Rancho Family Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Matthew Lee to its team of compassionate and skilled healthcare providers at the Menifee office. Dr. Lee, a dedicated Family Medicine physician, brings a patient-centered approach to healthcare that aligns with the values of Rancho Family Medical Group.
ranchofamilymed.com/matthew-lee/
Dr. Lee’s journey in medicine began during a formative middle school mission trip with his church in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he witnessed firsthand the powerful role healthcare plays in strengthening communities. This experience ignited a passion for helping others that led him through undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley, medical school in Virginia, and Family Medicine residency training at Loma Linda Murrieta in California.
Dr. Lee’s medical interests are diverse and include high school sports medicine, international healthcare, and various medical procedures. His approach to patient care is deeply collaborative, prioritizing trust and strong connections. He believes in understanding each patient’s unique life story to provide truly effective and meaningful care.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Lee is committed to leading a healthy and active lifestyle. He enjoys weightlifting, spending time with family, and engaging with his church community. His approach to wellness extends beyond physical health, encompassing emotional and spiritual dimensions, which are central to his practice.
Dr. Matthew Lee looks forward to partnering with the Menifee community to provide compassionate care that resonates with each patient’s unique journey.
Rancho Family Medical Group Stephen Byrne 951-265-9496 www.ranchofamilymed.com
The organisers of the Nigeria Mining Week conference and expo have confirmed that the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dauda Lawal, will attend the event on Tuesday, 19 November and address the delegates.
The event’s conference programme, that includes presentations by several Nigerian ministers, was launched recently, outlining the topics and expert speakers of this leading industry gathering, with the ninth edition that returns to Abuja from 18 to 20 November 2024.
The theme of this year’s Nigeria Mining Week conference is “From the inside out: Building the mining sector to be the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.”
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State will address the conference on the following topic: Collaborative Federalism Framework: How can we create a sustainable framework for a cooperative and collaborative mineral resource federalism framework?
Nigeria Mining Week gathers mining pioneers, investors, regulators, suppliers and service providers in the region’s burgeoning extractive industry at the Abuja Continental Hotel in the Nigerian capital. The event is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in collaboration with PwC Nigeria and Vuka Group while the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is the official host.
Industry support Nigeria Mining Week boasts solid and longstanding support from leading industry suppliers and projects:
Diamond plus sponsor: Titan Minerals Ltd. “Being a diamond plus sponsor for the third consecutive year shows the value that our company has been able to extract from Nigeria Mining Week,” says Fadi A. Ghazale, MD and founder of Titan Minerals Ltd. We are working with great minds, and we believe that it is the biggest hub for any mining activities happening in Nigeria, where all stakeholders can come under one roof to work towards the progress of the industry.”
The gold sponsors are Beak Consultants, Delta Group, Kam Holding Limited, Mantrac Nigeria and Rapidlink Group of Companies Limited. This year’s silver sponsors include PanAfrican Equipment (Nigeria) Ltd, SMT Nigeria and XCMG. The bronze sponsors are ENR Advisory, Goodness Multi Services SARL, Lithium King Limited, Nuctech Company Limited, PRD Rigs, Pugh Nigeria Limited and Solar Nigachem Limited.
About Nigeria Mining Week Nigeria Mining Week is organised by the Vuka Group (formerly Clarion Events Africa), a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, ecommerce and CX sectors. Other well-known events by The Vuka Group include DRC Mining Week, DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum, Enlit Africa, Africa’s Green Economy Summit, Smarter Mobility Africa, ECOM Africa and CEM Africa.
Nigeria Mining Week event dates and location: Dates: 18–20 November 2024 Location: Abuja Continental Hotel
HCA HealthONE is proud to announce its partnership with Western Orthopaedics, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of orthopedic care in the Rocky Mountain region. The expert specialists at Western Orthopaedics have been providing high-quality care to HCA HealthONE patients for decades, and this strategic partnership cements their commitment to the HCA HealthONE Rose and HCA HealthONE Swedish campuses.
With a legacy of over 85 years dedicated to providing top-tier orthopedic services, Western Orthopaedics is excited to enhance its commitment to patient care through this strategic alliance. The expertise of Western Orthopaedics’ highly skilled physicians, specializing in areas such as sports medicine, minimally invasive surgical techniques, joint replacement, hip disorders, and spine surgery, will be enhanced by the trusted care received at HCA HealthONE hospitals. As a comprehensive orthopedic practice, Western Orthopaedics is poised to offer even greater resources and innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of patients.
As part of HCA HealthONE, Western Orthopaedics will continue to operate under its established brand while leveraging the extensive resources and expertise of one of the nation’s leading healthcare networks. Patients can expect the same personalized care they have always received, now enhanced by the capabilities of HCA HealthONE.
About HCA HealthONE HCA HealthONE, one of the largest and most comprehensive healthcare systems in the Rocky Mountain region, offers more than 170 care sites in the Denver-metro area. Offering services across the continuum of care to meet patients’ total healthcare needs, HCA HealthONE includes seven acute care hospitals, a dedicated flagship pediatric hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, CareNow® urgent care clinics, mental health campuses, imaging and surgery centers, physician practices, home and hospice care, and AirLife Denver, which provides regional critical care air and ground transportation. HCA HealthONE employs more than 12,000 colleagues and has been named one of the top five large health systems in the country multiple years. HCA HealthONE and its parent company, HCA Healthcare, have been named 14 consecutive times by Ethisphere as a World’s Most Ethical Company and two consecutive years as a LinkedIn Top Company. HCA HealthONE hospitals includes: Centennial, Aurora, Mountain Ridge, Presbyterian/St. Luke’s, Rocky Mountain Children’s, Rose, Sky Ridge, Swedish, and Spalding working together to provide a higher level of care. Consistently among the Denver Business Journals’ list of top corporate philanthropists in the Denver-metro area, HCA HealthONE was named as one of the most community-minded organizations by The Civic 50 and contributed more than $1 million through cash and in-kind donations last year alone, along with more than $400M in federal, state and local taxes.
To learn more about our impact on the communities we serve and how #WeShowUp, visit: HCAHealthONE.com.
Hexnode, the enterprise software division of Mitsogo Inc., has named Keith O’Leary as the Enterprise Sales Director for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Keith will drive strategic sales initiatives and expand Hexnode’s market presence, focusing on revenue growth and key business partnerships across the region.
Keith joins Hexnode as a seasoned B2B sales professional with over 15 years of extensive experience spanning multiple industry verticals. He has a proven track record of building revenue-generating partnerships, backed by exceptional acumen in managing complex sales cycles across a wide range of industries. Keith’s meticulous sales portfolio, which includes B2B marketing services, SaaS, and UCaaS solutions positions him well to drive Hexnode’s market growth in the region.
Prior to this role, he excelled as Sales Director at CNCData, successfully managing a pipeline of new business. At Rombii, he consistently exceeded yearly revenue targets, achieving double-digit growth. Earlier in his career, Keith held pivotal positions at Pinnaca and PGi (Premier Global Services), thriving in building and managing channel partnerships.
Hexnode offers a comprehensive Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platform with a broad suite of tools to simplify and streamline device management across all major operating systems. With a decade of industry expertise, Hexnode empowers businesses to efficiently oversee their expanding device fleets through a single, unified console. By centralizing device lifecycle management and enhancing security measures, Hexnode helps maintain device integrity while boosting operational efficiency.
Tim Bell, Hexnode’s VP of Sales for EMEA and APJ, said regarding the appointment, “We are delighted to welcome Keith O’Leary as the Enterprise Sales Director for the ASEAN region. He will spearhead our team’s sales initiatives and expand Hexnode’s market presence across the region. Keith’s strategic approach to building and nurturing client relationships, combined with his deep understanding of the ASEAN market, will be instrumental in accelerating our growth trajectory in the region.”
In his new role, Keith will focus on building strategic relationships with large-scale enterprises, establishing Hexnode’s presence as a leading provider of comprehensive management solutions. As Hexnode expands its global market reach, Keith’s vast expertise in managing complex deals and revenue generation will be instrumental in enhancing Hexnode’s market posture across ASEAN.
Keith O’Leary commented, “I am beyond honored to have the opportunity to lead our sales efforts in ASEAN for Hexnode. We are a people first and technology driven organization fueled by our brilliant customers and their valuable input and feedback. I am especially excited to drive engagement and expansion into the ASEAN markets as I build and scale high performing teams to drive growth in these markets. This is going to be an exciting journey, and I am fully committed to making a positive impact.”
About Hexnode
Hexnode, an award-winning cloud-based Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution from Mitsogo Inc., is committed to helping businesses efficiently manage their device fleets. Recognizing the importance of corporate data and the rise of BYODs, COPEs, and COBOs, Hexnode strives to introduce intelligent technologies to safeguard devices against threats and theft. It offers comprehensive endpoint management solutions compatible with major platforms, including Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Fire OS, and tvOS. The platform offers a free trial for those interested in exploring its capabilities.
Hexnode | Mitsogo Inc. Elizabeth Hale +1-415-510-2128 https://www.hexnode.com/ https://www.hexnode.com/contact-us/
When it comes to press release distribution, eReleases and Prowly are two popular options. We’ve looked into both services to help you decide which might be the best fit for your needs.
eReleases and Prowly offer different features and pricing structures, with eReleases focusing on traditional press release distribution and Prowly providing a broader set of PR tools. eReleases is known for its wide reach and established networks, while Prowly stands out with its comprehensive suite of PR management features.
Each service has its strengths. eReleases might be better for those wanting straightforward press release distribution, whereas Prowly could suit PR professionals looking for a more all-in-one solution. We’ll break down the key differences to help you make an informed choice.
eReleases vs Prowly: Key Takeaways
Feature/Aspect
eReleases
Prowly
Service Type
Specialized press release distribution service
All-in-one PR platform
Starting Price
$399 per release (Buzz Builder™)
$258 per month (when billed annually)
Distribution Network
Access to over 100,000 journalists via PR Newswire, major news outlets
Over 1 million media contacts
Target Audience
Businesses seeking quick and quality media coverage
Small businesses and PR agencies
Editorial Support
Yes, includes writing services for an additional cost of $300 per release
Limited; primarily self-service
SEO Features
Yes
Yes
Performance Analytics
Detailed reports on release performance
Basic performance metrics
Customer Support
Phone, chat, and email support; known for quick responses
Email and live chat support; responsive team
Notable Features
Targeted distribution to journalists, editorial review process
Media monitoring, CRM for media contacts
User Interface
User-friendly dashboard for submissions and analytics
User-friendly interface, intuitive navigation
Writing Assistance
Available for an additional $300
Not typically included
Prowly and eReleases offer different approaches to press release distribution. Both services aim to boost media coverage, but their methods differ. eReleases focuses on traditional newswire distribution. Prowly offers a wider range of PR tools, including media monitoring.
Prowly shines in its versatility. It offers tools for creating press releases, managing media contacts, and tracking results. This makes it suitable for ongoing PR efforts.
eReleases specializes in getting your news to journalists quickly. It’s a good choice for one-off announcements or when you need wide distribution.
Pricing is a key factor. Prowly allows month-to-month plans, giving more flexibility. eReleases starts at $399 per release, which is higher than Prowly’s basic options.
We recommend Prowly for businesses looking for a complete PR toolkit. Choose eReleases if your main goal is broad press release distribution.
eReleases Overview
eReleases is a specialized press release distribution service that has been operating for over two decades. We find that it focuses on delivering high-quality media coverage by targeting journalists and media outlets effectively.
The service offers three main packages:
Buzz Builder™ ($399)
Newsmaker™ ($499)
PR Pro™ ($699)
eReleases prides itself on its targeted distribution approach. They use a combination of newswires (such as PRNewswire) and their own media list to ensure press releases reach relevant journalists and outlets.
One of the key features of eReleases is its national distribution network. This allows businesses to potentially reach a wide audience across the United States.
The service also provides access to a large media database. This can be valuable for companies looking to build relationships with specific journalists or outlets in their industry.
We note that eReleases emphasizes personalized service. Their team reviews each press release before distribution, offering suggestions for improvement if needed.
While eReleases’ alternatives may be pricier, many users find value in its targeted approach and established network of media contacts.
Prowly Overview
Prowly is an all-in-one PR platform that helps businesses manage their media relations and communications. We find it offers a wide range of features to streamline PR workflows.
The platform includes a media database with over 1 million contacts. This allows users to find and connect with relevant journalists and media outlets.
Prowly’s press release distribution services help get your news in front of the right people. Users can create and send press releases directly from the platform.
Key features include:
Media monitoring
Press release creator
CRM for media contacts
Newsroom builderPR reporting tools
We see that Prowly offers different pricing tiers to suit various needs and budgets. Their plans start at $258 per month when billed annually.
The platform aims to simplify media outreach and relationship building. Users can track interactions with journalists and manage their PR campaigns in one place.
Prowly also provides analytics to measure the impact of PR efforts. This helps users understand what’s working and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Feature Set Comparison
eReleases and Prowly offer different features for press release distribution and PR management. We’ll explore the key capabilities of each platform to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
eReleases Features
eReleases focuses on press release distribution. They provide access to a large network of media contacts and journalists.
Their main feature is targeted press release distribution to industry-specific media outlets. This helps ensure your news reaches the right audience.
eReleases also offers writing and editing services. Their team can help craft your press release if needed.
They provide detailed reports on press release performance. These reports show how many people viewed and engaged with your release.
Prowly Features
Prowly offers a broader set of PR tools beyond just press release distribution. Their platform includes a media database for finding and managing media contacts.
They provide tools for creating and sending email pitches to journalists. This can help you build relationships with key media figures.
Prowly offers a press release creator with customizable templates. You can design visually appealing releases that match your brand.
They include media monitoring features to track mentions of your brand across various online sources.
Prowly also provides PR analytics and reporting tools. These help measure the impact of your PR efforts across different channels.
Pricing and Value for Money
eReleases and Prowly offer different pricing structures and features. We’ll compare their costs and what you get for your money.
eReleases Pricing and Value For Money
eReleases provides press release distribution services with tiered pricing. Their basic package starts at $399 per release. This includes distribution to a network of media outlets and journalists.
Higher-tier packages offer wider distribution and additional features. These can cost up to $699 per release. eReleases also provides writing services for an extra fee.
One advantage of eReleases is their pay-per-release model. This can be cost-effective for businesses that don’t need frequent distributions.
For more information on eReleases’ pricing, check their official site here.
Prowly Pricing and Value For Money
Prowly uses a subscription-based model. Their plans start at $258 per month when billed annually. This includes access to their PR software suite and media database.
Prowly’s platform offers more than just press release distribution. It includes tools for media monitoring, contact management, and analytics.
For businesses needing regular PR activities, Prowly’s subscription model can provide good value. It allows unlimited use of their tools within the subscription period.
Prowly also offers customized enterprise plans for larger organizations with specific needs.
For more information on eReleases’ pricing, check their official site here.
Ease of Use and Customer Support
Both eReleases and Prowly offer customer support to help users navigate their platforms. We’ll look at how each company assists customers and handles issues.
eReleases Customer Support
eReleases provides customer support through multiple channels. Users can reach out via phone, email, or live chat during business hours. Their team is known for quick response times, usually within a few hours.
eReleases offers free consultations to new users. This helps clients understand how to use the platform effectively. They also provide resources like tutorials and FAQs on their website.
One standout feature is their writing assistance. eReleases can help edit and proofread press releases. This is useful for clients who aren’t confident in their writing skills.
Prowly Customer Support
Prowly offers dedicated account managers for new customers. These managers help users learn the platform’s features. This personalized approach can speed up the learning process.
Prowly’s support team is known for being very responsive. They offer help through email and live chat. Users praise the team’s quick and helpful responses to questions.
The platform also provides extensive online resources. These include how-to guides, video tutorials, and a knowledge base. These self-help options allow users to find answers on their own.
Prowly’s interface is user-friendly and well-designed. This makes it easier for new users to get started without much assistance.
Distribution Network and Effectiveness
When comparing eReleases and Prowly, we need to look at their distribution networks and how well they get press releases out there.
eReleases has been around for a while. They work with PR Newswire to send out news. This means they can reach lots of news sites, journalists, and other media folks.
Prowly is newer but growing fast. They’re part of the Semrush group now. Prowly focuses on helping PR pros manage their work. They have tools for writing and sending press releases.
Both services aim to get your news out there. But they do it in different ways.
eReleases is more traditional. They blast your release to a wide network. This can be good for big news that needs to reach many people fast.
Prowly takes a more targeted approach. They help you find the right journalists for your story. This might work better for niche news or when you want to build relationships.
It’s hard to say which one is more effective. It depends on what you need. Some PR pros have mixed feelings about these services. They say success isn’t just about sending out news anymore. It’s about getting the right people to see it.
Impact on Public Relations and Marketing
PR tools like eReleases and Prowly shape how companies interact with media and build their online presence. These platforms offer key features for distributing news and boosting visibility.
Improving Media Relations with Distribution Services
eReleases and Prowly help PR pros reach journalists more effectively. We can send press releases to targeted media lists with a few clicks. This saves time and increases the chances of media coverage.
Both platforms offer large media databases. We can find relevant contacts quickly. The tools also track which journalists open our emails. This lets us follow up smartly.
Press release distribution through these services can lead to more news pickups. When our stories appear on major news sites, it builds credibility. It also creates valuable backlinks for SEO.
Enhancing Brand Visibility through SEO
These PR tools boost search engine optimization efforts. When we distribute releases through eReleases or Prowly, they often appear on news websites. This creates quality backlinks to our site.
The releases themselves can rank in search results. We can include keywords to target specific topics. This helps potential customers find our brand when searching for related info.
Some features help optimize release content for search engines. We can add meta descriptions and adjust headlines. This improves the chances of our news showing up in relevant searches.
Role in Marketing and Communications Strategies
eReleases and Prowly fit into broader marketing plans. We can use them to announce new products, share company news, or highlight achievements. This supports our overall brand messaging.
The tools offer analytics to measure the impact of our efforts. We can see how many people viewed a release or clicked on links. This data helps refine our communication tactics.
Social media integration is another key feature. We can easily share our news across platforms. This expands our reach and engages different audience segments.
Analytics and Reporting Tools
Both platforms offer analytics, but with different strengths. Prowly gives us real-time data on email opens, clicks, and social media engagement. Their dashboard is user-friendly and visually appealing.
eReleases provides detailed distribution reports. We can see which media outlets received our press release and track potential coverage.
Prowly’s analytics are more comprehensive for digital metrics. They show us how journalists interact with our releases online. eReleases focuses more on traditional media pickup, which can be harder to quantify but still valuable.
We find Prowly’s tools more useful for measuring the immediate impact of our releases. eReleases gives us a better picture of long-term media coverage.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between eReleases and Prowly, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget.
eReleases offers a more traditional press release distribution service. It focuses on sending your news to a wide network of media outlets and journalists.
Prowly, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive PR platform. It includes tools for creating media lists, managing contacts, and distributing press releases.
In the end, the best choice depends on your PR goals and workflow preferences. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both services if available.
Looking to elevate your public relations game? Exploring the best PR books can provide invaluable insights, strategies, and tips for professionals at any career stage. These books cover everything from communication tactics to industry-changing innovations.
I remember my first foray into PR; I quickly realized the importance of having a go-to list of must-read books. For instance, Harold Burson’s “The Business of Persuasion” offered me theories and real-world examples of successful public relations campaigns. There’s something incredibly motivating about reading the words of industry legends and applying them to your professional journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned PR pro trying to keep up with industry trends or a newbie eager to learn the ropes, there’s always a resource for you. I’ve discovered excellent reads like “Trust Me, I’m Lying” by Ryan Holiday and “The PR Paradox” by Matias Rodsevich, providing practical advice and fresh perspectives. So, let’s dive into these essential PR books and set the stage for your subsequent big success in public relations!
Fundamentals of Public Relations
Public relations (PR) builds and maintains a positive image for organizations, using strategies and tactics to foster relationships, ensure ethical conduct, and establish trust.
History and Evolution
PR’s roots trace back to early civilization but significantly evolved in the 20th century. Edward L. Bernays, often called the “father of public relations,” wrote extensively about the field, emphasizing its societal role. His book, Propaganda, not only defined PR methods but also highlighted the power of persuasion. The industry’s growth paralleled advances in communication technologies, with the internet dramatically transforming PR practices by offering new tools for engagement and transparency.
PR Strategies and Tactics
Effective PR strategies focus on creating solid and positive relationships. Key tactics include media relations, where professionals craft press releases and pitch stories to journalists, and social media management, which involves engaging with audiences on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Crisis management is another crucial aspect—anticipating potential issues and preparing responses to mitigate negative impacts. Additionally, event planning helps organizations connect directly with their communities, fostering goodwill and positive perceptions.
Ethics and Trust
Ethics and trust are the bedrock of successful PR. Practitioners must adhere to strict ethical guidelines to build credibility. This involves transparency, honesty, and respect—critical for gaining public trust. Trust in PR requires consistent, truthful communication and a commitment to ethical standards, even when facing challenging situations. The focus remains on fostering long-term relationships based on integrity and reliability. This approach ensures the credibility and effectiveness of PR campaigns.
Building and Managing Reputation
Building and managing a reputation is crucial for any business or individual. Effective strategies include digital media practices, proactive crisis communication, and leveraging social media for positive engagement.
Reputation Management in the Digital Age
In the digital age, reputation management is more complex than ever. I find it essential to use online tools to monitor what is being said about me or my business.
Online reviews, social media sentiments, and search engine results can all impact my reputation. I can leverage platforms like Google Alerts or specialized reputation management software to stay updated.
I always prioritize transparency with my audience. Being honest and transparent about my actions helps build trust. Engaging positively with my audience and addressing concerns promptly can significantly bolster my reputation. Books like Spin Sucks: Communication and Reputation Management in the Digital Age offer valuable insights for navigating this landscape.
Crisis Communication and Management
Crisis communication is a critical aspect of managing my reputation. Preparing for potential crises means creating a detailed crisis communication plan.
I identify potential risks and outline clear roles and responsibilities within my team. When a crisis hits, I act quickly and communicate openly to address the issue and mitigate damage.
Maintaining a calm and steady tone helps to convey control over the situation. I always stress the importance of honesty and taking responsibility when necessary. Effective crisis management not only protects my reputation but can also enhance it by showing resilience and responsiveness.
Role of Social Media
Social media plays a pivotal role in building and managing my reputation. Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook allow me to engage directly with my audience.
I use these platforms to share positive news, address concerns, and build a community. Monitoring social media interactions helps me understand public perception and respond swiftly to issues.
Regularly posting engaging content keeps my audience interested and informed. Interaction, such as replying to comments and messages, fosters a sense of connection and loyalty. Properly leveraging social media can transform it from a potential risk into a powerful tool for reputation enhancement.
Influential PR Literature
Dive into influential PR literature to uncover pivotal works that have shaped the field. Explore pioneering authors who laid the groundwork, contemporary masterpieces that reflect current trends, and essential books for honing your PR skills.
Pioneering Books and Authors
Harold Burson’s The Business of Persuasion offers a genuine look at PR through the eyes of one of its founding figures. His memoir provides insight into classic public relations practices via personal anecdotes. I also appreciate the work of David Meerman Scott, whose The New Rules of Marketing and PR revolutionized how we approach media in the digital age.
Roy Peter Clark’s texts are valuable, too. They emphasize the essentials of clear and impactful writing. These books lay the foundation for understanding traditional and evolving PR strategies, essential for any practitioner aiming to grasp the roots of public relations.
Contemporary PR Reading
Ryan Holiday’s Trust Me, I’m Lying is a must-read. This behind-the-scenes account digs into the manipulative tactics used in modern media. Jonah Berger’s Contagious: Why Things Catch On is equally compelling, as it discusses what makes content go viral. These contemporary works focus on the dynamics of digital and social media.
Gini Dietrich’s insights are invaluable for practical advice. Her work, often featured in updated lists like those on PRLab’s website, presents actionable strategies for today’s PR challenges. Contemporary literature usually reflects the rapid changes in digital landscapes and reputation management.
Books for Enhancing PR Skills
Alex Singleton’s PR Masterclass is a handbook for developing effective PR campaigns. The book breaks down complex strategies into manageable tasks, making it accessible for newcomers and seasoned professionals. Another valuable read is Jennefer Witter’s work on PR tactics aimed at small businesses, offering practical steps for immediate implementation.
These books align well with practical needs, serving as daily guides to better client management and media relations. Regularly topping best PR book lists, they cover essential skills like media pitching, crisis management, and crafting compelling narratives. This makes them indispensable resources for anyone looking to refine their PR expertise.
PR in the Digital and Social Media Era
Public relations has evolved significantly with the rise of digital and social media. This shift necessitates a comprehensive grasp of digital marketing, adept use of various social media platforms, and a keen focus on measurement and analytics.
Digital Marketing and PR
PR professionals need to integrate digital marketing strategies into their campaigns in the digital age. Traditional methods like press releases and media outreach remain essential, but now we must also harness the power of online content, SEO, and email marketing. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter enable direct audience engagement, pushing PR messages further. Marketing tools like Google Analytics help track outreach effectiveness, crafting more targeted campaigns.
Social Media Platforms for PR
Social media has become a vital tool in PR. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn offer unique ways to engage with different demographics. Instagram’s visual-centric interface is perfect for brand storytelling, while LinkedIn helps in professional networking and B2B communications. YouTube and Pinterest provide avenues for video content and visually appealing boards to maintain audience interest. Engaging with followers, responding to comments, and sharing relevant content are essential aspects of PR on these platforms.
Measurement and Analytics
Understanding the impact of PR activities requires robust measurement and analytics. Tools like Google Analytics, social media analytics dashboards, and specialized software like Hootsuite or Sprout Social provide critical insights. These tools track metrics such as engagement rates, click-through rates, and audience demographics. This data allows me to refine strategies and improve future campaigns—the ability to report on ROI and demonstrate the value of PR efforts has never been more accessible.
Career and Industry Insights
In public relations, staying ahead involves continuous learning, adapting to new trends, and effective networking. Below, I’ll explore critical areas necessary for anyone looking to thrive in a PR career.
Developing PR Skills and Career
Becoming a successful public relations specialist requires a mix of communication, marketing, and analytical skills. Emphasizing continuous education is essential, whether through formal degrees or professional certifications. Books like “How to Succeed in a PR Agency” provide practical roadmaps and real-world experience that can guide your career path. Engaging with content from industry experts like Amith Prabhu and Sujit Patil can offer valuable insights and strategies.
Emerging Trends and Innovations
Staying current with industry trends is crucial in PR. The shift towards digital platforms has transformed how PR strategies are developed and executed. Innovations like AI in media monitoring and analytics tools help tailor more effective campaigns. Reading resources like “Spin Sucks: Communication and Reputation Management in the Digital Age” by Gini Dietrich can provide cutting-edge knowledge. Platforms like PRLab discuss the best PR books to update you on emerging trends.
Networking and Professional Growth
Effective networking is a cornerstone of a thriving PR career. Attending industry events, joining professional associations, and engaging in online forums can provide valuable connections. John Williams’ example of building a vast network highlights the importance of relationships in the public relations industry. Books such as those listed on Prezly’s top PR reads delve into networking strategies and offer advice on growing professionally by leveraging these connections.
Staying focused on these areas can enhance your PR career, keeping you informed, skilled, and connected.
David Quintero
With five years of experience in public relations, David has spearheaded impactful campaigns that have successfully connected brands with top-tier media. His exceptional storytelling abilities allow him to transform client messages into compelling narratives, delivering measurable results.
Michelin, the world leader in tyre technology, announced the winners of the Michelin AI Challenge, the first AI challenge in the sector. Launched in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and Startup India, the initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the Indian AI startup ecosystem while exposing them to global best practices.
The award ceremony undertaken at IIT Delhi, was honored by the presence of our special guests Mr. Petros Sourmelis, Minister-Counsellor, Delegation of EU to India and Bhutan, Ms. Marie Khater, Deputy Head of the Regional Economic Department for India and South Asia, Embassy of France, Dr. Ambica Rajagopal, Michelin Group’s Chief Data and AI Officer, and Mr. Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India.
During the event, 10 startups pitched their ideas, and Kogo.ai, Prophecy, and Zangoh.ai were recognized for their innovative contributions, learning opportunities to co-build on strategic projects and receive mentorship. The startups were carefully evaluated by a team of Michelin’s AI data scientists, business leaders, product managers and developers. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between Michelin and DPIIT, aimed at fostering sustained innovation and entrepreneurship, while creating an enabling environment for startups to thrive.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ambica Rajagopal, Michelin Group’s Chief Data and AI Officer said “The Michelin AI Startup Challenge is designed to identify and support innovative startups to build solutions using AI agents, LLMs, computer vision, and robotics to enhance manufacturing, product quality, road and pedestrian safety, and how to use AI in a responsible, explainable and ethical way. By leveraging LLMs and generative AI, we are not just automating workflows but enabling intelligent agents to discover optimal paths of action through complex choices. These AI systems are now able to generate insights from distributed knowledge, linking structured and unstructured data to build deeper models of customer behavior. The potential to unlock creativity and innovation has never been greater.”
Mr. Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India, said; “At Michelin, our commitment to India is reflected in our decision to establish our AI headquarters in Pune and in our continued partnership with the government through initiatives like the MOU signed with DPIIT. We believe in the power of collaboration, where our global expertise and mentorship, combined with the government’s scale and vision, create a win-win scenario. We sincerely extend our gratitude to DPIIT for their invaluable support in making this challenge a success.”
Mr. Petros Sourmelis, Minister-Counsellor, Delegation of EU to India and Bhutan, said; “The AI Challenge is a novel initiative of Michelin that aims to expand Data and AI capabilities and bring innovation to the forefront. That it has received 200+ applications from startups across the country speaks volumes about the interest this program and its themes have generated. I hope this will give a huge spur to industry linked innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.”
Ms. Marie Khater, Deputy Head of the Regional Economic Department for India and South Asia Embassy of France said; “The work and activities engaged by Michelin in India embodies the profound and concrete partnership that our two countries have on digital technologies. Not only is Michelin an industrial group, one of the leaders in tyre manufacturing but the company is deeply engaged in innovation and R&D, particularly in the digital space. I am really looking forward to seeing how we can build on existing initiatives from French and Indian companies like this one to find synergies and strengthen our bilateral ties on innovation, notably in the perspective of the Indo-French year of innovation in 2026.”
The Michelin AI Challenge, a 12-week-long initiative, was undertaken in multiple stages which included, outreach, applications, shortlisting and mentorship until September 2024, followed by the grand finale featuring the shortlisted startups. The challenge saw an overwhelming response, with 106 startups applying from all over the country. Around 60% startups from tier 1 cities and tier 2 cities applied, showcasing diverse, innovative AI solutions that highlight the nation’s talent and break geographical barriers.
The top ten AI innovators from the AI Startup Challenge presented their projects at the demo day at IIT Delhi. The three winning teams were awarded paid pilot projects from Michelin, with funding of up to INR 5 lakh each. Furthermore, these winners will gain access to global contracts and incubation support from Michelin leadership.
DPIIT has been proactively working towards mobilizing startups in the manufacturing space, and to provide them with early-stage support necessary for their growth. The Department is building an initiative to bridge the gap between industry and startups, by supporting with setting-up of incubators and incubation programs led by the industry. The initiative aims to empower manufacturing startups with innovative technologies and sustainable practices, enabling them to become leaders in the global market through incubation supported by the industry.
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) today celebrated the grand inauguration of its new office at the World Trade Centre, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi. Presiding over the event, Chief Guest, Sh. S Krishnan, IAS – Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Govt. of India, and Chairman of NIXI, emphasized the growing importance of trusted connectivity in today’s digital landscape. “NIXI’s role in providing trusted connectivity is more essential than ever, both for India and the global community. Their recent innovations highlight significant potential for expanding their services. I commend their positive steps to make .in domain names more affordable, accessible, and appealing,” said Sh. S Krishnan.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, which included Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS – Additional Secretary, MeitY; Shri Rajesh Singh, Joint Secretary and Financial Adviser, MeitY; and Shri Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, MeitY, marking a significant step in NIXI’s efforts to strengthen India’s internet infrastructure and foster digital growth.
As part of the event, Secretary MeitY unveiled a few initiatives undertaken by NIXI, i.e. a Festive Offer for .in Accredited Registrars, aimed at accelerating the adoption of the .in domain across the users. The ceremony featured the launch of NIXI’s CSR Impact Assessment Report for FY 23-24, highlighting the organization’s achievements in the realm of CSR. The report showcased NIXI’s work in promoting digital literacy, expanding internet accessibility, and contributing to community development. It also outlined future goals, reaffirming NIXI’s commitment to supporting India’s digital economy and social empowerment initiatives.
The event was also marked by the signing of a strategic agreement with M/s Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL) for the implementation of NIXI SSL Certificate Authority (SSL CA). This partnership will enhance internet security across India by providing trusted SSL certification services, ensuring safe online transactions and bolstering user trust.
The inauguration of NIXI’s new office underscores the organization’s dedication to expanding India’s digital infrastructure, fostering secure and accessible internet services, and reinforcing its leadership in internet governance.
LTIMindtree [NSE: LTIM, BSE: 540005], a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, announces that it has been named Partner of the Year for Digital Transformation by Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance. The award recognizes LTIMindtree’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence within the Insurance industry by providing advanced digital solutions.
LTIMindtree has been instrumental in helping Insurers adopt Duck Creek OnDemand solution suite while effectively tackling migration and integration through cutting edge tools like Leapfrog AI, Wingman and Canvas AI in addressing common issues around migration and integration with innovative solutions.
“LTIMindtree has enhanced the transformation process for our clients by offering them efficient tools and methodologies for upgrading, remediating and migrating from older versions of Duck Creek Policy, Billing, and Claims solutions into the evergreen SaaS platform, Duck Creek OnDemand. Their expertise in Conformance Remediation has proven invaluable. Their tools save our clients time and reduce costs during their transition to DCOD,” said Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Customer and Partner Enablement, Duck Creek Technologies.
“We are honored to be recognized as Duck Creek’s Partner of the Year for Digital Transformation,” said David Althoff, Senior Vice President & Chief Business Officer, Insurance, LTIMindtree. “This award highlights our dedication to leveraging innovative technologies to solve complex migration and integration issues, ensuring a seamless transition for our clients.”
LTIMindtree has supported a wide range of Duck Creek customers in transitioning to the latest platform by incorporating advanced digital and AI technologies. These initiatives have streamlined the cloud migration and adoption process and resolved key integration challenges, enabling clients to maximize the business benefits of using the Duck Creek OnDemand suite.
Understanding the impact of carbon emissions on the planet, Greenforce Clean Team has committed to offsetting all carbon emissions related to its operations. This includes emissions from both the transportation used for client visits and the everyday activities of our office and field staff.
Carbon Neutral Commitment
In collaboration with the Carbon Fund, one of the leading environmental organizations focused on global reforestation and carbon offset programs, Greenforce Clean Team will donate funds to purchase carbon credits. These funds will directly support projects that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to reforestation efforts globally.
“Our commitment to the environment goes beyond just using eco-friendly cleaning products,” said Jayeson Koyil, CEO of Greenforce Clean Team. “Achieving carbon neutrality through our partnership with the Carbon Fund means we are taking a significant step towards truly green operations, offsetting the carbon footprint from our vehicles and general operations.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainability
Every aspect of Greenforce Clean Team’s operations has been analyzed to ensure that our carbon footprint is fully offset. This includes:
Transportation: Calculating the total miles traveled by our fleet of vehicles to provide services at clients’ locations.
Operations: Assessing the energy usage of our office spaces and the carbon output of our field staff.
Per Capita Impact: Evaluating the overall impact per employee to ensure that every team member is working in a manner that aligns with our green philosophy.
By purchasing carbon credits, Greenforce Clean Team supports a range of projects, including but not limited to reforestation initiatives, renewable energy projects, and methane capture programs.
Looking Forward
“As we move forward, our partnership with the Carbon Fund will help us not only to offset our carbon emissions but also to contribute to global efforts in fighting climate change,” added Mr. Koyil “We believe this initiative will not only benefit the environment but also encourage other companies in our industry to follow in our footsteps.”
For more information about Greenforce Clean Team and our environmental initiatives, please contact:
Natalie Lei
Assistant Manager
Greenforce Clean Team
(415) 673-3266
info ( @ ) greenforce dot biz
www.greenforce.biz
About Greenforce Clean Team
Greenforce Clean Team is a San Francisco based green cleaning company that uses non-toxic and environmentally safe products to provide top-notch cleaning services to both residential and commercial clients. Committed to sustainability, Greenforce Clean Team continues to lead the way in eco-friendly cleaning practices across the region.
About Carbon Fund
The Carbon Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting climate change education and carbon offsetting through reforestation and renewable energy projects. Their efforts aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions globally and promote a healthier, more sustainable future.
The ISO 9001 certification is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems (QMS) and reflects Konrady Plastics’ consistent focus on meeting customer expectations, improving internal processes, and ensuring top-quality products across all sectors. This achievement underscores the company’s continuous drive to deliver superior products and services to a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, transportation, pharmaceutical, and more.
We are extremely proud to receive the ISO 9001 certification, said Leah Konrady, CEO of Konrady Plastics. This accomplishment highlights our teams hard work and dedication to upholding the highest standards of quality and efficiency. It also reinforces our commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement across all areas of our business.
What ISO 9001 Certification Means for Konrady Plastics Customers
By attaining the ISO 9001 certification, Konrady Plastics demonstrates its ability to consistently provide high-quality products that meet both regulatory and customer requirements. This certification offers several key benefits to customers, including:
Increased Customer Satisfaction: Konrady Plastics is dedicated to ensuring that its products meet or exceed the expectations of its customers, delivering reliable, high-performance engineered plastic parts.
Enhanced Quality Assurance: The company has implemented stringent quality control processes to monitor every phase of production, ensuring consistency, precision, and excellence.
Operational Efficiency: The certification process has enabled Konrady Plastics to streamline operations and optimize resources, resulting in cost-effective solutions for its clients.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The ISO 9001 certification reflects Konrady Plastics’ ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. With the certification in place, the company will continue to innovate and refine its processes to ensure that its customers receive the best possible products and services.
We see this certification not as a final goal but as a crucial step in our journey toward greater innovation and excellence, added Leah Konrady. Our customers can be confident that we will continue to invest in our operations, our people, and our technology to ensure we consistently meet the highest standards in the industry.
Bashar Hamood from FasterCapital commented, “Friendbase is pioneering a safe space for teens to engage and interact positively online. By addressing the pressing issues of bullying and toxic behavior, they are setting a new standard in the gaming and social networking industries. We are excited to support their mission of creating a friendlier online world for the younger generation.”
Deborah B Lygonis, CEO of Friendbase, expressed her enthusiasm: “Joining FasterCapital’s Acceleration program is a significant step for Friendbase. We are dedicated to making the online world a friendlier place, and with their support, we can scale our operations to reach more young teens around the globe. Together, we aim to empower our users with the tools to foster positive behavior and friendship in the digital space.”
Friendbase combines collaborative games, educational quizzes, and robust safety features to create a unique online experience. Available on iOS, Android, and web, the platform is dedicated to educating teens on digital citizenship and conflict management, ultimately promoting a healthier online community.
Choosing the right house plan is one of the most important steps in building your dream home. With so many options available, from two-story layouts to single-level designs, finding a plan that perfectly matches your family’s needs can be challenging. A well-chosen house plan should balance practicality with personal style, ensuring that your home fits your current lifestyle and has the flexibility to adapt as your family grows or changes. At The House Plan Company, you’ll find an extensive range of plans to explore, helping you find a layout that feels both beautiful and functional for years to come.
Choosing the right house plan is a crucial step toward building your dream home. The perfect house plan ensures that the design aligns with your current lifestyle and anticipates future needs. To make the right choice, you’ll need to balance several factors, such as your budget, family size, desired square footage, and whether you prefer an open floor plan or defined spaces.
It’s essential to evaluate how the layout will support your daily activities—for example, placing the laundry room close to bedrooms for easy access or opting for a floor plan with an additional bedroom if your family grows. You should also consider special design elements like natural light or outdoor space, which can enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
By taking these factors into account, you’ll not only choose a house plan that suits your present needs but one that can also adapt over time—whether through the addition of a home office, guest room, or extra storage. Whether you’re drawn to an open concept for entertaining or prefer distinct, private spaces, the right house plan will make daily life easier and more enjoyable.
Define Your Family’s Needs and Lifestyle
When choosing a house plan, it’s essential to align the layout with your family’s needs and lifestyle to ensure long-term comfort and functionality. Start by considering how your home will serve the specific needs of your family now and in the future. For example, families with young children may prefer bedrooms grouped together for convenience and safety, while those with teenagers or elderly parents might benefit from more separated private spaces for added privacy and independence.
Additionally, understanding your lifestyle helps guide whether an open floor plan or a more segmented layout will work best. If your family enjoys hosting guests or entertaining, an open floor plan with seamless transitions between the kitchen, dining room, and living room might be ideal. In contrast, if privacy is a priority, separate rooms and defined spaces may be better suited to your needs.
Planning for future growth is also an important consideration. Opting for an additional bedroom—even if you don’t currently need it—can accommodate new family members or provide space for a home office or guest room down the line. This flexibility ensures your home can adapt to evolving needs, from children growing up to elderly family members moving in for care.
Ultimately, matching the right house plan with your family’s lifestyle ensures that your home will meet both immediate and long-term requirements. This alignment minimizes the need for future renovations, saving time and money while enhancing daily living.
Explore Different Floor Plan Options and Layouts
The layout of your home plays a critical role in how comfortable and functional it will be. Exploring various floor plan options allows you to determine which design best fits your needs. An open floor plan, which merges spaces like the kitchen, dining room, and living room, is a popular choice for families who love to entertain or prefer a spacious, airy environment. This layout offers flexibility by promoting easy movement and interaction between rooms.
However, not every family thrives in an open concept layout. Some may prefer defined spaces that provide privacy and reduce noise between areas like bedrooms, the home office, and the family room. If privacy is important, choosing a plan with more segmentation, such as a formal dining room or separated living spaces, can offer greater comfort and functionality for day-to-day living.
It’s also important to consider the placement of rooms to support daily routines. For example, locating the laundry room near the bedrooms makes chores more efficient, while situating the master bedroom on the main floor can provide accessibility for elderly family members. Whether you need an extra bedroom for guests or a home office that offers a quiet retreat, these design decisions should reflect how you plan to use your space.
As you explore floor plans, look for features that enhance your lifestyle and provide long-term flexibility. This might include additional storage space, a breakfast nook, or outdoor living areas that seamlessly connect to the interior. These small considerations can make a big difference in how enjoyable and practical your home feels over time.
Balance Aesthetic Preferences with Practicality
While aesthetics play an important role in the overall appeal of your home, practicality should guide many of your design choices. Natural lighting, for example, not only enhances the beauty of a space, but also improves energy efficiency and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Large windows, skylights, and features like French doors can make rooms feel more open and comfortable, boosting the overall livability of your home.
Outdoor spaces are another consideration that can enhance both aesthetics and function. Whether it’s a small patio, a garden, or a larger deck, these areas extend your living space and provide opportunities for relaxation or entertaining. A well-designed outdoor space creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, making the home feel larger and more dynamic.
In addition to aesthetics, it’s essential to ensure the layout supports practical needs. Features like ample storage space or a mudroom near the entrance are often overlooked, but can make daily routines easier and help keep the home organized. You’ll also want to think about how the design can adapt to your family’s evolving needs over time.
Ultimately, finding a balance between style and function ensures your home will remain both beautiful and practical for years to come. Thoughtfully integrating design elements with practical considerations will allow your home to reflect your personal tastes while supporting your lifestyle in meaningful ways.
Plan for Future Growth and Special Needs
As you select a house plan, it’s important to consider not just your current situation but also how your needs may evolve over time. Planning for future growth ensures that your home can accommodate changes, such as a growing family, new hobbies, or shifts in lifestyle. Opting for an additional bedroom or multipurpose spaces can offer the flexibility needed to meet these changing demands. A guest room might eventually serve as a nursery, while a playroom can later transform into a study or home office.
As mentioned previously, for families with elderly parents or those planning to age in place, accessibility becomes a crucial factor. A home with a single-level layout or a ground-floor primary bedroom eliminates the need to navigate stairs, making daily life easier for those with mobility challenges. Incorporating wider doorways, step-free entries, or accessible bathrooms also ensures comfort and safety as family members age.
Future-proofing the layout by selecting a plan with storage space and adaptable rooms offers long-term value. For instance, a larger storage area today might later become a home gym or hobby space. Outdoor spaces are also worth considering; patios or gardens provide opportunities for family activities now and may serve different purposes as children grow or personal interests evolve.
Having flexible spaces allows your home to keep pace with life’s transitions, from young children to teenagers, and eventually adult children or elderly parents. This foresight helps avoid costly renovations and ensures the home will remain functional and comfortable throughout all stages of life. By choosing a plan that balances both present needs and future possibilities, you create a lasting, adaptable space that continues to meet your family’s needs over time.
Making the Final Decision: Finding the Perfect House Plan
After evaluating your family’s needs, lifestyle, and preferred layout, it’s time to make the final decision on the right house plan. This step involves carefully reviewing all your options and ensuring the design aligns with both your immediate and future requirements. Start by comparing plans side by side, focusing on essential factors such as square footage, the number of bedrooms, and storage space. Make sure the plan you choose also accommodates specific needs, whether that includes a home office, extra bedroom, or a well-connected outdoor space.
Customization is often a valuable option for homeowners who want to make a plan uniquely their own. Small modifications—such as adding a breakfast nook or reconfiguring rooms for privacy—can make the layout more functional and better suited to your lifestyle. This flexibility ensures the home evolves with your family, providing the adaptability needed as your circumstances change over time.
Working with a trusted partner like The House Plan Company can simplify this process. Their extensive collection of house plans provides a wide range of styles and layouts to explore. The House Plan Company can help you find a design that matches your vision and enhances your daily life. Selecting the right house plan is a significant step in building your dream home, and with expert guidance, you’ll have the support you need to make the best decision for your family.
About The House Plan Company
Drawing on the nation’s best designers and architects, The House Plan Company offers pre-designed house, garage and accessory structure plans to homeowners and builders on an easy-to-navigate website. The House Plan Company brings clients closer to its team of award-winning design professionals and architects to work cooperatively on customizing or modifying a house or garage plan to suit their needs. The House Plan Company features a vast collection of house plans, garage plans and accessory building plans in many different architectural styles and sizes.
Bidmii selected for REACH Canada 2025, driving expanded solutions for real estate professionals to boost efficiency and transparency across the industry.
Bidmii, a leading platform transforming how homeowners and property managers connect with trusted contractors, is excited to announce its selection for REACH Canada 2025. As a REACH Canada 2025 company, Bidmii aims to leverage this opportunity to expand its success in the property management sector to a wider range of real estate professionals.
Building on its proven track record with property management integrations, Bidmii plans to scale its innovative solutions to serve real estate professional organizations and those who support them. By broadening its reach, Bidmii seeks to streamline contractor interactions across the entire real estate industry, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and collaboration.
“Joining REACH Canada 2025 is a strategic milestone for Bidmii,” said Jon Christensen, CEO of Bidmii. “We’ve experienced significant success in the property management space, and we’re now poised to replicate that success across a broader spectrum of real estate professionals. With the support of REACH Canada, we can accelerate our growth and extend our innovative platform to benefit more stakeholders in the industry.”
“Bidmii’s vision to expand its proven solutions aligns perfectly with the goals of REACH Canada 2025,” said Mike McAra, Director of REACH Canada. “Their commitment to enhancing the real estate ecosystem by scaling their success beyond property management is exactly the kind of innovation we aim to foster. We’re excited to support Bidmii as they embark on this next phase of growth.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Bidmii to the REACH Canada 2025 cohort,” added Lynette Keyowski, Managing Partner of REACH Canada. “Their dedication to broadening their impact within the real estate industry demonstrates the innovative spirit we value. We look forward to providing the resources, mentorship, and connections to help Bidmii achieve its ambitious goals.”
About Bidmii
Bidmii is revolutionizing the home improvement and real estate industries by connecting homeowners, property managers, real estate professionals, and contractors through a secure and user-friendly platform. By streamlining the bidding and hiring process, Bidmii ensures transparency, efficiency, and peace of mind for all parties involved. For more information, visit www.bidmii.com.
About REACH Canada
REACH Canada is a unique technology scale-up program created by Second Century Ventures, the most active venture fund in real estate technology. Backed by the National Association of REALTORS®, SCV and REACH leverage the association’s more than 1.4 million members and a worldwide network of executives to help technology companies scale across the real estate vertical and its adjacent markets. The program provides education, mentorship, and market exposure to propel companies to new heights. For more on REACH Canada, visit www.narreach.ca.
Guests Can Support Local Kids in Need and Earn a Free Appetizer Through Doherty-owned Applebee’s Unique Fundraising Efforts
Doherty Enterprises, Inc., a leading franchisee for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar in New York City, Long Island, N.Y., and New Jersey, is thrilled to announce the launch of its 26th annual Toys for Tots® campaign. This year, the initiative aims to bring holiday joy to local children by raising $250,000, adding to the over $5.4 million already raised since the partnership began in 1998.
Beginning November 1, 2024, through January 5, 2025, guests can participate in a variety of donation opportunities across all participating Doherty Applebee’s locations. Donations can be made by rounding up checks to the nearest dollar, purchasing festive “paper gift packs,” or enjoying seasonal drinks, including the Mucho Jack & Jingle and Cranberry Margarita, with a portion of proceeds donated directly to Toys for Tots. In appreciation, guests who donate $10 or more will receive a “Bounce Back” coupon for a complimentary appetizer on their next visit.
“Our longstanding partnership with Toys for Tots has helped provide children in need with holiday cheer for over two decades,” said Kurt Pahlitzsch, Vice President of Operations at Doherty Enterprises. “This year, we’re excited to reach for an ambitious goal and offer our guests a meaningful way to join us in making a difference. Together, we’re not just raising funds—we’re uplifting our communities and ensuring every child experiences the joy of the season.”
In addition to the fundraising activities, select Doherty-owned Applebee’s locations will host Breakfast with Santa events on Saturday, December 7, offering families the chance to celebrate the season while supporting a worthy cause. All proceeds from these events will be donated directly to the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program, ensuring that every dollar raised helps brighten the lives of children in local neighborhoods. Can we say something like tickets can be purchased at your local Applebee’s restaurant in NJ and Long Island.
For more information about Doherty Enterprises, their commitment to their communities, and current job openings, visit http://www.dohertyinc.com.
About Applebee’s®
As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee’s franchise operations consisted of 1,625 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 12 countries outside the United States as of June 30, 2024. This number does not include one domestic Applebee’s ghost kitchens (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and eight Applebee’s international ghost kitchens. Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates more than 160 restaurants in New York and New Jersey, including five restaurant concepts: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex and its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In addition, Doherty Enterprises is also a franchisee of Sola Salon Studios with 13 locations in Staten Island and New Jersey.
Doherty Enterprises is ranked 25th in Top 200 Franchisees in the United States by Restaurant Finance Monitor, is recognized as the 77th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States by Nation’s Restaurant News, the 73rd largest privately held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business, and 34th largest privately held company in New Jersey by NJBIZ.
The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” Doherty Enterprises has also been lending a helping hand to team members and their immediate families when financially burdened through the WOW a Friend Foundation. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 4,00 people and donated over $5.3 million directly back to those in need. (www.DohertyInc.com).
Revo, the leader in high-performance polarized sunglasses, is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) during its #EyeGetDilated Ocular Melanoma Awareness Month campaign this November.
Revo will host a variety of in-store and online promotions, with proceeds benefitting the MRF and supporting its mission to raise awareness and fund research for ocular melanoma (OM), the most common primary eye tumor in adults.
Throughout November, Revo’s flagship SoHo store in New York City will feature a special “Shop and Give” campaign. A portion of all in-store sales will be donated to the MRF to support OM research, education, and advocacy efforts during its November #EyeGetDilated ocular melanoma awareness month campaign.
For online customers, Revo is offering an exclusive promotion: Take 20% off all sunglasses purchased at Revo.com using the code MRF20. This offer is valid through December 31, 2024, allowing customers to shop for a cause while enjoying the superior UV protection of Revo’s world-class eyewear.
As part of the month-long campaign, Revo will also host an event on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the SoHo store. The event will bring together OM survivors and medical professionals to discuss the role of protective eyewear and the importance of regular annual dilated eye exams as the best way to early detect OM. The evening will serve as a platform to raise awareness about this rare but serious disease while celebrating the ongoing partnership between Revo and the MRF.
“Our partnership with the Melanoma Research Foundation reflects Revo’s unwavering commitment to protecting eyes from harmful UV rays while supporting life-saving research,” said Cliff Robinson, CEO of Revo. “By joining forces with the MRF, we are not only advocating for sun safety but also helping to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of ocular melanoma. We’re honored to give back to this cause and invite our customers to participate through these special promotions.”
Ocular melanoma affects nearly 2,000 people in the U.S. each year, and in its early stages, it can have few or no symptoms. Regular dilated eye exams are critical for early detection. As part of its ongoing commitment, the MRF encourages everyone, even those with no vision problems, to make a dilated eye exam part of their annual wellness routine through its #EyeGetDilated campaign. Revo’s polarized lenses offer essential protection against UV light, making them a vital tool for eye health and melanoma prevention.
To learn more about ocular melanoma and the Melanoma Research Foundation’s CURE OM initiative, visit www.cureom.org.
About the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF):
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to medical research, the MRF aims to develop effective treatments and ultimately a cure for melanoma. In addition to research, the MRF educates patients and healthcare providers on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and its rare subtypes. The MRF serves as a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community and is a leading source of information on the disease. Learn more at www.melanoma.org or follow the MRF on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
About Revo
Founded in 1985, Revo quickly became a global performance eyewear brand known as the leader in polarized lens technology. Revo sunglasses were first created by utilizing lens technology developed by NASA as solar protection for satellites. Now, more than 35 years later, Revo continues to build on its rich tradition of technology and innovation by offering the clearest and most advanced high-contrast polarized eyewear in the world.
Up to $125 Off on all Premium Human Hair Wigs – Start Saving Early with Luvme Hair’s Biggest Discounts of the Year!
Luvme Hair, a leading brand in premium human hair wigs, is thrilled to announce an early start to its Black Friday Big Savings event. This exclusive promotion brings sitewide discounts of up to $125, allowing shoppers to enjoy the year’s lowest prices without waiting for Black Friday. Luvme Hair’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction shines through in these unbeatable deals, inviting customers to elevate their style with confidence and value.
Promotion Highlights:
UP TO $125 OFF on All Luvme Hair Products
Discount Codes for Maximum Savings:
BFS25: $25 off purchases of $119 or more
BFS45: $45 off purchases of $179 or more
BFS80: $80 off purchases of $279 or more
BFS125: $125 off purchases of $389 or more
Event Dates: November 1, 2024, to November 14, 2024 (Eastern Time)
Explore Luvme Hair’s exclusive Black Friday savings and grab the best deals ahead of the rush. With up to $125 in savings, this is the perfect chance to experience top-quality human hair wigs that enhance every look and style.
For more information, visit https://shop.luvmehair.com/collections/luvmehair-wig-sale and start shopping early to enjoy the best deals of the season!
“We’re excited to bring our customers these exclusive Black Friday savings ahead of the rush,” said Helena Lee, founder of Luvme Hair. “Our early access event allows everyone to secure incredible deals without the long wait or race against time on Black Friday. It’s the perfect opportunity for women to find their ideal wig and enjoy premium quality at unbeatable prices,”
About Luvme Hair:
Luvme Hair is a reputable brand in the hair wigs industry, known for its high-quality human hair wigs, AiryFit™ Scalp Care Wigs, glueless wigs, curly wigs, bob wigs, u part wigs and clip in hair extensions that allow individuals to effortlessly switch up their looks. With a focus on innovation, creativity, quality, and customer satisfaction, Luvme Hair has garnered a loyal customer base globally, with over 2 million satisfied customers. For more information about Luvme Hair and its products, please visit their official website at Luvme Hair.
Alicia Williamson, president of the Virginia State University SWE Affiliate, shares the innovative academic, social, and career readiness activities that VSU SWE has held on campus.
To mark the occasion, Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has compiled some of our top blog posts, podcast episodes, and magazine articles sharing the community’s stories and contributions in STEM.
Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. announced today that Eisai has completed the rolling submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for lecanemab-irmb (U.S. brand name: LEQEMBI®) subcutaneous autoinjector for weekly maintenance dosing after it was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA. LEQEMBI is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease (collectively referred to as early AD). If the FDA accepts the BLA, the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date (target date for completion of examination) will be set.
The BLA is based on data from the Clarity AD (Study 301) open-label extension (OLE) and modeling of observed data. If approved by the FDA, the LEQEMBI autoinjector could be used to administer LEQEMBI at home or at medical facilities, and the injection process is expected on average to take about 15 seconds. As part of the subcutaneous autoinjector 360 mg weekly maintenance regimen under review, patients who have completed the biweekly intravenous (IV) initiation phase would receive weekly doses that maintain effective drug concentrations to sustain the clearance of highly toxic protofibrils* which can continue to cause neuronal injury even after the amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque has been cleared from the brain.
AD is an ongoing neurotoxic process that begins before and continues after plaque deposition. Data suggest that early and continuing treatment may prolong the benefit of therapy even after plaque is cleared from the brain. This SC autoinjector is expected to be easier for patients and their care partners to use and may reduce the need for hospital or infusion site visits and nursing care compared to IV administration. In addition to potentially maintaining the clinical and biomarker benefits, subcutaneous maintenance dosing may be more convenient for patients and their care partners to continue the treatment.
LEQEMBI is approved in the U.S., Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Israel, UAE and Great Britain. Eisai has also submitted applications for approval of lecanemab in 10 countries and regions, including the European Union (EU). The US FDA accepted Eisai’s Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for monthly LEQEMBI IV maintenance dosing in June 2024 and set a PDUFA action date for January 25, 2025.
Eisai serves as the lead for lecanemab’s development and regulatory submissions globally with Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.
* Protofibrils are believed to contribute to the brain injury that occurs with AD and are considered to be the most toxic form of Aβ, having a primary role in the cognitive decline associated with this progressive, debilitating condition.1 Protofibrils cause injury to neurons in the brain, which in turn, can negatively impact cognitive function via multiple mechanisms, not only increasing the development of insoluble Aβ plaques but also increasing direct damage to brain cell membranes and the connections that transmit signals between nerve cells or nerve cells and other cells. It is believed the reduction of protofibrils may prevent the progression of AD by reducing damage to neurons in the brain and cognitive dysfunction.2
INDICATION
LEQEMBI® [(lecanemab-irmb) 100 mg/mL injection for intravenous use] is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Treatment with LEQEMBI should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials.
For the full press release, visit https://www.eisai.com/news/2024/news202482.html.
About lecanemab (LEQEMBI®)
Lecanemab is the result of a strategic research alliance between Eisai and BioArctic. It is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against aggregated soluble (protofibril) and insoluble forms of amyloid-beta (Aβ). Lecanemab is approved in the U.S.,3 Japan,4 China,5 South Korea,6 Hong Kong,7 Israel,8 the United Arab Emirates9 and Great Britain.10 Eisai has also submitted applications for approval of lecanemab in 10 countries and regions, including the European Union (EU).
LEQEMBI’s approvals in these countries was based on Phase 3 data from Eisai’s, global Clarity AD clinical trial, in which it met its primary endpoint and all key secondary endpoints with statistically significant results. The primary endpoint was the global cognitive and functional scale, Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB). In the Clarity AD clinical trial, treatment with lecanemab reduced clinical decline on CDR-SB by 27% at 18 months compared to placebo.11,12 The mean CDR-SB score at baseline was approximately 3.2 in both groups. The adjusted least-squares mean change from baseline at 18 months was 1.21 with lecanemab and 1.66 with placebo (difference, −0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.67 to −0.23; P<0.001). In addition, the secondary endpoint from the AD Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living Scale for Mild Cognitive Impairment (ADCS-MCI-ADL), which measures information provided by people caring for patients with AD, noted a statistically significant benefit of 37% compared to placebo. The adjusted mean change from baseline at 18 months in the ADCS-MCI-ADL score was −3.5 in the lecanemab group and −5.5 in the placebo group (difference, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.8; P<0.001). The ADCS MCI-ADL assesses the ability of patients to function independently, including being able to dress, feed themselves and participate in community activities. The most common adverse events (>10%) in the lecanemab group were infusion reactions, ARIA-H (combined cerebral microhemorrhages, cerebral macrohemorrhages, and superficial siderosis), ARIA-E (edema/effusion), headache, and fall.
Since July 2020 the Phase 3 clinical study (AHEAD 3-45) for individuals with preclinical AD, meaning they are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains, is ongoing. AHEAD 3-45 is conducted as a public-private partnership between the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial Consortium that provides the infrastructure for academic clinical trials in AD and related dementias in the U.S, funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, Eisai and Biogen. Since January 2022, the Tau NexGen clinical study for Dominantly Inherited AD (DIAD), that is conducted by Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is ongoing and includes lecanemab as the backbone anti-amyloid therapy.
About the Collaboration between Eisai and Biogen for AD
Eisai and Biogen have been collaborating on the joint development and commercialization of AD treatments since 2014. Eisai serves as the lead of lecanemab development and regulatory submissions globally with both companies co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.
About the Collaboration between Eisai and BioArctic for AD
Since 2005, Eisai and BioArctic have had a long-term collaboration regarding the development and commercialization of AD treatments. Eisai obtained the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market lecanemab for the treatment of AD pursuant to an agreement with BioArctic in December 2007. The development and commercialization agreement on the antibody lecanemab back-up was signed in May 2015.
About Eisai Co., Ltd.
Eisai’s Corporate Concept is “to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides.” Under this Concept (also known as human health care (hhc) Concept), we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology.
In addition, we demonstrate our commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by working on various activities together with global partners.
For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), and connect with us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.For audiences based in the UK and Europe, please visit www.eisai.eu and Eisai EMEA LinkedIn.
About Biogen
Founded in 1978, Biogen is a leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to deliver new medicines to transform patients’ lives and to create value for shareholders and our communities. We apply deep understanding of human biology and leverage different modalities to advance first-in-class treatments or therapies that deliver superior outcomes. Our approach is to take bold risks, balanced with return on investment to deliver long-term growth.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Eisai Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department +81 (0)3-3817-5120
Eisai Inc. (U.S.) Julie Edelman +1-862-213-5915 Julie_Edelman@eisai.com
Eisai Europe, Ltd. EMEA Communications Department +44 (0) 797-487-9419 Emea-comms@eisai.net
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including about the potential clinical effects of lecanemab; the potential benefits, safety and efficacy of lecanemab; potential regulatory discussions, submissions and approvals and the timing thereof; the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease; the anticipated benefits and potential of Biogen’s collaboration arrangements with Eisai; the potential of Biogen’s commercial business and pipeline programs, including lecanemab; and risks and uncertainties associated with drug development and commercialization. These statements may be identified by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “will,” “would” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical studies may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical studies and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including without limitation unexpected concerns that may arise from additional data, analysis or results obtained during clinical studies; the occurrence of adverse safety events; risks of unexpected costs or delays; the risk of other unexpected hurdles; regulatory submissions may take longer or be more difficult to complete than expected; regulatory authorities may require additional information or further studies, or may fail or refuse to approve or may delay approval of Biogen’s drug candidates, including lecanemab; actual timing and content of submissions to and decisions made by the regulatory authorities regarding lecanemab; uncertainty
Mazda Motor Corporation today launched a redesigned corporate website. Amid growing awareness and interest in sustainability, the company redesigned its website to provide stakeholders visiting the corporate website with more timely and user-friendly access to financial and non-financial data as well as information about initiatives set to enhance both corporate and social value.
Within the corporate website, it also set up MAZDA MIRAI BASE, a new owned-media platform filled with videos and photos, to share stories about Mazda’s work to build a better future.
Mazda Motor Corporation Website URL:
Japanese – www.mazda.com/ja/ English - www.mazda.com/en/
MAZDA MIRAI BASE URL:
Japanese - www.mazda.com/ja/mazda-mirai-base/ English – www.mazda.com/en/mazda-mirai-base/
Key Improvements
Mazda’s website that presents the company’s worldview more clearly offering enhanced usability
To help our stakeholders quickly find information they need and access a broader range of corporate data, Mazda redesigned its website structure and reorganized the information posted. In addition, the content was optimized to convey Mazda’s corporate philosophy, established last year, and value creation approach, arranging these in a restructured corporate website that articulates our worldview seeking to create a vibrant future.
New MAZDA MIRAI BASE platform
This new owned-media platform MAZDA MIRAI BASE has been created to share Mazda’s aspirations and initiatives for realizing its corporate philosophy and 2030 Vision. Working from the concept of a “media platform that connects with partners to create an exciting future,” MAZDA MIRAI BASE distributes articles, video and photos to tell stories about ”creating the joy of living” found in manufacturing safe and reliable automobiles, manufacturing sustainably, and creating moving experiences.
Mazda will continue to pursue the ‘Joy of Driving’ under its core value “Human Centric,” and aim to deliver the ‘Joy of Living’ by creating moving experiences in customers’ daily lives.
Reference:
Mazda’s Corporate Philosophy
– Japanese https://www.mazda.com/ja/about/philosophy/ – English https://www.mazda.com/en/about/philosophy/
JBM (Healthcare) Limited (“JBM Healthcare” or the “Company”; Stock Code: 2161, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), a leading branded healthcare products marketer and distributor in Hong Kong, has today announced a positive profit alert. Based on a preliminary review of the unaudited consolidated management accounts of the Group for the six months ended 30 September 2024 and the information currently available to the board of directors of the Company, the Group expects to record an increase in the consolidated profit attributable to shareholders for the six months ended 30 September 2024 (“Consolidated Profit”) by not less than 50% as compared to that for the same period last year.
The significant increase in Consolidated Profit was primarily driven by the robust sales momentum of the Group’s key brands, notably Ho Chai Kung in the branded medicines segment and Po Chai Pills in the proprietary Chinese medicines segment. This was further supported by the sustained growth of the Group’s concentrated Chinese medicine granules business . This encouraging performance reflects the Group’s effective execution of sales and marketing strategies across both offline and online channels, capitalising on the growth potential of branded consumer healthcare products in the markets of Hong Kong, Macau and cities within the Greater Bay Area.
JBM Healthcare has a diversified portfolio spanning branded medicines, proprietary Chinese medicines, and health and wellness products. The Group continues to make progress on its strategic priorities, including expanding e-commerce platforms locally and cross-border, exploring opportunities in traditional Chinese medicines for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, adapting its product mix to consumer trends, leveraging its brand management strengths, and enhancing commercial execution.
For details, please refer to the announcement on HKEX.
About JBM (Healthcare) Limited (Stock Code: 2161)
JBM Healthcare is a Hong Kong-based company that markets and distributes branded healthcare products across Greater China, Southeast Asia, and other select countries. The Group is a distinctive player in the sector with marketing expertise and heritage in pharmaceuticals that prioritises product efficacy and quality to meet consumers’ healthcare needs. As a renowned healthcare brand operator in Hong Kong, the Group carries a wide-ranging portfolio of branded healthcare products comprising branded medicines, proprietary Chinese medicines, and health and wellness products, which include well-recognised household brands such as Po Chai Pills, Ho Chai Kung Tji Thung San, Contractubex, Mederma for Kids, Tong Tai Chung Woodlok Oil, Flying Eagle Woodlok Oil, Saplingtan, Shiling Oil and Konsodona Medicated Oil. JBM Healthcare has been a constituent stock of the MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index since 27 May 2021. For more details about JBM Healthcare, please visit: www.jbmhealthcare.com.hk
Today, Toyota Motor Corporation (hereafter, Toyota) and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (hereafter, NTT) have agreed to a joint initiative in the field of mobility and AI/telecommunications with the aim of realizing a society with zero traffic accidents.
Through their previous collaborations, the two companies have confirmed that they share common values, such as contributing to society through technological and industrial development, a people-centered approach, and global contributions that start in Japan. This time, they will further deepen their collaboration with the aim of achieving a “society with zero traffic accidents” as the first step towards realizing a prosperous mobility society where safety and freedom are in harmony.
In order to achieve a society with zero traffic accidents, it is necessary to take an infrastructure-cooperative approach that constantly connects people, mobility and infrastructure, in addition to the advancement of driving support technology based on data-driven technology in cars and the development of future automated driving technology.
To achieve both of these things, Toyota is developing Software Defined Vehicles (SDV) with safety and security as the top priority. Alongside the evolution of SDV, it will become more important to build infrastructure such as a high-speed, high-quality communication infrastructure, an AI infrastructure that can collect and intelligently process vast amounts of information, and a computing infrastructure.
In this collaboration, NTT, whose strengths lie in the telecommunications, and Toyota will jointly build a “Mobility AI Platform” that combines a seamless communications infrastructure with AI and computing platforms that can intelligently process large amounts of data. By doing so, they aim to connect people, mobility, and infrastructure to realize a safe, secure, and sustainable mobility society with no traffic accidents.
Details of the joint initiative
We will jointly develop and operate the “Mobility AI Platform” and use it in our efforts(1) to achieve a society with zero traffic accidents. The Mobility AI Platform is made up of multiple elements(2).
The Mobility AI Platform aims to standardize the mobility field, and we envision that it will be used not only by the two companies, but also by a wide range of industry, government, and academic partners who share the goal of realizing a society with zero traffic accidents.
Through this initiative, the two companies expect to invest a total of 500 billion yen by 2030. Starting in 2025, they will begin development of the Mobility AI Platform, and from around 2028 under the three-pronged infrastructure, they will begin social implementation and collaboration with various partners, aiming for widespread adoption from 2030 onwards.
(1) Main initiatives aimed at achieving a society with zero traffic accidents
– Three-pronged infrastructure collaboration” to prevent collisions at blind intersections, etc. – Development of advanced driving support/future automated driving systems” that are data-driven, with AI learning on its own based on large amounts of driving data
(2) Elements that make up the mobility AI platform
1. Distributed computing platform (data center)
Computing resources (data centers) for analyzing and processing vast amounts of data using AI are installed in distributed locations, utilizing IOWN’s optical communication technology. By locating them in areas rich in renewable energy, we can achieve local production for local consumption of electricity, and by achieving high power efficiency in the coordination and processing of distributed computing resources and AI, we can promote the greening of the vast amounts of electricity needed for data analysis and processing.
2. Intelligent communication infrastructure
A system is being built to coordinate human mobility infrastructure through seamless communication that is suitable for various traffic environments and conditions in urban areas, rural areas, and suburbs. In addition to being highly reliable, it also achieves low-latency communication for large volumes of data.
3. AI infrastructure
A platform that achieves mobility AI that learns and infers from various data from human mobility infrastructure, based on a “distributed computing infrastructure (data center)” and “intelligent communication infrastructure”.
Hongkong Post announced today (November 1) that, as advised by the postal administration of Spain, due to the impact of heavy rain, mail delivery services to Spain are subject to delay.
The Education Bureau (EDB) today (November 1) announced that Saint Francis University (SFU), having successfully gone through a stringent institutional review by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) and fulfilled all relevant criteria as confirmed by the EDB, has become a university of applied sciences (UAS).
An EDB spokesman said, “The Government actively promotes the development of UASs to enhance the status of vocational and professional education and training (VPET) at the degree level and provide an alternative pathway to success for young people. The EDB is pleased that SFU has demonstrated its vision, commitment, capabilities and experience in providing high-level VPET programmes in close collaboration with relevant industries, and has successfully gone through the stringent review by the HKCAAVQ and met all of the relevant criteria, becoming the second UAS in Hong Kong.”
In assessing SFU’s application for becoming a UAS, the Government has taken into account relevant factors, including the outcome of the institutional review for UAS by the HKCAAVQ, and SFU’s experience in operating applied degree programmes and other VPET programmes. The institutional review by the HKCAAVQ focuses on the commitment and competence of SFU to operate as a UAS at both institutional and programme levels, based on three domains, namely governance, management and quality assurance; learning environment and learner support; and industry collaboration and recognition.
SFU was founded as the Caritas Francis Hsu College. It began offering degree programmes and changed its name to the Caritas Institute of Higher Education in 2011, and was conferred a university title and was approved to change its name to SFU in January 2024. In the 2024/25 academic year, SFU offers two master’s degree programmes, 13 bachelor’s degree programmes (including two applied degree programmes) and four higher diploma programmes, with about 3 800 full-time and 800 part-time students in total.
Similar to the Hong Kong Metropolitan University, the first UAS in Hong Kong, SFU is subject to ongoing reviews by the HKCAAVQ to ensure further development of its maturity and competency as a UAS. It is also required to submit annual progress reports to the EDB.
To bolster the UAS development, as announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, the Government has allocated a start-up fund of $100 million to support UASs and aspiring institutions to establish a UAS alliance this year to embark on joint promotion with the industries and stakeholders, including organising international conferences, strengthening collaboration with applied sciences institutions from other places and initiating collaboration and research on applied education at the post-secondary level. Priority will be accorded to eligible programmes of a UAS for inclusion under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors and eligible applications from UASs when considering applications for relevant support measures, including the EDB’s Quality Enhancement Support Scheme and Enhancement and Start-up Grant Scheme for Self-financing Post-secondary Education.
Self-financing post-secondary institutions planning to apply for becoming a UAS should have a university title and possess the vision, commitment, capabilities and experience in operating an institution that embodies the key features of a UAS, including:
(a) the vision, maturity and capability in providing high-level VPET programmes ranging from Levels 5 to 7 under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework, blending theory and practice with substantial workplace learning and assessment, having flexibilities in curriculum design, admission and delivery mode, and having recognition and support from industries and professions; and
(b) the experience in providing (an) applied degree programme(s) in at least one area of applied sciences for which it has attained the programme area accreditation or self-accrediting status, and the commitment to developing and providing more applied degree programmes.
The relevant criteria and application procedures are set out in the Manual for Institutional Review for UAS on the HKCAAVQ website (www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/en/accreditation/institutional_review/). Applications are accepted all year round. Eligible institutions may apply for combining the institutional review for becoming a private university and that for a UAS, subject to the EDB’s approval.
Facilitation measure on Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information Within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Mainland, Hong Kong) extends to all sectors
The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address announced the extension of the facilitation measure on the Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information Within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Mainland, Hong Kong) (the GBA Standard Contract) to all sectors, promoting more cross-boundary services to benefit the public and businesses while facilitating data flow throughout the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The related measure commences today (November 1).
According to the agreement framework of Memorandum of Understanding on Facilitating Cross-boundary Data Flow Within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, signed by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) in June 2023, the GBA Standard Contract facilitation measure was launched at the end of last year, allowing individuals and organisations of the two places, namely the nine Mainland cities in the GBA (i.e., Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province) and Hong Kong, to enter into a standard contract by adopting a standardised template on a voluntary basis, with a view to facilitating and streamlining the cross-boundary flow of personal information within the GBA in a safe and orderly manner.
The “early and pilot implementation” arrangements of the facilitation measure on GBA Standard Contract for the banking, credit referencing and healthcare sectors has been operating smoothly and has been well received. Thus, the Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced that starting from November 1, 2024, industries of all sectors in the nine Mainland cities in the GBA and Hong Kong can take part in the facilitation measure and voluntarily adopt the GBA Standard Contract. The DPO, at the same time, optimises the filing arrangements and rationalises several operational details to further facilitate the compliance of the cross-boundary flow of personal information by enterprises.
The Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, said, “Facilitating the Mainland’s data flow in the GBA is an important initiative to promote the development of cross-boundary services, digital economy and smart cities. It not only brings benefits to citizens and enterprises, but also accelerates the integration of economic development in the GBA. We are grateful for the support of the CAC and the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong Province in enabling industries of all sectors in the GBA to enjoy the benefits from the GBA Standard Contract facilitation measure.”
Mr Wong added that, “The GBA Standard Contract is an administrative measure. It does not affect the supervisory and regulatory roles of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in ensuring compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO). The processing and cross-boundary transfer of personal information in Hong Kong will continue to be on a voluntary basis and being regulated in accordance with the PDPO of Hong Kong.”
The DPO will arrange briefings and production of promotional videos to facilitate industries’ understanding of the details of the facilitation measure on the GBA Standard Contract. For details, please visit the DPO’s thematic webpage (www.digitalpolicy.gov.hk/en/our_work/digital_infrastructure/mainland/cross-boundary_data_flow/index.html).
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
The inter-departmental help desk set up by the Central and Western District Office at Queen Mary Hospital today (November 1) in response to the ferry accident occurred in the Central Pier No. 9 has now been stood down.
Current status: Open
Opened on 30 October 2024 and will close for consultation on 14 December 2024
Health Canada has evaluated the aspects of concern that prompted the special review of pest control products containing iodocarb (3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate) used in metalworking fluids. Based on the evaluation of the aspects of concern, Health Canada is proposing for public consultation the continued registration of iodocarb used in metalworking fluids and its associated end-use products registered for sale and use in Canada.
Iodocarb is an antimicrobial used as a material preservative (including paints, adhesives and caulks, paper coating, plastic, textiles, and liquid detergents) and industrial fluids preservative (metalworking fluids). It is also used as a joinery wood preservative and sapstain control chemical. For this special review, currently registered products containing iodocarb that are used as preservatives in metalworking fluids were considered and are listed in Appendix I of PSRD2024-02, Proposed special review decision for iodocarb (3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate) and its associated end-use products.
The evaluation of available relevant scientific information related to the aspects of concern indicated that iodocarb used in metalworking fluids showed acceptable risk when iodocarb is used according to the proposed conditions of registration, which includes new mitigation measures summarized below.
To protect workers (mixers/loaders) from exposure when treating metalworking fluids with iodocarb: when open pouring products containing iodocarb into metalworking fluid, the proposed maximum amount of iodocarb handled per day is limited to 1.25 kg a.i./person. If handling more than this, a closed transfer (injection) system is required.
To protect secondary workers (machinists) from exposure to iodocarb-treated metalworking fluids: a maximum concentration of iodocarb in metalworking fluid of 750 ppm.
For a full list of products containing iodocarb that are used as preservatives in metalworking fluids, please consult Appendix I in the Proposed Special Review Decision or visit the Pesticide Label Search database.
How to get involved
This consultation is open for comment from 30 October 2024 and will close for consultation on 14 December 2024 (45 calendar days).
To comment on PSRD2024-02:
Step 1: Request the full consultation document to access the document.
Step 2: Submit comments to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Publications Section
Please be sure to include the title of the consultation document on which you are commenting (PSRD2024-02, Proposed special review decision for iodocarb (3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate) and its associated end use products).
Health Canada will accept written comments on this proposal up to 45 days from the date of publication of this document before making a final decision on the Proposed special review decision for iodocarb (3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate) and its associated end use products.
Reporting to the people of Canada
Health Canada will make the decision for this special review available on this website (the Pesticides and Pest Management Reports and Publications portion of Canada.ca).
If you have any questions, contact the Pest Management Information Service.
Interested in our other consultations? Sign up and stay informedabout topics that matter to you.
The Military Vehicle Systems Summit will convene in a few short weeks. Senior leaders will gather on November 20-21, 2024, in National Harbor, MD to explore the forefront of military mobility. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving security challenges, this Summit serves as a vital platform for discussing innovations in vehicle design, propulsion systems, and autonomous technologies.
Day 2 Panel: Pioneering the Future: AI and Automation in Military Vehicles Across Varied Battlegrounds and Scenarios
In an era defined by technological advancements, the integration of AI and automation in military vehicles stands at the forefront of innovation. Join representatives from across the Army, Defense Industry & Academia as they discuss the transformative impact of these technologies on operational effectiveness, safety, and strategic capabilities. Explore how autonomous systems are reshaping reconnaissance, logistics, and combat scenarios, ensuring the US military remains agile and adaptive in an evolving global landscape.
Moderator: Prof. Venkat Krovi – Michelin Endowed Chair Professor of Vehicle Automation, Clemson University · Miriam Marwick, SVP, Federal, Emerging Technologies, Palantir · Sean Baity, Technical Director of Growth and Innovation, Textron Systems · Brent Lance, MLOPS Lead, Senior Scientist & AI Researcher DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory · Terrance O’Regan, PhD, Technology Integration Branch Chief at DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory
Registration and Sponsor/Exhibit opportunities are open. Active military and government attend complimentary. Those interested in participating can visit Defense Strategies Institute’s website at https://vehicles.dsigroup.org/. Anyone interested in learning more or sending questions contact Joe Trupia at jtrupia@dsigroup.org, 201-672-8745.
Defense Strategies Institute Joe Trupia 201-672-8745 https://vehicles.dsigroup.org/
The Breakthrough Winter Summit will convene virtually on November 4, 2024, offering a platform for stories of inspiration and empowerment. This event, hosted by Michelle Jewsbury, founder of Unsilenced Voices, features a lineup of speakers committed to sharing their experiences of overcoming adversity to inspire and uplift attendees.
This year’s summit showcases seventeen speakers, each bringing a unique narrative of resilience. The event will feature insights from:
Kirsten Samuel Jared Gleaton Beth Brunk Bhavna Srivastava April Blake Chad Austin Evan Whitehead Maggie Roderick Shaye Woodward Kimberly Lechnick Victoria Sanchez Jerica Cromer Brittany Pautz Pearl Chiarenza Hilary DeCesare Jen Du Plessis
The speakers will discuss their journeys, offering guidance on utilizing personal challenges as avenues for growth and change. The summit aims to foster a supportive community, empowering individuals to find their voices and effect meaningful changes in their lives and communities.
Complimentary tickets for the Breakthrough Winter Summit are available at MichelleJewsbury.com/wintersummit.
About Michelle Jewsbury
Michelle Jewsbury is an international philanthropist, speaker, author, and coach. She is dedicated to empowering individuals to share their personal narratives. Through her organization, Unsilenced Voices, Jewsbury focuses on providing survivors of domestic violence and abuse the tools and confidence needed to transform their lives.
THINKWARE, a global leader in dash cam technology, announced today the debut of its U1000 Plus dash cam and F790 dash cam with My Car App at the SEMA Show 2024, held November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visitors will also witness a live installation of THINKWARE’s innovative smart glass roof technology on a Tesla Model Y.
The U1000 Plus, the upcoming release in THINKWARE’s popular U1000 series, features multiplexer capabilities for added video channels and superior performance. Equipped with THINKWARE Connected, it offers real-time notifications and remote monitoring, making it a powerful tool for both dealers and consumers.
SEMA Show will also see the release of its F790 dash cam integrated with My Car App, developed alongside Canadian distributor Automobility. Meeting the demand for a more connected dashcam, the new F790 allows users to remotely access dashcam data, receive notifications, and monitor vehicles in real-time, combining connectivity with high-quality video.
“The automotive industry has embraced more connected technologies, and dash cams are no exception,” said a THINKWARE representative. “Both the U1000 Plus and F790 reflect this trend, offering features like remote monitoring and real-time notifications that are becoming increasingly important for both drivers and dealers.”
Smart Glass Roof Live Installation THINKWARE will also feature its ACTIV PDLC SMART TINT, its smart glass roof designed for electric vehicles to maintain optimal cabin temperature and improve visibility. At THINKWARE’s booth will be a live installation on a Tesla Model Y, demonstrating the ease and efficiency of this cutting-edge technology.
Additional Products on Display In addition to the U1000 Plus and F790, THINKWARE will be showcasing its diverse lineup of dash cams, including:
ARC: THINKWARE’s most compact dash cam yet, featuring 2-channel 2K QHD, Super Night Vision 2.0, built-in Wi-Fi, Smart Driving Alerts, and a 2.7″ LCD touchscreen.
U3000: A cutting-edge dash cam with 4K UHD, Super Night Vision 4.0, ADAS, advanced parking protection, built-in RADAR, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Q200: Offers 2K QHD front and 1080P rear resolution, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Smart Parking Mode, and Super Night Vision 2.0.
Q850: Captures 2K QHD videos at 30fps with enhanced contrast and precise color balance.
Visit THINKWARE at booth #10717 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. THINKWARE dash cams are available through Amazon, Best Buy, and other trusted retailers.
For more information, visit www.thinkware.com.
About THINKWARE THINKWARE DASH CAM, a global IT company founded in Korea in 1997, has become a leader in smart car technologies through consistent research and development. Its expertise spans dash cams, electronic maps, navigation, mobile applications, and tablet PCs.
With world-class image processing technology and a user-friendly interface, THINKWARE DASH CAM entered the U.S. market in 2014. It now exports its dash cam lines to 17 countries, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Japan.
THINKWARE has impressed the industry at major global events like CES, SEMA, and The Gadget Show Live. The company has won the CES Innovation Award of the Year for excellence in technology and design. The company has also earned prestigious honors such as the IF, IDEA, and Red Dot Design Awards.
Media Contacts: Rick Judge Liberty Communications for THINKWARE Thinkware@libertycomms.com
THINKWARE Rick Judge +1-5180-727-3000 www.thinkware.com
U.S.-Mexico cross-border natural gas markets under new Sheinbaum and U.S. Administrations to be studied by industry executives to gain insight, analyze, and structure arrangements to buy, sell and transport natural gas.
Hundreds of energy industry professionals convene in November to gain insight and conduct analysis of up to the minute issues facing US-Mexico cross-border natural gas markets. The 8th Annual US-Mexico Natural Gas Forum takes place November 11-13, in San Antonio, TX. This is the industry’s premier gathering for natural gas industry professionals, which is much more than simply a conference with participants routinely negotiating transactions during the event. Dedicated networking time is incorporated into the agenda to ensure participants are able to engage with other key stakeholders.
The Program for this year’s event includes critical up to the minute issues faced by stakeholders in this dynamic market. Agenda highlights include:
§ Policy and Regulation – with the Sheinbaum administration now in power, what expectations are there for energy policy in Mexico (including constitutional changes)? With the U.S. election on Nov. 5th, what can be expected for U.S. energy policy beginning January 2025? What changes might be expected from the pending USMCA review? § Market Fundamentals – natural gas demand in Mexico continues to increase, driven by power generation; AI Data Centers; LNG exports, industrial/manufacturing/nearshoring, etc. With domestic Mexico supply declining, imports from the U.S. must continue to grow to satisfy demand. What implications can be expected from competition from U.S. demand sources in terms of supply availability, deliverability and price? What are the opportunities and challenges? § Infrastructure – will infrastructure capacity additions be able to keep up with Mexico demand? How does storage factor into the equation? § Energy Transition – demand for energy sources that are reliable and affordable is clearly growing quickly. What expectations does the market have for the carbon footprint of natural gas supply? Is there interest certified/differentiated gas, RNG, H2, carbon offsets, and CCS?
The content/discussion program of the US-Mexico Natural Gas Forum consists of 2 1/2 days of keynote presentations, and moderated panels. Keynote addresses include: Tony Payan, Director, U.S.-Mexico Center, Rice University’s Baker Institute; Christopher Lenton, Senior Editor, Mexico & Latin America, Natural Gas Intelligence (NGI); Nuray Elci, VP Renewables, Chevron AP Renewables.
The Program also includes six moderated Panel discussions addressing a variety of timely topics, with well-qualified industry experts, including representatives from: Texas Hydrogen Alliance; Modern Hydrogen;Synthica Energy; ARM Energy Trading; Natural Gas Intelligence (NGI); Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de Mexico (ITAM); Toeppich and Associates; Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton; Cleveland Advisory; Building Cyber Security; Superior Essex; Energy Evolution Strategy Advisors; SoCal Gas;University of Guyana; Brilliant Energy Consulting; Rapidan Energy Group; Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) Columbia University; Poten & Partners; WorldCity; Chevron; and ENGIE.
This Forum focuses on the U.S.-Mexico cross-border market, while five other Forums throughout the year address other key regions and market segments across the continent.
Even in today’s digital age, natural gas market participants appreciate an event that facilitates face-to-face interaction. The LDC Gas Forum is uniquely structured to meet this requirement and has been the venue of choice, for thousands of participants, for decades. Registration is still available at https://www.ldcgasforums.com/usm/.
The LDC Gas Forums (4), US-Mexico Natural Gas Forum, and Gulf Coast Energy Forum series consists of six annual events each focused on a key natural gas market region across North America. This is where buyers and sellers meet to do business. Much more than simply conferences, the Forums are a venue that delivers insights on critical issues affecting natural gas, LNG, RSG, RNG and emerging energy markets, but in addition provide participants opportunities to meet with industry counterparts to negotiate commercial business transactions. Timely panel discussions featuring key industry authorities focus on important questions facing buyers, sellers, transportation operators, service/product suppliers, and other market stakeholders in competitive energy markets. Topics addressed include: Energy Transition, ESG, Supply & Demand, Financial Outlook, Pipeline/Storage/LNG Infrastructure Projects, LNG Export Markets, Mexico Export Markets, Gas/Electric Coordination, Regulatory, Gas Buyer Insights, and Global Energy Geopolitics. Participants at the Forums include market leaders, decision makers and subject matter experts, representing all segments of the commercial value chain including utilities, industrial gas consumers, producers, pipelines, marketers, key service/product providers, as well as regulators and analysts. Several dedicated networking opportunities give you access to your clients, prospects, and peers to pursue opportunities in the market.
The LDC Gas Forums: Southeast, Northeast, Mid-Continent, Energy Innovations: Rockies & West, the Gulf Coast Energy Forum and the US-Mexico Natural Gas Forum
Where the Natural Gas Industry Gathers: Networking – Insights – Deal-Making
U.S.-Mexico cross-border natural gas markets under new Sheinbaum and U.S. Administrations to be studied by industry executives to gain insight, analyze, and structure arrangements to buy, sell and transport natural gas.
LDC Gas Forums Christy Coleman 713-343-1873 www.ldcgasforums.com
Disadvantages of Public Relations: Public relations is a magic wand for businesses aiming to boost their reputation and reach a wider audience. Still, it’s crucial to understand the pitfalls that come with it. One significant disadvantage of public relations is the lack of direct control over conveying your message. You might pitch a story with a specific angle, but the final piece could highlight aspects you didn’t intend to emphasize.
Another point to consider is the challenge of measuring the effectiveness of PR efforts. While you can track media mentions and the value of publications, it’s harder to gauge the impact on your audience’s perceptions and behaviors. This ambiguity can make it difficult to justify the investment in PR activities.
Moreover, PR often involves building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Despite these challenges, understanding these disadvantages helps craft more realistic and effective PR strategies. To read further about these points, check out this article on the advantages and disadvantages of public relations.
Understanding Public Relations
Public relations (PR) is about managing how information is communicated between a company and the public. It involves various strategies to build a positive image and foster solid and credible relationships.
The Role of PR Professionals
PR professionals play a crucial part in shaping an organization’s public image. They craft press releases, manage media inquiries, and respond to public issues.
Their work ensures that information about a company is accurate and positively received. I often see PR professionals utilizing social media to engage with the audience and handle any negative publicity swiftly. Building credibility helps maintain an organization’s reputation and trustworthiness, making its communication efforts vital.
PR versus Advertising
One key difference between PR and advertising lies in their objectives and methods. PR aims at winning positive media coverage without direct payment, while advertising involves buying space or airtime to promote a message.
PR is more about credibility and relationship-building, whereas advertising focuses on persuasion and visibility. PR can enhance the brand image through favorable news stories and articles, while advertising relies on catchy slogans and visuals to attract attention.
The PR Ecosystem
The PR ecosystem encompasses various elements, including press releases, social media, and other communication channels. These tools help disseminate information and effectively engage with different stakeholders.
In my experience, a successful PR strategy leverages multiple platforms to reach a wider audience. This includes traditional media outlets and newer forms like blogs and social networks. Understanding how to navigate this ecosystem ensures that PR efforts are cohesive and impactful.
The PR ecosystem builds and maintains a positive public perception by utilizing all available resources, from traditional media to digital platforms.
Challenges in Public Relations
Navigating the complexities of public relations requires tackling various challenges, including measuring success, maintaining control and authenticity, and managing crises effectively.
Measuring PR Success
One of the biggest challenges I face in public relations is measuring success. PR effectiveness is more nuanced than advertising, where results can be tracked through direct metrics such as sales and click-through rates.
Effective PR strategies often aim to shape public perception, and this impact is only sometimes immediately apparent. Evaluating the success of PR activities can involve monitoring media coverage, social media mentions, and public sentiment.
Tools like media monitoring services and sentiment analysis can help but still provide indirect measures. I often rely on qualitative data, such as audience feedback and brand reputation surveys. Despite these methods, it remains a challenge to attribute tangible business outcomes directly to PR efforts.
Maintaining Control and Authenticity
Another significant challenge is maintaining control over the message while ensuring authenticity. In the age of social media, information spreads quickly, and it takes time to control public discourse.
I focus on creating genuine and transparent communication to build trust with the audience. However, this requires striking a balance between company goals and audience expectations.
I prioritize staying consistent with the brand’s voice and values. Ensuring that every communication aligns with these core principles helps maintain authenticity. Yet, the dynamic nature of public perception means that unexpected situations can sometimes derail these efforts, making it a continuous balancing act.
Crisis Management
Crisis management is a critical aspect where effective handling can make or break a company’s reputation. When a crisis hits, rapid and proactive communication is essential. Having a well-prepared crisis management plan can significantly mitigate damage.
I always emphasize the importance of clear, honest, and timely communication during crises. It is crucial to take responsibility, provide accurate information, and outline the steps to resolve the issue.
Engaging with the public and media honestly during crises helps rebuild trust. Despite these efforts, the unpredictability and severity of crises can always pose a significant challenge, requiring me to adapt quickly and efficiently.
Financial Aspects of PR
Financial considerations in public relations include managing organizational budgets and assessing cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI). These are crucial for determining how resources can best be utilized to achieve PR goals.
PR and Organizational Budgets
Managing a PR budget effectively is essential. PR activities can be costly, with expenses ranging from media placements to event planning. Careful budgeting ensures funds are allocated wisely.
Balancing costs with the desired impact can be challenging. Public relations often require a substantial investment in media relations, press releases, and promotional events.
Another expense involves hiring in-house PR staff or contracting external PR firms. Both options can be costly, but the choice depends on the organization’s needs and resources.
Cost-Effectiveness and ROI
Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of PR activities is vital for economic efficiency. This can be tricky because PR’s impact can sometimes be determined. Brand awareness, for instance, doesn’t have a direct price tag but significantly influences ROI.
It’s important to track specific metrics to gauge PR success. These can include media coverage, social media engagement, and changes in public perception. Comparing the costs involved with these outcomes helps in understanding the true ROI.
Focusing on targeted campaigns can maximize the return on investment. Smaller, well-strategized efforts can be more cost-effective than extensive, generalized campaigns. This approach saves money and enhances the likelihood of meaningful engagement.
Reputation and Credibility
Reputation and credibility are critical aspects of public relations, with significant implications for a brand’s image and audience trust. While building credibility helps to establish trust and loyalty, any negative media mention can severely damage a brand’s reputation.
Impact on Brand Image
Maintaining a positive reputation is key to brand image. PR efforts can enhance this by ensuring that messages are consistent, accurate, and appealing. However, there are risks involved.
Negative media mentions or missteps can quickly tarnish a brand’s reputation. I’ve seen instances where a minor error was blown out of proportion, leading to a significant dip in audience trust. Recovering from such situations requires substantial effort and, often, a long time.
In a world where information spreads rapidly, losing control over the narrative can have devastating impacts. The potential for misinterpretations or bad press means that even well-intentioned PR campaigns must be executed cautiously.
Building Trust with the Audience
Building trust with the audience is another critical component of effective public relations. Trust is foundational for converting casual followers into loyal customers, and consistent and genuine communication plays a significant role here.
I’ve found that transparency and honesty are essential elements that audiences look for. Regular updates and swift responses to inquiries help to build credibility.
However, the issue of credibility has its challenges. A single inconsistency or perceived deception can lead to a loss of trust that takes much time to rebuild. Establishing trust also requires third-party endorsements and positive media mentions, which lend authenticity to the brand.
Ensuring that the audience feels valued and heard strengthens the relationship, making them more likely to remain loyal despite occasional hiccups.
Limitations of Public Relations
When working with public relations, I’ve found that certain limitations can impact the effectiveness of campaigns. Key points include the need for more direct control over messaging, reliance on third-party endorsements, and difficulty generating leads.
Lack of Direct Control
One significant disadvantage of PR is the need for more direct control over delivering messages. Unlike advertising, where I can meticulously craft and place every aspect of a campaign, PR relies on media placement and journalist interpretation. Once the information is released, there’s no guarantee of how it will be presented to the audience.
For example, a positive press release might be edited or accompanied by a critical article, impacting the intended message. This can be particularly harmful if the coverage results in a PR failure, affecting my brand reputation. Additionally, the timing of media coverage is often out of my hands, making it challenging to synchronize PR efforts with marketing campaigns.
Reliance on Third-Party Endorsement
Another limitation is the dependence on third-party endorsement. Trusting external parties like journalists, bloggers, and influencers to convey my message means relinquishing some control. While endorsements can lend credibility and authenticity, they also introduce unpredictability.
The campaign’s credibility suffers if a third party misunderstands or misrepresents my brand. Moreover, these partners might have their agendas or biases, which can color the presentation of my message. The impact is even more significant when the third party has a substantial following, amplifying both the positive and negative outcomes. This reliance creates a layer of risk, as my brand reputation becomes partly dependent on outside influences.
Difficulty in Generating Leads
Due to its indirect nature, generating leads through PR can be challenging. While PR efforts can boost brand visibility and create a favorable image, converting this awareness into actionable leads takes more work. Unlike direct marketing, where I can track responses and conversions, PR’s impact on leads is more complex to measure.
Most PR activities aim to influence public perception rather than directly drive sales, which means their effectiveness can be intangible. Also, media coverage may only sometimes include direct calls to action or links to my website, which complicates translating media exposure into measurable leads. This challenge can be particularly frustrating when quantifying the return on investment for PR campaigns.
David Quintero
With five years of experience in public relations, David has spearheaded impactful campaigns that have successfully connected brands with top-tier media. His exceptional storytelling abilities allow him to transform client messages into compelling narratives, delivering measurable results.
Choosing the right press release service can make a big difference for your business. We’re comparing two popular options: eReleases and GlobeNewswire. These services help companies spread news to journalists and media outlets.
eReleases vs GlobeNewswire: Key Takeaways
Feature/Aspect
eReleases
GlobeNewswire
Starting Price
$399 per release
Contact for a quote
Distribution Network
Major news outlets, PR Newswire access
3,000+ media outlets and financial news services, reaching 158 countries in 35 languages
Targeting Options
Direct-to-journalist email sends
Targeted distribution by geography, industry, and media type with over 1,000 newslines
Multimedia Support
Yes, with additional costs for images/videos
Yes, includes videos, images, and other multimedia
Analytics and Reporting
Detailed distribution reports available
Comprehensive analytics on reach, social engagement, and visibility at no extra cost
Writing Services
Available for an additional $300
AI press release generator
Best For
Small businesses seeking wide US media exposure
Corporations needing targeted financial disclosures on a global scale
If you’re a small business or startup seeking a cost-effective way to gain exposure in the U.S. media, eReleases is an excellent choice. This service offers personalized outreach to journalists, ensuring your press release reaches the right audience.
With straightforward pricing and options for multimedia support and writing assistance, eReleases helps smaller entities enhance their visibility without complexity.
Conversely, if you represent a corporation needing targeted distribution for financial news and regulatory announcements, GlobeNewswire is the better option. This platform provides extensive global reach and allows for precise targeting by industry and geography.
Additionally, GlobeNewswire offers comprehensive analytics and reporting features to measure the impact of your press release effectively.
Overview of eReleases
eReleases is a press release distribution service that helps businesses share news with journalists and media outlets. We find that it offers several distribution packages with prices ranging from $399 to $699 per release.
One of eReleases’ key features is direct distribution to journalists. This targeted approach aims to increase the visibility of press releases among relevant media professionals.
eReleases provides different options to suit various business needs:
Buzz Builder™ ($399)
Newsmaker™ ($499)
PR Pro™ ($699)
These packages offer different levels of distribution and additional services. The higher-tier options typically include wider distribution and more features.
We note that eReleases uses traditional direct-to-journalist distribution methods. This approach can be beneficial for businesses looking to get their news in front of specific reporters or publications.
eReleases also offers writing services for those who need assistance crafting their press releases. This can be helpful for businesses without in-house writing expertise.
By focusing on targeted distribution, eReleases aims to help businesses increase their media coverage and reach their intended audience effectively.
Overview of GlobeNewswire
GlobeNewswire is a press release distribution service that helps businesses spread their news far and wide. We find it impressive that they reach 158 countries in 35 languages.
Their offering includes some helpful tools:
AI press release generator
Multimedia enhancements
Editorial support
GlobeNewswire boasts a large distribution network that spans national and industry-specific channels. This broad reach can help companies get their message in front of the right audiences.
We note that GlobeNewswire doesn’t publicly list their prices. This can make it tricky for businesses to compare costs upfront.
GlobeNewswire seems best suited for companies looking to distribute news to a wide, global audience. Their AI press release generator and human support can help craft and spread press releases effectively.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
eReleases and GlobeNewswire offer different pricing models for press release distribution. We’ll look at the costs and features of each service to help you choose the right option.
eReleases Pricing
eReleases has three main pricing tiers. The basic Buzz Builder plan costs $399 per release. It includes distribution to a large media network.
The Newsmaker plan is priced at $499. This option includes additional features and broader distribution
For $699, the PR Pro offers the most comprehensive coverage. It includes wider distribution and more multimedia options.
eReleases doesn’t offer a free trial. But they do have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all plans.
For more information on eReleases’ pricing, check their official site here.
GlobeNewswire Pricing
GlobeNewswire is a press release distribution service that emphasizes broad reach and robust distribution capabilities.
While specific pricing details are not publicly available, it is known that GlobeNewswire requires potential customers to contact them directly for quotes, indicating a less transparent pricing model. This approach can make it challenging for businesses to compare costs upfront.
GlobeNewswire does not provide a free trial, aligning with the practices of many similar services in the industry. Instead, they focus on delivering effective press release distribution through a combination of AI tools and human support.
It is very likely that GlobeNewswire will cost more than eReleases.
For more information on eReleases’ pricing, check their official site here.
Comparing Distribution Channels
Press release distribution channels play a key role in getting your news out to the right audiences. Both eReleases and GlobeNewswire offer different options for spreading your message.
eReleases Distribution
eReleases sends press releases to a wide network of media outlets. The service partners with PR Newswire, granting access to a vast network that includes over 100,000 journalists and bloggers. This gives your news a good chance of being seen by relevant reporters.
While eReleases does not guarantee placements on any media sites, it is common for your press release to be placed on over 100 sites. This helps boost your online visibility and search engine rankings. eReleases also sends your release to Associated Press newsrooms.
Their network covers major industries like business, tech, health, and more. This targeted approach helps your news reach the right readers.
GlobeNewswire Distribution
GlobeNewswire offers global distribution through its parent company, Intrado. They can send your release to media contacts worldwide.
The service includes distribution to financial networks and websites. This is helpful for public companies sharing financial news. GlobeNewswire also offers social media sharing and multimedia options.
Their network reaches major news agencies, online services, and databases. This wide reach can help your release gain traction in different markets. GlobeNewswire is known for its strong presence in North America and Europe.
Analytics and Reporting
Analytics and reporting are crucial for measuring the success of press releases. We’ll examine how eReleases and GlobeNewswire handle these important aspects.
eReleases Analytics and Reporting
eReleases offers basic reporting for press release distribution. Users can track key metrics like views, clicks, and engagement rates.
The platform provides proof of distribution, showing where the press release was sent. This helps verify that the content reached its intended audience.
eReleases’ interface is straightforward, making it easy for users to access and understand their reports. However, the depth of analytics is limited compared to some competitors.
Users can see how many journalists opened their release, but detailed demographic data is not available. This can make it challenging to gauge the full impact of a campaign.
GlobeNewswire Analytics and Reporting
GlobeNewswire focuses strongly on analytics and reporting, providing users with comprehensive data on their press releases’ performance.
The platform offers a user-friendly dashboard that displays key metrics at a glance. Users can easily track views, shares, and engagement across various channels.
GlobeNewswire provides detailed geographic and demographic information about the audience reached. This data helps users refine their targeting for future releases.
The service offers real-time updates, allowing users to monitor their release’s performance as it happens. This feature is particularly useful for time-sensitive news.
Evaluating Customer Support
Customer support plays a key role in press release distribution services. We’ll look at how eReleases and GlobeNewswire support their clients.
Support for eReleases Clients
eReleases offers exceptional customer support. Their team is known for being helpful and responsive.
Clients can reach eReleases support by phone, email, or live chat. The support staff is available during business hours to answer questions.
eReleases provides guidance on writing and formatting press releases. They offer tips to improve visibility and impact.
The user-friendly interface makes it easy for clients to submit and track their releases. Video tutorials and FAQs are available on the website.
Support for GlobeNewswire Clients
GlobeNewswire is known for its wide reach in press release distribution. However, details about their customer support are less clear.
Clients can contact GlobeNewswire through an online form or by phone. Response times may vary based on the nature of the inquiry.
GlobeNewswire offers a self-service portal for submitting and managing press releases. This system allows clients to work independently.
While GlobeNewswire has a strong reputation, we found less specific information about their customer support quality. Clients may need to inquire directly about available support options.
Conclusion
We’ve compared eReleases and GlobeNewswire, two popular press release distribution services. Both offer ways to share news with media outlets and the public.
eReleases provides more affordable options, with prices starting at $399. They focus on sending releases to journalists and industry-specific media.
GlobeNewswire reaches a wider audience, including major news sites like Bloomberg and CNN.
When choosing between them, consider your budget and goals:
We recommend evaluating your specific needs in public relations and communications. Think about the media sites you want to reach and how much you can spend.
Remember, effective press release distribution is key to successful PR campaigns. Choose the service that best fits your company’s size, industry, and communication objectives.
When I started exploring ways to boost my website’s SEO, I discovered something compelling: PR backlinks. PR backlinks are links from press releases or news articles that point back to your website. They’re one of the best ways to establish authority and trust online.
These backlinks aren’t just filler links; they significantly improve your site’s credibility and search engine ranking. By getting links from reputable news sites and journalists, you’re driving traffic and sending positive signals to search engines about your site’s reliability and relevance. Getting PR backlinks can make a huge difference in your website’s search rankings, giving you a competitive edge.
I found that achieving these valuable backlinks involves building relationships with journalists and creating content they want to link to. It’s about more than just link-building; it’s a strategy that combines credibility, fantastic content, and the right connections. So, to elevate your site’s SEO, focusing on PR backlinks is a must.
Understanding PR Backlinks
When exploring PR backlinks, it’s crucial to grasp the importance of quality over quantity and the distinctions between dofollow and nofollow links. These factors can significantly influence your website’s domain authority and search engine ranking.
The Importance of Quality over Quantity
High-quality backlinks from authoritative sites boost domain authority and organic traffic. Focusing on earning these links is vital rather than accumulating numerous low-quality ones, which can appear spammy and harm your site’s reputation.
When reputable media outlets link to my content, search engines favor my site, leading to better rankings. For instance, receiving a backlink from a significant news website like the BBC is far more beneficial than multiple links from lesser-known sites.
Differentiating Between Dofollow and Nofollow Links
Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links is essential in PR backlinking. Dofollow links pass on “link juice,” positively impacting your search engine ranking. These links signal to search engines that your website is a credible source.
On the other hand, nofollow links do not pass on this authority. They are often used when linking to untrusted content or paid links. Although they don’t directly influence rankings, they can drive traffic and brand awareness. For example, a nofollow link from CNN might not boost my page rank but can increase visibility and organic traffic.
To maximize the benefits of PR backlinks, seeking a mix of high-quality dofollow and nofollow links is crucial. This balanced approach ensures I enhance my domain authority while gaining exposure to a broader audience.
How to Acquire PR Backlinks
Acquiring PR backlinks involves:
Building solid relationships with journalists.
Creating engaging press releases.
Utilizing platforms like HARO for outreach.
These steps ensure effective engagement with media outlets and bloggers.
Building Relationships with Journalists and Bloggers
Building relationships is foundational. I start by identifying critical journalists and bloggers who cover topics relevant to my industry. Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are great for this. Engaging with their content and commenting thoughtfully can lay the groundwork.
When reaching out, I personalize my messages. Journalists and bloggers appreciate recognition of their work. I highlight how my content or story aligns with their audience’s interests.
I also attend industry events and webinars where media personnel are present. These settings provide opportunities for direct interaction. Over time, building a rapport can lead to valuable PR backlinks from established media outlets.
Crafting Engaging Press Releases
Another critical step is crafting press releases that capture attention. I ensure my press releases are newsworthy, focusing on unique angles or significant announcements. The headline must be clear and compelling.
The body of the press release should have concise paragraphs. I include quotes from key figures to add authority and human interest. Providing multimedia elements like images or videos can make the release more engaging.
I distribute my press releases via reputable channels such as PR Newswire or directly to journalists who find the story relevant. This increases the chances of my content being picked up and linked to my site, generating valuable PR backlinks.
Utilizing HARO for Expertise Outreach
Utilizing HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is an effective strategy for gaining PR backlinks. I sign up as a source and receive daily queries from journalists seeking expert insights. Responding promptly with well-crafted, informative answers increases the likelihood of being cited.
When replying to HARO requests, I ensure my responses are clear and concise and directly address the journalist’s needs. Including my credentials and offering additional resources or data can further enhance the response.
Consistent use of HARO can build my reputation as a reliable source. Over time, this can lead to more frequent inquiries from journalists and more opportunities to earn backlinks from high-authority media outlets.
Leveraging SEO Tools and Techniques
Utilizing specialized SEO tools and tried-and-true techniques is essential to build PR backlinks and improve my SEO strategy effectively. Analyzing backlink profiles, adopting innovative methods like the Moving Man Method, and enhancing content strategies can significantly boost organic traffic.
Analyzing Backlink Profiles with SEO Tools
Using SEO tools like Ahrefs, I can dive deep into my site’s backlink profile. Ahrefs helps me identify high-quality backlinks and highlights any toxic links that may harm my SEO. I can prioritize which backlinks to maintain and which to disavow by examining metrics such as domain authority and referring domains.
I can also discover gaps where competitors have strong backlinks that my site needs to improve. This competitive analysis allows me to target new opportunities and replicate successful strategies. Monitoring backlinks regularly ensures I maintain a robust backlink profile, contributing to sustained SEO success.
Implementing the Moving Man Method
The Moving Man Method is a powerful technique to acquire high-quality backlinks. This involves identifying outdated or broken links and contacting web admins with a new, relevant replacement link. Here’s how I apply it:
Use Ahrefs to find broken links in my niche.
Create high-quality content that can replace the broken link.
Contact the site owner, highlighting the broken link and suggesting my content as a replacement.
This method helps gain valuable backlinks and establishes relationships with other site owners, fostering future collaboration opportunities.
Enhancing Content Strategies
Content marketing is pivotal for attracting and maintaining quality backlinks. I can naturally attract backlinks from reputable sites by producing engaging, informative, and shareable content. Here are some strategies:
Guest Blogging: Writing articles for other popular blogs helps build backlinks and expand my reach.
Infographics and Visuals: These tend to be shared more, increasing the likelihood of backlinks.
Quality Over Quantity: Focusing on well-researched, high-value content encourages other sites to link to my pages.
By integrating these techniques, I can enhance my site’s visibility, attract organic traffic, and strengthen my overall SEO performance.
Maximizing Impact with Content Formats and Channels
To maximize the impact of PR backlinks, we should be strategic about our content formats and distribution channels. The right mix of multimedia and written contributions can significantly enhance visibility and engagement.
Exploring the Power of Multimedia
Utilizing multimedia formats like podcasts, webinars, and YouTube videos can significantly enhance our PR efforts. Podcasts allow us to reach a broad audience and can be syndicated across multiple platforms, driving high-quality backlinks. When I create a podcast, I ensure it’s engaging and informative to attract mentions and links.
YouTube SEO is another powerful tool. By optimizing video titles, descriptions, and tags, I can make my videos more discoverable. High-quality video content can also attract backlinks from blogs and news sites that feature or review it.
Webinars are another highly effective format. Hosting a webinar positions me as an authority in the field, allowing me to generate backlinks from event listings, promotional posts, and recap articles.
Guest Blogging and Editorial Contributions
Guest blogging remains a staple for generating PR backlinks. Contributing high-quality articles to authoritative sites can gain me valuable editorial links. When writing a guest blog, I provide insightful and original content that aligns with the host site’s audience.
Editorial contributions aren’t limited to written articles. I also participate in expert roundups and industry analyses, which generate backlinks and establish me as a thought leader.
Contributing to high-traffic websites requires a strategic approach. I prioritize outreach to industry-relevant sites with strong domain authority. This ensures that the backlinks I earn have a meaningful impact on my website’s SEO.
Measuring Success and Adjusting Strategies
To ensure that PR backlink strategies are effective, it’s essential to evaluate key metrics and understand the role of E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) in improving website authority.
Evaluating SEO and PR Metrics
When measuring the success of PR backlinks, I focus on several important metrics. Click-through rates (CTR), impressions, and organic search rankings are crucial. High CTR and impressions indicate that my content is resonating with the audience. Additionally, domain and page authority are vital in assessing the influence of backlinks.
I also track social shares and engagement rates. These metrics help me gauge the public’s interest in my outreach efforts. Combining these SEO and PR metrics provides a comprehensive view of my campaign’s performance.
Understanding E-A-T and Its Influence on PR
E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) is a significant factor in Google’s ranking algorithm. By building backlinks from reputable sources, I enhance my website’s authority. This involves targeting high-quality sites for link building, which improves my site’s trustworthiness.
To boost my site’s expertise, I ensure that content is well-researched and relevant to my audience. This means collaborating with industry experts and thought leaders, which naturally enhances my site’s authoritativeness. Ensuring these elements are present helps me adjust my strategies effectively and stay ahead in digital PR and SEO.
For detailed guides on PR metrics, I find resources like Muck Rack Blog and PRLab particularly useful.
David Quintero
With five years of experience in public relations, David has spearheaded impactful campaigns that have successfully connected brands with top-tier media. His exceptional storytelling abilities allow him to transform client messages into compelling narratives, delivering measurable results.
Writing a great press release can be a game-changer for your business or personal brand. Tocraft an effective press release, start with anattention-grabbing headline that makes your announcement irresistible. This sets the stage for your story and encourages journalists to read further.
Choose a newsworthy angle that will captivate your audience. Think about what makes your announcement unique and relevant. Writing clearly and concisely ensures that your crucial information stands out, making it easier for reporters to pick up your story.
Don’t remember to include a compelling boilerplate about your company. This section should briefly tell the press who you are, your mission, and why your story matters. If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a press release that gets noticed.
Crafting a Compelling Headline
Crafting a compelling headline is crucial because it determines whether your audience will engage with your press release. The right choice of words can create a lasting impact and drive buzz.
Understanding the Importance of Your Title
The headline is the first thing people see, so making it attention-grabbing and informative is vital. An engaging headline can mean the difference between reading or ignoring your press release.
Incorporating keywords related to your topic helps. This ensures that search engines and readers can quickly identify the subject of your press release. For example, “MegaCorp Announces Innovative AI Tool” is more effective than a vague title.
I’ve noticed that successful press releases often start with a strong hook. Think about what makes your announcement unique. What impact will it have? Highlighting these aspects within the headline can generate excitement and intrigue.
Using Action Verbs and Clear Language
Action verbs are potent tools in headlines. They convey a sense of urgency and importance. Words like “launches,” “introduce,” and “reveals” can make your headline more compelling. Instead of a bland statement, an action-driven headline captures attention.
Clear and concise language is equally important. Avoid jargon or overly complex words. The goal is to communicate the core message quickly. A press release should be accessible to a broad audience, including those who may not be familiar with industry-specific terms.
Consider these press release examples for inspiration: “NextGen Shoe Offers Enhanced Comfort” or “MegaCorp Offers New Business Tools.” These headlines are clear and direct and use action verbs to convey the message effectively.
Writing an Engaging Intro
Creating an engaging introductory paragraph for your press release is essential. This ensures your audience is immediately drawn in and understands the relevance of your announcement.
Incorporating the Five Ws
In the intro, it’s crucial to incorporate the Five Ws: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. This approach helps your readers quickly grasp the essential details.
For instance, when announcing a product launch, what relates to your company signifies the new product, the launch date is indicated, the event location or website is illustrated, and the product’s importance is illustrated.
Providing clear answers to these questions ensures your readers are informed and intrigued immediately. By addressing the Five Ws, I grabbed attention and set the stage for the rest of the press release.
Initiating with the Most Crucial Information
It’s essential to lead with the most critical information. This ensures that readers get the primary message even if they skim.
Start with a compelling hook or angle. This could be an intriguing fact, a striking statistic, or a significant benefit. For example, starting with “Our revolutionary new gadget which reduces energy consumption by 50% launches next month” immediately captures interest.
After the hook, continue by summarizing the main points of your announcement. This pyramid structure places the most crucial data at the top.
Using this method, I ensure clarity and relevance in my press release, making it more likely to be read and shared by journalists.
Structuring Your Press Release
A well-structured press release ensures all critical information is clear and easily digestible. This involves employing a strategic format and being mindful of each section’s unique purpose.
Utilizing the Inverted Pyramid Format
I always begin with the most crucial information at the top, following the inverted pyramid format. This means starting with your announcement’s who, what, when, where, and why. Journalists appreciate this, as it allows them to grasp the main points quickly.
Subsequent paragraphs should follow this hierarchy, providing supplementary details that enrich the story without overwhelming it. This helps ensure that even if the reader skims the press release, they still come away with the essential information.
Breaking Down the Body Section
I dive into the specifics in the press release’s body. This section typically starts with a compelling lead paragraph elaborating on the headline. Keeping sentences concise and paragraphs short helps maintain attention.
I prefer to use bullet points to list features or benefits because they’re easy to scan. Including quotes from key figures can also add credibility and a human element to the story.
Concluding with a Strong Boilerplate Statement
Theboilerplate statement is a brief paragraph at the end of the press release. It provides background information about the organization, reinforcing its credibility. Writing a solid boilerplate involves crafting a concise description highlighting the company’s mission, past achievements, and future goals.
I often ensure it’s versatile enough to be used in multiple press releases, saving time while maintaining consistency.
Adding Quotes and Media Elements
Quotes and media elements can significantly enhance a press release. Properly integrating statements from key figures and including relevant images and videos can add credibility and impact to your message.
Integrating Essential Statements from Key Figures
Including quotes from key figures like CEOs or experts adds trust and authority. A well-placed quote can contextualize the news and provide insights beyond basic information.
For example, if your press release is about a new product launch, a quote from the CEO can highlight the company’s vision. A statement from an industry expert can also add an external perspective, increasing your press release’s credibility.
Quotes should be concise and relevant. Avoid overly promotional language and aim for impactful statements that enhance the overall message. This helps make the content more relatable and engaging for readers and media.
Enhancing Your Release with Images and Videos
Adding images and videos makes a press release more engaging and visually appealing. High-quality photos of the product, event, or critical figures can capture attention quickly. Videos provide a dynamic way to present information, showing rather than telling your news.
Make sure the visual elements are relevant and add value. For example, a product video demonstration can be more informative than text alone. Additionally, high-quality headshots of interview subjects or spokespeople can lend a personal touch that media outlets appreciate.
Using proper media elements can enhance the presentation and improve the chances of getting broader media coverage. They add depth to the narrative, making your story more compelling and shareable.
Finalizing and Distributing the Press Release
After creating a compelling press release, it’s time to ensure it reaches the right audience through effective distribution strategies. I’ll focus on crafting a persuasive email pitch to maximize impact, choosing suitable distribution channels, and leveraging social media.
Crafting a Persuasive Email Pitch
A solid email pitch can significantly improve your chances of catching a journalist’s attention. I start with a concise and engaging subject line that piques curiosity. I also address the journalist by name to personalize the message.
In the email body, I introduce myself and explain why my press release is relevant to their audience. Highlighting a few key points from the press release ensures the journalist understands the main story quickly. I keep my pitch brief but informative, emphasizing the newsworthiness.
Including a press release template or link to the full press release helps the journalist access all the details. Offering to provide additional information or saying I’m available for interviews can encourage further engagement.
Choosing the Right Distribution Channels
Choosing the most effective distribution channels is crucial for reaching my target audience. Both traditional and digital media outlets cast a wide net.
Major newswires like Business Wire or PR Newswire can place my press release in front of thousands of journalists and media databases. For niche audiences, I focus on specialized publications or community newsletters that align with my industry.
Utilizing email lists of trusted contacts and industry influencers offers a more targeted approach. I can also upload the press release to my company’s website and send updates to subscribers, ensuring committed followers are always informed.
Leveraging Social Media for Wider Reach
Social media is a powerful tool for expanding the reach of my press release. I start by sharing the release on my company’s social platforms, including LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Creating engaging social media content involves eye-catching images, quotes, or infographics from the press release. Tagging relevant journalists and media outlets can boost visibility and encourage sharing within the community.
Using hashtags related to the industry or event ensures the press release appears in relevant searches. Encouraging employees and partners to share the post helps amplify its reach further.
By following these steps, I ensure my press release reaches the right audience through personalized email pitches, strategic distribution channels, and effective social media engagement.
David Quintero
With five years of experience in public relations, David has spearheaded impactful campaigns that have successfully connected brands with top-tier media. His exceptional storytelling abilities allow him to transform client messages into compelling narratives, delivering measurable results.
GCS Glass makes choosing frameless shower doors easy in Denver with its comprehensive new buyer’s guide. Navigating the world of shower door options can be overwhelming, especially with the growing popularity of sleek, modern frameless designs. Recognizing the need for clear, concise information, GCS Glass has developed an essential resource for Denver homeowners. This detailed guide demystifies the selection process, empowering customers to make informed decisions with confidence. From understanding the different types of glass and hardware to considering design aesthetics and practical considerations, the guide offers expert advice and valuable insights.
“We’re thrilled to offer Denver homeowners this invaluable tool,” says Robert Gomez of GCS Glass. “This guide breaks down complex technical details into digestible information, enabling customers to confidently select the ideal frameless door that complements their bathroom aesthetics and enhances their daily routine. Its purpose is to make dreams a reality with clarity and ease.”
Denver’s vibrant art scene and appreciation for modern design are reflected in its homes. Frameless shower doors in Denver, CO, are the perfect complement to this aesthetic, offering clean lines and an open feel that resonates with the city’s contemporary vibe. GCS Glass’ buyer’s guide helps homeowners navigate the world of frameless shower doors, ensuring they find the ideal fit for their unique style and bathroom space.
While the guide provides comprehensive information for selecting the perfect frameless shower door, GCS Glass emphasizes the importance of professional installation. Denver shower doors, especially frameless models, require precise measurements and specialized techniques to ensure proper fit and functionality. Expert installation guarantees the longevity and safety of the shower door and enhances its aesthetic appeal. The company’s team of experienced installers possesses the skills and knowledge to handle the intricacies of frameless shower door installation, ensuring a seamless and flawless result that complements the beauty and functionality of any bathroom.
GCS Glass Denver isn’t just another chain in the glass industry. They’re deeply rooted in the community. Their team understands the unique needs and preferences of their clients and provides personalized service and expert advice tailored to their local style. This local expertise ensures that every project, from shower doors to custom mirrors, seamlessly integrates with Denver’s distinctive architectural landscape.
Experience the convenience of online resources. Visit the GCS Glass website at https://gcsglassandmirror.com/locations/denver-co/ to view their buyer’s guide and explore their extensive selection of frameless shower doors, view inspiring project galleries, and access helpful tools and information.
Originally published at https://presssynergy.com/newsroom/no-more-shower-door-confusion-with-gcs-glass-guide-for-denver-buyers/
Say goodbye to obstructed views and hello to modern elegance with frameless glass railings designed and installed by SSD Glass. Our new line of frameless glass railings have helped to transform homes across North and Central New Jersey with their stunning clarity. These sleek and sophisticated railings seamlessly blend with any architectural style, creating a sense of openness and spaciousness while enhancing safety. Imagine enjoying panoramic views from a deck or balcony without the visual interruption of bulky frames. The company’s frameless glass railings are crafted with durable tempered laminated glass and engineered for lasting performance, ensuring beauty and peace of mind for years.
“In today’s world, we crave for open, airy spaces that inspire and rejuvenate,” shares Michael A. Lawlor of SSD Glass. “Our frameless railings are the perfect complement to modern living. They create a sense of flow and continuity, making your home feel larger and more luxurious. It’s about embracing a design that enhances your lifestyle and brings a touch of sophistication to your everyday moments.”
North and Central New Jersey, with its blend of vibrant towns, scenic landscapes, and modern architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for the elegance of frameless glass railings. These glass railings effortlessly complement the region’s varied aesthetics, enhancing the visual appeal of homes throughout the area. Residents are embracing the trend of North & Central New Jersey glass railings to create a sense of spaciousness and light, whether it’s for a balcony overlooking a picturesque town or a patio with serene views. SSD Glass’ frameless designs allow homeowners to reimagine their living spaces, bringing the outdoors in and maximizing the enjoyment of their properties.
To further enhance safety and design,the company offers a variety of frameless glass handrails to complement its railing systems. These handrails provide a secure grip while maintaining the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of the frameless design. Homeowners can choose from various materials and finishes to perfectly match their style and preferences, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look for any space.
SSD Glass was built to redefine how homeowners experience their living spaces. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including custom design, expert installation, and ongoing support. Their team of experienced professionals works closely with each client to ensure their vision is brought to life with precision and artistry. Driven by a passion for pushing the boundaries of glass design, SSD Glass continues to explore new and exciting ways to transform homes throughout North and Central New Jersey.
To learn more about SSD Glass’ frameless railing systems and explore their full range of glass solutions, visit their website at https://ssdglass.com/ to view all their services and contact them to schedule a consultation.
Originally published at https://presssynergy.com/newsroom/open-up-the-views-with-frameless-glass-railings-by-ssd-glass/
Additional participants included New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-NY-26), U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Lisa M. Gomez; India Sneed, Esq., Founder & Managing Partner, IQEQ Law PLLC; and Dr. Henry Love, PhD, Vice President of Policy and Planning at Win. Also in attendance were Assemblymember Alex Bores (D-NY-73), Executive Director of the NYC Council’s Women’s Caucus Thamar Ferdinand, and Assemblymember Grace Lee (D-NY-65).
The New York Junior League was pleased to host this very important convening of city, state and federal leaders focused on womens health and equality, shared NYJL President Jeri Powell. For nearly 125 years, we have stood at the forefront of advocating for the women, children and families of New York City. With nearly 2,500 trained women volunteers, we will bring the full force of our resources to the cause of improving womens health and equality by advocating for laws that ensure and enshrine every humans ability to reach their full potential.
The NYJLs Advocates for Public Policy committee champions legislation and policy initiatives in support of the NYJLs work for women, children, and families in New York, including womens health and equality, mental health equity, poverty relief, and domestic violence.
About the New York Junior League
Since 1901, the New York Junior League (NYJL) has responded to New York Citys most pressing socioeconomic challenges. Powered by nearly 2,500 women volunteers, the NYJL works with more than 60 community-based organizations to advance childrens social-emotional learning and to provide life skills programs to youth and adults who are navigating periods of difficult transition. Bringing their diverse experiences and talents, trained NYJL volunteers engage women and children in health, education, and arts workshops specially customized to their needs. The NYJL advocates with state and city government for women- and children-centered policies and develops volunteers leadership skills for service in the NYJL and on other nonprofit boards, all while cultivating a community that reinforces womens personal relationships and collective power as drivers of positive change. The NYJL also responds to community partners requests for immediate support and invests funds and volunteers time in restoring public parks and community spaces to create welcoming environments conducive to fitness, health, recreation, and socialization.
www.NYJL.org
At the expo, we will showcase our main product, iCallify, an easy-to-use call center software. iCallify helps businesses improve their communication with customers. It comes with many useful features, like managing leads and analyzing performance in real-time, allowing businesses to run their call centers more efficiently and provide better customer service.
We are thrilled to be part of AfricaCom Expo 2024,” said [CEO Name], CEO of Inextrix Technologies. “Its a wonderful chance for us to connect with other businesses and show how our iCallify solution can make a big difference for companies in Africa.
We invite everyone at the AfricaCom Expo to discover how iCallify can enhance business communication with customers. Our team will be available to discuss partnerships and explore how we can help organizations improve their communication strategies.
For more information about iCallify and our participation in AfricaCom Expo 2024, please visit iCallify website or contact: +1 315 898 1139
Inextrix Technologies is a leading provider of modern communication solutions, including VoIP and call center software. We are dedicated to helping businesses around the world improve their communication and achieve growth through our innovative technology and excellent support.
Dr. Wichai Srimanus, Director of Ramkhamhaeng 2 Hospital, led a team of medical professionals and staff at the Radiation Therapy Center during the inspection. This collaboration is part of the hospitals commitment to establishing a safe and effective radiation treatment facility.
In addition to the inspection, Dr. Srimanus and the team visited the National Cancer Institute on October 22, 2023, to engage in discussions on best practices and operational readiness for the Radiation Therapy Center. This initiative is part of the hospital’s broader plan to elevate its services to meet international standards.
Ramkhamhaeng 2 Hospital is dedicated to enhancing healthcare quality and ensuring patient safety through rigorous preparation and collaboration with regulatory bodies.
For further information, please visit the website:
https://www.ram2hospital.com/news_detail/2552
As a symbol of maritime history and elegance, the QE2 continues to inspire, and this artistic celebration will bring its legacy to life through a captivating blend of international and regional artistic talent. The event will offer a sophisticated evening of art and culture, accompanied by curated mocktails, set within the historic and elegant surroundings of the Queens Grill, providing guests a truly immersive experience.
Fernando Costa, an internationally renowned artist, is celebrated for his unique ability to breathe new life into discarded metal objects. Through his intricate process of cutting, mixing, and welding materials such as road signs, car bodies, and machinery, he transforms them into stunning works of art. Costas creations have been exhibited in world-class cities such as Paris, London, New York, and Singapore. His art embodies a sense of resilience and transformation values that perfectly align with the enduring legacy of the QE2.
Notably, Fernando Costas personal connection to the QE2 runs deep. As a young man in the 1990s, he worked as a steward on the iconic ocean liner, a life-changing experience that shaped his artistic journey. His tribute, created especially for this exhibition, will be unveiled during the event, marking a nostalgic and emotional return to the ship where his story began.
Alongside Costas work, other acclaimed local artists from Dubai will also present their own interpretations of the QE2s heritage, bringing a unique regional perspective to the exhibition. This fusion of global and local artistry will create a rich narrative, celebrating the enduring legacy of the QE2 through diverse artistic expressions.
This event is a must-attend for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those passionate about the QE2s heritage. It will be an evening to remember, as these well-known artists pay tribute to one of the most iconic ocean liners in history through the powerful medium of art.
Event Details:
Exhibition Title: Echoes from the Past
Date: Friday, 8 November 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Queens Grill, Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, Port Rashid, Dubai
Admission: By Invitation Only
San Leandro residents can now access an enhanced selection of coverage options designed to protect their assets and ensure peace of mind. With personalized insurance solutions and affordable rates, Namaste Insurance Agency aims to make insurance accessible for everyone, whether they are looking to secure renters insurance in San Leandro, CA, get quotes for auto and RV coverage, or explore life and condo insurance options.
About Namaste Insurance Agency
Namaste Insurance Agency has earned its reputation as a reliable and client-focused insurance provider in San Leandro, CA. Known for its expertise, the agency works closely with clients to provide customized insurance solutions that fit their individual lifestyles and financial situations. With a wide selection of policies, from life and renters insurance to specialized RV and condo insurance, Namaste Insurance Agency is committed to providing top-tier service and comprehensive coverage options for San Leandro residents.
To learn more about the new insurance services or to receive a personalized quote, visit Namaste Insurance Agency’s website, visit our office at 1831 Marina Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577, or call (510) 394-9402 to speak with an experienced agent today.
Brazilian tattoo artist Wilson Junior, a rising star in the tattoo community, has recently celebrated a significant career milestone: securing an O-1A visa and launching his artistic journey in the United States. With multiple prestigious awards under his belt from both Brazil and the U.S., Wilson’s work exemplifies the artistry and individuality that are driving the booming global tattoo market, projected to reach USD 4.10 billion by 2031.
Wilson Junior, known for his intricate designs and unique styles, expressed his excitement about this new chapter in his career. “Moving to the U.S. has been a dream come true. The artistic freedom here is incredible, and I’m eager to share my vision with a wider audience,” he said. His accolades, including awards from international tattoo conventions, have set high expectations for his work in the U.S.
The global tattoo market has seen remarkable growth, fueled by a rising demand for customized and unique designs. “People are looking for tattoos that tell their stories, that represent their individuality,” Wilson noted. “As artists, it’s our job to bring those stories to life on skin. It’s not just about ink; it’s about connection and expression.”
In addition to the artistic demand, Wilson highlighted the importance of technological advancements in the industry. “Modern tattoo machines and high-quality pigments have transformed how we create art. It’s safer and more precise, which is a game-changer for both artists and clients,” he said.
Social media platforms like Instagram have also played a pivotal role in the tattoo industry’s expansion. “Social media allows artists to showcase their portfolios and connect with clients globally,” Wilson explained. “It’s inspiring to see how many people are embracing tattoos as a form of art and self-expression.”
While the tattoo industry flourishes, challenges remain, particularly concerning health risks associated with the procedure. Wilson acknowledged these concerns, stating, “It’s crucial for artists to maintain hygiene standards and for clients to be informed. We must prioritize safety to keep this beautiful art form thriving.”
As the U.S. tattoo market continues to grow, Wilson Junior stands at the forefront of this cultural wave, eager to contribute his skills and creativity. “I believe every tattoo tells a story, and I’m here to help people express theirs,” he concluded, embodying the spirit of a vibrant and evolving industry.
With his unique perspective and dedication, Wilson is poised to make a lasting impact on the tattoo scene in the U.S. as the global tattoo market continues its impressive ascent.
About Wilson Junior
Wilson Junior is an O1-A visa recipient recognized for extraordinary abilities in tattoo artistry. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has become one of Brazil’s most prominent tattoo professionals and is now establishing himself in the U.S. market, showcasing his innovative talent and dedication to the craft.
Strategic Funding to Bolster Industry Resilience Amidst Tightened Banking Conditions
InvestBev, a leading private equity firm in the adult beverage sector, has announced a strategic commitment of $50 million through its credit arm to support the distillery and bourbon barrel industry. As conventional banks scale back lending in this sector, InvestBev is stepping in to offer essential capital to empower distillery owners and barrel investors nationwide.
“The potential of the bourbon industry is immense, yet traditional financial institutions are reluctant to support it, often imposing restrictive terms or withdrawing capital altogether,” said Brian Rosen, Founder and General Partner of InvestBev. “At InvestBev, we recognize the unique value and challenges of this asset class. Our investment reflects our passion for the bourbon business and our commitment to fueling its growth.”
Strengthening the Bourbon Industry Through Financial Innovation
With extensive expertise in the adult beverage industry, InvestBev has established a reputation as a trusted financial partner for the U.S. bourbon sector. Amid the tightening of traditional lending options, InvestBev is proactively offering customized financial solutions that help distilleries and barrel owners unlock the cash potential in their inventory.
“InvestBev has consistently been a supportive force in the U.S. bourbon industry,” Rosen continued. “When banks retreat, we’re there to provide financing that empowers our fellow entrepreneurs and industry innovators to succeed.”
Supporting Industry Partners Nationwide
InvestBev’s commitment has already made an impact, as noted by Jake Ireland, the founder and CEO of Off Hours Bourbon, a bourbon whiskey brand that aims to challenge traditional bourbon stereotypes. “We are thrilled to partner with InvestBev Credit,” reports Ireland. “This capital partnership will allow us to reach more and more consumers through increased barrel inventory and production capabilities.”
Through this $50 million investment, InvestBev reinforces its dedication to driving innovation and expansion within the bourbon and distillery sectors, forging valuable partnerships that contribute to industry resilience and growth.
About InvestBev
Founded in 2015 by Brian Rosen, InvestBev Group is a premier private equity firm in the adult beverage industry, known for its short return windows and non-correlated investment strategy. Helmed by 3rd generation industry veteran Brian Rosen, InvestBev Group has raised nearly $200 million across four funds, a $100 million credit platform, and a low-cost insurance provider to distilleries. InvestBev is dedicated to supporting emerging brands and segments within the alcohol sector. Learn more: Website | LinkedIn
SWE offers a number of resources for you to advocate for women in engineering and technology. Read more about our efforts and the efforts of our members.
Un Novembre inusuale: caldo fuori stagione e impatti sul meteo italiano
Questo Novembre si sta rivelando uno dei più caldi mai registrati in Italia, con temperature che ricordano più la fine dell’estate o l’inizio dell’autunno. Questa anomalia meteo, che vede un’ondata di calore fuori stagione, solleva preoccupazioni sia per gli effetti immediati che per la frequenza di tali eventi. Il fenomeno mette in luce l’influenza del cambiamento climatico sul meteo mediterraneo, con temperature elevate che modificano le dinamiche atmosferiche e hanno ripercussioni su settori come l’agricoltura, la salute e l’ecosistema.
Un flusso di aria calda dal Nord Africa domina il meteo
Il meteo attuale è caratterizzato da un flusso di aria calda proveniente dal Nord Africa, che ha raggiunto l’Italia, interessando principalmente le regioni del Centro-Sud. Anche il Nord Italia sta vivendo temperature elevate, con valori che superano i 20°C in diverse città e raggiungono picchi ancora più alti nelle zone costiere. Le previsioni meteo per i prossimi giorni indicano che queste temperature continueranno a rimanere sopra la media stagionale, assicurando giornate soleggiate e miti. Tuttavia, questa situazione insolita per un mese autunnale come Novembre potrebbe avere conseguenze a lungo termine.
Alta Pressione: una barriera atmosferica che influisce sul meteo
La persistenza di queste temperature anomale è legata alla presenza di un sistema di Alta Pressione stazionario sul Mediterraneo, che impedisce l’arrivo delle perturbazioni tipiche dell’autunno. Questo campo di Alta Pressione, simile a una cupola stabile, blocca l’arrivo di venti freschi e piogge in Italia, mantenendo così il Paese in una condizione di stabilità atmosferica. Questa configurazione, sebbene non del tutto nuova, sta diventando sempre più frequente, portando gli esperti a considerarla come una delle conseguenze del riscaldamento globale.
Impatti del caldo fuori stagione sull’agricoltura e sull’ambiente
Questa anomalia termica di Novembre ha effetti significativi non solo sul meteo, ma anche su settori come l’agricoltura e l’ambiente naturale. Per l’agricoltura, temperature così elevate rischiano di danneggiare le colture autunnali e invernali, che in questo periodo dovrebbero trovarsi in una fase di riposo vegetativo. L’aumento della temperatura può invece stimolare una ripresa della crescita e della fioritura, con possibili danni per le produzioni future. Raccolti come olive e uva potrebbero subire ritardi, mentre la siccità causata dall’assenza di piogge rende i terreni più secchi e difficili da gestire.
Anche l’ecosistema locale risente degli effetti del caldo anomalo. Le specie migratorie, come alcuni uccelli, possono ritardare il viaggio verso Sud, attratte dalle temperature miti, mentre alcuni mammiferi rischiano di non entrare in letargo nei tempi previsti. Questo squilibrio ha ripercussioni sugli ecosistemi e sulla biodiversità: il protrarsi di un meteo caldo crea una dissonanza con i ritmi naturali di piante e animali, compromettendo la salute degli habitat.
Effetti sulla salute pubblica
Il caldo eccezionale di Novembre non incide solo sull’ambiente, ma anche sulla salute delle persone. Le temperature elevate, in particolar modo se accompagnate da livelli elevati di umidità, possono provocare disagio, soprattutto per gli anziani e per chi soffre di patologie croniche. Il sistema di termoregolazione del corpo è messo a dura prova in situazioni di caldo umido fuori stagione, aumentando il rischio di problemi respiratori e cardiovascolari. Inoltre, il meteo caldo favorisce la proliferazione di alcuni patogeni, come virus e batteri, che si diffondono più rapidamente in ambienti caldi e umidi, aggravando i rischi per la salute pubblica.
Previsioni a lungo termine e segni del cambiamento climatico
I meteorologi prevedono che le temperature resteranno elevate per almeno altri dieci giorni. L’Alta Pressione potrebbe rimanere stazionaria fino a metà Novembre, momento in cui le temperature potrebbero iniziare a scendere. Tuttavia, la ripetizione di queste ondate di caldo fuori stagione è un segnale allarmante del cambiamento climatico in corso. Gli scienziati avvertono che l’aumento delle temperature globali sta destabilizzando i modelli meteorologici tradizionali, rendendo più frequenti eventi climatici estremi. Questo fenomeno richiama l’attenzione sull’urgenza di azioni concrete per contrastare il cambiamento climatico, come la riduzione delle emissioni di gas serra e l’adozione di politiche di sostenibilità ambientale.
Monitoraggio e risposta agli eventi meteo
Nei prossimi giorni, l’attenzione sarà focalizzata sugli aggiornamenti meteorologici, poiché la persistenza di questo caldo anomalo rappresenta una sfida importante. Sebbene per alcuni italiani l’ondata di caldo sia un’opportunità per godere di giornate miti e soleggiate, la situazione mette in evidenza l’urgenza di affrontare le cause di questi eventi eccezionali. Il monitoraggio delle previsioni meteo sarà essenziale per valutare le conseguenze immediate su ambiente, agricoltura e salute pubblica, mentre l’Italia si prepara a rispondere agli impatti di lungo termine del cambiamento climatico.
Un potente campo di alta pressione sta attualmente dominando la nostra penisola, l’Europa centrale e anche l’Europa nord-occidentale. Questo sta creando un massiccio blocco anticiclonico che blocca l’ingresso delle perturbazioni atlantiche nel Mediterraneo. L’unica perturbazione attualmente presente sull’Europa centro-occidentale è quella che si trova sulla Spagna, che ha causato nubifragi e alluvioni nelle ultime ore. Tuttavia, le condizioni meteorologiche in quei territori dovrebbero migliorare presto.
Questo dominante campo di alta pressione continuerà a governare il meteo europeo almeno fino al 5 novembre, assicurando una quasi totale assenza di precipitazioni dall’Italia alla Gran Bretagna, attraverso Francia, Germania, Paesi Bassi e Olanda. Al contrario, l’Est Europa e la Scandinavia, già in pieno inverno, stanno subendo le masse d’aria fredda nord-atlantiche e polari che vengono deviate da questo potente anticiclone, portando maltempo e un marcato freddo.
Un’Europa divisa in due dal meteo
L’Europa sembra essere letteralmente divisa in due: a ovest abbiamo stabilità e temperature superiori alla media del periodo, mentre a est domina il freddo intenso e il tempo instabile. Questa situazione dovrebbe persistere almeno fino al 5 novembre, dopodiché si prevedono cambiamenti graduale nelle condizioni meteorologiche.
Un cambiamento nel meteo italiano?
L’anticiclone tenderà a spostarsi verso ovest, posizionando il suo centro tra la Gran Bretagna e la Penisola Iberica, mentre l’Italia si troverà più esposta a infiltrazioni fredde. Tra il 4 e il 5 novembre, si prevede un calo graduale delle temperature, sia a causa dell’aria più fredda in quota, sia a causa dei fenomeni di irraggiamento notturno e di inversione termica, che favoriranno notti progressivamente più fredde.
A partire dal 4 novembre, inizieremo a registrare temperature minime inferiori ai 6 o 7 °C in Val Padana e nelle zone interne del Centro e del Sud. Questo freddo sarà più percepibile soprattutto durante le ore notturne e all’alba, mentre di giorno il meteo risulterà più gradevole grazie alla presenza del sole.
Dal 7 novembre in poi, potrebbe subentrare anche un po’ di instabilità, soprattutto sulle nostre isole maggiori e nel Nord-Ovest. Di questo, però, parleremo nei prossimi editoriali meteo per ulteriori approfondimenti.
Un’insolita ondata di calore autunnale si abbatte sull’Italia
A partire dal 31 ottobre 2024, un significativo impulso dell’Anticiclone Africano investirà l’Italia, portando con sé un’insolita ondata di calore autunnale. Questa massa d’aria calda, proveniente dal Nord Africa, non solo influenzerà le temperature, ma causerà una serie di anomalie meteorologiche, soprattutto al Centro-Sud e nelle Isole Maggiori. L’anticiclone stabilizzerà le condizioni atmosferiche, riducendo al minimo le precipitazioni e mantenendo temperature ben al di sopra della media stagionale.
Un meteo più caldo del solito
Già nelle giornate precedenti, le prime avvisaglie dell’anticiclone sono state evidenti, con un progressivo aumento delle temperature e cieli prevalentemente sereni o poco nuvolosi. Questa nuova ondata potrebbe far salire ulteriormente le temperature, che nel Sud Italia e nelle zone insulari potrebbero toccare i 28-30°C. Questi valori ricordano più un meteo estivo che autunnale, un’anomalia che si inserisce nel quadro di cambiamenti climatici ormai sempre più frequenti e persistenti. Le regioni settentrionali, pur interessate dall’alta pressione, potrebbero ancora essere soggette a foschie mattutine e qualche nebbia sulla Pianura Padana, ma le temperature resteranno comunque miti e superiori alla media.
Un meteo che cambia
Il fenomeno dell’Anticiclone Africano in questo periodo dell’anno è sintomatico di un meteo in cambiamento, che tende sempre più spesso a dilatare il caldo estivo anche nei mesi autunnali. Questa fase di “ottobrata” non è nuova al nostro Paese, ma ciò che colpisce è l’intensità e la durata del fenomeno. L’espansione dell’anticiclone, favorita anche da una corrente a getto spostata verso nord, permette all’Italia di restare sotto l’influenza di masse d’aria calde, bloccando i flussi più freddi di origine atlantica e favorendo condizioni stabili e secche, specialmente al Centro-Sud.
Le conseguenze meteorologiche
Dal punto di vista meteorologico, le ripercussioni di questa situazione saranno diverse. Da un lato, si osserverà un meteo piacevole e mite, ideale per chi si trova al Sud e sulle isole. Tuttavia, questa stabilità atmosferica potrebbe anche portare a problematiche secondarie, come la scarsa ventilazione e la formazione di smog nelle aree urbane del Nord, dove l’inquinamento atmosferico tende ad accumularsi in condizioni di alta pressione e assenza di vento. Inoltre, l’influenza prolungata dell’anticiclone, che trattiene l’umidità al suolo, può aumentare il rischio di nebbie fitte nelle ore più fredde della giornata, specie nelle pianure del Nord.
Le previsioni delle temperature
Per quanto riguarda le temperature, nelle principali città del Sud come Palermo e Napoli si attendono massime di circa 24-26°C, mentre a Firenze e Roma si potrebbero registrare picchi di 23°C. Anche al Nord, città come Torino e Milano vedranno valori superiori ai 17-18°C, ben sopra le medie per fine ottobre. Sul fronte della durata, le proiezioni indicano che questo scenario potrebbe proseguire almeno fino alla prima settimana di novembre, anche se non si escludono piccole variazioni.
Un meteo che solleva domande
Questo scenario meteorologico mette in luce l’impatto di dinamiche atmosferiche anomale e solleva domande sul futuro del nostro meteo, in cui fenomeni estremi e fuori stagione diventano sempre più frequenti.
Un potente Anticiclone, proveniente dal Nord Africa, si sta espandendo verso l’Europa Centrale. Questo fenomeno sta proteggendo il Mediterraneo dalle perturbazioni atlantiche, che rimangono confinate a latitudini più settentrionali. In questo periodo, l’Italia beneficia di un meteo stabile, con cieli prevalentemente sereni e temperature che superano le medie stagionali, creando un meteo che ricorda la fine dell’estate.
Atmosfera stabile fino a metà Novembre
L’attuale configurazione meteorologica indica che l’Alta Pressione rimarrà costante fino alla metà di Novembre, assicurando giornate serene anche durante le festività di Halloween e Ognissanti. Questo meteo limita l’arrivo delle perturbazioni, soprattutto nelle regioni del Centro e del Sud Italia, dove il sole sarà il protagonista del cielo fino al prossimo fine settimana.
Il Centro Italia godrà di giornate prevalentemente soleggiate, in particolare in regioni come Toscana, Umbria e Lazio, con solo qualche nube di passaggio che non comprometterà la stabilità del meteo. Anche il Sud e le Isole Maggiori beneficeranno di un meteo stabile e soleggiato, soprattutto in Sicilia e Sardegna. Al Nord, le aree montuose avranno cieli limpidi e temperature gradevoli, ideali per escursioni autunnali.
La nebbia e il suo ruolo
Nelle pianure del Nord Italia, il meteo sarà completamente diverso: l’alta pressione, tipica dell’autunno, favorisce la formazione di nebbie dense durante la notte e al mattino presto. Questo fenomeno, caratteristico di questa stagione, ridurrà la visibilità nelle aree più basse di Lombardia, Veneto e Emilia-Romagna, causando disagi alla circolazione stradale, soprattutto nei pressi dei corsi d’acqua.
Con l’arrivo del calore mattutino, le nebbie tenderanno a sollevarsi, creando una copertura di nubi basse che renderà l’atmosfera più grigia e meno soleggiata nelle aree nebbiose. In queste zone, la temperatura sarà leggermente più fresca rispetto alle aree esposte al sole.
Temperature autunnali superiori alla norma
Le temperature rimarranno generalmente superiori alle medie stagionali, in particolare al Sud e nelle Isole Maggiori, con picchi che potranno raggiungere i 25°C durante le ore più calde. Anche al Centro le temperature si manterranno su valori miti, con massime che toccheranno i 20-23°C. Al Nord, a causa della presenza di nebbie, le temperature saranno leggermente inferiori nelle ore più fresche, oscillando attorno ai 10-12°C.
Alta Pressione e possibili cambiamenti
L’influenza di questo Anticiclone continuerà a garantire stabilità su tutto il Paese, regalando un periodo di meteo calmo e condizioni ideali per giornate all’aperto. Tuttavia, l’arrivo dell’Inverno potrebbe portare, nel lungo termine, a cambiamenti di scenario: se l’Alta Pressione si indebolisce, sarà possibile che nuove perturbazioni o eventuali ondate di freddo influenzino l’Italia.
Al momento non sono previsti cambiamenti significativi fino a metà Novembre. La configurazione anticiclonica resterà stabile, bloccando eventuali peggioramenti, mentre la presenza dell’Alta Pressione porterà temperature miti. Non resta che vedere come evolverà il meteo.
Previsioni meteo: un Novembre più mite del previsto
Non è il momento di tirare fuori i cappotti pesanti, almeno non ancora. Le previsioni meteo indicano un clima più mite del solito per la prima decade di Novembre. Nonostante ciò, non è detto che l’intero mese seguirà lo stesso trend. Esaminiamo alcuni aspetti meteorologici rilevanti.
Un clima più mite del solito
Le previsioni meteo indicano che le temperature rimarranno superiori alla media stagionale, soprattutto nel Sud Italia e nelle Isole Maggiori, dove si potrebbero raggiungere i 25°C nelle ore centrali del giorno. Anche le regioni centrali sperimentano un clima mite, con temperature massime intorno ai 20-23°C. Al contrario, le pianure del Nord avranno un clima più fresco a causa delle nebbie, con temperature che potrebbero scendere sotto i 10 gradi nelle ore più fredde.
Alta Pressione in controllo
Per ora, le previsioni meteo non indicano cambiamenti significativi. Tuttavia, la persistenza di questa configurazione non esclude che, a lungo termine, possano verificarsi variazioni. L’inverno è alle porte e la presenza costante di alta pressione a queste latitudini potrebbe lasciare spazio a future irruzioni fredde più intense.
Le previsioni meteo attuali non prevedono peggioramenti significativi almeno fino a metà Novembre. Eventuali cambiamenti saranno strettamente legati all’eventuale indebolimento dell’Anticiclone e all’apertura di varchi per le correnti perturbate atlantiche. Fino ad allora, l’Italia sarà protetta da questa configurazione che offre condizioni miti e un clima piacevole, posticipando a Dicembre le possibilità di vere ondate di freddo.
Un clima ideale per Halloween e Ognissanti
Per Halloween e il giorno di Ognissanti, le previsioni meteo prevedono un clima stabile in gran parte d’Italia. Le temperature gradevoli e l’assenza di fenomeni estremi permetteranno di celebrare queste giornate con facilità, soprattutto nelle zone del Centro-Sud. Solo le regioni settentrionali potrebbero fare i conti con banchi di nebbia, specie al calare del sole, ma non si prevedono piogge né instabilità marcate.
Le condizioni favorevoli del Ponte di Ognissanti e il clima mite creeranno un’occasione ideale per gite fuori porta, attività all’aria aperta e turismo locale in molte città italiane, sfruttando un Autunno che, almeno per ora, sembra voler regalare temperature piacevoli e cieli sereni.
Previsioni meteo: stabilità atmosferica e sole per i prossimi giorni
Un robusto anticiclone, che si estende dal Nord Africa all’Europa centrale, sta tenendo lontane le perturbazioni atlantiche dal Mediterraneo. Questo fenomeno meteorologico indica una sola cosa: stabilità atmosferica e bel tempo su molte regioni italiane che ci accompagneranno per un bel po’ di tempo!
Anticiclone: un alleato per Halloween, Ognissanti e oltre
Se le previsioni meteo si confermeranno, l’anticiclone resterà con noi non solo per Halloween e Ognissanti, ma anche per il primo weekend di novembre e, probabilmente, per gran parte della settimana successiva. Insomma, un inizio novembre all’insegna della generosa stabilità atmosferica.
Il meteo dei prossimi giorni: sole e serenità
Diamo allora un’occhiata al meteo dei prossimi giorni e scopriamo se il sole riuscirà davvero a illuminare tutto il Paese. Dal giorno di Halloween fino a tutto il primo weekend del mese di Novembre, avremo cieli sereni su quasi tutto il Centro–Sud e sui rilievi del Nord. Unica eccezione: le pianure del Nord, dove le alte pressioni, oltre a portare stabilità, favoriranno la comparsa delle tanto temute nebbie. Soprattutto durante la notte e al mattino presto, alcuni tratti della pianura padana sarà avvolta da una fitta nebbia, creando qualche difficoltà alla circolazione stradale.
Nebbia e nubi basse: un tocco grigio al panorama
Con il passare delle ore la nebbia si solleverà e localmente potrà trasformarsi in un tappeto di nubi basse dando un tocco grigio al panorama.
Temperature sopra la media: caldo fuori stagione
Attenzione anche alle temperature! In generale rimarranno sopra la media su tutto il Paese. Già nei prossimi giorni e soprattutto durante il weekend del Ponte di Ognissanti, sentiremo il caldo fuori stagione grazie all’anticiclone africano, con temperature che potrebbero toccare i 23-24°C, soprattutto al Centro e al Sud, in particolare sul versante tirrenico.
Calo delle temperature previsto per Domenica 3 novembre
Attenzione invece alla giornata di Domenica 3 novembre quando, sempre in un contesto votato alla stabilità, assisteremo a un leggero calo delle temperature grazie a un rinforzo dei venti settentrionali. Nulla di drastico, ma i valori termici riusciranno così ad avvicinarsi maggiormente ai valori tipici del periodo.
Iniziamo il mese di novembre con un’inaspettata sorpresa meteorologica. Contrariamente alle previsioni iniziali che indicavano un drastico abbassamento delle temperature, gli ultimi dati meteorologici suggeriscono un drastico cambio di rotta.
Un Anticiclone Africano in Arrivo
Un potente anticiclone di origine africana si sta dirigendo verso l’Europa meridionale e centrale. Questo fenomeno meteo impedirà l’arrivo di correnti fredde, portando con sé temperature insolitamente miti. L’Italia, insieme al Mediterraneo e a gran parte dell’Europa centrale, si troverà a vivere un periodo fuori stagione, con temperature che potrebbero superare la media stagionale di oltre 10°C.
Effetti su Ampia Scala
Questo anticiclone avrà un impatto su vasta scala, limitando le precipitazioni e garantendo cieli sereni su gran parte del continente. L’anticiclone africano, caratterizzato da masse d’aria calde e stabili, potrebbe durare diversi giorni, creando un’anomalia che ricorda un’estate autunnale. Questa situazione non è insolita, poiché, negli ultimi anni, condizioni simili si sono presentate più frequentemente durante la stagione autunnale, suscitando attenzione per le implicazioni meteorologiche.
Un Cambiamento in Arrivo?
Tuttavia, la persistenza di questa fase mite potrebbe non protrarsi oltre metà mese. Le previsioni suggeriscono che tra il 10 e il 15 novembre potrebbero presentarsi le prime correnti fredde e instabili in discesa dal Nord Europa. Se confermato, questo cambiamento comporterebbe un calo delle temperature e il ritorno delle precipitazioni, non solo sotto forma di pioggia ma, probabilmente, anche con nevicate nelle aree montuose. Questo potenziale cambiamento atmosferico potrebbe finalmente riportare condizioni più tipiche di novembre.
Un Novembre Anomalo
Sebbene questi scenari siano ancora in fase di analisi, l’inizio di novembre appare segnato da un meteo anomalo. Gli appassionati di meteorologia e tutti coloro che attendono temperature più invernali potranno monitorare i futuri aggiornamenti per seguire l’evoluzione di questa situazione dinamica. Per ora, si prospetta un mese di novembre influenzato da grandi movimenti atmosferici su scala emisferica, con conseguenze che potrebbero essere avvertite in tutta Europa. Non ci resta che aspettare, d’altronde la distanza temporale è ancora fin troppo ampia e basta poco affinché la configurazione prevista vada in ‘malora’.
Following is a speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the conference titled “Evolution of an Advocate’s Role” today (October 31):
Victor (Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, Mr Victor Dawes, SC), Angel Wong (Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Young Barristers, Hong Kong Bar Association), distinguished guests, fellow members of the Bar, ladies and gentlemen,
A very good morning. I am very delighted to be here today to meet with so many young lawyers. To those coming from overseas, in particular our distinguished guest speakers, a very warm welcome to Hong Kong. Today’s topic – the evolution of the advocates’ role – is vital to the legal profession, no matter which jurisdiction you are from. Advocacy is not merely a function of our work as lawyers; it is the hallmark that defines us, especially for barristers under our common law system. I would like to take this opportunity to share my observations on the changing dynamics of advocacy, the multifaceted roles played by advocates these days, and the essential skills that advocates should possess so as to rise to these challenges.
The hallmark of advocacy
First of all, advocacy is central to our identity as lawyers. As advocates, we are the voices of our clients. We analyse the law, present our arguments and, most importantly, advocate for the protection of clients’ lawful interests and resolution of disputes in a fair manner.
Our common law system places a premium on the art of persuasion, where the advocacy of lawyers would assist judges to gain insights into the legal arguments of the cases. It would not be an exaggeration to say that advocates play a very important role in shaping the development of jurisprudence under common law.
Advocacy beyond litigation
It is also accurate to state that the role of advocates has evolved beyond the courtrooms. Today, we find ourselves navigating a broader spectrum of means for dispute resolution, such as arbitration and mediation, which have their own features and comparative advantages. What is common is that the importance of advocacy extends into these modes of alternative dispute resolution.
In the realm of arbitration, advocates may not just act as legal representatives. They could play the role of arbitrators too. As advocates in arbitrations, we seek to present our case convincingly and persuade the arbitrators to accept our client’s position. While arbitrators should maintain a neutral and objective position when hearing arguments of both sides, they seek to articulate their reasoning in a persuasive manner to justify their decisions.
When lawyers act as mediators, they are advocating a space for parties to have a constructive dialogue, enabling them to find a common ground and help identify possible solutions which are fair, effective and amicable.
The positioning of Hong Kong as an international legal dispute resolution centre underscores the importance of young lawyers to hone their advocacy skills so as to fully utilise the growing opportunities. Our home-grown international arbitration institution, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, received over 280 arbitration filings in 2023 and a record high of the average amount in dispute, being HK$467.6 million. These numbers demonstrate Hong Kong’s strong competitiveness as an internationally renowned arbitration venue.
In terms of mediation, we are to welcome the establishment of the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong next year. It will be the first intergovernmental organisation to resolve international disputes through mediation, providing a new platform for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. At the same time, it will be the first intergovernmental organisation to establish its headquarters in Hong Kong. Its presence would surely strengthen the role of Hong Kong in the promotion of the use of mediation.
Expanding horizons: opportunities beyond Hong Kong
Another significant aspect of the evolving role of advocates in Hong Kong is the growing opportunities for Hong Kong lawyers to work beyond Hong Kong, particularly on the Mainland. Over 480 Hong Kong and Macao lawyers have obtained the licence to practise civil and commercial law in Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area, GBA in short.
The GBA comprises the two Special Administrative Regions, namely Hong Kong and Macao, and nine municipalities in Guangdong Province, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Foshan. Two points of comparison may assist you to understand the enormous potential of the GBA. Firstly, its population is bigger than that of the United Kingdom, Italy or South Africa. Secondly, the GBA’s GDP would rank ahead of Russia, South Korea, Spain or Australia.
Having dual qualifications to practise in both Hong Kong and the Mainland in the GBA would surely provide Hong Kong lawyers with a competitive edge to reap the benefits offered by the vast market opportunities in the GBA and to collaborate with counterparts on the Mainland.
More importantly, we are witnessing the interface of rules in the GBA, too. For example, in January 2024, the Guangdong High People’s Court promulgated a set of guidelines, stating for the first time that courts in the Mainland cities in the GBA may adopt cross-examination procedures in taking evidence from witnesses in commercial cases involving Hong Kong parties and, as such, examination of witnesses would change from the usual mode of “judges-led” to “parties-led”.
This development is evident that the advantages of the process of cross-examination of witnesses, which has long been practised in our common law system in Hong Kong, are well recognised by our Mainland counterparts. The said guidelines would set a broader stage for Hong Kong lawyers, particularly those licensed to practise in the GBA.
In terms of alternative dispute resolution, a set of unified mediation rules, as well as unified accreditation standards and code of conduct of mediators, are already in place in the GBA. This is another example of interfacing of rules in the GBA, which facilitates collaboration and creating synergy. We are currently working to promulgate a panel list of GBA mediators, a step which would enhance users’ confidence in adopting mediation to resolve cross-boundary disputes in the GBA.
Key requirements for modern advocates
In the light of the changing landscape of legal practice, there is no room for complacency. I would like to make a few suggestions, which would hopefully help you to better position yourselves.
Language proficiency
First, mastering good language proficiency by advocates is clearly of crucial importance. As Hong Kong is the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in the world, bilingual in using English and Chinese, it is essential that lawyers in Hong Kong should be proficient in both English and Chinese.
Written and oral advocacy
Secondly, we are witnessing a trend towards more rigorous case management, placing greater emphasis on written submissions. Time allocated for oral submissions is increasingly limited, making it essential for advocates to excel in both written and oral advocacy. The ability to present a compelling argument on paper is as important as the ability to deliver it verbally. This demands meticulous attention to details and a clear, persuasive writing style.
Embracing technology
Next, we must acknowledge the role of technology in our practice. I find it enviable that young lawyers today are highly adept at using technological aids, including artificial intelligence (AI). Technology would assist your work in legal research and preparation of submissions. However, the use of technology comes with responsibilities. We must proceed with caution, as demonstrated by a recent incident in Victoria, Australia, where a lawyer faced disciplinary proceedings for having cited false judicial precedents suggested by AI. While technology can enhance efficiency in our work, we must remain vigilant and ensure that our advocacy is rooted in accuracy and integrity.
Upholding integrity
Speaking of integrity, advocacy is not just about winning cases; it is about upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law. As advocates, we owe a duty not only to our clients but also to the legal system and society as a whole. Our credibility relies on our commitment to a high standard of integrity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I encourage advocates, especially young lawyers, to equip the necessary tools to meet the challenges in your legal career, whether as litigators, arbitrators, mediators, or cross-border lawyers. Conferences like today’s would offer precious opportunities for us to exchange ideas and learn from each other. I wish the Conference every success and that all young lawyers be strongly committed to advocating for the principles of the rule of law with dedication and passion. Thank you very much.
The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education:
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE) and the Local Community Sub-group under the Working Group on Constitution, Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law of the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee are launching a new round of the Basic Law Quiz Competition to enhance Hong Kong people’s understanding of the relationship between the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Basic Law and its history as well as national security. The entry round of the Competition opens from today (October 31) for application. Members of the public are welcome to join the Competition.
The Competition comprises the Family Category, Senior Primary School Category, Secondary School Category and Open Category. Participants shall answer 20 quiz questions and submit their applications via the Competition website. The deadline of the entry round is December 31.
Participants who have answered all questions in the entry round and successfully submitted their applications will have the opportunity to receive a Civic Education Calendar 2025 by mail while stocks last. Upon closing of the entry round, those with the best performance in each category will be selected by ballot to attend the Quiz Final and Prize Presentation Ceremony tentatively scheduled for April 2025. Attendees may have a chance to compete in question sessions for prizes.
The CPCE is a non-statutory committee that liaises with related government departments and community organisations in promoting civic education outside schools, and encourages all sectors of the community to actively promote civic awareness and assume civic responsibility.
For details, please visit the Competition website at www.cpce.gov.hk/basiclaw2024-25 or call 2880 2885.
The Government announced today (October 31) that the Chief Executive has made appointments and reappointments to the Civil Service Training Advisory Board (CSTAB). The appointments of members will be effective from November 1, 2024.
The new members appointed are Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong, Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi, and Dr Denis Yip Shing-fai, who will serve on the CSTAB for a term of three years, from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2027. Meanwhile, four incumbent non-official members have been reappointed for another term of two years, from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2026. Professor Wong Yuk-shan, an incumbent member, will take up the position of Chairman of the CSTAB.
Welcoming the new appointments and reappointments, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “‘The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address’ has outlined various initiatives to strengthen civil service training to enhance the governance capabilities of the civil service. With Professor Wong’s capable leadership and members’ profound knowledge and experience in various fields, I have full confidence that the CSTAB will continue to provide valuable advice on civil service training and development, supporting the Civil Service College (CSC) to nurture a professional civil service dedicated to serving our country and Hong Kong.”
The Government expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr Victor Fung Kwok-king, the outgoing Chairperson, for his contribution to leading the CSTAB in the past five years. Dr Fung has offered forward-looking recommendations on the long-term development strategy of the CSC, enabling it to strengthen civil service training and enhance the leadership capabilities and global perspectives of civil servants. The Government’s gratitude is also extended to the other outgoing members, including Mr Raymund Chao Pak-ki, Ms Florence Chung Wai-yee, and Mr Peter Ho Siu-ping, for the strong support they rendered to the work of the CSTAB.
The CSTAB gives guidance on training for the civil service and the long-term development strategy of the CSC. The board comprises academics, human resource management experts, professionals with rich experience in public administration, and others.
The membership of the board from November 1, 2024, is as follows:
Chairman
———–
Professor Wong Yuk-shan
Vice-Chairman
—————-
Secretary for the Civil Service
Non-official Members
———————–
Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching
Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan
Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong
Ms Renee Ho Hang-yin
Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi
Mr Lee Luen-fai
Professor Richard Wong Yue-chim
Dr Denis Yip Shing-fai
Ex-officio Members
———————
Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service or representative
Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) or representative
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry or representative
Permanent Secretary for Security or representative
The Government announced today (October 31) that the Chief Executive has appointed/reappointed the following individuals to the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) for a period of two years with effect from November 1, 2024:
Persons of Category A (estate agency sector)
Mr Chiu Kam-kuen
Miss Amber Ng Yan-pui (new appointment)
Mr Jacob Poon Tat-hang
Mr Yu Chi-wing
Persons of Category B (related fields)
Mr Albert Cheng Ting-ning
Mr Francis Ho Ying-foo (new appointment)
Miss Lok Hom-ning (new appointment)
Professor Tang Bo-sin (new appointment)
Persons of Category C (others)
Mr Chow Wai-shun
Ms Irene Chu Ngar-yee
Mr Dennis Ho Chiu-ping
Mr Ryan Ip Man-ki (new appointment)
Mr Kevin Wong Ho
Mr Michael Wong Yick-kam
Mr Eric Woo Hing-yip
Permanent Secretary for Housing or her representative
“We are most grateful to the outgoing members, namely Ms Meena Datwani, Professor Eddie Hui Chi-man, Mr Daryl Ng Win-kong and Ms Gilly Wong Fung-han for their invaluable advice and support to the work of the EAA over the years, particularly in enhancing the service standard of the estate agency trade,” the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said.
The EAA is a statutory body established on November 1, 1997, under the Estate Agents Ordinance (Cap. 511) with a view to enhancing the standard of service of estate agents and the protection of buyers and sellers of property.
The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
The Judiciary announced that starting today (October 31), the application of the integrated Court Case Management System (iCMS) will be extended to cover bulk claims in the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) to allow court users to handle filing and payments electronically.
Bulk claims refer to claims filed by claimants who have been approved by the Principal Adjudicator to file claims in bulk for hearing at the same time in the SCT.
The iCMS is an integral part of the Judiciary’s Information Technology Strategy Plan. It aims to facilitate the handling of court-related documents and payments through an electronic mode across the various levels of court. Since 2022, the iCMS has been implemented in phases. It currently covers personal injuries actions, tax claim proceedings, civil action proceedings and employees’ compensation cases in the District Court, as well as summons cases in the Magistrates’ Courts. It will incrementally be extended to other levels of court. It is also the Judiciary’s target to mandate the use of the iCMS for all legally represented litigants in respect of case types where the electronic mode has been made available starting 2026.
The major electronic services under the iCMS include sending case-specific court documents to the courts and receiving such documents from the courts, inspecting or searching filed documents and other case-related information held by the courts, searching cause books, and making payments for court services.
Eligible users need to register for a user account for using the full range of services under the iCMS. Eligible users include parties of an ongoing or new e-proceeding and their legal representatives (if any), the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong, law firms, government departments, law enforcement agencies and statutory bodies. Registration is free of charge.
Unregistered members of the public may also use certain types of iCMS services, mainly related to searching of electronic documents that are open to public inspection.
To encourage migration to e-filing and e-payment through the iCMS, a 20 per cent concession is offered to iCMS users for three years on fee items of the SCT, which are primarily or directly related to electronic handling of court documents.
As for technical requirements, the iCMS can be accessed using personal computers or mobile devices with Internet connection, commonly used operating systems and browsers. Relevant technical requirements are available at www.judiciary.hk/doc/en/e_courts/AI_TechReq_iCMS_e.pdf.
Generally speaking, the iCMS operates round the clock except during system maintenance. The system maintenance schedules of the iCMS, as specified by the Judiciary, are published on the dedicated webpage of the Judiciary’s website (www.judiciary.hk/en/e_courts/index.html).
Any e-filing and e-payment received under the iCMS after the registry and the accounts office are normally closed to the public (i.e. after 5.30pm on a working day) will be deemed to be received upon the starting time of the normal opening hours of the registry and the accounts office on the following working day.
For enquiries, please call the general enquiry hotline at 2477 1002 or the technical helpline at 2886 6474, e-mail to enquiry@judiciary.hk or visit the Help Centre at 5/F, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.
Un ampio sistema di alta pressione sta attualmente influenzando il meteo in Italia. Questo sistema si estende da una vasta area dell’Europa, che comprende il Nord Atlantico e la Gran Bretagna, fino al Mediterraneo e alla regione balcanica. Nei prossimi giorni, questo campo di alta pressione diventerà il principale attore del meteo, garantendo stabilità atmosferica e assenza di precipitazioni in tutto il Paese.
Le conseguenze dell’alta pressione sul meteo
Nel futuro prossimo, l’alta pressione determinerà un meteo stabile e un sole prevalente in molte regioni italiane. Tuttavia, le caratteristiche meteorologiche non saranno uniformi in tutta la penisola. Nelle aree di pianura, in particolare nella Pianura Padana, l’alta pressione favorirà la formazione di nebbie dense e persistenti, soprattutto nelle ore più fredde, ma anche durante il giorno, portando ad un meteo umido e più fresco. Al contrario, nelle aree collinari e montuose e in gran parte del Centro-Sud, il meteo sarà generalmente più soleggiato e le temperature saranno più elevate, con punte che potrebbero raggiungere i 21-22 gradi.
Queste condizioni meteorologiche caratterizzeranno la fine di ottobre e si estenderanno probabilmente fino al 4-5 novembre, in una fase duratura di alta pressione che influenzerà gran parte dell’Europa. L’assenza di precipitazioni sarà un elemento significativo, portando un periodo di pausa dalle intense piogge che hanno colpito diverse aree del Nord e delle regioni tirreniche nelle settimane precedenti.
Potenziali variazioni meteorologiche dopo il 5 Novembre
Gli ultimi aggiornamenti dei modelli meteorologici, in particolare del modello ECMWF, iniziano a indicare una possibile novità per i giorni successivi al 5 novembre. Infatti, il bordo sud-occidentale dell’alta pressione potrebbe essere eroso da masse d’aria più umide e instabili di origine atlantica. Questa dinamica potrebbe portare ad un peggioramento del meteo verso il 6-7 novembre, con l’arrivo di nubi e possibili precipitazioni, soprattutto nelle aree occidentali del paese, quindi sulle Isole Maggiori e coste tirreniche in primis.
Tuttavia, questa è per ora solo una tendenza, che necessita di ulteriori conferme data la distanza temporale di circa una settimana. Gli sviluppi dovranno essere seguiti nei prossimi aggiornamenti per capire se l’alta pressione lascerà nuovamente spazio al maltempo e quando questo avverrà.
Dopo una settimana caratterizzata da un vortice depressionario che ha causato alluvioni e disagi in diverse regioni, il meteo sembra finalmente concedere una tregua. Le zone più colpite da nubifragi e piogge intense possono ora respirare, grazie al ritorno del sole e della tranquillità. Tuttavia, la situazione meteo al Sud è diametralmente opposta: in regioni come Puglia e Basilicata, la siccità continua a far sentire la sua presenza, riducendo drasticamente le riserve d’acqua. Mentre il Nord e parte del Centro hanno beneficiato di abbondanti precipitazioni, al Sud si vive un clima quasi estivo, con temperature insolitamente elevate per il periodo.
Alta pressione e stabilità climatica
Questa condizione è sostenuta da un campo di alta pressione, che garantisce una stabilità meteo e temperature fuori stagione. L’anticiclone, responsabile di questa situazione, sembra intenzionato a continuare il suo dominio e a influenzare tutto il territorio italiano nei prossimi giorni. Vediamo quindi la tendenza meteo prevista per la prossima settimana.
Un barlume di speranza in un tunnel troppo oscuro?
Il campo di alta pressione continuerà a dominare anche per il resto della prossima settimana, senza lasciare spazio a variazioni significative. Dal punto di vista meteorologico, quindi, non ci si aspettano grandi cambiamenti. Tuttavia, qualche piccola variazione si farà sentire: tra mercoledì e venerdì potrebbe tornare un po’ di pioggia su alcune aree della penisola italiana, in particolare tra Sardegna e Sicilia. Sebbene le precipitazioni non saranno abbondanti, rappresentano comunque un primo accenno di cambiamento.
Variazioni termiche e umidità
Anche dal punto di vista termico si noterà una lieve variazione, con un graduale calo delle temperature che si avvicineranno alla media stagionale, oscillando leggermente attorno ai valori tipici del periodo. Le aree del versante adriatico saranno le più fresche, influenzate da un continuo maestrale. Invece, sul fronte dell’umidità non si attendono miglioramenti: i livelli resteranno elevati, favorendo la formazione di nebbie e foschie quotidiane e contribuendo a peggiorare la qualità dell’aria.
Un cambiamento in vista?
Uno spiraglio di cambiamento, però, sembra affacciarsi verso la fine della prossima settimana, intorno a domenica 10 novembre. Ma per ora è prematuro fare previsioni definitive o immaginare l’arrivo del freddo invernale.
Un potente anticiclone proveniente dal Nord Africa si sta estendendo sull’Europa centrale, portando con sé stabilità atmosferica e un meteo piacevole su gran parte dell’Italia. Questo sistema di alta pressione, che copre in modo significativo il Mediterraneo, tiene lontane le perturbazioni atlantiche dal nostro Paese e garantisce condizioni meteorologiche serene e asciutte, ideali per il periodo.
Il meteo fino a novembre
Questo fenomeno dovrebbe persistere fino a Halloween, Ognissanti e anche durante il primo weekend di novembre, inaugurando il mese con un meteo mite e temperature più elevate rispetto alle medie stagionali.
Previsioni dal 31 ottobre al weekend del 5 novembre
Durante questa settimana, il Centro-Sud e le aree montane del Nord vedranno cieli prevalentemente sereni e soleggiati, senza particolari variazioni meteorologiche. Tuttavia, la forte stabilità atmosferica e la mancanza di vento nelle zone pianeggianti del Nord Italia, in particolare sulla Pianura Padana, favoriranno la formazione di fitte nebbie durante le ore notturne e nelle prime ore del mattino.
La persistenza dell’alta pressione potrebbe contribuire a mantenere bassa la ventilazione e l’umidità intrappolata, facendo sì che la nebbia si trasformi in nubi basse, in alcuni casi resistendo per buona parte della giornata. Questa condizione limiterà la visibilità orizzontale, creando difficoltà alla circolazione stradale e ai collegamenti locali.
Le nebbie mattutine potrebbero, inoltre, generare un fenomeno noto come “nebbia di avvezione”, dovuto all’interazione tra aria umida e il suolo freddo, aumentando così l’effetto foschia. Per gli automobilisti è consigliabile procedere con cautela, specialmente nelle ore più critiche, dalle prime luci dell’alba fino al diradamento della nebbia.
Temperature miti e sopra la media stagionale
L’anticiclone contribuirà anche a mantenere temperature ben al di sopra delle medie stagionali. Le massime giornaliere potranno raggiungere i 23-24°C in molte aree, soprattutto nelle regioni alpine e nelle zone del versante tirrenico centrale, come Toscana, Lazio e Campania.
Al Sud e nelle Isole Maggiori, come Sicilia e Sardegna, il meteo sarà piacevolmente caldo per il periodo, con temperature massime diurne che toccheranno i 22-24°C, rendendo le giornate particolarmente miti.
Variazioni per il weekend del 3-5 novembre
A partire da domenica 3 novembre, l’Italia potrebbe iniziare a percepire un cambiamento grazie all’ingresso di venti freschi settentrionali, che porteranno un calo termico, più evidente nelle regioni settentrionali e nelle aree appenniniche.
Sebbene il raffreddamento sarà moderato, questo riporterà i valori delle temperature maggiormente verso le medie stagionali, con massime giornaliere tra i 16-18°C nelle regioni del Nord e in parte del Centro. Anche le temperature minime tenderanno a diminuire regalando un’atmosfera più fresca tipica dell’autunno.
Inner Pathways today unveiled advances in self-regulating AI agent technology, establishing itself among select global companies capable of training autonomous AI systems with built-in ethical controls. The company’s solutions currently serve 250 Global 500 enterprises, with applications ranging from corporate decision-making to satellite data processing.
“While many focus on what AI will change, we’ve built our foundation on understanding what AI won’t change – human judgment, ethical decision-making, and strategic thinking,” said Djuradj Caranović, founder and CEO of Inner Pathways.
The company’s core innovations include:
Self-regulating AI agents with autonomous decision-making capabilities Specialized algorithms for satellite data processing and analysis Integrated data architecture enabling AI self-regulation
“Inner Pathways stands among a select few companies globally that can successfully train truly self-regulating AI agents,” noted Sofia Pinto, Lead Analyst at TechValu Analytics, which recently valued the company at €130 million. Sources familiar with the matter indicate the next funding round could target €500 million, reflecting strong market confidence in the company’s technology.
The company’s internal implementation data shows successful automation of 114 roles through AI integration while maintaining human oversight. “Our self-regulating AI agents represent a fundamental shift in how organizations can safely deploy AI,” explained Caranović. “We’ve proven that AI can be both autonomous and trustworthy, operating within clear ethical boundaries while delivering exceptional results.”
About Inner Pathways Founded in 2020, Inner Pathways specializes in developing self-regulating AI agents and satellite technology solutions. The company combines technical expertise in AI development with sophisticated data architecture capabilities, focusing on creating trustworthy AI systems that enhance human decision-making.
Best Medical Billing Services is proud to announce the launch of its innovative billing solutions aimed at optimizing healthcare revenue management. With the increasing complexity of medical billing regulations and the challenges faced by healthcare providers, the new services are designed to offer tailored solutions that address the unique needs of practices across the country.
According to recent industry reports, healthcare providers often face significant revenue loss due to inefficient billing practices, with some studies estimating that as much as 30% of potential revenue can be lost to billing errors. Best Medical Billing Services aims to combat this issue by implementing cutting-edge technology and employing highly trained billing specialists to ensure accuracy and compliance with ever-evolving regulations.
The newly launched services include comprehensive billing audits, claims management, patient billing, and collections support, all designed to streamline operations and enhance cash flow. Furthermore, the company has introduced a user-friendly online portal that allows clients to track claims and payments in real-time, ensuring transparency and improved communication.
“At Best Medical Billing Services, we understand the challenges that healthcare providers face in managing their billing processes. Our goal is to provide solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also support practices in maximizing their revenue,” said Elaine Mir Pascua, Press Specialist at Best Medical Billing Services. “With our new offerings, healthcare providers can spend less time worrying about billing and more time focusing on delivering quality patient care.”
The launch of these services comes at a crucial time, as healthcare providers are increasingly seeking effective solutions to navigate the financial complexities of the industry. By prioritizing client satisfaction and delivering results-oriented billing practices, Best Medical Billing Services is poised to become a trusted partner for healthcare professionals nationwide.
Best Medical Billing Services Elaine Mir Pascua 800-266-9223 bestmedicalbilling.services
Matt Haugen, Alex Ihrke, Nathan Gottlieb, and Tom Flannigan of Argus Self Storage Advisors are pleased to announce the sale of Fargo Space Center in Fargo, North Dakota. The facility consists of 141 units and 22,000 rentable square feet of drive up self storage. Haugen’s team represented the Seller and worked directly with the Buyer to complete the transaction. The Buyer is a regional group who is focused on growing their presence in the upper Midwest.
Matt, Alex, Nathan and Tom are the Minnesota, Iowa and North and South Dakota Broker Affiliates for the Argus Self Storage Advisors and specialize in Self Storage investment properties.
Based in Denver, Colorado, Argus Self Storage Advisors (Argus) was formed in 1994 to assist owners and investors of self-storage with their real estate needs. Through the years, Argus has assembled a network of real estate brokers experienced in self-storage and income property investments. Now the largest self-storage brokerage network in the United States, the Argus network has 36 Broker Affiliates covering nearly 40 markets. These brokers are able to meet the needs of self-storage investors and owners whether it is acting as a buyer’s agent or listing and marketing a property. For more information call 1-800-55-STORE or visit www.argus-selfstorage.com.
Life-style focused micro mobility brand TOZZBIKE announced their new surfer culture inspired electric kick-bike model Pipegun Sixteen, the second generation of the Pipegun family, following the success of Pipegun #1.
The new electric kick-bike captures the dynamic modernism of surfer lifestyle in the 16” pneumatic tires and spoked rims guarantee a safe, comfortable and enjoyable ride no matter if it’s a daily commute or a weekend ride. Pipegun Sixteen is designed to reflect the personal lifestyle of the user with it’s distinctive body design. It’s here to step the riders up in the black and grey dominated micromobility community.
Signature “wishbone” style body, BMX style handlebar, front fork and skateboard shaped board with griptape is the subculture reflections on the design of Pipegun Sixteen at a glance and can be noted as the legacy of Pipegun series as well as the brand identity itself.
“Pipegun Sixteen electric kick-bike is imagined as a form of freedom, authenticity and forward-thinking by embracing the essence of subcultures, surfer culture at the epicenter. It is more than just a mode of transport; it is a statement of conscious living, seamlessly blending eco-consciousness with urban flair,” says co-founder and head of design Emre Kuvvetli.
Subculture and echoes of the various eras is reflected to the colors of Pipegun Sixteen which named as Surfer White, Shadow Black, Miami White, 90S Black, Baker Green, Beachfire Red and the Cool Silver. All the color alternatives are scratch resistant, glossy powdercoated to ensure that the Pipegun Sixteen will be a companion for a long long time.
250W rear hub motor can easily reach up to 25km/h in compliance with EU regulations and offered with two battery pack alternatives offering 45km and 60km max range respectively, depending on the environmental conditions. Additional to the standard 250W version, there is also a 350W version which can reach to the 35 km/h and can carry a total of 120kg.
Road safety is the top priority in Pipegun Sixteen as it is in all TOZZ bike PLEVs. 16” high-grip all terrain tires equipped with Tektro 160mm mechanical disc brakes in both wheels ensures a safe deceleration even under harsh conditions. Apart from deceleration and handling, being visible is a must in the busy traffic. Uniquely designed front lights enlighten the road surface while guaranteeing high-visibility in combination with the powerful rear LED light.
“Pipegun Sixteen is in a perfect harmony with the rhythm of the soundtrack of life as you cruise through the streets. It’s designed to offer the super cool alternative for the ones who stands against the mainstream. The high-quality materials, perfectly balanced tech specs and strong dealership and service network ensure a seamless customer experience. We created a legacy with Pipegun#1 and moving further with Pipegun Sixteen,” says co-founder Burak Kazar.
Pipegun Sixteen can be ordered online globally from TOZZBIKE’s website and dealerships in Türkiye, Australia, France, and the UK with a limited time offers additional to the launch price starting from 1650$.
Un Novembre inusuale: l’Anticiclone Africano porta caldo fuori stagione
Il mese di Novembre si apre con un meteo decisamente anomalo. Un’ampia area di alta pressione di origine africana, un vero e proprio gigante meteorologico, si è insediata sulla parte meridionale dell’Europa, portando in Italia un meteo che sembra più tipico della fine dell’estate che dell’autunno avanzato.
Un meteo decisamente mite, soprattutto in quota
Nelle prossime settimane, le previsioni meteo indicano un forte aumento delle temperature in diverse regioni italiane, con valori che potrebbero superare di 5-10 gradi la media stagionale. In alcune città, i termometri potrebbero segnare temperature diurne superiori ai 25°C, un dato decisamente insolito per il mese di Novembre, con picchi ancora più alti previsti nelle regioni del Centro e del Sud.
Anche il Nord Italia, seppur in misura minore, vivrà giornate miti e soleggiate, con temperature che potrebbero raggiungere i 20°C, un valore piuttosto inusuale per il periodo, soprattutto senza l’ausilio del vento caldo del favonio. L’anticiclone africano garantirà quindi un periodo prolungato di stabilità atmosferica, permettendo agli italiani di godere di un meteo che poco si addice a un mese generalmente caratterizzato da piogge e freddo.
Le cause di questo fenomeno
L’Anticiclone Africano, responsabile di queste temperature anomale, si estende dal Nord Africa verso il Mediterraneo e porta con sé aria calda e secca. Questo tipo di configurazione meteorologica stabilizza l’atmosfera e ostacola la formazione di nubi e piogge, creando condizioni ideali per mantenere il caldo e l’umidità bassa nelle zone del Sud. La consueta mancanza di precipitazioni in un mese autunnale generalmente piovoso è una delle conseguenze più preoccupanti, specialmente in aree che hanno già affrontato carenze idriche significative nei mesi precedenti.
Il ruolo del riscaldamento globale
Anche se episodi di caldo anomalo non sono certo una novità, la frequenza con cui si presentano è aumentata negli ultimi anni, sollevando allarmi tra climatologi e meteorologi. Il cambiamento climatico in corso, infatti, porta a un innalzamento delle temperature anche in periodi inusuali, stravolgendo i normali pattern atmosferici e rendendo eventi estremi sempre più frequenti.
In questo contesto, l’Anticiclone Africano tende a raggiungere latitudini più elevate rispetto al passato, spostandosi verso Nord e influenzando il meteo di regioni come la nostra penisola, che solitamente a Novembre dovrebbe trovarsi sotto l’influenza di correnti fredde e instabili.
Una persistenza impressionante
Le previsioni meteo per i prossimi giorni confermano che l’Anticiclone Africano rimarrà stabile sull’Italia, portando temperature elevate durante il giorno, mentre la notte subirà un lieve calo termico ma manterrà comunque valori più miti del normale. Le condizioni anomale non si limitano però al nostro paese: anche altre nazioni del Mediterraneo, come la Spagna e il sud della Francia, sperimenteranno temperature eccezionali, ben oltre le medie stagionali, a causa dell’influenza di questo anticiclone.
A titolo meramente informativo, in città come Roma, Napoli e Palermo, si attendono temperature oltre i 25°C, mentre anche città del Nord come Milano e Torino potrebbero registrare valori prossimi ai 20°C. Solo le nebbie potrebbero limare l’ascesa dei valori termici.
Freddo di notte, ma solo indotto
Le temperature più fresche, tipiche della notte, resteranno comunque superiori alla media stagionale, creando un meteo insolitamente mite per l’intero mese di Novembre. Le previsioni a medio termine indicano che la persistenza dell’Anticiclone Africano potrebbe prolungarsi fino a metà Novembre, mantenendo in tutta la penisola condizioni stabili.
Eventuali perturbazioni atlantiche, che potrebbero lambire il Nord Italia, influiranno solo in parte sulle temperature che, pur con una lieve diminuzione, continueranno a restare sopra la media per il mese. Solo verso la fine di Novembre si intravede un possibile cambiamento meteorologico, ma le attuali condizioni fanno presagire che Novembre 2024 potrebbe diventare uno dei mesi di Novembre più caldi mai registrati negli ultimi decenni.
Condizioni Meteorologiche Stabili e Soleggiate in Italia
Un’ampia zona di alta pressione di origine nordafricana, legata all’anticiclone delle Azzorre, continuerà a dominare l’Europa centrale. Questo fenomeno meteorologico garantirà un meteo stabile e soleggiato su gran parte del territorio italiano. Questa situazione atmosferica si protrarrà per diversi giorni, respingendo le perturbazioni ma favorendo le inversioni termiche.
Effetti delle Inversioni Termiche
Con l’insediamento di questa condizione meteorologica, tipica dei mesi autunnali e invernali, la temperatura al suolo sarà più bassa rispetto a quella degli strati superiori. Questo potrebbe causare un accumulo di inquinanti nei bassi strati atmosferici, deteriorando la qualità dell’aria nelle aree urbane e nelle pianure.
Previsioni Meteorologiche per i Prossimi Giorni
Nelle giornate a venire e fino al 1° novembre, l’alta pressione farà aumentare notevolmente il livello dello zero termico, che supererà i 4000 metri sulle montagne del Centro-Nord, un’anomalia per questo periodo dell’anno. Le temperature rimarranno al di sopra della media, con valori massimi compresi tra i 18°C e i 25°C in molte regioni italiane, in particolare nel Nord Italia e nelle valli interne del Centro Italia.
Temperature Elevate nel Sud Italia e nelle Isole Maggiori
Tra il 31 ottobre e il 1° novembre, si prevede che le temperature resteranno alte nel Sud Italia e nelle Isole Maggiori, in particolare in Sicilia e Sardegna. Le coste e le aree pianeggianti registreranno valori intorno ai 25°C. Nel Nord Italia e nel Centro Italia, soprattutto nelle zone interne e nelle valli, le temperature notturne mostreranno un leggero calo, ma senza scendere drasticamente.
Arrivo di una Massa d’Aria più Fredda dal 3 Novembre
A partire dal 3 novembre, le previsioni meteorologiche indicano l’arrivo di una massa d’aria più fredda, spinta da venti settentrionali che porteranno a un generale abbassamento delle temperature su tutto il territorio. Questo calo sarà maggiormente avvertito nelle ore notturne, con un graduale ritorno delle minime ai valori stagionali e un abbassamento del livello dello zero termico in linea con il periodo.
Il meteo e le sue variazioni: un’analisi della situazione attuale
Dopo un periodo di intensa attività pluviale, che ha raggiunto il suo apice nel fine settimana con l’arrivo di un vortice depressionario, un periodo di calma meteo era quanto mai necessario. Questo è particolarmente vero per le regioni più duramente colpite da inondazioni e alluvioni, come la Liguria, la Toscana, l’Emilia Romagna e la Sardegna, dove le precipitazioni sono state particolarmente abbondanti.
Tuttavia, non tutte le regioni hanno beneficiato di questo miglioramento meteo. Nel sud dell’Italia, in particolare in Puglia e Basilicata, persiste una condizione di siccità che sta causando preoccupanti ritardi nell’accumulo di risorse idriche. In queste regioni, il meteo ha mantenuto temperature quasi estive, con giornate soleggiate e calde, mentre al nord pioveva copiosamente.
Il meteo e le sue sfaccettature: un’analisi delle temperature
Le temperature erano già superiori alla media stagionale da diversi giorni, e l’alta pressione che ora domina la Penisola era già presente. In effetti, sembra di assistere ancora una volta alla classica divisione dell’Italia: il nord sotto le piogge intense, e il sud intrappolato in una fase di caldo prolungato.
Per i prossimi giorni, l’alta pressione non sembra intenzionata a cedere. Le previsioni meteo per oggi, 31 ottobre, e domani, 1 novembre, indicano che l’alta pressione continuerà a dominare su tutta la Penisola.
Il meteo e le sue peculiarità: un’analisi delle condizioni atmosferiche
Oggi, 31 ottobre, il meteo presenta una situazione tranquilla su tutta la penisola italiana, con molto sole e solo qualche nuvola di passaggio sulle due isole maggiori e sui rilievi appenninici. Come di consueto, si formeranno nebbie e foschie, specialmente nelle prime ore della giornata. I venti saranno deboli su quasi tutti i settori, prevalentemente da Nord, ma più intensi di Maestrale nel basso Adriatico, sullo Ionio e nel canale di Sardegna. Le temperature rimarranno stabili, tra i 19°C e i 23°C in tutta Italia.
Domani, 1 novembre, si prospetta una giornata molto simile. Le condizioni stabili si manterranno su tutta la penisola, con la possibile formazione di banchi di nebbia e foschie nelle pianure e lungo le coste. La ventilazione sarà in attenuazione ovunque, eccetto che nel canale di Sardegna. Le temperature non subiranno variazioni significative rispetto a oggi.
Un temporale di dimensioni storiche ha devastato la Spagna
Recentemente, un temporale di dimensioni storiche ha devastato la Spagna, in particolare la Comunità Valenciana, causando un’alluvione di proporzioni enormi. Il principale responsabile di questo evento eccezionale è stato un fenomeno noto come temporale autorigenerante, che si caratterizza per una configurazione a “V” (V-shaped) e che ha persistito sulla zona senza spostarsi, intensificando costantemente le precipitazioni. Questo tipo di tempesta è stato alimentato da una goccia fredda stazionaria, una massa d’aria ciclonica a bassa pressione posizionata tra la Penisola Iberica e il Marocco. Questa configurazione ha creato le condizioni ideali per un evento di pioggia eccezionale, con accumuli record.
Chiva, uno dei comuni più colpiti
Il comune di Chiva, situato a circa 30 km da Valencia, è stato uno dei più colpiti, registrando precipitazioni che hanno raggiunto i 435,8 mm in un arco di sei ore. Di questi, ben 343 mm sono caduti in sole quattro ore, intensificando ulteriormente i danni. Questo tipo di accumulo rappresenta un livello di precipitazione raramente osservato in una sola giornata, trasformando le strade in veri e propri fiumi e causando pesanti danni a infrastrutture, abitazioni e reti viarie.
La comunità ha subito pesanti interruzioni nei trasporti e migliaia di persone sono state costrette a evacuare le loro abitazioni. Eventi come questo, che un tempo erano considerati rari, stanno diventando sempre più frequenti, riflettendo l’aumento di fenomeni meteorologici estremi a causa dei cambiamenti climatici.
Un trend allarmante per la Spagna e per altre aree del Mediterraneo
Gli esperti del meteo e i climatologi sottolineano come la frequenza e l’intensità di questi episodi estremi siano ormai un trend allarmante per la Spagna e per altre aree del Mediterraneo. È necessario dunque investire nella prevenzione e nell’adattamento infrastrutturale per mitigare gli effetti devastanti di simili eventi, cercando di proteggere meglio le comunità locali e prevenire danni ancora più gravi in futuro.
Il temporale di Valencia non rappresenta un evento isolato, ma piuttosto un ulteriore campanello d’allarme per l’intera regione iberica e l’Europa tutta, che dovrà prepararsi a fronteggiare nuove emergenze di questo tipo. La consapevolezza ambientale sarà un elemento chiave per affrontare una realtà climatica in rapido mutamento.
If you’ve ever thought about sharing your passion through a podcast, a well-crafted podcast pitch template is your secret weapon. Crafting a compelling podcast pitch can help you pinpoint your target audience and articulate your content’s value. This blog post will guide you through creating a pitch that stands out.
When I started my podcast, I quickly learned that understanding your audience is critical. Identifying who you’re speaking to and why they should care can make all the difference. A solid pitch template clarifies this for you and paints a vivid picture for potential sponsors and collaborators.
The essence of a good podcast pitch lies in clearly showcasing what makes your podcast unique. By effectively linking your podcast’s value to the needs and interests of your audience, you can create a powerful connection that draws listeners in.
Understanding Your Audience
To craft a compelling podcast pitch, it’s crucial to know who you’re speaking to and what they’re interested in. This starts with identifying your target audience and studying market trends and competitors.
Identifying Your Target Demographic
I start by defining the key characteristics of my audience. This could be their age, gender, location, interests, and lifestyle. For instance, if my podcast is about mindfulness, I’d target adults aged 25-45 who value wellness.
Surveys and questionnaires can help gather this information. I might ask potential listeners about their favorite podcasts, hobbies, and when they usually listen to audio content. Social media analytics and insights from previous podcast episodes are valuable tools if I have any.
Creating a detailed persona is helpful. This fictional representation of my ideal listener gives me a clear picture of whom I’m creating content for. Understanding their needs and preferences makes it easier to tailor my pitch.
Analyzing Current Trends and Competitors
I stay informed about current trends by following industry news, joining relevant online forums, and listening to popular podcasts in my niche. Identifying what works for others can guide my approach.
I analyze my competitors by breaking down their content and noting their strengths and weaknesses. Questions like “What topics do they cover?” and “What audience engagement strategies do they use?” are critical. Tools like iTunes charts, social media platforms, and podcast hosting services provide insights into trending topics and successful formats.
By understanding what makes other podcasts in my niche successful, I can find ways to differentiate my content and attract my target audience.
Crafting Your Podcast Pitch
When crafting your podcast pitch, focus on three key elements:
Creating a compelling subject line
Developing your unique value proposition
Establishing your authority and expertise
Each component is crucial in capturing attention and ensuring your pitch stands out.
Creating a Compelling Subject Line
A catchy subject line can make or break your email. It’s the first thing the recipient sees, so it needs to grab attention instantly. I often use action words and keep the subject line concise and direct.
Avoid being vague. Be clear about the value you’re offering them right from the start. Personalizing the subject line with the recipient’s name or a recent accomplishment can make your pitch more attractive.
Developing Your Unique Value Proposition
Your unique value proposition differentiates your pitch from countless others. Why should someone choose to be on your podcast? Focus on what makes your podcast unique and how it aligns with their goals or interests.
You might mention:
Niche audience: Explain the specific type of listeners you attract.
Engagement metrics: Include stats like listener numbers or social media following.
Content focus: Highlight unique topics or formats your podcast covers.
By clearly stating what sets your podcast apart, you’ll help them see the mutual benefits of joining your show.
Establishing Authority and Expertise
Communicating your authority and expertise helps build trust. Share your background in a way that shows you’re knowledgeable and credible.
Include:
Your experience: Mention relevant work or podcasts you’ve been part of.
Notable guests: List some well-known figures who have appeared on your show.
Accomplishments: Point out any awards, mentions in media, or significant milestones.
Positioning yourself as an authority reassures them that participating in your podcast will be a professional and valuable experience.
Designing Your Pitch Content
An effective podcast pitch requires careful structuring, personalization, and showcasing social proof to maximize engagement and interest from potential podcast hosts.
Structuring Your Pitch
Creating a clear and well-organized pitch is essential for any successful outreach. I introduce myself with a short bio highlighting my expertise in the topic.
I then outline the proposed content, ensuring it aligns with the podcast’s format and audience. A brief list of bullet points can help convey the main topics I want to cover.
An email template can simplify this process, keeping my communication concise and to the point, which is crucial for grabbing and holding attention.
Personalizing the Message
Personalization sets my pitch apart from generic requests. I address the podcast host by name and reference specific episodes or topics they’ve covered that resonate with my proposed content.
I highlight why my expertise or unique perspective would be a valuable addition to their show. This shows that I’ve done my homework and am genuinely interested in their work, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.
Highlighting Social Proof and Engagement
Social proof can significantly boost the credibility of my pitch. I include examples of media appearances, previous interviews, or high-profile collaborations that demonstrate my authority.
Providing metrics such as subscriber counts, engagement rates, or notable audience demographics can further validate my expertise. By showcasing relevant metrics in a clear format, I can help the podcast host see the potential value I bring to their audience.
Effective Outreach Strategies
When promoting your podcast, it’s essential to build a comprehensive media list, contact podcast hosts with a personalized approach, and effectively follow up on your pitches. This ensures more excellent media coverage and potentially higher response rates.
Building a Media List
I start by researching relevant podcasts in my niche. Tools like Apple Podcasts and Spotify are great for this. I note the podcast’s name, genre, and how it aligns with my content.
Creating a Google Sheet or using a CRM to organize my contacts helps me stay on track. I include columns such as:
Podcast Name
Host Name
Contact Information
Specific Episode Notes
Past Media Coverage
Finding the right person to contact is crucial. I usually look for podcast hosts or specific journalists who have covered similar topics before. LinkedIn and podcast websites can be beneficial for obtaining contact information.
Contacting Podcast Hosts
I ensure my email is personalized when I reach out to podcast hosts. I refer to specific episodes or points they have discussed to show I’ve done my research. The email should be concise, introducing myself, my podcast, and why their audience would benefit from my pitch.
Here’s a simple structure I follow:
Introduction: Briefly introduce myself.
Relevance: Explain why my podcast is relevant to their audience.
Call to Action: Clear steps like scheduling a chat or guest appearance.
I always check the podcast’s submission guidelines before sending my email. Some might have a specific process, and following it shows respect for their workflow.
Following Up on Your Pitches
After sending my initial pitch, I typically wait one to two weeks before sending a follow-up email. The follow-up is friendly and reiterates my interest in collaborating.
If I don’t receive a response, I might send another follow-up a week later. Persistence is vital, but I ensure I do not avoid coming across as pushy. Thanking them for their time and consideration is always a good practice.
Effective follow-ups often have slightly different content from the original email to keep the host engaged and remind them politely of my pitch. Using phrases like “just circling back” or “wanted to check in” sets a gentle tone.
Leveraging Collaborations and Networks
To create a successful podcast pitch, focusing on forging collaborations and leveraging networks is crucial. These strategies can open doors to influential guests and expand audience reach.
Securing Guest Appearances
Welcoming notable personalities as guests can enhance the podcast’s appeal. I start by identifying individuals whose expertise aligns with my podcast’s theme. When reaching out, I tailor my pitch to highlight how their appearance can provide value to both them and my audience.
Direct communication is critical. A personalized message with the guest’s name and occupation often grabs attention. I emphasize mutual benefits, exposure to their projects, and an opportunity to connect with my listeners.
Guest appearances offer a platform for dynamic discussions, and securing the proper names can elevate the show’s profile.
Utilizing Podcast Networks and Directories
Podcast networks and directories are invaluable for boosting visibility and discovering potential collaborators. I explore directories to find podcasts with similar themes, reaching out to suggest collaborations.
Joining a podcast network can offer resources like marketing support and guest recommendations. These networks often host communities where creators can exchange ideas and guest spots. Being part of a broader network helps to increase credibility and attract notable guests.
Directories also help in connecting with like-minded creators, offering pathways for cross-promotion.
I can expand my podcast’s reach and establish meaningful industry connections by leveraging these tools.
Read More: Press Release Example: Crafting the Perfect Announcement
David Quintero
With five years of experience in public relations, David has spearheaded impactful campaigns that have successfully connected brands with top-tier media. His exceptional storytelling abilities allow him to transform client messages into compelling narratives, delivering measurable results.
A surge in demand from discerning collectors and connoisseurs in the San Antonio area has prompted Bijou Wine Cellars, a leading provider of premium wine storage solutions, to formally announce its expansion into the San Antonio market. Renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, personalized service, and unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of fine wines, Bijou Wine Cellars is poised to bring its expertise to a new clientele. This strategic move will allow San Antonio wine enthusiasts access to the same exceptional storage solutions that have earned Bijou Wine Cellars its stellar reputation in Austin.
“We’re excited to become a part of the fabric of San Antonio’s thriving culinary scene,” shares Andrew Roberts, CEO of Bijou Wine Cellars. “Our goal is to continue bringing our world class services to new markets, enhancing the enjoyment of the process for our clients world wide. We envision a long-term presence in this dynamic city, contributing to its reputation as a destination for wine enthusiasts.”
In the heart of Texas, where safeguarding wine from the intense heat and fluctuating humidity is essential, Bijou Wine Cellars prioritizes the preservation of fine wine with advanced climate-control technology. Each San Antonio wine cellar is engineered with meticulous attention to detail, going beyond basic temperature regulation. Advanced humidity control systems prevent corks from drying out and labels from becoming damaged, while specialized lighting systems minimize UV exposure that can prematurely age wine. Vibration-dampening features further protect delicate vintages by minimizing disturbances that can disrupt the sediment and affect the aging process. This commitment to innovation ensures that each collection is housed in an optimal environment, allowing wines to mature gracefully and reach their full potential.
Bijou Wine Cellars believes that wine is best enjoyed when shared. Their San Antonio wine cellars are designed to foster a sense of community, creating spaces where friends and fellow enthusiasts can gather to celebrate their shared passion. Beyond simply facilitating convivial gatherings, Bijou Wine Cellars is deeply committed to environmental responsibility. The company prioritizes sustainable practices, from sourcing reclaimed wood for cellar construction to utilizing energy-efficient climate control systems. This commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint reflects the company’s belief that preserving the environment is essential to ensuring the future of winemaking and the enjoyment of fine wine for generations to come.
Wine enthusiasts and collectors in the San Antonio area are invited to explore the possibilities and learn more about Bijou Wine Cellars’ bespoke solutions by visiting their website at https://bijoucellars.com/. The company welcomes inquiries and looks forward to collaborating with clients to create exceptional wine storage experiences.
Originally published at https://presssynergy.com/newsroom/growth-alert-bijou-wine-cellars-sets-sights-on-san-antonio-market/
Delivering Essential Services to Help Families Rebuild After Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Sunrise, FL – 10/18/2024 — As extreme weather events continue to disrupt lives across the nation, most recently with Hurricanes Helene and Milton, **Black Diamond Claims Solutions** stands strong in its commitment to help families navigate the devastating aftermath. From damaged homes to displaced families, our team is working tirelessly to provide temporary housing and critical services to ensure that those affected can begin rebuilding their lives swiftly.
“We understand the deep emotional and financial toll that these natural disasters can take on families and communities,” says Sadeya Ali, General Manager of Black Diamond Claims Solutions. “That’s why our priority is to offer immediate support through our “Temporary Housing Services” for homeowners and other essential financial resources for the restoration professionals. Our goal is to provide stability when it’s needed most.”
Stepping Up When It Matters Most
The storms have left a path of destruction, forcing many to leave their homes and face uncertainty. Black Diamond Claims Solutions has been working around the clock to deploy emergency housing, including travel trailers, hotels, and short-term rentals. Whether it’s partnering with insurance carriers or collaborating with public agencies, our mission remains the same—ensure displaced homeowners and renters can access the assistance they are entitled to through their insurance.
Black Diamond Claims Solutions take pride in serving their clients, from insured homeowners to first responders, with compassion and expertise. Through their direct communication with Insurance Companies, they help ease the burden on those affected, ensuring that they receive the ALE benefits they need without unnecessary delays.
A Message of Resilience and Support
Black Diamond Claims Solutions is not just providing services—they are a beacon of hope for those rebuilding in the face of adversity. They stand as partners to those working with the insured, operating hand in hand to ensure no one faces this challenge alone. Their “Roofing Invoice Purchasing (blue tarp & shrink wrap applications) and ALE Expert Reports, offer comprehensive solutions that allow for a smoother recovery process, ensuring homeowners can focus on what matters—rebuilding their lives.
For families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Black Diamond Claims Solutions has mobilized its resources across the hardest-hit areas, and remains ready to assist anyone in need of temporary housing or guidance through the insurance claims process.
How to Reach Black Diamond Claims Solutions
If someone has been affected by the recent hurricanes and needs assistance with temporary housing or has had any kind of roof damage, help is available. For immediate assistance, please contact Black Diamond Claims Solutions at 866-688-0069 or visit the website at www.blackdiamondclaimssolutions.com.
Black Diamond Claims Solutions provides comprehensive insurance solutions designed to alleviate the financial strain homeowners and service providers face after property damage. Their services include expert handling of Temporary Housing, Roof Damage Mitigation Invoice Purchasing, ALE Expert Witness Reports and ALE Reports for Public Adjusters. They offer no out-ofpocket costs to their clients, They bill insurance carriers directly to cover these expenses without burdening homeowners, offering a path toward stability and recovery in difficult times.
*Black Diamond Claims Solutions – Bringing Families Back to Their Homes, One Step at a Time.*
Originally published at https://presssynergy.com/newsroom/black-diamond-claims-solutions-supporting-homeowners-impacted-by-extreme-weather-events/
Mazda Motor Corporation’s production and sales results for September 2024 and for April through September 2024 are summarized below.
I. Production
Breakdown
September 2024
Apr – Sep 2024
Jan – Sep 2024
Units
YoYChange (%)
Units
YoYChange (%)
Units
YoYChange (%)
DOMESTIC PRODUCTION
Passenger Vehicles
65,047
-18.8
375,643
-5.9
558,969
-10.2
Total
65,047
-18.8
375,643
-5.9
558,969
-10.2
OVERSEAS PRODUCTION
Passenger Vehicles
39,244
+0.4
226,952
+17.1
335,277
+13.1
Total
39,244
+0.4
226,952
+17.1
335,277
+13.1
GLOBAL PRODUCTION
Passenger Vehicles
104,291
-12.5
602,595
+1.6
894,246
-2.7
Total
104,291
-12.5
602,595
+1.6
894,246
-2.7
1. Domestic Production
(1) September 2024Mazda’s domestic production volume in September 2024 decreased 18.8% year on year due to decreased production of passenger vehicles.
[Domestic production of key models in September 2024]
CX-5:
21,133 units
(down 40.8% year on year)
MAZDA3:
10,704 units
(up 25.0%)
CX-90:
7,296 units
(down 14.9%)
(2) April through September 2024
Mazda’s domestic production volume in the period from April through September 2024 decreased 5.9% year on year due to decreased production of passenger vehicles.
[Domestic production of key models in the period from April through September 2024]
CX-5:
141,007 units
(down 19.8% year on year)
MAZDA3:
53,009 units
(up 6.7%)
CX-90:
50,331 units
(up 42.0%)
2. Overseas Production
(1) September 2024
Mazda’s overseas production volume in September 2024 increased 0.4% year on year due to increased production of passenger vehicles.
[Overseas production of key models in September 2024]
CX-30:
11,527 units
(down 2.6% year on year)
CX-50:
9,985 units
(up 21.9%)
MAZDA3:
5,276 units
(down 55.5%)
(2) April through September 2024
Mazda’s overseas production volume in the period from April through September 2024 increased 17.1% year on year due to increased production of passenger vehicles.
[Overseas production of key models in the period from April through September 2024]
CX-30:
64,436 units
(up 0.2% year on year)
CX-50:
58,866 units
(up 50.1%)
MAZDA3:
32,646 units
(down 21.8%)
II. Domestic Sales
Breakdown
September 2024
Apr – Sep 2024
Jan – Sep 2024
Units
YoYChange (%)
Units
YoYChange (%)
Units
YoYChange (%)
DOMESTIC SALES
Passenger Vehicles
12,617
+14.0
59,304
-21.9
95,947
-26.1
Commercial Vehicles
923
-7.3
4,850
-17.9
7,674
-17.4
Registration Total
9,973
+14.5
46,586
-27.0
74,689
-33.0
Micro-mini Total
3,567
+6.5
17,568
-2.8
28,932
+4.9
Total
13,540
+12.3
64,154
-21.6
103,621
-25.5
(1) September 2024Mazda’s domestic sales volume in September 2024 increased 12.3% year on year due to increased sales of passenger vehicles.Mazda’s registered vehicle market share was 3.6% (up 0.4 points year on year), with a 2.2% share of the micro-mini segment (up 0.2 points) and a 3.1% total market share (up 0.3 points).
[Domestic sales of key models in September 2024]
MAZDA2:
2,354 units
(up 53.3% year on year)
CX-5:
2,252 units
(up 51.1%)
CX-30:
1,467 units
(up 264.9%)
(2) April through September 2024
Mazda’s domestic sales volume in the period from April through September 2024 decreased 21.6% year on year due to decreased sales of passenger and commercial vehicles.Mazda’s registered vehicle market share was 3.3% (down 1.2 points year on year), with a 2.3% share of the micro-mini segment (unchanged year on year) and a 3.0% total market share (down 0.7 points).
[Domestic sales of key models in the period from April through September 2024]
MAZDA2:
12,031 units
(up 22.8% year on year)
CX-5:
9,619 units
(down 21.4%)
CX-30:
6,702 units
(down 4.3%)
III. Exports
Breakdown
September 2024
Apr – Sep 2024
Jan – Sep 2024
Units
YoYChange (%)
Units
YoYChange (%)
Units
YoYChange (%)
EXPORTS
Passenger Vehicles
54,988
-15.4
334,553
-2.1
487,949
-6.5
North America
21,985
-6.9
151,152
+13.0
210,401
+0.1
Europe
9,926
-38.7
58,950
-36.5
107,451
-19.2
Oceania
6,296
-3.2
34,462
-3.9
47,417
-7.5
Others
16,781
-10.4
89,989
+13.8
122,680
-3.9
Total
54,988
-15.4
334,553
-2.1
487,949
-6.5
(1) September 2024Mazda’s export volume in September 2024 decreased 15.4% year on year due to decreased shipments to Europe, North America, Oceania, and other regions.
[Exports of key models in September 2024]
CX-5:
19,047 units
(down 38.0% year on year)
MAZDA3:
9,720 units
(up 48.1%)
CX-90:
8,306 units
(up 13.1%)
(2) April through September 2024Mazda’s export volume in the period from April through September 2024 decreased 2.1% year on year due to decreased shipments to Europe, and Oceania.
[Exports of key models in the period from April through September 2024]
CX-5:
135,974 units
(down 16.7% year on year)
CX-90:
50,103 units
(up 45.8%)
MAZDA3:
49,165 units
(up 13.8%)
IV. Global Sales
Breakdown
September 2024
Apr – Sep 2024
Jan – Sep 2024
Units
YoY Change (%)
Units
YoY Change (%)
Units
YoY Change (%)
GLOBAL SALES
Domestic Sales
13,540
+12.3
64,154
-21.6
103,621
-25.5
U.S.A
29,840
+6.5
213,345
+15.8
313,449
+15.0
China
6,425
-33.1
34,424
-23.9
58,139
+1.5
Europe
17,158
-15.2
88,591
-1.3
134,540
-5.2
Others
40,324
+8.6
229,513
+6.6
331,359
+3.4
Overseas Sales
93,747
-1.3
565,873
+5.8
837,487
+5.7
Total
107,287
+0.2
630,027
+2.2
941,108
+1.0
(1) September 2024Mazda’s global sales volume in September 2024 increased 0.2% year on year due to increased sales in the U.S., Japan, and other regions.
[Global sales of key models in September 2024]
CX-5:
29,373 units
(up 7.2% year on year)
CX-30:
18,362 units
(down 2.1%)
MAZDA3:
12,395 units
(down 34.1%)
(2) April through September 2024Mazda’s global sales volume in the period from April through September 2024 increased 2.2% year on year due to increased sales in the U.S., and other regions.
[Global sales of key models in the period from April through September 2024]
CX-5:
176,597 units
(up 1.3% year on year)
CX-30:
113,133 units
(up 13.3%)
MAZDA3:
80,824 units
(down 9.7%)
(1) Overseas production figures indicate Mazda-brand units coming off the production line (excluding CKD units). (2) Global production figures are the sum total of domestic and overseas production volumes. (3) All information in this press release is as of the date of the publicity. No updates after that date are reflected.
Suzuki Motor Corporation (Suzuki) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have decided to further strengthen collaboration in the supply of a battery EV (BEV) SUV model developed by Suzuki to Toyota. This new model is scheduled to be manufactured at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India from the spring of 2025.
Both Suzuki and Toyota’s businesses have their roots in Enshu―the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture―and both companies took on the challenge of switching their businesses from looms to automobiles. Since Suzuki’s Chairman (current Senior Advisor) Osamu Suzuki and Toyota’s President (current Chairman) Akio Toyoda started exploring business partnerships in 2016, both companies have engaged in a wide-ranging collaboration, aiming to provide people with freedom of movement and fun-to-drive. The fields of collaboration are diverse and include production and mutual supply of vehicles, and the spread of electrified vehicles. As a result, the market launch of collaboration vehicles has expanded to Japan, India, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
This new development marks the first BEV in the OEM relationship between the two companies. It will be launched worldwide, providing a BEV choice even in the SUV market, which is showing remarkable growth. With this new addition, Suzuki and Toyota will further promote their respective initiatives toward realizing a carbon-neutral society.
The new model was designed exclusively as a BEV. A nimble SUV with the sharp driving characteristics of a BEV, it features ample cruising range and a comfortable cabin. It is also available with a 4WD system, offering exceptional drivability on rough roads and a more powerful driving performance.
The BEV unit and platform adopted for this model were jointly developed by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., utilizing each company’s strength.
Comment from Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki
“Suzuki will supply our first BEV to Toyota globally. I am grateful that the collaboration between the two companies has further deepened in this way. While continuing to be competitors, we will deepen our collaborations toward solving social issues, including the realization of a carbon-neutral society through a multi-pathway approach.”
Comment from Toyota President Koji Sato
“By leveraging the BEV unit and platform that we jointly developed, we will take a new step in our collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles. This will allow us to deliver various choices that contribute to a carbon-neutral society to customers worldwide. We would like to learn from each other’s strengths, compete, and further joint efforts based on a multi-pathway approach.”
About Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.
SINGAPORE, Oct 31, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Whether you’re a frequent business traveller who’s always on the go or a world explorer looking for your next adventure, a travel credit card can be a great way to make the best of your trips. The right travel credit card can enhance your travel experiences by offering opportunities to earn rewards, redeem rewards on travel expenses, access discounts and deals, and get perks and benefits like lounge access and travel insurance. Learn all about travel credit cards, what they can do for you and how to choose the right one in our guide below.
What is a travel credit card?
You may have heard of credit cards that offer discounts and savings on fuel, groceries or shopping. A travel credit card is a type of credit card that offers perks and rewards that make travel smooth and convenient. While the exact reward programs differ from one card to the next, what most miles credit cards have in common is that they grant users benefits and redemption opportunities specifically linked to travel.
A travel credit card is a great way to turn everyday spending into travel rewards. Generally, a miles credit card or travel card will let you earn points, miles, or cashback on purchases, which you can redeem for travel-related expenses like flight tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Over time, savvy cardmembers may accumulate enough rewards to cover the full cost of a small vacation. Many travel credit cards also include benefits like complimentary lounge access, travel insurance, and exclusive discounts with partner airlines and hotels.
Pros and Cons of a Travel Credit Card
Pros
Earning points and miles: Your miles credit card helps you earn rewards on eligible purchases. If you use your credit card regularly for eligible purchases, your points or miles can add up quickly and bring you significant savings on your next trip.
Sign-up bonuses: In addition to regular rewards, your card may offer a welcome bonus that lets you earn a significant number of points/miles if you meet certain spending criteria. These bonuses can provide a great boost to your rewards balance right from the start.
Access to Airport Lounges: Your travel credit card may also include complimentary access to airport lounges, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed travel experience with amenities like refreshments and comfortable seating before your flight.
Cons
High annual fees: Travel credit cards with good benefits may carry higher annual fees than regular cards. You’ll need to review the costs and benefits associated with your credit card to decide if the travel benefits are worth the annual fee.
Complex rewards systems: Rewards programs are only useful if you know how to use them well. It might take some time and effort to fully understand how to maximize your rewards.
How to Choose a Travel Credit Card
When choosing a travel or miles credit card in Singapore, consider your travel habits and preferences. Start by considering how often you travel. A card with a high fee may be worth it for frequent fliers, but if you only take one or two trips a year, seek out a card with a low or no annual fee with points that don’t expire. You’ll need to consider what benefits matter to you. Do you value lounge access, or is travel insurance more important? Choose a card that offers benefits that match your needs. Lastly, look for a rewards program that fits in with your lifestyle. If you spend a lot on dining and shopping, look for a card that offers higher rewards in those categories. Additionally, carefully review the points/redemption process before you apply for a travel credit card. A complex redemption process can be off-putting especially if there are many limits placed on redemption.
Notice:Opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(ACN Newswire – October 30, 2024) – Military Metals Corp. (CSE: MILI) (OTCQB: MILIF) (FSE: QN90) (the “Company” or “Military”) is pleased to announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with 1509149 B.C. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, 1458205 B.C. Ltd. (the “Target“), and the controlling shareholder of the Target pursuant to which the Company will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of the Target (the “Target Shares“) by way of a three-cornered amalgamation (the “Amalgamation“).
“As we acquire this premier antimony project in Slovakia with historical resources, we’re taking a transformative step to strengthen Europe’s access to essential raw materials. With a well established, rich mineral base, this brownfield site enables us to work towards a reliable domestic antimony supply when Europe faces mounting supply chain pressures,” said CEO Scott Eldridge. “This acquisition reflects our commitment to reducing reliance on Chinese imports, ensuring stability for the European market, and empowering the West to drive a more resilient, self-sufficient future for critical materials.”
About the Target
The Target owns three brownfield projects in Slovakia. Of the three projects, Trojarova is the most advanced (“Trojarova”). Located in western Slovakia, it potentially hosts one of the European Union’s most significant known primary antimony deposits. 63 holes were historically completed into the deposit during the 1980-1900s over a strike length of 1.5 kilometers, along with nearly 1.7 kilometers of underground workings; the deposit hosts historical (non-compliant) antimony and accessory gold resources classified in the Soviet era Russian classification system.
Additionally, Military has acquired both a tin and second antimony property in Slovakia. The tin property (“Medvedi-Potok”), likewise features significant historical drilling, underground development, and features a historical (non-compliant) tin resource. The Tiennesgrund antimony property features over two dozen small underground workings along its 10-kilometer length where historical production is reported.
Consideration for the acquisition of 100% of the Target Shares comprises 10,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (the “Company Shares“), at a deemed issuance price of $0.56 per Company Share, valued at a sum of CAD $5.6 million. The Company will also assume the Target’s obligations in respect of its outstanding share purchase warrants, which will provide holders the right to acquire up to 3,499,997 Company Shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per share.
“The Trojarova antimony project is potentially one of Europe’s most significant primary antimony deposits. We’ve experienced an unprecedented rise in the antimony price increasing from $11,000 USD per tonne, to a current spot of approximately $34,000. Increased trade wars and geopolitical tensions have placed stronger importance on this strategic metal with multiple applications,” said CEO Scott Eldridge. “The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act has opened multiple financing sources from local European institutions to foster the development of strategic metals within Europe’s boarders.”
Antimony, a vital component in everything from battery technologies to advanced military applications such as night vision and infrared sensors, is classified as a critical mineral by the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. Currently, over 90% of global antimony reserves are concentrated in China, Russia, and Tajikistan. Military seeks to target antimony with the goal of contributing to the global antimony supply, and filling a gap that is present in the ability of Western countries to obtain this critical mineral.
About the Projects
Discovered in the late 1970s, Trojarova was the focus of extensive surface and underground exploration from 1983 to 1995, with 63 core holes for a total of 14,330m, and 1.7km of underground workings completed. Efforts continued over the years as additional trenches were dug and holes were drilled. Starting in 1990, underground development work began ultimately comprising a 300-meter-long adit connected to a 700-plus meter-long drive in the footwall of the mineralized zone with seven crosscuts into the mineralized zone for sampling purposes. These efforts culminated in a multi-volume study comprising drill logs, analyses, drill plans, maps and sections, deposit model studies, petrographic studies, metallurgical studies and more, culminating in a multi-volume compendium of reports produced by the Slovak Geological Institute published in 1992 (the “1992Report“). Upon completion of the Amalgamation, the Company will move forward to verify this historical estimate by confirmation drilling so that it is able to classify mineral resources at Trojarova as current, in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. The historical estimate at Trojarova was classified using the Slovak version of the newly post-Soviet Russian classification system, which is not directly comparable to or compatible with the western system as defined by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroluem (“CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves”).
The 1992 Report contains a table featuring 10 alternate historical resource estimates, five focused on the antimony component of the mineralized system and five on its gold component, each group of five featuring decreasing tonnage at increasing grade for antimony and gold, respectively:
Historical alternate resource estimate scenarios for Trojarova
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The Slovak Geological Institute, the state agency that carried out all exploration and underground development work at Trojárová, classified the resource as “P1” in the Slovak version of the Russian classification system. P1 is closest within the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum’s (“CIM”) classification system to “Inferred Mineral Resources,” which is defined by the CIM as that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.
Considerable work remains to be completed before it will be possible to classify mineralization documented at Trojarova as current mineral resources. The historical drill logs need to be translated and transcribed into a logging format suitable for resource estimation purposes. All collar locations along with the underground maps need to be digitized and georeferenced. Depending upon the assessed quality and reliability of these data, it will be possible for a resource estimation geologist to determine the extent of confirmation drilling necessary so that mineralization documented at Trojarova can be classified as current mineral resources. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Military is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.
The Tiennesgrund antimony project, located in eastern Slovakia, comprises a 10-kilometer-long license covering a large, fault/shear-hosted antimony-gold vein system hosting multiple adits and a long artisanal-scale mining history. The nearby Medvedi-Potok property hosts a classic tin vein system in a greisened intrusive; it features underground workings and a historical (non-compliant) resource. Additionally, on completion of the Amalgamation, the Company will inherit a small processing facility in Slovakia owned by the Target. Its inclusion in our strategic narrative underscores our commitment to efficiency and innovation, making it a key differentiator in today’s market.
With global demand for antimony soaring and critical mineral supply chains becoming increasingly strained geopolitically, Military is seeking to take advantage of a strategic opportunity to acquire an asset that can fill this global demand.
Map showing the location of Military’s properties in Slovakia
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The technical contents of this release were reviewed and approved by Avrom E. Howard, MSc, PGeo, geological consultant to Military Metals and a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101.
About Military Metals Corp.
The Company is a British Columbia-based mineral exploration company that is primarily engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties with a focus on antimony.
This news release contains “forward-looking information”. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements related to the completion of the Amalgamation, as well as future plans for exploration activities, and assumptions related to the continuation of the global demand for antimony. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release. These include meeting the conditions to close the Amalgamation, geopolitical developments related to the supply of antimony, the continued use of antimony and availability of alternatives, availability of capital and labour in respect of the properties that are the subjects of this news release, the results of any future exploration activities, which cannot be guaranteed, and such other factors as may impact both the Amalgamation and any future activities in respect of the properties held by the Target. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company’s public filings under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228324
This collaboration opens up new pathways for Korean investors to explore alternative asset classes that offer diversification beyond traditional markets.
NH I&S and Alta Exchange will also explore the use of blockchain technology to enhance the liquidity and efficiency of financial markets through asset tokenization
SINGAPORE & SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, Oct 30, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – NH Investment & Securities (“NH I&S”), one of Korea’s largest investment and securities firms, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AltaX (“Alta Exchange”), Asia’s leading digital securities exchange for alternative assets, bridging North and Southeast Asia’s fast-growing markets for alternative investments.
From Left to Right: Kelvin Lee, Group CEO of Alta Group, and Yoon Byoung Un, CEO at NH Investment & Securities.
This landmark partnership will also see NH I&S joining as a member firm of Alta Exchange.
The MOU between NH I&S and Alta Exchange will seek to explore the use of Alta Exchange’s blockchain-powered exchange to enhance the liquidity and efficiency of financial markets through asset tokenization. As a member firm, NH I&S will gain the ability to list investment opportunities on Alta Exchange, adding to Alta Exchange’s growing inventory of globally-sourced alternative assets.
NH I&S investors will benefit from exclusive access to Alta Exchange’s curated selection of investment opportunities, including global private companies, private equity credit funds, and unique real assets such as rare whisky and wines. These opportunities, traded on Alta Exchange’s digital securities exchange, are tailored for high-net-worth individuals, institutional investors, and family offices, offering a diverse range of options across alternative asset classes.
As NH I&S joins Alta Exchange’s existing partners such as Singapore-based broker Phillip Securities, corporate finance firm PrimePartners and investment bank Evolve Capital, this partnership also reflects Alta Exchange’s expanding investor network and investment opportunities to firms from overseas.
Representatives from Alta Group and NH Investment & Securities pose for a group photo following the signing of the MoU
Bringing Liquidity and Accessibility to Korean Investors
This collaboration opens up new pathways for Korean investors to explore alternative asset classes that offer diversification beyond traditional markets. Furthermore, Alta Exchange’s technology-driven approach to alternative investing helps unlock liquidity, allowing for greater flexibility in the management and trading of these unique assets.
“We are excited to partner with NH Investment & Securities, a leader in Korea’s financial landscape, to bring our portfolio of global alternative investment opportunities to Korean investors,” said Kelvin Lee, Group Chief Executive Officer at Alta Group. “Our collaboration aims to democratize access to high-quality alternative assets, giving NH I&S’ clients the tools to invest confidently in private markets, while also enhancing liquidity and transparency.”
Expanding Access to Global and Regional Opportunities
Yoon Byoung Un, Chief Executive Officer at NH Investment & Securities, said “This partnership represents a bridge between South Korea and Southeast Asia, two dynamic markets for alternative investing. For NH I&S, the collaboration with Alta Exchange offers the potential to list and promote regional opportunities to its network of investors, while also introducing its clients to unique global assets sourced through Alta Exchange’s expansive network. With Southeast Asia emerging as a hub for private market growth, the partnership provides NH I&S with a strategic entry point into the region, allowing its investors to explore new opportunities in one of the world’s most exciting alternative investment markets.”
About Alta Exchange
As the leading licensed digital securities exchange for alternative investments in Asia, we are building critical capital market infrastructure backed by some of the most active securities brokerages and bookrunners on the Singapore Exchange – Phillip Securities, PrimePartners and Nomura Holdings (Japan).
Empowering Private Markets: Through our Digital Exchange, we enable the tokenization and digital custody of alternative assets. This end-to-end solution simplifies and expedites the trading of smaller asset blocks, ultimately facilitating access and liquidity in private markets. We believe that access to capital markets are pivotal in all economies, we recognize that our role in building this critical infrastructure goes beyond facilitating trades; it paves the way for entrepreneurship, job creation, financial inclusion, and economic resilience, fostering a brighter future for emerging markets and economies.
Innovative Financial Ecosystem: Our journey has seen us transition from securities trading and distribution of comprehensive products, including equities, private credit, funds, and asset-backed securities representing real world assets like whiskies and wines, to include fund management and digital custody.
Visit us on https://alta.exchange/
About NH Investment & Securities
NH Investment & Securities is one of South Korea’s largest investment and securities firm, offering a broad range of investment services, including wealth management, asset management, and brokerage. As part of the NongHyup Financial Group, NH Investment & Securities benefits from strong agricultural sector roots and solid backing from one of South Korea’s largest cooperative group. On the back of the pan-NongHyup group with more than KRW 200 trillion of asset under management, NHIS is enhancing its industry market presence and reputation.
Top-tile League Table: NHIS ranked the first and second in DCM and ECM as of the end of 2023 to maintain its top-tier position of investment banking, providing advisory and financing services for mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring, with robust client network.
Growing Global Channels: Going global by establishing its presence in New York in 1992, NH Investment & Securities has built a network of eight locations across seven countries as of the end of 2023. While its global operations initially focused on stock brokerage, this has evolved to successfully establish a global business portfolio encompassing IB, overseas bonds, global product sourcing, and overseas stock brokerage.
For media inquiries, please contact: PRecious Communications, on behalf of Alta alta@preciouscomms.com
In questo momento, l’Italia è al centro di una situazione meteo unica e complessa, che coinvolge fenomeni di grande rilevanza come un vortice ciclonico in movimento e l’influenza di un campo di Alta Pressione particolarmente persistente. Questo scenario ha recentemente causato eventi meteo significativi in regioni come la Liguria e la Sardegna e, nei prossimi giorni, continuerà a influenzare le condizioni meteorologiche di diverse aree del Mediterraneo. Analizziamo come il vortice ciclonico e l’Alta Pressione si intrecciano in questo periodo e quali effetti potremo osservare sul meteo italiano.
Il vortice ciclonico e il bilanciamento atmosferico
Il vortice ciclonico che ha recentemente colpito la Liguria e la Sardegna ha generato forti precipitazioni, portando accumuli piovosi significativi, soprattutto nelle aree montuose e costiere. Questo sistema, caratterizzato da una forte bassa pressione e da correnti ascensionali, è ora in movimento verso ovest, dirigendosi verso la Penisola Iberica e l’entroterra marocchino.
La sua migrazione permetterà al Mediterraneo centrale di vivere una temporanea stabilizzazione, favorita dall’arrivo di correnti calde e secche provenienti dal Nord Africa. Questa configurazione genera una sorta di bilanciamento atmosferico, con l’Alta Pressione che si rafforza sul centro-nord Europa e una bassa pressione che persiste sul Sud Europa e il Nord Africa, creando una barriera naturale per le perturbazioni.
Il Rex Blocking e l’Alta Pressione
L’Alta Pressione delle Azzorre, da sempre legata a condizioni stabili e miti, sta estendendosi su tutta l’Europa centrale, consolidandosi come una vasta area di pressione elevata sul Nord Europa. Questo fenomeno crea quella che i meteorologi chiamano Rex Blocking, una configurazione atmosferica che si verifica quando un’alta pressione si allinea con un’altra alta pressione, formando una barriera che limita il passaggio delle perturbazioni e dei sistemi frontali. Il Rex Blocking causa una stasi atmosferica che si prolunga per giorni, mantenendo il meteo stabile e impedendo alle masse d’aria fredda di avanzare verso le regioni centrali e meridionali dell’Europa.
Il meteo in Italia e le previsioni per i giorni successivi
L’Italia beneficerà, quindi, di condizioni meteo stabili e più miti rispetto alla media stagionale, con un meteo che potrebbe estendersi fino ai primi giorni di Novembre. Il vortice depressionario, isolato vicino all’entroterra marocchino, faciliterà la formazione di un promontorio subtropicale che garantirà stabilità atmosferica su gran parte della Penisola. In molte regioni, specialmente in Val Padana, si prevede un aumento delle nebbie mattutine e serali, un fenomeno ricorrente quando la pressione è elevata e l’aria si mantiene ferma.
Le temperature, inoltre, supereranno la media tipica per la stagione, con valori che potranno toccare i 20°C e oltre, specialmente nelle aree costiere e meridionali. Questo meteo mite potrebbe protrarsi per tutta la settimana, offrendo giornate soleggiate e piacevoli in molte parti del Paese.
Implicazioni del Rex Blocking e effetti atmosferici
Il Rex Blocking rappresenta un fenomeno atmosferico particolarmente potente, che rallenta il normale flusso delle correnti zonali e crea un vero e proprio blocco dei sistemi frontali. Questa situazione si stabilisce principalmente sul centro-nord Europa, fungendo da scudo naturale contro le perturbazioni e il freddo proveniente dalle regioni artiche o atlantiche.
L’Anticiclone, infatti, agisce assorbendo e deviando le correnti fredde, evitando che queste possano influenzare le regioni meridionali del continente. Per l’Italia, questo si traduce in una prolungata fase di stabilità meteo, con temperature che rimarranno oltre la media per diversi giorni.
Nessuna ondata di freddo all’orizzonte
Data la configurazione atmosferica attuale, le previsioni per il medio e lungo termine non indicano l’arrivo di ondate di freddo significative. L’Alta Pressione continuerà a dominare lo scenario meteo, mantenendo il meteo stabile e rendendo improbabili forti abbassamenti termici. Un cambiamento sostanziale sarà necessario affinché questa struttura di Alta Pressione si modifichi e consenta l’ingresso di masse d’aria più fredde.
Analisi del meteo: un’anticipazione della settimana
L’attuale previsione meteo prevede per l’Italia una settimana caratterizzata da alta pressione atmosferica. Questo fenomeno è causato dalla depressione che ha generato maltempo fino al fine settimana scorso, ora localizzata sull’estremo Ovest europeo, in particolare sulla Penisola Iberica sud-occidentale.
Implicazioni del mutamento meteorologico
L’evoluzione di questa area ciclonica verso Ovest comporterà significative modifiche al meteo italiano. Prima di tutto, si assisterà a un rapido incremento della pressione atmosferica, che si stabilizzerà su valori medi di circa 1024 hPa su gran parte del territorio nazionale. Di conseguenza, le perturbazioni si sposteranno a Ovest, e si intensificherà un flusso di aria calda proveniente dal Nord Africa lungo la risalita asciutta della depressione.
Nonostante l’alta pressione, non si prevedono cieli sereni ovunque. Con l’avanzare dell’autunno e l’accorciarsi delle giornate, l’umidità nei bassi strati favorirà la formazione di nubi basse e nebbie, principalmente nelle prime ore del mattino o di sera, soprattutto nel Nord Italia e nelle aree appenniniche. Tuttavia, le temperature registreranno un generale aumento, già ben oltre le medie stagionali.
Nella stagione autunnale avanzata, nonostante il soleggiamento ridotto, le temperature continueranno a salire. Oggi e domani si raggiungerà il picco, con massime che superano i valori abituali, in particolare nelle regioni meridionali.
Temperature elevate al Centro Sud e sulle Isole maggiori
Le temperature massime raggiungono già i 25-26°C nel Centro-Sud e sulle Isole Maggiori, con punte di 27-28°C in particolare in Sardegna e in alcune aree della Sicilia. Questo flusso caldo si concentrerà sui settori occidentali della Penisola, specialmente sulle Isole, e in parte verso le regioni settentrionali.
Nelle zone del Nord, soprattutto in pianura e sulle coste orientali, così come sui settori adriatici, appenninici, e nelle aree di Est e Sud Sardegna, l’umidità contribuirà alla formazione di nebbie e nubi basse, che localmente potrebbero persistere anche durante il giorno. Di conseguenza, le temperature al Nord resteranno su valori più contenuti rispetto alle aree meridionali, pur in leggero rialzo rispetto ai giorni precedenti e comunque sopra la media stagionale.
Per i giorni a venire, il meteo prevede un mantenimento delle temperature sopra la media su tutto il territorio nazionale almeno fino alla prima settimana di novembre, anche se si prevede un graduale calo rispetto al picco imminente.
Negli ultimi tempi, l’Italia ha assistito a un incremento delle alluvioni, con eventi di piogge torrenziali che causano danni considerevoli a infrastrutture e territori. Questa tendenza può essere interpretata alla luce dei cambiamenti atmosferici e climatici che stanno interessando il nostro Paese e il mondo intero. La posizione geografica dell’Italia, tra il Mar Mediterraneo e le Alpi, la rende particolarmente esposta a condizioni meteo estreme, che vengono amplificate dalle variazioni climatiche.
Il Mediterraneo: un “hotspot climatico”
Il Mediterraneo è noto per essere un “hotspot climatico”, ovvero una zona che si sta riscaldando a un ritmo doppio rispetto alla media globale. Questo riscaldamento influisce sulla dinamica atmosferica e sui regimi di pressione, con ripercussioni dirette sulla frequenza e intensità delle precipitazioni. L’incremento della temperatura del mare fornisce un surplus di energia che amplifica i fenomeni temporaleschi e rende più probabile la formazione di sistemi perturbati particolarmente intensi, spesso responsabili delle piogge torrenziali. Quando le masse d’aria calda e umida presenti sopra il Mediterraneo si scontrano con le correnti più fredde provenienti dal Nord, si creano le condizioni ideali per precipitazioni intense e persistenti. Questo fenomeno è ulteriormente aggravato dalla presenza delle Alpi, che agiscono come una barriera naturale, costringendo l’aria umida a sollevarsi, raffreddarsi e condensarsi in pioggia.
L’innalzamento delle temperature atmosferiche globali
Un altro elemento chiave dell’aumento della frequenza delle alluvioni è l’innalzamento delle temperature atmosferiche globali. L’aumento delle temperature non solo altera i modelli di circolazione atmosferica, ma aumenta anche la capacità dell’atmosfera di trattenere umidità, per ogni grado di aumento della temperatura, l’atmosfera può contenere circa il 7% di umidità in più. Di conseguenza, quando queste masse d’aria umida rilasciano la loro acqua sotto forma di pioggia, la quantità di precipitazione è maggiore rispetto al passato. Questo effetto amplificato può provocare piogge molto intense in un breve lasso di tempo, aumentando il rischio di alluvioni improvvise e dannose.
Le “bombe d’acqua” o “flash flood”
L’Italia è inoltre interessata dal fenomeno sempre più frequente delle cosiddette “bombe d’acqua” o “flash flood”, eventi di precipitazione rapida e violenta che possono scaricare in poche ore l’equivalente di mesi di pioggia. Questo tipo di eventi è collegato all’instabilità atmosferica e al riscaldamento del Mediterraneo, che favorisce la formazione di nuvole temporalesche estremamente sviluppate verticalmente. Queste nuvole possono rilasciare grandi quantità di pioggia in aree circoscritte, causando alluvioni improvvise e violente. Eventi di questo tipo, un tempo rari, sono ora in crescita esponenziale a causa delle condizioni climatiche alterate.
Il cambiamento nei pattern di circolazione atmosferica
Un altro aspetto significativo è il cambiamento nei pattern di circolazione atmosferica, con effetti che si manifestano sotto forma di anomalie nella disposizione delle zone di alta e bassa pressione. Negli ultimi anni, si è osservata una maggiore persistenza di sistemi di bassa pressione sul Mediterraneo occidentale, portando a periodi prolungati di maltempo. Le basse pressioni sono associate a masse d’aria instabili, che favoriscono la formazione di temporali e piogge intense. Quando queste configurazioni rimangono stazionarie per più giorni, si generano episodi di pioggia continua che saturano il terreno e favoriscono fenomeni alluvionali. In passato, le condizioni meteorologiche tendevano a essere più mobili, ma ora è comune osservare una persistenza anomala dei pattern atmosferici, una tendenza che si attribuisce ai cambiamenti climatici globali.
Le alterazioni nella corrente a getto
A ciò si aggiungono le alterazioni nella corrente a getto, un flusso di aria veloce che circonda l’emisfero settentrionale e influenza i pattern meteo di molte regioni, tra cui l’Italia. L’aumento della temperatura artica ha indebolito il gradiente termico tra l’Artico e le latitudini temperate, causando una corrente a getto meno stabile e più ondulata. Questa condizione contribuisce a eventi meteo estremi: se il getto rallenta o devia, le perturbazioni rimangono più a lungo sulla stessa area geografica, come accade spesso nel bacino del Mediterraneo. Le ondulazioni più marcate della corrente a getto creano un’alternanza tra aree di alta e bassa pressione che persistono nel tempo, portando periodi prolungati di pioggia o, in altre stagioni, di siccità.
L’aumento della vulnerabilità idrogeologica dell’Italia
L’effetto cumulativo di queste dinamiche climatiche e atmosferiche è l’aumento della vulnerabilità idrogeologica dell’Italia. La maggiore intensità e frequenza delle precipitazioni rendono il territorio sempre più esposto a fenomeni alluvionali, soprattutto nelle regioni dove la morfologia e le caratteristiche geografiche facilitano il ristagno delle acque e l’esondazione dei fiumi. Il riscaldamento globale e i cambiamenti atmosferici che ne derivano stanno trasformando il regime delle precipitazioni e l’intensità delle tempeste, alterando un equilibrio che, un tempo, rendeva questi eventi più rari e prevedibili.
Il legame tra alluvioni e cambiamenti climatici
L’aumento delle alluvioni in Italia, dunque, si collega direttamente ai cambiamenti climatici globali e alla particolare vulnerabilità atmosferica e geografica del Mediterraneo. La combinazione di mari più caldi, un’atmosfera capace di trattenere maggiore umidità, il cambiamento nella circolazione atmosferica e un’instabilità nella corrente a getto creano condizioni sempre più favorevoli per fenomeni di pioggia intensa e prolungata. Queste trasformazioni sono un segnale chiaro delle modifiche che stanno avvenendo a livello climatico e indicano la necessità di una comprensione più profonda e di azioni mirate per adattarsi a un futuro in cui eventi estremi potrebbero diventare la norma piuttosto che l’eccezione.
Il meteo del Ponte di Ognissanti: un’anticipazione di primavera
Il primo weekend di novembre, coincidente con il Ponte di Ognissanti, si preannuncia con un meteo decisamente mite. Un’alta pressione di origine africana è in arrivo sulla penisola, portando con sé condizioni di stabilità atmosferica e un innalzamento delle temperature ben al di sopra della media stagionale.
Le previsioni meteorologiche indicano che l’Italia si appresta a vivere giornate particolarmente temperate, con un aumento termico che potrebbe superare di 5-6°C le medie tipiche di questo periodo dell’anno.
Effetti del meteo sulle diverse regioni italiane
Gli effetti di questo meteo saranno particolarmente evidenti sulle Alpi e nelle regioni del Centro e Sud Italia, dove il termometro potrebbe segnare oltre i 20°C nelle ore centrali della giornata. Questo caldo anomalo darà a questo scorcio d’autunno un aspetto più simile alla primavera. Anche le zone costiere beneficeranno di temperature piacevoli, creando un’occasione ideale per trascorrere all’aperto le giornate del ponte.
La situazione sarà differente al Nord, soprattutto in Pianura Padana, dove l’effetto dell’anticiclone sarà attenuato da una maggiore umidità e dalla formazione di nebbie e foschie, che potrebbero limitare la visibilità, specialmente durante le ore serali, notturne e mattutine. Le aree più soggette a questi fenomeni includono il Piemonte orientale, la Lombardia, l’Emilia Romagna e alcune pianure del Triveneto, oltre a possibili addensamenti nebbiosi nelle vallate interne della Toscana, del Lazio e dell’Umbria.
Le previsioni meteorologiche per i primi giorni di novembre
Questa parentesi di stabilità atmosferica dovrebbe prolungarsi fino ai primi giorni di novembre. Dopo il 3-4 novembre, però, l’arrivo di correnti più fredde provenienti dall’area balcanica potrebbe cambiare il quadro meteorologico: è prevista una discesa delle temperature, in particolare lungo il versante adriatico, con un rientro verso valori più consoni alla stagione autunnale a partire dal 5-6 novembre.
Entro la prima decade di novembre, infatti, masse d’aria fredda potrebbero arrivare in modo retrogrado, attraverso i Balcani, impattando le regioni adriatiche e meridionali del Paese. Questo comporterà una riduzione delle temperature, avvertibile soprattutto nelle zone interne e nelle aree del Centro-Sud.
Il meteo globale si presenta con un quadro insolito e complesso, con anomalie delle temperature superficiali del mare (SST) nel Pacifico equatoriale. Queste anomalie sono caratterizzate da temperature inferiori alla media in vaste aree oceaniche, in particolare tra la linea di data e le coste del Sud America. Questo raffreddamento delle acque ha favorito l’insorgere di un debole fenomeno di La Niña, che si prevede continuerà per tutto l’inverno.
La Niña e le sue implicazioni sul meteo
La Niña, nel Pacifico tropicale meridionale, si manifesta con acque più fredde rispetto alla media. Questo elemento influenza la circolazione atmosferica su larga scala e determina variazioni nelle precipitazioni e nella formazione di zone di alta pressione e bassa pressione in diversi continenti. Durante i mesi invernali, La Niña può alterare il comportamento delle correnti a getto, portando a condizioni più fredde e umide in aree come il Nord America occidentale e a condizioni più secche e temperate in regioni come l’America meridionale settentrionale.
Altri fattori che influenzano il meteo globale
Nonostante la debolezza di questo episodio di La Niña, il suo impatto potrebbe essere amplificato da altri fattori atmosferici che contribuiscono a modificare i modelli meteorologici globali. Le SST superiori alla media lungo il Nord Atlantico e il Pacifico settentrionale intensificano le dinamiche tra zone di alta pressione e bassa pressione, generando instabilità atmosferica e possibili variazioni nei regimi di precipitazione e temperatura. Queste condizioni possono portare a periodi di maltempo in alcune aree e stabilità prolungata in altre, a seconda della geografia e delle interazioni locali.
La Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) e il suo ruolo nel meteo
Un altro fattore che sta assumendo una maggiore rilevanza nel contesto meteorologico globale è la Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO), un’oscillazione atmosferica tropicale che si sposta lungo l’equatore in cicli che durano circa 30-60 giorni. Attualmente, la MJO si trova nella fase cinque, ma si prevede che passerà rapidamente attraverso diverse fasi nelle prossime due settimane, giungendo alla fase otto. Questo rapido cambiamento di fase potrebbe influire sul meteo dell’America settentrionale.
Le transizioni della MJO e gli eventi meteorologici estremi
Le rapide transizioni della MJO possono incrementare la frequenza di eventi meteorologici estremi, come forti precipitazioni e nevicate nelle aree di bassa pressione, e temperature stabili nelle regioni soggette ad alta pressione. La fase sei della MJO, in particolare, è spesso associata a perturbazioni nel Nord America occidentale, con condizioni di maltempo che si manifestano in piogge intense e nevicate abbondanti nelle aree montuose, mentre il settore orientale del Nord America può sperimentare temperature più miti e stabilità atmosferica.
La variabilità stagionale e il meteo
A tutto ciò si aggiunge la tipica variabilità stagionale di autunno e inverno, che aumenta la complessità del quadro meteorologico. Durante l’inverno, l’interazione tra La Niña, la corrente a getto e la MJO può amplificare l’intensità degli eventi estremi, portando a condizioni di freddo intenso e persistente in regioni come l’Eurasia settentrionale e l’America settentrionale. Tuttavia, le SST elevate in altre zone oceaniche possono compensare parzialmente gli effetti di La Niña, creando un equilibrio dinamico che rende i modelli atmosferici meno prevedibili e più suscettibili a variazioni improvvise.
Monitoraggio del meteo globale
In questo contesto, risulta essenziale un monitoraggio continuo delle anomalie oceaniche e atmosferiche per anticipare l’evoluzione del meteo globale. I cambiamenti nella circolazione atmosferica, influenzati da fenomeni come La Niña e la Madden Julian Oscillation, interagiscono con le condizioni locali e stagionali, generando modelli complessi e potenziali condizioni meteorologiche estreme.
Un’insolita ondata di calore potrebbe colpire l’Italia nei primi giorni di novembre, un’ulteriore anomalia meteorologica a cui ci stiamo abituando. Le attuali previsioni meteo indicano un periodo con temperature significativamente superiori alla media stagionale, più vicine a quelle tipiche dell’inizio dell’autunno o della fine dell’estate che non al pieno autunno.
Le correnti nordafricane e il loro impatto
Le attuali condizioni meteorologiche prevedono l’arrivo di una massa d’aria calda dal Nord Africa che potrebbe influenzare gran parte della Penisola. Le regioni del Centro-Sud saranno le più interessate, ma anche il Nord potrebbe sperimentare temperature elevate, con valori che in molte città potrebbero superare i 20°C, ben al di sopra della media di novembre. Questo fenomeno porterà giornate soleggiate e un meteo mite, ma non senza effetti indesiderati.
Questa anomalia termica è dovuta a un sistema di alta pressione che si è stabilito sull’area del Mediterraneo, bloccando il normale passaggio di perturbazioni autunnali, solitamente associate a piogge e temperature fresche. Nonostante queste situazioni non siano nuove, la loro intensità e durata sembrano indicare una ripetizione più frequente in futuro.
Le ripercussioni su agricoltura e fauna
Il calore fuori stagione ha un impatto significativo sull’agricoltura. Le temperature elevate possono compromettere la crescita delle colture, alterando i cicli naturali della vegetazione. Alcune coltivazioni che dovrebbero essere a riposo rischiano di fiorire prematuramente, con conseguenze sulle produzioni future. Questo fenomeno può anche ritardare le raccolte autunnali come quella di olive e uva, influenzando la gestione dei terreni.
Anche la fauna è influenzata da queste condizioni: le temperature miti alterano i comportamenti animali, dalle migrazioni degli uccelli al letargo dei mammiferi. Gli insetti, ad esempio, potrebbero continuare a proliferare, aumentando i rischi di diffusione di malattie trasmesse da essi.
Prospettive future e cambiamento climatico
Le previsioni meteo indicano che le temperature sopra la media potrebbero prolungarsi per i prossimi dieci giorni, con un possibile calo solo verso metà novembre. Sebbene eventi di questo tipo non siano inediti, rappresentano un ulteriore segnale del cambiamento climatico in corso. L’aumento delle temperature medie globali sta destabilizzando i tradizionali modelli meteo, rendendo sempre più comuni eventi estremi come il caldo anomalo in autunno e inverno. La persistenza di tali fenomeni evidenzia l’urgenza di affrontare il cambiamento climatico, riducendo le emissioni di gas serra e promuovendo politiche energetiche sostenibili.
Bria has spent the last four years dedicatedly training and honing her skills with coach Michael Hannon’s guidance at Performance Combat MMA in Wallingford, CT. Her hard work and national rankings in kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Judo have all led to this historic world championship win, marking a significant milestone before she steps into the adult division.
About Performance Combat MMA
Bria’s gym, Performance Combat MMA in Wallingford, CT, provides high-level MMA training in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu. Owner and coach Michael Hannon fosters skill, discipline, and resilience in athletes of all ages. Performance Combat MMA is honored to celebrate Bria’s incredible win and proud to have supported her on this journey to victory at the 2024 ISKA World Kickboxing Championships.
Thanks to our partner’s professionalism and dedication, the advanced LED video wall was ready just in time to deliver a high-profile visual performance, garnering significant attention in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
The P4 Media Cube LED Video Wall features Cinstar’s P4 indoor LED display solution, offering high-definition image quality and an immersive experience for fans. The system includes two retractable media cubes, with the smaller cube designed to lift and retract into the larger one, providing flexible space for events beyond hockey season.
The 360-degree seamless display spans a massive 70.8 SQM for the larger cube and 38 SQM for the smaller one. It ensures spectators enjoy stunning visuals from every angle.
The COOP Norrbotten Arena expressed high praise for the system’s flawless performance and the exceptional work of the Cinstar team and partners.
For more information about the P4 media cube LED video wall and to explore how it can meet your project requirements, please contact us.
About the Author: Founded in 2012, Cinstar Electronics is a Chinese LED display manufacturer dedicated to designing and providing high-quality LED products and competitive solutions for various applications. Our team are industry veterans with at least 5 years of experience and have managed thousands of LED projects from rental events to commercial installations. Our products have been exported to over 40 countries and used in high-profile installations and events worldwide.
Cinstar makes no effort to insist on the business principle of Honesty, Integrity and Responsibility and is committed to being a trusted LED display manufacturer and integrated service provider. Cinstar has highly comprehensive product lines that cover a wide range of applications like commercial advertisement, the entertainment industry, corporate events, award ceremonies, conferences & meeting and monitor rooms etc.
All our LED products are CE, UL, ETL, and FCC certified and compatible with European and American markets.
With over 20+ field types, including Dropdown, Swatch, and File Upload, Drodl enables to create dynamic product pages that suit the unique needs of every shopper. Whether its personalized text, custom sizing, or color options, Drodl provides flexibility without the need for coding.
We developed Drodl with both merchants and customers in mind, said Anglerfox. Our goal is to simplify the customization process, offering store owners an intuitive way to add personalized product options, while ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers.
Key features of Drodl are:
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4. Premium Support to assist merchants every step of the way
Drodl enhances the buying journey by making every purchase truly unique. Now Customization is becoming a key trend in e-commerce. Drodl helps merchants to stay ahead by enhancing their product offerings.
About Drodl : Drodl is a powerful Shopify app that simplifies the personalized product options. Drodl offers customization process with an easy-to-use interface, enabling store owners to provide unique shopping experience.
For more information, visit https://drodl.com/shopify/custom-product-fields
Summer Campaign Across New York and New Jersey Restaurant Locations Raises Vital Funds for Pediatric Cancer Research
Doherty Enterprises, Inc., a leading franchisee for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar in New York City, Long Island, N.Y., and New Jersey, proudly presented a check for $59,173 to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) for Childhood Cancer in a special ceremony held today at the Applebee’s Grill + Bar in Parsippany, NJ.
The donations were raised during a summer fundraising campaign across Doherty-owned Applebee’s locations. The proceeds will support ALSF’s mission to fund pediatric cancer research and assist families affected by childhood cancer.
Representatives from Doherty Enterprises and ALSF gathered to commemorate the contribution, which reflects the dedication of Applebee’s Team Members, guests, and community supporters in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Since 2005, Applebee’s and its franchisees nationwide have raised over $17 million for ALSF, funding more than 340,000 hours of research aimed at finding cures for all children with cancer. During this year’s national fundraiser for ALSF, Applebee’s and its franchisees collectively raised more than $1.6M nationwide.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Alex’s Lemonade and are honored to support their important work,” said Kurt Pahlitzsch, Doherty’s Vice President of Operations. “Every child with cancer deserves to have better treatments and a cure. Our commitment to this cause is a reflection of our dedication to the greater community and helping those kids affected by this terrible disease.”
Founded by Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who began her mission at just 4 years old, ALSF has grown into the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the United States, providing critical research funding and support for families impacted by childhood cancer.
For more information about Doherty Enterprises, their commitment to their communities, and current job openings, visit http://www.dohertyinc.com.
About Applebee’s®
As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee’s franchise operations consisted of 1,625 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 12 countries outside the United States as of June 30, 2024. This number does not include one domestic Applebee’s ghost kitchens (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and eight Applebee’s international ghost kitchens. Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates more than 160 restaurants in New York and New Jersey, including five restaurant concepts: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex and its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In addition, Doherty Enterprises is also a franchisee of Sola Salon Studios with 13 locations in Staten Island and New Jersey.
Doherty Enterprises is ranked 25th in Top 200 Franchisees in the United States by Restaurant Finance Monitor, is recognized as the 77th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States by Nation’s Restaurant News, the 73rd largest privately held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business, and 34th largest privately held company in New Jersey by NJBIZ.
The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” Doherty Enterprises has also been lending a helping hand to team members and their immediate families when financially burdened through the WOW a Friend Foundation. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 4,00 people and donated over $5.3 million directly back to those in need. (www.DohertyInc.com).
Inaugural Black Men Buy Houses Event Empowers Attendees with Financial Literacy Tools to Overcome Barriers in Homeownership, Featuring Industry Leaders John Hope Bryant and H. Jerome Russell Jr.
Black Men Buy Houses Co-Founders Kevan and Ayesha Shelton hosted their inaugural Black Men Buy Houses event in Atlanta on October 12th at The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, presented by Citizens Trust Bank featuring special guests John Hope Bryant, a renowned entrepreneur, economic empowerment advocate, Author, Founder & Chairman of Operation HOPE and H. Jerome Russell Jr., President of H.J. Russell & Company. The Shelton’s launched the “Black Men Buy Houses” initiative to address the barriers and historical inequalities Black men face in homeownership. The event provided attendees with essential financial literacy tools to begin their home-buying journey, focusing on overcoming limited access to knowledge and financial resources.
“Black men often face challenges when purchasing homes, stemming from limited information about the process and financial resources, which can hinder their ability to secure funds for down payments, credit, and closing costs. Our initiative’s objective is to break down these barriers, enabling more Black men to achieve the dream of homeownership,” said the Shelton couple.
This initiative was created because, historically, there has been a lack of focus on Black Men. Homebuyer data indicates that Black men lag behind Black women in homeownership, education, entrepreneurship, and earnings. Black women are achieving higher levels of education which directly translates to workforce participation, hence the need for initiatives such as Black Men Buy Houses to address the disparities that exist for Black men.
What started in Houston as the Shelton’s’ goal to help 500 Black men purchase homes has expanded into a nationwide initiative focused on empowering Black Men to become homeowners, providing financial literacy through real estate, allowing Black Men to have a piece of the American Dream. The Atlanta event offered one-on-one sessions with credit specialists and mortgage representatives and panel discussions designed to prepare participants with the tools needed to start the homeownership journey.
Black Men Buy Houses currently holds a National MOU with Operation HOPE which allows attendees to gain credit counseling beyond the event, directly tying into John Hope Bryant’s mission of advocating for financial literacy and empowerment within the Black community. During the event, John Hope Bryant shared his experience on overcoming financial barriers and the importance of economic equity.
The event’s presenter, Citizens Trust Bank, shared, “Partnering with the Black Men Buy Houses initiative has been a proud moment for our bank. This event gave us the opportunity to engage directly with Black men in our community, offering tools and guidance to help them navigate the path to homeownership”, said Farrand O. Logan, Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, Citizens Trust Bank. “We believe that financial empowerment begins with access to knowledge and resources, and this partnership is about more than just buying houses—it’s about creating lasting wealth and stability for future generations”, concluded, Logan.
The Shelton’s plan to host additional events in major cities, under their National MOU with NAREB on their “Building Black Wealth.” continuing their mission to support Black men in achieving homeownership. “This is just the beginning,” said The Shelton’s. “We are determined to expand our efforts and impact even more lives.”
For media inquiries, or to schedule an interview with Kevan and Ayesha Shelton—the couple is available for both in-person and Zoom interviews—please contact Innovating Marketing Group at info@innovatingmarketinggroup.com or call 346-980-9062.
About Citizens Trust Bank
Ranked 28th by S&P Global among the top 100 best-performing US Community Banks under $3B*, Citizens Trust Bank celebrates over a century in the community. The bank continues to prioritize offering customized service and financial solutions to address the community’s evolving needs. Through a legacy built on economic equality and well-being, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Citizens Trust Bank goes beyond meeting the needs of offering banking solutions. Today, Citizens Trust Bank continues to be led by its founding mission to empower customers and future generations for financial success and takes pride in offering financial solutions across the country. Through its parent company, Citizens Bancshares Corporation, the Bank offers its common stock over the counter to the public under the trading symbol CZBS and can be found at www.ctbconnect.com, and in the social media communities of Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Citizens Trust Bank Learning Channel on YouTube.
*Based on financials for the year ending December 2023.
About Black Men Buy Houses
Our mission is to elevate the rate of homeownership within the Black community, fostering financial literacy, wealth creation, and the stabilization of family structures through equity and property ownership. We believe that by addressing the root causes of the homeownership disparity, we can spark significant change, enabling Black men and their families to build generational wealth and achieve economic empowerment.
UpKeepDay is excited to announce the launch of its innovative mobile app, designed to simplify and automate teacher management processes for educational institutions, tutors, and after-school providers. The platform aims to help educators save time, improve efficiency, and focus more on teaching by offering automated solutions for invoicing, scheduling, feedback, and payment tracking.
With the rapid growth of online education and the need for seamless management tools, UpKeepDay provides a comprehensive solution that centralizes class management, attendance tracking, payment processing, and student communication. By automating administrative tasks, the platform empowers educators to streamline their daily routines and reduce the burden of manual processes.
Key Features of UpKeepDay Include:
Automated Invoicing & Payment Processing: The platform generates invoices based on completed sessions and integrates with Stripe for secure payment processing, ensuring timely payments directly into educators’ accounts.
Real-Time Attendance Tracking: Teachers can easily track attendance, and the system will generate automated reminders for any missing records.
Feedback Simplified with AI: UpKeepDay’s AI-powered voice-to-text feature converts spoken feedback into written text, making it quick and easy for teachers to provide feedback to students and track progress.
Effortless Scheduling: The built-in calendar allows for easy schedule management, with automatic notifications for schedule changes and available time slots.
Comprehensive Financial Overview: The platform offers a real-time financial summary by student and class, tracking payment status and providing transparency in managing funds.
Automated To-Dos: The app generates task reminders for essential actions like marking attendance, collecting payments, or rescheduling classes, ensuring that teachers stay organized and on track.
“As the education landscape evolves, we saw a need for a platform that addresses the challenges of managing classes, students, and administrative tasks seamlessly,” said Igor Goncharov, Founder of UpKeepDay. “We designed UpKeepDay to be a powerful yet easy-to-use tool that automates the busy work, allowing educators to focus on what matters most – teaching.”
UpKeepDay offers a mobile-first approach, catering to the growing use of smartphones in education, and supports real-time communication between teachers and students. The platform also includes an introductory offer, waiving subscription fees for new users until they fully explore the features and get comfortable using the app.
About UpKeepDay
UpKeepDay is a mobile-based platform focused on providing efficient, automated management solutions for educators, tutors, and after-school programs. The app helps simplify day-to-day tasks, such as scheduling, invoicing, feedback, and payment tracking, allowing teachers to focus more on teaching. Designed to support the evolving needs of the education sector, UpKeepDay aims to be the go-to tool for modern educators.
For more information, visit https://upkeepday.com
About UPKEEPDAY INC.
UpKeepDay is an all-in-one mobile platform designed to simplify class management for both teachers and students. It automates tasks such as scheduling, attendance tracking, invoicing, and payment processing, ensuring efficiency and organization.
Funnelmax, the ultimate tool for controlled and mess-free pouring, has made its television debut on Coffee with America EXTRA, a popular weekly program that airs across 317 stations nationwide.
With its unique and versatile design, Funnelmax is set to capture the attention of millions of viewers. Syndicated on the YTA Network and Biz TV, Coffee with America EXTRA reaches 66 million households, including broadcasts on FOX-owned stations in major markets like New York (WNYW-TV), Los Angeles (KTTV-TV), and Chicago (WFLD-TV).
Watch the TV segment by clicking here.
Available in two universal kit sizes—9-inch and 12-inch—Funnelmax includes a base, retaining ring, and precision tip, making it a versatile solution for various applications. Its durable construction and user-friendly design cater to liquids, semi-solids, and loose solids, making it an essential tool for home, automotive, and industrial projects.
Key Features of Funnelmax:
Versatile Use: Perfect for handling liquids, semi-solids, and loose solids.
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Perfect for All Projects: From household chores to automotive and industrial needs, Funnelmax helps users save time and avoid spills.
The brand is excited to have Funnelmax featured on Coffee with America EXTRA, as it provides an excellent opportunity to reach a broad audience and demonstrate the product’s practicality and effectiveness. Committed to simplifying everyday tasks, Funnelmax offers a reliable, no-mess solution for both professionals and homeowners.
Visit www.Walmart.com/Funnelmax to learn more and place your order today.
For more information, visit www.funnelmax.net.
About Funnelmax
Funnelmax is dedicated to creating innovative, high-quality tools that simplify everyday tasks for professionals and homeowners. Proudly made in the USA, our products are designed for durability, ease of use, and efficiency. We strive to deliver practical solutions that help you work smarter and achieve better results. With Funnelmax, precision and convenience are always within reach.
Intermountain ReSCORE-UC Project researchers receive major grant from Merck to study ways to reduce antibiotic overuse in urgent care and outpatient settings
Intermountain Health researchers have received a major grant to tackle the problem of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic overuse in urgent care and outpatient clinics to ensure patients are getting the best and most effective care for their illnesses.
The new $356,000 grant will be used to launch the Intermountain ReSCORE-UC project, a two-year study of behavioral and organizational methods to enhance antibiotic use in Intermountain urgent care centers and outpatient clinics.
The grant is from Merck, a global science and technology company that develops medicines, vaccines, and other health solution. It will allow Intermountain researchers to better understand how to maintain consistent improvements in antibiotic prescribing in these outpatient community settings.
The challenge for clinicians is that too high antibiotic prescription rates for respiratory infections continues to be a problem in urgent care settings. In more than 90% of cases, antibiotics don’t treat the infection for patients in these settings and can lead to sometimes serious side effects in patients, as well as overall antimicrobial resistance.
While initiatives can help lower rates and put a spotlight on the problem, the effect is often temporary, and prescribing rates creep back up when such programs end.
“In the field of antibiotic stewardship, Intermountain Health has been a national leader,” said Payal Patel, MD, enterprise medical director for antimicrobial stewardship at Intermountain Health and co-investigator on the study. “This grant will continue to put us at the forefront of understanding how we can make sure that we optimize antibiotic use in the urgent care setting to improve our prescribing rates, and also demonstrate to other health systems how they can do the same.”
“We really want to know what leads to behavior change to enhance antibiotic usage,” said Park Willis, MD, a family medicine physician at Intermountain Health who is also a co-investigator and medical director for regional urgent care for Intermountain.
“One of the key questions that we want to answer is: what processes do we need to implement that will lead to that long term effect and make it part of someone’s everyday thinking, and not just during a project?”, he added.
This new study builds off the success of the SCORE-UC initiative, a previous Intermountain study to reduce antibiotic overuse, which resulted in a 15% reduction in antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections for patients in Intermountain Health’s 38 urgent care centers.
While that initiative was successful, the results were not permanent, and prescribing rates in these instances have ticked back up.
Across the nation, overprescribing of antibiotics is detrimental on both the individual and public health level.
“This is something that many health systems struggle with across the nation,” said Allen Seibert, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Intermountain Health and principal investigator on the study. “We’ve seen some of those antibiotic prescribing improvements be much more challenging to really maintain.”
Giving out too many antibiotics, especially in cases where they’re not needed, has led to antimicrobial resistance.
The result of overuse of antibiotics is that some previously effective antibiotic medications no longer work, which can lead to more severe infections, longer hospital stays, more complications, and even death.
Antibiotic medications are also not side-effect free for those who take them. Antibiotics can result in allergic reactions and gastric distress, which can become severe.
Given that more than 90% of respiratory infections are caused by viruses and not bacteria, giving these patients antibiotics “won’t help and rather just give you another side effect like diarrhea,” said Dr. Patel.
The new grant will also enable Intermountain researchers to study how antibiotic prescribing rates vary between different patient groups, including in racial and ethnic minorities, and in rural and urban settings.
“We can then see how we can redesign and re-implement antibiotic stewardship initiative to be more sustainable, durable, and equitable in the long term,” said Dr. Seibert.
For the study, Intermountain Health researchers will also be working with Adam Hersh, MD, a pediatric infectious disease expert at the University of Utah, and Julia Szymczak, PhD, a medical sociologist with expertise in the behavioral dynamics of antibiotic stewardship, with the aim of improving antibiotic stewardship across urgent cares in Utah and across the Intermountain West.
About Intermountain Health
Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.
The Government Property Agency (GPA) is inviting two separate quotations for (i) Shop No. 302 and (ii) Shop No. 306, both on Ground Floor, Passenger Clearance Building, 33 Shun Fai Road, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, Lantau, Hong Kong, each for a three-year tenancy subject to the provisions for renewal for a further term of two years.
Both premises should only be used for general retail and/or services purposes excluding storage, sale or display of:
(1) dutiable goods as defined under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), unless the premises have been issued with a warehouse licence under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109);
(2) duty-paid goods as defined under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109); and
(3) goods, merchandise or commodities that are from time to time prohibited from import into Hong Kong under the laws of Hong Kong.
The decision of the landlord as to what constitutes goods, merchandise or commodities under (3) above shall be final, conclusive and binding on the tenant. All references in the Form of Tenancy Agreement to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) shall include any regulations made thereunder and any amending legislation.
The quotation notices were uploaded today (October 30) to the GPA Property Portal: www.gpaproperty.gov.hk/en/index.html. Quotation documents are available for collection at the GPA, 9/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, during the period from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, except public holidays. The documents can also be downloaded from the GPA Property Portal.
Interested bidders who wish to conduct a site inspection of the premises should make a prior appointment with the GPA by calling 3842 6915 or 3842 6917 on or before November 6.
Bidders must submit their quotations by placing them in the GPA Quotation Box placed at the Ground Floor Lobby, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, before noon on November 19. Late quotations will not be accepted.
Following is a question by the Hon Steven Ho and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (October 30):
Question:
It has been reported that whenever a typhoon hits Hong Kong, some members of the public will recklessly disregard warnings and purposely go to the seaside to “chase wind”, and some people will even engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and surfing under extreme weather. There are views pointing out that such behaviour not only endangers their own lives and safety, but also wastes the Government’s rescue resources and leads to casualties among rescuers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the following information on cases received by the Government in each of the past five years where members of the public encountered danger and sought assistance while engaging in outdoor activities when weather warnings were in force: the number of such cases, the types of outdoor activities involved, the number of search and rescue (S&R) personnel, the casualties among the S&R personnel, and the public expenditure involved;
(2) given that the existing legislation empowers the authorities to close beaches or country parks when necessary, and it is an offence to enter such closed beaches or country parks without permission, of the number of prosecutions instituted by the authorities in the past three years in respect of the aforesaid offence;
(3) of the work undertaken by the Government in the past three years to prohibit members of the public from entering dangerous areas such as waterfronts, riversides and hills when weather warnings were in force (including putting up notices and disseminating warning messages through the media), as well as the expenditure involved (with a breakdown by work initiative); and
(4) whether it has considered imposing charges on those members of the public who encounter danger and seek assistance as a result of riskily engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather (e.g. requiring them to bear a certain proportion of the S&R expenditure), so as to achieve a deterrent effect; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Government strongly discourages the public from taking risks to engage in outdoor activities under inclement weather. It will continue to remind members of the public through various channels of the risks of engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather, and step up enforcement actions. Under extreme weather conditions, such as when the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Black Rainstorm Warning are in force, mountain-climbing or other water sports activities will become even more dangerous. In case of an accident, it will also put rescuers in a dangerous situation.
In consultation with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Environment and Ecology Bureau, our consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Steven Ho is as follows:
(1) Between January 1, 2020 and September 30, 2024, the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), and the Government Flying Service have been deployed for mountain rescue arising from camping or hiking and immersion incidents arising from swimming or surfing when an Amber, Red or Black Rainstorm Warning, or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above was in force. Details are as follows:
Year
Number of mountain rescue incidents
Staff deployed
Number of immersion incidents
Staff deployed
2020
1
22
2
32
2021
5
58
2
38
2022
10
71
1
33
2023
23
352
16
334
2024
(as at September 30)
21
146
3
72
The above deployments did not result in any casualties among the rescuers. The rescue teams have not maintained a statistical breakdown of the operating cost.
(2) As far as temporary closure of beaches is concerned, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has, in addition to giving advice on multiple occasions, issued a total of four verbal warnings in the past three years to persons entering/intending to enter temporarily closed beaches for water sports activities. During the period, no prosecution was instituted against non-compliance with the temporary closure of beaches.
As regards the hoisting of red flags at unclosed beaches, the LCSD has, in addition to giving advice on multiple occasions, successfully instituted one prosecution against water sports activities illegally conducted within the area of gazetted beaches in the past three years. Furthermore, during the law enforcement operation at Big Wave Bay Beach on October 25, 2024, two members of the public were found to have committed the acts of illegal surfing during hoisting of red flags at the unclosed beach, suspected of contravening the Bathing Beaches Regulation. An investigation by the LCSD is underway into such a case and prosecution is under consideration.
On the other hand, in the past three years, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) had not closed country parks due to inclement weather. The AFCD will consider the closure of country parks having regard to the actual situation and when necessary.
(3) During temporary closure of beaches and hoisting of red flags at unclosed beaches, beach staff will advise or verbally warn members of the public who are oblivious to the dangers at sea for their action jeopardising their own safety and that of rescuers. The LCSD will also consider instituting prosecutions against wrongdoers to serve as deterrence. Generally, members of the public heed the advice from the staff in virtually all cases. The above work does not involve additional expenditure.
When adverse weather warnings (such as Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or Rain Storming Warnings) are about to be issued or while these are in force, the AFCD will appeal to members of the public to refrain from going to the country parks through news broadcasts and social media platforms. Moreover, the AFCD will regularly utilise the social media and other communication channels to promote hiking safety, and remind members of the public to avoid visiting country parks during adverse weather. The above work forms part of the AFCD management of country parks, and therefore does not involve additional expenditure.
Whenever a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal is in force, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) will remind the public to stay away from the shoreline and refrain from conducting any water sports activities. When a Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force, the HKO will remind the public to stay away from watercourses, and to stay alert to the possible dangers of flooding of the watercourses even after the Rainstorm Warning is cancelled. Other weather warnings or alerts are also accompanied by corresponding points to note. The HKO currently disseminates the above information to the public through various channels, including the HKO’s website, the mobile application MyObservatory, and social media platforms. The relevant operation and maintenance expenses have been subsumed into the recurrent cost of the HKO which cannot be further broken down.
(4) The Government has always accorded top priority to public safety and the protection of people’s life and property. When calls for various emergencies are received, the HKPF and the FSD will immediately assess the nature of each incident and deploy appropriate resources to the scene.
The Government strongly discourages the public from taking risks to perform outdoor activities under inclement weather, as these activities will bring significant risks not only to the members of the public themselves, but also to the rescue personnel deployed in case of emergency. Notwithstanding the above, people’s lives are a top priority, and the Government will provide effective, reliable and efficient emergency services to people in distress or in need under all circumstances. The last thing we want to see is those in need being deterred from seeking emergency call services due to any reasons, including the charging of a levy.
Following is a question by Dr the Hon David Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 30):
Question:
The Pilot Rehabilitation Programme for Employees Injured at Work (the Pilot Programme) was launched in September 2022, and its industry coverage has also been expanded from the construction industry to the catering and hotel industry and the transportation and logistics industry from May this year onwards. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the total number of reported work injury cases in the construction industry in Hong Kong since September 2022 and, among them, the number of cases which are eligible for the Pilot Programme;
(2) of the average waiting time of injured employees from the time of injury to commencement of rehabilitation treatment under the Pilot Programme;
(3) as it is learnt that some injured employees who are eligible for the Pilot Programme have refused to participate in the Programme, whether the Government has gained an understanding of the reasons for their refusal;
(4) of the types of work injury involved in the cases participating in the Pilot Programme, with a breakdown by the extent of injury;
(5) among the injured employees who have participated in the Pilot Programme and recovered (i.e. reached maximum medical improvement), of the number of those who have returned to work and, among them, the percentage of those who are able to return to their original positions (especially employees in the construction industry who are able to re-enter the industry);
(6) among the injured employees who have participated in the Pilot Programme and recovered but are unable to return to work, of the number of those who have completed the procedures of medical assessment of injury (i.e. assessment of permanent incapacity); and
(7) as it is learnt that some non-profit-making organisations or training organisations in the community provide retraining and return-to-work support services specifically for persons recovered from work injury, how many employees who have recovered under the Pilot Programme but are unable to return to work have been referred to such organisations for follow-up?
Reply:
President,
To strengthen rehabilitation services for employees injured at work, the Labour Department (LD) launched the Pilot Rehabilitation Programme for Employees Injured at Work (Pilot Programme) in September 2022. The Pilot Programme adopts a case management approach to provide timely and co-ordinated private out-patient rehabilitation treatment services for participating injured employees to facilitate their early recovery and return to work. Currently, the Pilot Programme covers the construction industry, catering and hotel industry and transportation and logistics industry, targeting employees who have sustained musculoskeletal injuries at work and have been (or are expected to be) absent from work for six weeks or more. Eligible persons can participate on a voluntary basis.
My reply to Dr the Hon David Lam’s question is as follows:
(1) From September 2022 to September 2024, the number of employees’ compensation claims in the construction industry involving incapacitation of employees for more than 3 days as a result of work injuries reported under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance and received by the LD is about 6 900.
As at the end of September 2024, the LD and the Work Injury Rehabilitation Office (WIRO) set up by the service contractor of the Pilot Programme have, based on the reported work injury cases, identified 4 596 injured construction employees who preliminarily fulfilled the admission criteria of the Pilot Programme, and proactively invited their participation. As at the end of September 2024, a total of 1 011 injured construction employees have enrolled in the Pilot Programme.
(2) According to the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, an employer must notify the Commissioner for Labour of any work accident within 14 days after the accident occurs or after it comes to his knowledge. As mentioned in part (1), the LD and WIRO will preliminarily identify suitable injured employees based on the reported work injury cases, proactively invite them to participate in the Pilot Programme and arrange interviews to ascertain their eligibility for and willingness to participate in the Pilot Programme. Thereafter, the case manager will schedule an appointment for the employee to meet with the case doctor. Once the case doctor determines after clinical assessment that the employee’s injury is suitable for treatment under the Pilot Programme, the relevant rehabilitation treatment will begin immediately.
Therefore, the duration from the time of injury to the commencement of treatment for an injured employee depends on the reporting time and the specific circumstances of the individual work injury case (such as the time needed to successfully contact the injured employee, when the employee can meet with the case manager and confirm their consent to participate in the Pilot Programme). Generally, counting from the first successful contact with the injured employee for introducing the Pilot Programme, an injured employee can receive treatment from a case doctor approximately after 10 working days.
(3) Some eligible injured employees have chosen not to participate in the Pilot Programme for various reasons, including their wish to continue receiving rehabilitation treatment services provided by the Hospital Authority, consideration that the location of the hospital or clinic they currently seek consultations is more convenient, preference for arranging their own private medical services, and their wish to continue receiving free private rehabilitation treatment provided by their employers.
(4) As at the end of September 2024, 1 350 injured employees from the construction industry, catering and hotel industry, and transportation and logistics industry have enrolled in the Pilot Programme. Their injuries primarily involved contusions and bruises, sprains and strains, fractures, etc, which accounted for approximately 80 per cent of all cases. Around 70 per cent of participants have already reached Maximum Medical Improvement (i.e. recovered) after treatment, with the majority recovering within 5 months after commencing treatment.
(5) Under the Pilot Programme, if participants do not return to work within two months after recovery, case managers will continue to follow up on their return-to-work status for the following three months. As of the end of September 2024, the return-to-work status of the 939 recovered employees is as follows:
Return-to-work status
Number of employees (proportion)
Engaged in same kind of work*
413 (approximately 44 per cent)
Engaged in other kinds of work*
73 (approximately 8 per cent)
Return-to-work status under follow up
201 (approximately 21 per cent)
(mainly those who have recently recovered from their injuries)
Not yet returned to work during the follow up period
252 (approximately 27 per cent)
Total
939
*including those employed by the original employer or a different employer
Among the 413 recovered employees engaged in the same kind of work, 329 (approximately 80 per cent) were construction employees; and among the 73 recovered employees engaged in other kinds of work, 63 (approximately 86 per cent) were construction employees.
(6) Among the 252 recovered employees who were yet to return to work during the follow-up period as mentioned in part (5), 197 (approximately 78 per cent) have been arranged to attend an assessment conducted by the Employees’ Compensation Assessment Board (commonly known as work injury assessment). The main reasons some cases have not yet received work injury assessment include pending arrangements for the assessment, the necessity to undergo legal procedures due to disputes over employees’ compensation, or the involvement of injuries other than musculoskeletal for which the relevant treatments are yet to complete, etc.
(7) Each participant under the Pilot Programme is assigned a case manager to follow up on their case. The case manager co-ordinates rehabilitation treatment and assists in the participant’s return-to-work, which includes, with the employee’s consent, liaising with employers to facilitate return-to-work arrangements, or providing information on the job market based on the employee’s circumstances. Furthermore, depending on the needs of individual cases and the wish of the employees concerned, participants may be referred to relevant non-governmental organisations for services such as employment counselling, vocational training, and job skills training to enhance their skills and prepare for return-to-work during the recovery journey. As of the end of September 2024, a total of 20 participants agreed to be referred to the relevant organisation, of whom six have returned to work, 11 were yet to return to work during the follow-up period after recovery, and the return-to-work status of the remaining three was still being monitored.
Following is a question by the Hon Holden Chow and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 30):
Question:
Currently, applicants for the Old Age Allowance (OAA) under the Guangdong Scheme and the Fujian Scheme (the Schemes) must reach the age of 70 or above and must have resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least one year immediately before the date of application (the requirement of continuous residence in Hong Kong). However, some members of the public have relayed that they had moved to Guangdong Province before they turned 70, and are still ineligible to receive the OAA even though they now reach the age of 70 because they fail to meet the requirement of residing in Hong Kong continuously for at least one year immediately before the date of application, and are even required to return to Hong Kong and reside for one year in order to meet the eligibility criteria. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the respective numbers of applications for OAA under the Schemes received, approved and rejected by the Government in each of the past five years; among the approved applications, the number of cases for which the authorities exercised discretionary power and granted OAA (set out in a table);
(2) of the criteria for exercising discretionary power for the cases mentioned in (1), and whether the criteria include special circumstances of the persons concerned (such as chronic disease patients receiving treatment in Guangdong Province); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) whether it will consider making special arrangements for people who are currently aged 70 but have previously moved to Guangdong or Fujian, so that as long as they meet all other requirements except the requirement of continuous residence in Hong Kong, the Government will, by discretion, grant the OAA to them?
Reply:
President,
The Social Security Allowance (SSA) Scheme (including the Old Age Allowance (OAA), Old Age Living Allowance (OALA), Disability Allowance, Guangdong Scheme and Fujian Scheme) is a non-contributory social security scheme. Applicants must have resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least one year immediately before the date of application, while enjoying a limit of 90 days of absence from Hong Kong within that year. This one-year continuous residence (OYCR) requirement ensures that applicants have close connections with Hong Kong, and that persons who have lived outside Hong Kong for a long time cannot immediately benefit from non-contributory cash allowances upon their return to Hong Kong, thereby concentrating resources on supporting persons in need and the elderly.
I reply to the three parts of the question raised by the Member as follows:
(1) and (2) In the past five financial years (2019-20 to 2023-24), the numbers of OAA applications received, approved and rejected by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) are tabulated below:
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
Applications received (Note)
35 652
37 059
35 173
40 263
40 825
Applications approved
32 646
38 360
36 173
39 984
41 139
Applications rejected
2 127
577
241
334
523
Note: The processing of some of the applications may be completed in the subsequent financial year.
Where an applicant has been absent from Hong Kong in the one year immediately before the date of application for receiving medical treatments outside Hong Kong due to illnesses or for taking up paid work outside Hong Kong, the SWD may consider exercising discretion to disregard the absences exceeding the 90-day limit subject to sufficient reasons and documentary proofs.
In the past five financial years (2019-20 to 2023-24), the numbers of cases in which the absences of the OAA applicants were disregarded for the aforementioned reasons are tabulated below:
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
Receiving medical treatments outside Hong Kong due to illnesses
7
0
0
0
3
Taking up paid work outside Hong Kong
39
1
0
0
17
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in tandem with an enhancement measure of the SSA Scheme, the SWD implemented a special arrangement from January 2020 to August 2023 to disregard the absences from Hong Kong of applicants and beneficiaries of the various social security schemes (including the SSA Scheme). The SWD does not maintain a record of the number of OAA applications that benefited from the relevant special arrangement.
(3) As mentioned above, the OYCR requirement ensures that SSA applicants have close connections with Hong Kong, with a view to reasonably allocating finite public resources. Since September 2023, the Government has suitably relaxed the absence limit of the OYCR requirement from 56 days to 90 days, increasing it by more than half. This can practically accommodate the applicants’ need for leaving Hong Kong temporarily before the application (such as visits to family and travel outside Hong Kong). The Government currently has no plan to further relax the OYCR requirement. With an ageing population, the number of beneficiaries and the expenditure of the SSA Scheme will continue to rise. The Government should take into account the long-term financial sustainability when considering various enhancement measures.
Il meteo e le sue sfide: un’analisi del Mediterraneo
Un fenomeno meteorologico noto come “goccia fredda” ha recentemente colpito il Nord Ovest dell’Italia e la Sardegna, causando diverse problematiche idrogeologiche e alluvioni improvvise. Questo fenomeno, caratterizzato da un movimento retrogrado, si è poi spostato tra la Penisola Iberica e le coste del Nord Africa. L’esperienza diretta di questo evento ci ha permesso di comprendere le potenzialità e gli effetti di una depressione autonoma, bloccata da insuperabili barriere di alta pressione e costretta a ritornare sui suoi passi. Come un leone intrappolato in una gabbia, la goccia fredda ha liberato la sua energia nel poco spazio a disposizione, causando distruzione.
Il meteo e le sue conseguenze: il caso delle Baleari e Valencia
La goccia fredda ha poi indirizzato il suo flusso umido e instabile di scirocco sulle Baleari, favorendo la formazione di intensi sistemi temporaleschi. Questi hanno colpito in particolare le coste orientali dell’Isola di Maiorca, dove un’alluvione lampo ha devastato la cittadina costiera di Porto Cristo. Ma la goccia fredda non si è fermata qui: ha scaricato la sua potente energia nell’area metropolitana di Valencia, dove si è verificato un evento pluviometrico di portata storica. Un sistema temporalesco auto rigenerante e stazionario ha infatti scaricato ben 435,8 mm di pioggia in sei ore a Chiva, una cittadina a 30 km da Valencia, di cui 343 mm in sole quattro ore.
Il meteo e le sue tendenze: l’aumento dei temporali estremi nel Mediterraneo
Nel bacino del Mediterraneo, le condizioni favorevoli alla formazione di eventi temporaleschi estremi sono in crescita. Questa tendenza si riflette nell’aumento dell’energia potenziale disponibile in atmosfera per la convezione, ovvero il CAPE (Convective Available Potential Energy). Questa grandezza fisica, che misura l’energia potenziale disponibile per le correnti ascensionali dei temporali, deriva principalmente dai profili verticali di temperatura e umidità. Valori elevati di CAPE indicano un’atmosfera instabile e pronta a rilasciare energia in maniera impulsiva sotto forma di temporali.
Il meteo e le sue implicazioni: l’analisi della Cape
Un recente studio pubblicato su Theoretical and Applied Climatology ha analizzato l’evoluzione della Cape dal 1940 al 2022 su scala mediterranea, utilizzando il database giornaliero ERA5. Questo studio ha rilevato un aumento statisticamente significativo dei valori medi di CAPE nel corso dei decenni. In particolare, l’analisi ha evidenziato un marcato incremento nel cosiddetto semestre caldo, con un numero crescente di episodi estremi in estate. Questo trend è strettamente collegato al riscaldamento globale, che è ancora più accentuato nell’area del Mediterraneo, considerata un punto caldo del cambiamento climatico.
Previsioni meteo per la prima settimana di novembre
La prima settimana di novembre si preannuncia stabile dal punto di vista meteorologico. I principali centri di calcolo hanno infatti confermato un cambiamento significativo nel meteo tra l’Atlantico e l’Europa rispetto alla prima metà dell’autunno. Un vasto campo di alta pressione si estenderà non solo sull’Italia, ma anche sull’Europa centrale e nord-occidentale, formando una solida barriera contro le perturbazioni atlantiche. Questo promontorio anticiclonico, con alta probabilità, caratterizzerà l’intera prima settimana di novembre, influenzando così l’andamento dell’autunno.
Condizioni meteo stabili e assenza di piogge
Le condizioni meteo saranno stabili fino al 7 novembre, senza previsioni di piogge sull’Italia, ad eccezione di qualche possibile piovasco tra Halloween e Ognissanti in Sardegna, dovuto a un ciclone bloccato sul Mediterraneo occidentale. Il sole sarà predominante, con qualche nube bassa e qualche banco di nebbia, soprattutto in Val Padana.
Aumento delle temperature
L’ampio campo di alta pressione causerà un aumento delle temperature massime in tutto il territorio italiano. Si prevedono picchi che potrebbero raggiungere i 25°C in alcune zone interne del Centro-Sud Italia e nelle isole maggiori. In Val Padana, con cieli sereni, le temperature potrebbero sfiorare i 22 o 23°C. In presenza di nubi basse o di banchi di nebbia, le temperature saranno più contenute, ma il meteo rimarrà comunque stabile ovunque.
Possibili cambiamenti dopo il 7 novembre?
Dopo il 7 novembre potrebbe esserci una svolta nel meteo? È difficile dirlo con certezza, poiché ci sono ancora molti dubbi e incertezze riguardo all’evoluzione meteorologica della seconda parte di novembre. Solitamente, in presenza di questi vasti campi di alta pressione sull’Europa centro-occidentale, è più probabile assistere a improvvisi sussulti di aria fredda provenienti dall’Est Europa in direzione del Centro-Sud Italia. In effetti, questa possibilità è presente nei modelli di simulazione, ma confinata al termine della prima decade di novembre. Dunque, si prospetta un lungo periodo di stabilità e per eventuali cambiamenti del meteo sarà necessario attendere ulteriori aggiornamenti.
Dopo un Ottobre caratterizzato da precipitazioni eccezionali, soprattutto nel Nord Italia, il meteo di Novembre sembra promettere una pausa dal maltempo. Questa variazione meteorologica potrebbe portare un sollievo temporaneo per molte regioni, con giornate asciutte e un generale aumento delle temperature, almeno nella prima parte del mese.
Un inizio di mese più stabile
Per l’inizio di Novembre, il meteo prevede un periodo decisamente più stabile rispetto al mese precedente. L’arrivo di un’area di Alta Pressione garantirà condizioni asciutte e un aumento delle temperature sopra la media stagionale. In molte aree d’Italia, specialmente lungo le coste e nelle zone di pianura, i valori termici potrebbero superare i livelli tipici di Novembre, rendendo le giornate simili a quelle di fine Settembre.
La stabilità atmosferica, garantita dall’Alta Pressione, contribuirà a mantenere un cielo sereno per buona parte della giornata, favorendo le temperature superiori alla media soprattutto in collina e montagna. Tuttavia, nelle aree di pianura come la Pianura Padana, le notti e le prime ore del mattino saranno caratterizzate dalla formazione di nebbie, un fenomeno comune in presenza di inversione termica. L’assenza di ventilazione favorirà infatti l’accumulo di umidità al suolo, creando condizioni ideali per nebbie dense, che si dissolveranno con il riscaldamento diurno.
Un respiro per il Nord Italia
Il ritorno del bel tempo offre una pausa importante per il Nord Italia, duramente colpito dalle abbondanti precipitazioni di Ottobre. Il periodo di asciutto consentirà ai fiumi di ridurre il loro livello e alle aree montane e collinari, a rischio idrogeologico, di stabilizzarsi. L’assenza di pioggia sarà un’opportunità per gli interventi di manutenzione e ripristino delle infrastrutture danneggiate, fondamentali per il ritorno alla normalità.
In questo contesto, anche l’agricoltura locale potrà beneficiare della tregua dal maltempo. L’eccessiva pioggia aveva compromesso numerose colture, quindi un periodo di stabilità risulterà vitale per evitare ulteriori danni e permettere un recupero parziale delle coltivazioni danneggiate.
Possibili cambiamenti a metà Novembre
Nonostante l’apparente solidità dell’Alta Pressione, i modelli previsionali indicano la possibilità di un cambiamento verso la metà di Novembre. Il modello GFS, accompagnato dalle proiezioni ensemble GEFS, suggerisce un possibile indebolimento dell’Anticiclone intorno all’11 Novembre. Questo scenario aprirebbe la strada all’ingresso di nuove perturbazioni di origine atlantica, che potrebbero riportare le piogge sul territorio italiano.
Se tale cambiamento fosse confermato, l’arrivo delle precipitazioni sarebbe accolto diversamente a seconda delle regioni. Nel Sud Italia, dove le riserve idriche sono limitate, la pioggia sarebbe ben accolta per ridurre il rischio di siccità. Nel Nord, invece, una nuova fase piovosa potrebbe generare nuove criticità nelle aree già fragili dal punto di vista idrogeologico, aggravando situazioni ancora non del tutto risolte dopo le precipitazioni di Ottobre.
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