Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InnoCarnival 2024 opens

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan today officiated at the opening ceremony of the InnoCarnival 2024, which is being held from now until November 3 at the Hong Kong Science Park.

     

    Organised by the Innovation & Technology Commission (ITC), the event features exhibits showcasing local innovation and technology (I&T) achievements under the theme “Let’s Sail with I&T”.

     

    In a speech, Mr Chan said that I&T is relevant to daily life and can produce substantial benefits. He added that the Government has strived to enhance Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem over the past few years, and that the Chief Executive announced multiple measures to promote the sector in last week’s Policy Address.

     

    Mr Chan asserted that it is necessary to elevate “popularising science” in the public imagination in order to nurture I&T development locally, and that the InnoCarnival offers an opportunity to achieve this.

     

    He added that besides being an event for the public to enjoy, the carnival is a platform for programme partners, especially start-ups, to realise their dreams. He said that it will inspire people’s interest in I&T, encouraging more talent to join the sector and contribute to Hong Kong and the country.

     

    The carnival is supported by over 75 programme partners, including local universities, research and development centres and platforms, government departments, and other organisations. The partners’ booths showcase various I&T achievements, in addition to interactive games.

     

    A diverse line-up of about 150 workshops and webinars, ranging across various subjects and demonstrating the importance of I&T in people’s daily lives, will be staged during the carnival.

     

    To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a number of significant scientific research projects carried out in co-operation with Mainland institutions will be on display.

     

    These include the “Hong Kong Youth Scientific Innovation”, the world’s first large-scale artificial intelligence model scientific satellite, which was jointly developed by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Mainland’s ADA Space, with funding support from the ITC.

     

    In addition, 23 winning solutions from the second City I&T Grand Challenge, including some prototypes, will be displayed.

     

    All activities at the carnival are free to join, although some require pre-registration.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s video message to the Donor Conference to Support Internally Displaced People and Refugees in Sahel and Lake Chad Region

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong>Download the video:  https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+8+Oct+24/3271915_MSG+SG+SAHEL+AND+LAKE+CHAD+08+OCT+24.mp4

    Excellencies, friends,

    I thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for convening this vital event.

    The Sahel and Lake Chad Basin regions have immense potential: rich in cultures, with vibrant youth populations, and endless possibilities for renewable energy – all valuable building blocks for sustainable development.  

    However, the area also faces profound challenges: from violence and terrorism, to the climate crisis.

    This year floods swept through the lives of around five million people.

    Across the regions we see crises of hunger, crises of hope, and crises of displacement.

    The Sahel is home to over seven and a half million people driven from their homes, including two million refugees. Over thirty million require humanitarian assistance.

    The United Nations is on the ground, supporting governments and communities to provide food, healthcare, education, and shelter.

    But we need more support.

    Our humanitarian response plans are around forty percent funded.

    I sincerely thank all those that have contributed for their generosity. This will save lives and livelihoods. But I also ask countries to dig deeper to help fund our response plans in full.

    And I urge action to move beyond aid, and tackle the root causes of crises:

    Addressing poverty and inequality, particularly among women and girls;

    Adapting to climate change;

    Promoting peace and democracy;

    And urging parties to end hostilities, protect civilians and ensure full humanitarian access.

    The United Nations is eager to work with communities, countries, humanitarian partners, Multilateral Development Banks, and international funds, to deliver change. 

    Together, let’s renew our resolve to help forge a path to a more secure, prosperous, and dignified future for the people of Sahel and Lake Chad.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: All regions of Russia and eight friendly countries participate in the Abilympics championship

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko attended the events of the final of the National Championship of Professional Skills among the Disabled and People with Limited Health Abilities “Abilympics”, which started at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow.

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    Dmitry Chernyshenko attended the events of the final of the National Championship of Professional Skills among the Disabled and People with Disabilities “Abilympics”, which started in Gostiny Dvor in Moscow

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the championship and noted that in 10 years, Abilympics has come a long way, increasing the number of participants from 250 to 120 thousand.

    “We have more than 1.2 million children with various types of disabilities who need to be given the opportunity to compete and be active citizens of society. And, as President Vladimir Putin instructed, to realize their potential and talents. And we saw a lot of talent at the championship. Today, representatives of all regions of the country are here, including new subjects. What is noteworthy is that eight friendly countries are also participating in these competitions. I believe that the most important result of “Abilympics” is that 93% of participants find work after the championship,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Moscow government, where the Abilympics finals are traditionally held. He emphasized that he is grateful to businesses that responsibly approach the creation of jobs for people with disabilities.

    The Deputy Prime Minister visited the venues where the championship was held. At the stand of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, he was presented with the latest technical rehabilitation equipment for people with disabilities. He also got acquainted with the exhibition and sale of goods from entrepreneurs who opened their own businesses.

    In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister spoke with participants and experts in various competencies, including Pottery, Industrial Robotics, Graphic Design, and Character Design/Animation.

    At Gostiny Dvor, the Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Education Olga Koludarova, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Evgeny Struzhak, and Head of the National Center “Abilympics” of the Institute for the Development of Professional Education Dina Makeeva.

    “Over the past 10 years, the movement has become an important part of the system of professional education and employment of people with disabilities. Thanks to Abilympics, thousands of talented schoolchildren, students and working citizens have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and abilities, as well as find a job they like. And we are confident that the Abilympics movement will continue to develop. This year, regional centers for the development of the movement opened in the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Kherson region. We hope that in the future, Abilympics will open its representative offices in all regions of our country,” noted Dina Makeeva.

    The championship competitions in 2024 will be held in 50 approved core competencies in 11 areas of the economy: education, IT technologies, arts and crafts, creative industries, industry, catering, services, economics and management, construction, and medical professions. The judging will be carried out by 277 experts from 52 subjects of the Russian Federation.

    It is also planned to hold competitions in 12 competencies and 1 presentation competence of the championship with the participation of representatives of friendly states in person: the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Abkhazia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Zimbabwe and the State of Qatar. Representatives of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Nicaragua and the People’s Republic of China will participate remotely.

    Over 10 years, the number of subjects of the Russian Federation where regional Abilympics championships are held has increased from 29 to 89, and the number of competitive competencies has grown from 29 to 206.

    The project operator is the National Center “Abilympics” of the Institute for the Development of Professional Education, Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Hussen announces support for financial stability in developing countries at the 2024 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 26, 2024 – Washington, D.C. – Global Affairs Canada

    Financial inclusion gives people a fair chance to succeed. However, with the rising cost of living, regional conflicts, and natural disasters caused by climate change, financial pressures have impacted everyday life, especially for the world’s most vulnerable.

    Yesterday, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development concluded his participation at the 2024 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington. While there, he announced a $20 million contribution to the Toronto Centre over five years.

    Canada’s investment will expand the reach of the Toronto Centre’s tailored training to financial regulators in developing countries, including for women. Women continue to be less likely than men to have access to financial institutions, or even have their own bank account. Gender inclusive training can help break the cycle of gender-based poverty – changing lives and increasing women’s participation in the economy. The project focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indo-Pacific region and special assistance to Ukraine.

    Minister Hussen also engaged with global partners, World Bank management and other key stakeholders, committed to working with Canada to improve accessing to finance for those who need it most, especially women, a priority under Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy. The World Bank Group is an important partner in funding development projects that help increase financial stability, making it easier for people to access financial services, and providing support in times of crisis.

    Quotes

    “Canada is proud to continue our partnership with the Toronto Centre. This Canadian powerhouse has a long track record of strengthening financial systems through their training and expertise. What this means is that more women and girls will get access to stable financial resources, unlocking the door to reaching their full potential. Together, Canada and the Toronto Centre will continue to build a more inclusive financial sector around the world.”

    – Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

    “We are deeply grateful to Global Affairs Canada for their continued support since our inception in 1998. This timely funding renewal strengthens our ability to build capacity in emerging markets and developing economies in line with the sustainable development goals to spur financial resilience and inclusion, mobilize domestic resources, and alleviate poverty. Our foundational institution-building work strengthens financial regulatory environments, fostering sustainable growth and building global confidence.” 

    – Babak Abbaszadeh, President and CEO, Toronto Centre

    Quick facts

    • Canada is a founding member of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund and is represented at their Boards by Canada’s Minister of Finance.

    • The WBG is Canada’s largest development partner institution. Since 1945, we have worked together in every major area of development and in boosting shared prosperity through inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development.

    • The Annual Meetings for the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank is an opportunity for the global community to come together and advance a range of issues related to poverty reduction and international economic development, while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

    • In June 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would purchase $274 million (US$200 million) in hybrid capital from the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). This innovative financing mechanism provides additional capacity for the Bank to provide loans to developing countries, with a leverage factor of 6.5 times. This means up to $1.8 billion in additional lending is available to help developing countries meet the SDGs – from improving education and health to reducing food insecurity and carbon footprints.

    • Canada is a founding member of the Toronto Centre and together, they have built a partnership that dates back to 1998.

    • The Toronto Centre has hosted regular side events within the IMF and World Bank Annual and Spring meetings.

    • Since inception in 1998, Toronto Centre has enhanced the capacity of more than 28,000 financial supervisors from 190 countries and territories to build more stable, resilient, and inclusive financial systems.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Olivia Batten
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of International Development
    Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca

    Media Relations Office
    Global Affairs Canada
    media@international.gc.ca
    Follow us on X (Twitter): @CanadaDev
    Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international development – Global Affairs Canada
    Follow us on Instagram: @canadadev

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Worth Couple Tied to Two Overdose Deaths Sentenced to Combined 51 Years in Prison

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

    A Fort Worth couple linked to at least two overdose deaths was sentenced today to a combined 51 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

    Edward Taylor, 42, Tierrah “TT” Andrews, 29, were charged in March. Both pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. On Friday, Mr. Taylor was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman to 27 years in federal prison; Ms. Andrews was sentenced to just over 24 years in federal prison.

    “These drug traffickers callously disregarded the risks of the drugs they were selling, and as a result, two people died,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Traffickers know that fentanyl does not discriminate. It takes the lives of first-time users and long-term addicts alike. These round blue pills are fueling a crisis that is ripping apart families across America. The Justice Department—including this U.S. Attorney’s Office—will not relent until we see each and every fentanyl trafficker held accountable for the lives they destroyed.”

    “Although today’s sentencings will provide little solace to the families of those lost to the fentanyl scourge, it is a promising triumph in law enforcement’s fight against its vile spread. As we witness in this case, while investigating Federal firearms violations, ATF will occasionally uncover other illicit acts, such as the sale of illegal narcotics. Unbeknownst to the bad guys, law enforcement communicates better than they do. Making these crimes sentenced here today even more monstrous is the fact that Ms. Andrews was carrying a firearm to protect her venture while dealing her filth.  Together with our local partners and the DEA, we are committed to putting the bad actors poisoning our streets with fentanyl and carrying firearms in prison through any means necessary,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.   

    According to court documents, Mr. Taylor and Ms. Andrews admitted to trafficking cocaine and fentanyl pills out of a motel room and an apartment in Fort Worth’s Las Vegas Trail neighborhood.

    On Nov. 2, 2023, a 45-year-old man identified by the initials T.M. took a rideshare to the motel to purchase drugs from Mr. Taylor. Surveillance video showed the man briefly enter and exit Mr. Taylor’s room. Hours later, the victim’s mother found his body in his bedroom next to a crushed M-30 pill containing fentanyl.  Four additional M-30 pills were found in a nicotine box inside the victim’s room.

    Less than three months later, on Jan. 26, 2024, a 21-year-old man identified by the initials K.S. texted Ms. Andrews requesting “rocks n blues” (slag for crack cocaine and fentanyl pills). Cell phone data showed he took a rideshare to a gas station near her apartment, walked to her place, and paid her $77 via CashApp. Later that day, his sister found his body, where blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl, white powder, and a glass pipe were later found.

    That same month, a source of information reported to police he had purchased crack cocaine and fentanyl pills from a couple trafficking out of Fort Worth. He provided Ms. Andrews’ phone number and Mr. Taylor’s CashApp account. Another source of information confirmed that he too had purchased crack cocaine and “percs” (another slang term for pills) from Mr. Taylor and Ms. Andrews for several months. He reported that the couple generally had a “k-pack” of 1,000 blue M-30 pills in plain view.

    On Jan. 27,  law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ms. Andrews’ apartment,  where they found 270 blue M-30 pills, 2.8 grams of cocaine, 6.6 grams of methamphetamine, a drug ledger (also known as a “pay owe” book), and 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition. On Ms. Andrews’ person, agents found a privately manufactured firearm, or “ghost gun,” loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. She explained to officers that she dealt drugs provided by Mr. Taylor and carried the pistol ”so no one does anything to me.”

    On Feb. 29, 2024, an ATF undercover agent and a confidential informant purchased approximately 6.28 grams of blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl from Ms. Andrews at her apartment for $275. They observed Mr. Taylor asking Ms. Andrews about the transaction while she bagged up the blue M-30 pills inside the apartment. The transaction was completed outside, in the undercover agent’s vehicle. The defendants were arrested a week later in possession of additional blue M-30 pills and firearms, despite both being convicted felons prohibited from possessing firearms.

    When confronted with photos of the victims, Mr. Taylor admitted to selling to T.M. and Ms. Andrews admitted to selling to K.S. Autopsies later confirmed both men suffered fatal drug overdoses.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives Dallas Field Division – Fort Worth Resident Agency conducted the investigation as part of a Fort Worth Violent Crime Initiative, with the assistance of the Fort Worth Police Department and the Parker County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurates the International Workshop on Use of Modern Technology in Survey-ReSurvey of Urban Land Records in New Delhi today

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurates the International Workshop on Use of Modern Technology in Survey-ReSurvey of Urban Land Records in New Delhi today

    Digitally updated and transparent land records facilitate optimization of the land resources and sharing of information with various agencies for assisting in policy and planning: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    We will benefit from the presence of experts from around the world and the knowledge they present will help us apply modern technologies in land management: Union Minister

    The department has approved the National Geo-Spatial Knowledge Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations pilot project for creation of land records in urban areas: Shri Chouhan

    Posted On: 21 OCT 2024 5:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the International Workshop on the use of “Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records” at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi today through video conferencing. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in his keynote address as the Chief Guest reaffirmed the commitment of Govt. of India in boosting digitization and maintenance of land records under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). Highlighting the importance of the quality land records, Minister stated that digitally updated and transparent land records facilitate optimization of the land resources and sharing of information with various agencies for assisting in policy and planning. He elaborated that for a robust property record and tax administration, seamless access to land records is crucial to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery through various schemes of the Centre and States. Minister emphasized the need for close coordination in the Central and State Governments and requested the Department of Land Resources and State Governments to work in close coordination.  

    He also discussed the steps taken by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in creating urban land records and informed that drone flying has been completed in 34 towns and Orthorectified Imagery (ORI) production is complete in 12 towns. He expressed his happiness on the pilot programme called the “National geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban Habitations (NAKSHA)” of the Department of Land Resources with a view to create Land Records in Urban Areas. The Pilot project will be started in more than 100 cities/towns in all the States / UTs and it is expected to be completed in one year’s time. This will be followed by full-fledged survey which would cover the entire urban area in the country within a period of 5 years.   Shri Chouhan added that he is happy to report that aerial photography with 3D imagery is a powerful tool for urban planning. Considering the rainfall and flood situation at the local level, it is very important to develop better drainage and flood management. Aerial photography with accurate GPS coordinates will help in accelerating the speed of land survey, which will ultimately be useful in property tax assessment, better transport system, planning of drainage and flood management and preparation of master plans for our urban areas. 

    Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that he is happy to inform that his department is making tireless efforts in this direction.  He wanted to consult with experts from other countries on creation and reconciliation of land records and this two-day conference is an effort to discuss and understand global best practices in the use of new and emerging technologies in this regard. He is sure that the distinguished participants will put forth their views which will be discussed in detail during the sessions. He requests the representatives of the State Governments present here to actively participate in the discussions, because only with the cooperation of the States will we be able to integrate modern technologies in urban land administration and improve efficiency and transparency in land management systems. We will benefit from the presence of experts from around the world and the knowledge they present will help us apply modern technologies in land management.

    Union minister extended his best wishes for successful organization of this event and he hope that the information gained from the workshop will help the government in formulating policies to further strengthen the urban local bodies.

    Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Manoj Joshi said that this international workshop has been organized and along with this we have started a pilot program to conduct surveys in urban areas. For this, Survey of India is our technical partner so that drone flying can be done in all the cities. From the images obtained from drone flying, the revenue and urban departments of the states will prepare urban land records, master plans and drainage records of cities. The objective of this workshop is that foreign experts in land records can take advantage of the experts in software. States which have done the land record survey work. They will be able to share information with each other. We will be able to complete this work of land records in one year.

    In the inaugural session, Shri Kunal Satyarthi, Joint Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Govt. of India welcomed the participants and set the agenda of the workshop. Shri Abedelrazq Khalil, World Bank’s Practice Manager for Urban and Land, South Asia Infrastructure Department highlighted the importance of land records in Urban area. Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India shared experience of SVAMITVA Scheme and stressed the urgent need for digital land records for urban area too.

    The first session of the Workshop on International Best Practices in Establishing and Maintaining Urban Digital Land Record was chaired by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Land Resources and moderated by Mr. Klaus Deininger, Lead Economist, World Bank. This session had global participation from the land registration/survey departments of South Korea, Spain, Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, USA, Germany.  The importance of registration laws, land surveying, aerial mapping and the integration and implementation of GIS was discussed extensively, during this session.

    The workshop is a unique gathering of the stakeholders from the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, Revenue and Urban Development Secretaries of 34 States/UTs, the Municipal Commissioners, international experts, Municipal officers /CEOs of around 120 Urban Local Bodies which are taking part in the Pilot programme National Geospatial Knowledge based Survey of habitations (NAKSHA) for Modernization of Urban Land records and industry &technology partners from India and abroad.

    Further, a Technology Exhibition on survey and resurvey featuring more than 30 Technology Companies from India as well as abroad was inaugurated by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Govt. of India.

    *****

     

    SS

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dundurn — Saskatoon RCMP: woman charged after fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 19, 2024 at approximately 9:45 p.m., Saskatoon RCMP received a report of a collision on Highway #11, one kilometre north of Dundurn.

    Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined a truck and an SUV collided in the southbound lanes. The truck was driving northbound in the southbound lanes.

    The driver and passenger of the SUV were declared deceased by EMS at the scene. They have been identified as a 50-year-old female and 20-year-old female from Lake Isle, AB. Their families have been notified.

    Two occupants of the truck, both children, were taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.

    The adult female driver of the truck did not report injuries to police. She was arrested at the scene of the collision.

    As a result of continued investigation, 32-year-old Brittany Barry from the RM of Blucher is charged with:

    • two counts, operate a conveyance while impaired over 80 mg causing death, Section 320.14(3), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, operate a conveyance while impaired over 80 mg causing bodily harm, Section 320.14(s), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, criminal negligence causing death, Section 220(b), Criminal Code; and
    • two counts, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, Section 221, Criminal Code.

    Brittany Barry is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on October 21, 2024.

    The highway was closed for approximately six hours during initial investigation.

    The investigation continues. Saskatoon RCMP believes there are witnesses to this collision who they have not spoken to. If you witnessed the collision or stopped at the scene and have not yet spoken with police, contact Saskatoon RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Violent Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Involving Drug and Firearms Trafficking

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

    BOSTON – A Boston area man pleaded guilty today to his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang.

    Jose Afonseca, 32, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and dealing in firearms without a license. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Jan. 30, 2025.   

    During the investigation, Afonseca was identified as member of the Cameron Street gang, who worked with other Cameron Street members to distribute hundreds of grams of cocaine and cocaine base, more commonly referred to as “crack” cocaine, from a stash house in Somerville. Afonseca was recorded discussing his ability to acquire illegal firearms and was recorded selling two firearms and over 30 rounds of ammunition to a cooperating witness. On Aril 15, 2022, agents executed a series of arrest and search warrants in this case. Three hundred ninety-eight grams of cocaine, along with packaging materials, two hydraulic presses, a digital scale, a cell phone, and $14,986 in U.S. currency were seized from the stash house.

    According to court documents, Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston that uses violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect, and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear, and enhance its reputation.

    The charge of RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force or violence each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 40 years, a $5 million fine, and a minimum four years supervised release up to life. The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. 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.

    This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. 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.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage man charged with firearm crime connected to September encounter with Anchorage Police

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

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging an Anchorage man with being a felon in possession of a firearm during an encounter with the police.

    According to court documents and a press release from the Anchorage Police Department (APD), on Sept. 23, 2024, Jalen Baker, 23, possessed a firearm during an encounter with police.

    The release alleges APD officers responded to a shooting in Anchorage where two victims were shot. Officers located the shooting suspect in a nearby trailer home park. The suspect fired at responding officers, striking one in the lower body, and barricaded himself inside a trailer home.

    The investigation identified the suspect as Baker and he was taken into custody at the scene. At the time of the event, Baker had a prior felony conviction for assault in the State of Alaska in 2022.

    Baker is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm at a school zone. The defendant will make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge from the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais and Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Anchorage Police Department, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers, are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laredo resident sent to prison for second felon in possession of firearm conviction

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

    HOUSTON – A 41-year-old man has been sentenced for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

    Fernando Perez pleaded guilty July 9. 

    U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Perez to serve 71 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. 

    The case began June 12, 2019, when authorities conducted an investigation into illegal firearms trafficking in Webb County.

    Law enforcement identified Perez as the individual who was illegally selling semi-automatic rifles on the streets of Laredo. The investigation revealed Perez illegally sold a Stag Arms, model Stag 15, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle for $2,000 in broad daylight. 

    At the time of the illegal sale, Perez already had a prior 2012 felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

    He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from the Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Andrew Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Springfield, Vermont Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge

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

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Ernest Lamphere, 44, of Springfield, Vermont, pleaded guilty today to a gun possession charge before U.S. District Court Judge William K. Sessions III.

    According to court records including the stipulated facts in the plea agreement between the parties, in late February 2024, Lamphere was subject to a State of Vermont relief from abuse order, which was sought by his family members and prohibited his possession of firearms. When law enforcement served the relief from abuse order on Lamphere on February 27 at his home, he turned over four firearms and also admitted opiate use. Two days later Lamphere was located alone in his vehicle, blocking the drive-thru lane at the McDonald’s in Springfield, Vermont and nodding off from illegal drug use. Lamphere had opiates in his system at the time. Along with significant quantities of illegal drugs located in his vehicle and on his person, Lamphere was also in possession of two AR-style rifles, a silencer, and assorted ammunition.

    Lamphere pleaded guilty today to being a drug user in possession of a firearm, a charge which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. The actual sentence will be determined by the District Court with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors of the United States Code. If accepted by the court, the plea agreement signed by Lamphere and the government recommends (1) that sentencing be delayed for one year, and (2) that Lamphere receive a time-served sentence, to be followed by three years of supervised release, if he abides by the terms of the plea agreement during the intervening year.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Springfield, VT Police Department for their work on this case.

    U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest has handled the case for the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth represents Ernest Lamphere.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: FinTech360’s Unified Communication Hub Redefines Forex Broker Efficiency

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With over a decade of expertise in the forex industry, FinTech360.com continues to set new benchmarks in B2B fintech solutions. Known for its innovation, FinTech360 has launched its cutting-edge Communication Hub, a revolutionary platform that transforms communication for forex brokers by providing a streamlined, centralized solution. This cloud-based CRM system improves interaction efficiency across various channels, including email, live chat, SMS, and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, making it an essential tool for brokers seeking to enhance their operational performance.

    FinTech360.com is positioning itself as the ultimate work management platform for the forex market, integrating essential tools for collaboration, communication, and productivity—all while ensuring the highest level of security and regulatory compliance.

    A Secure and Trusted Partner for Forex Brokers

    FinTech360’s Communication Hub offers forex brokers seamless control over multiple communication channels, from messaging apps to push notifications, all managed within a centralized dashboard. The platform enables easy tracking of client data, inquiries, and interactions, allowing brokers to provide better customer service in one secure location.

    “The launch of the Communication Hub aligns with the digital transformation in the forex industry. FinTech360 is at the forefront of this shift, helping businesses consolidate their operations for smoother, more secure communications,” said Aaron Bitter, CEO of FinTech360. “As we continue to innovate, we’re proud to serve as a trusted partner to forex brokers worldwide.”

    Security remains at the core of FinTech360’s offering. The Communication Hub safeguards client privacy by implementing an encrypted “click-to-email” feature, ensuring brokers can interact with customers without risking data breaches.

    Key Features of the Communication Hub for Forex Brokers

    • Multichannel Communication: Manage emails, live chats, WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, and push notifications from a single user interface.
    • Unified Dashboard: All communication is streamlined in one place, helping brokers optimize customer interactions.
    • Advanced Security: Protects customer contact information through encryption and secure communication triggers.
    • Cost-Efficient Operations: By consolidating all communication efforts, the hub improves efficiency and reduces costs.
    • Centralized CRM: Brokers can manage client communication from one central platform, improving back-office operations.

    Expanding FinTech360’s CRM Capabilities

    Beyond communication, FinTech360 offers an omnichannel CRM solution, giving forex brokers comprehensive control over all back-office operations. From KYC and AML compliance to handling payments through its payment gateway, FinTech360 allows brokers to accept payments globally via its network of over 250 providers.

    FinTech360’s Verification Center also plays a crucial role in assisting brokers with regulatory compliance, enabling seamless adherence to KYC, AML, and forex market regulations such as CySEC, ASIC, and the FSCA.

    FinTech360 CRM Features for Forex Brokers:

    • Website CMS and Client Area: Create a custom website reflecting your brand, enhancing the user experience.
    • Verification Center: Keep up with KYC and AML regulations while monitoring and optimizing sales calls.
    • Sales-Focused CRM: Simplify your workflow with automated lead splitting and detailed sales tracking, improving client management.
    • Communication Hub: Use multiple channels to engage with clients and track interactions in real-time.
    • Affiliate Manager: Optimize your affiliate marketing efforts through real-time traffic monitoring and management tools.
    • Full Suite Cashier: Process payments with over 300 integrated PSPs and APMs, supported by advanced risk management features.
    • Web Trading Platform and Apps: Deliver seamless trading experiences with FinTech360’s web and mobile apps, integrated with MT4/MT5 for top-tier security.
    • Business Intelligence (BI) Reports: Track every aspect of your business, from traffic to customer interactions, ensuring data-driven decisions.

    For more information about FinTech360 and its latest cross-device trading solutions, visit FinTech360.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Mississauga, Region of Peel, Enwave and Lakeview Village break ground on ambitious district energy project, setting the stage for one of the most sustainable new waterfront communities in Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the City of Mississauga, Lakeview Community Partners Limited (LCPL), Enwave Lakeview Corporation and the Region of Peel celebrated the groundbreaking of a new district energy system at Lakeview Village. Once fully operational, the Lakeview Village district energy system is positioned to be the first of its kind in Ontario and the largest in Canada.

    Unlike traditional heating and cooling systems, which are large contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, district energy systems use a network of pipes to heat and cool an entire community from a centralized location. These systems allow for a combination of generation assets that work seamlessly together to improve efficiency, consume less energy, and reduce GHG emissions. They are also more reliable and resilient than traditional systems.

    To bring this new system to life, the City of Mississauga and Enwave have signed agreements allowing Enwave to build the necessary pipes and infrastructure on city land and construct a new building to operate the system. These agreements mark a major milestone in the Lakeview Village project and follow several years of collaboration.

    Left-right: Stephen Dasko (Ward 1 Councillor), Charles Sousa (MP Mississauga-Lakeshore), Brian Sutherland (Lakeview Community Partners), Gord Buck (Founder of ARGO), Carolyn Parrish (Mississauga Mayor), Carlyle Coutinho (CEO, Enwave Energy Corporation), Ehren Cory (CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank), Alvin Tedjo (Ward 2 Councillor), Rudy Cuzzetto (MPP Mississauga-Lakeshore), and Silvio De Gasperis (Founder, President and CEO of TACC Group).

    Giving treated wastewater a second life

    The Region of Peel and Enwave are working to further decrease GHG emissions from the district energy system through a proposed plan to leverage treated wastewater, or effluent, from the nearby G.E. Booth Water Resource Recovery Facility as the main source of low carbon energy for the system. Using effluent to heat and cool Lakeview Village draws on an innovative energy source that would otherwise remain untapped.

    Once this transition happens, Lakeview Village’s residential units, offices and commercial spaces are expected to emit significantly fewer GHGs.

    The district energy system at Lakeview Village, alongside plans to leverage effluent, is instrumental in bringing the City of Mississauga’s Climate Change Action Plan and the Region of Peel’s Climate Change Master Plan to life.

    Building a new centre for operations and education

    The City of Mississauga and LCPL are also moving forward on the Site Development Plan and Building Permit applications to construct a new building that will house:

    • The district energy operations centre, which will be operated by Enwave.
    • A sewage pumping station, which will be operated by the Region of Peel.
    • An educational space to provide learning opportunities for Mississauga residents, visitors and the business community.

    Work is already underway, with the first crane installed onsite to support servicing and construction works for the new centre.

    Sustainable waterfront community

    Lakeview Village is a 177-acre site on Mississauga’s waterfront that was formerly the Lakeview Power Generating Station. Designed to be a mixed-use community, this sustainable and interconnected neighbourhood will feature 16,000 new homes, parks, trails, transit, recreational opportunities, event spaces, and commercial areas for work and shopping.

    Earlier this month, construction kicked off on the community’s first residential building with occupancy expected in early 2029.

    For more information about planning the Lakeview Village development, visit the City of Mississauga’s Lakeview Village webpage. To learn more about the community, visit mylakeviewvillage.com.

    Quotes:

    “Today’s announcement highlights our dedication to building mixed-use communities that are sustainable, and include a variety of housing options, jobs, parks and community spaces. Lakeview Village’s focus on innovative, low carbon solutions make it more than just a development project – it sets a new standard for sustainability. I’m proud to work with our partners on this transformative project that will shape the future of Mississauga for years to come.” Mayor Carolyn Parrish

    “This groundbreaking marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of Lakeview Village. Our vision has always been to make this community the most sustainable, innovative new development in the country, and this is a major step. The Enwave system within Lakeview Village is a leading example of how the joint priorities of sustainability and housing development can co-exist, supporting a better future for Ontario.” – Brian Sutherland, President, Lakeview Community Partners Limited

    “The groundbreaking of the district energy system at Lakeview Village is an exciting step toward the future of sustainable communities in Canada and beyond. This development is a complex undertaking, which will be the largest of its kind in North America with the integration of effluent, and would not be possible without the determination and collaboration demonstrated by all partners. Together, we are implementing big ideas and critical thinking to achieve the ambitious goals set for this project, and Enwave is proud to make this district energy system a reality.” Carlyle Coutinho, CEO of Enwave Energy Corporation

    “Today’s announcement signals Peel Region’s commitment to working with the City of Mississauga, Lakeview Community Partners Limited (LCPL), and Enwave Lakeview Corporation to leverage treated wastewater from the G.E. Booth Water Resource Recovery Facility as an innovative fuel source for the district energy system at Lakeview Village. Peel Region is a strong advocate for sustainability and committed to researching and implementing state-of-the-art treatment processes and technology at our facilities. We are always working to be a collaborative community partner, and providing this future fuel source for our neighbours at Lakeview Village demonstrates our environmental leadership.” – Chair Nando Iannicca, Peel Region 

    High-res images of the DE piping system and rendering of the centre can be found HERE.

    Media Contacts:

    City of Mississauga Media Relations
    media@mississauga.ca
    905-615-3200, ext. 5232
    TTY: 905-896-5151

    Amie Miles, Manager, Strategic Client Communications
    Amie.miles@peelregion.ca
    416-209-4317

    Enwave Energy Corporation
    Katie Good
    GoodPR
    416-540-2195
    katie@goodpr.ca

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dc240327-bd37-414e-9670-213ee03188b2

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Tactile Medical to Release Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results on November 4, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (“Tactile Medical”; the “Company”) (Nasdaq: TCMD), a medical technology company providing therapies for people with chronic disorders, today announced that third quarter of fiscal year 2024 financial results will be released after the market closes on Monday, November 4, 2024.

    Management will host a conference call with a question and answer session at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 4, 2024, to discuss the results of the quarter. Those who would like to participate may dial 877-407-3088 (201-389-0927 for international callers) and provide access code 13748661. A live webcast of the call will also be provided on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at investors.tactilemedical.com.

    For those unable to participate, a replay of the call will be available for two weeks at 877-660-6853 (201-612-7415 for international callers); access code 13748661. The webcast will be archived at investors.tactilemedical.com.

    About Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (DBA Tactile Medical)

    Tactile Medical is a leader in developing and marketing at-home therapies for people suffering from underserved, chronic conditions including lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency and chronic pulmonary disease by helping them live better and care for themselves at home. Tactile Medical collaborates with clinicians to expand clinical evidence, raise awareness, increase access to care, reduce overall healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of patients each year.

    Investor Inquiries:
    Sam Bentzinger
    Gilmartin Group
    investorrelations@tactilemedical.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CNB Financial Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CLEARFIELD, Pa., Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CNB Financial Corporation (“Corporation”) (NASDAQ: CCNE), the parent company of CNB Bank, today announced its earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

    Executive Summary

    • Net income available to common shareholders (“earnings”) was $12.9 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to earnings of $11.9 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The quarterly increase was a result of increases in both net interest income and non-interest income, partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense, as discussed in more detail below. The increase in third quarter 2024 earnings and diluted earnings per share when compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023 earnings of $12.7 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, was primarily due to the increase in non-interest income, partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense.
    • Earnings were $36.3 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to earnings of $40.8 million, or $1.94 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in earnings and diluted earnings per share comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2024 to the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to the rise in deposit costs year over year.
    • At September 30, 2024, loans totaled $4.5 billion, excluding the balances of syndicated loans. This adjusted total of $4.5 billion in loans represented an increase of $96.7 million, or 2.18% (8.69% annualized), compared to the same adjusted total loans measured as of June 30, 2024, and an increase of $153.4 million, or 3.51%, compared to the same adjusted total loans measured as of September 30, 2023. The increase in loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024 was primarily driven by qualitative commercial and industrial growth in the Erie and Columbus markets and continued growth in new commercial customer relationships in the Corporation’s recent expansion market of Roanoke, coupled with growth in CNB’s Private Banking division with notable activity in the Roanoke market. The year over year growth in loans as of September 30, 2024 compared to loans as of September 30, 2023 resulted primarily from growth in the Corporation’s continued expansion into the newer markets of Cleveland and Roanoke, combined with growth in the Columbus and Erie markets and CNB Bank’s Private Banking division.
      • At September 30, 2024, the Corporation’s balance sheet reflected an increase in syndicated lending balances of $15.5 million compared to June 30, 2024. The increase in syndicated lending balances was the result of the Corporation managing the level of its syndicated portfolio by ensuring its historical discipline of seeking high credit quality loans with favorable yields. Year over year, the Corporation’s balance sheet reported a decrease in syndicated lending balances of $53.6 million compared to September 30, 2023, resulting from scheduled paydowns or early payoffs of certain syndicated loans. The syndicated loan portfolio totaled $69.5 million, or 1.51% of total loans, at September 30, 2024, compared to $53.9 million, or 1.20% of total loans, at June 30, 2024 and $123.1 million, or 2.74% of total loans, at September 30, 2023. As noted above, the Corporation is closely managing the level of its syndicated loan portfolio while it focuses more resources on organic loan growth from its in-market customer relationships.
    • At September 30, 2024, total deposits were $5.2 billion, reflecting an increase of $106.1 million, or 2.08% (8.26% annualized), from the previous quarter ended June 30, 2024, and an increase of $214.2 million, or 4.28%, compared to total deposits measured as of September 30, 2023. The increase in deposit balances compared to June 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to an increase in noninterest-bearing business deposits and retail saving deposits. Additional deposit and liquidity profile details were as follows:
      • During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Corporation repositioned $135.0 million of brokered deposits from savings to certificates of deposits. Additionally, $50.0 million of maturing brokered certificates of deposit were replaced with a similar offering. The repositioning and replacement totaling $185.0 million during the quarter and reduced the weighted average annual percentage yield (“APY”) from 5.70% to a locked-in APY of 4.37%, for maturity periods ranging from 12-14 months. This adjustment is expected to result in an estimated annual interest expense savings of $2.5 million for the Corporation. The mix of brokered deposits of 3.55% of total deposits at September 30, 2024, remained stable with the mix of 3.58% of total deposits at June 30, 2024.
      • At September 30, 2024, the total estimated uninsured deposits for CNB Bank were approximately $1.5 billion, or approximately 28.50% of total CNB Bank deposits. However, when excluding $103.1 million of affiliate company deposits and $462.7 million of pledged-investment collateralized deposits, the adjusted amount and percentage of total estimated uninsured deposits was approximately $950.6 million, or approximately 17.87% of total CNB Bank deposits as of September 30, 2024.
        • The level of adjusted uninsured deposits at September 30, 2024 was relatively unchanged with the prior quarter end’s level. At June 30, 2024, the total estimated uninsured deposits for CNB Bank were approximately $1.5 billion, or approximately 29.00% of total CNB Bank deposits; however, when excluding $101.4 million of affiliate company deposits and $460.7 million of pledged-investment collateralized deposits, the adjusted amount and percentage of total estimated uninsured deposits was approximately $949.8 million, or approximately 18.22% of total CNB Bank deposits as of June 30, 2024.
      • At September 30, 2024, the average deposit balance per account for CNB Bank was approximately $33 thousand, which generally remained consistent with the average deposit balance per account from recent quarters. CNB Bank had increases in the volume of business deposits, as well as retail customer household deposits, including those added after the 2023 launches of (i) CNB Bank’s “At Ease” account, a service for U.S. service member and veteran families, and (ii) CNB’s women-focused banking division, Impressia Bank.
      • At September 30, 2024, the Corporation had $282.0 million of cash equivalents held in CNB Bank’s interest-bearing deposit account at the Federal Reserve. These excess funds, when combined with collective contingent liquidity resources of $4.5 billion including (i) available borrowing capacity from the Federal Home Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) and the Federal Reserve, and (ii) available unused commitments from brokered deposit sources and other third-party funding channels, including previously established lines of credit from correspondent banks, resulted in the total on-hand and contingent liquidity sources for the Corporation as of September 30, 2024 to be approximately 5.0 times the estimated amount of adjusted uninsured deposit balances discussed above.
    • At September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the Corporation had no outstanding short-term borrowings from the FHLB or the Federal Reserve’s Discount Window.
    • At September 30, 2024, the Corporation’s pre-tax net unrealized losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities totaled approximately $62.5 million, or 10.30% of total shareholders’ equity, compared to $84.1 million, or 14.33% of total shareholders’ equity, at June 30, 2024. The change in unrealized losses was primarily due to changes in the yield curve in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2024, coupled with the Corporation’s scheduled bond maturities, which were all realized at par. Importantly, all regulatory capital ratios for the Corporation would still exceed regulatory “well-capitalized” levels as of both September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024 if the net unrealized losses at the respective dates were fully recognized. Additionally, the Corporation maintained $102.0 million of liquid funds at its holding company, which more than covers the $62.5 million in unrealized losses on investments held primarily in its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, as an immediately available source of contingent capital to be down-streamed to CNB Bank, if necessary.
    • Total nonperforming assets were approximately $42.0 million, or 0.70% of total assets, as of September 30, 2024, compared to $36.5 million, or 0.62% of total assets, as of June 30, 2024, and $29.3 million, or 0.51% of total assets, as of September 30, 2023. The increase in nonperforming assets for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily due to one commercial relationship (consisting of various loan types) totaling $7.9 million with a specific reserve balance of $2.2 million. Management does not believe there is risk of significant additional loss exposures beyond the specific reserves related to this loan relationship. The increase in non-performing assets at September 30, 2024 compared to September 30, 2023 was due to the loan relationship discussed above, as well as certain commercial and industrial relationships as previously disclosed in the fourth quarter of 2023 and second quarter of 2024, and a commercial real estate relationship as previously disclosed in the third quarter of 2023. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net loan charge-offs were $1.2 million, or 0.11% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, compared to $2.8 million, or 0.25% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, during the three months ended June 30, 2024, and $732 thousand, or 0.06% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, during the three months ended September 30, 2023.
    • Pre-provision net revenue (“PPNR”), a non-GAAP measure, was $19.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $18.6 million and $18.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.1 The third quarter 2024 PPNR, when compared to the second quarter of 2024, reflected improvements in net interest income and non-interest income, partially offset by higher non-interest expense. The increase in PPNR for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, was primarily attributable to the increase in non-interest income. PPNR was $55.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $59.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.1 The decrease in PPNR for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily attributable to the significant year-over-year increase in deposit costs, coupled with increases in certain personnel costs (primarily from new offices and personnel added in expansion markets), as well as additional technology expenses for recently completed full implementation of business development and customer relationship management applications.

    1 This release contains references to certain financial measures that are not defined under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide a greater understanding of ongoing operations, enhance comparability of results of operations with prior periods and show the effects of significant gains and charges in the periods presented. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures is provided in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

    Michael Peduzzi, President and CEO of both the Corporation and CNB Bank, commented on the Corporation’s positive quarterly results, stating, “CNB’s performance for the third quarter of 2024 was much in alignment with themes in a time of year when so many sports are active. We continue to have a strong defense with our traditionally sound loan and investment underwriting, disciplined loan and deposit pricing, and solid risk management practices. This was complemented by a solid offensive push as we translated pipeline activity and qualified business leads into sound loan growth, and an expansion of the number of relationships and accounts in our deposit base, all leading to notable increases in revenues. Further, thanks to effective “special team” efforts by our Finance team, we closely monitored market conditions and took advantage of an opportunity to realize substantial interest expense savings by repositioning a large portion of wholesale funding sources.

    The Corporation’s team across our entire footprint continues to be focused on controlling staffing levels and overhead cost management, while expanding the use of the Corporation’s previous investments in key sales and customer experience technologies. Our playbook for implementing our overall strategy remains the same – to maintain a team of motivated and engaged employees delivering products and services to achieve mutually beneficial and sustainable success for our clients and investors.”

    Other Balance Sheet Highlights

    • Book value per common share was $26.13 at September 30, 2024, reflecting an increase from $25.19 at June 30, 2024 and $23.52 at September 30, 2023. Tangible book value per common share, a non-GAAP measure, was $24.03 as of September 30, 2024, reflecting an increase of $0.94, or 16.20% (annualized) from $23.09 as of June 30, 2024 and a year-over-year increase of $2.63, or 12.29%, from $21.40 as of September 30, 2023.1 The increases in book value per common share and tangible book value per common share compared to June 30, 2024 were primarily due to a $9.1 million increase in retained earnings and a $10.1 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss primarily from the after-tax impact of temporary unrealized valuation changes in the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment portfolio for the past three months. The increases in book value per common share and tangible book value per common share compared to September 30, 2023 were primarily due to (i) a $34.4 million increase in retained earnings over the twelve months ended September 30, 2024, (ii) the Corporation’s repurchase of 23,988 common shares at a weighted average price of $18.38 in the second quarter of 2024, and (iii) a $21.2 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss primarily from the after-tax impact of temporary unrealized valuation changes in the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment portfolio for the past twelve months.

    Loan Portfolio Profile

    • As part of our lending policy and risk management activities, the Corporation tracks lending exposure by industry classification and type to determine potential risks associated with industry concentrations, and if any concentration risk issues could lead to additional credit loss exposure. In the current post-pandemic and relatively inflationary economic environment, the Corporation has continued to evaluate its exposure to the office, hospitality, and multifamily industries within its commercial real estate portfolio. Even given the Corporation’s historically sound underwriting protocols and high credit quality ratings for borrowers in the commercial real estate industry segments, the Corporation monitors numerous relevant sensitivity elements, including occupancy, loan-to-value, absorption and cap rates, debt service coverage and covenant compliance, and developer/lessor financial strength both in the project and globally. At September 30, 2024, the Corporation had the following key metrics related to its office, hospitality and multifamily portfolios:
    • Commercial office loans:
      • There were 114 outstanding loans, totaling $117.0 million, or 2.55%, of the Corporation loans outstanding;
      • There were no nonaccrual commercial office loans at September 30, 2024;
      • There was one past due commercial office loan that totaled $214 thousand, or 0.18% of total commercial office loans outstanding at September 30, 2024; and
      • The average outstanding balance per commercial office loan was $1.0 million.
    • Commercial hospitality loans:
      • There were 173 outstanding loans, totaling $320.6 million, or 6.98%, of total Corporation loans outstanding;
      • There were no nonaccrual commercial hospitality loans at September 30, 2024;
      • There were no past due commercial hospitality loans at September 30, 2024; and
      • The average outstanding balance per commercial hospitality loan was $1.9 million.
    • Commercial multifamily loans:
      • There were 225 outstanding loans, totaling $349.1 million, or 7.60%, of total Corporation loans outstanding;
      • There was one nonaccrual commercial multifamily loan that totaled $268 thousand, or 0.08% of total multifamily loans outstanding. The one customer relationship did not have a related specific loss reserve at September 30, 2024
      • There were two past due commercial office loans that totaled $760 thousand, or 0.22% of total commercial multifamily loans outstanding at September 30, 2024; and
      • The average outstanding balance per commercial multifamily loan was $1.6 million.

    The Corporation had no commercial office, hospitality or multifamily loan relationships considered by the banking regulators to be a high volatility commercial real estate credit (“HVCRE”).

    Performance Ratios

    • Annualized return on average equity was 9.28% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 8.94% and 9.80% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Annualized return on average equity was 9.01% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 10.74% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
    • Annualized return on average tangible common equity, a non-GAAP measure, was 10.33% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 9.93% and 11.07% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.1 Annualized return on average tangible common equity, a non-GAAP measure, was 10.01% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 12.23% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.1
    • The Corporation’s efficiency ratio was 66.34% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 65.94% and 67.00% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. The efficiency ratio on a fully tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure, was 65.58% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 65.20% and 66.26% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.1 The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily the result of an increase in incentive compensation related accruals which are based on various components of the Corporation’s financial performance for the year.
    • The Corporation’s efficiency ratio was 67.10% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 64.26% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The efficiency ratio on a fully tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP ratio, was 66.34% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 63.60% the nine months ended September 30, 2023.1

    Revenue

    • Total revenue (net interest income plus non-interest income) was $58.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $54.6 million and $55.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.
      • Net interest income was $47.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $45.7 million and $47.2 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. When comparing the third quarter of 2024 to the second quarter of 2024, the difference in net interest income of $1.8 million, or 3.87% (15.39% annualized), reflected the increase in total loans outstanding quarter over quarter, partially offset by targeted interest-bearing deposit rate increases to ensure both deposit relationship retention and new deposit growth in the Corporation’s markets.
      • Net interest margin was 3.43%, 3.36% and 3.55% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure, was 3.42%, 3.34% and 3.53% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.
        • The yield on earning assets of 5.98% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased 9 basis points from June 30, 2024 and increased 35 basis points from September 30, 2023. The increases in yield compared to June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were attributable to the net benefit of higher interest rates on both variable-rate loans and new loan production.
        • The cost of interest-bearing liabilities of 3.21% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased 4 basis points from June 30, 2024 and 55 basis points from September 30, 2023 primarily as a result of the Corporation’s targeted interest-bearing deposit rate increases for deposit retention and growth initiatives given the competitive environment resulting from the numerous Federal Reserve rate hikes since the first quarter of 2022.
    • Total revenue was $167.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $166.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
      • Net interest income was $138.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $142.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. When comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2024 to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the decrease in net interest income of $3.7 million, or 2.61% (3.49% annualized), was due to loan growth and the benefits of the impact of higher interest rates resulting in greater income on variable-rate loans, coupled with a higher average balance of interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve, being more than offset by an increase in the Corporation’s interest expense as a result of targeted interest-bearing deposit rate increases to ensure both deposit growth and retention.
      • Net interest margin was 3.40% and 3.66% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure, was 3.38% and 3.64% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
        • The yield on earning assets of 5.89% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased 41 basis points from September 30, 2023. The increase in yield compared to September 30, 2023 was attributable to the net benefit of higher interest rates on both variable-rate loans and new loan production.
        • The cost of interest-bearing liabilities of 3.14% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased 80 basis points from September 30, 2023 primarily as a result of the Corporation’s targeted interest-bearing deposit rate increases for deposit retention and growth initiatives given the competitive environment resulting from the numerous Federal Reserve rate hikes since the first quarter of 2022. The Federal Reserve rate decrease announced in mid-September 2024, being only effective for a short period of time in the quarter, had no significant impact on the Corporation’s third quarter results.
    • Total non-interest income was $11.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $8.9 million and $7.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, notable changes compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024 included increases in net realized and unrealized gains on equity securities and higher pass-through income from small business investment companies (“SBICs”). The increase in third quarter 2024 noninterest income compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to higher pass-through income from SBICs and net realized and unrealized gains on equity securities.
    • Total non-interest income was $28.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $24.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to higher pass-through income from SBICs coupled with an increase in net realized and unrealized gains on equity securities.

    Non-Interest Expense

    • For the three months ended September 30, 2024 total non-interest expense was $38.8 million, compared to $36.0 million and $36.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. The increase of $2.8 million, or 7.77%, from the three months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily a result of an increase in salaries and benefits, card processing and interchange expenses, and other non-interest expenses. The increase in salaries and benefits resulted primarily from an increase in incentive compensation accruals, which are based on various components of the Corporation’s financial performance for the year, coupled with the timing of profit-sharing accruals. The increase in card processing and interchange expenses related primarily to corporate cardholder rewards program accrual, while the increase in other non-interest expenses was primarily driven by the timing of expenditures and business generation related expenses. The increase in non-interest expense compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily attributable to higher salaries and benefits driven by costs for personnel added for new offices in expansion markets, an increase in personnel costs related to annual merit increases, increases in health insurance costs, and contractual renewal increases in the Corporation’s investments in technology applications.
    • For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 total non-interest expense was $112.2 million, compared to $106.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase of $5.3 million, or 4.96%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily a result of an increase in salaries and benefits and technology expenses, partially offset by a decrease in card processing and interchange expenses. The increase in salaries and benefits was driven by an increase in personnel costs related to annual merit increases and growth in the Corporation’s staff and new offices in its expansion markets, while the increase in technology was primarily due to year-over-year investments in technology applications aimed at enhancing both customer online banking capabilities, customer call center communications, and in-branch technology delivery channels. The decrease in card processing and interchange expenses related to the changes made by the Corporation to its cardholder rewards program.

    Income Taxes

    • Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $3.3 million, representing a 19.31% effective tax rate, compared to $3.0 million, representing an 19.03% effective tax rate, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and $3.4 million, representing a 19.86% effective tax rate, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $9.2 million, representing an 18.92% effective tax rate compared to $10.6 million, representing a 19.47% effective tax rate, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    Asset Quality

    • Total nonperforming assets were approximately $42.0 million, or 0.70% of total assets, as of September 30, 2024, compared to $36.5 million, or 0.62% of total assets, as of June 30, 2024, and $29.3 million, or 0.51% of total assets, as of September 30, 2023, as discussed above.
    • The allowance for credit losses measured as a percentage of total loans was 1.02% as of September 30, 2024 compared to 1.02% as of both June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023. In addition, the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonaccrual loans was 117.03% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 130.88% and 169.34% as of June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. The change in the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonaccrual loans was primarily attributable to the levels of nonperforming assets, as discussed above.
    • The provision for credit losses was $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.6 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. The $1.3 million increase in the provision expense for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 was primarily a result of higher loan portfolio growth and increased net loan charge-offs in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023.
    • For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net loan charge-offs were $1.2 million, or 0.11% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, compared to $2.8 million, or 0.25% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, during the three months ended June 30, 2024, and $732 thousand, or 0.06% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, during the three months ended September 30, 2023.
    • For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net loan charge-offs were $5.4 million, or 0.16% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, compared to $2.2 million, or 0.07% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, with most of the larger year-to-date charge-offs being as previously disclosed occurring in the first and second quarter of 2024.

    Capital

    • As of September 30, 2024, the Corporation’s total shareholders’ equity was $606.4 million, representing an increase of $19.7 million, or 3.35% (13.33% annualized), from June 30, 2024 and an increase of $57.2 million, or 10.41%, from September 30, 2023 primarily due to an increase in the Corporation’s retained earnings (net income, partially offset by the common and preferred stock dividends paid) and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss primarily from the after-tax impact of temporary unrealized valuation changes in the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment portfolio for the past twelve months. The additions to shareholders equity from retained earnings were partially offset by the Corporation’s repurchase of its common stock, as discussed above.
    • Regulatory capital ratios for the Corporation continue to exceed regulatory “well-capitalized” levels as of September 30, 2024, consistent with prior periods.
    • As of September 30, 2024, the Corporation’s ratio of common shareholders’ equity to total assets was 9.12% compared to 8.99% at June 30, 2024 and 8.57% at September 30, 2023. As of September 30, 2024, the Corporation’s ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets, a non-GAAP measure, was 8.45% compared to 8.30% at June 30, 2024 and 7.86% at September 30, 2023. The increases compared to June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were primarily the result of an increase in retained earnings coupled with a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss, as discussed above.1

    About CNB Financial Corporation

    CNB Financial Corporation is a financial holding company with consolidated assets of approximately $6.0 billion. CNB Financial Corporation conducts business primarily through its principal subsidiary, CNB Bank. CNB Bank is a full-service bank engaging in a full range of banking activities and services, including trust and wealth management services, for individual, business, governmental, and institutional customers. CNB Bank operations include a private banking division, two loan production offices, one drive-up office, one mobile office, and 54 full-service offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Virginia. CNB Bank, headquartered in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, with offices in Central and North Central Pennsylvania, serves as the multi-brand parent to various divisions. These divisions include ERIEBANK, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, with offices in Northwest Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio; FCBank, based in Worthington, Ohio, with offices in Central Ohio; BankOnBuffalo, based in Buffalo, New York, with offices in Western New York; Ridge View Bank, based in Roanoke, Virginia, with offices in the Southwest Virginia region; and Impressia Bank, a division focused on banking opportunities for women, which operates in CNB Bank’s primary market areas. Additional information about CNB Financial Corporation may be found at http://www.CNBBank.bank.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the Corporation’s financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, future performance and business. These forward-looking statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are those that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors (some of which are beyond the Corporation’s control). Forward-looking statements often include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “potentially,” “probably,” “projects,” “outlook” or similar expressions or future conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could.” The Corporation’s actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Such known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the statements, include, but are not limited to, (i) adverse changes or conditions in capital and financial markets, including actual or potential stresses in the banking industry; (ii) changes in interest rates; the credit risks of lending activities, including our ability to estimate credit losses and the allowance for credit losses, as well as the effects of changes in the level of, and trends in, loan delinquencies and write-offs; (iv) effectiveness of our data security controls in the face of cyber attacks and any reputational risks following a cybersecurity incident; (v) changes in general business, industry or economic conditions or competition; (vi) changes in any applicable law, rule, regulation, policy, guideline or practice governing or affecting financial holding companies and their subsidiaries or with respect to tax or accounting principles or otherwise; (vii) higher than expected costs or other difficulties related to integration of combined or merged businesses; (viii) the effects of business combinations and other acquisition transactions, including the inability to realize our loan and investment portfolios; (ix) changes in the quality or composition of our loan and investment portfolios; (x) adequacy of loan loss reserves; (xi) increased competition; (xii) loss of certain key officers; (xiii) deposit attrition; (xiv) rapidly changing technology; (xv) unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings and liabilities and other costs; (xvi) changes in the cost of funds, demand for loan products or demand for financial services; and (xvii) other economic, competitive, governmental or technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such developments could have an adverse impact on the Corporation’s financial position and results of operations. For more information about factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of and the forward-looking statement disclaimers in the Corporation’s annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions and are made as of the date of this press release. Factors or events that could cause the Corporation’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Corporation to predict all of them. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this press release or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur and you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Income Statement                  
    Interest and fees on loans $ 75,725     $ 72,142     $ 70,980     $ 219,380     $ 200,206  
    Interest and dividends on securities and cash and cash equivalents   7,510       8,510       4,536       22,412       14,279  
    Interest expense   (35,749 )     (34,935 )     (28,280 )     (103,367 )     (72,353 )
    Net interest income   47,486       45,717       47,236       138,425       142,135  
    Provision for credit losses   2,381       2,591       1,056       6,292       4,751  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   45,105       43,126       46,180       132,133       137,384  
    Non-interest income                  
    Wealth and asset management fees   2,060       2,007       1,833       5,869       5,567  
    Service charges on deposit accounts   1,790       1,794       1,861       5,278       5,569  
    Other service charges and fees   796       712       567       2,203       2,283  
    Net realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities   (9 )                 (9 )     52  
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities   656       (80 )     (400 )     767       (930 )
    Mortgage banking   197       187       172       580       516  
    Bank owned life insurance   775       784       754       2,326       2,211  
    Card processing and interchange income   2,241       2,187       2,098       6,444       6,219  
    Other non-interest income   2,467       1,274       978       5,335       2,711  
    Total non-interest income   10,973       8,865       7,863       28,793       24,198  
    Non-interest expenses                  
    Salaries and benefits   19,572       17,676       17,758       56,035       51,862  
    Net occupancy expense of premises   3,701       3,580       3,596       10,921       10,790  
    Technology expense   5,417       5,573       5,232       16,062       14,677  
    Advertising expense   623       553       840       1,861       2,085  
    State and local taxes   1,256       1,237       1,028       3,636       3,108  
    Legal, professional, and examination fees   940       1,119       1,320       3,231       3,167  
    FDIC insurance premiums   846       1,018       1,027       2,854       2,901  
    Card processing and interchange expenses   1,193       878       1,207       3,250       4,269  
    Other non-interest expense   5,236       4,355       4,906       14,347       14,033  
    Total non-interest expenses   38,784       35,989       36,914       112,197       106,892  
    Income before income taxes   17,294       16,002       17,129       48,729       54,690  
    Income tax expense   3,340       3,045       3,402       9,218       10,647  
    Net income   13,954       12,957       13,727       39,511       44,043  
    Preferred stock dividends   1,076       1,075       1,076       3,226       3,226  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 12,878     $ 11,882     $ 12,651     $ 36,285     $ 40,817  
                       
    Ending shares outstanding   20,994,730       20,998,117       20,895,634       20,994,730       20,895,634  
    Average diluted common shares outstanding   20,911,862       20,893,396       20,899,744       20,895,538       20,979,032  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.61     $ 0.56     $ 0.60     $ 1.72     $ 1.94  
    Cash dividends per common share $ 0.180     $ 0.175     $ 0.175     $ 0.530     $ 0.525  
    Dividend payout ratio   30 %     31 %     29 %     31 %     27 %

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Average Balances                  
    Total loans and loans held for sale $ 4,536,702     $ 4,441,633     $ 4,485,017     $ 4,469,321     $ 4,373,648  
    Investment securities   722,577       734,087       749,352       729,273       771,457  
    Total earning assets   5,503,832       5,465,645       5,273,758       5,440,145       5,194,485  
    Total assets   5,907,115       5,854,978       5,647,491       5,831,002       5,561,649  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   795,771       761,270       792,193       764,770       805,513  
    Interest-bearing deposits   4,319,606       4,321,678       4,109,360       4,290,247       3,976,820  
    Shareholders’ equity   597,984       583,221       555,464       586,017       548,034  
    Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) (1)   496,091       481,309       453,493       484,105       446,048  
                       
    Average Yields (annualized)                  
    Total loans and loans held for sale   6.66 %     6.55 %     6.30 %     6.57 %     6.14 %
    Investment securities   2.19 %     2.14 %     1.96 %     2.11 %     1.96 %
    Total earning assets   5.98 %     5.89 %     5.63 %     5.89 %     5.48 %
    Interest-bearing deposits   3.19 %     3.15 %     2.62 %     3.11 %     2.27 %
    Interest-bearing liabilities   3.21 %     3.17 %     2.66 %     3.14 %     2.34 %
                       
    Performance Ratios (annualized)                  
    Return on average assets   0.94 %     0.89 %     0.96 %     0.91 %     1.06 %
    Return on average equity   9.28 %     8.94 %     9.80 %     9.01 %     10.74 %
    Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) (1)   10.33 %     9.93 %     11.07 %     10.01 %     12.23 %
    Net interest margin, fully tax equivalent basis (non-GAAP) (1)   3.42 %     3.34 %     3.53 %     3.38 %     3.64 %
    Efficiency Ratio, fully tax equivalent basis (non-GAAP) (1)   65.58 %     65.20 %     66.26 %     66.34 %     63.60 %
                       
    Net Loan Charge-Offs                  
    CNB Bank net loan charge-offs $ 837     $ 2,348     $ 381     $ 4,063     $ 955  
    Holiday Financial net loan charge-offs   383       456       351       1,305       1,252  
    Total Corporation net loan charge-offs $ 1,220     $ 2,804     $ 732     $ 5,368     $ 2,207  
    Annualized net loan charge-offs / average total loans and loans held for sale   0.11 %     0.25 %     0.06 %     0.16 %     0.07 %

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Ending Balance Sheet          
    Cash and due from banks $ 75,214     $ 56,031     $ 61,529  
    Interest-bearing deposits with Federal Reserve   281,972       271,943       117,632  
    Interest-bearing deposits with other financial institutions   3,723       3,171       3,424  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   360,909       331,145       182,585  
    Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value   378,965       359,900       335,122  
    Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   328,152       354,569       391,301  
    Equity securities   10,389       9,654       8,948  
    Loans held for sale   768       642       464  
    Loans receivable          
    Syndicated loans   69,470       53,938       123,090  
    Loans   4,522,438       4,425,754       4,369,084  
    Total loans receivable   4,591,908       4,479,692       4,492,174  
    Less: allowance for credit losses   (46,644 )     (45,532 )     (45,832 )
    Net loans receivable   4,545,264       4,434,160       4,446,342  
    Goodwill and other intangibles   43,874       43,874       43,874  
    Core deposit intangible   223       241       299  
    Other assets   346,300       352,386       322,973  
    Total Assets $ 6,014,844     $ 5,886,571     $ 5,731,908  
               
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits $ 841,292     $ 762,918     $ 782,996  
    Interest-bearing demand deposits   681,056       693,074       781,309  
    Savings   3,040,769       3,140,505       2,883,736  
    Certificates of deposit   653,832       514,348       554,740  
    Total deposits   5,216,949       5,110,845       5,002,781  
    Subordinated debentures   20,620       20,620       20,620  
    Subordinated notes, net of issuance costs   84,495       84,419       84,191  
    Other liabilities   86,417       83,987       75,104  
    Total liabilities   5,408,481       5,299,871       5,182,696  
    Common stock                
    Preferred stock   57,785       57,785       57,785  
    Additional paid in capital   219,304       218,756       220,100  
    Retained earnings   371,086       361,987       336,690  
    Treasury stock   (4,516 )     (4,438 )     (6,862 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (37,296 )     (47,390 )     (58,501 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   606,363       586,700       549,212  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,014,844     $ 5,886,571     $ 5,731,908  
               
    Book value per common share $ 26.13     $ 25.19     $ 23.52  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) (1) $ 24.03     $ 23.09     $ 21.40  

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Capital Ratios          
    Tangible common equity / tangible assets (non-GAAP) (1)   8.45 %     8.30 %     7.86 %
    Tier 1 leverage ratio (2)   10.59 %     10.56 %     10.50 %
    Common equity tier 1 ratio (2)   11.64 %     11.71 %     11.21 %
    Tier 1 risk-based ratio (2)   13.30 %     13.41 %     12.92 %
    Total risk-based ratio (2)   16.06 %     16.20 %     15.68 %
               
    Asset Quality Detail          
    Nonaccrual loans $ 39,855     $ 34,788     $ 27,065  
    Loans 90+ days past due and accruing   666       112       231  
    Total nonperforming loans   40,521       34,900       27,296  
    Other real estate owned   1,514       1,641       2,039  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 42,035     $ 36,541     $ 29,335  
               
    Asset Quality Ratios          
    Nonperforming assets / Total loans + OREO   0.92 %     0.82 %     0.65 %
    Nonperforming assets / Total assets   0.70 %     0.62 %     0.51 %
    Ratio of allowance for credit losses on loans to nonaccrual loans   117.03 %     130.88 %     169.34 %
    Allowance for credit losses / Total loans   1.02 %     1.02 %     1.02 %
               
               
    Consolidated Financial Data Notes:          
    (1) Management uses non-GAAP financial information in its analysis of the Corporation’s performance. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide a greater understanding of ongoing operations, enhance comparability of results of operations with prior periods and show the effects of significant gains and charges in the periods presented. The Corporation’s management believes that investors may use these non-GAAP measures to analyze the Corporation’s financial performance without the impact of unusual items or events that may obscure trends in the Corporation’s underlying performance. This non-GAAP data should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, and is not a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. Limitations associated with non-GAAP financial measures include the risks that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items included in these measures and that different companies might calculate these measures differently. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures is provided below (dollars in thousands, except per share data).
    (2) Capital ratios as of September 30, 2024 are estimated pending final regulatory filings.

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      Average Balances, Income and Interest Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis
      Three Months Ended,
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
      Average
    Balance
      Annual
    Rate
      Interest
    Inc./Exp.
      Average
    Balance
      Annual
    Rate
      Interest
    Inc./Exp.
      Average
    Balance
      Annual
    Rate
      Interest
    Inc./Exp.
    ASSETS:                                  
    Securities:                                  
    Taxable (1) (4) $ 690,098     2.14 %   $ 3,980   $ 702,036     2.09 %   $ 3,941   $ 711,299     1.89 %   $ 3,674
    Tax-exempt (1) (2) (4)   25,368     2.57       178     25,088     2.59       178     29,455     2.55       204
    Equity securities (1) (2)   7,111     5.71       102     6,963     5.72       99     8,598     5.58       121
    Total securities (4)   722,577     2.19       4,260     734,087     2.14       4,218     749,352     1.96       3,999
    Loans receivable:                                  
    Commercial (2) (3)   1,457,192     7.02       25,708     1,416,476     6.85       24,133     1,516,942     6.72       25,693
    Mortgage and loans held for sale (2) (3)   2,947,787     6.25       46,278     2,897,473     6.15       44,331     2,834,576     5.83       41,618
    Consumer (3)   131,723     11.93       3,950     127,684     12.17       3,863     133,499     11.51       3,874
    Total loans receivable (3)   4,536,702     6.66       75,936     4,441,633     6.55       72,327     4,485,017     6.30       71,185
    Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other financial institutions   244,553     5.33       3,279     289,925     5.99       4,321     39,389     5.78       574
    Total earning assets   5,503,832     5.98     $ 83,475     5,465,645     5.89     $ 80,866     5,273,758     5.63     $ 75,758
    Noninterest-bearing assets:                                  
    Cash and due from banks   58,472               53,710               55,502          
    Premises and equipment   118,404               112,386               109,854          
    Other assets   272,377               268,930               254,106          
    Allowance for credit losses   (45,970 )             (45,693 )             (45,729 )        
    Total non interest-bearing assets   403,283               389,333               373,733          
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,907,115             $ 5,854,978             $ 5,647,491          
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                                  
    Demand—interest-bearing $ 682,690     0.86 %   $ 1,477   $ 713,431     0.76 %   $ 1,342   $ 813,264     0.52 %   $ 1,061
    Savings   3,076,351     3.55       27,461     3,097,598     3.57       27,464     2,788,499     3.13       22,004
    Time   560,565     4.03       5,684     510,649     3.93       4,988     507,597     3.16       4,048
    Total interest-bearing deposits   4,319,606     3.19       34,622     4,321,678     3.15       33,794     4,109,360     2.62       27,113
    Short-term borrowings       0.00               0.00           6,101     5.66       87
    Finance lease liabilities   236     5.06       3     259     4.66       3     328     4.84       4
    Subordinated notes and debentures   105,077     4.26       1,124     105,001     4.36       1,138     104,773     4.07       1,076
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   4,424,919     3.21     $ 35,749     4,426,938     3.17     $ 34,935     4,220,562     2.66     $ 28,280
    Demand—noninterest-bearing   795,771               761,270               792,193          
    Other liabilities   88,441               83,549               79,272          
    Total Liabilities   5,309,131               5,271,757               5,092,027          
    Shareholders’ equity   597,984               583,221               555,464          
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 5,907,115             $ 5,854,978             $ 5,647,491          
    Interest income/Earning assets     5.98 %   $ 83,475       5.89 %   $ 80,866       5.63 %   $ 75,758
    Interest expense/Interest-bearing liabilities     3.21       35,749       3.17       34,935       2.66       28,280
    Net interest spread     2.77 %   $ 47,726       2.72 %   $ 45,931       2.97 %   $ 47,478
    Interest income/Earning assets     5.98 %     83,475       5.89 %     80,866       5.63 %     75,758
    Interest expense/Earning assets     2.56       35,749       2.55       34,935       2.10       28,280
    Net interest margin (fully tax-equivalent)     3.42 %   $ 47,726       3.34 %   $ 45,931       3.53 %   $ 47,478
     
    _____________________________________________
    (1)
    Includes unamortized discounts and premiums.
    (2) Average yields are stated on a fully taxable equivalent basis (calculated using statutory rates of 21%) resulting from tax-free municipal securities in the investment portfolio and tax-free municipal loans in the commercial loan portfolio. The taxable equivalent adjustment to net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was $240 thousand, $214 thousand and $242 thousand, respectively.
    (3) Average loans receivable outstanding includes the average balance outstanding of all nonaccrual loans. Loans receivable consist of the average of total loans receivable less average unearned income. In addition, loans receivable interest income consists of loans receivable fees, including PPP deferred processing fees.
    (4) Average balance is computed using the fair value of AFS securities and amortized cost of HTM securities. Average yield has been computed using amortized cost average balance for AFS and HTM securities. The adjustment to the average balance for securities in the calculation of average yield for the three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was $(51.1) million, $(59.2) million and $(61.1) million, respectively.

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      Average Balances, Income and Interest Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis
      Nine Months Ended,
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
      Average
    Balance
      Annual
    Rate
      Interest
    Inc./Exp.
      Average
    Balance
      Annual
    Rate
      Interest
    Inc./Exp.
    ASSETS:                      
    Securities:                      
    Taxable (1) (4) $ 696,259     2.06 %   $ 11,572   $ 729,787     1.89 %   $ 11,140
    Tax-exempt (1) (2) (4)   26,063     2.58       547     31,025     2.60       646
    Equity securities (1) (2)   6,951     5.69       296     10,645     4.97       396
    Total securities (4)   729,273     2.11       12,415     771,457     1.96       12,182
    Loans receivable:                      
    Commercial (2) (3)   1,434,545     6.92       74,360     1,512,575     6.49       73,423
    Mortgage and loans held for sale (2) (3)   2,905,301     6.16       134,012     2,733,423     5.70       116,439
    Consumer (3)   129,475     11.96       11,591     127,650     11.50       10,978
    Total loans receivable (3)   4,469,321     6.57       219,963     4,373,648     6.14       200,840
    Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other financial institutions   241,551     5.58       10,085     49,380     6.01       2,221
    Total earning assets   5,440,145     5.89     $ 242,463     5,194,485     5.48     $ 215,243
    Noninterest-bearing assets:                      
    Cash and due from banks   55,243               54,494          
    Premises and equipment   113,629               107,016          
    Other assets   267,797               250,210          
    Allowance for credit losses   (45,812 )             (44,556 )        
    Total non interest-bearing assets   390,857               367,164          
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,831,002             $ 5,561,649          
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                      
    Demand—interest-bearing $ 711,911     0.75 %   $ 4,014   $ 878,955     0.54 %   $ 3,545
    Savings   3,046,518     3.53       80,536     2,581,604     2.75       53,070
    Time   531,818     3.87       15,414     516,261     2.79       10,775
    Total interest-bearing deposits   4,290,247     3.11       99,964     3,976,820     2.27       67,390
    Short-term borrowings       0.00           47,094     5.07       1,787
    Finance lease liabilities   259     4.64       9     350     4.58       12
    Subordinated notes and debentures   105,001     4.32       3,394     104,698     4.04       3,164
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   4,395,507     3.14     $ 103,367     4,128,962     2.34     $ 72,353
    Demand—noninterest-bearing   764,770               805,513          
    Other liabilities   84,708               79,140          
    Total Liabilities   5,244,985               5,013,615          
    Shareholders’ equity   586,017               548,034          
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 5,831,002             $ 5,561,649          
    Interest income/Earning assets     5.89 %   $ 242,463       5.48 %   $ 215,243
    Interest expense/Interest-bearing liabilities     3.14       103,367       2.34       72,353
    Net interest spread     2.75 %   $ 139,096       3.14 %   $ 142,890
    Interest income/Earning assets     5.89 %     242,463       5.48 %     215,243
    Interest expense/Earning assets     2.51       103,367       1.84       72,353
    Net interest margin (fully tax-equivalent)     3.38 %   $ 139,096       3.64 %   $ 142,890
     
    _____________________________________________
    (1)
    Includes unamortized discounts and premiums.
    (2) Average yields are stated on a fully taxable equivalent basis (calculated using statutory rates of 21%) resulting from tax-free municipal securities in the investment portfolio and tax-free municipal loans in the commercial loan portfolio. The taxable equivalent adjustment to net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, was $671 thousand and $755 thousand, respectively.
    (3) Average loans receivable outstanding includes the average balance outstanding of all nonaccrual loans. Loans receivable consist of the average of total loans receivable less average unearned income. In addition, loans receivable interest income consists of loans receivable fees, including PPP deferred processing fees.
    (4) Average balance is computed using the fair value of AFS securities and amortized cost of HTM securities. Average yield has been computed using amortized cost average balance for AFS and HTM securities. The adjustment to the average balance for securities in the calculation of average yield for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $(55.1) million and $(58.6) million, respectively.

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Calculation of tangible book value per common share and tangible common
    equity / tangible assets (non-GAAP):
             
    Shareholders’ equity $ 606,363     $ 586,700     $ 549,212  
    Less: preferred equity   57,785       57,785       57,785  
    Common shareholders’ equity   548,578       528,915       491,427  
    Less: goodwill and other intangibles   43,874       43,874       43,874  
    Less: core deposit intangible   223       241       299  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 504,481     $ 484,800     $ 447,254  
               
    Total assets $ 6,014,844     $ 5,886,571     $ 5,731,908  
    Less: goodwill and other intangibles   43,874       43,874       43,874  
    Less: core deposit intangible   223       241       299  
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 5,970,747     $ 5,842,456     $ 5,687,735  
               
    Ending shares outstanding   20,994,730       20,998,117       20,895,634  
               
    Book value per common share (GAAP) $ 26.13     $ 25.19     $ 23.52  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) $ 24.03     $ 23.09     $ 21.40  
               
    Common shareholders’ equity / Total assets (GAAP)   9.12 %     8.99 %     8.57 %
    Tangible common equity / Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   8.45 %     8.30 %     7.86 %
               

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Calculation of net interest margin:                  
    Interest income $ 83,235     $ 80,652     $ 75,516     $ 241,792     $ 214,488  
    Interest expense   35,749       34,935       28,280       103,367       72,353  
    Net interest income $ 47,486     $ 45,717     $ 47,236     $ 138,425     $ 142,135  
                       
    Average total earning assets $ 5,503,832     $ 5,465,645     $ 5,273,758     $ 5,440,145     $ 5,194,485  
                       
    Net interest margin (GAAP) (annualized)   3.43 %     3.36 %     3.55 %     3.40 %     3.66 %
                       
    Calculation of net interest margin (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP):                  
    Interest income $ 83,235     $ 80,652     $ 75,516     $ 241,792     $ 214,488  
    Tax equivalent adjustment (non-GAAP)   240       214       242       671       755  
    Adjusted interest income (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP)   83,475       80,866       75,758       242,463       215,243  
    Interest expense   35,749       34,935       28,280       103,367       72,353  
    Net interest income (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP) $ 47,726     $ 45,931     $ 47,478     $ 139,096     $ 142,890  
                       
    Average total earning assets $ 5,503,832     $ 5,465,645     $ 5,273,758     $ 5,440,145     $ 5,194,485  
    Less: average mark to market adjustment on investments (non-GAAP)   (51,075 )     (59,225 )     (61,103 )     (55,134 )     (58,577 )
    Adjusted average total earning assets, net of mark to market (non-GAAP) $ 5,554,907     $ 5,524,870     $ 5,334,861     $ 5,495,279     $ 5,253,062  
                       
    Net interest margin, fully tax equivalent basis (non-GAAP) (annualized)   3.42 %     3.34 %     3.53 %     3.38 %     3.64 %

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Calculation of PPNR (non-GAAP): (1)                  
    Net interest income $ 47,486     $ 45,717     $ 47,236     $ 138,425     $ 142,135  
    Add: Non-interest income   10,973       8,865       7,863       28,793       24,198  
    Less: Non-interest expense   38,784       35,989       36,914       112,197       106,892  
    PPNR (non-GAAP) $ 19,675     $ 18,593     $ 18,185     $ 55,021     $ 59,441  
                       
    (1) Management believes that this is an important metric as it illustrates the underlying performance of the Corporation, it enables investors and others to assess the Corporation’s ability to generate capital to cover credit losses through the credit cycle and provides consistent reporting with a key metric used by bank regulatory agencies.
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Calculation of efficiency ratio:                  
    Non-interest expense $ 38,784     $ 35,989     $ 36,914     $ 112,197     $ 106,892  
                       
    Non-interest income $ 10,973     $ 8,865     $ 7,863     $ 28,793     $ 24,198  
    Net interest income   47,486       45,717       47,236       138,425       142,135  
    Total revenue $ 58,459     $ 54,582     $ 55,099     $ 167,218     $ 166,333  
    Efficiency ratio   66.34 %     65.94 %     67.00 %     67.10 %     64.26 %
                       
    Calculation of efficiency ratio (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP):                  
    Non-interest expense $ 38,784     $ 35,989     $ 36,914     $ 112,197     $ 106,892  
    Less: core deposit intangible amortization   18       19       20       57       65  
    Adjusted non-interest expense (non-GAAP) $ 38,766     $ 35,970     $ 36,894     $ 112,140     $ 106,827  
                       
    Non-interest income $ 10,973     $ 8,865     $ 7,863     $ 28,793     $ 24,198  
                       
    Net interest income $ 47,486     $ 45,717     $ 47,236     $ 138,425     $ 142,135  
    Less: tax exempt investment and loan income, net of TEFRA (non-GAAP)   1,473       1,318       1,376       4,127       4,043  
    Add: tax exempt investment and loan income (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP)   2,123       1,902       1,955       5,957       5,668  
    Adjusted net interest income (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP)   48,136       46,301       47,815       140,255       143,760  
    Adjusted net revenue (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP) $ 59,109     $ 55,166     $ 55,678     $ 169,048     $ 167,958  
                       
    Efficiency ratio (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP)   65.58 %     65.20 %     66.26 %     66.34 %     63.60 %

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Calculation of return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP):                  
    Net income $ 13,954     $ 12,957     $ 13,727     $ 39,511     $ 44,043  
    Less: preferred stock dividends   1,076       1,075       1,076       3,226       3,226  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 12,878     $ 11,882     $ 12,651     $ 36,285     $ 40,817  
                       
    Average shareholders’ equity $ 597,984     $ 583,221     $ 555,464     $ 586,017     $ 548,034  
    Less: average goodwill & intangibles   44,108       44,127       44,186       44,127       44,201  
    Less: average preferred equity   57,785       57,785       57,785       57,785       57,785  
    Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 496,091     $ 481,309     $ 453,493     $ 484,105     $ 446,048  
                       
    Return on average equity (GAAP) (annualized)   9.28 %     8.94 %     9.80 %     9.01 %     10.74 %
    Return on average common equity (GAAP) (annualized)   9.48 %     9.10 %     10.09 %     9.18 %     11.13 %
    Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) (annualized)   10.33 %     9.93 %     11.07 %     10.01 %     12.23 %

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: iRhythm Technologies Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for Design Updates Previously Made to Its Zio® AT Device

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:IRTC), a leading digital health care company focused on creating trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted clearance for its 510(k) submission related to prior design changes made to the Zio AT device via letter to file. Zio AT remains commercially available on the market to ship to customers in the United States.

    “This clearance is related to modifications and certain enhancements to our Zio AT device previously made via letter to file and has been a priority for our teams to demonstrate iRhythm’s commitment to quality, compliance and performance,” said Quentin Blackford, iRhythm President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased to have received this first 510(k) clearance in line with the sequence of how we submitted the first of two 510(k)s at the beginning of this year, and we look forward to hearing about our second 510(k) in the near future. Both 510(k) submissions are related to our ongoing remediation efforts with the FDA, and we remain committed to patient safety, physician trust in Zio AT’s clinical performance, service quality, and regulatory compliance.”

    About the Zio AT System

    The Zio AT device is a prescription-only outpatient cardiac telemetry device, commonly referred to as a mobile cardiac telemetry device, which is used for the provision of our mobile cardiac telemetry (MCT) services. The Zio AT system consists of: the Zio AT patch, an ECG monitor that continuously records ECG data for up to 14 days; the wireless gateway that provides connectivity between the Zio AT patch and the Zio ECG Utilization Software (ZEUS) to transmit data during the wear period; and ZEUS, iRhythm’s deep-learning algorithm that analyzes cardiac events transmitted by the Zio AT device and gateway. The Zio AT services provide event transmission reports during wear and a comprehensive end-of-wear report1-4 with preliminary findings to the treating medical professional for final clinical decisions. The Zio AT services are provided by iRhythm’s independent diagnostic testing facilities located in San Francisco, California, Deerfield, Illinois and Houston, Texas.

    Zio Services’ Clinically Proven Performance

    The value of the Zio service has been demonstrated in over 100 original scientific research manuscripts5. Zio AT’s patient-centered design enables high patient compliance and analyzable time with minimal noise or artifact6-8, and real-world data shows an impressive 98% patient compliance9, in part thanks to Zio AT’s zero required patient manipulations. Furthermore, physicians agree with the Zio service’s comprehensive end-of-wear report 99% of the time10-11.

    About iRhythm Technologies, Inc.
    iRhythm is a leading digital health care company that creates trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease. Combining wearable biosensors and cloud-based data analytics with powerful proprietary algorithms, iRhythm distills data from millions of heartbeats into clinically actionable information. Through a relentless focus on patient care, iRhythm’s vision is to deliver better data, better insights, and better health for all. To learn more about iRhythm, including its portfolio of Zio products and services, please visit irhythmtech.com.

    Zio AT Indications For Use

    The Zio AT device is intended to capture and transmit symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiac events and record continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) data for long-term monitoring. It is indicated for use on patients 18 years or older who may be asymptomatic or who may suffer from transient symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness, pre-syncope, syncope, fatigue, or anxiety. It is not intended for use on critical care patients.

    Contraindications

    • Do not use the Zio AT device for patients with symptomatic episodes where variations in cardiac performance could result in immediate danger to the patient or when real-time or in-patient monitoring should be prescribed.
    • Do not use the Zio AT device for patients with known history of life-threatening arrhythmias.
    • Do not use the Zio AT device in combination with external cardiac defibrillators or high frequency surgical equipment near strong magnetic fields or devices such as MRI.
    • Do not use the Zio AT device on patients with a neuro-stimulator, as it may disrupt the quality of ECG data.
    • Do not use the Zio AT device on patients who do not have the competency to wear the device for the prescribed monitoring period.

    Investor Contact
    Stephanie Zhadkevich
    investors@irhythmtech.com

    Media Contact
    Kassandra Perry
    irhythm@highwirepr.com

    1. Zio AT Clinical Reference Manual. iRhythm Technologies, 2022.
    2. Continuous, uninterrupted refers to the recording of ECG data. Zio AT Gateway transmissions may be impacted by a variety of factors. See Product Labeling for more information.
    3. Zio AT is contraindicated for critical care patients.
    4. Do not use Zio AT for patients with symptomatic episodes where variations in cardiac performance could result in immediate danger to the patient or when real-time or in-patient monitoring should be prescribed. Refer to the Zio AT labeling and Clinical Reference Manual for full contraindications.
    5. Data on file. iRhythm Technologies, 2023.
    6. Data on file. iRhythm Technologies, 2022-2023.
    7. Zio XT Clinical Reference Manual. iRhythm Technologies, 2019.
    8. Zio monitor Instructions for Use. iRhythm Technologies, 2023.
    9. Zio AT Clinical Reference Manual. iRhythm Technologies, 2022.
    10. Data on file. iRhythm Technologies, 2021-2022.
    11. Based on a review of all online Zio XT, Zio monitor, and Zio AT end-of-wear reports. Data on file. iRhythm Technologies, 2023.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Rich Steinmeier Named Chief Executive Officer of LPL Financial; Elected to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) today announced that the Board of Directors has confirmed Rich Steinmeier as Chief Executive Officer. Steinmeier, who had been interim CEO since October 1, was also elected a member of the Board.  

    In addition, the Board named Matt Audette as President and Chief Financial Officer, expanding his previous role as Chief Financial Officer and Head of Business Operations. The appointments are effective immediately.  

    “LPL is fortunate to benefit from an exceptionally strong team with leaders who have a clear vision for the continued success of the business,” said Jim Putnam, chair of the LPL Financial Board of Directors.  

    “Rich’s appointment to CEO, which reflects the Board’s succession plan, is a testament to the valuable contributions he has made during his tenure with LPL and the trusted relationships he has established with clients and employees,” added Putnam, noting that LPL’s organic growth rate has more than doubled since Rich joined the company in 2018 to lead its growth initiatives. “With Rich as CEO and Matt in his expanded role as President, the Board is confident that LPL’s trajectory of high performance and its steadfast commitment to serving clients will continue to build stakeholder value.” 

    “The success of LPL is shaped by the clear-eyed view from our talented team that all Americans deserve access to sound financial advice. It is an incredible honor to lead the company that delivers on this purpose,” said Steinmeier. “I’m fortunate to collaborate with Matt and our leadership team to elevate our service to clients, provide rewarding careers for our people, and to build on our momentum as one of the fastest growing companies in wealth management.” 

    “We’re operating from a position of strength with a leadership team that is sharply focused on supporting our clients’ success through innovative solutions,” said Audette. “I look forward to continuing my partnership with Rich as we expand on our leading position in the advisor-centered marketplace and enhance value for all the stakeholders we serve.” 

    About Rich Steinmeier  

    Steinmeier, 50, was appointed LPL Financial’s interim CEO on October 1, 2024. He previously served as Managing Director, Chief Growth Officer and, prior to that, as Divisional President, Business Strategy and Growth. As Chief Growth Officer, he led teams responsible for shaping corporate and business line strategy, recruiting new financial advisors and institutions, leading the field management of LPL employee advisors, creating and deploying capital solutions to LPL clients, and leading the marketing and communications functions. 

    Before joining LPL in 2018, Steinmeier held senior leadership roles at UBS Financial and Merrill Lynch as well as working as a consultant for McKinsey & Company. Steinmeier earned a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from Stanford University. 

    About Matt Audette 

    Audette, 50, joined LPL Financial as Chief Financial Officer in 2015 and assumed responsibility for the firm’s business operations in 2023. Audette is responsible for the firm’s financial, risk, compliance and client operations functions. In addition, he oversees the teams responsible for delivering increased operational speed and transparency, along with continued strong risk management, to advisors and institutions. Over Audette’s tenure, he has contributed to the firm’s continued growth and profitability by leading corporate acquisitions, debt transactions, the client deposit portfolio, expense management, and capital allocation. 

    Prior to joining LPL, Audette served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of E*TRADE Financial Corporation. Audette earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Virginia Tech. 

    About LPL Financial  

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that the firm should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving more than 23,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,000 institutions and at approximately 580 registered investment advisor firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional. At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business theirway. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients. 

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor.Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. 

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial. We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website. 

    Media Contact 
    Jen Roche 
    jen.roche@lplfinancial.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Climate Tech VC Cerulean Ventures to Hold Biodiversity Roundtable during UN Biodiversity COP 16, Cali, Colombia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cerulean Ventures, a climate tech venture capital firm operating in the trillion dollar annual climate finance sector, will hold a roundtable at Bloom 24 on Friday, October 25th titled: “Investing in Technology for a Nature Positive Economy.”

    Cerulean Ventures is a leading investor in market-based solutions to value nature, define and document environmental assets and center biodiversity as a measure of ecosystem health and nature-positive business practices. Cerulean Ventures co-founders Matthew Stotts and Jahed Momand will be participating in the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, COP 16 as blue zone delegates. Cerulean was also a participant at the Biodiversity COP 15 in Montréal in 2022.

    “We are proud to lead this discussion during the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, COP 16,” said Jahed Momand, general partner of Cerulean Ventures. “Cerulean’s climate tech thesis is to invest venture capital in software businesses that connect the global economy for nature-positive outcomes.”

    Matthew and Jahed’s work with the Cerulean Ventures portfolio of climate tech entrepreneurs deepens the general partners’ years of work on biodiversity, nature-based solutions, decarbonization, circular economy, decentralized energy and global networks for coordinating climate finance and accounting. Cerulean’s portfolio of investments include highly-scalable software and data for sustainable supply chains, financial technology for carbon and energy markets, and several innovations in climate finance.

    About Cerulean Ventures
    https://cerulean.vc/

    Cerulean Ventures invests in pre-seed and seed stage Climate FinTech, SaaS and blockchain businesses tapping into the network effects of nature, renewable energy and climate-positive economies. Cerulean finds earth-scale (global) technology opportunities in areas like renewable energy, blue carbon, reforestation, biodiversity and regenerative agriculture, as well as decarbonization, circularity and sustainability across industry, manufacturing, transportation, construction, and supply chains.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: TAG Oil Announces $10 Million Overnight Marketed Public Offering of Units to Strategically Advance Unconventional and Conventional Opportunities in Egypt

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TAG Oil Ltd. (TSXV:TAO, OTCQX:TAOIF, and FSE:TOP) (“TAG Oil” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has filed a preliminary short form prospectus (“Preliminary Prospectus”) with the securities commissions in all provinces of Canada, except Québec, in connection with an overnight marketed public offering (the “Offering”) of units of the Company (the “Units”) at a price of $0.21 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of C$10,000,000.

    Certain members of management and directors of the Company intend to participate alongside investors in the Offering.

    The Offering is being led by Research Capital Corporation, as lead underwriter and sole-bookrunner, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the “Underwriters”).

    Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (“Common Share”) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share (a “Warrant Share”) at an exercise price equal to $0.30 per Warrant Share at any time up to 24 months following the closing of the Offering.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to advance appraisal and development activities in the Western Desert, Egypt, at both the Badr Oil Field and strategic new 512,000-acre concession and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Activities to be advanced with the proceeds include executing re-entry work on multiple existing wells to recomplete and/or drill a sidetrack into existing conventional oil reservoirs, the drilling of new vertical delineation wells in the unconventional Abu Roash “F” (ARF) resource play targeting high intensity natural fractured areas, and the planning of the next horizontal well with multi-stage frac.

    In addition, the Company plans to also complete a third-party resource report on the new strategic 512,000-acre concession that is in the process of being acquired and conduct a potential strategic joint venture partnership process.

    The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable in whole or in part, at the sole discretion of the Underwriters, at any time, from time to time, for a period of 30 days from and including the closing of the Offering, to purchase from the Company up to an additional 15% of the Units sold under the Offering, and/or the components thereof, on the same terms and conditions of the Offering to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes.

    The Offering is expected to be priced in context of the market, with the final price of the Units and final exercise price of the Warrants to be determined at the time of pricing.

    The Offering is expected to close on or about the week of November 11, 2024, or such other date as the Company and the Underwriters may agree. Closing of the Offering is subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the securities regulatory authorities and the TSX Venture Exchange.

    The Units are being offered in each of the provinces of Canada (except Québec) and may be offered in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an appropriate exemption from the registration requirements under applicable U.S. law, and outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis. The Preliminary Prospectus is available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and may be obtained from Research Capital Corporation at ecm@researchcapital.com. The Preliminary Prospectus contains important information about the Company and the Offering. Prospective investors should read the Preliminary Prospectus and other documents the Company has filed before making an investment decision.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    About TAG Oil Ltd.

    TAG Oil (http://www.tagoil.com/) is a Canadian based international oil and gas exploration company with a focus on operations and opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa.

    For further information:

    Toby Pierce, Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: 1 604 609 3355

    Email: info@tagoil.com
    Website: http://www.tagoil.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tag-oil-ltd
    X: https://twitter.com/tagoilltd

    Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the completion of the Offering and the timing in respect thereof, the use of proceeds of the Offering, timely receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the proposed completion of a third party resource report.

    Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of TAG Oil. Such statements can generally, but not always, be identified by words such as “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “schedules”, “prepares”, “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will”, “would”, “may”, “could” or “should” occur. All statements that describe the Company’s plans relating to operations and potential strategic opportunities are forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and are reliant on assumptions made by the Company’s management, and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed in the Company’s periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information, actual results could materially differ from those currently projected, and there is no representation by TAG Oil that the actual results realized in the future will be the same in whole or in part as those presented herein. TAG Oil disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding TAG Oil’s business contained in TAG Oil’s reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on TAG Oil and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review TAG Oil’s filings that are available at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

    TAG Oil provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

    Exploration for hydrocarbons is a speculative venture necessarily involving substantial risk. The Company’s future success in exploiting and increasing its current reserve base will depend on its ability to develop its current properties and on its ability to discover and acquire properties or prospects that are capable of commercial production. However, there is no assurance that the Company’s future exploration and development efforts will result in the discovery or development of additional commercial accumulations of oil and natural gas.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Element Welcomes New Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Evelyne Roy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Element Fleet Management Corp. (TSX:EFN) (“Element” or the “Company”), the largest publicly traded, pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world, is excited to announce the appointment of Evelyne Roy as its new Chief Data and Analytics Officer. In this role, Ms. Roy will be accountable for designing and building scalable data and analytics systems that enable insights and responsible AI to optimize business operations, drive growth, improve safety, and ensure an exceptional client experience. 

    “We are delighted to welcome Evelyne to the Element team,” said Laura Dottori-Attanasio, CEO, Element. “She is an adept data technology leader, whose extensive experience and passion for leveraging data to drive business success make her the ideal candidate for this role and delivering our Purpose to Move the world through intelligent mobility.”

    Ms. Roy, whose appointment is effective immediately, brings with her over 25 years of experience leading the data strategy, architecture, and distribution for data and analytics platforms, having previously held leadership roles at Thompson Reuters Corporation, as well as increasingly senior roles in the financial industry in both Australia and Canada. With a proven track record of utilizing data to drive business strategies and improve client experiences, Ms. Roy is a valuable addition to the Element team. This appointment reflects Element’s continued commitment to investing in the modernization of its digital capabilities to deliver increased value to its clients.

    “As a leader in fleet management, we recognize the importance of data and analytics in delivering efficient and effective solutions for our clients,” said Kobi Eisenberg, President Element Mobility and Autofleet. “We are confident that Evelyne will play a pivotal role in our ongoing commitment to providing best-in-class mobility solutions and ensuring we stay ahead of the evolving needs of our industry.”

    “I’m thrilled to join the Element team, and be a part of this Purpose-driven, client-centric organization,” said Ms. Roy. “Together, we are going to deliver data and digital-first solutions that meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.”

    About Element Fleet Management

    Element Fleet Management (TSX: EFN) is the largest publicly traded pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world, providing the full range of fleet services and solutions to a growing base of loyal, world-class clients – corporations, governments, and not-for-profits – across North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Element’s services address every aspect of clients’ fleet requirements, from vehicle acquisition, maintenance, accidents and remarketing, to integrating EVs and managing the complexity of gradual fleet electrification. Clients benefit from Element’s expertise as one of the largest fleet solutions providers in its markets, offering economies of scale and insight used to reduce fleet operating costs and improve productivity and performance. For more information, visit elementfleet.com/investor-relations.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government’s Three Strikes reboot fails victims, again – Sensible Sentencing Trust

    Source: Sensible Sentencing Trust

    The Sensible Sentencing Trust is slamming the Government’s tweaks to it’s Three Strikes 2.0 law labelling them a ‘weak compromise that lets victims down’.

    Lawyer, and Sensible Sentencing Trust spokesman, Stephen Franks, said:

    “The Three Strikes changes are a triumph of public service bureaucrats over evidence-based policy.  Changing the threshold so a strike only counts if a crim get12 months imprisonment at the first strike stage and two year threshold for second and third strikes makes no sense at all.”

    “The Government just doesn’t get it. The whole idea of Three Strikes is that the strike occurs upon conviction not based on the sentencing judge’s discretion.”

    “We’ve modelled the Government’s changes using the 25 ‘third strikers’ under the original regime. Under the Bill as it was, just seven would qualify for a third strike. And with these changes, it’s still just eight – less than a third who would face the deterrent of a third strike under the original law.”

    “It doesn’t even carry over the existing strikes of of the old regime. It restores strike status only to those who meet these new thresholds. It’s literally letting previous strikers off.”

    “National and ACT talk tough on crime, but are failing to deliver. This watered down version of Three Strikes won’t work.”

    “What was the point of ACT campaigning on reinstating what the judges and Labour’s luvvies canned, if they bottle it when in power?

    NOTES:

    Analysis by the Sensible Sentencing Trust shows that only one additional third striker would qualify under the changes announced today compared to the proposal introduced in April.

    This new threshold also applies to the “carry over” aspect – which means that most of the 14,687 former strikers will not qualify at all (so will be ‘let off’ from their existing strikes, despite convictions for serious offences).’

    We’ve also modelled applying the 12 month sentence threshold to just the third strike stage.  If that proposal had been adopted, just two cases that would not qualify as third strikers. These two cases are those opponents of Three Strikes regularly refer to: Both Daniel Fitzgerald and Raven Campbell would not qualify as Third Strikers.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – New data shows surgery mortality outcomes improving

    Source: Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission

    Surgery mortality outcomes are improving in Aotearoa New Zealand despite an aging population and more complex surgeries being performed.
    Data updated to December 2023 by the National Mortality Review Management Group, Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission Health Quality Intelligence team, and the Perioperative Mortality (POM) subject matter experts’ group, shows overall surgical mortality rates in New Zealand are not increasing.
    This is despite an aging population, surgeries now performed on those who might not have previously been operated on, and increasingly complex surgeries undertaken on patients with more illnesses.
    Despite pressures on the health system the data shows outcomes have not deteriorated, with surgery here continuing to be as safe as countries like Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
    “Māori and Pacific peoples’ mortality after planned surgery has also improved when compared to Pākehā and other ethnicity groups,” Elizabeth Dennett, University of Otago Wellington, Associate Professor of Surgery and POM member, said
    However, Associate Professor Dennett noted that for acute or emergency surgeries this improvement had not happened for Pacific peoples.
    The data is summarised in an updated ‘Surgery and risk in Aotearoa New Zealand’ infographic, released today and available on Te Tāhū Hauora website.
    Covering a range of information including risk factors, the infographic can be used by health care professionals when discussing upcoming surgery with patients.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Shri Manohar Lal, rides Namo Bharat Trains marking the one-year successful operations of India’s first RRTS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union  Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Shri Manohar Lal, rides Namo Bharat Trains marking the one-year successful operations of India’s first RRTS

    Namo Bharat Trains successfully completes one year of operations, serving over 4 million passengers.

    Posted On: 21 OCT 2024 5:19PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant event marking the completion of one year of Namo Bharat operations, Hon’ble Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Minister of Power, Shri Manohar Lal, took a ride on the Namo Bharat train and visited key stations along the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor.  Union Minister said that work of Rapid rail transit system is going on in full speed, equipped with newer technologies, that will make intercity travel very convenient for the travellers. He said that while average speed of metro rail is 30 km/hr, the RRTS has an average speed of 80 km/hr, with a maximum operational speed of 160 km/ hr

    The Minister boarded the Namo Bharat train from Sahibabad station in a driving cab, where he interacted with the women train operators, acknowledging their vital contributions to the operations of India’s first RRTS corridor. He also engaged with passengers, gathering firsthand feedback on their experiences with the Namo Bharat service. 

     

    Shri Manohar Lal expressed satisfaction with the overwhelmingly positive response from passengers, who praised the convenience, speed, and comfort of Namo Bharat trains. Many highlighted how this new mode of transportation has significantly improved their daily commute, offering a hassle-free and reliable alternative to traditional modes of transport.

    Additionally, NCRTC celebrated the one-year anniversary of Namo Bharat train operations with a special visit from school students in the morning. The children enjoyed speedy and joyful rides, fulfilled with chocolates. Commuters were welcomed with festive dhol beats, chocolates, and mementos as tokens of appreciation for their continued support. The stations were adorned with entry gates for Namo Bharat Diwas, creating a festive atmosphere.

     Shri Manohar Lal started his visit from Anand Vihar RRTS Station, where he was received by NCRTC MD, Shri Shalabh Goel. The Minister received a detailed briefing on the station’s unique design and its significance within the overall RRTS network.

    He was informed about the strategically designed Anand Vihar RRTS Station, constructed just one level below ground to ensure ease of access and seamless integration with multiple modes of transport, positioning it as a vital commuter hub. With its proximity to two Metro lines, a railway station, and one bus terminals (ISBTs) in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, and another inter-state bus terminal in Anand Vihar, Delhi is set to become one of the region’s busiest transit hubs. The station’s multimodal connectivity facilitates smooth transitions between various modes of transportation, enhancing convenience and accessibility for daily commuters and creating a comprehensive network of networks.

    The trial run of the Namo Bharat trains have recently been commenced to connect New Ashok Nagar and Anand Vihar RRTS station with already operational Sahibabad station. Hon’ble Minister then proceeded to Sahibabad RRTS Station, where he saw the various passenger-centric amenities developed for the commuters. He was presented with live models, as well as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) demonstrations, which offered an immersive understanding of the innovative infrastructure, advanced technologies, and services being employed in the development of the RRTS.

    From the very first day of Namo Bharat’s operations, passengers have benefited from the convenience of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), enabling seamless travel across multiple modes of transport under the Government of India’s “One Nation, One Card” initiative.

    The  Minister was apprised that since their launch on October 21, 2023, Namo Bharat trains have significantly transformed commuting across Ghaziabad, Sahibabad, and the surrounding regions, successfully serving over 40 lakhs passengers in their first year of operations. Ghaziabad RRTS Station registered the highest footfall over the past year, followed closely by Sahibabad and Meerut South RRTS Stations. The Minister was also apprised of several groundbreaking technologies, many being used for the first time globally, are part of the implementation of the Namo Bharat project under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. These cutting-edge developments, aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision, are driving the transformation of public transport infrastructure in India.

     

    The Honourable Prime Minister of India inaugurated the first 17-kilometer Priority Section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot on October 20, 2023, marking the historic launch of India’s first RRTS. On March 7, 2024, another 17-kilometer stretch between Duhai and Modinagar North was inaugurated, followed by the operationalization of Meerut South RRTS Station on August 18, 2024.

    Currently, Namo Bharat services operate on a 42-kilometer stretch covering nine stations, including Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Duhai Depot, Muradnagar, Modi Nagar South, Modi Nagar North, and Meerut South. The corridor will soon extend to 54 kilometers with the addition of the Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar section, which includes key stations such as Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar.

    RRTS distinguishes itself from other modes of transport by providing high-speed connectivity between suburban areas, significantly reducing commuting times for longer distances. This system is especially effective in addressing the challenges posed by urban expansion into new regions, such as the National Capital Region (NCR). By enabling travellers to cover greater distances in a shorter time frame, RRTS enhances accessibility and convenience, making it an ideal solution for commuters navigating the growing urban landscape.

    Once the entire 82-kilometer corridor is completed by June 2025, passengers will be able to travel from Delhi to Meerut in under an hour, revolutionizing regional connectivity and enhancing the overall commuter experience.

    ***

    JN/SK/NS/AA

    (Release ID: 2066736) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri & his Singaporean counterpart to hold 6th India-Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi to further bolster defence ties

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 21 OCT 2024 5:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Defence, Singapore Dr Ng Eng Hen will co-chair the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi on October 22, 2024. The meeting aims to carry forward defence cooperation between the two countries. Both sides will also exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest.

    India and Singapore share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The bilateral defence relations form a significant pillar to this collaboration. The engagements have diversified to include wide-ranging contacts between the Services, military-to-military exchanges, high-level visits, capacity building and training programmes, cooperation in UN Peacekeeping, ship visits and bilateral exercises.

    Singapore is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy, and an important partner of the Indo-Pacific vision. Defence and security partnership between the two countries is an important factor of stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

    The Singaporean Defence Minister will be on a visit to India from October 21-23, 2024. The fifth edition of the Defence Ministers’ Dialogue took place in January 2021 through virtual teleconference.

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    SR/Savvy

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Jitendra Singh addresses Karmayogi Saptah ‘Samuhik Charcha’ during the Karmayogi Saptah for the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh addresses Karmayogi Saptah ‘Samuhik Charcha’ during the Karmayogi Saptah for the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

    Dr Jitendra Singh lauds PM Shri Narendra Modi for his vision of Citizen-Centric Governance and Administrative Reforms

    Mission Karmayogi Marks a Paradigm shift from Rule to Role: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

    Cycle of regular learning will help in creating a vast, agile and responsive workforce in the run up to Vikasit Bharat

    Posted On: 21 OCT 2024 4:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Setting the context for Karmayogi Saptah, ‘Samuhik Charcha’ for officers of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, briefed about Mission Karmayogi, National Learning Week and Karmayogi Competency Model.

    The Minister emphasised that Mission Karmayogi underlines a paradigm shift from “Rule” to “Role” and focuses that Civil Servants should not be bound by rules but by responsibilities.
    The Union Minister outlined how the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has been the first among the ministries to start this cycle of regular learning. During the occasion, Minister also recounted the journey of setting up Mission Karmayogi, which was after taking inspiration from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He also applauded the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) for taking up this task.

    Union Minister stressed that Mission Karmayogi has led to the development of a new culture in governance which is responsive, dynamic and allied with contemporary India. He further outlined that Mission Karmayogi will help bureaucrats in performing the diverse range of works in government in different ministries.

    Union Minister highlighted that how Mission Karmayogi creates a layer of sustainable ecosystem with the ‘One Government’ approach to realise the dream of Viksit Bharat. He also stated that given the needs of changing times, one should be continuously engaging in the learning processes. This will carry much significance for the bureaucrats who will be at the forefront of Vikasit Bharat 2047.

     

    He remarked that this brainstorming cycle of Samuhik Charcha will aid in the creation of an allied, vast framework, a vast ecosystem, aligned across industries, across the department, and whole of the Government.

    Furthermore, the aim of the ‘Samuhik Charcha’ for the officers of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions is to facilitate and entrench learning on a chosen theme by bringing officers across departments within the Ministry together. The ‘Samuhik Charcha’ is designed to enable officers to contemplate and exchange ideas on a chosen theme derived from a webinar that comprises part of the ‘National Learning Week’ programme.

    *****

     

    NKR/KS/AG

    (Release ID: 2066716) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Global: To truly understand the health of a lake, you must look well beyond its shoreline

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Beatrix Beisner, Professor, Aquatic ecology, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

    On the surface, most of Canada’s lakes and rivers look pristine. But below the surface, many are facing essential challenges to their health. Why? To better understand the health of Canadian lakes and rivers, we must look beyond the site itself to the whole watershed.

    Canada’s freshwater streams, rivers and lakes are inherently connected ecosystems. Driven by precipitation and gravity, the flow of water changes across seasons and location. Connected waterflows form watersheds. A watershed is the combined area drained by a body of water, including groundwater aquifers.

    All human activity within a watershed that affects the quality of flowing water — including rain, snow, irrigation or groundwater — will have an impact upon all the water bodies in the system. Because of this, it is essential to monitor and regulate human activities in a lake’s watershed if its health and biodiversity are to be preserved.

    Disturbances can influence aquatic ecosystems even if they occur far away from the water’s edge, especially where large quantities of water flow rapidly. Simply put, what happens upstream, and on land, is as important to what is happening in the lake itself. What’s more, poor freshwater health can affect the health of the land within the watershed as well.


    Our lakes: their secrets and challenges, is a series produced by La Conversation/The Conversation.

    This article is part of our series Our lakes: their secrets and challenges. The Conversation and La Conversation invite you to take a fascinating dip in our lakes. With magnifying glasses, microscopes and diving goggles, our scientists scrutinize the biodiversity of our lakes and the processes that unfold in them, and tell us about the challenges they face. Don’t miss our articles on these incredibly rich bodies of water!


    In my research, I work to better understand lake, stream and river ecosystem functioning, biodiversity and health. This is of increasing importance as aquatic environments are affected by climate change. What is clear, is that to fully understand what is going on in a lake ecosystem, you need to look beyond its shoreline.

    Truly understanding how water flows within a watershed can empower us to act more responsibly and design more just and effective policies.

    Inconsistent boundaries

    Watershed boundaries, which are defined by landscape topography, often do not overlap nicely with political boundaries — with the Nile Basin being perhaps the most obvious example.

    Moreover, humans have long been manipulating water flows through dams and irrigation. Where we place our cities, agriculture, mines and forestry also often overlaps with more than one watershed or can overwhelm another.

    Recent work, as part of the Lake Pulse Network, has sampled over 650 lakes across Canada. This research demonstrated that only a four per cent to 12 per cent urbanization level within a watershed is enough to harm biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

    Urbanization is one of the most impactful ways in which humans affect watersheds. The reasons for this are likely down to hard infrastructure blocking the flow of water along with forestry and agriculture land conversions changing how water flows.

    The inescapable truth is that the health and function of a specific aquatic ecosystem is shaped by what happens on the land within that watershed as a whole. These system-wide influences are known as as “allochthonous” — as opposed to “autochthonous” (internal) interactions solely within a single waterbody.

    External influences (runoff) from the land can overwhelm a water body’s internal processes and, in some case, can even have negative impacts upon both fish health and the wider local food web.

    Climate change is also playing an increasingly outsized role in the lives of Canadian lakes. The most noticeable impacts of a warming world in Canada are forest fires of increasing severity and duration and ever more intense storms.

    These extreme events will cause more runoff into our lakes, potentially overwhelming them through nutrient overloading, salinization and other chemical shifts in the water quality.




    Read more:
    Sediment runoff from the land is killing NZ’s seas – it’s time to take action


    Managing water flows

    The connectivity between waterbodies within a watershed is also critical to consider in biodiversity conservation.

    First, these aquatic connections serve as migratory corridors for mammals and birds, but also aquatic species of fish and invertebrates like insects and crayfish. With climate change and warming waters across Canada, aquatic organisms will increasingly need such corridors within watersheds to move northwards to cooler waters.

    Just as migratory pathways enable the dispersal of native species, they can also aid the spread of invasive species. Invasive species management must also take a watershed perspective, and not focus on a single invaded lake or river.

    If an exotic species has arrived in your watershed then you are likely to soon see that species in a lake or river near you.

    Contaminants — such as pesticides, other toxins, microplastics and nutrients — also require a watershed-wide approach to effectively manage. Like an invasive species, contaminants can flow downstream across a watershed. Though, the presence of healthy wetlands within a watershed can help filter these out and improve water quality.

    Dams, bridges and culverts provide a clear physical barrier to connectivity within a watershed. Though not without utility, these human constructs greatly affect the watershed ecosystem.

    For example, many fish species will not pass through a culvert or under a low bridge. These human structures can greatly disrupt fish population dynamics, movement pathways and abilities to adapt to changing conditions.

    Unfortunately, the challenges facing fish populations can have significant impacts for biodiversity health, and ecosystem services, across the watershed.

    Endlessly interconnected

    The interconnected nature of watershed ecosystems necessitates collaborative forms of governance.

    Integrated watershed management is an approach to water governance that involves many different agencies, communities and levels of government. Several provinces use this approach, including the most populated provinces of Ontario and Québec. This model must become the norm across Canada.




    Read more:
    How the invasive spiny water flea spread across Canada, and what we can do about it


    More fundamentally, biodiversity protection in a watershed must be handled in an integrated manner. Ideally this would be done using natural watershed boundaries, and not political ones, especially with respect to managing issues related to connectivity. However, this may not always be possible, in which case water governance systems must transcend political boundaries as needed.

    Enabling watershed governance across political boundaries is an area where the new federal Canada Water Agency could play a leading role.

    Regardless of specific arrangement, it is imperative that all who care about the health of Canada’s freshwater consider its lakes and rivers within their larger watersheds. Only by focusing on watershed health can we preserve Canada’s freshwater.

    Beatrix Beisner currently receives research funding from NSERC, FRQNT, Hydro-Québec and the Québec Ministry of Environment (MELCCFP) . She is Co-director of the Interuniversity Research Group in Limnology / Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL).

    ref. To truly understand the health of a lake, you must look well beyond its shoreline – https://theconversation.com/to-truly-understand-the-health-of-a-lake-you-must-look-well-beyond-its-shoreline-228352

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana achieves sales worth Rs.1000 Crores in October 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana achieves sales worth Rs.1000 Crores in October 2024

    Jan Aushadhi Kendras grew more than 170 times in number in last 10 years; more than 14,000 kendras now cover almost all the districts of the country

    Posted On: 21 OCT 2024 4:46PM by PIB Delhi

    Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has reached a remarkable milestone by achieving sales worth Rs. 1000 Crores in October 2024, a significant advancement from previous year when this target was met in December, 2023. This achievement highlights the growing trust and reliance of the people on affordable and quality medicines. This was possible only with the unwavering support of the citizens, who have embraced the initiative by purchasing medicines from over 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. This substantial growth is a testament to PMBI’s commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable for all by reducing out of pocket expenditure.  Notably few days ago, PMBI had sold medicines worth Rs. 200 crores in one single month of September 2024.

    In the last 10 years, there has been a growth of more than 170 times in number of Kendras which were only 80 in 2014 and have now grown to more than 14,000 Kendras covering almost all the districts of the country.

    In next 2 years, there will be 25000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country. The product basket of PMBJP comprises 2047 medicines and 300 surgical devices covering all major therapeutic groups such as Cardiovascular, Anti-cancers, Anit-diabetics, Anti-infectives, Anti-allergic, Gastro-intestinal medicines, Nutraceuticals, etc. Almost 1 million people are visiting these popular people-friendly Kendras daily.

    The PMBJP initiative continues to empower communities, ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for every citizen. The record-breaking sales not only highlight the success of the program but also it plays a vital role in promoting health equity in the country.

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    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2066709) Visitor Counter : 26

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks by Vice President Harris and Liz Cheney at a Campaign Event | Malvern,  PA

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    People’s LightMalvern, Pennsylvania
    11:54 A.M. EDT
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Let’s get to it.
         MS. LONGWELL:  Let’s do it.  Let’s do it.
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good morning, everyone.
         AUDIENCE:  Good morning.
         AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Happy birthday!
         MS. LONGWELL:  Oh, happy belated birthday.  (Applause.)  Oh, yeah.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you.  I appreciate that.  Thank you. 
         MS. LONGWELL:  Audience members showing me up — that’s tough.  (Laughter.)
    Okay.  So, I’ve got to start with the thing that brings us here today, because I’ve got to say it is unusual for somebody who was as high up in the Republican leadership as Liz Cheney was to be out here campaigning with the Democratic nominee for president. 
    And so, maybe — why don’t both of you tell us, but you start: You’ve actually marshaled unprecedented support from Republicans in this election.  Why do you think that is?
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Sarah.  Thank you for being here and for your work.  And the congresswoman, thank you. 
    I — I have said before and it must be repeated each time: There are moments in the history of our country which challenge us, each of us, to really decide do we stand for those things that we talk about, including, in particular, country over party.  And you have been extraordinarily courageous in the way that you have done that.  And I thank you for that.  (Applause.)
    So, you know, I have in my career now — whether it was as the elected district attorney, elected attorney general, and then elected United States senator, and, of course, now vice president — I’ve counted that I have taken the oath of office six times.  And for the elected leaders here, we know it is an oath that one must take sincerely and unequivocally, which is an oath, among other things, to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and to understand what those principles represent and what they require of the individual who holds the office and the public trust.
    And let’s not undervalue that point as well.  It is not about the individual.  It is not about what is in their personal interests.  It is about what is for and in the spirit of the public good.     
     And this is a moment in this election that presents a real contrast among how I, as one of the two nominees, and my opponent, the former president, think of that duty.  And it is a duty, by the way.  There are certain things in our lives that we have the choice if we feel like it — (laughter) — and then there are certain things that are just fundamentally a duty, like to raise our children.  Things of that nature.  It is a duty to take seriously that oath and do it for the sake of the public good and in the public trust.
    And I think that at this moment, with the choice that the American people have in this election in — in two weeks and one day, this election is presenting — for the first time, probably, in certainly recent history — a very clear choice and difference between the two nominees.  And I think that is what, as much as anything, is bringing us, as Americans, together, who are understanding that we cannot, with such fundamental stakes being presented, afford to be mired in ideological differences without really staking our claim to the most fundamental ideals upon which our country stands.
    MS. LONGWELL:  Thank you.  And, you know, Congresswoman Cheney, it’s a — sort of the same question to you.  But I got to ask: You know, it’s one thing for Republicans to sign a letter.  You know, we’ve seen that she has — Vice President Harris has been endorsed by 200 Republicans in the national security space, all kinds of people from George W. Bush’s administration.  There’s been a lot of people — they’ll sign letters and maybe they’ll go on T.V., they’ll release a statement.  I was just with Republican Congressman Charlie Dent — former Republican congressman here from the state.  He voted for you in his early voting. 
    But you are out here campaigning.  You are out here holding events.  So, talk about why it’s been so important to you to be as involved as you are in getting Vice President Harris elected.
    MS. CHENEY:  Well, thank you so much, Sarah, for the question.  And — and it’s an honor to be here today with you, Madam Vice President. 
         You know — (applause) —
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.
    MS. CHENEY:  — for me, every — every single thing in — in my experience and in my background has — has played a part in my decision to endorse Vice President Harris. 
    And, you know, that — that begins with the fact that I’m a conservative, and I know that the most conservative of all conservative principles is being faithful to the Constitution.  And you have to choose, in this race, between someone who has been faithful to the Constitution, who will be faithful, and Donald Trump, who it’s not just us predicting how he will act.  We watched what he did after the last election.  We watched what he did on January 6th.
    And so, coming to this as someone who’s been a lifelong Republican, a lifelong conservative, also as someone who spent — I spent time working overseas before I was elected to Congress, and I’ve — I’ve spent time working in countries where people aren’t free and where people are struggling for their freedom, and I know how — how quickly democracies can unravel. 
    And I know that, as Americans, we can become accustomed to thinking, “Well, we don’t have to worry about that here.”  But I tell you, again, as someone who has seen firsthand how quickly it can happen, that that is what’s on the ballot.  That’s absolutely what’s on the ballot.
    I also — I come to this decision as a mother.  I have five children.  And there was a moment right after January 6th when my husband and I were having dinner with our two youngest, our two sons, and I looked across the table at my — my young sons, and I thought to myself, “You know, in the aftermath of the attack on the Capitol, are they going to grow up in a country where we don’t have to worry about the peaceful transfer of power?  Are they going to grow up in a country where that is guaranteed?”
    And — and I believe that every one of us in this election has a duty and an obligation to do what we know is right for the country, and that’s to support Vice President Harris.  So, I’m very honored to be here and to do that.  (Applause.)
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.
    You know, if I can just echo the congresswoman’s point.  So, I’ve now, as vice president, met over 150 world leaders — presidents, prime ministers, chancellors, and kings — many of them multiple times, to the point we’re on a first-name basis.  And the last few times that I’ve seen them in the relative eve of this election, they are very concerned, our allies.  Because, as you know, when we walk in those rooms around the world representing the United States of America, we have traditionally been able to walk in those rooms chin up, shoulders back, with the self-appointed and earned authority to talk about the importance of democracies and rule of law.
    But as all the role models here know, as a role model, people watch what you do to see if it lines up with what you say.  People around the world are watching this. 
    And I — I tell you, sometimes I do fret a bit about whether we, as Americans, truly understand how important we are to the world.  I hope everyone does really understand that we represent something — imperfect though we certainly are; flawed though we may be — we represent, in terms of our ideals, the — the basis of our Constitution, we represent a gold standard. 
    And when we have someone who has been president, who wants to be president again, who is saying he would be dictator on day one, would weaponize our Department of Justice — one of the principles of our democracy is that we say we have a justice system that is blind, that is not punitive against one’s enemies, they are watching.
    So, this is about direct impact on the American people, and it most certainly will impact people around the world. 
    MS. LONGWELL:  You know, I’m so glad you brought that up.  And I — I — as a follow-up, I would just ask Congressman Cheney too.  We live in a dangerous time.  I mean, I think Americans are watching what’s happening overseas in Ukraine, in Israel.  Republicans — we used to be the party that would be on the side of our democratic allies like Ukraine. 
    Talk to me a little bit and all of us about why, from a foreign policy standpoint, you find yourself able to endorse Democrats, who w- — wouldn’t — it didn’t used to be that way.
    MS. CHENEY:  Well, it — it’s not just able to endorse them.  But — but if you look at the numbers of the most senior officials who served Donald Trump — his own vice president; national security advisors; his chief of staff; you know, the — the leading generals who served him — who’ve all said he’s unfit, and people really need to stop and think about how completely unprecedented that is.
    And the — the idea — when people sort of say, “Well, we might, you know, be tempted, for some reason or another, to vote for Donald Trump” — if the issue is foreign policy, I would just ask everyone: Think about how dangerous and damaging it is to have someone who’s totally erratic — totally erratic, completely unstable — someone who has aligned himself with, who idolizes tyrants.  He idolizes tyrants. 
    You know, the — the — again, the choice here, with respect to national security policy, is a man who has proven — he has absolutely proven that he will not stand up, he won’t defend this nation with respect to our own Constitution and rule of law, and Vice President Harris, who has been clear in terms of support for Ukraine, in terms of recognizing and understanding across the board that America cannot maintain our own freedom and security if we walk away from our allies around the world. 
    And our adversaries know that they can play Donald Trump.  They absolutely know that they can play him.  And we simply can’t afford to take that risk.
    So, as someone who has spent a career on national security issues — again, this was not at all a difficult choice for me — the — the choice here is absolutely clear in terms of the necessity of supporting Vice President Harris.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And — and if I may emphasize, part of the backbone of our national security is our military.  And let’s please not overlook how someone who wants to be commander in chief and was has talked about our servicemen and women; has talked about an American hero like John McCain, who was a prisoner of war — said he didn’t respect him, didn’t like him because he got caught; has talked about our service members as — as though they are less than the most courageous of us. 
     Those who put on the uniform, who represent the United States of America, who are willing to die for the sake of everything we stand for, and he calls them “suckers” and “losers.”  These things cannot be overlooked. 
    And — and I have said many times publicly, and I’ll say it again: In many, many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the consequences of him being president of the United States are brutally serious.  There are things that he says that will be the subject of skits and laughter and jokes, but words have meaning coming from someone who aspires to stand behind the seal of the president of the United States.  These are the things that are at stake.
         MS. LONGWELL:  Couldn’t agree more. 
    So, I do want to ask you another question, though, before we go to the audience.  You know, you talk a lot about a new way forward.  You talk about turning the page.  What’s on the next page?  Talk to us about a —
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You want a preview.
    MS. LONGWELL:  Yeah.  Give me — a spoiler alert.  You know?  (Laughter.)  Just —
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right.
    MS. LONGWELL:  — tell us — tell us what’s — what’s in the rest of the chapter.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, first of all, I will say that it — it is a metaphor that is meant to also describe my intention to embark on a new generation of leadership.  And needless to say, mine will not be a continuation of the Biden administration.  I bring to it my own ideas, my own experiences.
    But it is also about moving past what, frankly, I think has been the last decade of — of the American discourse being influenced by Donald Trump in a way that has had the effect of suggesting we, as Americans, should point the finger at one another, in a way that has been using the power of the presidency to demean and to divide us.
    I think people are exhausted with that, rightly.  And it, frankly, does not lead to the strength of our nation to tell the American people that we must be suspicious of one another, distrust one another.
    You know, yesterday, I — I did a couple of church services, and there’s a — we — many people here know the — the parable of the Good Samaritan.  And there is an essence — a piece of that, in my own words, that really requires us, I think, to see in the face of a — of a stranger, to see a neighbor.  Right?  That spirit.  And I think we need to get back to that.
    The spirit of the American people is such that, you know, we are an ambitious people.  We are aspirational.  We have dreams.  And that is productive. 
    It is not productive of us to be a nation of people who are pointing fingers at one another, who don’t understand that the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us.
    So, that’s what I mean about turning the page.  And then a new generation of leadership about being ambitious, about all we have yet to do. 
    Part of my economic policy — I refer to it as an opportunity economy — is about investing in American industries while leaving none of our traditional, wonderful industries behind; repurposing and retooling the factories that have led to America’s success in industry, while at the same time redefining how we are thinking about which worker has the experience and skill to do the — the job and is qualified and understanding we shouldn’t be falling into a trap that suggests only those with a college degree have the skill or the experience to do the job.  So, let’s look at how we redefine and perhaps even reorder. 
    And, in fact, I’m going to start with federal jobs, and then I’m going to challenge the private sector to do the same.  Let’s look at which of those jobs would benefit from a skilled, experienced worker who perhaps went through an apprenticeship program — not a four-year college, but still had a four-year degree, in essence.
         So, these are the kinds of things that are about seeing the opportunity of this moment and investing in it.
         I’ll tell you — and I know this is a controversial topic for many of us — I love Gen Z.  (Laughter.)  Because we have Gen Zs in our lives.  We have kids who are Gen Zs.  It can be complicated, I know.  I love Gen Z.
         These young leaders are so — they’re clear-eyed.  You know, they’ve only known the climate crisis.  They’ve only known active shooter drills.  I mean, we had fire drills.  Not — not our kids, right?
         But they also — they’re — they’re so wonderfully impatient — (laughter) — ri- — no, really, that’s good.  That’s good.  They are ready to get in there.  Let’s invest in them.  Let —
         So, for example, one of my — one piece of my opportunity economy is we got to deal with the reality of where we are right now.  The American dream, for previous generations, was something that people could kind of count on.  Not so much anymore, in terms of homeownership.  We have a housing shortage in America.  We have a supply shortage.
         So, part of my plan is, hey, let’s be clear-eyed about this moment.  Let’s invest in the future.  And as a — a devout public servant, I also know the limitations of government.  I want to work with the private sector.  I have, in my career.  The skills, the breadth, the depth of — of value in those active partnerships benefit us all.
         So, part of my plan for housing is to actively partner with building developers, with homebuilders to create tax credits to increase the supply of housing in America.  My estimate is — I think we can actually do it — by 3 million by the end of my first term.
         Part of my approach that is about a new generation, potentially, of leadership and certainly a different approach: Most of my career was not spent in Washington, D.C.  I say that with pride.  (Laughter.) 
         In that, you know, most of my career was spent as a prosecutor, but I — making decisions that had a direct impact on people’s lives.  You know, I learned at a very young age, as a prosecutor, that the things that I would do with the swipe of my pen could result in someone having their liberty or not.  
         When I was attorney general of California — which is, you know, by estimates, the fifth-largest economy in the world — I was acutely aware the words I spoke could move markets. 
         I like getting things done.  And part of my approach, which is, I think, about a new generation of leadership, is: Let’s cut through the red tape.  Let’s cut through the bureaucracy while still knowing the virtues of the work that we can do in the public sector, be it public education, public health, public safety.
         MS. LONGWELL:  This is a perfect segue into our first audience question, which is going to come from Alexandra Miller from Delaware County.  Main section, right — right there. 
         Hi, Alexandra. 
         Q    Hello.  Hello, Madam Vice President and Representative Cheney.
         MS. CHENEY:  Hi there.
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi.
         Q    Thank you for taking my question today.  My name is Alex.  I have a 7-year-old son and a wonderful 72-year-old mother who is suffering from dementia and requires full-time care. 
         My son is in second grade, my mother is in a nursing home, and I work full time.  The costs of childcare and of eldercare are staggering.  But simultaneously, professionals that help care for both our children and our elders are generally underpaid, which makes it difficult for them to support their own families and do the jobs that they need to do. 
         How do you propose to help bridge this gap, making both child- and eldercare more affordable for hardworking families and also retaining and attracting quality talent for this — these essential jobs?
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, first of all, you’re dealing with a lot.  You’re dealing with a lot, and I just wish you strength and support.  You are a part of what we call the “sandwich generation,” which are those parents and children who are right in the middle.  They are taking care of their young children and taking care of their parents as they age.  And it’s a lot.
         And so, I actually plan to address this in a substantial way because I actually bring a personal experience to it as well.  I took care of my mother when she was sick, and that work is the work of trying to cook something that they feel like eating — right? — trying to figure out which clothes will not irritate their skin and help them put on a sweater.  It’s about trying to figure out how you can say something that brings a smile to their face or makes them laugh.  It’s about dignity. 
         Meanwhile, you have a second-grader.  You’re trying to teach that kid how to read — (laughter) — spending time with them, reminding them they are special and can be anything. 
         And in the middle of all of that, if you are working or just to have a minute to breathe, it’s a lot.  It’s a lot. 
         So, what — the way that this plays out for many people is — is one of just a couple of ways.  One, if you have the good fortune of having enough extra money, you can hire somebody to come in.  And then, exactly as you said, you — knowing what you just shared with us about yourself — would pay them the value of their work.  Or someone in this position would have to basically spend down all their savings so they could qualify for Medicaid, which means they pretty much have to get rid of everything.  Or they have to quit their job, which means one less income in their household. 
         And this is a matter — this issue, for me, is a matter of dignity — yours, your parents, and the well-being of your child and you being able to do what you naturally want to do, and which — and the thing that we should value in our society, which is someone like you who is taking on the duty and the responsibility of all of that. 
         So, my plan is that instead of those scenarios I just mapped out, we will restructure it so that Medicare covers the cost of in-home health care for your parent so that they can be at home — (applause) — and you can then have the assistance with someone who can help prepare that meal, help them get dressed, and you can still give that baby of yours all the love that they deserve.  And you can have sanity in the process.  And everyone can have dignity. 
         And so, this is — this is my approach, which is let’s just look at this as an — let’s just come at it from common sense, by the way.  It’s just common sense.  And what makes — what is a — a commonsense, practical approach to doing this, because when you are able to be productive, we all benefit, by the way.  When that child is able to have a parent who is able to help them with their reading and remind that child that they are special, we are all going to benefit from that. 
         So, thank you for raising the subject.  (Applause.)  And you take care of yourself.
         MS. LONGWELL:  Okay.  Next we’re going to call on Ashley Scott, speaking of Gen Z — although I guess I shouldn’t assume I know what generation she’s from, but she is a student from Bucks County.  Hi.
         Q    Hi, Vice President Harris and Congresswoman Cheney.  My name is Ashley Scott.  I’m from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and I am Gen Z.  I’m 22 years old.  (Laughter.)
         MS. LONGWELL:  Nailed it.
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good for you.  (Laughs.)
         Q    So, thank you for that compliment.  But yeah, my question is about maternal health.  Specifically, in the United States, maternal mortality is devastating.  The rates are terrible.  And I was wondering if you have a plan to combat the crisis.
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Ashley, and thank you for being here and your voice.  It’s a big issue.  So, we have the very, I think, shameful distinction of — of any wealthy nation having one of, if not the highest, rate of maternal mortality. 
         And I’ve studied this issue.  I worked on it was on — when I was in the United States Senate and as vice president.  And the fact is that 90 percent of them are preventable, which tells us we can do something about it, right? 
         And it is an issue — so, Black women are three to four times more likely to die in connection with childbirth; Native women are, like, twice as likely; rural women, one and a half times as likely. 
         One of the common threads that you will see in those demographic populations is a lack of appropriate prenatal care and then care during the term of their pregnancy and then postpartum care.  And we know that when that care is available, they are having a healthier and, by the way, happier experience.  And the long-term impact to all of us as a society, much less to that family, is immense. 
         And so, the work that we have been doing and the work I intend to do going forward is to address that, right?  So, for example, in rural America, the — the way that the system has been structured — the health care system has been structured is a lot of those hospitals and clinics have had to close because of the way we — we reimburse based on population size.  And as people are leaving rural America, then the hospitals and the clinics can’t afford the overhead. 
         I’m oversimplifying but just to make the point.  So, we need to address that in terms of how we’re structuring, how we create incentives and — and give the resources to those health care facilities, be they clinics or hospitals. 
         The other piece that we have to do is really just talk more about the issue around also how, in the health care system, we are treating women and are we taking women seriously when they talk about their health care concerns. 
         So, again, personal experience, my mother had two goals in her life: to raise her two daughters, my sister and I, and to end breast cancer.  My mother was a breast cancer researcher.  And she was so passionate about women’s health care, and I remember it as a young girl and throughout my life. 
         And we still have a lot of work to do to make sure that when she walks into that clinic, that doctor’s office, that hospital, that when — that she’s taken seriously.  And — and that’s also about what we do in terms of training within the profession.  It’s also about what we do in terms of public education to get information to women so that they know that they are not just complaining and they should not suppress or subordinate what their concerns might be about themselves because they’re taking care of everybody else. 
         So, there’s a lot of work to do.  And, of course, there’s a connection between this and what we need to do since the Dobbs decision came down, when we are looking at — I’ve met with a lot of, in particular, OB-GYNs who are concerned that there are kids going through — excuse me, young people going through their medical school who are now feeling deterred from engaging in reproductive health work. 
         And reproductive health work is vast.  It is not only about abortion; it is about a whole array of care.  And we want to make sure that we’re not creating disincentives for people to go into that very, very important profession. 
         And then we also want to make sure that we are, in the whole issue of reproductive care, not suggesting to women or the people who love them that they should be judged, because there is that also when you’re talking about reproductive care, where women sometimes are made to feel or do feel embarrassed to talk about their needs as it relates to their reproductive health.
         And then, of course, I feel very strongly the government should not be telling any woman what to do with her body.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  And when Congress passes a law reinstating the reproductive freedoms of women, I will gladly and proudly sign it into law, because I strongly believe one does not have to give up or abandon their own faith or beliefs to agree that — not the government telling her what to do.  If she chooses, she will consult with her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam, but not the government. 
         We’ve seen too much harm — real harm — happen to women and the people who love them around our country since that decision came down, including women who have died.  And I don’t think that most people who — before the Dobbs decision came down — who had strong opinions about this — I don’t think most people intended that the harm that we’ve seen would have actually happened.
         MS. CHENEY:  Can I add to this just to — because I — I think it’s such an important point.  And I think there are many of us around the country who have been pro-life but who have watched what’s going on in our states since the Dobbs decision and have watched state legislatures put in place laws that are resulting in women not getting the care they need. 
         And so, I think this — this is not an issue that we’re seeing break down across party lines —
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right.
         MS. CHENEY:  — but I think we’re seeing people come together to say what has happened to women, when women are facing situations where they can’t get the care they need — where in places like Texas, for example, the attorney general is talking about suing — is suing to get access to women’s medical records — that’s not sustainable for us as — as a country, and — and it has to change.  (Applause.)
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.  Yeah.
         MS. LONGWELL:  So, as we come close to time here, I want to ask you both kind of a final question.  You know, I — I watch the — the conversation in the country and the way that the media covers this election, and it’s often about the race: Who’s up in a poll?  Who’s down in a poll?  And I — I don’t always feel like we’re talking about the stakes enough. 
         And Liz Cheney would not be here if she didn’t think that the stakes were very high.  And frankly, the Republicans wouldn’t be so angry at you if they didn’t think you were an effective surrogate as somebody speaking about the stakes.  (Applause.)
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Some Republicans.  Some Republicans.
         MS. LONGWELL:  Some Republicans.  Some Republicans.  #NotAllRepublicans.  (Laughter.)
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Because I’ve seen a lot of Republicans — just I’ve seen it and I know it happens — who thank her constantly. 
         MS. LONGWELL:  I — I know it.
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.  Yeah.
         MS. LONGWELL:  I know it.
         MS. CHENEY:  They’re going to vote the right way on November 5th. 
         MS. LONGWELL:  That’s right.
         MS. CHENEY:  They might not think public about it, but — but they’ll do what — what they know is right.  (Applause.)
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.  I agree.  I agree.  I agree.
         MS. LONGWELL:  But just to close and — and maybe starting with you, Congresswoman, so you can have the last word.  Talk to me and all of us about the stakes.  Many people in the room here are undecided voters.  What’s — what’s kind of the last pitch that you would make about why this election is so important and why you believe they should vote for the vice president here?
         MS. CHENEY:  Well, I think that in this election, and especially here in Pennsylvania, we have the opportunity to tell the whole world who we are.  And we have the chance to say, you know, we’re — we’re going to reject cruelty.  We’re going to reject the kind of vile vitriol that we’ve seen from Donald Trump.  We’re going to reject the misogyny that we’ve seen from Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.  (Applause.) 
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right.
         MS. CHENEY:  And we have the chance in this race to elect somebody who you know is going to defend the rule of law.  You know Vice President Harris is going to defend our Constitution. 
         We have the chance to remind people that we are a good country.  We are a good and honorable people.  We are a great nation. 
         And — and in this race, we have the opportunity to vote for and support somebody you can count on. 
         We’re not always going to agree, but I know Vice President Harris will always do what she believes is right for this country.  She has a sincere heart, and that’s why I’m honored to be here and supporting her in this race.  (Applause.)
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I mean, I — exactly.  The — listen, so, in my career as a prosecutor — you’ve heard me say this — I — I never, ever asked a victim or a witness, “Are you a Republican or a Democrat?”  Never.  It wouldn’t have even occurred to me to ask them.  I did, every time, ask, “Are you okay?”
         And I — you know, and I feel very strongly that — for example, in — on the issue of partisanship, yes, we’re going to have disagreements, but I actively invite good ideas from wherever they come.  That’s why I’m going to have a Republican in my Cabinet, by the way — (applause) — because I want good ideas.
         And, by the way, I know it is in our best interest as a nation, in our — the interest of our strength and our future as a nation.  We need a healthy two-party system.  We need a healthy two-party system.  (Applause.)
         We need to be able to have these good, intense debates about issues that are grounded in fact.  (Laughter.)  How about that?
         MS. CHENEY:  Imagine.
    .
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Let’s start there.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)
         Wow.  Can you believe that’s an applause line?  (Laughter.) 
         Oy.  But, you know, it’s — (laughter) — it’s — 
         We have in our grasp in these next 13 days — 13 days, we are — or 15 days, excuse me.  I — I’m just jumping ahead.  (Laughter.)  In these next 15 days, we have in our grasp the ability to determine the course of our country. 
         You know, every election, we’ve said, “This is the one.”  This is the one.  This truly is the one. 
         I mean, to the congresswoman’s point, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff referred to Donald Trump as being “fascist to the core.”  And no one would ever accuse the former chairman of being partisan in any way.  The people who know him best — from the former chief of staff; Defense secretaries, two of them; national security advisor to the former vice president.
         And so, we have in — in our grasp — because we still have a democracy.  As the saying goes, as long as we hold on to it, we still have a democracy, which means in a democracy — and here’s the beauty of it — we each have the power to make a decision about the future of our country through our vote.
         And my request, then, of each of you who have spent time out of your busy lives to be here — and I thank you for that — is please just help us get the word out to your neighbors and friends and family members to just remind them of what is at stake and this conversation. 
         I ask for your vote.  I ask for their votes.  And I promise to be a president for all Americans.  I promise and pledge that.  (Applause.)
         MS. LONGWELL:  All right, everyone.  Congresswoman Cheney and Vice President Kamala Harris.  Thank you so much. 
         Yes, let’s give them another round of applause.  That was wonderful.  (Applause.)
         Thank you so much.
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you.
         MS. LONGWELL:  Thank you.  (Applause.)

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: State of Alaska and FEMA Announce FEMA Assistance Now Available for Flooding Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: State of Alaska and FEMA Announce FEMA Assistance Now Available for Flooding Survivors

    State of Alaska and FEMA Announce FEMA Assistance Now Available for Flooding Survivors

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – FEMA Individual Assistance is now available for residents in the City and Borough of Juneau affected by the flooding that occurred August 5-6, 2024. Assistance may include funds for home repairs, temporary rental assistance, damaged vehicles and essential personal property, loss of subsistence items, as well as medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster.

    FEMA assistance is unable to duplicate benefits offered through insurance, state programs, or other programs. But if your losses or damage go beyond disaster assistance available from other sources – or include items or categories not covered by other assistance – you may be eligible for additional funds from FEMA. Even if you have already registered for the State of Alaska’s disaster assistance program, you must also register with FEMA to determine if you may be eligible to receive additional funds through FEMA. 

    • Residents are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance by calling the FEMA Region 10 Call Center at 866-342-1699 between 7 a.m.-4 p.m. AKT, Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. AKT, Saturday. The FEMA Region 10 Call Center has staff trained to answer Alaska-specific questions. You can also apply by visiting disasterassistance.gov or using the FEMA mobile app.
    • If a reasonable accommodation – such as language translation or interpretation, mobility assistance, or sign language interpretation is needed – email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also notify FEMA staff through the FEMA Region 10 Call Center Helpline.

    The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers long-term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, as well as homeowners and renters to pay for repair or replacement costs not fully compensated by insurance or other assistance. For more information, go to: http://www.sba.gov/disaster or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    In addition to Individual Assistance, designated areas in the City and Borough of Juneau have also been approved for Public Assistance which will reimburse the State of Alaska, on a cost-share basis, for emergency protective measures taken in response to the disaster. The State of Alaska has also been approved for additional funding, on a cost-share basis, for hazard mitigation measures.

    Additional designations may be made at a later date. 

    erika.suzuki

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealanders want publicly-owned rail ferries!

    Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

    New polling released on 15 October by the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) shows the public wants publicly owned, rail enabled ferries.

    The poll was conducted by Talbot Mills over the period of 2-14 October and asked:

    New ferry options

    As you may be aware, in relation to the Cook Strait ferries, “rail-enabled” means freight carriages can roll onto and off of the ferry directly rather than requiring unloading and reloading onto trucks as additional handling steps on each side of Cook Strait. The efficiency gains of being “rail enabled” is thought to add 10-20% to the overall cost to the ferries/infrastructure. The government is now considering three possible options for new ferries. Which of the following options is closest to the one you would support? 

    Results showed a clear public preference:

    Maritime Union spokesperson Victor Billot says “This shows that New Zealanders can see the terrible mistake the Minister has made in cancelling the new rail ferries and that is only going to get more obvious as the massive costs of this fiasco, like the cancellation fee of up to a half a billion dollars, come to light.

    “Rail enabled and publicly owned ferries are vital to New Zealand’s domestic freight. No rail ferries would likely mean no viable rail system, and privatising would be like putting a toll booth on the strait and sending the revenue overseas.

    “Unions want rail-enabled ferries, so do logistics companies including Mainfreight, New Zealand First has just said they want them, and now it’s clear the people of New Zealand want them too. The question is why is the Finance Minister so intent on forcing New Zealanders into a bad deal that nobody wants?”

    Road-bridging – the practice of taking containers from trains and transporting them onto non-rail ferries adds up to $200 per container cost and takes up to three hours more per sailing. Industry experts have noted this additional cost would price rail out of the north/south freight market.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News