Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kathua Gets First Municipal Parking Complex, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and J&K CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurate Project

    Source: Government of India

    Kathua Gets First Municipal Parking Complex, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and J&K CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurate Project

    ‘From Three Cars to Parking Crisis’: Dr. Jitendra Singh Showcases Kathua’s Transformation

    Dr. Jitendra Singh Flags Off Infrastructure Push in Kathua, Calls for United Fight Against Drugs and Illegal Mining

    Posted On: 19 APR 2025 5:11PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant push for urban infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah today jointly inaugurated the first-ever Municipal Parking Complex in the town of Kathua, marking a milestone in the region’s transformation from a sleepy town to a modern urban hub.

    Addressing a packed gathering under the sweltering sun, Dr. Jitendra Singh described the inauguration as a symbol of Kathua’s rapid urban evolution, underscoring how a town once unfamiliar with personal vehicles now demands structured car parking solutions. “There was a time when only three cars were visible in the entire city — one each belonging to the DC, SP, and Executive Engineer,” he recalled. “Today, we are inaugurating a full-fledged parking facility because of the sheer number of private vehicles. This reflects the aspirational rise of this once-overlooked town.”

    Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah’s presence, despite his pressing commitments in Delhi, was hailed by Dr. Jitendra Singh as a gesture of Centre-State cooperation. “His presence here demonstrates the shared commitment of the state and Centre to jointly develop Jammu & Kashmir under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said.

    The Minister highlighted that the new parking facility is just one among several transformative projects that have changed Kathua’s landscape in the last decade. From running Vande Bharat trains to upgrading the Kathua railway station, establishing three medical colleges in the constituency, launching a Biotech Park, and building an Engineering and Homeopathy college, the region has witnessed a sweeping change in public infrastructure.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that connectivity projects like the Express Corridor, which will soon enable direct travel to Delhi in five hours, are set to further boost mobility and economic prospects for the region. “When that happens, you’ll realize just how dramatically the picture has changed,” he said.

    Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Jitendra Singh touched upon social challenges such as illegal mining and drug abuse, which he said are now being firmly addressed. “Kathua’s name should no longer be linked with these issues. Let’s make it an example of a model town,” he urged, calling for a united fight involving civil society, administration, and parents to protect the youth from the scourge of drugs.

    The inauguration ceremony also spotlighted completed landmark projects like the bridge at Kediyan-Gandyal, Maharaja Gulab Singh’s grand statue at the entrance to Jammu & Kashmir, and the setting up of a large stadium with BCCI support. Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged the role of Corporate Social Responsibility in developing facilities like Birla Park, which he invited the Chief Minister to visit during his morning walks.

    While celebrating the region’s development, the Union Minister reiterated the importance of sustaining it through civic responsibility and future planning. “If our youth fall prey to addiction, who will drive the cars or sit in the Vande Bharat train? Who will serve their parents or benefit from these amenities?” he asked.

    As Dr. Jitendra Singh noted in his closing remarks, “Kathua is not just a town; it is a source of inspiration for the BJP and a living tribute to the sacrifices of national heroes like Syama Prasad Mukherjee.”

    With the new parking complex operational and more development in the pipeline, today’s inauguration stands as a testament to the town’s growing role in the region’s socio-economic revival.

    ****

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2122912) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s new cargo spacecraft to make public debut

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

    SHANGHAI, April 20 — Space enthusiasts in Shanghai will have the chance to see a life-size model of China’s next-generation cargo craft Qingzhou, designed for future in-orbit supply delivery, during the upcoming Space Day celebrations.

    Qingzhou, which means “Light Ship” in Chinese, has been designed to be smaller in size and lighter in weight, compared to the existing Tianzhou (Sky Ship) cargo craft.

    Developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the new launch vehicle weighs about 5 tonnes and is capable of sending at least 1.8 tonnes of supplies into space. It features an internal volume of 27 cubic meters. It can accommodate up to 300 liters for cold-chain transportation, enabling taikonauts to enjoy more and fresher fruits and vegetables during their space journeys.

    According to Shu Rong, commander of the Qingzhou project, the spacecraft has been developed at a lower cost, thanks to numerous technological innovations and a more efficient launch process.

    Apart from delivering supplies to China’s space station, Qingzhou will also provide commercial cargo services in the future, aiming to bring economic and social benefits, Shu said.

    China designated April 24 as Space Day to mark the successful launch of its first satellite on April 24, 1970.

    This year’s Space Day celebrations include space science exhibitions and cultural forums. Lunar samples collected on the moon’s near and far sides will also be on display at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center from April 24 to May 5.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal incident, Wairakei

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A person has died in an incident involving a farm vehicle on a property near Taupo.

    Emergency services were called to the address on State Highway 5 at Wairakei shortly after 3:30pm yesterday (Saturday).

    On arrival, they sadly located one person deceased.

    WorkSafe was to be notified.

    The death will be referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigation ongoing into death at Montrose

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigation ongoing into death at Montrose

    Sunday, 20 April 2025 – 1:11 pm.

    Police are continuing to investigate the death of a 19-year-old man near the Brooker Highway at Montrose early Saturday morning.
    Inspector Jason Klug said that following a call for information yesterday, a man is assisting police with their enquiries. 
    “Following receipt of the autopsy report yesterday which suggested the man was likely struck by a vehicle, police put out a call for public information and have since spoken to a truck driver who is assisting with our enquiries.”
    “While it remains early in our investigation, at this stage information suggests the young man was squatting on the roadside, wearing dark clothing in an unlit area of the highway when he was not seen by the driver and struck by the truck.”
    “We have seized the truck we believe was involved, and several pieces of CCTV, which will be forensically examined.” 
    “We’d like to thank members of our community who responded to our call for information – assistance from the public is vital in assisting with police investigations.” 
    “If you have information that would assist our ongoing investigation, and you haven’t already come forward, please do so.”
    Information can be provided to Glenorchy Police on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au – information can be provided anonymously. 

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s carmaker BYD honored at 2025 New York auto show

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese leading electric vehicle manufacturer BYD Auto Co., Ltd. was honored at the ongoing 2025 New York International Auto Show.

    The BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini was awarded on Wednesday the 2025 World Urban Car under the World Car Awards, a program initiated by, organized by, and conducted by automotive journalists from all over the world.

    “This achievement reflects our commitment to providing sustainable technologies and exceptional service to customers worldwide. At BYD, we are dedicated to accelerating green mobility and contributing to the global effort to cool the Earth by 1°C,” said Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD Auto.

    The BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini was chosen from an initial entry list of 12 vehicles from all over the world.

    Launched in January 2004, the annual World Car Awards recognize excellence in six categories including the World Car Design, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Urban Car, World Electric Vehicle, and World Car of the Year.

    In January, Li was named 2025 World Car Person of the Year, marking the first time a woman has been named with the title and also the first World Car Award win for a Chinese brand, according to an earlier release by the organizers.

    The 2025 New York International Auto Show kicked off at Javits Center, New York City, on Wednesday with public days running from April 18-27.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crash causing delays, Southern Motorway, southbound, near Highbrook

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services were called about 6.35pm to a single-vehicle crash on the Southern Motorway, southbound, near Highbrook.

    Three people are reported to have moderate injuries and the scene is being cleared, however the crash has impacted traffic.

    We ask motorists to please avoid the area and take an alternate route, or expect delays.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Operation Kereru puts the brakes on anti-social road users

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Hutt Valley Area Commander, Inspector Wade Jennings:

    Hutt Valley and Kapiti-Mana Police have pulled the handbrake on a gathering of anti-social road users.

    Twenty-one vehicles have been ordered off the road and nearly 80 infringement notices issued, following a large and volatile gathering last night.

    Police intercepted about 100 vehicles at Kmart Petone, forcing every vehicle to pass through a checkpoint. The anti-social road users then met in Porirua, where they were met by more Police staff, and then faced another checkpoint after relocating to Seaview.

    On Eastern Hutt Road in Taita, Police confronted about 80 bystanders who were blocking the road and throwing bottles. Police formed lines with shields and helmets and forced the crowd to return to their vehicles, which were then directed through another checkpoint.

    We know the public, and certainly Police, won’t tolerate this dangerous behaviour, and participants can expect to be stopped and to face enforcement action.

    One of the vehicles involved in the gathering lost control on State Highway 2, breaking through a metal barrier and crashing onto the railway lines. Incredibly, the two occupants were not seriously hurt.

    For Police, this was a successful night that prevented significant damage to our local roads and disruption to the community, thanks to the work of frontline Police and a number of people working in the background to support them.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appealing for information following crash in Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Senior Constable Brett Main

    Police are appealing for information after the driver of a vehicle that struck a pedestrian in Wellington left the scene.

    It happened about 6:30pm on Saturday 19 April at the intersection of Tory and Tennyson Streets in the city.

    The pedestrian was carried a short distance on the bonnet of the vehicle before falling onto the road on Tory Street.

    Fortunately, they had just minor injuries.

    The vehicle did not stop, and left the area.

    It is described as a light blue hatchback, which would have damaged windscreen wipers as a result of the collision.

    The vehicle was captured on CCTV, and this is forming part of our inquiries.

    We would urge anyone who knows who this was, or if this was you, to please do the right thing and come forward.

    Information can be given via our 105 service, either online or over the phone. Please use the reference number P062293969.

    Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide: Saint Johns, Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves.

    A man has died after being assaulted in Saint Johns, Auckland, overnight.

    Emergency services were called to St Johns Road about 10pm on Saturday, following reports a person had been assaulted by more than one person. The offenders are believed to have left the area in a vehicle, travelling towards Remuera Road.

    The 33-year-old victim was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where he died from his injuries.

    St Johns Road will remain closed between Blackett Crescent and Dorchester Street while a scene examination is carried out.

    We are making enquiries to locate the offenders and the vehicle they left in, and at this time are still working to determine why this tragic event occurred.

    If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the reference number P062295607.

    Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.

    Information will be released proactively when we are in a position to do so.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Three youths arrested for a crime spree in the northern suburbs

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Three teenagers have been arrested by members of Youth and Street Gangs Task Force following a raft of serious offending in the northern suburbs over the past week.

    During the early hours of Friday 11 April, a house was broken into on Heidenreich Avenue at Salisbury Downs whilst the residents were asleep, and their BMW sedan was stolen from the driveway.

    On Sunday 13 April, two victims exited a train at Mawson Lakes Interchange when they were approached by two youths who threatened them and punched one victim before stealing his e-scooter.

    A home in Eyre was broken into about 3.15am on Tuesday 15 April, property was stolen from inside, and a car parked out the front of the house was entered.

    On Thursday 17 April, two youths stole a large amount of alcohol from a hotel on Peachey Road at Davoren Park.

    On Friday 18 April, two victims were at a fast-food restaurant on Elizabeth Way at Elizabeth when a teenager approached them and threatened them before stealing their mobile phones.

    Following an investigation, three teenagers were arrested over the past few days:

    A 13-year-old form Elizabeth Park was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery.

    A 15-year-old from Blakeview, was charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle, driving at an extreme speed, aggravated serious criminal trespass, aggravated robbery and theft.

    A 16-year-old from Salisbury North, was charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle, driving at a speed dangerous, other driving offences and theft of petrol.

    All three youths were refused police bail and will appear in Adelaide Youth Court on Tuesday 22 April.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU to train logisticians for Wildberries: cooperation agreement signed

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On April 18, 2025, a ceremonial signing of a cooperation agreement between the State University of Management and the Russian online store Wildberries took place.

    On behalf of the State University of Management, the document was signed by the rector of the State University of Management, Vladimir Stroyev. On behalf of the new partner, it was signed by the director of innovation and ecosystem development, Wildberries, Igor Koval.

    Also present at the meeting were vice-rectors of the State University of Management Maria Karelina and Pavel Pavlovsky. From Wildberries there were the head of the department for work with educational organizations Yulia Erofeeva, the head of image projects Daria Mudrova, the head of the internship direction Anastasia Avdeeva, the head of the school direction Daria Danilina.

    At the beginning of the meeting, Vladimir Stroyev told the guests about the history of GUU. And although there were two graduates of our university among them, it was also new for them to hear that its history began almost 40 years earlier than they knew – with the Aleksandrovsky Commercial School.

    “Today we are once again beginning to promote the traditions of domestic entrepreneurship, which were lost in Soviet times. Now few remember that in the Russian Empire there were entire entrepreneurial regions that were exempt from taxes. And the Alexander School was directly connected with many famous representatives of the Moscow merchant class,” the rector said.

    Igor Koval immediately admitted that the famous Russian philanthropist Savva Mamontov is his distant relative, and agreed that it would be very logical for the State University of Management to continue the traditions of entrepreneurship. The WB company also sees its mission in the development of Russian entrepreneurship and strives to develop in different directions. Thus, the company recently opened its own production sector.

    Continuing the conversation, Vladimir Stroyev said that some Russian companies started their business within the walls of our university. For example, the Novard group of companies, which recently opened an “auditorium named after itself” in the administrative building. In addition, the rector mentioned that our university is the operator of the All-Russian competition of projects in the field of social entrepreneurship and socially oriented non-profit organizations “My Good Business”.

    Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Maria Karelina reported fresh news that scientists from our university managed to win the first competition of student design bureaus.

    “The grant is not very big, but for us it is first and foremost an ideological victory and an important step to restore the image of a scientific and technical university. No one expected this victory from us. Meanwhile, we have fresh developments in the field of logistics, unmanned aerial vehicles and a large agro-industrial project. All this can be discussed, but it is a long conversation, and I propose to organize a separate meeting with Wildberries technical specialists,” said Maria Karelina.

    Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Pavel Pavlovsky added that our scientists are developing not only flying drones, but also ground-based ones. Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee Andrey Kartapolov, who visited the university last week, noted this development. Pavel Vladimirovich also noted that few see Wildberries as a high-tech company that provides a huge number of jobs, but this is exactly the case. The State University of Management has already developed a special educational program for the needs of WB, a presentation of which was shown to the guests after the meeting with the management.

    Taking the floor again, Maria Karelina informed the guests that the State University of Management has laboratories for reverse engineering, agriculture, and a section on mechanization, where prominent professors and academics work. The university concludes agreements with agricultural universities and plans to create a world-class scientific and methodological center in the field of agro-industrial complex.

    Igor Koval admitted that this topic is very interesting to him and he is ready to support it, since in the past he managed several agricultural enterprises.

    “Returning to our topic, I want to say that we currently have 5 million square meters of warehouses. We are first in the world in this indicator. The issue of automation is very relevant for us, we are interested in logistics projects, we have our own design bureau for logistics complexes, and the State University of Management can be very useful in this,” the guest said.

    At the end of the conversation, Igor Koval invited Vladimir Stroyev to a Wildberries event at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum. The partners agreed to coordinate their schedules to implement this idea.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/19/2025

    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 China: Expo in Hainan opens window for China-Europe economic ties

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

    HAIKOU, April 19 — Amid swaying coconut trees and the soft rustle of sea breeze, I arrived in China’s southern island province of Hainan to cover the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE).

    Beneath the clear blue sky, Haikou’s wave-shaped international convention center buzzed with energy. Crowds flowed through halls lined with dazzling displays of vehicles, cosmetics and homeware from across Europe, including the United Kingdom (UK), France, Italy and Slovakia, which captivated attention and sparked curiosity.

    This year’s guest country of honor, the UK, showcased 53 British brands — a mix of long-established players in the Chinese market and first-time exhibitors — signaling its ambition to deepen economic engagement with China, the world’s second-largest economy.

    Among the returning exhibitors was Tricker’s, one of the UK’s oldest shoemakers. “We’re back because last year’s expo significantly raised our profile in the market,” said Mike Hofmann, managing director at Tricker’s China.

    “We see China not only as a sales market but also as a core place to invest and grow,” he added, highlighting the encouraging signals from China’s recent pro-consumption policies.

    Just a few steps away, a subtle floral fragrance drew me toward a charming booth. It belonged to Aromatherapy Associates, a London-based wellness brand making its debut at the CICPE.

    “Hainan’s Free Trade Port is key to our cross-border strategy,” said Yuan Quan, head of Aromatherapy Associates China. “We’ve seen a growing appetite among Chinese consumers for high-quality, therapeutic wellness products, which present great opportunities for us.”

    Health and wellness stood out as a defining theme at this year’s expo. British biotech company Birmingham Biotech (BHM) chose the occasion to announce its official entry into the Chinese market.

    “The expo opens doors to real-time feedback, collaboration and opportunity,” said Michael Hsu, founder and CEO of BHM.

    He noted that Chinese consumers’ rising preference for drug-free, scientifically validated solutions aligns perfectly with the company’s innovations.

    “The Hainan Free Trade Port’s policy advantages and openness to global cooperation make it an ideal destination for our localization plans,” Hsu added.

    “The sheer scale of the Chinese market is a powerful incentive,” said Mark Clayton, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce South China, noting that “the middle class here is larger than the entire population of the UK.”

    Driven by booming tourism, innovative policies, and robust retail growth, the island province of Hainan is rapidly becoming a vital domestic and international consumption destination, according to a white paper jointly released by KPMG China and the Moodie Davitt Report during the expo.

    France showcased a national pavilion at the expo for the third consecutive year, featuring 12 French brands, including L’Oréal and Pierre Lannier, covering sectors such as cosmetics, luxury goods, health products and wines.

    Familiar names also included Ducati, the legendary Italian motorcycle brand, and ETRO, the renowned Italian luxury fashion house, which set up a dedicated booth celebrating the 40th anniversary of its flagship Arnica fabric.

    “China is rapidly evolving and has become one of our top-priority markets,” said Fabio Lambertini, CEO of Ducati China.

    “Hainan is a crucial node in our long-term vision,” he added. With its winding coastal and mountain roads, he believes the tropical island has the potential to become a new hub for Ducati’s immersive riding experiences and investment.

    The Czech jewelry brand Krasna Duse — meaning “beautiful soul” in Czech — drew a constant stream of visitors with its shimmering displays. While browsing the cases, college student Ma Kanghui selected a pair of earrings. “The brand is completely new to me,” she said. “The designs, with their Czech style, are so beautiful that I couldn’t resist.”

    “Czech crystal has a unique charm and craftsmanship that I believe will conquer customers here in China,” said the company president, Olga Kopalova.

    This year marked Slovakia’s debut with its own national pavilion, featuring a mix of skincare, wine, chocolate, and wellness brands. Pavol Kovarik, sales manager for Slovak beverage brand Cacaofe, said that his 22-hour journey from Vienna to Haikou via Chengdu was not only his first time in China but also the longest trip he had ever taken.

    “I expected an inland Chinese city, but instead I arrived in a tropical paradise. Palm trees, beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere that I never imagined,” Kovarik said.

    “This is a fresh start for our presence in China’s mega market. We also plan to attend exhibitions in Ningbo and Shanghai,” he added. “For now, I am looking forward to taking a bullet train to Sanya after the expo and spend a couple of days there enjoying the beautiful beaches.”

    As the sun dipped below Hainan’s horizon, the expo’s buzz gradually faded, but the conversations it sparked about growth and cooperation are far from over. For many European brands, Hainan is more than just a stage for product display, it’s a gateway to long-term relationships, evolving tastes, and mutual growth.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Montrose sudden death update

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Montrose sudden death update

    Saturday, 19 April 2025 – 4:48 pm.

    Police are continuing to investigate the death of a 19 year old man near the Brooker Highway at Montrose overnight.
    Detective Inspector Mark Burke said that following receipt of the autopsy report late this afternoon, evidence suggests the man was likely struck by a vehicle.
    “We’re appealing for anyone who was driving along the Brooker Highway in the vicinity of Montrose Bay High School between 3am-4am this morning who may have witnessed a male pedestrian in the area or been involved in a crash to come forward,” he said.
    “Police are doing everything we can to determine the circumstances of this young man’s death, and it’s vital that we investigate every possibility.’“If you were a driver in the area at the time and noticed anything of note, no matter how small, please reach out and contact Police so we can investigate.”
    Anyone with any information should contact police on 131 444 or report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au. You can do so anonymously.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Pete Ricketts

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-04-17
    President Lai meets New Zealand delegation from All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan  
    On the morning of April 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from New Zealand’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government of New Zealand for reiterating the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait on multiple occasions since last year. He also stated that this year, the Taiwan-New Zealand economic cooperation agreement (ANZTEC) is being implemented in its complete form. The president expressed hope that deeper collaboration in such fields as smart agriculture, food manufacturing, biomedicine, the digital economy, and clean energy, as well as exchanges among our indigenous peoples, will allow our economies and industries to continue evolving as they adapt to the challenges arising from global changes. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I extend a warm welcome to all of our guests. New Zealand’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan was established in 2023, marking a significant milestone in the deepening of Taiwan-New Zealand relations. I would like to thank Members of Parliament Stuart Smith and Tangi Utikere for leading this delegation, and thank all our guests for demonstrating support for Taiwan through action. We currently face a rapidly changing international landscape. Authoritarian regimes continue to converge and expand. Democracies must actively cooperate and jointly safeguard peace, stability, and the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region. Since last year, the government of New Zealand has on multiple occasions reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for these statements and demonstrations of support. This year, ANZTEC is being implemented in its complete form. We look forward to exploring even more diverse markets with New Zealand. Deeper collaboration in such fields as smart agriculture, food manufacturing, biomedicine, the digital economy, and clean energy, as well as exchanges among indigenous peoples, will allow our economies and industries to continue evolving as they adapt to the challenges arising from global changes. Taiwan and New Zealand share the universal values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights, and parliamentary diplomacy is a tradition practiced by democracies around the world. Looking ahead, our parliamentary exchanges and mutual visits are bound to become more frequent. This will enable us to explore even more opportunities for cooperation and further deepen and solidify the democratic partnership between Taiwan and New Zealand. Thank you once again for making the long journey to visit us. I wish you a fruitful and successful trip. I also hope that everyone can take time to see more of Taiwan, try our local cuisine, and learn more about our culture. I hope our guests will fall in love with Taiwan. MP Smith then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great pleasure and an honor to be received by President Lai. The MP, noting that President Lai already covered many of the points he planned to make, went on to say that New Zealand and Taiwan share many values. He indicated that both are trading nations that rely on easy access for imports and exports, and that is why freedom of navigation is so important. That is why New Zealand had a naval vessel sail through the Taiwan Strait, he said, to underline the importance of freedom of navigation and our mutual security. MP Smith said that they look forward to building stronger relationships and enhancing the trade between our two nations. He added that New Zealand has much to offer in the field of geothermal energy to assist Taiwan, and mentioned that New Zealand is third largest in terms of the number of rocket launchers for satellites, which could assist Taiwan with communications in the future. New Zealand has other products as well, he said, but looks for assistance from Taiwan’s technology and technological sector. Lastly, MP Smith stated that he looks forward to a long and prosperous relationship between Taiwan and New Zealand. MP Utikere then delivered remarks, indicating that like Taiwan, New Zealand is a nation that is surrounded by ocean, which means that they rely on strong partnerships with communities of interest all around the globe. He said that the all-party parliamentary friendship group that was established and that they are a part of goes a long way in ensuring that a secure relationship between our two parliaments can continue to prosper. The MP also thanked Taiwan’s Representative to New Zealand Joanne Ou (歐江安) and her team for their work, which has ensured the success of the delegation’s visit. He said that the delegation experienced meetings with ministers in Taiwan’s government, members of the legislature, and those from the non-government organization sector as well. He also said that they enjoyed the opportunity to visit Wulai, and that the strength of the connections between the indigenous peoples of Taiwan and the indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand is something that certainly landed with members of the delegation. MP Utikere noted that he will take up President Lai’s offer on experiencing more of Taiwan, and will spend a few extra days in Tainan, which he understands has a very special place in the president’s heart, adding that he looks forward to his time and experiences there. The MP concluded his remarks by saying that this will be a relationship that continues to go from strength to strength. After their remarks, the New Zealand delegation sang the Māori song “Tutira Mai Nga Iwi” to extend best wishes to Taiwan. Also in attendance at the meeting were New Zealand Members of Parliament Jamie Arbuckle, Greg Fleming, Hamish Campbell, Cameron Luxton, and Helen White.  

    Details
    2025-04-15
    President Lai meets delegation led by Tuvalu Deputy Prime Minister Panapasi Nelesone 
    On the afternoon of April 15, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Tuvalu Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development Panapasi Nelesone and his wife. In remarks, President Lai thanked Tuvalu for its staunch and long-term backing of Taiwan’s international participation. The president said he looks forward to our nations deepening bilateral ties in such areas as agriculture, medicine, education, and information and communications technology and working together toward greater peace, prosperity, and development in the Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I extend a very warm welcome to Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone and Madame Corinna Ituaso Laafai as they lead this delegation to Taiwan. Our distinguished guests are the first delegation from Tuvalu that I have received at the Presidential Office this year. During my visit to Tuvalu last year, I met and exchanged views with Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone and the ministers present. I am delighted to meet you again today and thank you once again for the hospitality you accorded my delegation. The culture of Tuvalu and the warmth of its people are not easily forgotten. Tuvalu’s support for Taiwan has also touched us deeply. I want to take this opportunity to thank Tuvalu for staunchly backing Taiwan’s international participation over the past several decades. Our two countries have supported each other like family and have together made contributions in the international arena. Last Tuesday, I received the credentials of Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae and expressed my hope for Taiwan and Tuvalu continuing to deepen bilateral relations. This visit by Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone is an important step in that regard. Our two countries will be signing a labor cooperation agreement and an agreement concerning the recognition of training and certification of seafarers. This will expand bilateral cooperation at multiple levels and bring our relations even closer. Taiwan and Tuvalu are maritime nations and share the values of democracy and freedom. Our two countries have stood shoulder to shoulder to protect marine resources and address the challenges posed by climate change and authoritarianism, and we aspire to work toward greater peace, prosperity, and development in the Pacific region. Our nations have produced fruitful results in such areas as agriculture, medicine, education, and information and communications technology. I anticipate that, with the support of Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone and our distinguished guests, we can continue to employ a more diverse range of strategies to begin a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. Together, we can make even greater and more concrete contributions to regional development. Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his kind words of welcome and the warm hospitality extended to his delegation. On behalf of the government and people of Tuvalu, he conveyed their gratitude to the president and the people of Taiwan for the generous support, as well as for the enduring friendship we share. He said that Taiwan’s steadfast commitment to our bilateral relationship has been instrumental in advancing our shared values of democracy, resilience, and sustainable development. From vital development assistance to cooperation in health, education, and climate change resilience, he added, Taiwan’s contributions have made a significant impact on the lives of the people of Tuvalu.  For Taiwan’s recent generous donation of shoes for Tuvaluan primary school students, Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone expressed thanks to President Lai. He commented that these gifts, which underscore a deep commitment to the welfare of their youth, transcend mere material support; they are symbols of care, friendship, and hope for the future generations. Noting that our bilateral relationship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for sustainable development in the Pacific, he expressed confidence that this partnership will continue to flourish and will serve as a beacon of cooperation and solidarity within our region.  The delegation also included Tuvalu Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour, and Trade Paulson Panapa; Minister of Public Works, Infrastructure Development and Water Ampelosa Tehulu, and was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Tuvalu Ambassador Faavae.

    Details
    2025-04-10
    President Lai pens Bloomberg News article on Taiwan’s response to US reciprocal tariffs
    On April 10, an article penned by President Lai Ching-te entitled “Taiwan Has a Roadmap for Deeper US Trade Ties” was published by Bloomberg News, explaining to a global audience Taiwan’s strategy on trade with the United States, as well as how Taiwan will engage in dialogue with the aim of removing bilateral trade barriers, increasing investment between Taiwan and the US, and reducing tariffs to zero. The following is the full text of President Lai’s article: Last month, the first of Taiwan’s 66 new F-16Vs rolled off the assembly line in Greenville, South Carolina. Signed during President Donald Trump’s first term, the $8 billion deal stands as a testament to American ingenuity and leadership in advanced manufacturing. Beyond its economic impact – creating thousands of well-paying jobs across the US – it strengthens the foundations of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.  This deal is emblematic of the close interests shared between Taiwan and the US. Our bond is forged by an unwavering belief in freedom and liberty. For decades, our two countries have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in deterring communist expansionism. Even as Beijing intensifies its air force and naval exercises in our vicinity, we remain resolute. Taiwan will always be a bastion of democracy and peace in the region. This partnership extends well beyond the security realm. Though home to just 23 million people, Taiwan has in recent years become a significant investor in America. TSMC recently announced it will raise its total investment in the US to $165 billion – an initiative that will create 40,000 construction jobs and tens of thousands more in advanced chip manufacturing and R&D. This investment will bolster the emergence of a new high-tech cluster in Arizona. Taiwan is committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in manufacturing and innovation. As a trade-dependent economy, our long-term success is built on trade relationships that are fair, reciprocal and mutually beneficial. Encouraging Taiwanese businesses to expand their global footprint, particularly in the US, is a vital part of this strategy. Deepening commercial ties between Taiwanese and American firms is another. These core principles will guide our response to President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. First, we will seek to restart trade negotiations with a common objective of reducing all tariffs between Taiwan and the US. While Taiwan already maintains low tariffs, with an average nominal rate of 6%, we are willing to further cut this rate to zero on the basis of reciprocity with the US. By removing the last vestiges to free and fair trade, we seek to encourage greater trade and investment flows between our two countries. Second, Taiwan will rapidly expand procurement of American goods. Over the past five years, rising demand for semiconductors and AI-related components has increased our trade surplus. In response to these market trends, Taiwan will seek to narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy, agriculture and other industrial goods from the US. These efforts will create thousands of new jobs across multiple sectors.  We’ll also pursue additional arms procurements that are vital to our self-defense and contribute to peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait. During President Trump’s first term, we secured $18 billion in arms deals, including advanced fighter jets, tanks and anti-ship missiles. Future purchases, which are not reflected in trade balances, build on our economic and security partnership while being essential to Taiwan’s “Peace Through Strength” approach. Third, new investments will be made across the US. Already, Taiwanese firms support 400,000 jobs throughout all 50 states. Beyond TSMC, we also see emerging opportunities in electronics, ICT, energy and petrochemicals. We will establish a cross-agency “US Investment Team” to support bilateral trade and investment – and we hope that efforts will be reciprocated by the Trump administration. Fourth, we are committed to removing non-tariff trade barriers. Taiwan will take concrete steps to resolve persistent issues that have long impeded trade negotiations. And finally, we will strongly address US concerns over export controls and improper transshipment of low-cost goods through Taiwan. These steps form the basis of a comprehensive roadmap for how Taiwan will navigate the shifting trade landscape, transforming challenges in the Taiwan-US economic relationship into new opportunities for growth, resilience and strategic alignment. At a time of growing global uncertainty, underpinned by growing Chinese assertiveness, closer trade ties are more than sound economics; they are a critical pillar of regional security. Our approach is long-term and principled, grounded in a lasting commitment to our friendship with the US, a firm belief in the benefits of fair and reciprocal trade, and an unwavering dedication to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We are confident that our shared economic and security interests will not only overcome turbulence in the international trade environment – they will define the future of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    Details
    2025-04-08
    President Lai receives credentials from new Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae  
    On the morning of April 8, President Lai Ching-te received the credentials of new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lily Tangisia Faavae. In remarks, President Lai welcomed the ambassador to her new post and thanked Tuvalu for its long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation. The president also noted that joint efforts between our two countries have produced fruitful results in such areas as medicine and public health, agricultural and fisheries technology, and information and communications technology. He expressed his hope that we will continue to deepen our bilateral relations so as to generate even greater well-being for our peoples and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a great pleasure today to receive the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu Lily Tangisia Faavae. On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend my warmest welcome to you. Last year, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Tuvalu celebrated 45 years of diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Feleti Teo visited Taiwan in May last year for the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao and again in October for our National Day celebrations. When I visited Tuvalu last December, I was warmly received by the government and people of Tuvalu, and I deeply felt that our two countries were like family. Ambassador Faavae’s posting to Taiwan demonstrates the importance Prime Minister Teo places on our ties. Widely recognized for her exceptional talent, Ambassador Faavae is an outstanding official with extensive experience in public service. Moreover, during her term as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, she voiced support for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly. I believe that with her assistance, our two nations will further advance cooperation and exchanges. I want to thank the government of Tuvalu for long supporting Taiwan’s international participation. Furthermore, joint efforts between our two countries have produced fruitful results in such areas as medicine and public health, agricultural and fisheries technology, and information and communications technology. Last year, Prime Minister Teo and I signed a joint communiqué on advancing the comprehensive partnership between Taiwan and Tuvalu. Going forward, we will stand together in tackling the challenges we face, including climate change and expanding authoritarianism. And we will continue to deepen our bilateral relations so as to generate even greater well-being for our peoples and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific region. Once again, I warmly welcome Ambassador Faavae to her new post in Taiwan. Please convey warmest regards from Taiwan to Prime Minister Teo and all of our friends in Tuvalu. I wish you all the best in work and life during your term in Taiwan. Ambassador Faavae then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor and privilege to meet with President Lai today as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu to Taiwan, and to present to him her letter of credence. She then extended, on behalf of the government and people of Tuvalu, her warmest greetings and deep respect to the president and people of Taiwan. The letter of credence, she noted, signifies the trust and confidence that her government and governor-general have placed in her to represent their nation and to foster and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our countries. Ambassador Faavae said that our two countries have enjoyed a longstanding relationship of 45 years based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values. She added that we have collaborated, and continue to do so, in such fields as education, health, climate change adaptation and sea level rise mitigation, agriculture, clean energy, and internet connectivity.  Ambassador Faavae pointed out that Tuvalu remains committed to deepening ties with Taiwan and that it values people-to-people connections and our shared Austronesian heritage. She noted that the people of Tuvalu, a small developing nation, have greatly benefited from Taiwan’s advanced technical expertise and diverse financial assistance. She said she believes Tuvalu and Taiwan share a common interest and are united in our efforts and commitment to upholding democracy, peace, stability, and prosperity for our people and making the world better and safer.  Ambassador Faavae stated that as ambassador of Tuvalu to Taiwan, she pledges to work diligently and respectfully to enhance our bilateral relations, promote mutual understanding, and facilitate collaboration in areas of shared concern. The ambassador said she looks forward to collaborating closely with the Taiwan government and other stakeholders to achieve our common objectives and to continue building a more prosperous and harmonious future for our nations. In closing, she thanked President Lai for the opportunity to serve and to further the enduring friendship between our two countries.  

    Details
    2025-03-28
    President Lai meets British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones
    On the afternoon of March 28, President Lai Ching-te met with British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones. In remarks, President Lai welcomed Representative Bradley-Jones as she takes up her post in Taiwan, and thanked the United Kingdom government and parliament for demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan. The president indicated that Taiwan and the UK enjoy close economic and trade ties, and our industries complement each other well, with great potential for collaboration in such fields as semiconductors, AI, unmanned vehicles, and medium- and low-orbit satellites. He stated that he looks forward to expanding exchanges with the UK across all domains so as to enhance democratic and economic resilience, jointly advancing the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region and economic security around the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to meet Representative Bradley-Jones here at the Presidential Office for this exchange. I understand that she has proactively called at many government agencies since taking up her post last month. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome. Taiwan and the UK are partners that share the values of freedom and democracy. In recent years, our bilateral relations have continued to deepen. With the efforts of Representative Bradley-Jones and our respective governments, I look forward to the expansion of dialogue and cooperation between Taiwan and the UK. This will further elevate our bilateral ties. Especially in the face of expanding authoritarianism, the UK is not only playing an important role in crafting a unified European response; it is also demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan through various channels. For example, joint statements released after the Australia-UK ministerial consultations, as well as the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, underlined a high level of concern for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The UK government has publicly expressed support for Taiwan’s international participation on multiple occasions. And last November, the UK House of Commons passed a motion clearly asserting that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. These actions attest to the UK’s belief in supporting democracy and peace, and have further solidified our countries’ friendship. I would like to convey my deepest gratitude to the UK government and parliament.  Currently, the UK is Taiwan’s fourth largest trading partner in Europe and second largest source of investment from Europe. We enjoy close economic and trade ties, and our industries complement each other well. There is also great potential for collaboration in such fields as semiconductors, AI, unmanned vehicles, and medium- and low-orbit satellites. We look forward to expanding exchanges with the UK across all domains so as to enhance democratic and economic resilience. We also hope the UK will continue to support Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership so that together, we can work with more like-minded partners, jointly advancing the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region and economic security around the world. Once again, I welcome Representative Bradley-Jones to Taiwan and wish her all the best with her work. I anticipate that Taiwan-UK relations will continue to steadily advance through our joint efforts. Representative Bradley-Jones then delivered remarks, first saying in Mandarin that she is honored to meet with President Lai to discuss topics of mutual concern and jointly deepen Taiwan-UK relations, promoting mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. She went on to say that she came to Taiwan last August to study Mandarin, and began her post as British Office Taipei representative in February this year, noting that every day she learns more about and gains a deeper understanding of Taiwan. Last year, she said, she visited Tainan and Wanli, and found Tainan’s wetlands and the scenery in Wanli very impressive. She added that she has also tried many different Taiwanese foods, and is looking forward to experiencing even more of Taiwan’s local culture and customs over the next four years. Continuing her remarks in English, Representative Bradley-Jones stated that since taking up her post, she has borne witness to the strength of the relationship between Taiwan and the UK and the potential for it to continue to grow. She said that on trade and investment, there is significant complementarity between Taiwan’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s Industrial Strategy, particularly in areas such as digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. Both governments are also together supporting Taiwan and UK businesses through our Enhanced Trade Partnership and annual trade talks, she said. Representative Bradley-Jones went on to say that on science and technology, Taiwan and the UK can and should do more together. She noted that the UK has the third largest tech sector in the world and is valued at over US$1.1 trillion, while Taiwan is the center of the semiconductor and AI hardware world. Given our complementary strengths, especially in areas such as semiconductors, space, and communications technology, she said, the UK has stepped up its level of activity in Taiwan, including by regularly hosting a UK Pavilion at SEMICON and funding 18 joint R&D programs through our new collaborative R&D fund, and looks forward to doing more together in the future.  In support of Taiwan’s whole-of-society resilience, the representative said, the UK is supporting valuable exchanges, co-hosting GCTF (Global Cooperation and Training Framework) workshops, sharing lessons on financial sector resilience, and reaching out to mayors and community leaders across Taiwan. From financial resilience to cyber resilience, she said, the UK’s public sector and private industries have plenty to share and learn. Representative Bradley-Jones stated that on people-to-people links, parliamentarians, civil society, and academics are continuing to deepen contact, and that she is particularly excited by a new smart parliament partnership agreed upon by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and the UK’s Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which aims to facilitate cross-party, cross-society, and cross-border exchanges on issues such as democratic governance, AI, inclusive policy-making, and public safety. The representative indicated that the examples she mentioned just scratch the surface of the full potential of the Taiwan-UK relationship. She said that the UK’s longstanding policy remains unchanged, and fundamentally, that is because we share a common set of values and interests. We are together focused on how to make our societies safer and more prosperous tomorrow than they are today, she said, and as like-minded democracies, innovative economies, and practical partners, the sincere and pragmatic cooperation between Taiwan and the UK is bringing material benefits to the prosperity and well-being of our people every day. 

    Details
    2025-04-06
    President Lai delivers remarks on US tariff policy response
    On April 6, President Lai Ching-te delivered recorded remarks regarding the impact of the 32 percent tariff that the United States government recently imposed on imports from Taiwan in the name of reciprocity. In his remarks, President Lai explained that the government will adopt five response strategies, including making every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations, adopting a support plan for affected domestic industries, adopting medium- and long-term economic development plans, forming new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements, and launching industry listening tours. The president emphasized that as we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and expressed hope that all parties, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: My fellow citizens, good evening. The US government recently announced higher tariffs on countries around the world in the name of reciprocity, including imposing a 32 percent tariff on imports from Taiwan. This is bound to have a major impact on our nation. Various countries have already responded, and some have even adopted retaliatory measures. Tremendous changes in the global economy are expected. Taiwan is an export-led economy, and in facing future challenges there will inevitably be difficulties, so we must proceed carefully to turn danger into safety. During this time, I want to express gratitude to all sectors of society for providing valuable opinions, which the government regards highly, and will use as a reference to make policy decisions.  However, if we calmly and carefully analyze Taiwan’s trade with the US, we find that last year Taiwan’s exports to the US were valued at US$111.4 billion, accounting for 23.4 percent of total export value, with the other 75-plus percent of products sold worldwide to countries other than the US. Of products sold to the US, competitive ICT products and electronic components accounted for 65.4 percent. This shows that Taiwan’s economy does still have considerable resilience. As long as our response strategies are appropriate, and the public and private sectors join forces, we can reduce impacts. Please do not panic. To address the reciprocal tariffs by the US, Taiwan has no plans to adopt retaliatory tariffs. There will be no change in corporate investment commitments to the US, as long as they are consistent with national interests. But we must ensure the US clearly understands Taiwan’s contributions to US economic development. More importantly, we must actively seek to understand changes in the global economic situation, strengthen Taiwan-US industry cooperation, elevate the status of Taiwan industries in global supply chains, and with safeguarding the continued development of Taiwan’s economy as our goal, adopt the following five strategies to respond. Strategy one: Make every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations using the following five methods:  1. Taiwan has already formed a negotiation team led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君). The team includes members from the National Security Council, the Office of Trade Negotiations, and relevant Executive Yuan ministries and agencies, as well as academia and industry. Like the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, negotiations on tariffs can start from Taiwan-US bilateral zero-tariff treatment. 2. To expand purchases from the US and thereby reduce the trade deficit, the Executive Yuan has already completed an inventory regarding large-scale procurement plans for agricultural, industrial, petroleum, and natural gas products, and the Ministry of National Defense has also proposed a military procurement list. All procurement plans will be actively pursued. 3. Expand investments in the US. Taiwan’s cumulative investment in the US already exceeds US$100 billion, creating approximately 400,000 jobs. In the future, in addition to increased investment in the US by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, other industries such as electronics, ICT, petrochemicals, and natural gas can all increase their US investments, deepening Taiwan-US industry cooperation. Taiwan’s government has helped form a “Taiwan investment in the US” team, and hopes that the US will reciprocate by forming a “US investment in Taiwan” team to bring about closer Taiwan-US trade cooperation, jointly creating a future economic golden age.  4. We must eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade. Non-tariff barriers are an indicator by which the US assesses whether a trading partner is trading fairly with the US. Therefore, we will proactively resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers so that negotiations can proceed more smoothly. 5. We must resolve two issues that have been matters of longstanding concern to the US. One regards high-tech export controls, and the other regards illegal transshipment of dumped goods, otherwise referred to as “origin washing.” Strategy two: We must adopt a plan for supporting our industries. For industries that will be affected by the tariffs, and especially traditional industries as well as micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, we will provide timely and needed support and assistance. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and his administrative team recently announced a package of 20 specific measures designed to address nine areas. Moving forward, the support we provide to different industries will depend on how they are affected by the tariffs, will take into account the particular features of each industry, and will help each industry innovate, upgrade, and transform. Strategy three: We must adopt medium- and long-term economic development plans. At this point in time, our government must simultaneously adopt new strategies for economic and industrial development. This is also the fundamental path to solutions for future economic challenges. The government will proactively cooperate with friends and allies, develop a diverse range of markets, and achieve closer integration of entities in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of industrial supply chains. This course of action will make Taiwan’s industrial ecosystem more complete, and will help Taiwanese industries upgrade and transform. We must also make good use of the competitive advantages we possess in such areas as semiconductor manufacturing, integrated chip design, ICT, and smart manufacturing to build Taiwan into an AI island, and promote relevant applications for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, as well as military, security and surveillance, next-generation communications, and the medical and health and wellness industries as we advance toward a smarter, more sustainable, and more prosperous new Taiwan. Strategy four: “Taiwan plus one,” i.e., new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements: While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. This has been our national economic development strategy, and the most important aspect is maintaining a solid base here in Taiwan. We absolutely must maintain a solid footing, and cannot allow the present strife to cause us to waver. Therefore, our government will incentivize investments, carry out deregulation, and continue to improve Taiwan’s investment climate by actively resolving problems involving access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent. This will enable corporations to stay in Taiwan and continue investing here. In addition, we must also help the overseas manufacturing facilities of offshore Taiwanese businesses to make necessary adjustments to support our “Taiwan plus one” policy, in that our national economic development strategy will be adjusted as follows: to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding our global presence, strengthening US ties, and marketing worldwide. We intend to make use of the new state of supply chains to strengthen cooperation between Taiwanese and US industries, and gain further access to US markets. Strategy five: Launch industry listening tours: All industrial firms, regardless of sector or size, will be affected to some degree once the US reciprocal tariffs go into effect. The administrative teams led by myself and Premier Cho will hear out industry concerns so that we can quickly resolve problems and make sure policies meet actual needs. My fellow citizens, over the past half-century and more, Taiwan has been through two energy crises, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, and pandemics. We have been able to not only withstand one test after another, but even turn crises into opportunities. The Taiwanese economy has emerged from these crises stronger and more resilient than ever. As we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and I hope that all parties in the legislature, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. Let us join together and give it our all. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s consumption gains momentum with vast potential

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People visit the exhibition area of Heilongjiang Province at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 18, 2025. The six-day event concluded here on Friday. It attracted the participation of a record-breaking 1,767 companies and 4,209 consumer brands from 71 countries and regions this year. More than 60,000 professional purchasers attended — representing a 10 percent increase from last year. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

    At the energetic China International Consumer Products Expo, crowds throng exhibit halls packed with global brands showcasing a dazzling array of goods.

    From cosmetics and massage chairs to flying cars and humanoid robots, the arrival of retail commodities from all over the world offers a window into the vitality of China’s ever-evolving consumer market.

    This year’s expo, which concluded on Friday, has attracted over 1,700 enterprises and 4,100 brands from more than 70 countries and regions, with a record-breaking 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders participating in the six-day event.

    The hustle and bustle in Hainan is just one facet of the dynamism of the Chinese market. On a broader scope, official data released this week revealed that retail sales of consumer goods rose 5.9 percent year on year last month — a marked acceleration from the 4 percent growth reported for the first two months of this year.

    In the first quarter of 2025, China’s retail sales expanded 4.6 percent year on year, which was 1.1 percentage points faster than in 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

    “Overall, consumer spending in the first quarter of this year continued to improve on the back of policy support,” Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the bureau, said at a press conference, citing pro-spending policies such as the country’s consumer goods trade-in program.

    “The combination of policies in both supply and demand has successfully stimulated consumer sentiment, with notable impacts on capital markets and retail growth momentum,” according to a Deloitte report released at the expo. “This will lay the groundwork for sustained optimism going forward.”

    Evolving services consumption

    As pressures of a sluggish global economy mount, market observers say that China’s consumption upgrade and economic shift toward services-driven growth — sustained by a population of over 1.4 billion — carry immense potential.

    At the Hainan expo, services consumption in sectors such as low-altitude aviation, the silver economy, health and wellness, and AI-powered innovation products from global firms, have dominated many booths.

    OSIM, which has participated in the expo for five consecutive years, is debuting its latest massage chair and its flagship uDream wellness chair, integrating cutting-edge AI that monitors stress and customizes multi-sensory relaxation.

    OSIM sees the expo as a key platform to engage in meaningful conversations with Chinese consumers, said Lin Xiaohui, deputy general manager of brand management and marketing of OSIM North Asia.

    “As China’s consumption structure upgrades, service-related spending is playing an increasingly important role, especially in sectors like health care, education and entertainment,” said Zhang Tianbing, leader of the consumer products and retail sector of Deloitte Asia Pacific.

    “Demographic shifts, including an aging population and smaller household sizes, are reshaping consumer preferences in China,” Zhang said, adding that health consciousness and digital consumption habits are spreading increasingly across all age groups.

    Notably, China’s services consumption is expanding at a faster pace than that of goods, with retail sales of services growing 5 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025.

    From January to March 2025, the country’s per capita spending on services increased 5.4 percent year on year and accounted for 43.4 percent of its total per capita consumer spending, official data showed.

    Kuang Xianming, vice president of the China Institute for Reform and Development, projected that services consumption will exceed 50 percent of China’s total consumption by 2030, signaling the country’s pivotal shift to a service-driven economy. “This expanding market is highly attractive to foreign companies.”

    Open, shared market

    Chinese policymakers have positioned the expansion of domestic demand as the paramount priority on the government’s economic work agenda for this year, emphasizing increased spending power, improved expectations and strengthened consumer confidence.

    The country’s focus on domestic tasks is particularly meaningful against the backdrop of a complex international landscape. By maintaining high-standard opening-up and promoting a more sustainable consumption recovery, China seeks to share its opportunities with the global community.

    “Expanding domestic consumption is not only key to high-quality development but also a strategic move amid global economic uncertainties,” Kuang told Xinhua.

    More importantly, as China continues to open up, this ever-expanding market will become a shared market, he said.

    “We see a lot of encouraging signs by the Chinese government to help boost local consumption. So we’re very excited about what’s to come,” said Mike Hofmann, managing director at Tricker’s China, one of the UK’s oldest established shoemakers. This is the second time his company is exhibiting at the expo, which helped them raise brand awareness in China last year.

    In a key move in China’s opening-up strategy, the Hainan Free Trade Port is set to begin independent customs operations by the end of the year, and global enterprises are eyeing the vast opportunities that come with open trade.

    “Its success will not only benefit China but also provide valuable insights for economies worldwide,” said Zhang Xiangchen, deputy director general of the World Trade Organization.

    Douglas Alexander, minister of state of the British Department for Business and Trade, is also looking forward to the launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port’s independent operations.

    “The UK is keen to explore the opportunities for free and open trade – trade which benefits both Chinese and British firms,” Alexander said. The United Kingdom is the guest country of honor at this year’s expo, showcasing 53 brands across the fashion, beauty, homeware, health and jewelry industries, doubling its 2024 presence.

    Dong Debiao, partner at Deloitte China strategy and client center, told Xinhua that he expects the independent customs operations of Hainan’s free trade port to drive consumption further.

    Hainan is also likely to become a consumption hub linking China and Southeast Asia, with unique advantages in the high-end retail and services trade sectors, he said. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Events show unique charm of Chinese language

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

    To celebrate the upcoming 2025 International Chinese Language Day, which falls on Sunday, Chinese language learners, enthusiasts of Chinese culture, international Chinese educators and diplomats in China gathered in Beijing on Friday to celebrate the special day dedicated to demonstrating the unique charm of the Chinese language.

    The launch ceremony of the day, themed “Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space” this year, was held at Beijing Foreign Studies University. It featured a variety of rich cultural events, including exhibitions of Chinese calligraphy works and digital art, lectures on Chinese films and sci-fi novels, and demonstrations of traditional Chinese dress. Hundreds of foreign students studying Chinese in China participated in the event.

    The International Chinese Language Day was established in 2020 by the Ministry of Education’s Center for Language Education and Cooperation and ChinesePlus — an organization dedicated to the study and teaching of Chinese language and literature. Over the past five years, more than 1,000 organizations in over 160 countries have organized more than 5,000 activities to celebrate the event.

    Do Thanh Van, head of the Confucius Institute at Hanoi University, said via video that Chinese is more than just a means of communication. It’s a bridge that connects cultures, allows history to speak to the present and helps China and the world understand each other better.

    “In Vietnam, Chinese language education is becoming a bridge of linguistic exchange. From a simple ‘ni hao’ (hello) to sharing their hopes and dreams, countless students are opening doors to Chinese civilization. And also, through Chinese, the beauty of our Vietnamese ao dai (a traditional Vietnamese garment) and the charm of our water puppetry can be shared with friends in China. Language shrinks distances and helps cultures thrive through interaction.”

    Around the 2025 International Chinese Language Day, hundreds of institutions, including Chinese embassies and consulates in various countries, Confucius Institutes, as well as Chinese and foreign universities, have hosted — or are expected to host — thousands of activities.

    On Tuesday, the Confucius Institute in Vietnam held a series of Chinese cultural experience activities for Chinese language fans, including calligraphy, paper cutting, Chinese knot making and face painting, which attracted many participants.

    Vinh Bun Eang, assistant to Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport of Cambodia, said that in Cambodia, Chinese is becoming a very popular foreign language. It’s not only a practical tool for expanding personal development opportunities, but also an important window for appreciating Chinese culture and arts, exploring China’s rich history and wisdom and experiencing China’s modern creative industries.

    “I believe that as the Chinese language continues to spread widely in Cambodia, the friendship between the two nations will grow even stronger, and together we will build an even closer Cambodia-China community with a shared future,” he said.

    Artem Vlasovskiy from Russia has learned Chinese for 11 years and he is pursuing a PhD in intercultural studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University. Vlasovskiy said he has read lots of Chinese classic works in literature and philosophy and found that the way Chinese people handle things has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. “Language is the foundation for mutual understanding. By learning Chinese, I can better understand all aspects of your culture and life,” said the 29-year-old.

    Sunday, or April 20, also marks this year’s United Nations Chinese Language Day. In 2010, the UN established Chinese Language Day, as one of the special days for its six official languages. Since 2011, guyu — one of the sixth of the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar that starts around April 20 — has been chosen as the date for UN Chinese Language Day to pay tribute to Cang Jie, a mythical figure who is said to have invented Chinese characters 5,000 years ago, according to the UN website.

    A number of activities were held at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Language Day.

    On Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian congratulated the UN on the 2025 Chinese Language Day and expressed his delight at seeing more and more people learning Chinese.

    “The Chinese language is a vehicle that traverses history and is a bridge to the future. We look forward to more people using Chinese as a bridge to understand China and the world. We are also willing to work with all countries to use dialogue to overcome opposition,” he said at a regular news conference in Beijing.

    Wang Dinghua, chairman of the university council of Beijing Foreign Studies University, said: “The Chinese language carries the wisdom of thousands of years of Chinese civilization. It transcends the river of history … as well as China and the world. It is a cultural treasure that China offers to the world.” Wang said that language education plays an increasingly important role in promoting cultural exchange and friendship.

    He called on language education partners around the world to strengthen cooperation and continue contributing to the exchange and mutual learning among different civilizations.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Motorists urged to comply with the law

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Public Safety has warned motorists to comply with the rules of the road or face the might of the law.

    This as the department kicked off its build-up campaign to the 2025 Easter Road Safety operations.

    “Every holiday, we bury more loved ones due to preventable road crashes. We cannot afford to treat this as routine anymore. This is a matter of life and death.

    “Our message is simple. If you don’t comply with the law, expect to be stopped, expect to be fined, expect to be arrested. We are done watching lives lost to drunk driving, unlicensed drivers, bribes, and unroadworthy taxis. Enough is enough,” the department said in a statement.

    A public education campaign is also underway aimed at changing public behaviour on the roads.

    “Targeted road safety messaging is being rolled out in schools, churches, and public spaces. Community members are encouraged to report reckless driving, corruption, and illegal vehicles.

    “This is about building a culture of accountability, not fear. We want everyone to get home safely. We want dignity on our roads. Bribery will not be tolerated, and any officer caught accepting a bribe will face immediate action,” the department warned.
    At the launch, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Spokesperson Xolani Fihla, reminded motorists of their responsibility.

    “For your safety, when you are hitting the road, ensure that you do have the proper documentation that allows you to be driving that vehicle. Also ensure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition.

    “The cause of these major accidents is due to driver behaviour. So, the driver…please don’t drive under the influence of alcohol, avoid excessive speeding and avoid reckless and negligent driving,” Fihla said.

    He also had a word of warning for pedestrians.

    “What we’ve also noticed and seen is a greater number of our pedestrians dying on the roads. This is due to them not adhering to the rules of the road. So, our message for our pedestrians as well, is to please stay safe. 

    “If you are going to be walking, don’t walk directly on a public road. Use the sidewalk or a verge. If you are walking at night or in the early morning, make sure that you are wearing bright or reflective clothing so that you are seen. Most importantly, don’t walk on our roads while intoxicated,” he said.

    Acting Chief of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Clement Masinge, urged those visiting Gauteng to also adhere to the rules of the road and to prioritise safety.

    “We want to encourage motorists when they’re on holidays through our city to take enough rest and ensure that they stick to the rules of the road. We are not going to tolerate…speeding, overloading in the taxis and buses.

    “We will go all out in numbers to ensure that our motorists in the City of Johannesburg remain safe throughout this month,” Masinge added. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Religious leaders urged to raise awareness on road safety

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on religious leaders to encourage road safety amongst church congregants. 

    These holidays are characterised by high road traffic volumes with many road users travelling to various religious and holiday destinations on the major corridors, which are expected to reach peak levels.

    “In the light of anticipated Easter holiday pilgrimage by congregants across the country and Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, many people will be traveling either using private vehicles or hired public transport.

    “Previously many congregants perished while going or returning from the Easter pilgrimages. It is in this context that religious leaders are called upon to spread road safety messages during these Easter holidays,” the RTMC said.

    The 2025 Easter weekend spans from Good Friday (18 April) to Easter Monday ( 21 April), with Easter Sunday falling on 20 April 2025.

    All pastors have been encouraged to deliberately incorporate these messages in their sermons. 

    “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. It cannot be left in government’s hands alone. Organisers of these trips must also plan their trips thoroughly to ensure that their drivers rest sufficiently along the way.

    “Public transport operators must also ensure that the vehicles they are transporting churchgoers with are roadworthy and not overloaded. It is possible to have a crash-free Easter long weekend if all drivers play their part by obeying the rules of the road,” it said.

    While traffic law enforcement officers and security will be highly visible on various roads working closely with all role players, motorists have been urged to come to the party by respecting the rules of the road.

    Last month, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy launched of the 2025 Easter Season Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign, which started on 20 March and will run until 2 May 2025.

    The objective of the campaign is not only to ensure smooth flows of traffic but also prevent negligent and reckless driving which could result in road crashes, injuries and fatalities.

    The campaign is being held under the theme: “It begins with Me.”

    “We chose this theme because driver and pedestrian behaviour is responsible for 87% of road accidents and fatalities in our country. And so, reducing road fatalities and accidents is the responsibility of each one of us,” Creecy said at the launch.

    Road users have been encouraged to follow these tips:

    Before any journey ensure you:

    • Check your vehicle and make sure it is roadworthy.
    • Carry a valid driver’s license.
    • Make sure your public driving permit is in order if you need one.

    If you are a pedestrian this festive season, make smart choices and:

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: BMA monitors movements at ports of entry

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, April 18, 2025

    With the Easter long weekend underway, the Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, is monitoring movements at the country’s ports of entry.

    Commissioner Masiapato is on the ground monitoring the accelerated security control measures at the Lebombo port of entry.

    As the third law enforcement service in the Republic, the BMA has also deployed drones and body worn cameras for additional technological support in addition to adjusting service hours for the holidays. 

    Four advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones and 40 body-worn cameras have been deployed for the first time at the country’s ports of entry this Easter weekend. 

    READ | Technology to aid SA’s border management efforts  

    The drones are equipped with some of the most advanced night vision cameras in the world, including thermal detection technology.
    Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the devices are able to recognise and lock onto heat sources, moving people, or vehicles. They can also travel at speeds up to 43 kilometres per hour and are capable of operating in remote rural areas without access to GPS and even underground.

    The Commissioner will also monitor deployments and traveller movements. 

    When travellers return from the Easter holidays, the BMA Commissioner will be at the Beitbridge port of entry from 20 to 22 April 2025.  – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CFA smashes $40 million milestone for Good Friday Appeal

    Source:

    Victorians have dug deep this year in support of the Good Friday Appeal, helping CFA reach a historic milestone and raising our grand total of contributions to $41 million.

    CFA has been a major fundraiser of the Good Friday Appeal for the past 74 years and this year, with the help of generous local community members, our volunteers were able to raise $1,888,912. 

    CFA volunteers were seen in trucks and at traffic lights across the state yesterday, fundraising in their local areas for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal.  

    CFA Chief Fire Officer Jason Heffernan said this year’s Good Friday Appeal was particularly special.  

    “Being able to exceed the $40 million milestone in the same year CFA celebrate their 80th anniversary is quite fitting and is a touching nod to our shared community spirit,” Jason said.  

    “Not only that, but this year the face of the Good Friday Appeal is part of our CFA family.”  

    Jack was the face of this year’s Appeal, and his dad Rohan Stevens is a 30-year volunteer firefighter for Epping Fire Brigade.  

    Rohan said it was an honour to handover the cheque this year to the Royal Children’s Hospital.  

    “As the parent of a child whose life has been saved at the Royal Children’s Hospital, I’m incredibly proud to assist in presenting this cheque to the Appeal which will help other kids just like Jack,” Rohan said.  

    “This cheque represents the collective efforts of CFA members and their families who have collectively spent many hours fundraising for the Good Friday Appeal.  

    “This donation will assist in funding the next generation of technology, research and treatment to support kids just like Jack.” 

    Rohan presented the cheque to the hospital last night alongside fellow Epping brigade members, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and the Good Friday Appeal Area Manager Andrew Dalla Via. 

    CO Jason Heffernan congratulates and thanks all participating brigades across Victoria for their incredible contributions this year and throughout many decades.   

    “Our members give up their time to serve their communities in times of need and it’s no surprise that their selflessness extends to worthy causes such as supporting The Royal Children’s Hospital,” Jason said.  

    “All members and their communities should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved for this year’s Appeal, and we thank you for your time and generosity to help save many young lives.”  

    The money raised for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal will be used to ensure kids are provided with the best possible treatment and care.  

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges 329 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct in Arizona this Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During this week of enforcement operations from April 12, 2025, through April 18, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 329 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 130 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 179 aliens for illegally entering the United States.  In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 16 cases against 18 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. The United States also charged one individual with failing to register, as required by law. 

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Manuel Ivan Rodriguez-Loya: On April 13, 2025, Manuel Ivan Rodriguez-Loya was arrested for Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit. Border Patrol agents from the Lordsburg, New Mexico Station attempted to stop Rodriguez-Loya’s vehicle, but he failed to yield, leading agents on a high-speed chase into Arizona. Agents from the Willcox, Arizona Station then positioned themselves to intercept the vehicle and eventually caught Rodriguez-Loya. He was found to be transporting eight illegal aliens at the time, including citizens of Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. [Case Number: MJ-25-00365-TUC-BGM]

    United States v. Emilio Escobar-Escalante: On April 15, 2025, Emilio Escobar-Escalante was sentenced to 37 months in prison for Reentry of Removed Alien. Border Patrol agents discovered Escobar-Escalante in the desert near Vamori, Arizona on January 10, 2024. He initially gave a false name but was ultimately identified as Escobar-Escalante. His identity revealed that he is a documented member of the Latin Kings and MS-13 criminal gangs. Immigration records showed that Escobar-Escalante has been removed from the United States seven times. Escobar-Escalante has previous convictions for illegal reentry, as well as racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. [Case Number: CR-24-00541-TUC-CKJ]

    United States v. Antonio Terrell Gaither: On April 15, 2025, Antonio Terrell Gaither was indicted for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens and Bringing an Illegal Alien to the United States for Profit. According to the criminal complaint, Gaither admitted to using Telegram and burner phones to recruit others to travel to the southern border to pick up illegal aliens before transporting them to Phoenix, Arizona. [Case Number: CR-25-00566-PHX-KLM]

    United States v. Felipe Alonso-Cabada: On April 17, 2025, Felipe Alonso-Cabada, aka Oscar Sanchez, an illegal alien from Mexico, was charged for Reentry of Removed Alien. According to the criminal complaint, after being arrested on local charges in Phoenix, Arizona, it was determined that Alonso-Cabada had been previously deported after a conviction for trafficking heroin. [Case number: MJ-25-5220-PHX-DMF]

    United States v. Eduardo Prado Flores: On April 17, 2025, Eduardo Prado Flores, an alien illegally present in the United States was charged with Failure to Register as an Alien under 8 U.S.C. § 1306(a). Flores, who was removed to Mexico on five occasions, has been living in the United States unlawfully since 2022. On April 16, 2025, Flores was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security after being arrested for Driving Under the Influence. While he was living in the United States from 2022 to 2025, Flores failed to file any immigration paperwork or register as required by law. [Case Number: MJ-25-5225-PHX]

    A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).                                                                                       

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-060_April 18 Immigration Enforcement

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Boosting Biofuels Boosts Farm Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Q: Why is the Renewable Volume Obligation important for Iowa farmers?
    A: Biomass-based fuels convert feedstocks, including corn and soybeans, for use in the nation’s fuel supply, from passenger vehicles to commercial trucks, marine shipping, rail and aviation. Biodiesel and ethanol expand domestic markets for grain farmers, which is particularly vital when there’s uncertainty with overseas trading partners. Iowa farmers and biofuel producers stand ready to meet demand that provides reliable, affordable, cleaner fuel for consumers.
    Two decades ago, I helped steer through Congress two federal laws that unleashed America’s renewable fuels era in the 21st century. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 built upon the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that established the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). President George W. Bush signed both pieces of legislation that accelerated use of renewable fuels in the transportation sector, primed the pump for the biofuel industry in rural America, produced cleaner burning fuel and fostered U.S. energy independence. The RFS set annual targets with the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO), a requirement that specifies volumes for refiners and importers to blend into the nation’s fuel supply. Congress authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the RFS program. It sets annual RVO’s divided among four buckets: conventional biofuel; advanced biofuel; cellulosic biofuel; and biomass-based diesel. As a lifelong family farmer and lawmaker on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I make my voice loud and clear under both Republican and Democrat administrations to champion homegrown biofuel, including speaking out against unfair policies for used cooking oil and imported ethanol. The EPA needs to follow the law as Congress intended. Bureaucratic lollygagging brings uncertainty to the marketplace and unfairness to farmers and biofuel producers who have the capacity to meet demand. During the Biden administration, I invited the White House Climate Czar to visit Iowa to see how renewable fuels are where the rubber meets the road for a more sustainable energy policy, cleaner environment and stronger economy in rural America.
    Q: What are you pressing the Trump administration to do on this issue?
    A: In April, I led a bipartisan letter with Sen. Amy Klobuchar pressing the EPA to keep its commitment to American energy production and affirm renewable fuels are an important component of that all-the-above energy strategy. We urged the administration to increase RVO levels that take into account biofuels production capacity and the productivity of the American farmer. Specifically, the EPA should set volume levels for biomass-based diesel at 5.25 billion gallons in 2026. What’s more, the EPA ought to provide multi-year RVO standards to provide certainty and growth for the biofuel industry. This would send a strong message to boost investment in biofuels that are an important piece of the economic pie in rural communities. We’ve seen what happens when RVO levels are low-balled, biofuel facilities are forced to reduce their workforce, idle production or shut down their facilities. That’s a big blow to economic vitality on Main Street and a big market loss for local farmers. I’ll be keeping close tabs on the EPA as it works to determine RVO standards.
    In addition to trade and energy policies, the federal tax code holds significant sway over investment and profitability in rural America. As former chairman and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, I’ve secured important energy tax incentives that ensured public policy kept pace with advancing technologies in alternative energy. As Congress takes up tax policy in the coming months, I’ll be at the table advocating for the family farmer and biofuel producers. Along those lines, in January I pressed Trump’s cabinet nominees about the importance of providing clarity about new biofuel incentives in the federal tax code. Specifically, I explained the urgency to clean up after the Biden administration’s failure to deliver certainty for farmers and biofuel producers by failing to issue guidance for the clean fuel production tax credit, called 45Z. I’m working as hard as ever on behalf of Iowa biofuel producers and family farmers who are putting in the work, taking on the risk and deploying new technologies to power America’s energy needs.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Convicted for Unauthorized Identity Documents with Illegal Intent

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GULFPORT, MS – A Houston, Texas, man pleaded guilty on April 17, 2025, to Unauthorized Possession of Five or More Identity Documents or Authentication Features with Intent to Use Unlawfully.  According to court documents, Kenny Hoang Nguyen, age 31, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty to this felony offense in U.S. District Court in Gulfport. 

    Nguyen is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  Federal law also provides for Nguyen to be held responsible for restitution to victims. A federal judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  

    On May 7, 2024, an agent with the Jackson County, South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team (MET) observed a vehicle driving carelessly and initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 10 eastbound. The vehicle was being driven by Kenny Hoang Nguyen.  The agent’s narcotics K9 alerted on the vehicle and a search revealed a small amount of suspected methamphetamine.

    Additionally, agents found seven temporary Texas driver’s licenses bearing Nguyen’s face but with names and personal information of other people.  Further, agents found various documents; debit cards, papers with other personal identity information, and U.S. Mail belonging to other persons. Some items were located in an object that appeared to be book entitled “Holy Bible” but actually was a container. Receipts and deposit slips also were found, with two deposit slips in the name of a victim whose identity was used to create a false ID with Nguyen’s photo.  27 victims were identified whose data (such as account numbers, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, and social security numbers) was unlawfully possessed by Nguyen.

    The case was referred to a U.S. Postal Inspector for further investigation.  Multiple victims were interviewed whose identity had been unlawfully possessed by Nguyen in Jackson County.  Victims described unlawful activity involving their mail and bank accounts that were directly consistent and matched documents such as bank records possessed by Nguyen when he was arrested in MS.

    Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon, praised the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.  Lemon joined Shameka Jackson, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the Postal Inspection Service (Houston Division), and Adam M. Calderon, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, in making the announcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case. 

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: HOUSTON, TEXAS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FENTANYL OFFENSES

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Gulfport, MS – A Houston, Texas man pleaded guilty today to traveling from Houston, Texas to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to distribute fentanyl.

    According to court documents, Jeffrey Daster Torres, 38, traveled from Houston, Texas to Gulfport, Mississippi, with Roberto Renteria-Guerrero, 53, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Columbia, South America, to distribute almost 200 grams of a substance containing fentanyl. Unfortunately for Torres and Guerrero, law enforcement officers were made aware of their plans, and stopped the vehicle in which they were traveling.  After the traffic stop, officers found the fentanyl, photos of which are below.

    Officers also discovered that Torres was traveling with a fake driver’s license.  Subsequent analysis of Torres’ and Guerrero’s phones confirmed that they were involved in drug trafficking, and had made at least one prior trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  In fact, in electronic messages Torres and Guerrero shared at least one photos of a substance that appeared consistent with the fentanyl seized.

    Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years imprisonment.  Guerrero previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and similarly faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years imprisonment. Guerrero is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, 2025. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.

    The DEA, with assistance from the Biloxi Police Department and South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Buckner and Hunter McCreight are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serial Dollar Store Robber Sentenced

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A Forsyth County, North Carolina, man was sentenced today in Greensboro to a total of 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to a string of armed robberies in Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, and Rockingham Counties, announced Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).   

    BYRON CLAY SCOTT, age 33, was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment for the robberies plus 3 years of post-release supervision by the Honorable Thomas D. Schroeder, United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. SCOTT was also sentenced to 24 months to run consecutive to that sentence for committing the robberies while he was on post-release supervision for another armed robbery out of Forsyth County from 2013. In addition to prison and supervision, SCOTT was ordered to pay $21,005.38 in restitution and to forfeit a 9mm handgun.

    According to court records, between November 2023 and January 2024, SCOTT and one or more unknown individuals committed at least 10 armed robberies of Dollar General and Family Dollar Stores in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Burlington, and Reidsville. Video surveillance obtained from each of the stores showed the robbers wearing Halloween style face masks, gloves, and dark clothing. All but one of the robberies occurred at night, near closing time. SCOTT was arrested on January 15, 2024, by the Winston-Salem Police Department after they responded to a call for a robbery in progress. When they searched the vehicle SCOTT was driving, they found copies of his birth certificate and Social Security card, along with gloves and masks in the back seat, which were consistent with the gloves and masks worn during each of the robberies. Data obtained from electronic tracking on the vehicle SCOTT was driving and review of SCOTT’s search history on his phone tied him to each of the robberies.

    SCOTT pleaded guilty on January 6, 2025, to five counts of interference with commerce by robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a).

    The case was investigated by the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Greensboro Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Piedmont Safe Streets Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tracy M. Williams-Durham.

    Since 1992, the FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Crime Initiative has successfully aligned FBI Agents, state and local law enforcement investigators, and federal and state prosecutors onto SSTFs to reduce violent crime. This nationwide initiative brings resources together in a “force multiplier concept” and utilizes the expertise of each agency.  SSTFs focus primarily upon street gang and drug-related violence through sustained, proactive, coordinated investigations to obtain prosecutions on violations such as racketeering, drug conspiracy, and firearms violations.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: KDY Crew Member Sentenced to 180 Months for Armed Carjacking and Marijuana Distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Jovan Terrell Williams, 20, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 180-months in federal prison in connection with the November 2023 armed carjacking of a Chevrolet Corvette and for his participation in the Kennedy Street Crew drug trafficking conspiracy.

                The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Washington Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division, Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Williams, aka “Chewy,” pleaded guilty on September 5, 2024, to carjacking while armed and conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilos of marijuana. In addition to the 180-month prison term, U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered Williams to serve five years of supervised release.

                Williams is the last of 17 KDY members to be sentenced in this case. Yesterday, on April 17, co-defendant and KDY leader Kenneth Ademola Olugbenga, 29, was sentenced to 160 months in prison. 

                According to court documents, Williams was a member of the Kennedy Street Crew, a violent drug trafficking organization which operated open-air drug markets on an 11-block stretch of Kennedy Street in Northwest, as well as surrounding streets. Like many drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), KDY armed itself with fire power to facilitate the drug trade, defend its territory from rival crews, and commit other violent crimes. Following a takedown operation in June 2023, most defendants charged by indictment for their roles in the KDY DTO were apprehended. Williams, however, remained a fugitive for months.

                On November 17, 2023, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Williams—while still a fugitive—carjacked an individual at gunpoint on the 1800 block of Half Street, SW, stealing the victim’s 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. Williams was armed and wearing a ski mask when he and two associates ran from stolen Audi and Lexus sedans and advanced towards the owner of the Corvette, who knelt in surrender.

                While pointing a gun at the car owner, Williams took the keys to the Corvette, a Tesla key attached to an Apple Air Tag, and Apple Air Pods. Williams and his associates then drove away in the stolen cars. Approximately 40 minutes later, the stolen Audi and Lexus were used in an armed robbery of three individuals on 8th and P Streets NW.

                Later that evening, at 9:53 p.m., law enforcement tracked the Apple Air Tag stolen from the carjacking victim to an apartment building on the 4700 block of Benning Road NE. Officers found and arrested Williams and two associates in the building’s laundry room. Following the arrests, officers recovered a “ghost gun” from inside a washing machine. In a hole in the laundry room’s ceiling, officers found three more concealed firearms: a black pistol, a black Glock 19 with an obliterated serial number, and another black pistol outfitted with a “switch” that would allow it to fire as a machine gun.

                Earlier that year, on January 26, 2023, law enforcement executing a residential search warrant encountered Williams along with several other KDY crew members on the 1700 block of D Street, NE. Also in the residence, law enforcement recovered 10 firearms, assorted ammunition, 21 kilos of marijuana packed in suitcases, and 40 grams of fentanyl-laced pills. The firearms included a privately manufactured AR-style .223 caliber pistol (a ghost gun) modified to fire as a machine gun, and a Draco 7.62 x 39mm pistol. DNA profiles obtained from both firearms linked both weapons to Williams, who acknowledged that he possessed them in connection with the drug trafficking conspiracy.

                This investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

                This case was investigated by ATF’s Washington Field Division, the Metropolitan Police Department, the DEA’s Washington Division, and the FBI Washington Field Office Violent Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the IRS-Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C. Office.

                The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and Sitara Witanachchi of the of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 

    KDY DEFENDANTS

    NAME

    AGE

    SENTENCES

    Kenneth Ademola Olugbenga 29 Sentenced March 17, 2025, to 160 Months in Prison after Pleading Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or more of Cocaine Base, and a Detectable Amount of Marijuana; and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Khali Ahmed Brown, aka “Migo Lee” 24 Sentenced January 16, 2025, to 168 Months after Pleading Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Oxycodone; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense; and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
    Keion Michael Brown 21 Sentenced January 16, 2025, to 147 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and Oxycodone and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
    Miasiah Jamal Brown, aka “Michael Jamal Crawford” 23 Sentenced August 16, 2024, to Five Years for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
    Tristan Miles Ware, aka “Greedy” 24 Sentenced December 13, 2024, to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilos of Marijuana; and Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime.
    Jovan Williams, aka “Chewy” and “Choo” 20 Sentenced April 18, 2025 to 180 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and Armed Carjacking.
    Herman Eric-Bibmin Signou, aka “Herman Signour” 25 Sentenced March 22, 2024, to 40 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana
    Cameron Xavier Reid 28 Sentenced May 31, 2024, to 60 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana.
    Warren Lawrence Fields, III, aka B-Dub 26 Sentenced May 16, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense and for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    Juwan Demetrius Clark, aka “Squirrel” 28 Sentenced January 10, 2025, to 37 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    Aaron DeAndre Mercer, aka “Curby,” 34 Sentenced September 13, 2024, to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Marijuana, and Cocaine Base.
    David Penn, aka “Turtle” 32 Sentenced November 15, 2024, to 220 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and a Mixture of Cocaine Base; and Two Counts of Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Ronald Lynn Dorsey, aka “Ron G” and “HBGeezy” 31 Sentenced September 13, 2024, to 30 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    Antonio Reginald Bailey, aka “Boy Boy,” and “Fellow King” 24 Sentenced February 8, 2024, to 24 Months for Receiving a Firearm While Under Indictment.
    Anthony Trayon Bailey, aka “Fat Ant,” and “Bizzle” 29 Sentenced April 26, 2024, to 15 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana, 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base.
    Angel Enrique Suncar, aka “Coqui” 31 Sentenced December 12, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime.
    Adebayo Adediji Green 31 Sentenced August 16, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

                Defendant Cameron Reid is from Falmouth, VA; all remaining defendants are from Washington, D.C.

    23cr202 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal, Crawford Introduce Legislation to Make Transporting Dry Goods More Efficient

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    This week, Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR-01) introduced the VARIANCE Act, which allows for a 10 percent shift in weight variance along the axles of tank trucks carrying dry goods, without any increase in the overall federal gross vehicle weight (GVW) limit.

    Under current law, when stopped at a weigh station, a truck’s weight must be “evenly” distributed among each of the axles. However, with dry bulk goods, even when packed properly, the material often moves around in the tank, causing the weight on each axle of the vehicle to be different. The VARIANCE Act allows for a shift in variance, as long as the overall weight of the tank truck does not exceed 80,000 pounds. This will ensure trucks don’t have to unnecessarily reduce their loads.

    “Providing this variance standard will give trucks more flexibility to transport critical products while ensuring they are still meeting safe weight limits,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The VARIANCE Act is a bipartisan solution that will go a long way toward lowering costs for consumers and reducing congestion on our highways.”

    “Arkansas’s agriculture industry relies on the timely transport of goods to their end destination,” said Rep. Crawford. “These dry goods will inevitably shift in the transport process and current law must account for the unique characteristics of the goods being transported. This legislation is a commonsense solution for truckers transporting dry bulk by giving more flexibility. I appreciate Congressman Carbajal joining me to lead this effort to create more efficiency in transporting our nation’s key dry goods.”

    “The National Tank Truck Carriers would like to thank Representative Crawford and Representative Carbajal for their leadership in introducing the VARIANCE Act in the U.S. House of Representatives,” stated Ryan Streblow, President and CEO of National Tank Truck Carriers. “NTTC applauds their efforts to authorize a 10% axle variance for dry bulk goods, which has been an important legislative priority for NTTC. This simple, commonsense solution that allows carriers to maximize payloads of materials such as grains, feeds, and plastics, without raising the federal maximum laden weight or disrupting the bridge formula. By accounting for product shift during transit, this legislation acknowledges the operational realities of dry bulk carriers and represents a significant step toward a more efficient transportation network. It will help reduce stress on the supply chain, alleviate highway congestion, and enhance safety and efficiency. We are grateful for the strong support from Representative Crawford and Representative Carbajal and for their commitment to addressing this critical issue for the North American tank truck industry.”

    Read the bill text here.

    Read the one-pager on the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Chemung Financial Corporation Reports First Quarter 2025 Net Income of $6.0 million, or $1.26 per share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ELMIRA, N.Y., April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chemung Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) (Nasdaq: CHMG), the parent company of Chemung Canal Trust Company (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $6.0 million, or $1.26 per share, for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $5.9 million, or $1.24 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, and $7.1 million, or $1.48 per share, for the first quarter of 2024.

    “First quarter results demonstrate steady ongoing delivery of the Corporation’s strategic plan,” said Anders M. Tomson, President and CEO of Chemung Financial Corporation. “Attentive balance sheet management has allowed us to effectively reduce funding costs while growing our asset base. Loan growth in our newer Canal Bank division during the quarter underscores its strategic importance to operations,” Tomson added.

    “Our community banking model serves as a source of strength, consistency, and dependability for our communities, clients, and employees, regardless of the external environment. We are confident these stakeholders will continue to meaningfully drive our Corporation’s success,” concluded Tomson.

    First Quarter Highlights:

    • The Corporation announced a $0.01 dividend increase, representing a 3.2% increase compared to the prior quarter. Dividends declared during the first quarter 2025 were $0.32 per share.
    • Net interest margin expanded four basis points compared to the prior quarter, from 2.92% in the fourth quarter 2024 to 2.96% in the first quarter 2025.1 Interest rate spread increased 11 basis points compared to the prior quarter, from 2.06% in the fourth quarter 2024 to 2.17% in the first quarter 2025.
    • Annualized loan growth totaled 5.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, including annualized commercial loan growth of 10.5%.
    • Loan growth in the Western New York Canal Bank division totaled 14.9% compared to prior-year end and deposit growth totaled 82.0% compared to prior year-end.

    1 See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.

    1st Quarter 2025 vs 4th Quarter 2024

    Net Interest Income:
    Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $19.8 million, in line with the prior quarter, driven by a decrease of $1.0 million in interest expense on deposits, and offset by decreases of $0.7 million in interest income on loans and $0.1 million in each of interest income on taxable securities and interest income on interest-earning deposits, and an increase of $0.1 million in interest expense on borrowed funds.

    Interest expense on deposits decreased primarily due to a decrease of 19 basis points in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits, and despite an increase of $8.7 million in average balances of total interest-bearing deposits, compared to the prior quarter. The average cost of customer time deposits decreased 42 basis points compared to the prior quarter, mainly due to maturities of higher cost CDs associated with campaigns during 2023 and 2024, many of which were renewed at a lower cost. Average balances of customer time deposits decreased $25.9 million compared to the prior quarter. Customer time deposits comprised 21.1% of total average deposits in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 22.1% in the prior quarter. The average cost of brokered deposits decreased 19 basis points, while average balances of brokered deposits increased $38.0 million compared to the prior quarter. The cost of brokered deposits decreased largely due to the short term nature of the Corporation’s brokered deposits coupled with lower market interest rates in the current quarter, while average balances of brokered deposits increased primarily to offset the decrease of $39.0 million in average balances of total customer deposits, or 1.6%, compared to the prior quarter. Additionally, average balances of interest-bearing demand deposits increased $8.9 million while the average cost of interest-bearing demand deposits decreased 12 basis points, and average balances of savings and money market deposits decreased $12.3 million while the average cost of savings and money market deposits decreased 12 basis points, compared to the prior quarter.

    Interest income on loans, including fees, decreased primarily due to a decrease of 16 basis points in the average yield on commercial loans, partially offset by an increase of $43.0 million in average balances of commercial loans, compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in average yield on commercial loans was partially due to the recognition of $0.3 million in interest income on the payoff of a nonaccrual construction loan in the prior quarter, as well as decreases in interest rates on existing variable rate loans, as benchmark indexes repriced lower during the current quarter. The increase in average balances of commercial loans was largely concentrated in commercial real estate. Average balances of residential mortgage loans increased $0.8 million while the average yield on residential mortgage loans decreased one basis point, compared to the prior quarter. Origination yields of residential mortgages remained strong in the first quarter of 2025 despite the overall declining rate environment. Average balances of consumer loans decreased $12.4 million and the average yield on consumer loans decreased seven basis points, compared to the prior quarter, due to net runoff of the indirect auto portfolio, decreases in interest rates on variable rate home equity products, and home equity lines of credit originated in the first quarter of 2025 at a 4.99% introductory rate.

    The decrease in interest income on taxable securities was primarily due to a decrease of $10.1 million in average balances, largely due to paydowns of mortgage-backed and SBA pooled loan securities. The decrease in interest income on interest-earning deposits was mainly due to a decrease in the interest rate paid on deposit balances at the Federal Reserve during the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in interest expense on borrowed funds was due to an increase in average balances of total FHLBNY advances in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the prior quarter.

    Fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 2.96% for the current quarter, compared to 2.92% for the prior quarter. Average interest-earning assets increased $17.7 million, while average interest-bearing liabilities increased $25.1 million during the first quarter, compared to the prior quarter. The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased seven basis points to 4.72%, while the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 18 basis points to 2.55%, compared to the prior quarter. Total cost of funds was 1.92% for the current quarter, compared to 2.04% for the prior quarter, a decrease of 12 basis points.

    Provision for Credit Losses:
    Provision for credit losses was $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $0.6 million in the prior quarter, an increase of $0.5 million, or 83.3%. The increase was primarily due to the annual loss driver update to the Bank’s CECL model, which is implemented in the first quarter of each year, as well as deterioration in FOMC forecasts for the economic variables on which the Bank’s CECL model is based. Partially offsetting these increases were lower net charge-offs in the current quarter, compared to the prior quarter.

    Non-Interest Income:
    Non-interest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $5.9 million, compared to $6.1 million for the prior quarter, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 3.3%, driven by decreases of $0.2 million in wealth management group fee income and $0.1 million in interchange revenue from debit card transactions, partially offset by an increase of $0.1 million in other non-interest income.

    Wealth management group fee income decreased compared to the prior quarter largely due to a decrease in total assets under management, due to a broad decline in financial markets during the first quarter of 2025. Interchange revenue from debit card transactions decreased primarily due to a decline in transaction volume, partially due to the seasonality of holiday spending, compared to the prior quarter. Other non-interest income increased mainly due to recognition of debit card support incentives in the first quarter of 2025.

    Non-Interest Expense:
    Non-interest expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $16.9 million, compared to $17.8 million for the prior quarter, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 5.1%, driven by decreases of $0.4 million in pension and other employee benefits, $0.2 million in salaries and wages, and $0.1 million in each of data processing, loan expense, and furniture and equipment expense.

    Pension and other employee benefits decreased compared to the prior quarter primarily due to a decrease in employee healthcare-related expenses. The decrease in salaries and wages was largely due to higher quarterly incentive compensation expense recognized in the prior quarter. Data processing decreased mainly due to a decrease in card-related expenses, partially attributable to procurement expenses relating to the Canal Bank division in the prior quarter. The decrease in loan expenses was primarily due to a decrease in legal fees in the current quarter, compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in furniture and equipment expense was partially due to branch equipment and non-capitalized fixtures purchased in the prior quarter.

    Income Tax Expense:
    Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $1.7 million, compared to $1.6 million for the prior quarter, an increase of $0.1 million. The effective tax rate for the current quarter increased to 21.6% from 21.2% in the prior quarter. The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to an increase in pretax income.

    1st Quarter 2025 vs 1st Quarter 2024

    Net Interest Income:
    Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $19.8 million, compared to $18.1 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $1.7 million, or 9.4%, driven by decreases of $1.0 million in interest expense on deposits and $0.3 million in interest expense on borrowed funds, and an increase of $0.9 million in interest income on loans, partially offset by a decrease of $0.5 million in interest income on taxable securities.

    Interest expense on deposits decreased primarily due to a decrease of 27 basis points in the average cost of total interest-bearing deposits, which was comprised of decreases of 21 basis points in the average cost of customer interest-bearing deposits and 82 basis points in the average cost of brokered deposits, both largely due to decreases in benchmark interest rates and the Corporation’s balance sheet structure favoring shorter-term liabilities. Average balances of customer interest-bearing deposits increased $55.0 million and average balances of brokered deposits decreased $8.6 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in average balances of customer interest-bearing deposits was primarily due to an increase of $32.9 million in average balances of customer time deposits. The average cost of customer time deposits decreased 38 basis points compared to the same period in the prior year, due to the Corporation’s focus on shorter-term CD campaigns during 2024, and a decrease in interest rates on campaign offerings in the current period. Customer time deposits comprised 21.1% of average total deposits for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 20.1% for the same period in the prior year. Additionally, an increase of $28.3 million in average balances of interest-bearing demand deposits positively benefited the average cost of interest-bearing deposits, as the 1.57% average cost was lower than other types of interest-bearing deposits.

    The decrease in interest expense on borrowed funds was partially due to a decline in borrowing rates between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, as well as a shift in the composition of borrowed funds between these periods. The average cost of total borrowings decreased 69 basis points, compared to the same period in the prior year, comprised of decreases of 91 basis points and 32 basis points in the average cost of FHLBNY overnight advances and other advances and debt, which includes FHLBNY term advances, respectively. The composition of borrowings in the first quarter of 2025 was primarily comprised of FHLBNY term advances and FHLBNY overnight advances, while the composition of borrowings in the same period in the prior year was primarily comprised of a Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) advance and FHLBNY overnight advances.

    Interest income on loans, including fees, increased largely due to an increase in average total loan balances of $88.6 million compared to the same period in the prior year, which was concentrated in the commercial loan portfolio. The average yield on total loans was relatively stable compared to the same period in the prior year, declining two basis points to 5.49% in the first quarter of 2025. Average balances of commercial loans increased $122.1 million compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to growth in commercial real estate balances, while the average yield on commercial loans declined 15 basis points, largely due to repricing of benchmark indexes and $0.3 million in interest income recognized on the payoff of a nonaccrual commercial real estate loan in the same period of the prior year. Average balances of residential mortgage loans and consumer loans each decreased compared to the same period in the prior year, decreasing $2.1 million and $31.4 million, respectively. The decrease in average balances of residential mortgage loans was partially due to relatively low levels of housing inventory across the Bank’s footprint resulting in lower origination volume, which was comparable to the prior year, as well as a continued election to sell a significant portion of conforming mortgages into the secondary market. The decrease in average balances of consumer loans was primarily due to net runoff of indirect auto loans between the first quarters of 2024 and 2025. The average yield on residential mortgage loans and consumer loans each increased in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year, increasing 24 and 27 basis points, respectively, each due to strong origination yields in recent periods, and normal runoff of older and typically lower yielding originations. Interest income on interest-earning deposits increased mainly due to a $11.2 million increase in average balances of interest-earning deposits, compared to the same period in the prior year, and despite a decrease of six basis points in the average yield on interest-earning deposits, due to a decrease in the interest rate paid on deposit balances at the Federal Reserve.

    The decrease in interest income on taxable securities was largely due to paydowns and maturities of available for sale securities between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, totaling $55.9 million, primarily on SBA pooled loan and mortgage-backed securities, as well as a decrease in the interest rates of variable rate SBA pooled loan securities, partially offset by purchases of available for sale securities totaling $5.0 million between these periods.

    Fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 2.96% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 2.73% for the same period in the prior year. Average interest-earning assets increased $48.6 million, while average interest-bearing liabilities increased $34.8 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The average yield on interest-earning assets increased two basis points to 4.72%, while the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 30 basis points to 2.55%, compared to the same period in the prior year. Total cost of funds was 1.92% for the current quarter, compared to 2.13% for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of 21 basis points.

    Provision for Credit Losses:
    Provision for credit losses was $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to a credit of $2.0 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $3.1 million, or 155.0%. The increase was largely driven by the directionality of the annual loss driver update applied to the Bank’s CECL model in the first quarter of the current year, compared to the loss driver update applied in the first quarter of the prior year. The current year update resulted in higher modeled baseline loss rates, while the update in the prior year resulted in lower baseline loss rates.

    Non-Interest Income:
    Non-interest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $5.9 million, compared to $5.7 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $0.2 million, or 3.5%, driven by increases of $0.2 million in wealth management group fee income, $0.2 million in service charges on deposit accounts, and $0.1 million in other non-interest income, partially offset by a decrease of $0.1 million in the change in fair value of equity investments. Both the increase in wealth management group fee income and service charges on deposit accounts were primarily due to fee rate increases which were implemented in the second half of 2024. The increase in other non-interest income was largely due to an increase in interest rate swap fee income in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in the change in fair value of equity investments was primarily due to a decrease in the market value of assets held for the Corporation’s deferred compensation plan, largely due to declines in financial markets during the current quarter.

    Non-Interest Expense:
    Non-interest expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $16.9 million, compared to $16.7 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $0.2 million, or 1.2%, driven by increases of $0.2 million in salaries and wages and $0.2 million in other non-interest expense, partially offset by decreases of $0.2 million in pension and other employee benefits and $0.1 million in FDIC insurance.

    Salaries and wages increased largely due to an increase in base salaries, including merit-based increases and additional staffing for the Corporation’s newly opened Western New York regional banking center. The increase in other non-interest expense was primarily due to net recoveries of multiple large altered check charge-offs during the same period in the prior year as well as higher operational losses on the sale of repossessed vehicles during the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in pension and other employee benefits expense was largely due to lower employee healthcare-related expenses compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in FDIC insurance was primarily due to a decrease in the Bank’s assessment rate, due to an improvement in evaluated metrics.

    Income Tax Expense:
    Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $1.7 million, compared to $2.0 million for the first quarter of 2024, a decrease of $0.3 million. The effective tax rate for the current quarter decreased to 21.6%, compared to 22.4% for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily due to a decrease in pretax income.

    Asset Quality
    Non-performing loans totaled $9.9 million as of March 31, 2025, or 0.47% of total loans, compared to $9.0 million, or 0.43% of total loans as of December 31, 2024. The increase in non-performing loans was largely due to increases in non-performing consumer loans and residential mortgage loans of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The increase in non-performing consumer loans was mainly driven by one well-secured home equity loan being placed into nonaccrual status during the quarter. Similarly, the increase in non-performing residential mortgage loans was driven by one loan being placed into nonaccrual status during the quarter. Non-performing commercial loans decreased $0.1 million, primarily due to the payoff of a $0.3 million previously nonaccrual commercial real estate loan, offset by the addition of $0.2 million in nonaccrual commercial and industrial loans. Non-performing assets, which are comprised of non-performing loans, other real estate owned, and repossessed vehicles, were $10.3 million, or 0.37% of total assets as of March 31, 2025, compared to $9.6 million, or 0.35% of total assets as of December 31, 2024. The increase in non-performing assets was largely due to an increase in non-performing loans. Other real estate owned was $0.2 million and repossessed vehicles was $0.2 million as of March 31, 2025.

    Total loan delinquencies as of March 31, 2025 increased compared to December 31, 2024, primarily driven by an increase in commercial loan delinquencies. Annualized net charge-offs to total average loans for the first quarter of 2025 were 0.05%, compared to 0.12% for the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of seven basis points. Net charge-off experience in the first quarter of 2025 was concentrated almost entirely in indirect auto loans. Total annualized consumer net charge-offs were 0.40% of average consumer loan balances for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 0.45% of average consumer loan balances for the fourth quarter of 2024. Commercial loans and residential mortgage loans each had net recovery ratios in the first quarter of 2025, compared to an annualized net charge off ratio of 0.07% of average commercial loan balances and a net recovery ratio of average residential mortgage loan balances in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The allowance for credit losses on loans was $22.5 million as of March 31, 2025 compared to $21.4 million as of December 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments, a component of other liabilities, was $0.5 million as of March 31, 2025 and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2024. The increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans was largely due to the annual review and update to loss drivers used in the Bank’s CECL model, which is implemented each year in the first quarter. The update resulted in higher baseline loss rates for most of the Bank’s loan portfolio segments, and was partially due to the introduction of new periods of data into the analysis. Additionally, the economic variables used as loss drivers for commercial and industrial loans was adjusted as part of the annual update. FOMC forecasts for both national unemployment and U.S. GDP growth deteriorated as of March 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024, as the FOMC incorporated elevated levels of economic uncertainty into their forecasts. Provision for credit losses as a percentage of period-end loan balances was 0.05% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 0.03% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans was 1.07% as of March 31, 2025 and 1.03% as of December 31, 2024 while the allowance for credit losses on loans was 227.93% of non-performing loans as of March 31, 2025 and 238.87% as of December 31, 2024.

    Balance Sheet Activity
    Total assets were $2.797 billion as of March 31, 2025, compared to $2.776 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $20.6 million, or 0.7%. This increase was driven by increases of $26.2 million in loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs and $6.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by decreases of $4.2 million in total investment securities and $6.7 million in accrued interest receivable and other assets.

    Loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs increased mainly due to growth in commercial loan balances, which was concentrated in commercial real estate. Total commercial loan balances increased $39.5 million, or 2.6%, compared to the prior year-end. Commercial real estate balances grew $43.3 million while commercial and industrial balances contracted $3.8 million, both compared to the prior year-end. Over half of total growth in commercial loan balances was attributable to the Bank’s new Canal Bank division in Western New York. Residential mortgages increased $0.5 million, or 0.2%, compared to the prior year-end, as the Corporation continued to elect to sell a portion of originations into the secondary market and low levels of housing inventory persisted across the Bank’s footprint. Consumer loans decreased $13.7 million, or 4.9%, compared to the prior-year end, largely due to lower levels of indirect auto loan origination activity, and a relatively fast turnover rate in the portfolio.

    The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to an increase of $36.5 million in total deposits compared to the prior year-end and $13.6 million in net paydowns and maturities of available for sale securities in the current period. Partially offsetting this increase were a decrease of $24.2 million in total advances and other debt and an increase of $26.2 million in loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs.

    Total investment securities decreased primarily due to a decrease of $3.1 million in securities available for sale, compared to the prior year-end. Net paydowns and maturities of securities available for sale for the current year totaled $13.6 million, mainly due to paydowns on mortgage-backed securities and SBA pooled loan securities. The market value of securities available for sale increased $11.0 million, due to favorable changes in market interest rates during the current year. Also contributing to the decrease in total investment securities was a decrease of $1.1 million in FHLB and FRB stock, at cost, mainly due to a decrease in total borrowing through the FHLBNY as of March 31, 2025, compared to the prior year-end. The decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets was largely due to decreases in interest rate swap assets and deferred tax assets.

    Total liabilities were $2.568 billion as of March 31, 2025, compared to $2.561 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $7.6 million, or 0.3%. This increase was driven by an increase of $36.5 million in total deposits, partially offset by decreases of $24.2 million in advances and other debt and $4.6 million in accrued interest payable and other liabilities.

    Total deposits increased $36.5 million, or 1.5%, compared to the prior year-end, largely due to increases of $33.3 million in interest-bearing demand deposits and $30.4 million in money market deposits. Increases in these deposit types were partially attributable to seasonal inflows of municipal deposits. Total time deposits decreased $25.0 million, consisting of decreases of $13.6 million in customer time deposits and $11.4 million in brokered deposits. The Bank’s CD campaign in the current year primarily consisted of a continuation of six and 15 month offerings, as well as the introduction of a 36 month offering. Additionally, savings deposits increased $4.0 million and non interest-bearing demand deposits decreased $6.1 million. Non interest-bearing deposits comprised 25.5% and 26.1% of total deposits as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

    Advances and other debt decreased mainly due to an increase in total deposits. Advances and other debt as of March 31, 2025 largely consisted of staggered three-month term advances from the FHLBNY, whereas the composition of advances and other debt as of the prior year-end consisted primarily of FHLBNY overnight advances. The decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities was mainly due to a decrease in interest rate swap liabilities.

    Total shareholders’ equity was $228.3 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $215.3 million as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $13.0 million, or 6.0%, driven by a decrease of $8.1 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss and an increase of $4.5 million in retained earnings. The decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss was largely due to an increase in the fair value of securities available for sale, due to favorable changes in market interest rates. The increase in retained earnings was mainly due to net income of $6.0 million, offset by dividends declared of $1.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    The total equity to total assets ratio was 8.16% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 7.76% as of December 31, 2024, and the tangible equity to tangible assets ratio was 7.44% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 7.02% as of December 31, 2024.1 Book value per share and tangible book value per share increased to $47.49 and $42.95, respectively as of March 31, 2025 from $45.13 and $40.55, respectively as of December 31, 2024.1 As of March 31, 2025, the Bank’s capital ratios were in excess of those required to be considered well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

    1 See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations

    Liquidity
    The Corporation uses a variety of resources to manage its liquidity, and management believes it has the necessary liquidity to allow for flexibility in meeting its various operational and strategic needs. These include short-term investments, cash flow from lending and investing activities, core-deposit growth and non-core funding sources, such as time deposits of $250,000 or greater, brokered deposits, FHLBNY overnight and term advances, and FRB advances. Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis for liquidity purposes or on a long-term basis to fund asset growth. As of March 31, 2025, the Corporation’s cash and cash equivalents balance was $53.4 million. The Corporation also maintains an investment portfolio of securities available for sale, comprised primarily of US Government treasury securities, SBA loan pools, mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds. Although this portfolio generates interest income for the Corporation, it also serves as an available source of liquidity and capital if the need should arise. As of March 31, 2025, the Corporation’s investment in securities available for sale was $528.3 million, $341.2 million of which was not pledged as collateral. Additionally, as of March 31, 2025, the Bank’s total advance line capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York was $222.3 million, $85.0 million of which was utilized and $137.3 million of which was available as additional borrowing capacity.

    As of March 31, 2025, uninsured deposits totaled $690.3 million, or 28.4% of total deposits, including $167.6 million of municipal deposits collateralized by pledged assets, when required. As of December 31, 2024, uninsured deposits totaled $652.3 million, or 27.2% of total deposits, including $145.6 million of municipal deposits collateralized by pledged assets. Due to their fluidity, the Corporation closely monitors uninsured deposit levels when considering liquidity management strategies.

    The Corporation considers brokered deposits to be an element of its deposit strategy, and anticipates it may continue utilizing brokered deposits as a secondary source of funding in support of growth. As of March 31, 2025, all brokered deposits carried terms of three months, with staggered maturities, totaling $80.8 million. Excluding brokered deposits, total deposits increased $47.9 million compared to December 31, 2024.

    Other Items
    The market value of total assets under management or administration in our Wealth Management Group was $2.203 billion as of March 31, 2025, including $305.5 million of assets under management or administration for the Corporation, compared to $2.212 billion as of December 31, 2024, including $301.9 million of assets under management or administration for the Corporation, a decrease of $9.5 million, or 0.4%. Excluding assets under management or administration for the Corporation, total market value of Wealth Management Group assets decreased $13.1 million, or 0.7%, largely due to declines in financial markets during the first quarter of 2025.

    As previously announced on January 8, 2021, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, the Corporation may repurchase up to 250,000 shares of its common stock, or approximately 5% of its then outstanding shares. The repurchase program permits shares to be repurchased in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through block trades, and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of March 31, 2025, a total of 49,184 shares of common stock at a total cost of $2.0 million were repurchased by the Corporation under its share repurchase program. No shares were repurchased in the first quarter of 2025. The weighted average cost was $40.42 per share repurchased. Remaining buyback authority under the share repurchase program was 200,816 shares as of March 31, 2025.

    About Chemung Financial Corporation

    Chemung Financial Corporation is a $2.8 billion financial services holding company headquartered in Elmira, New York and operates 30 retail offices through its principal subsidiary, Chemung Canal Trust Company, a full service community bank with trust powers. Established in 1833, Chemung Canal Trust Company is the oldest locally-owned and managed community bank in New York State. Chemung Financial Corporation is also the parent of CFS Group, Inc., a financial services subsidiary offering non-traditional services including mutual funds, annuities, brokerage services, tax preparation services, and insurance.

    This press release may be found at: www.chemungcanal.com under Investor Relations.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Corporation intends its forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in this press release. All statements regarding the Corporation’s expected financial position and operating results, the Corporation’s business strategy, the Corporation’s financial plans, forecasted demographic and economic trends relating to the Corporation’s industry and similar matters are forward-looking statements. These statements can sometimes be identified by the Corporation’s use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” or “intend.” The Corporation cannot guarantee that its expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. The Corporation’s actual results could be materially different from expectations because of various factors, including changes in economic conditions or interest rates, credit risk, inflation, tariffs, cybersecurity risks, changes in FDIC assessments, bank failures, difficulties in managing the Corporation’s growth, competition, changes in law or the regulatory environment, and changes in general business and economic trends.

    Information concerning these and other factors, including Risk Factors, can be found in the Corporation’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These filings are available publicly on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, on the Corporation’s website at http://www.chemungcanal.com or upon request from the Corporate Secretary at (607) 737-3746. Except as otherwise required by law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

     
    Chemung Financial Corporation
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
        March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,
    (in thousands)   2025   2024   2024   2024   2024
    ASSETS                    
    Cash and due from financial institutions   $ 32,087     $ 26,224     $ 36,247     $ 23,184     $ 22,984  
    Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions     21,348       20,811       44,193       47,033       71,878  
    Total cash and cash equivalents     53,435       47,035       80,440       70,217       94,862  
                                             
    Equity investments     3,249       3,235       3,244       3,090       3,093  
                                             
    Securities available for sale     528,327       531,442       554,575       550,927       566,028  
    Securities held to maturity     808       808       657       657       785  
    FHLB and FRB stock, at cost     8,040       9,117       4,189       5,506       4,071  
    Total investment securities     537,175       541,367       559,421       557,090       570,884  
                                             
    Commercial     1,555,988       1,516,525       1,464,205       1,445,258       1,425,437  
    Residential mortgage     275,448       274,979       274,099       271,620       277,246  
    Consumer     266,200       279,915       290,650       294,594       300,927  
    Loans, net of deferred loan fees     2,097,636       2,071,419       2,028,954       2,011,472       2,003,610  
    Allowance for credit losses     (22,522 )     (21,388 )     (21,441 )     (21,031 )     (20,471 )
    Loans, net     2,075,114       2,050,031       2,007,513       1,990,441       1,983,139  
                                             
    Loans held for sale     284                   381       96  
    Premises and equipment, net     16,222       16,375       14,915       14,731       14,183  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     5,332       5,446       5,637       5,827       6,018  
    Goodwill     21,824       21,824       21,824       21,824       21,824  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets     84,090       90,834       81,221       92,212       90,791  
    Total assets   $ 2,796,725     $ 2,776,147     $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890  
                                             
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
    Deposits:                    
    Non interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 619,645     $ 625,762     $ 616,126     $ 619,192     $ 656,330  
    Interest-bearing demand deposits     339,790       306,536       349,383       328,370       315,154  
    Money market deposits     625,505       595,123       630,870       613,131       631,350  
    Savings deposits     249,541       245,550       242,911       248,528       248,578  
    Time deposits     598,915       623,912       611,831       606,700       629,360  
    Total deposits     2,433,396       2,396,883       2,451,121       2,415,921       2,480,772  
                                             
    Advances and other debt     88,701       112,889       53,757       83,835       52,979  
    Operating lease liabilities     5,516       5,629       5,820       6,009       6,197  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     40,806       45,437       42,863       48,826       47,814  
    Total liabilities     2,568,419       2,560,838       2,553,561       2,554,591       2,587,762  
                                             
    Shareholders’ equity                  
    Common stock   53       53       53       53       53  
    Additional paid-in capital   48,157       48,783       48,457       48,102       47,794  
    Retained earnings   252,195       247,705       243,266       239,021       235,506  
    Treasury stock, at cost   (15,180 )     (16,167 )     (15,987 )     (16,043 )     (16,147 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (56,919 )     (65,065 )     (55,135 )     (69,911 )     (70,078 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   228,306       215,309       220,654       201,222       197,128  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,796,725     $ 2,776,147     $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890  
                                           
    Period-end shares outstanding     4,807       4,771       4,774       4,772       4,768  
                         
     
    Chemung Financial Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
        Three Months Ended March 31,   Percent
    Change
    (in thousands, except per share data)   2025   2024  
    Interest and dividend income:            
    Loans, including fees   $ 28,099     $ 27,198     3.3  
    Taxable securities     3,023       3,557     (15.0 )
    Tax exempt securities     251       258     (2.7 )
    Interest-earning deposits     325       206     57.8  
    Total interest and dividend income     31,698       31,219     1.5  
                 
    Interest expense:            
    Deposits     11,156       12,145     (8.1 )
    Borrowed funds     725       985     (26.4 )
    Total interest expense     11,881       13,130     (9.5 )
                 
    Net interest income     19,817       18,089     9.6  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     1,092       (2,040 )   153.5  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     18,725       20,129     (7.0 )
                 
    Non-interest income:            
    Wealth management group fee income     2,867       2,703     6.1  
    Service charges on deposit accounts     1,120       949     18.0  
    Interchange revenue from debit card transactions     1,037       1,063     (2.4 )
    Change in fair value of equity investments     (47 )     101     N/M  
    Net gains on sales of loans held for sale     40       32     25.0  
    Net gains (losses) on sales of other real estate owned     (11 )         N/M  
    Income from bank owned life insurance     8       9     (11.1 )
    Other     875       800     9.4  
    Total non-interest income     5,889       5,657     4.1  
                 
    Non-interest expense:            
    Salaries and wages     7,209       7,016     2.8  
    Pension and other employee benefits     1,922       2,082     (7.7 )
    Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits     (113 )     (232 )   51.3  
    Net occupancy     1,533       1,493     2.7  
    Furniture and equipment     373       398     (6.3 )
    Data processing     2,534       2,573     (1.5 )
    Professional services     638       559     14.1  
    Marketing and advertising     339       345     (1.7 )
    Other real estate owned expense     11       49     N/M  
    FDIC insurance     439       577     (23.9 )
    Loan expense     278       255     9.0  
    Other     1,764       1,583     11.4  
    Total non-interest expense     16,927       16,698     1.4  
                 
    Income before income tax expense     7,687       9,088     (15.4 )
    Income tax expense     1,664       2,038     (18.4 )
    Net income   $ 6,023     $ 7,050     (14.6 )
                 
    Basic and diluted earnings per share   $ 1.26     $ 1.48      
    Cash dividends declared per share   $ 0.32     $ 0.31      
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,791       4,764      
                 
                 
    N/M – Not Meaningful
     
         
    Chemung Financial Corporation   As of or for the Three Months Ended
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,
    (in thousands, except per share data)   2025   2024   2024   2024   2024
    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                    
    Interest income   $ 31,698     $ 32,597     $ 32,362     $ 31,386     $ 31,219  
    Interest expense     11,881       12,776       13,974       13,625       13,130  
    Net interest income     19,817       19,821       18,388       17,761       18,089  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     1,092       551       564       879       (2,040 )
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     18,725       19,270       17,824       16,882       20,129  
    Non-interest income     5,889       6,056       5,919       5,598       5,657  
    Non-interest expense     16,927       17,823       16,510       16,219       16,698  
    Income before income tax expense     7,687       7,503       7,233       6,261       9,088  
    Income tax expense     1,664       1,589       1,513       1,274       2,038  
    Net income   $ 6,023     $ 5,914     $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050  
                                             
    Basic and diluted earnings per share   $ 1.26     $ 1.24     $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48  
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,791       4,774       4,773       4,770       4,764  
    PERFORMANCE RATIOS                    
    Return on average assets     0.88 %     0.85 %     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %
    Return on average equity     10.96 %     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %
    Return on average tangible equity (a)     12.15 %     11.92 %     12.07 %     11.56 %     16.29 %
    Efficiency ratio (unadjusted) (e)     65.85 %     68.88 %     67.92 %     69.43 %     70.32 %
    Efficiency ratio (adjusted) (a)     65.64 %     68.64 %     67.69 %     69.19 %     70.07 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets     2.47 %     2.57 %     2.39 %     2.38 %     2.47 %
    Loans to deposits     86.20 %     86.42 %     82.78 %     83.26 %     80.77 %
    YIELDS RATES – Fully Taxable Equivalent                    
    Yield on loans     5.49 %     5.61 %     5.65 %     5.52 %     5.51 %
    Yield on investments     2.26 %     2.29 %     2.21 %     2.27 %     2.35 %
    Yield on interest-earning assets     4.72 %     4.79 %     4.78 %     4.69 %     4.70 %
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits     2.48 %     2.67 %     2.88 %     2.86 %     2.75 %
    Cost of borrowings     4.54 %     4.74 %     5.08 %     5.04 %     5.15 %
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities     2.55 %     2.73 %     2.97 %     2.94 %     2.85 %
    Cost of funds     1.92 %     2.04 %     2.24 %     2.20 %     2.13 %
    Interest rate spread     2.17 %     2.06 %     1.81 %     1.75 %     1.85 %
    Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent     2.96 %     2.92 %     2.72 %     2.66 %     2.73 %
    CAPITAL                    
    Total equity to total assets at end of period     8.16 %     7.76 %     7.95 %     7.30 %     7.08 %
    Tangible equity to tangible assets at end of period (a)     7.44 %     7.02 %     7.22 %     6.56 %     6.34 %
    Book value per share   $ 47.49     $ 45.13     $ 46.22     $ 42.17     $ 41.34  
    Tangible book value per share (a)     42.95       40.55       41.65       37.59       36.77  
    Period-end market value per share     47.57       48.81       48.02       48.00       42.48  
    Dividends declared per share     0.32       0.31       0.31       0.31       0.31  
    AVERAGE BALANCES                    
    Loans and loans held for sale (b)   $ 2,077,739     $ 2,046,270     $ 2,020,280     $ 2,009,823     $ 1,989,185  
    Interest-earning assets     2,729,661       2,711,995       2,699,968       2,699,402       2,681,059  
    Total assets     2,784,414       2,761,875       2,751,392       2,740,967       2,724,391  
    Deposits     2,445,597       2,446,662       2,410,735       2,419,169       2,402,215  
    Total equity     222,802       219,254       210,421       195,375       195,860  
    Tangible equity (a)     200,978       197,430       188,597       173,551       174,036  
    ASSET QUALITY                    
    Net charge-offs   $ 262     $ 594     $ 78     $ 306     $ 182  
    Non-performing loans (c)     9,881       8,954       10,545       8,195       7,835  
    Non-performing assets (d)     10,282       9,606       11,134       8,872       8,394  
    Allowance for credit losses     22,522       21,388       21,441       21,031       20,471  
    Annualized net charge-offs to average loans     0.05 %     0.12 %     0.02 %     0.06 %     0.04 %
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.47 %     0.43 %     0.52 %     0.41 %     0.39 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.37 %     0.35 %     0.40 %     0.32 %     0.30 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.07 %     1.03 %     1.06 %     1.05 %     1.02 %
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans     227.93 %     238.87 %     203.33 %     256.63 %     261.28 %
    (a) See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.
    (b) Loans and loans held for sale do not reflect the allowance for credit losses.
    (c) Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans only.
    (d) Non-performing assets include non-performing loans plus other real estate owned and repossessed vehicles.
    (e) 
    Efficiency ratio (unadjusted) is non-interest expense divided by the total of net interest income plus non-interest income.
     
     
    Chemung Financial Corporation
    Average Consolidated Balance Sheets & Net Interest Income Analysis and Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income (Unaudited)
               
      Three Months Ended
    March 31, 2025
      Three Months Ended
    March 31, 2024
      Three Months Ended
    March 31, 2025 vs. 2024
    (in thousands) Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate
      Total
    Change
      Due to
    Volume
      Due to
    Rate
                                                                       
    Interest-earning assets:                                                                  
    Commercial loans $ 1,529,028     $ 21,696     5.75 %   $ 1,406,950     $ 20,642     5.90 %   $ 1,054     $ 1,620     $ (566 )
    Residential mortgage loans   275,524       2,701     3.98 %     277,661       2,597     3.74 %     104       (24 )     128  
    Consumer loans   273,187       3,751     5.57 %     304,574       4,016     5.30 %     (265 )     (449 )     184  
    Taxable securities   584,614       3,026     2.10 %     633,294       3,560     2.26 %     (534 )     (278 )     (256 )
    Tax-exempt securities   37,758       279     3.00 %     40,266       282     2.82 %     (3 )     (19 )     16  
    Interest-earning deposits   29,550       325     4.46 %     18,314       206     4.52 %     119       122       (3 )
    Total interest-earning assets   2,729,661       31,778     4.72 %     2,681,059       31,303     4.70 %     475       972       (497 )
                                       
    Non interest-earning assets:                                  
    Cash and due from banks   26,055               25,255                      
    Other assets   50,256               40,665                      
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,558 )             (22,588 )                    
    Total assets $ 2,784,414             $ 2,724,391                      
                               
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                          
    Interest-bearing checking $ 336,162     $ 1,303   1.57 % $ 307,895     $ 1,335   1.74 % $ (32 )   $ 109     $ (141 )
    Savings and money market   858,937       3,866   1.83 %   865,113       4,266   1.98 %   (400 )     (34 )     (366 )
    Time deposits   514,884       4,704   3.71 %   481,965       4,904   4.09 %   (200 )     298       (498 )
    Brokered deposits   112,840       1,283   4.61 %   121,405       1,640   5.43 %   (357 )     (114 )     (243 )
    FHLBNY overnight advances   20,781       236   4.61 %   34,875       487   5.52 %   (251 )     (178 )     (73 )
    FRB advances and other debt   43,950       489   4.51 %   41,465       498   4.83 %   (9 )     27       (36 )
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,887,554       11,881   2.55 %   1,852,718       13,130   2.85 %   (1,249 )     108       (1,357 )
                               
    Non interest-bearing liabilities:                          
    Demand deposits   622,774           625,837                  
    Other liabilities   51,284           49,976                  
    Total liabilities   2,561,612           2,528,531                  
    Shareholders’ equity   222,802           195,860                  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,784,414         $ 2,724,391                  
                                                   
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income       19,897           18,173     $ 1,724     $ 864     $ 860  
    Net interest rate spread (1)       2.17 %       1.85 %          
    Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent (2)           2.96 %           2.73 %          
    Taxable equivalent adjustment       (80 )           (84 )              
    Net interest income     $ 19,817         $ 18,089              
                                       
    (1)  Net interest rate spread is the difference in the average yield on interest-earning assets less the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2)  Net interest margin is the ratio of fully taxable equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
     

    Chemung Financial Corporation

    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations (Unaudited)

    The Corporation prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. See the Corporation’s unaudited consolidated balance sheets and statements of income contained within this press release. That presentation provides the reader with an understanding of the Corporation’s results that can be tracked consistently from period-to-period and enables a comparison of the Corporation’s performance with other companies’ GAAP financial statements.

    In addition to analyzing the Corporation’s results on a reported basis, management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures, because it believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information to investors about the underlying operational performance and trends of the Corporation and, therefore, facilitate a comparison of the Corporation with the performance of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures used by the Corporation may not be comparable to similarly named non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

    The SEC has adopted Regulation G, which applies to all public disclosures, including earnings releases, made by registered companies that contain “non-GAAP financial measures.” Under Regulation G, companies making public disclosures containing non-GAAP financial measures must also disclose, along with each non-GAAP financial measure, certain additional information, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to the closest comparable GAAP financial measure and a statement of the Corporation’s reasons for utilizing the non-GAAP financial measure as part of its financial disclosures. The SEC has exempted from the definition of “non-GAAP financial measures” certain commonly used financial measures that are not based on GAAP. When these exempted measures are included in public disclosures, supplemental information is not required. The following measures used in this Report, which are commonly utilized by financial institutions, have not been specifically exempted by the SEC and may constitute “non- GAAP financial measures” within the meaning of the SEC’s rules, although we are unable to state with certainty that the SEC would so regard them.

    Fully Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest income is commonly presented on a tax-equivalent basis. That is, to the extent that some component of the institution’s net interest income, which is presented on a before-tax basis, is exempt from taxation (e.g., is received by the institution as a result of its holdings of state or municipal obligations), an amount equal to the tax benefit derived from that component is added to the actual before-tax net interest income total. This adjustment is considered helpful in comparing one financial institution’s net interest income to that of other institutions or in analyzing any institution’s net interest income trend line over time, to correct any analytical distortion that might otherwise arise from the fact that financial institutions vary widely in the proportions of their portfolios that are invested in tax- exempt securities, and that even a single institution may significantly alter over time the proportion of its own portfolio that is invested in tax-exempt obligations. Moreover, net interest income is itself a component of a second financial measure commonly used by financial institutions, net interest margin, which is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. For purposes of this measure as well, fully taxable equivalent net interest income is generally used by financial institutions, as opposed to actual net interest income, again to provide a better basis of comparison from institution to institution and to better demonstrate a single institution’s performance over time. The Corporation follows these practices.

                         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except ratio data)   March 31,
    2025
      Dec. 31,
    2024
      Sept. 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    NET INTEREST MARGIN – FULLY TAXABLE EQUIVALENT                                        
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 19,817     $ 19,821     $ 18,388     $ 17,761     $ 18,089  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment     80       88       83       81       84  
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 19,897     $ 19,909     $ 18,471     $ 17,842     $ 18,173  
                                             
    Average interest-earning assets (GAAP)   $ 2,729,661     $ 2,711,995     $ 2,699,968     $ 2,699,402     $ 2,681,059  
                                             
    Net interest margin – fully taxable equivalent (non-GAAP)     2.96 %     2.92 %     2.72 %     2.66 %     2.73 %
                                             

    Efficiency Ratio

    The unadjusted efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense divided by total revenue (net interest income and non-interest income). The adjusted efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure which represents the Corporation’s ability to turn resources into revenue and is calculated as non-interest expense divided by total revenue (fully taxable equivalent net interest income and non-interest income), adjusted for one-time occurrences and amortization. This measure is meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s productivity measured by the amount of revenue generated for each dollar spent.

         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except ratio data)   March 31,
    2025
      Dec. 31,
    2024
      Sept. 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    EFFICIENCY RATIO                                        
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 19,817     $ 19,821     $ 18,388     $ 17,761     $ 18,089  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment     80       88       83       81       84  
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 19,897     $ 19,909     $ 18,471     $ 17,842     $ 18,173  
                                             
    Non-interest income (GAAP)   $ 5,889     $ 6,056     $ 5,919     $ 5,598     $ 5,657  
                                             
    Non-interest expense (GAAP)   $ 16,927     $ 17,823     $ 16,510     $ 16,219     $ 16,698  
                                             
    Efficiency ratio (unadjusted)     65.85 %     68.88 %     67.92 %     69.43 %     70.32 %
    Efficiency ratio (adjusted)     65.64 %     68.64 %     67.69 %     69.19 %     70.07 %
                                             

    Tangible Equity and Tangible Assets (Period-End)

    Tangible equity, tangible assets, and tangible book value per share are each non-GAAP financial measures. Tangible equity represents the Corporation’s stockholders’ equity, less goodwill and intangible assets. Tangible assets represents the Corporation’s total assets, less goodwill and other intangible assets. Tangible book value per share represents the Corporation’s tangible equity divided by common shares at period-end. These measures are meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s use of equity.

         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except per share and ratio data)   March 31,
    2025
      Dec. 31,
    2024
      Sept. 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    TANGIBLE EQUITY AND TANGIBLE ASSETS                    
    (PERIOD END)                                        
    Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 228,306     $ 215,309     $ 220,654     $ 201,222     $ 197,128  
    Less: intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Tangible equity (non-GAAP)   $ 206,482     $ 193,485     $ 198,830     $ 179,398     $ 175,304  
                                             
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 2,796,725     $ 2,776,147     $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890  
    Less: intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 2,774,901     $ 2,754,323     $ 2,752,391     $ 2,733,989     $ 2,763,066  
                                             
    Total equity to total assets at end of period (GAAP)     8.16 %     7.76 %     7.95 %     7.30 %     7.08 %
    Book value per share (GAAP)   $ 47.49     $ 45.13     $ 46.22     $ 42.17     $ 41.34  
                                             
    Tangible equity to tangible assets at end of period (non-GAAP)     7.44 %     7.02 %     7.22 %     6.56 %     6.34 %
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 42.95     $ 40.55     $ 41.65     $ 37.59     $ 36.77  
                                             

    Tangible Equity (Average)

    Average tangible equity and return on average tangible equity are each non-GAAP financial measures. Average tangible equity represents the Corporation’s average stockholders’ equity, less average goodwill and intangible assets for the period. Return on average tangible equity measures the Corporation’s earnings as a percentage of average tangible equity. These measures are meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s use of equity.

                         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except ratio data)   March 31,
    2025
      Dec. 31,
    2024
      Sept. 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    TANGIBLE EQUITY (AVERAGE)                                        
    Total average shareholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 222,802     $ 219,254     $ 210,421     $ 195,375     $ 195,860  
    Less: average intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Average tangible equity (non-GAAP)   $ 200,978     $ 197,430     $ 188,597     $ 173,551     $ 174,036  
                                             
    Return on average equity (GAAP)     10.96 %     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %
    Return on average tangible equity (non-GAAP)     12.15 %     11.92 %     12.07 %     11.56 %     16.29 %
                         

    Adjustments for Certain Items of Income or Expense

    In addition to disclosures of certain GAAP financial measures, including net income, EPS, ROA, and ROE, we may also provide comparative disclosures that adjust these GAAP financial measures for a particular period by removing from the calculation thereof the impact of certain transactions or other material items of income or expense occurring during the period, including certain nonrecurring items. The Corporation believes that the resulting non-GAAP financial measures may improve an understanding of its results of operations by separating out any such transactions or items that may have had a disproportionate positive or negative impact on the Corporation’s financial results during the particular period in question. In the Corporation’s presentation of any such non-GAAP (adjusted) financial measures not specifically discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the Corporation supplies the supplemental financial information and explanations required under Regulation G.

         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except per share and ratio data)   March 31,
    2025
      Dec. 31,
    2024
      Sept. 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    NON-GAAP NET INCOME                                        
    Reported net income (GAAP)   $ 6,023     $ 5,914     $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050  
    Net (gains) losses on security transactions (net of tax)                              
    Net income (non-GAAP)   $ 6,023     $ 5,914     $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050  
                                             
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,791       4,774       4,773       4,770       4,764  
                                             
    Reported basic and diluted earnings per share (GAAP)   $ 1.26     $ 1.24     $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48  
    Reported return on average assets (GAAP)     0.88 %     0.85 %     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %
    Reported return on average equity (GAAP)     10.96 %     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %
                                             
    Basic and diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP)   $ 1.26     $ 1.24     $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48  
    Return on average assets (non-GAAP)     0.88 %     0.85 %     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %
    Return on average equity (non-GAAP)     10.96 %     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %
                                             

    Category: Financial

    Source: Chemung Financial Corp

    For further information contact:
    Dale M. McKim, III, EVP and CFO
    dmckim@chemungcanal.com
    Phone: 607-737-3714

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Releases Bombshell Investigative Report on Kilmar Abrego Garcia Suspected Human Trafficking Incident

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Releases Bombshell Investigative Report on Kilmar Abrego Garcia Suspected Human Trafficking Incident

    strong>WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security released a Homeland Security Investigations’ Combined Intelligence Unit (CIU) Investigative Referral report on Kilmar Abrego Garcia

      
    The report details the traffic stop encounter that led law enforcement officers to suspect Abrego Garcia of involvement in human trafficking

    The documents also reveal that law enforcement confirmed Abrego Garcia to be a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member

    On Dec

    1, 2022, Abrego Garcia was stopped by the Tennessee Highway Patrol for speeding

    Upon approach to the vehicle, the encountering officer noted eight other individuals in the vehicle

    There was no luggage in the vehicle, leading the encountering officer to suspect this was a human trafficking incident

      Additionally, all the passengers gave the same home address as the subject’s home address

    During the interview, Abrego Garcia pretended to speak less English than he was capable of and attempted to put the encountering officer off-track by responding to questions with questions

    When asked what relationship he had with the registered owner of the vehicle, Abrego Garcia replied that the owner of the vehicle is his boss, and that he worked in construction

       
    “Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a MS-13 gang member, illegal alien from El Salvador, and suspected human trafficker

    The facts reveal he was pulled over with eight individuals in a car on an admitted three-day journey from Texas to Maryland with no luggage,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “The facts speak for themselves, and they reek of human trafficking

    The media’s sympathetic narrative about this criminal illegal gang member has completely fallen apart

    We hear far too much about the gang members and criminals’ false sob stories and not enough about their victims

    ” 
    The encountering officer decided not to cite the subject for driving infractions but gave him a warning citation for driving with an expired driver’s license

    Abrego Garcia’s driver’s license was a MD “Limited Term Temporary” license

    The encountering officer gathered names of other occupants in vehicle but could not read their handwriting

    The officer did not pursue further information due to no citation being issued

      
    In 2019, the Prince Georges County Police Gang Unit validated Abrego Garcia as a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) Gang

     
     
     

     
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News