16,221   1.21 %     5,221,883     15,728   1.21 %
    Savings accounts   2,829,203     5,699   0.80 %     2,914,538     6,014   0.83 %
    Money market deposit accounts   2,887,173     15,048   2.07 %     2,904,438     14,467   2.00 %
    Certificate accounts   3,211,842     33,597   4.16 %     3,037,638     31,593   4.18 %
    Total core deposits   20,479,843     70,565   1.37 %     20,105,206     67,802   1.36 %
    Wholesale deposits 6   3,122     42   5.47 %     3,726     50   5.50 %
    Repurchase agreements   1,723,553     14,738   3.40 %     1,597,887     13,566   3.41 %
    FHLB advances   1,828,533     22,344   4.78 %     2,007,747     24,179   4.76 %
    Subordinated debentures and other borrowed funds   219,472     1,658   3.01 %     224,778     1,759   3.15 %
    Total funding liabilities   24,254,523     109,347   1.79 %     23,939,344     107,356   1.80 %
    Other liabilities   336,906             344,105        
    Total liabilities   24,591,429             24,283,449        
    Stockholders’ Equity                      
    Stockholders’ equity   3,204,203             3,117,275        
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 27,795,632           $ 27,400,724        
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent)     $ 184,226           $ 170,498    
    Net interest spread (tax-equivalent)         2.73 %           2.57 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)         2.83 %           2.68 %

    ______________________________

    1 Includes tax effect of $1.7 million and $1.6 million on tax-exempt municipal loan and lease income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively.
    2 Total loans are gross of the allowance for credit losses, net of unearned income and include loans held for sale. Non-accrual loans were included in the average volume for the entire period.
    3 Includes tax effect of $2.1 million and $2.2 million on tax-exempt debt securities income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively.
    4 Includes interest income of $4.8 million and $1.9 million on average interest-bearing cash balances of $357.0 million and $0.14 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively.
    5 Includes tax effect of $203 thousand and $211 thousand on federal income tax credits for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively.
    6 Wholesale deposits include brokered deposits classified as NOW, DDA, money market deposit and certificate accounts with contractual maturities.

     

    Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    Average Balance Sheets (continued)
     
      Three Months ended
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    (Dollars in thousands) Average
    Balance    		   Interest &
    Dividends    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate    		   Average
    Balance    		   Interest &
    Dividends    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Residential real estate loans $ 1,850,066   $ 23,118   5.00 %   $ 1,649,947   $ 18,594   4.51 %
    Commercial loans 1   13,957,304     198,556   5.66 %     13,120,479     174,822   5.29 %
    Consumer and other loans   1,324,142     23,188   6.97 %     1,263,775     19,478   6.11 %
    Total loans 2   17,131,512     244,862   5.69 %     16,034,201     212,894   5.27 %
    Tax-exempt debt securities 3   1,660,643     14,710   3.54 %     1,732,227     14,486   3.34 %
    Taxable debt securities 4, 5   7,073,967     34,001   1.92 %     8,485,157     41,052   1.94 %
    Total earning assets   25,866,122     293,573   4.52 %     26,251,585     268,432   4.06 %
    Goodwill and intangibles   1,092,632             1,020,868        
    Non-earning assets   836,878             528,145        
    Total assets $ 27,795,632           $ 27,800,598        
    Liabilities                      
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 6,237,166   $ —   — %   $ 6,461,350   $ —   — %
    NOW and DDA accounts   5,314,459     16,221   1.21 %     5,231,741     12,906   0.98 %
    Savings accounts   2,829,203     5,699   0.80 %     2,840,620     3,492   0.49 %
    Money market deposit accounts   2,887,173     15,048   2.07 %     3,039,177     12,646   1.65 %
    Certificate accounts   3,211,842     33,597   4.16 %     2,462,266     23,151   3.73 %
    Total core deposits   20,479,843     70,565   1.37 %     20,035,154     52,195   1.03 %
    Wholesale deposits 6   3,122     42   5.47 %     188,523     2,502   5.27 %
    Repurchase agreements   1,723,553     14,738   3.40 %     1,401,765     10,972   3.11 %
    FHLB advances   1,828,533     22,344   4.78 %     —     —   — %
    FRB Bank Term Funding   —     —   — %     2,740,000     30,229   4.38 %
    Subordinated debentures and other borrowed funds   219,472     1,658   3.01 %     208,336     1,954   3.72 %
    Total funding liabilities   24,254,523     109,347   1.79 %     24,573,778     97,852   1.58 %
    Other liabilities   336,906             302,564        
    Total liabilities   24,591,429             24,876,342        
    Stockholders’ Equity                      
    Stockholders’ equity   3,204,203             2,924,256        
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 27,795,632           $ 27,800,598        
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent)     $ 184,226           $ 170,580    
    Net interest spread (tax-equivalent)         2.73 %           2.48 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)         2.83 %           2.58 %

    ______________________________

    1 Includes tax effect of $1.7 million and $1.4 million on tax-exempt municipal loan and lease income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    2 Total loans are gross of the allowance for credit losses, net of unearned income and include loans held for sale. Non-accrual loans were included in the average volume for the entire period.
    3 Includes tax effect of $2.1 million and $1.9 million on tax-exempt debt securities income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    4 Includes interest income of $4.8 million and $15.1 million on average interest-bearing cash balances of $357.0 million and $1,106.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    5 Includes tax effect of $203 thousand and $215 thousand on federal income tax credits for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    6 Wholesale deposits include brokered deposits classified as NOW, DDA, money market deposit and certificate accounts with contractual maturities.
    Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    Average Balance Sheets (continued)
     
      Nine Months ended
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    (Dollars in thousands) Average
    Balance    		   Interest &
    Dividends    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate    		   Average
    Balance    		   Interest &
    Dividends    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Residential real estate loans $ 1,798,202   $ 65,636   4.87 %   $ 1,570,911   $ 51,508   4.37 %
    Commercial loans 1   13,737,866     571,540   5.56 %     12,910,691     498,152   5.16 %
    Consumer and other loans   1,299,463     65,725   6.76 %     1,236,158     54,248   5.87 %
    Total loans 2   16,835,531     702,901   5.58 %     15,717,760     603,908   5.14 %
    Tax-exempt debt securities 3   1,695,965     44,978   3.54 %     1,745,764     44,978   3.44 %
    Taxable debt securities 4, 5   7,429,971     106,939   1.92 %     8,240,041     107,338   1.74 %
    Total earning assets   25,961,467     854,818   4.40 %     25,703,565     756,224   3.93 %
    Goodwill and intangibles   1,071,024             1,023,274        
    Non-earning assets   734,681             510,332        
    Total assets $ 27,767,172           $ 27,237,171        
    Liabilities                      
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 6,077,392   $ —   — %   $ 6,770,242   $ —   — %
    NOW and DDA accounts   5,270,842     47,866   1.21 %     5,140,668     22,606   0.59 %
    Savings accounts   2,881,273     17,368   0.81 %     2,930,420     5,070   0.23 %
    Money market deposit accounts   2,913,206     43,907   2.01 %     3,253,138     28,654   1.18 %
    Certificate accounts   3,083,866     96,365   4.17 %     1,638,163     34,613   2.82 %
    Total core deposits   20,226,579     205,506   1.36 %     19,732,631     90,943   0.62 %
    Wholesale deposits 6   3,603     149   5.49 %     213,465     7,999   5.01 %
    Repurchase agreements   1,612,021     40,901   3.39 %     1,238,139     24,185   2.61 %
    FHLB advances   1,397,258     50,772   4.77 %     738,004     26,910   4.81 %
    FRB Bank Term Funding   824,672     27,097   4.39 %     1,929,322     63,160   4.38 %
    Subordinated debentures and other borrowed funds   220,835     5,200   3.15 %     208,891     5,737   3.67 %
    Total funding liabilities   24,284,968     329,625   1.81 %     24,060,452     218,934   1.22 %
    Other liabilities   345,822             256,022        
    Total liabilities   24,630,790             24,316,474        
    Stockholders’ Equity                      
    Stockholders’ equity   3,136,382             2,920,697        
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 27,767,172           $ 27,237,171        
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent)     $ 525,193           $ 537,290    
    Net interest spread (tax-equivalent)         2.59 %           2.71 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)         2.70 %           2.79 %

    ______________________________

    1 Includes tax effect of $4.8 million and $4.4 million on tax-exempt municipal loan and lease income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    2 Total loans are gross of the allowance for credit losses, net of unearned income and include loans held for sale. Non-accrual loans were included in the average volume for the entire period.
    3 Includes tax effect of $6.5 million and $7.0 million on tax-exempt debt securities income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    4 Includes interest income of $17.2 million and $24.5 million on average interest-bearing cash balances of $631.7 million and $624.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    5 Includes tax effect of $629 thousand and $644 thousand on federal income tax credits for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    6 Wholesale deposits include brokered deposits classified as NOW, DDA, money market deposit and certificate accounts with contractual maturities.
    Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    Loan Portfolio by Regulatory Classification
     
      Loans Receivable, by Loan Type   % Change from
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Custom and owner occupied construction $ 235,915     $ 233,978     $ 290,572     $ 306,106     1  %   (19) %   (23) %
    Pre-sold and spec construction   203,610       198,219       236,596       287,048     3  %   (14) %   (29) %
    Total residential construction   439,525       432,197       527,168       593,154     2  %   (17) %   (26) %
    Land development   205,704       209,794       232,966       234,995     (2) %   (12) %   (12) %
    Consumer land or lots   189,705       190,781       187,545       184,685     (1) %   1  %   3  %
    Unimproved land   109,237       108,763       87,739       87,089     —  %   25  %   25  %
    Developed lots for operative builders   67,140       57,140       56,142       62,485     18  %   20  %   7  %
    Commercial lots   98,644       99,036       87,185       84,194     —  %   13  %   17  %
    Other construction   689,638       810,536       900,547       982,384     (15) %   (23) %   (30) %
    Total land, lot, and other construction   1,360,068       1,476,050       1,552,124       1,635,832     (8) %   (12) %   (17) %
    Owner occupied   3,121,900       3,087,814       3,035,768       2,976,821     1  %   3  %   5  %
    Non-owner occupied   4,001,430       3,941,786       3,742,916       3,765,266     2  %   7  %   6  %
    Total commercial real estate   7,123,330       7,029,600       6,778,684       6,742,087     1  %   5  %   6  %
    Commercial and industrial   1,387,538       1,400,896       1,363,479       1,363,198     (1) %   2  %   2  %
    Agriculture   1,047,320       962,384       772,458       785,208     9  %   36  %   33  %
    1st lien   2,462,885       2,353,912       2,127,989       2,054,497     5  %   16  %   20  %
    Junior lien   77,029       56,049       47,230       47,490     37  %   63  %   62  %
    Total 1-4 family   2,539,914       2,409,961       2,175,219       2,101,987     5  %   17  %   21  %
    Multifamily residential   921,138       1,027,962       796,538       714,822     (10) %   16  %   29  %
    Home equity lines of credit   1,004,300       974,000       979,891       950,204     3  %   2  %   6  %
    Other consumer   221,517       220,755       229,154       233,980     —  %   (3) %   (5) %
    Total consumer   1,225,817       1,194,755       1,209,045       1,184,184     3  %   1  %   4  %
    States and political subdivisions   993,871       777,426       834,947       833,618     28  %   19  %   19  %
    Other   188,792       180,505       204,111       209,983     5  %   (8) %   (10) %
    Total loans receivable, including
    loans held for sale    		   17,227,313       16,891,736       16,213,773       16,164,073     2  %   6  %   7  %
    Less loans held for sale 1   (46,126 )     (39,745 )     (15,691 )     (29,027 )   16  %   194  %   59  %
    Total loans receivable $ 17,181,187     $ 16,851,991     $ 16,198,082     $ 16,135,046     2  %   6  %   6  %

    ______________________________

    1 Loans held for sale are primarily 1st lien 1-4 family loans.
    Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    Credit Quality Summary by Regulatory Classification
     
     

    Non-performing Assets, by Loan Type

    		   Non-
    Accrual
    Loans    		   Accruing
    Loans 90
    Days
    or More Past
    Due    		   Other real estate owned and foreclosed assets
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2024
    Custom and owner occupied construction $ 202   206   214   219   202   —   —
    Pre-sold and spec construction   3,705   2,908   763   763   2,942   763   —
    Total residential construction   3,907   3,114   977   982   3,144   763   —
    Land development   583   —   35   80   22   561   —
    Consumer land or lots   458   429   96   314   241   217   —
    Unimproved land   —   —   —   36   —   —   —
    Developed lots for operative builders   531   608   608   608   —   531   —
    Commercial lots   47   47   47   188   —   47   —
    Other construction   —   25   —   12,884   —   —   —
    Total land, lot and other construction   1,619   1,109   786   14,110   263   1,356   —
    Owner occupied   1,903   1,992   1,838   1,445   662   809   432
    Non-owner occupied   1,335   257   11,016   15,105   1,335   —   —
    Total commercial real estate   3,238   2,249   12,854   16,550   1,997   809   432
    Commercial and Industrial   2,455   2,044   1,971   1,367   1,408   1,047   —
    Agriculture   6,040   2,442   2,558   2,450   2,164   3,876   —
    1st lien   6,065   2,923   2,664   2,766   3,724   2,341   —
    Junior lien   279   492   180   363   279   —   —
    Total 1-4 family   6,344   3,415   2,844   3,129   4,003   2,341   —
    Multifamily residential   392   385   395   —   392   —   —
    Home equity lines of credit   2,867   2,145   2,043   1,612   1,903   964   —
    Other consumer   1,111   1,089   1,187   942   663   247   201
    Total consumer   3,978   3,234   3,230   2,554   2,566   1,211   201
    Other   148   16   16   1,141   —   148   —
    Total $ 28,121   18,008   25,631   42,283   15,937   11,551   633
    Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    Credit Quality Summary by Regulatory Classification (continued)
     
      Accruing 30-89 Days Delinquent Loans,  by Loan Type   % Change from
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023
    Custom and owner occupied construction $ 13   $ 1,323   $ 2,549   $ —   (99) %   (99) %   n/m
    Pre-sold and spec construction   1,250     816     1,219     599   53  %   3  %   109  %
    Total residential construction   1,263     2,139     3,768     599   (41) %   (66) %   111  %
    Land development   157     —     163     44   n/m   (4) %   257  %
    Consumer land or lots   747     411     624     528   82  %   20  %   41  %
    Unimproved land   39     158     —     87   (75) %   n/m   (55) %
    Commercial lots   —     —     2,159     1,245   n/m   (100) %   (100) %
    Other construction   —     21     —     —   (100) %   n/m   n/m
    Total land, lot and other construction   943     590     2,946     1,904   60  %   (68) %   (50) %
    Owner occupied   5,641     4,326     2,222     652   30  %   154  %   765  %
    Non-owner occupied   13,785     8,119     14,471     213   70  %   (5) %   6,372  %
    Total commercial real estate   19,426     12,445     16,693     865   56  %   16  %   2,146  %
    Commercial and industrial   3,125     17,591     12,905     2,946   (82) %   (76) %   6  %
    Agriculture   16,932     5,288     594     604   220  %   2,751  %   2,703  %
    1st lien   6,275     2,637     3,768     1,006   138  %   67  %   524  %
    Junior lien   13     17     1     355   (24) %   1,200  %   (96) %
    Total 1-4 family   6,288     2,654     3,769     1,361   137  %   67  %   362  %
    Home equity lines of credit   4,567     5,432     4,518     3,638   (16) %   1  %   26  %
    Other consumer   2,227     2,192     3,264     1,821   2  %   (32) %   22  %
    Total consumer   6,794     7,624     7,782     5,459   (11) %   (13) %   24  %
    Other   1,442     1,347     1,510     1,515   7  %   (5) %   (5) %
    Total $ 56,213   $ 49,678   $ 49,967   $ 15,253   13  %   13  %   269  %

    ______________________________

    n/m – not measurable
    Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    Credit Quality Summary by Regulatory Classification (continued)
     
      Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries), Year-to-Date
    Period Ending, By Loan Type    		   Charge-Offs   Recoveries
    (Dollars in thousands) Sep 30,
    2024    		   Jun 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2023    		   Sep 30,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2024
    Pre-sold and spec construction $ (4 )   (4 )   (15 )   (12 )   —   4
    Land development   (21 )   (1 )   (135 )   (134 )   —   21
    Consumer land or lots   (21 )   (22 )   (19 )   (14 )   —   21
    Unimproved land   5     5     —     —     5   —
    Commercial lots   319     319     —     —     319   —
    Other construction   —     —     889     —     —   —
    Total land, lot and other construction   282     301     735     (148 )   324   42
    Owner occupied   (73 )   (73 )   (59 )   (104 )   —   73
    Non-owner occupied   (3 )   (2 )   799     500     —   3
    Total commercial real estate   (76 )   (75 )   740     396     —   76
    Commercial and industrial   1,272     644     364     (11 )   1,839   567
    Agriculture   65     68     —     —     68   3
    1st lien   (34 )   (22 )   66     98     —   34
    Junior lien   (60 )   (55 )   24     32     10   70
    Total 1-4 family   (94 )   (77 )   90     130     10   104
    Multifamily residential   —     —     (136 )   —     —   —
    Home equity lines of credit   (31 )   1     (6 )   20     35   66
    Other consumer   753     493     1,097     816     1,056   303
    Total consumer   722     494     1,091     836     1,091   369
    Other   6,561     4,611     7,447     5,430     9,074   2,513
    Total $ 8,728     5,962     10,316     6,621     12,406   3,678
     

    Visit our website at www.glacierbancorp.com

    CONTACT: Randall M. Chesler, CEO
    (406) 751-4722
    Ron J. Copher, CFO
    (406) 751-7706

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Inside an AI-native ad agency

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Inside an AI-native ad agency

    To grasp the future of business, look to AI-native organizations: from processes to products, these companies are infusing every facet of their operations with AI. In a previous newsletter, I wrote about common ways that AI natives work differently. Today I’m zooming in on one company I find particularly compelling: Supernatural AI, a 30-employee creative agency that’s inventing a more efficient, strategic way of doing business.  

    Founded in 2021, Supernatural bills itself as “a place where people and machines work together to make advertising better.” It uses AI to weave data into all its offerings, from consumer research and brand strategy to creative ideation, and clients have included US Bank, Kayak, and Zipcar. Like many AI natives we talked to, Supernatural leverages AI to play both offense (unlocking new business opportunities and delivering value to clients) and defense (reducing costs). 

    Deploy AI to uncover new business value  
    Traditionally, only major brands—like national fast-food chains—have been able to localize their advertising to specific cities. It’s time-consuming and expensive to create so many iterations on the creative, let alone to ensure that every variation is grounded in local knowledge and data.  

    Supernatural is using AI to bring this capability to brands of all sizes. Employees can use AI to help generate hyperlocal social media ads in minutes rather than days, even when working with modest budgets. Humans then touch up what AI produces.  

    “Humans and AI need each other,” Supernatural co-founder Mike Barrett told us. “AI doesn’t always have good judgment, but that’s okay—I have good judgment. AI has the ability to endlessly version assets. People don’t.”  

    That combination—human creativity and judgment paired with AI’s ability to brainstorm, iterate, and ground ideas in relevant data at great speed—is a powerful advantage. In advertising, “you have massive upward pressure on costs, and competition means you have downward pressure on pricing,” Barrett says. “The only way to resolve the margin squeeze is productivity. And we knew that the way to solve productivity was AI. We would use AI to claw back margin.”  

    Focus on what sets you apart 
    AI helps Supernatural with margins, but clients benefit too because the agency can deliver strategically driven results faster. Supernatural uses a data-and-AI platform—employees call it “The Superconductor”—built on more than two decades of research on advertising effectiveness, along with data about target audiences and competitors.  

    The platform keeps track of those many considerations, saving human energy and creating competitive advantage by leveraging data more effectively. Supernatural uses it to test messaging on AI avatars of customers instead of human focus groups, saving time and money. 

    With those capabilities, Supernatural is speeding up its process to create a competitive advantage over bigger, more established agencies. One client, US Bank, hired the agency to do a national campaign—choosing Supernatural over a longstanding partner that has decades of history and thousands of employees. The campaign went from brief to creative rollout in under four months, a process that previously would have taken nine.  

    Build a more fluid organization 
    Supernatural’s approach aligns with what my team and I have found in our research about AI-native organizations generally. For instance, AI natives tend to have more fluid org charts. At Supernatural, creative work is shared by people across roles, not just those with creative titles. The agency has hired people from many walks of life, including a former journalist, an investment banker, and a financial services marketer. Since AI scales data-informed advertising expertise across the staff, the company can hire for special perspectives, not just standard skills.  

    Getting the right staffing mix has required trial and error. At first, Supernatural envisioned hiring mostly experienced leaders to “manage” AI, but that didn’t always work. Barrett says it’s not only about experience: you have to find “tinkerers” who like to experiment with technology. 

    AI can be a sensitive subject in creative circles. Barrett tells creatives, “AI is no more coming for your job than circular saws came for the jobs of carpenters. The idea that you’re going to turn on some power tools, leave them in a room by themselves, and come back to fully finished furniture? It’s ludicrous.” Instead, he asks people to think of AI as “a power tool for creative people.” 

    Supernatural’s founders have deep experience in advertising, and they understand the industry’s challenges and how AI can solve them. We often talk about how AI can level the playing field for employees with less experience or skill, but we shouldn’t forget that it also empowers people who are already at the top of their game to reach new heights. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    On the margins of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, the Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

    The Secretary-General reiterated his position that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. He further underlined United Nations support for peace, in line with the remarks he delivered at the BRICS summit. **

    The Secretary-General expressed his belief that establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea is of paramount importance for Ukraine, the Russian Federation and for the world’s food and energy security. He fully supports the continuation of negotiations in this regard and expresses his deep appreciation for the work being done by Türkiye. 
     
    The Secretary-General and the President also discussed the situation in the Middle East, in particular the absolute need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the need to avoid a further regional escalation.

    The Secretary-General and the President also discussed the questions of development and the international financial system.

    ** From the Secretary-General’s BRICS remarks: “A just peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.”
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Seacoast Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Strong Growth in Loans and Deposits

    Annualized 20% Increase in Tangible Book Value Per Share

    Well-Positioned Balance Sheet with Strong Capital and Liquidity

    STUART, Fla., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (“Seacoast” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SBCF) today reported net income in the third quarter of 2024 of $30.7 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared to $30.2 million, or $0.36 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2024 and $31.4 million, or $0.37 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2023.

    Pre-tax pre-provision earnings1 were $46.1 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 3% compared to the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 6% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted pre-tax pre-provision earnings1 were $46.4 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 4% compared to the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 2% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

    For the third quarter of 2024, return on average tangible assets was 0.99% and return on average tangible shareholders’ equity was 10.31%, compared to 1.00% and 10.75%, respectively, in the prior quarter, and 1.04% and 11.90%, respectively, in the prior year quarter.

    Charles M. Shaffer, Chairman and CEO of Seacoast, stated, “I would like to thank all of the Seacoast associates for their unwavering dedication during the challenging impact of back-to-back significant hurricanes. Your commitment to our customers and the well-being of our communities is commendable. I am very proud to serve alongside such an amazing and dedicated group of bankers. Furthermore, our hearts and sympathy go out to all those in our communities who lost loved ones and experienced catastrophic outcomes as a result of the storms.”

    Shaffer added, “Turning to third quarter results, this marks the turn in organic growth we had anticipated, with nearly 7% annualized loan growth and 7% annualized customer deposit growth, clearly showcasing the results of our previous investments in banking teams across the state. Additionally, this quarter demonstrated continued growth in net interest income, noninterest income and, when removing accretion on acquired loans, expansion in the net interest margin. Our competitive transformation is taking shape as we build Seacoast into Florida’s leading regional bank. We expect to continue to see positive results from recent talent acquisitions, which will drive further organic growth in the coming periods.”

    Shaffer concluded, “We remain committed to a disciplined approach to credit, and our balance sheet is one of the strongest in the industry, with a Tier 1 capital ratio of 14.8%2 as of September 30, 2024. The ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets has increased to a strong 9.64%. Our liquidity position is also robust, with a loan-to-deposit ratio of 83%, providing us with balance sheet flexibility as we continue to work towards stronger earnings in the coming periods.”

    Update on Hurricane Recovery

    In late September and early October 2024, communities across our corporate footprint were impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We maintained uninterrupted digital and telephone access for our customers and, having experienced minimal impacts to our branch properties, we fully reopened to serve our communities shortly after each storm passed. Recovery efforts in many areas continue and the full impacts on people and businesses in the most hard-hit regions are not fully known. We do not expect a significant impact from Hurricane Helene, but an additional provision for credit losses may be warranted in the fourth quarter of 2024 for Hurricane Milton, in a range between approximately $5 million and $10 million.

    Financial Results

    Income Statement

    • Net income in the third quarter of 2024 was $30.7 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared to $30.2 million, or $0.36 per diluted share in the prior quarter and $31.4 million, or $0.37 per diluted share in the prior year quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $86.9 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, compared to $74.5 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted net income1 for the third quarter of 2024 was $30.5 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared to $30.3 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, for the prior quarter, and $34.2 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, for the prior year quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, adjusted net income1 was $91.9 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, compared to $101.9 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
    • Net revenues were $130.3 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $3.7 million, or 3%, compared to the prior quarter, and a decrease of $6.8 million, or 5%, compared to the prior year quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net revenues were $382.5 million, a decrease of $56.7 million, or 13%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted net revenues1 were $130.5 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $3.6 million, or 3%, compared to the prior quarter, and a decrease of $7.2 million, or 5%, compared to the prior year quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, adjusted net revenues1 were $382.9 million, a decrease of $55.2 million, or 13%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
    • Pre-tax pre-provision earnings1 were $46.1 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $1.5 million, or 3%, compared to the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of $2.7 million, or 6%, compared to the third quarter of 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, pre-tax pre-provision earnings1 were $126.3 million, a decrease of $5.5 million, or 4%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted pre-tax pre-provision earnings1 were $46.4 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $1.9 million, or 4%, compared to the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of $1.0 million, or 2%, compared to the third quarter of 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, adjusted pre-tax pre-provision earnings1 were $133.4 million, a decrease of $35.5 million, or 21%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
    • Net interest income totaled $106.7 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $2.2 million, or 2%, compared to the prior quarter, and a decrease of $12.6 million, or 11%, compared to the prior year quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net interest income was $316.2 million, a decrease of $61.3 million, or 16%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. In the loan portfolio, higher interest income from new loan production was partially offset by lower accretion of purchase discount on acquired loans. Included in loan interest income was accretion on acquired loans of $9.2 million in the third quarter of 2024, $10.2 million in the second quarter of 2024, and $14.8 million in the third quarter of 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, accretion on acquired loans totaled $30.0 million, compared to $45.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Recent purchases in the securities portfolio contributed to higher securities yields. Higher interest expense on deposits reflects the impact of higher rates, with cuts to the federal funds rate late in the quarter not yet fully impacting the third quarter 2024 results.
    • Net interest margin decreased one basis point to 3.17% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to 3.18% in the second quarter of 2024. Excluding the effects of accretion on acquired loans, net interest margin increased three basis points to 2.90% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to 2.87% in the second quarter of 2024. Loan yields were 5.94%, an increase of one basis point from the prior quarter. Securities yields increased six basis points to 3.75%, compared to 3.69% in the prior quarter. The cost of deposits increased three basis points from 2.31% in the prior quarter, to 2.34% in the third quarter of 2024. We expect the cost of deposits to decline in the fourth quarter of 2024.
    • Noninterest income totaled $23.7 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $1.5 million, or 7%, compared to the prior quarter, and an increase of $5.9 million, or 33%, compared to the prior year quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, noninterest income totaled $66.4 million, an increase of $4.5 million, or 7%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Results in the third quarter of 2024 included:
      • Service charges on deposits totaled $5.4 million, an increase of $0.1 million, or 1%, from the prior quarter and an increase of $0.8 million, or 16%, from the prior year quarter. Our investments in talent and significant market expansion across the state have resulted in continued growth in treasury management services to commercial customers.
      • Wealth management income totaled $3.8 million, an increase of $0.1 million, or 2%, from the prior quarter and an increase of $0.7 million, or 22%, from the prior year quarter. The wealth management division continues to grow and add new relationships, with assets under management increasing 26% year over year to $2.0 billion at September 30, 2024.
      • Insurance agency income totaled $1.4 million, an increase of 3% from the prior quarter and an increase of 18% from the prior year quarter, reflecting continued growth and expansion of services.
      • SBA gains totaled $0.4 million, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 44%, from the prior quarter and a decrease of $0.2 million, or 36%, from the prior year quarter, due to lower saleable originations.
      • Other income totaled $7.5 million, an increase of $1.5 million, or 26%, from the prior quarter and an increase of $3.2 million, or 74% from the prior year quarter. Increases in the third quarter of 2024 include gains on SBIC investments and higher swap-related fees.
    • The provision for credit losses was $6.3 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $4.9 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Noninterest expense was $84.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $2.3 million, or 3%, compared to the prior quarter, and a decrease of $9.1 million, or 10%, compared to the prior year quarter. Noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, totaled $257.7 million, a decrease of $51.5 million, or 17%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. With significant cost-saving initiatives now complete, Seacoast has prudently managed expenses while strategically investing to support continued growth. Results in the third quarter of 2024 included:
      • Salaries and wages totaled $40.7 million, an increase of $1.8 million, or 5%, compared to the prior quarter and a decrease $5.7 million, or 12%, from the prior year quarter. The third quarter of 2024 reflects continued additions to the banking team as the Company focuses on organic growth.
      • Outsourced data processing costs totaled $8.0 million, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 3%, compared to the prior quarter and a decrease of $0.7 million, or 8%, from the prior year quarter, reflecting the benefit of lower negotiated rates with key service providers.
      • Marketing expenses totaled $2.7 million, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 16%, compared to the prior quarter and an increase of $0.9 million, or 45%, from the prior year quarter, primarily associated with the timing of various campaigns. We will continue to invest in marketing and branding supporting customer growth.
      • Legal and professional fees totaled $2.7 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 37%, compared to the prior quarter and an increase of $29 thousand, or 1%, from the prior year quarter. Professional services engaged in connection with contract negotiations contributed to the increase in the third quarter of 2024.
    • Seacoast recorded $8.6 million of income tax expense in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $8.9 million in the second quarter of 2024, and $9.1 million in the third quarter of 2023. Tax benefits related to stock-based compensation totaled $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to tax expense of $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2024 and a nominal tax benefit in the third quarter of 2023.
    • The efficiency ratio was 59.84% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 60.21% in the second quarter of 2024 and 62.60% in the prior year quarter. The adjusted efficiency ratio1 was 59.84% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 60.21% in the second quarter of 2024 and 60.19% in the prior year quarter. The Company continues to remain keenly focused on disciplined expense control, while making investments for growth.

    Balance Sheet

    • At September 30, 2024, the Company had total assets of $15.2 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $2.2 billion. Book value per share was $25.68 as of September 30, 2024, compared to $24.98 as of June 30, 2024, and $24.06 as of September 30, 2023. Tangible book value per share increased 20% annualized from the prior quarter to $16.20 as of September 30, 2024, compared to $15.41 as of June 30, 2024, and $14.26 as of September 30, 2023.
    • Debt securities totaled $2.8 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase of $180.8 million compared to June 30, 2024. Debt securities include approximately $2.2 billion in securities classified as available for sale and recorded at fair value.
      • During the third quarter of 2024, net unrealized losses associated with available for sale securities declined by $59.6 million due to changes in the interest rate environment. This contributed $0.53 to the increase in tangible book value per share during the quarter. The unrealized loss on available for sale securities is fully reflected in the value presented on the balance sheet.
      • The portfolio also includes $646.1 million in securities classified as held to maturity with a fair value of $538.5 million. Held-to-maturity securities consist solely of mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, each of which is expected to recover any price depreciation over its holding period as the debt securities move to maturity. The Company has significant liquidity and available borrowing capacity and has the intent and ability to hold these investments to maturity.
      • In October, we took advantage of favorable market conditions and repositioned a portion of the available for sale securities portfolio. We sold securities with an average book yield of 2.8%, resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $8.0 million impacting fourth quarter results. The proceeds, approximately $113 million, were reinvested in agency mortgage-backed securities with an average book yield of 5.4%, for an estimated earnback of less than three years.
    • Loans increased $166.8 million, or 6.6% annualized, totaling $10.2 billion as of September 30, 2024. Loan originations increased 22% to $657.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $538.0 million in the second quarter of 2024. The Company continues to exercise a disciplined approach to lending and is benefiting from the investments made in recent years to attract talent from large regional banks across its markets. This talent is onboarding significant new relationships, resulting in increased loan production.
    • Loan pipelines (loans in underwriting and approval or approved and not yet closed) totaled $831.1 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $834.4 million at June 30, 2024 and $353.0 million at September 30, 2023.
      • Commercial pipelines were $744.5 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $743.8 million at June 30, 2024, and $259.4 million at September 30, 2023.
      • SBA pipelines were $28.9 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $29.3 million at June 30, 2024, and $41.4 million at September 30, 2023.
      • Residential saleable pipelines were $11.2 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $12.1 million at June 30, 2024, and $6.8 million at September 30, 2023. Retained residential pipelines were $21.9 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $24.7 million at June 30, 2024, and $20.9 million at September 30, 2023.
      • Consumer pipelines were $24.4 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $24.5 million at both June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023.
    • Total deposits were $12.2 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase of $127.5 million, or 4.2% annualized, when compared to June 30, 2024. Excluding brokered balances, total deposits increased $195.9 million, or 6.6% annualized, in the third quarter of 2024.
      • Commercial deposits increased $133.0 million, or 2%, compared to the prior quarter. Of note, commercial noninterest bearing deposits increased $67.2 million, or 3%, from the prior quarter, the result of onboarding new clients.
      • Total noninterest bearing deposits increased $45.5 million, or 5.3% annualized, from the prior quarter.
      • At September 30, 2024, customer transaction account balances represented 49% of total deposits.
      • The Company benefits from a granular deposit franchise, with the top ten depositors representing approximately 3% of total deposits.
      • Average deposits per banking center were $159 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $157 million at June 30, 2024.
      • Uninsured deposits represented only 36% of overall deposit accounts as of September 30, 2024. This includes public funds under the Florida Qualified Public Depository program, which provides loss protection to depositors beyond FDIC insurance limits. Excluding such balances, the uninsured and uncollateralized deposits were 31% of total deposits. The Company has liquidity sources including cash and lines of credit with the Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank that represent 145% of uninsured deposits, and 167% of uninsured and uncollateralized deposits.
      • Consumer deposits represent 43% of overall deposit funding with an average consumer customer balance of $26 thousand. Commercial deposits represent 57% of overall deposit funding with an average business customer balance of $117 thousand.
    • Federal Home Loan Bank advances totaled $245.0 million at September 30, 2024 with a weighted average interest rate of 4.19%.

    Asset Quality

    • Nonperforming loans were $80.9 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $59.9 million at June 30, 2024, and $41.5 million at September 30, 2023. New nonperforming loans in the third quarter of 2024 have collateral values well in excess of balances outstanding, and therefore, no loss is expected. Nonperforming loans to total loans outstanding were 0.79% at September 30, 2024, 0.60% at June 30, 2024, and 0.41% at September 30, 2023.
    • Accruing past due loans were $50.7 million, or 0.50% of total loans, at September 30, 2024, compared to $39.6 million, or 0.39% of total loans, at June 30, 2024, and $35.5 million, or 0.33% of total loans, at September 30, 2023. A limited number of larger-balance residential mortgage loans, which returned to current status in October, comprise the majority of the increase from the prior quarter.
    • Nonperforming assets to total assets were 0.58% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.45% at June 30, 2024, and 0.33% at September 30, 2023.
    • The ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.38% at September 30, 2024, 1.41% at June 30, 2024, and 1.49% at September 30, 2023.
    • Net charge-offs were $7.4 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $9.9 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $12.7 million in the third quarter of 2023. Charge-offs during the quarter primarily reflect specifically identified reserves previously established in the allowance for credit losses.
    • Portfolio diversification, in terms of asset mix, industry, and loan type, has been a critical element of the Company’s lending strategy. Exposure across industries and collateral types is broadly distributed. Seacoast’s average loan size is $360 thousand, and the average commercial loan size is $789 thousand, reflecting an ability to maintain granularity within the overall loan portfolio.
    • Construction and land development and commercial real estate loans remain well below regulatory guidance at 36% and 241% of total bank-level risk-based capital2, respectively, compared to 36% and 235%, respectively, at June 30, 2024. On a consolidated basis, construction and land development and commercial real estate loans represent 34% and 227%, respectively, of total consolidated risk-based capital2.

    Capital and Liquidity

    • The Company continues to operate with a fortress balance sheet with a Tier 1 capital ratio at September 30, 2024 of 14.8%2 compared to 14.8% at June 30, 2024, and 14.0% at September 30, 2023. The Total capital ratio was 16.2%2, the Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 14.1%2, and the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 11.2%2 at September 30, 2024. The Company is considered “well capitalized” based on applicable U.S. regulatory capital ratio requirements.
    • Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2024 totaled $637.1 million.
    • The Company’s loan to deposit ratio was 83.4% at September 30, 2024, which should provide liquidity and flexibility moving forward.
    • Tangible common equity to tangible assets was 9.64% at September 30, 2024, compared to 9.30% at June 30, 2024, and 8.68% at September 30, 2023. If all held-to-maturity securities were adjusted to fair value, the tangible common equity ratio would have been 9.11% at September 30, 2024.
    • At September 30, 2024, in addition to $637.1 million in cash, the Company had $5.6 billion in available borrowing capacity, including $4.1 billion in available collateralized lines of credit, $1.2 billion of unpledged debt securities available as collateral for potential additional borrowings, and available unsecured lines of credit of $0.3 billion. These liquidity sources as of September 30, 2024, represented 167% of uninsured and uncollateralized deposits.

    1 Non-GAAP measure, see “Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation to GAAP.
    2 Estimated.

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS              
    (Amounts in thousands except per share data) (Unaudited)
      Quarterly Trends
                       
      3Q’24   2Q’24   1Q’24   4Q’23   3Q’23
    Selected balance sheet data:                  
    Gross loans $ 10,205,281     $ 10,038,508     $ 9,978,052     $ 10,062,940     $ 10,011,186  
    Total deposits   12,243,585       12,116,118       12,015,840       11,776,935       12,107,834  
    Total assets   15,168,371       14,952,613       14,830,015       14,580,249       14,823,007  
                       
    Performance measures:                  
    Net income $ 30,651     $ 30,244     $ 26,006     $ 29,543     $ 31,414  
    Net interest margin   3.17 %     3.18 %     3.24 %     3.36 %     3.57 %
    Pre-tax pre-provision earnings1 $ 46,086     $ 44,555     $ 35,674     $ 42,006     $ 43,383  
    Average diluted shares outstanding   85,069       84,816       85,270       85,336       85,666  
    Diluted earnings per share (EPS)   0.36       0.36       0.31       0.35       0.37  
    Return on (annualized):                  
    Average assets (ROA)   0.81 %     0.82 %     0.71 %     0.80 %     0.84 %
    Average tangible assets (ROTA)2   0.99       1.00       0.89       0.99       1.04  
    Average tangible common equity (ROTCE)2   10.31       10.75       9.55       11.22       11.90  
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets2   9.64       9.30       9.25       9.31       8.68  
    Tangible book value per share2 $ 16.20     $ 15.41     $ 15.26     $ 15.08     $ 14.26  
    Efficiency ratio   59.84 %     60.21 %     66.78 %     60.32 %     62.60 %
                       
    Adjusted operating measures1:                  
    Adjusted net income4 $ 30,511     $ 30,277     $ 31,132     $ 31,363     $ 34,170  
    Adjusted pre-tax pre-provision earnings4   46,390       44,490       42,513       45,016       47,349  
    Adjusted diluted EPS4   0.36       0.36       0.37       0.37       0.40  
    Adjusted ROTA2   0.98 %     1.00 %     1.04 %     1.04 %     1.12 %
    Adjusted ROTCE2   10.27       10.76       11.15       11.80       12.79  
    Adjusted efficiency ratio   59.84       60.21       61.13       60.32       60.19  
    Net adjusted noninterest expense as a
    percent of average tangible assets2    		   2.19 %     2.19 %     2.23 %     2.25 %     2.34 %
                       
    Other data:                  
    Market capitalization3 $ 2,277,003     $ 2,016,472     $ 2,156,529     $ 2,415,158     $ 1,869,891  
    Full-time equivalent employees   1,493       1,449       1,445       1,541       1,570  
    Number of ATMs   96       95       95       96       97  
    Full-service banking offices   77       77       77       77       77  
    1Non-GAAP measure, see “Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and a reconciliation to GAAP.
    2The Company defines tangible assets as total assets less intangible assets, and tangible common equity as total shareholders’ equity less intangible assets.
    3Common shares outstanding multiplied by closing bid price on last day of each period.
    4As of 1Q’24, amortization of intangibles is excluded from adjustments to noninterest expense; prior periods have been updated to reflect the change.

    OTHER INFORMATION

    Conference Call Information

    Seacoast will host a conference call October 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the third quarter of 2024 earnings results and business trends. Investors may call in (toll-free) by dialing (800) 715-9871 (Conference ID: 6787376). Charts will be used during the conference call and may be accessed at Seacoast’s website at www.SeacoastBanking.com by selecting “Presentations” under the heading “News/Events.” Additionally, a recording of the call will be made available to individuals shortly after the conference call and can be accessed via a link at www.SeacoastBanking.com under the heading “Corporate Information.” The recording will be available for one year.

    About Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (NASDAQ: SBCF)

    Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (NASDAQ: SBCF) is one of the largest community banks headquartered in Florida with approximately $15.2 billion in assets and $12.2 billion in deposits as of September 30, 2024. Seacoast provides integrated financial services including commercial and consumer banking, wealth management, and mortgage services to customers at 77 full-service branches across Florida, and through advanced mobile and online banking solutions. Seacoast National Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary bank of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida. For more information about Seacoast, visit www.SeacoastBanking.com. 

    Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning, and protections, of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, without limitation, statements about future financial and operating results, cost savings, enhanced revenues, economic and seasonal conditions in the Company’s markets, and improvements to reported earnings that may be realized from cost controls, tax law changes, new initiatives and for integration of banks that the Company has acquired, or expects to acquire, as well as statements with respect to Seacoast’s objectives, strategic plans, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

    Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates and intentions about future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond the Company’s control, and which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (“Seacoast” or the “Company”) or its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Seacoast National Bank (“Seacoast Bank”), to be materially different from results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You should not expect the Company to update any forward-looking statements.

    All statements other than statements of historical fact could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through the use of words such as “may”, “will”, “anticipate”, “assume”, “should”, “support”, “indicate”, “would”, “believe”, “contemplate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “continue”, “further”, “plan”, “point to”, “project”, “could”, “intend”, “target” or other similar words and expressions of the future. These forward-looking statements may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: the impact of current and future economic and market conditions generally (including seasonality) and in the financial services industry, nationally and within Seacoast’s primary market areas, including the effects of inflationary pressures, changes in interest rates, slowdowns in economic growth, and the potential for high unemployment rates, as well as the financial stress on borrowers and changes to customer and client behavior and credit risk as a result of the foregoing; potential impacts of adverse developments in the banking industry, including those highlighted by high-profile bank failures, and including impacts on customer confidence, deposit outflows, liquidity and the regulatory response thereto (including increases in the cost of our deposit insurance assessments), the Company’s ability to effectively manage its liquidity risk and any growth plans, and the availability of capital and funding; governmental monetary and fiscal policies, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, as well as legislative, tax and regulatory changes including proposed overdraft and late fee caps, including those that impact the money supply and inflation; the risks of changes in interest rates on the level and composition of deposits (as well as the cost of, and competition for, deposits), loan demand, liquidity and the values of loan collateral, securities, and interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities; interest rate risks (including the impacts of interest rates on macroeconomic conditions, customer and client behavior, and on our net interest income), sensitivities and the shape of the yield curve; changes in accounting policies, rules and practices; changes in retail distribution strategies, customer preferences and behavior generally and as a result of economic factors, including heightened inflation; changes in the availability and cost of credit and capital in the financial markets; changes in the prices, values and sales volumes of residential and commercial real estate, especially as they relate to the value of collateral supporting the Company’s loans; the Company’s concentration in commercial real estate loans and in real estate collateral in Florida; Seacoast’s ability to comply with any regulatory requirements and the risk that the regulatory environment may not be conducive to or may prohibit or delay the consummation of future mergers and/or business combinations, may increase the length of time and amount of resources required to consummate such transactions, and may reduce the anticipated benefit; inaccuracies or other failures from the use of models, including the failure of assumptions and estimates, as well as differences in, and changes to, economic, market and credit conditions; the impact on the valuation of Seacoast’s investments due to market volatility or counterparty payment risk, as well as the effect of a decline in stock market prices on our fee income from our wealth management business; statutory and regulatory dividend restrictions; increases in regulatory capital requirements for banking organizations generally; the risks of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, including Seacoast’s ability to continue to identify acquisition targets, successfully acquire and integrate desirable financial institutions and realize expected revenues and revenue synergies; changes in technology or products that may be more difficult, costly, or less effective than anticipated; the Company’s ability to identify and address increased cybersecurity risks, including those impacting vendors and other third parties which may be exacerbated by developments in generative artificial intelligence; fraud or misconduct by internal or external parties, which Seacoast may not be able to prevent, detect or mitigate; inability of Seacoast’s risk management framework to manage risks associated with the Company’s business; dependence on key suppliers or vendors to obtain equipment or services for the business on acceptable terms; reduction in or the termination of Seacoast’s ability to use the online- or mobile-based platform that is critical to the Company’s business growth strategy; the effects of war or other conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, including hurricanes in the Company’s footprint, health emergencies, epidemics or pandemics, or other catastrophic events that may affect general economic conditions and/or increase costs, including, but not limited to, property and casualty and other insurance costs; Seacoast’s ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting; potential claims, damages, penalties, fines, costs and reputational damage resulting from pending or future litigation, regulatory proceedings and enforcement actions; the risks that deferred tax assets could be reduced if estimates of future taxable income from the Company’s operations and tax planning strategies are less than currently estimated, the results of tax audit findings, challenges to our tax positions, or adverse changes or interpretations of tax laws; the effects of competition from other commercial banks, thrifts, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, non-bank financial technology providers, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and other mutual funds and other financial institutions; the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for expected credit losses; risks related to, and the costs associated with, environmental, social and governance matters, including the scope and pace of related rulemaking activity and disclosure requirements; a deterioration of the credit rating for U.S. long-term sovereign debt, actions that the U.S. government may take to avoid exceeding the debt ceiling, and uncertainties surrounding the federal budget and economic policy; the risk that balance sheet, revenue growth, and loan growth expectations may differ from actual results; and other factors and risks described under “Risk Factors” herein and in any of the Company’s subsequent reports filed with the SEC and available on its website at www.sec.gov.

    All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice, including, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in other periodic reports that the Company files with the SEC. Such reports are available upon request from the Company, or from the Securities and Exchange Commission, including through the SEC’s Internet website at www.sec.gov.

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS         (Unaudited)          
    SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES                    
              Quarterly Trends           Nine Months Ended
    (Amounts in thousands, except ratios and per share data) 3Q’24   2Q’24   1Q’24   4Q’23   3Q’23   3Q’24   3Q’23
    Summary of Earnings                          
    Net income $ 30,651     $ 30,244     $ 26,006     $ 29,543     $ 31,414     $ 86,901     $ 74,490  
    Adjusted net income1,6   30,511       30,277       31,132       31,363       34,170       91,920       101,878  
    Net interest income2   106,975       104,657       105,298       111,035       119,505       316,930       378,009  
    Net interest margin2,3   3.17 %     3.18 %     3.24 %     3.36 %     3.57 %     3.19 %     3.91 %
    Pre-tax pre-provision earnings1   46,086       44,555       35,674       42,006       43,383       126,315       131,807  
    Adjusted pre-tax pre-provision earnings1,6   46,390       44,490       42,513       45,016       47,349       133,393       168,905  
                               
    Performance Ratios                          
    Return on average assets-GAAP basis3   0.81 %     0.82 %     0.71 %     0.80 %     0.84 %     0.78 %     0.68 %
    Return on average tangible assets-GAAP basis3,4   0.99       1.00       0.89       0.99       1.04       0.96       0.88  
    Adjusted return on average tangible assets1,3,4   0.98       1.00       1.04       1.04       1.12       1.01       1.15  
    Pre-tax pre-provision return on average tangible assets1,3,4,6   1.46       1.45       1.22       1.39       1.43       1.38       1.49  
    Adjusted pre-tax pre-provision return on average tangible assets1,3,4   1.47       1.45       1.42       1.48       1.55       1.44       1.85  
    Net adjusted noninterest expense to average tangible assets1,3,4   2.19       2.19       2.23       2.25       2.34       2.20       2.40  
    Return on average shareholders’ equity-GAAP basis3   5.62       5.74       4.94       5.69       6.01       5.44       4.94  
    Return on average tangible common equity-GAAP basis3,4   10.31       10.75       9.55       11.22       11.90       10.21       10.09  
    Adjusted return on average tangible common equity1,3,4   10.27       10.76       11.15       11.80       12.79       10.72       13.14  
    Efficiency ratio5   59.84       60.21       66.78       60.32       62.60       62.24       65.19  
    Adjusted efficiency ratio1   59.84       60.21       61.13       60.32       60.19       60.39       56.47  
    Noninterest income to total revenue (excluding securities gains/losses)   18.05       17.55       16.17       15.14       13.22       17.27       14.16  
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets4   9.64       9.30       9.25       9.31       8.68       9.64       8.68  
    Average loan-to-deposit ratio   83.79       83.11       84.50       83.38       82.63       83.80       82.86  
    End of period loan-to-deposit ratio   83.44       82.90       83.12       85.48       82.71       83.44       82.71  
                               
    Per Share Data                          
    Net income diluted-GAAP basis $ 0.36     $ 0.36     $ 0.31     $ 0.35     $ 0.37     $ 1.02     $ 0.89  
    Net income basic-GAAP basis   0.36       0.36       0.31       0.35       0.37       1.03       0.89  
    Adjusted earnings1,6   0.36       0.36       0.37       0.37       0.40       1.08       1.21  
                               
    Book value per share common   25.68       24.98       24.93       24.84       24.06       25.68       24.06  
    Tangible book value per share   16.20       15.41       15.26       15.08       14.26       16.20       14.26  
    Cash dividends declared   0.18       0.18       0.18       0.18       0.18       0.54       0.53  
    1Non-GAAP measure – see “Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and a reconciliation to GAAP. 2Calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using amortized cost. 3These ratios are stated on an annualized basis and are not necessarily indicative of future periods. 4The Company defines tangible assets as total assets less intangible assets, and tangible common equity as total shareholders’ equity less intangible assets. 5Defined as noninterest expense less amortization of intangibles and gains, losses, and expenses on foreclosed properties divided by net operating revenue (net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis plus noninterest income excluding securities gains and losses). 6As of 1Q’24, amortization of intangibles is excluded from adjustments to noninterest expense; prior periods have been updated to reflect the change.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME   (Unaudited)          
    SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES                    
      Quarterly Trends   Nine Months Ended
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 3Q’24   2Q’24   1Q’24   4Q’23   3Q’23   3Q’24   3Q’23
                               
    Interest on securities:                          
    Taxable $ 25,963   $ 24,155     $ 22,393     $ 21,383     $ 21,401     $ 72,511   $ 61,543  
    Nontaxable   34     33       34       55       97       101     299  
    Interest and fees on loans   150,980     147,292       147,095       147,801       149,871       445,367     433,304  
    Interest on interest bearing deposits and other investments   7,138     8,328       6,184       7,616       8,477       21,650     16,974  
    Total Interest Income   184,115     179,808       175,706       176,855       179,846       539,629     512,120  
                               
    Interest on deposits   51,963     51,319       47,534       44,923       38,396       150,816     81,612  
    Interest on time certificates   19,002     17,928       17,121       15,764       16,461       54,051     36,490  
    Interest on borrowed money   6,485     6,137       5,973       5,349       5,683       18,595     16,597  
    Total Interest Expense   77,450     75,384       70,628       66,036       60,540       223,462     134,699  
                               
    Net Interest Income   106,665     104,424       105,078       110,819       119,306       316,167     377,421  
    Provision for credit losses   6,273     4,918       1,368       3,990       2,694       12,559     33,528  
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses   100,392     99,506       103,710       106,829       116,612       303,608     343,893  
                               
    Noninterest income:                          
    Service charges on deposit accounts   5,412     5,342       4,960       4,828       4,648       15,714     13,450  
    Interchange income   1,911     1,940       1,888       2,433       1,684       5,739     11,444  
    Wealth management income   3,843     3,766       3,540       3,261       3,138       11,149     9,519  
    Mortgage banking fees   485     582       381       378       410       1,448     1,412  
    Insurance agency income   1,399     1,355       1,291       1,066       1,183       4,045     3,444  
    SBA gains   391     694       739       921       613       1,824     1,184  
    BOLI income   2,578     2,596       2,264       2,220       2,197       7,438     6,181  
    Other   7,473     5,953       5,205       4,668       4,307       18,631     15,636  
        23,492     22,228       20,268       19,775       18,180       65,988     62,270  
    Securities gains (losses), net   187     (44 )     229       (2,437 )     (387 )     372     (456 )
    Total Noninterest Income   23,679     22,184       20,497       17,338       17,793       66,360     61,814  
                               
    Noninterest expense:                          
    Salaries and wages   40,697     38,937       40,304       38,435       46,431       119,938     139,202  
    Employee benefits   6,955     6,861       7,889       6,678       7,206       21,705     23,240  
    Outsourced data processing costs   8,003     8,210       12,118       8,609       8,714       28,331     43,489  
    Occupancy   7,096     7,180       8,037       7,512       7,758       22,313     24,360  
    Furniture and equipment   2,060     1,956       2,011       2,028       2,052       6,027     6,664  
    Marketing   2,729     3,266       2,655       2,995       1,876       8,650     6,161  
    Legal and professional fees   2,708     1,982       2,151       3,294       2,679       6,841     14,220  
    FDIC assessments   1,882     2,131       2,158       2,813       2,258       6,171     5,817  
    Amortization of intangibles   6,002     6,003       6,292       6,888       7,457       18,297     21,838  
    Other real estate owned expense and net loss (gain) on sale   491     (109 )     (26 )     573       274       356     412  
    Provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments   250     251       250       —       —       751     1,239  
    Other   5,945     5,869       6,532       6,542       7,210       18,346     22,613  
    Total Noninterest Expense   84,818     82,537       90,371       86,367       93,915       257,726     309,255  
                               
    Income Before Income Taxes   39,253     39,153       33,836       37,800       40,490       112,242     96,452  
    Provision for income taxes   8,602     8,909       7,830       8,257       9,076       25,341     21,962  
    Net Income $ 30,651   $ 30,244     $ 26,006     $ 29,543     $ 31,414     $ 86,901   $ 74,490  
                               
    Share Data                          
    Net income per share of common stock                          
    Diluted $ 0.36   $ 0.36     $ 0.31     $ 0.35     $ 0.37     $ 1.02   $ 0.89  
    Basic   0.36     0.36       0.31       0.35       0.37       1.03     0.89  
    Cash dividends declared   0.18     0.18       0.18       0.18       0.18       0.54     0.53  
                               
    Average common shares outstanding                          
    Diluted   85,069     84,816       85,270       85,336       85,666       84,915     83,993  
    Basic   84,434     84,341       84,908       84,817       85,142       84,319     83,457  
                               
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS       (Unaudited)        
    SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES                
      September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
    (Amounts in thousands)  2024     2024     2024     2023     2023 
    Assets                  
    Cash and due from banks $ 182,743     $ 168,738     $ 137,850     $ 167,511     $ 182,036  
    Interest bearing deposits with other banks   454,315       580,787       544,874       279,671       513,946  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   637,058       749,525       682,724       447,182       695,982  
                       
    Time deposits with other banks   5,207       7,856       7,856       5,857       4,357  
                       
    Debt Securities:                  
    Securities available for sale (at fair value)   2,160,055       1,967,204       1,949,463       1,836,020       1,841,845  
    Securities held to maturity (at amortized cost)   646,050       658,055       669,896       680,313       691,404  
    Total debt securities   2,806,105       2,625,259       2,619,359       2,516,333       2,533,249  
                       
    Loans held for sale   11,039       5,975       9,475       4,391       2,979  
                       
    Loans   10,205,281       10,038,508       9,978,052       10,062,940       10,011,186  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses   (140,469 )     (141,641 )     (146,669 )     (148,931 )     (149,661 )
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses   10,064,812       9,896,867       9,831,383       9,914,009       9,861,525  
                       
    Bank premises and equipment, net   108,776       109,945       110,787       113,304       115,749  
    Other real estate owned   6,421       6,877       7,315       7,560       7,216  
    Goodwill   732,417       732,417       732,417       732,417       731,970  
    Other intangible assets, net   77,431       83,445       89,377       95,645       102,397  
    Bank owned life insurance   306,379       303,816       301,229       298,974       296,763  
    Net deferred tax assets   94,820       108,852       111,539       113,232       131,602  
    Other assets   317,906       321,779       326,554       331,345       339,218  
    Total Assets $ 15,168,371     $ 14,952,613     $ 14,830,015     $ 14,580,249     $ 14,823,007  
                       
    Liabilities                  
    Deposits                  
    Noninterest demand $ 3,443,455     $ 3,397,918     $ 3,555,401     $ 3,544,981     $ 3,868,132  
    Interest-bearing demand   2,487,448       2,821,092       2,711,041       2,790,210       2,800,152  
    Savings   524,474       566,052       608,088       651,454       721,558  
    Money market   4,034,371       3,707,761       3,531,029       3,314,288       3,143,897  
    Time deposits   1,753,837       1,623,295       1,610,281       1,476,002       1,574,095  
    Total Deposits   12,243,585       12,116,118       12,015,840       11,776,935       12,107,834  
                       
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   210,176       262,103       326,732       374,573       276,450  
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   245,000       180,000       110,000       50,000       110,000  
    Long-term debt, net   106,800       106,634       106,468       106,302       106,136  
    Other liabilities   168,960       157,377       153,225       164,353       174,193  
    Total Liabilities   12,974,521       12,822,232       12,712,265       12,472,163       12,774,613  
                       
    Shareholders’ Equity                  
    Common stock   8,614       8,530       8,494       8,486       8,515  
    Additional paid in capital   1,821,050       1,815,800       1,811,941       1,808,883       1,813,068  
    Retained earnings   508,036       492,805       478,017       467,305       453,117  
    Less: Treasury stock   (18,680 )     (18,744 )     (16,746 )     (16,710 )     (14,035 )
        2,319,020       2,298,391       2,281,706       2,267,964       2,260,665  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net   (125,170 )     (168,010 )     (163,956 )     (159,878 )     (212,271 )
    Total Shareholders’ Equity   2,193,850       2,130,381       2,117,750       2,108,086       2,048,394  
    Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity $ 15,168,371     $ 14,952,613     $ 14,830,015     $ 14,580,249     $ 14,823,007  
                       
    Common shares outstanding   85,441       85,299       84,935       84,861       85,150  
    CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA       (Unaudited)    
    SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES                    
                         
    (Amounts in thousands)   3Q’24   2Q’24   1Q’24   4Q’23   3Q’23
    Credit Analysis                    
    Net charge-offs   $ 7,445     $ 9,946     $ 3,630     $ 4,720     $ 12,748  
    Net charge-offs to average loans     0.29 %     0.40 %     0.15 %     0.19 %     0.50 %
                         
    Allowance for credit losses   $ 140,469     $ 141,641     $ 146,669     $ 148,931     $ 149,661  
                         
    Non-acquired loans at end of period   $ 7,178,186     $ 6,834,059     $ 6,613,763     $ 6,571,454     $ 6,343,121  
    Acquired loans at end of period     3,027,095       3,204,449       3,364,289       3,491,486       3,668,065  
    Total Loans   $ 10,205,281     $ 10,038,508     $ 9,978,052     $ 10,062,940     $ 10,011,186  
                         
    Total allowance for credit losses to total loans at end of period     1.38 %     1.41 %     1.47 %     1.48 %     1.49 %
    Purchase discount on acquired loans at end of period     4.48       4.51       4.63       4.75       4.86  
                         
    End of Period                    
    Nonperforming loans   $ 80,857     $ 59,927     $ 77,205     $ 65,104     $ 41,508  
    Other real estate owned     933       1,173       309       221       221  
    Properties previously used in bank operations included in other real estate owned     5,488       5,704       7,006       7,339       6,995  
    Total Nonperforming Assets   $ 87,278     $ 66,804     $ 84,520     $ 72,664     $ 48,724  
                         
    Nonperforming Loans to Loans at End of Period     0.79 %     0.60 %     0.77 %     0.65 %     0.41 %
                         
    Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets at End of Period     0.58       0.45       0.57       0.50       0.33  
                         
        September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
    Loans    2024     2024     2024     2023     2023 
    Construction and land development   $ 595,753     $ 593,534     $ 623,246     $ 767,622     $ 793,736  
    Commercial real estate – owner occupied     1,676,814       1,656,391       1,656,131       1,670,281       1,675,881  
    Commercial real estate – non-owner occupied     3,573,076       3,423,266       3,368,339       3,319,890       3,285,974  
    Residential real estate     2,564,903       2,555,320       2,521,399       2,445,692       2,418,903  
    Commercial and financial     1,575,228       1,582,290       1,566,198       1,607,888       1,588,152  
    Consumer     219,507       227,707       242,739       251,567       248,540  
    Total Loans   $ 10,205,281     $ 10,038,508     $ 9,978,052     $ 10,062,940     $ 10,011,186  
     
    AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSES, YIELDS AND RATES 1       (Unaudited)                    
    SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES                                
                                       
                                       
      3Q’24   2Q’24   3Q’23
      Average       Yield/   Average       Yield/   Average       Yield/
    (Amounts in thousands) Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate
                                       
    Assets                                  
    Earning assets:                                  
    Securities:                                  
    Taxable $ 2,756,502     $ 25,963   3.75 %   $ 2,629,716     $ 24,155   3.69 %   $ 2,575,002     $ 21,401   3.32 %
    Nontaxable   5,701       42   2.93       5,423       40   2.97       15,280       119   3.11  
    Total Securities   2,762,203       26,005   3.75       2,635,139       24,195   3.69       2,590,282       21,520   3.32  
                                       
    Federal funds sold   433,423       5,906   5.42       510,401       6,967   5.49       547,576       7,415   5.37  
    Interest bearing deposits with other banks and other investments   102,700       1,232   4.77       98,942       1,361   5.53       90,039       1,062   4.68  
                                       
    Total Loans, net2   10,128,822       151,282   5.94       10,005,122       147,518   5.93       10,043,611       150,048   5.93  
                                       
    Total Earning Assets   13,427,148       184,425   5.46       13,249,604       180,041   5.47       13,271,508       180,045   5.38  
                                       
    Allowance for credit losses   (141,974 )             (146,380 )             (158,440 )        
    Cash and due from banks   167,103               168,439               168,931          
    Bank premises and equipment, net   109,699               110,709               116,704          
    Intangible assets   812,761               818,914               839,787          
    Bank owned life insurance   304,703               302,165               295,272          
    Other assets including deferred tax assets   317,406               336,256               372,241          
                                       
    Total Assets $ 14,996,846             $ 14,839,707             $ 14,906,003          
                                       
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                                  
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                  
    Interest-bearing demand $ 2,489,674     $ 12,905   2.06 %   $ 2,670,569     $ 14,946   2.25 %   $ 2,804,243     $ 15,013   2.12 %
    Savings   546,473       601   0.44       584,490       560   0.39       770,503       465   0.24  
    Money market   3,942,357       38,457   3.88       3,665,858       35,813   3.93       2,972,495       22,918   3.06  
    Time deposits   1,716,720       19,002   4.40       1,631,290       17,928   4.42       1,619,572       16,461   4.03  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   241,083       2,044   3.37       293,603       2,683   3.68       327,711       2,876   3.48  
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   237,935       2,549   4.26       149,234       1,592   4.29       111,087       888   3.17  
    Long-term debt, net   106,706       1,892   7.05       106,532       1,862   7.03       106,036       1,919   7.18  
                                       
    Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities   9,280,948       77,450   3.32       9,101,576       75,384   3.33       8,711,647       60,540   2.76  
                                       
    Noninterest demand   3,393,110               3,485,603               3,987,761          
    Other liabilities   154,344               134,900               133,846          
    Total Liabilities   12,828,402               12,722,079               12,833,254          
                                       
    Shareholders’ equity   2,168,444               2,117,628               2,072,747          
                                       
    Total Liabilities & Equity $ 14,996,846             $ 14,839,707             $ 14,906,003          
                                       
    Cost of deposits         2.34 %           2.31 %           1.79 %
    Interest expense as a % of earning assets         2.29 %           2.29 %           1.81 %
    Net interest income as a % of earning assets     $ 106,975   3.17 %       $ 104,657   3.18 %       $ 119,505   3.57 %
                                       
                                       
    1 On a fully taxable equivalent basis. All yields and rates have been computed using amortized cost.              
    2 Fees on loans have been included in interest on loans. Nonaccrual loans are included in loan balances.              
    AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSES, YIELDS AND RATES 1       (Unaudited)        
    SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES                    
                           
                           
      Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
      Average       Yield/   Average       Yield/
    (Amounts in thousands) Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate
                           
    Assets                      
    Earning assets:                      
    Securities:                      
    Taxable $ 2,655,422     $ 72,511   3.65 %   $ 2,649,127     $ 61,543   3.10 %
    Nontaxable   5,677       123   2.89       15,721       370   3.14  
    Total Securities   2,661,099       72,634   3.65       2,664,848       61,913   3.10  
                           
    Federal funds sold   438,089       17,929   5.47       336,022       12,444   4.95  
    Interest bearing deposits with other banks and other investments   102,415       3,721   4.85       90,511       4,530   6.69  
                           
    Total Loans, net2   10,056,466       446,108   5.93       9,840,484       433,821   5.89  
                           
    Total Earning Assets   13,258,069       540,392   5.44       12,931,865       512,708   5.30  
                           
    Allowance for credit losses   (145,579 )             (151,613 )        
    Cash and due from banks   167,424               185,426          
    Bank premises and equipment, net   110,929               116,840          
    Intangible assets   819,046               811,483          
    Bank owned life insurance   302,220               287,756          
    Other assets including deferred tax assets   330,898               402,175          
                           
    Total Assets $ 14,843,007             $ 14,583,932          
                           
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Interest-bearing demand $ 2,626,026     $ 43,117   2.19 %   $ 2,642,180     $ 25,780   1.30 %
    Savings   586,285       1,701   0.39       909,184       1,292   0.19  
    Money market   3,673,493       105,998   3.85       2,831,747       54,540   2.58  
    Time deposits   1,646,285       54,051   4.39       1,288,736       36,490   3.79  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   289,181       7,806   3.61       249,242       5,333   2.86  
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   163,468       5,101   4.17       214,415       5,936   3.70  
    Long-term debt, net   106,538       5,688   7.13       103,469       5,328   6.88  
                           
    Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities   9,091,276       223,462   3.28       8,238,973       134,699   2.19  
                           
    Noninterest demand   3,468,790               4,204,389          
    Other liabilities   148,000               126,487          
    Total Liabilities   12,708,066               12,569,849          
                           
    Shareholders’ equity   2,134,941               2,014,083          
                           
    Total Liabilities & Equity $ 14,843,007             $ 14,583,932          
                           
    Cost of deposits         2.28 %           1.33 %
    Interest expense as a % of earning assets         2.25 %           1.39 %
    Net interest income as a % of earning assets     $ 316,930   3.19 %       $ 378,009   3.91 %
                           
                           
    1 On a fully taxable equivalent basis. All yields and rates have been computed using amortized cost.        
    2 Fees on loans have been included in interest on loans. Nonaccrual loans are included in loan balances.        
    CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA         (Unaudited)        
    SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES                  
    (Amounts in thousands) September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2023
    Customer Relationship Funding                  
    Noninterest demand                  
    Commercial $ 2,731,564   $ 2,664,353   $ 2,808,151   $ 2,752,644   $ 3,089,488
    Retail   509,527     532,623     553,697     561,569     570,727
    Public funds   139,072     142,846     145,747     173,893     134,649
    Other   63,292     58,096     47,806     56,875     73,268
    Total Noninterest Demand   3,443,455     3,397,918     3,555,401     3,544,981     3,868,132
                       
    Interest-bearing demand                  
    Commercial   1,426,920     1,533,725     1,561,905     1,576,491     1,618,755
    Retail   874,043     892,032     930,178     956,900     994,224
    Brokered   —     198,337     —     —     —
    Public funds   186,485     196,998     218,958     256,819     187,173
    Total Interest-Bearing Demand   2,487,448     2,821,092     2,711,041     2,790,210     2,800,152
                       
    Total transaction accounts                  
    Commercial   4,158,484     4,198,078     4,370,056     4,329,135     4,708,243
    Retail   1,383,570     1,424,655     1,483,875     1,518,469     1,564,951
    Brokered   —     198,337     —     —     —
    Public funds   325,557     339,844     364,705     430,712     321,822
    Other   63,292     58,096     47,806     56,875     73,268
    Total Transaction Accounts   5,930,903     6,219,010     6,266,442     6,335,191     6,668,284
                       
    Savings                  
    Commercial   44,151     53,523     52,665     58,562     79,731
    Retail   480,323     512,529     555,423     592,892     641,827
    Total Savings   524,474     566,052     608,088     651,454     721,558
                       
    Money market                  
    Commercial   1,953,851     1,771,927     1,709,636     1,655,820     1,625,455
    Retail   1,887,975     1,733,505     1,621,618     1,469,142     1,362,390
    Public funds   192,545     202,329     199,775     189,326     156,052
    Total Money Market   4,034,371     3,707,761     3,531,029     3,314,288     3,143,897
                       
    Brokered time certificates   256,536     126,668     142,717     122,347     307,963
    Time deposits   1,497,301     1,496,627     1,467,564     1,353,655     1,266,132
        1,753,837     1,623,295     1,610,281     1,476,002     1,574,095
    Total Deposits $ 12,243,585   $ 12,116,118   $ 12,015,840   $ 11,776,935   $ 12,107,834
                       
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   210,176     262,103     326,732     374,573     276,450
                       
    Total customer funding 1 $ 12,197,225   $ 12,053,216   $ 12,199,855   $ 12,029,161   $ 12,076,321
                       
    1Total deposits and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, excluding brokered deposits. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase consists of customer sweep accounts.

    Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This presentation contains financial information determined by methods other than Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance and believes these presentations provide useful supplemental information, and a clearer understanding of the Company’s performance. The Company believes the non-GAAP measures enhance investors’ understanding of the Company’s business and performance and if not provided would be requested by the investor community. These measures are also useful in understanding performance trends and facilitate comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. The limitations associated with operating measures are the risk that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items comprising these measures and that different companies might define or calculate these measures differently. The Company provides reconciliations between GAAP and these non-GAAP measures. These disclosures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP.

    GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION         (Unaudited)              
    SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES                        
              Quarterly Trends           Nine Months Ended
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 3Q’24   2Q’24   1Q’24   4Q’23   3Q’23   3Q’24 3Q’23
    Net Income $ 30,651     $ 30,244     $ 26,006     $ 29,543     $ 31,414     $ 86,901   $ 74,490  
                             
    Total noninterest income   23,679       22,184       20,497       17,338       17,793       66,360     61,814  
    Securities (gains) losses, net   (187 )     44       (229 )     2,437       387       (372 )   456  
    BOLI benefits on death (included in other income)   —       —       —       —       —       —     (2,117 )
    Total Adjustments to Noninterest Income   (187 )     44       (229 )     2,437       387       (372 )   (1,661 )
    Total Adjusted Noninterest Income   23,492       22,228       20,268       19,775       18,180       65,988     60,153  
                             
    Total noninterest expense   84,818       82,537       90,371       86,367       93,915       257,726     309,255  
    Merger-related charges   —       —       —       —       —       —     (33,180 )
    Branch reductions and other expense initiatives   —       —       (7,094 )     —       (3,305 )     (7,094 )   (5,167 )
    Adjustments to Noninterest Expense   —       —       (7,094 )     —       (3,305 )     (7,094 )   (38,347 )
    Adjusted Noninterest Expense2   84,818       82,537       83,277       86,367       90,610       250,632     270,908  
                             
    Income Taxes   8,602       8,909       7,830       8,257       9,076       25,341     21,962  
    Tax effect of adjustments   (47 )     11       1,739       617       936       1,703     9,298  
    Adjusted Income Taxes   8,555       8,920       9,569       8,874       10,012       27,044     31,260  
    Adjusted Net Income2 $ 30,511     $ 30,277     $ 31,132     $ 31,363     $ 34,170     $ 91,920   $ 101,878  
                             
    Earnings per diluted share, as reported $ 0.36     $ 0.36     $ 0.31     $ 0.35     $ 0.37     $ 1.02   $ 0.89  
    Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share   0.36       0.36       0.37       0.37       0.40       1.08     1.21  
    Average diluted shares outstanding   85,069       84,816       85,270       85,336       85,666       84,915     83,993  
                             
    Adjusted Noninterest Expense $ 84,818     $ 82,537     $ 83,277     $ 86,367     $ 90,610     $ 250,632   $ 270,908  
    Provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments   (250 )     (251 )     (250 )     —       —       (751 )   (1,239 )
    Other real estate owned expense and net gain (loss) on sale   (491 )     109       26       (573 )     (274 )     (356 )   (412 )
    Amortization of intangibles   (6,002 )     (6,003 )     (6,292 )     (6,888 )     (7,457 )     (18,297 )   (21,838 )
    Net Adjusted Noninterest Expense $ 78,075     $ 76,392     $ 76,761     $ 78,906     $ 82,879     $ 231,228   $ 247,419  
    Average tangible assets   14,184,085       14,020,793       13,865,245       13,906,005       14,066,216       14,023,961     13,772,449  
    Net Adjusted Noninterest Expense to Average Tangible Assets   2.19 %     2.19 %     2.23 %     2.25 %     2.34 %     2.20 %   2.40 %
                             
    Net Revenue $ 130,344     $ 126,608     $ 125,575     $ 128,157     $ 137,099     $ 382,527   $ 439,235  
    Total Adjustments to Net Revenue   (187 )     44       (229 )     2,437       387       (372 )   (1,661 )
    Impact of FTE adjustment   310       233       220       216       199       763     588  
    Adjusted Net Revenue on a fully taxable equivalent basis $ 130,467     $ 126,885     $ 125,566     $ 130,810     $ 137,685     $ 382,918   $ 438,162  
    Adjusted Efficiency Ratio   59.84 %     60.21 %     61.13 %     60.32 %     60.19 %     60.39 %   56.47 %
                             
    Net Interest Income $ 106,665     $ 104,424     $ 105,078     $ 110,819     $ 119,306     $ 316,167   $ 377,421  
    Impact of FTE adjustment   310       233       220       216       199       763     588  
    Net Interest Income including FTE adjustment $ 106,975     $ 104,657     $ 105,298     $ 111,035     $ 119,505     $ 316,930   $ 378,009  
    Total noninterest income   23,679       22,184       20,497       17,338       17,793       66,360     61,814  
    Total noninterest expense less provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments   84,568       82,286       90,121       86,367       93,915       256,975     308,016  
    Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Earnings $ 46,086     $ 44,555     $ 35,674     $ 42,006     $ 43,383     $ 126,315   $ 131,807  
    Total Adjustments to Noninterest Income   (187 )     44       (229 )     2,437       387       (372 )   (1,661 )
    Total Adjustments to Noninterest Expense including other real estate owned expense and net (gain) loss on sale   491       (109 )     7,068       573       3,579       7,450     38,759  
    Adjusted Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Earnings2 $ 46,390     $ 44,490     $ 42,513     $ 45,016     $ 47,349     $ 133,393   $ 168,905  
                             
    Average Assets $ 14,996,846     $ 14,839,707     $ 14,690,776     $ 14,738,034     $ 14,906,003     $ 14,843,007   $ 14,583,932  
    Less average goodwill and intangible assets   (812,761 )     (818,914 )     (825,531 )     (832,029 )     (839,787 )     (819,046 )   (811,483 )
    Average Tangible Assets $ 14,184,085     $ 14,020,793     $ 13,865,245     $ 13,906,005     $ 14,066,216     $ 14,023,961   $ 13,772,449  
    Return on Average Assets (ROA)   0.81 %     0.82 %     0.71 %     0.80 %     0.84 %     0.78 %   0.68 %
    Impact of removing average intangible assets and related amortization   0.18       0.18       0.18       0.19       0.20       0.18     0.20  
    Return on Average Tangible Assets (ROTA)   0.99       1.00       0.89       0.99       1.04       0.96     0.88  
    Impact of other adjustments for Adjusted Net Income   (0.01 )     —       0.15       0.05       0.08       0.05     0.27  
    Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Assets   0.98       1.00       1.04       1.04       1.12       1.01     1.15  
                             
    Pre-Tax Pre-Provision return on Average Tangible Assets   1.46       1.45       1.22       1.39       1.43       1.38     1.49  
    Impact of adjustments on Pre-Tax Pre-Provision earnings   0.01       —       0.20       0.09       0.12       0.06     0.36  
    Adjusted Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Return on Tangible Assets2   1.47 %     1.45 %     1.42 %     1.48 %     1.55 %     1.44 %   1.85 %
                             
    Average Shareholders’ Equity $ 2,168,444     $ 2,117,628     $ 2,118,381     $ 2,058,912     $ 2,072,747     $ 2,134,941   $ 2,014,083  
    Less average goodwill and intangible assets   (812,761 )     (818,914 )     (825,531 )     (832,029 )     (839,787 )     (819,046 )   (811,483 )
    Average Tangible Equity $ 1,355,683     $ 1,298,714     $ 1,292,850     $ 1,226,883     $ 1,232,960     $ 1,315,895   $ 1,202,600  
                             
    Return on Average Shareholders’ Equity   5.62 %     5.74 %     4.94 %     5.69 %     6.01 %     5.44 %   4.94 %
    Impact of removing average intangible assets and related amortization   4.69       5.01       4.61       5.53       5.89       4.77     5.15  
    Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE)   10.31       10.75       9.55       11.22       11.90       10.21     10.09  
    Impact of other adjustments for Adjusted Net Income   (0.04 )     0.01       1.60       0.58       0.89       0.51     3.05  
    Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity   10.27 %     10.76 %     11.15 %     11.80 %     12.79 %     10.72 %   13.14 %
                             
    Loan interest income1 $ 151,282     $ 147,518     $ 147,308     $ 148,004     $ 150,048     $ 446,108   $ 433,821  
    Accretion on acquired loans   (9,182 )     (10,178 )     (10,595 )     (11,324 )     (14,843 )     (29,955 )   (45,365 )
    Loan interest income excluding accretion on acquired loans $ 142,100     $ 137,340     $ 136,713     $ 136,680     $ 135,205     $ 416,153   $ 388,456  
                             
    Yield on loans1   5.94       5.93       5.90       5.85       5.93       5.93     5.89  
    Impact of accretion on acquired loans   (0.36 )     (0.41 )     (0.42 )     (0.45 )     (0.59 )     (0.40 )   (0.61 )
    Yield on loans excluding accretion on acquired loans   5.58 %     5.52 %     5.48 %     5.40 %     5.34 %     5.53 %   5.89 %
                             
    Net Interest Income1 $ 106,975     $ 104,657     $ 105,298     $ 111,035     $ 119,505     $ 316,930   $ 378,009  
    Accretion on acquired loans   (9,182 )     (10,178 )     (10,595 )     (11,324 )     (14,843 )     (29,955 )   (45,365 )
    Net interest income excluding accretion on acquired loans $ 97,793     $ 94,479     $ 94,703     $ 99,711     $ 104,662     $ 286,975   $ 332,644  
                             
    Net Interest Margin   3.17       3.18       3.24       3.36       3.57       3.19     3.91  
    Impact of accretion on acquired loans   (0.27 )     (0.30 )     (0.33 )     (0.34 )     (0.44 )     (0.30 )   (0.47 )
    Net interest margin excluding accretion on acquired loans   2.90 %     2.87 %     2.91 %     3.02 %     3.13 %     2.89 %   3.44 %
                             
    Security interest income1 $ 26,005     $ 24,195     $ 22,434     $ 21,451     $ 21,520     $ 72,634   $ 61,913  
    Tax equivalent adjustment on securities   (8 )     (7 )     (7 )     (13 )     (22 )     (22 )   (71 )
    Security interest income excluding tax equivalent adjustment $ 25,997     $ 24,188     $ 22,427     $ 21,438     $ 21,498     $ 72,612   $ 61,842  
                             
    Loan interest income1 $ 151,282     $ 147,518     $ 147,308     $ 148,004     $ 150,048     $ 446,108   $ 433,821  
    Tax equivalent adjustment on loans   (302 )     (226 )     (213 )     (203 )     (177 )     (741 )   (517 )
    Loan interest income excluding tax equivalent adjustment $ 150,980     $ 147,292     $ 147,095     $ 147,801     $ 149,871     $ 445,367   $ 433,304  
                             
    Net Interest Income1 $ 106,975     $ 104,657     $ 105,298     $ 111,035     $ 119,505     $ 316,930   $ 378,009  
    Tax equivalent adjustment on securities   (8 )     (7 )     (7 )     (13 )     (22 )     (22 )   (71 )
    Tax equivalent adjustment on loans   (302 )     (226 )     (213 )     (203 )     (177 )     (741 )   (517 )
    Net interest income excluding tax equivalent adjustment $ 106,665     $ 104,424     $ 105,078     $ 110,819     $ 119,306     $ 316,167   $ 377,421  
                             
    1On a fully taxable equivalent basis. All yields and rates have been computed using amortized cost.    
    2As of 1Q’24, amortization of intangibles is excluded from adjustments to noninterest expense; prior periods have been updated to reflect the change.    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Investing in Flood Prevention Infrastructure Works. Here’s What We Are Doing.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in The Advocate highlighting a new report showing flood mitigation investments reduce storm damage and the billions of dollars he’s secured for Louisiana from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to do so. 
    “The best way to recover from a storm is never to flood at all. A recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report confirmed this, finding that for every dollar spent on federal flood mitigation projects, communities see a return of $2 to $3 in reduced damages. This reality resonates deeply for many families in Louisiana and across the country,” wrote Dr. Cassidy. 
    “In my time in Congress, I have been a vocal advocate for federal investment in flood mitigation, working to secure billions of dollars for projects that protect communities and reduce the economic burden of disasters. The funding secured through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a game-changer,” continued Dr. Cassidy.
    This op-ed comes on the heels of a critical report Cassidy released this morning detailing the current state of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the issues that led to skyrocketing premiums for millions of homeowners.
    “As the new CBO report shows, investment in flood mitigation pays off — again and again. The IIJA provided billions of dollars to reduce the risk of flooding, and much of this money is heading to Louisiana. It’s a good start, but NFIP reform must come next,” concluded Dr. Cassidy. 
    Read the full op-ed here or below. 
    Investing in Flood Prevention Infrastructure Works. Here’s What We Are Doing.
    By: Senator Bill Cassidy
    October 24, 2024
    As hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Francine floods homes and communities across the East Coast, Americans are focused on two questions: How do we help those affected to recover and how do we prevent this from happening again?
    The best way to recover from a storm is never to flood at all. A recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report confirmed this, finding that for every dollar spent on federal flood mitigation projects, communities see a return of $2 to $3 in reduced damages. This reality resonates deeply for many families in Louisiana and across the country.
    In my time in Congress, I have been a vocal advocate for federal investment in flood mitigation, working to secure billions of dollars for projects that protect communities and reduce the economic burden of disasters. The funding secured through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is a game-changer. The findings of this CBO report show us this is the right strategy.
    The IIJA allocated over $5.5 billion for disaster mitigation, coastal restoration, and flood risk reduction efforts. In Louisiana alone, it has already delivered hundreds of millions in coastal resiliency grants alone.
    Last month, I announced Louisiana will receive a fresh $206 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance program. This funding will go toward projects across Louisiana, from Gretna’s green infrastructure network — set to receive $51.8 million — to elevation projects in St. John the Baptist Parish and Livingston Parish totaling $27.1 and $11.8 million, respectively.
    In 2023, Louisiana secured over $207 million from FEMA in Building Resilient Infrastructures and Communities grants. These funds have gone toward a variety of projects, from $19 million for hardening and hurricane-proofing Jefferson Parish’s power grid to $4.5 million for residential mitigation programs in Lafayette Parish. The result: stronger resilience for Louisianans as we confront future storms.
    Three years in, we have made historic investments in flood infrastructure, providing resources to communities across Louisiana and the country to build stronger, more resilient systems. These efforts not only safeguard communities to prevent catastrophic flooding, they reduce the need for costly recovery efforts and alleviate the pressure on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which has struggled to stay solvent.
    I have repeatedly highlighted the urgent need to reauthorize — and more importantly, reform — the NFIP in a series of speeches on the Senate floor. Skyrocketing flood insurance premiums due to Risk Rating 2.0 are leaving families in Louisiana and other flood-prone areas behind. Flood insurance costs impose an unsustainable financial strain placed on both homeowners and the program itself.
    At my request, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP reform in January, featuring testimony from locals speaking to the program’s challenges. The principles can be stated simply: Make the program affordable to the homeowner, accountable to the taxpayer and sustainable for the future.
    This isn’t just a Louisiana issue, as the devastation of Hurricane Helene has demonstrated. Flooding is a national problem. Forty-four states have had over $50 million in total NFIP claims since 1978. Thirteen states have had more than $1 billion in NFIP claims during that same timeframe. So, I’m confident we can build the big coalition needed to enact this vital legislation.
    As the new CBO report shows, investment in flood mitigation pays off — again and again. The IIJA provided billions of dollars to reduce the risk of flooding, and much of this money is heading to Louisiana. It’s a good start, but NFIP reform must come next.
    Background
    In January, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP at the request of Cassidy. The hearing highlighted the urgent need for Congress to act and featured a Louisiana witness. Cassidy also participated in a roundtable hosted by GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance before introducing the bill to hear from community leaders and advocates on the issue.
    Cassidy traveled St. Bernard Parish last year to talk with residents about their flood insurance premiums, resulting in the second episode of his series Bill on the Hill.
    Over the last several months, Cassidy has delivered a series of speeches on the Senate floor calling for action on NFIP. Most recently, he demanded that Congress reauthorize and reform the program just before its authorization expired at the end of the fiscal year on September 30th.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Changes to improve building fire safety

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is progressing changes to better protect Kiwis and their property from fires, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

    “Following the tragic Loafer’s Lodge fire in 2023, 37 boardings houses across the country were assessed and I am pleased to say that all fire safety recommendations from the review have now been completed. This is an important milestone which will reduce the chances of a tragedy like that happening again.

    “The Government is now prioritising a full review of the fire safety provisions in the Building Code to improve the fire safety of all buildings. This is the first full review in more than a decade.

    “We have now released a discussion document which outlines issues that need addressing to ensure the fire safety provisions in the Building Code keep pace with changes in urban design and modern methods of construction.

    “The way we build has changed significantly in the last decade. Newly evolving products and technologies are adding complexities to buildings, which have implications for fire safety and firefighting.

    “One of the challenges for the review is to ensure requirements are cost-effective, meet social expectations for safety standards and are well supported by industry.

    “In addition to the review, there is a Bill currently before select committee which contains a number of provisions that will improve building fire safety.

    “The Building (Earthquake-prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Bill includes:

    • a new offence and penalty for independently qualified persons who negligently certify that the building owner or their agent has met all of the inspection, maintenance and reporting requirements in the compliance schedule
    • a clarification that an independent qualified person should only certify a specified system if it meets the requirements in the building’s compliance schedule
    • amended regulations to increase the fines for building owners who fail to supply or display a Building Warrant of Fitness.

    “With several initiatives underway, we are moving quickly to ensure Kiwis and their property are better protected from fires. We are committed to improving our built environment so that Kiwis can live, work and play in safe, high-quality buildings.”

    Notes to editor:

    The Building Code fire safety review discussion document is now open for public comment: www.mbie.govt.nz/fire-safety-review.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato wetland fire update #12

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency drone crews identified 16 hotspots overnight, with crews now focused on dampening them down today.
    Incident Controller Mark Tinworth says three helicopters and 22 personnel on the ground will be in operation.
    “The fire remains contained, and has not grown in size overnight.
    “A big thank you to our crews and helicopter pilots who will be working hard again today as we continue efforts to extinguish this fire.”
    Cordons are back in place with access to residents only on Island Block Road and Falls Road between 8am and 6pm to allow air operations to continue and restrict access to the public on the fire ground.
    For residents in the area, we understand there may be concerns regarding water tanks and ash-debris fall. People can visit Health New Zealand’s Waikato website for more information about this here: Meremere Wildfire, North Waikato – WaikatoDHB Newsroom
    Fire and Emergency’s Waikato Local Advisory Committee will be visiting the Incident Management Team this morning.
    The next update will be late afternoon.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Agriculture Recovery Resource Day to Take Place in Grayson County, Va., on Oct. 29

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Agriculture Recovery Resource Day to Take Place in Grayson County, Va., on Oct. 29

    Agriculture Recovery Resource Day to Take Place in Grayson County, Va., on Oct. 29

    BRISTOL, Va.— Helene caused over $159 million in agricultural damage and farm losses in southwest Virginia, according to a recent assessment by the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Commonwealth, federal and local agencies will be coming together in day-long events dedicated to agricultural recovery to share information and resources with impacted producers. The commonwealth of Virginia, USDA and FEMA are jointly organizing an Agricultural Recovery Resource Day on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Grayson County. The event will take place at the Mountain View Baptist Church at 112 Mountain View Road in Independence, Va. At least two additional, day-long events are also being planned for the week of Nov. 3 in Wythe and Washington counties. Southwest Virginia farmers and agricultural producers whose operations were affected by Helene can attend any event and can arrive any time from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For the latest information, please visit the event website: fema.gov/event/hurricane-helene-virginia-agricultural-recovery-resource-day“Multiple organizations, including federal, commonwealth, and local agencies have come together to help agricultural community recover from Tropical Storm Helene. The first Agriculture Recovery Resource Day will be an opportunity for farmers, private forest owners, and agribusiness owners to receive information and speak directly to representatives from over 15 agencies,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil. “We understand the critical role agribusinesses play in Virginia’s economy, and through the Agriculture Recovery Resource Days, we’re working to provide farmers with direct access to the tools and resources they need to bounce back stronger than ever.”“Recovery is a long process. The commonwealth is working to coordinate resources for the agricultural community that was impacted by Tropical Storm Helene,”, said VDEM State Coordinating Officer Shawn Talmadge. “We welcome any farmers to the first Agriculture Recovery Resource Day in Grayson County”.The following agencies will be present on Agriculture Recovery Resource Day to answer questions about grants, loans and other resources available for the agricultural community: Federal agencies: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) USDA Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) USDA National Resources Conservation Agency (USDA NRCS) USDA Rural Development (USDA RD) Commonwealth agencies:Virginia Department of Emergency Management Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesVirginia Department of ForestryVirginia Department of Conservation and RecreationVirginia Department of Environmental QualityVirginia Cooperative ExtensionVirginia Department of HealthVirginia Tobacco Region Revitalization CommissionVirginia Small Business Financing AuthorityLocal agencies and organizations: Soil and Water Conservation DistrictsAgriSafeVirginia Farm Bureau Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Farm Credit of the Virginias First Bank & TrustMount Rogers Health DistrictGrayson CountyFarming is an economic driver in southwest Virginia and recovery for agribusiness is essential for long-term, sustainable recovery after Helene. The federal government and commonwealth are here to support recovery for the whole community. For additional disaster recovery resources, visit vaemergency.gov,  the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.  ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.
    erika.osullivan
    Thu, 10/24/2024 – 20:31

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Issues Executive Order to Ease DMV Requirements and Fee Collections for Western North Carolinians in Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Cooper Issues Executive Order to Ease DMV Requirements and Fee Collections for Western North Carolinians in Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

    Governor Cooper Issues Executive Order to Ease DMV Requirements and Fee Collections for Western North Carolinians in Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
    mseets

    Yesterday, Governor Roy Cooper issued an Executive Order focused on easing requirements and fee collections for North Carolinians related to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. As a result of this Order, the DMV will suspend the collection of various application and late fees, suspend certain requirements for both residents and businesses, and extend certain licenses for mechanics and businesses.

    “Western North Carolina was deeply impacted by Hurricane Helene and many people have lost vehicles, licenses and other important documents,” said Governor Cooper. “This Executive Order will support the DMV’s critical work and help affected North Carolinians as they recover from this storm.”

    Following the devastation of Helene, several DMV facilities remain closed and many vehicles were destroyed by the storm. Additionally, many residents of impacted counties cannot access an open facility to obtain services thereby delaying their ability to obtain the registration and other documents required for their vehicles. Replacing lost documents would also require paying various fees. This action allows DMV to support disaster recovery by expediting the issuance of vital motorist records, identification, and documentation while also providing relief for residents of impacted counties to restore some of their property. 

    Yesterday, Governor Cooper announced his budget recommendation to help Western North Carolina rebuild stronger. Governor Cooper recommends an initial $3.9 billion package to begin rebuilding critical infrastructure, homes, businesses, schools, and farms damaged during the storm. Initial damage estimates are $53 billion, roughly three times Hurricane Florence estimates in 2018 and the largest in state history.

    The North Carolina Council of State unanimously concurred with this Executive Order.

    You can see the Concurrence Record here.

    Read the Executive Order here.

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    Oct 24, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 1206 2CC Breakfast with Stephen Cenatiempo

    Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements

    STEPHEN CENATIEMPO: All right. I want to talk federal politics a little bit further. We’re joined by Kristy McBain, the Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government and the Member for Eden-Monaro. Kristy, good morning. 

    KRISTY MCBAIN: Good morning Stephen. 

    CENATIEMPO: Now I’m going to leave you out of the energy debate for the moment because it’s not your portfolio, but something in the time that you and I have been talking, you’ve been very critical of the previous government and what the current government likes to call rorts, whether it’s sports rorts, car park rorts, all of this. Well, it now turns out you guys are just as bad because the Housing Support Program is pouring money into Labor electorates and marginal electorates that you’re trying to pick up. Pot calling the kettle black, much? 

    MCBAIN: Our Housing Support Program Stream One has been announced, which is for a range of assistance to councils to help them with planning. Stream Two is not yet announced, which is the enabling infrastructure that will help build the water and sewer connections, the roads, kerbs and guttering to get more housing underway. It’s really important that enabling infrastructure is taken off councils that may have to do it themselves if they own the land. Developers are saying, if we did all of that, the blocks become too expensive and nothing will get built. We’re contributing in a number of ways to make sure that housing is more affordable for Australians out there, whether it’s through enabling infrastructure, whether it’s through the Housing Australia Future Fund.

    CENATIEMPO: Kristy, that’s not the argument here. The argument is that it’s going into like key Labor electorates, and Coalition seats that you’re targeting, exactly like car park and sports rorts. 

    MCBAIN: I haven’t seen any of those reports. The decisions have been made by the department, not by Ministers. It is important that we deal with what’s in front of us, and that’s transparency. If it’s been made by the department, it’s been made by the department. We’ve gone through round one of the Growing Regions Fund, which was audited in real time. Those projects were found to stack up to the guidelines. They were across a range of electorates. We’ve been walking the talk and saying, this is what we’re going to be, as transparent as possible as the decisions are made by the department. That’s what they are.

    CENATIEMPO: Except for the Housing Support Fund. All right, let’s talk housing while we’re at it. You’ve hit out a Bridget McKenzie for saying the Commonwealth shouldn’t fund housing. Well, the reality is, the Commonwealth’s not going to fund housing. You’re funding around the edges, which is exactly what the Opposition is saying we should do with their $5 billion package. 

    MCBAIN: What I found quite extraordinary about Bridget McKenzie’s comments was that she said we shouldn’t fund housing in regional areas. That we need to get out of the way and let developers get on with the job. If Bridget paid any attention to the debate that was happening in the Senate, she would know that’s exactly what we’re doing. The Commonwealth Government doesn’t have a construction arm. What we’re doing is making sure we make it easier for people to get on with developments. They say imitation is the best form of flattery. It’s nice to see the Coalition get on now and say we’re actually going to contribute to the housing debate and copy our Housing Support Program.

    CENATIEMPO: Well, it’s not copying. Let’s be fair dinkum about it, it’s not copying.

    MCBAIN: It is. It’s funding enabling infrastructure, which is exactly what we’re doing. I think that’s fantastic. It’s really important that we’ve got major parties interested in housing, and that’s a big change from the ten years that they were in government. What we would like them to do is not only talk with us about enabling infrastructure, but also talk with us about the Help to Buy program, or the Build to Rent program. We know we need to start helping in all different facets of home ownership, whether that’s renting, whether that’s buying, whether that’s trying to enable more blocks to get out on the market. It’s really important that we’re making a difference. The three levels of government need to be working together on this. That’s been the change over the last couple of years. There is a real focus now on housing from three levels of government. 

    CENATIEMPO: Now, I don’t think we’ve seen any results of that yet. Let’s talk about things closer to home in Bungendore. A flood mitigation program. Tell us about this?

    MCBAIN: Right across the country we saw some catastrophic flooding in 2022. We provided $40 million towards the New South Wales Flood Recovery and Resilience Grant program. Under round two of this, more than $4.6 million is being invested across New South Wales, to deal with flood mitigation projects. $2.2 million is going to Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council to construct an overflow channel over Turallo Creek in Bungendore. It will allow the flood waters to bypass Tarago Road bridge instead of crossing that and flooding it, during times of heavy rain. I’m really proud to be able to deliver this, because the community has long called for this. We know we need to do more in making our communities more resilient come those heavy weather events. This is just another way that we’re helping New South Wales deliver those resilient programs. It builds on last year’s allocation of over $20 million, which went to 19 projects across New South Wales. Really proud that the community is finally getting a long called for a piece of infrastructure, that will allow them to still cross the road during heavy weather. 

    CENATIEMPO: Now local communities are going to be asked to help identify potential locations for the next round of the Mobile Black Spots Program. Why do we need to do this? Why aren’t local Members already aware of where their black spots are? 

    MCBAIN: We do this all the time with communities. Councils call for community input for black spots all the time, and are constantly updating the telcos with these. I ran a survey last time, which identified a range of different black spots, and we contribute to it as well as community members. It’s really important, particularly as we see the development of more housing blocks, that we make sure that connectivity is still front of mind, particularly when we’re developing more rural areas. It is really important that we continue to update that as we head towards round eight of the Mobile Black Spot Program, which will close later this year. It’s just another way you integrate with your community and understand what’s happening. 

    CENATIEMPO: All right. Again, I think if a local Member is doing their job well enough, they should know where the black spots are in their electorates. But Kristy, always good to talk to you. We’ll catch up in a couple of weeks’ time. 

    MCBAIN: Sounds great. Thanks.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: City Man Sentenced to 12½ Years in Prison for 2022 Armed Robbery of Northeast Philadelphia Store

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Nafec Pressley, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Kai N. Scott to 150 months in prison and five years of supervised release for the armed robbery of a store in the city’s Northeast in late 2022.

    Pressley was indicted in March 2023 on one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He pleaded guilty to those charges this July.

    On November 20, 2022, at approximately 4:15 p.m., a male employee was waiting on several customers inside a dollar store on the 6900 block of Bustleton Avenue. After the last customer left, Pressley approached the counter and engaged in small talk with the employee. The defendant suddenly walked around the counter, brandished a black semiautomatic pistol, and demanded money from him. The victim opened the cash register and invited Pressley to take the money inside, which amounted to over $300. Pressley pocketed the cash, then demanded that the victim take him upstairs to get more money.

    The victim pleaded with Pressley to leave, finding some more cash by the counter, which he gave to Pressley. When the victim’s wife began to come down the steps from the second floor, Pressley aimed his gun at her, and then back at the male victim. Pressley told the man that he had five seconds to go upstairs and get more money and began to count backwards from five.

    The victim then grabbed his own firearm from behind the counter and he and Pressley exchanged gunfire. Pressley was shot numerous times throughout his body, knocking him backwards and onto the floor. The defendant discharged his pistol multiple times as he fell but did not strike the victim. Pressley ran to the back of the store, then made a dash for the front door. As he fled, he turned and fired at the victim, again missing him.

    A short time later, Pressley was dropped off at an area hospital where he was treated for gunshot wounds. Philadelphia police officers who responded to the hospital seized Pressley’s clothing, finding approximately $371 in cash in his pants pocket.

    “Nafec Pressley nearly got himself killed because he’d rather steal money than work for it,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “He’s extremely fortunate he didn’t kill anyone else when he opened fire in that store. My office and our partners at ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department are committed to protecting the public from these violent criminals who prey on others. With Mr. Pressley behind bars for the next decade-plus, our stores, streets, and city are safer.”

    “We will not let violent criminals like Nafec Pressley terrorize Philadelphia’s businesses and communities,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “In this robbery turned shootout it was only by good fortune no one was killed. ATF Philadelphia Field Division has a long history of partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office, and we will continue to work tirelessly together to ensure justice for the victims and to make our communities safer.”

    The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spartanburg Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Second Federal Cocaine Trafficking Conviction

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SPARTANBURG, S.C. —Maurice Suber, 39, of Spartanburg was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine.

    Evidence presented to the court showed that since at least 2022, Suber was distributing drugs in the Highlands area of Spartanburg. On Nov. 15, 2023, a search warrant was executed on Suber’s home and multiple firearms and cash were located. Suber had previously been sentenced for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the same federal courthouse.

    United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Suber to 141 months in federal prison, followed by a court ordered term of supervision. The court also entered an order of forfeiture for $3.8 million dollars. 

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Border Enforcement Security Task Force – Upstate South Carolina, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Schoen is prosecuting the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –