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Matson Takes Delivery Of ‘Matsonia’

Fourth New Ship in Three Years Completes Hawaii Fleet Renewal

PR Newswire

HONOLULU, Dec. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Matson, Inc. (NYSE: MATX), a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, today took delivery of Matsonia, the second of two new Kanaloa Class combination container / roll-on, roll-off (“con-ro”) ships built for Matson by General Dynamics NASSCO.  The two are the largest vessels of their kind ever built in the U.S.  They join two new containerships, Daniel K Inouye and Kaimana Hila, themselves the largest of their kind in the U.S. commercial fleet, in completing the renewal of Matson’s Hawaii fleet.

Matsonia and Lurline are each 870 feet long, 114 feet wide (beam), with a deep draft of 38 feet and weighing in at over 50,000 metric tons. The sister ships have an enclosed garage with room for approximately 500 vehicles, plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo. Lurline entered service in January of this year.

Built by Philly Shipyard, Matson’s new Aloha Class containerships, Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila, entered service in 2018 and 2019, respectively.  Each 850-foot long containership has a 3,600 twenty-foot equivalent (TEU) capacity.

The four new ships are the centerpiece of Matson’s nearly $1 billion investment to modernize its Hawaii service.  In addition to a nearly $930 million investment in its fleet, Matson is also investing more than $60 million in improvements to its Hawaii hub terminal at Sand Island in Honolulu, in conjunction with the State of Hawaii’s Harbors Modernization plan.

“Putting four new ships into service in a three-year span is a significant accomplishment that culminates eight years of planning, project management and coordination for teams across many departments at Matson,” said Matt Cox, chairman and chief executive officer. “Together with the modernization and expansion of our Honolulu terminal, these investments position Matson to provide efficient, reliable service to Hawaii for decades to come.”  

Phase 1 of Matson’s Sand Island Terminal Modernization project was completed this year, with the installation of three new electrically powered gantry cranes and the upgrading of three existing cranes and the terminal’s power system. Phase 2, which will include improvements to the container yard and gate, will begin in 2021. In Phase 3, concurrent with the State’s completion of the new Kapalama Container Terminal, Matson will expand its waterfront and overall terminal footprint by 30 percent by acquiring adjacent piers 51A and B.

In addition to ensuring efficient, reliable service to Hawaii for the next three decades, Matson’s fleet renewal program is also accomplishing a broader fleet modernization that ensures compliance with increasingly stringent global emissions regulations.

Designed and built specifically for the Hawaii trade, all four of the new ships feature state-of-the-art green technology, including fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks, Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) compatible engines, and freshwater ballast systems.  The more recent Kanaloa Class vessels are equipped with the first Tier 3 dual-fuel engines to be deployed in containerships regularly serving West Coast ports. Tier 3 engines reduce the levels of particulate emissions by 40 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 20 percent, as compared to Tier 2 standards.

The four new ships are also Matson’s fastest vessels, with the ability to operate at or above 23 knots, helping ensure on-time deliveries in Hawaii from Matson’s three West Coast terminals in Tacoma, Oakland and Long Beach.

‘Matsonia’ and ‘Lurline’ are iconic vessel names in Matson’s long history.  Matsonia dates to the construction of Matson’s first ship of that name in 1912. Three more ships were given the name in subsequent years; the new vessel is the fifth. ‘Lurline‘ dates to the construction of Captain William Matson’s first ship of that name in 1887. Four more ships were given the name in subsequent years; the newest vessel is the sixth.


Daniel K. Inouye
 was named in honor of the late Hawaii Senator, who was a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine and a powerful advocate of the maritime industry. “Kaimana Hila” is a Hawaiian transliteration for “Diamond Head,” one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks.

More information on Matsonia and Matson’s fleet modernization program is available at:  https://www.matson.com/kanaloa-class.html 

* Twenty-foot Equivalent Units, the standard unit of measurement for container capacity

About Matson

Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services.  Matson provides a vital lifeline to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia.  Matson also operates two premium, expedited services from China to Long Beach, California, provides service to Okinawa, Japan and various islands in the South Pacific, and operates an international export service from Dutch Harbor to Asia.  The Company’s fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges.  Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson’s transportation network throughout the continental U.S.  Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, freight consolidation, Asia supply chain services, and forwarding to Alaska.  Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com.


Matson Investor Relations inquiries:


Matson News Media inquiries:

Lee Fishman

Keoni Wagner

Matson, Inc.

Matson, Inc.

510.628.4227

510.628.4534



[email protected]



[email protected]

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/matson-takes-delivery-of-matsonia-301196232.html

SOURCE Matson, Inc.

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Canadian Vaping Association’s response to Canada Gazette, Part 1

Beamsville, ON, Dec. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With today’s release of the Canada Gazette, Part 1, the Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) has learned of the federal government’s intention to restrict nicotine concentrations to 20mg/mL. The CVA believes that this decision is not without merit; however, restricting high nicotine content to age-restricted specialty vape shops would better balance youth protection with adult harm reduction.

As research has concluded that youth vape for nicotine, it is reasonable for the federal government to restrict it. Yet, the government can not allow adult smokers who require high nicotine concentrations to remain smoke-free to be left behind. The survey “Smokefree GB”, conducted by Action on Health and Smoking found that despite nicotine in Great Britain being limited to 20mg/mL, 2% of vapers reported using a strength greater than 21mg. While this may sound insignificant, there are 3 million vapers in Great Britain, resulting in 60,000 ex-smokers requiring a nicotine concentration greater than 20mg.

Given the Government of Canada’s announcement of an ambitious target of a 5% smoking rate by 2035, Canada cannot leave any number of smokers behind. The Canada Tobacco Strategy states, “[It] recognizes the potential of harm reduction – helping those who can’t or won’t quit using nicotine to identify less harmful options.” Moreover, by Health Canada’s own admission smokers who completely switch to vaping reduce their harm. Given these statements by Health Canada, the Government of Canada must ensure the available products meet the needs of all smokers to enable harm reduction.

“It is without question that Canada must act to restrict nicotine concentrations to protect youth, but it should not be an all or nothing approach. Ontario has restricted high nicotine products to age-restricted environments, effectively eliminating all retail access points for youth. This policy has proven effective in mitigating youth use while balancing the needs of adult smokers. The CVA encourages the Government of Canada to adopt this policy federally,” said Darryl Tempest, Executive Director of the CVA.



Darryl Tempest
The Canadian Vaping Association 
6472741867
[email protected]

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BIOTELEMETRY ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Investigates Sale of BEAT and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, has launched an investigation into whether the board members of BioTelemetry, Inc. (NASDAQ: BEAT) breached their fiduciary duties or violated the federal securities laws in connection with the company’s acquisition by Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE: PHG) (“Royal Philips”).

Click here to learn more and participate in the action.

On December 18, 2020, BioTelemetry announced that it had signed an agreement to be acquired by Royal Philips for approximately $2.8 billion. Pursuant to the merger agreement, BioTelemetry stockholders will receive $72 in cash for each share of BioTelemetry common stock owned.   The deal is scheduled to close in the first quarter of 2021.

Bragar Eagel & Squire is concerned that BioTelemetry’s board of directors oversaw an unfair process and ultimately agreed to an inadequate merger agreement. Accordingly, the firm is investigating all relevant aspects of the deal and is committed to securing the best result possible for BioTelemetry’s stockholders.

If you own shares of BioTelemetry and are concerned about the proposed merger, or you are interested in learning more about the investigation or your legal rights and remedies, please contact Melissa Fortunato or Alexandra Raymond by email at [email protected] or telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you.

About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contact Information:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.
Melissa Fortunato, Esq.
Alexandra Raymond, Esq.
[email protected]
www.bespc.com



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BrewBilt Cuts a Path to More Revenue with Tiritto Farms in Arizona

SACRAMENTO, CA, Dec. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire — Today BrewBilt Manufacturing Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCPINK: BBRW), announces another new brewery delivery to Tirrito Farm in Wilcox Arizona.

https://WWW.TIRRITOFARM.COM

Jef Lewis, Chairman and CEO, stated: “Today we shipped the BrewBilt brewery to Tirrito Farm in Wilcox, Arizona. This is Arizona’s newest farmstead hospitality destination.”

You can check out this delivery at https://twitter.com/brewbilt/status/1340010200040841216

The company is shipping another system on Monday to Bruehol Brewing in Benicia, California. https://www.BRUEHOLBREWING.COM

Watch Video Success Stories:

Who is Jef Lewis: https://www.brewbilt.com/meet-the-chairman

Visit Our Breweries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=eAtMrDj7PYA&feature=youtu.be

ABOUT BREWBILT: (www.brewbilt.com)

Located in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California, BrewBilt is one of the only California companies that custom designs, hand crafts, and integrates processing, fermentation and distillation processing systems for the craft beer, cannabis and hemp industries using “Best in Class” American made components integrated with stainless steel processing vessels using only American made steel. Founded in 2014, the company began in a backyard shop by Jef Lewis with a vision of creating a profitable company in “Rural America.” BrewBilt has built a solid foundation by having strong relationships with local suppliers of raw materials, equipment and services in California, an aggressive referral network of satisfied customers nationwide, and an Advisory Board consisting of successful business leaders that provide valuable product feedback and business expertise to management. The craft brewing & spirits industries continue to grow worldwide. California is where craft brewing began and now has over 900 operating breweries – being centrally located in this booming market was a large draw for BrewBilt to locate its manufacturing facility in the Sierra foothills. All BrewBilt products are designed and fabricated as “food grade” quality which enables the company to build vessels for food & beverage processing. More important, the company has been building systems that are pharmaceutical grade for clients involved in distillation for the cannabis and hemp industries over the past 36 months, thus making the revenue potential much greater. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This document contains forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date.  The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.  Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.  Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the Corporation’s ability to effectively execute its business plans; changes in general economic and financial market conditions; changes in interest rates; changes in the competitive environment; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; losses, customer bankruptcy, claims and assessments; changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements affecting the Corporation’s business; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies.  Management may elect to update forward-looking statements at some future point; however, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

Contact:

Jef Lewis, Chairman and CEO 
BrewBilt Manufacturing Inc. –  BBRW 
Call or Text: 530-802-5023
[email protected]



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Biotech Investors Warn Against Innovation-Killing Policies at Expert Panel

Washington, D.C., Dec. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The federal government may soon kneecap the life sciences industry, prominent biotech investors warned Thursday during a panel discussion organized by the Incubate Coalition.

“Biotech companies have developed lifesaving COVID vaccines, as well as numerous other treatments, in record time this year despite unprecedented challenges,” said John Stanford, executive director of Incubate and moderator for Thursday’s event. “Unfortunately, new policies are under consideration that could upend the research ecosystem that makes such innovation possible.”

The panelists singled out two policies that pose a risk to industry investments in particular: the Trump administration’s Most Favored Nation interim final rule, which is expected to be implemented in the new year, and House Democrats’ H.R. 3. Both would impose price controls on cutting-edge medicines and thereby discourage investment in high-risk ventures. H.R. 3 alone could prevent the development of 100 new medicines in the coming decade, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisors.

The panelists stressed that U.S. scientists, backed by tens of billions in private capital, are on the verge of developing effective treatments for several debilitating diseases. Roughly two-thirds of all new FDA-approved drugs originate at small biotech startups, which are largely funded by venture capitalists.1 Venture firms invested $23 billion in over 1,300 biotech deals in 2018 alone. Price controls would disproportionately harm these small but innovative biotech companies.

Several leading biotech investors spoke on the panel, including:

  • Johannes Fruehauf, M.D., Ph.D., general partner at Mission BioCapital;
  • Julie Grant, general partner at Canaan Partners;
  • Ravi Mehrotra, Ph.D., founder and CEO at 5point0;
  • Sara Nayeem, M.D., partner at NEA.

 “Extremely novel treatments require significant capital to make it to the clinic. Cell therapy, mRNA, gene therapy, gene editing — all of these technologies were incubated and grown within small biotech firms,” said Sara Nayeem, M.D., partner at NEA.2 “Price controls and scorched-earth policies will negatively impact the interest people have in funding this type of innovation.”3

 

###

 

About Incubate

Incubate is a coalition of venture capital organizations representing the patient, corporate, and investment communities. Our primary aim is to educate policymakers on the role of venture in bringing promising ideas to patients in need.

1 https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/05/07/135477/google-backs-a-bid-to-use-crispr-to-prevent-heart-disease/

2
https://youtu.be/izFMU6uMALc, 09:50-10:15

3
https://youtu.be/izFMU6uMALc, 12:40-12:56

Attachment 



Ashlyn Roberts
Incubate
[email protected]

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Texas Appellate Court Grants New Trial in Battle Over City’s Unlawful Attempt to Skirt Due Process, Tax Laws

First Liberty Institute defends three churches on appeal against Texas city’s unfair water fee scheme

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the Texas Third District Court of Appeals in Austin affirmed a lower court decision granting a new trial for three churches that filed a lawsuit against efforts by the City of Magnolia to impose a water fee scheme on tax-exempt churches without due process. First Liberty Institute and the law firm Baker Botts represent Magnolia Bible Church, Magnolia’s First Baptist Church, and Believers Fellowship.

“Our clients are pleased that they will get their day in court,” said Hiram Sasser, Executive General Counsel at First Liberty Institute. “We are grateful to the court for recognizing that cities in Texas at least have to give due process to churches before imposing their water fee schemes. Churches and non-profits in Magnolia were granted a new trial because the court realized that the city of Magnolia should have at least given these churches an opportunity to challenge the city’s water fee scheme in court.”  

In March of 2018 the City of Magnolia, Texas increased the water and wastewater fees of its churches to significantly higher rates than that of commercial businesses. As Magnolia’s city administrator Paul Mendes said, the water fee scheme, “would allow the city to collect funds from these entities in place of taxes or other fees.” In one case, a church’s water bill increased 178% for similar water usage.   

Unbeknownst to the churches, as they continued to challenge the water fee scheme locally, in November of 2018, city officials quietly sought approval for Magnolia’s water fee scheme several hours away from Magnolia in an Austin courtroom. Only when the churches sued Magnolia in May of 2019 did they learn that Magnolia’s efforts in Austin now prevented them from challenging the water fee scheme. In response to the churches’ lawsuit, Magnolia officials threatened sanctions against the pastors if they continued.

In August of 2019, attorneys with First Liberty convinced the Austin-based court that previously validated Magnolia’s water fee scheme to re-open the proceedings concerning the legitimacy of the rate increase, finding that city officials should have known that the churches were an interested party, and failed to involve them in the rate increase discussion. The Texas Third Court of Appeals in Austin heard oral argument in March over Magnolia’s appeal.

About First Liberty Institute

First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.

To arrange an interview, contact Lacey McNiel at [email protected] or by calling 972-941-4453.

 



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SECU Foundation Donates Additional $1 Million to The Salvation Army of the Carolinas

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In light of the holiday season and of the overwhelming need for emergency funds and assistance in North Carolina communities, SECU Foundation has awarded The Salvation Army of the Carolinas with an additional $1 million for COVID-19 disaster relief efforts. The organization will use the funding to address mounting requests from North Carolinians across the state for food, shelter, financial assistance, and other essentials – economic needs which are driven by the pandemic. This grant, combined with a joint $2 million donation provided in April from SECU and the Foundation, brings SECU’s collective total to $3 million in aid for The Salvation Army of the Carolinas.

“The Salvation Army of the Carolinas provides essential support to citizens in need year-round, year after year. However, the grip of this dire pandemic sharply increases the demand for such services,” said Jo Anne Sanford, SECU Foundation Board Chair. “This grant will help deliver aid and hope, and will help sustain the mission of the Salvation Army as it responds to community needs statewide. The collaborative efforts of The Salvation Army and SECU Foundation reflect the shared philosophy of ‘People Helping People.’ We are pleased to work with The Salvation Army, and grateful for the organization’s passion and dedication to the people and communities of North Carolina.”

The Salvation Army has been serving in the Carolinas since 1887 and continues to be a vital resource for emergency aid to individuals and families statewide.   It is among 40 North Carolina non-profits that have received COVID-19 disaster relief funding from SECU and the SECU Foundation, whose collective donations now surpass $16 million.

“Many North Carolinians are facing financial challenges as a result of the pandemic,” commented Jama Campbell, SECU Foundation Executive Director. “We are hearing heart-wrenching stories and know that the needs are tremendous. SECU Foundation is happy to support The Salvation Army of the Carolinas, a wonderful organization that stands ready at a moment’s notice to provide statewide emergency services to those impacted by COVID-19.”

Noting this remarkable million-dollar gift from the SECU Foundation, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Arrowood, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army of the Carolinas, stated, “As the challenges of the pandemic continue and The Salvation Army responds to the increased demand for services, this incredibly generous contribution will serve thousands of citizens across the state of North Carolina. Food insecurities, requests for shelter, and the need for emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities have sharply risen as we strive to meet human needs without discrimination. This work could not be done without the important collaboration between our devoted staff, volunteers, and community partners as we offer a powerful impact of help, relief, and hope for our neighbors. We are most grateful!”

A
bout SECU and the SECU Foundation

A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 83 years.  The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities.  SECU serves over 2.5 million members through 271 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone, a website, www.ncsecu.org and a Mobile App.  Members can also follow and subscribe to SECU on Facebook and YouTube.  The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services.  Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $200 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide. In addition to the website, highlights are also available on the SECU Foundation Instagram page.

Contact:  Jama Campbell, Executive Director
Office:  919-839-5562 | [email protected]



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Sunwing launches early Boxing Week Sale with huge savings of up to 50% on winter vacations

Canadians can say goodbye to 2020 and usher in the new year with a tropical getaway for less

TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Sunwing is helping customers kick 2020 to the curb by launching their popular Boxing Week Sale early. Starting today, the tour operator is offering some of the best savings of the year with up to 50% off January departures so sun-seekers can start 2021 in paradise. With the sale ending on December 30, 2020, travellers will want to act fast to secure their new year getaway to the tropics for less.

“As 2020 comes to an end, plenty of Canadians are looking forward to celebrating the start of a new year and getting back to travel safely and responsibly,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing. “We’re helping our customers return to paradise for less in 2021 by launching our popular Boxing Week Sale early. Sun-seekers can take advantage of savings on vacation packages to some of the most popular tropical destinations, including great deals on solo travel and extended two-week stays.”

Travellers can plan the luxury vacation of their dreams for less at Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa. This resort offers All-In Luxury™ getaways on the pristine shores of Riviera Maya with world-class service and convenient amenities. Guests can kick off the new year as they lounge by one of the sprawling pools with convenient wait service and dine on gourmet fare at al fresco restaurants. They can also upgrade their office and work or study from the beach with deals on packages for 14 nights or more.

Those planning an adults only getaway can save big at Riu Republica, a top-rated adult resort located on the world-famous beaches of Punta Cana. The property is home to the only water park exclusively for adults in the Caribbean, so vacationers can make new memories together as they say goodbye to 2020. Sunwing guests can take their travel budget even further with exclusive RIU-topia inclusions like unlimited reservation-free dining, and no single supplement fees for solo travellers.

Another popular beach resort included in the sale is Grand Memories Varadero. This Sunwing favourite resort in Cuba offers something for everyone and is the perfect spot for those looking to unwind after a difficult year. Guests can enjoy some much-deserved rest and relaxation by one of the sparkling pools and feel the stress of 2020 melt away as they treat themselves to a massage at the on-site spa.

Canadians can book with peace of mind knowing the highest health and safety standards are in place every step of the way with the Safe with Sunwing commitment, designed under the advisement of global healthcare leader Medcan. Customers can also take advantage of flexible booking options, including the option to change or cancel their plans anytime with ease, monthly payment options and complimentary Price Drop Cash Back of up to $800 per couple. Plus, select packages booked during the sale for departures between now and December 31, 2021 include COVID-19 coverage at no additional cost.

About Sunwing

The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from over 33 airports across Canada to more than 45 popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

For more information:

Melanie Anne Filipp
Director, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
Sunwing Travel Group
1-800-387-5602 | [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/SunwingVacations

https://twitter.com/SunwingVacay 
https://www.instagram.com/sunwingvacations
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzjZ-lcuaqBQH7Sq0u3ru7A

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf5940a3-319d-425a-8178-5edc587a5aaf



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Waytek Receives Gold Standard of Achievement from Intelligentics

Award signifies Waytek’s success in improving customer service through electronic channels, with attainment of a 95 out of 100 possible score for one year of email quality assessments

CHANHASSEN, MN, Dec. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waytek, Inc., a family-owned specialty distributor of electrical components, is pleased to announce that it has received the Gold Standard of Achievement from Intelligentics for improvement in customer service via email communication.

Intelligentics, a provider of data-driven analysis and reporting services to help clients improve customer service, presents the Gold Standard of Achievement to companies that reach a score of 95 or higher in key customer service areas.  

“Waytek attained the Gold Standard of Achievement for customer service through email after only one year,” said Tom Vander Well, CEO, Intelligentics. “This typically takes companies two or three years to accomplish. Waytek’s improvement efforts and commitment to third-party validation demonstrate their remarkable commitment to customer service. It’s great to see a company who takes their mission statement seriously and puts real action behind it.”

“At Waytek, we pride ourselves on providing an exceptional customer experience,” said Kevin Pung, Waytek’s Chief Customer Officer. “Receiving the Gold Standard of Achievement from Intelligentics, a rigorous independent evaluator, shows that we have made progress in the important area of customer service via email.” 

Waytek enlisted the help of Intelligentics to do an initial assessment of email communications in the Waytek customer service department. Intelligentics established a baseline score of 79.9 out of a possible 100 and identified areas in most need of improvement. Waytek went to work improving key elements of email-related customer service such as providing greater clarity of answers, being sensitive to time-related service issues, and anticipating customers’ related questions when responding.

After a full year of ongoing monitoring and scoring, Intelligentics has now awarded Waytek with the Gold Standard level of performance for averaging more than 95 points on the scoring system.

Waytek has seen further validation of its efforts in recent surveys in which customers have scored Waytek significantly higher on email communications than in previous years.   

“Although we are proud to have received the Gold Standard for email—and for the value it represents to our customers—Waytek still has room for additional customer service improvements,” said Pung. “We look forward to finding more opportunities to help achieve our mission of providing an exceptional customer experience.”

About Waytek:

In 2020, Waytek marks 50 years as a company. Waytek is fiercely dedicated to quickly getting our mobile industry customers the quality electrical parts they need, when they need them, shipping over 99.5% of orders the same day.* Waytek is a family-owned business supplying electrical parts to manufacturers and upfitters specializing in wire harnesses and mobile equipment including trucks, trailers, ag equipment, construction equipment, emergency, specialty, and marine vehicles. With a mission to provide an exceptional customer experience, Waytek’s job is to make your job sourcing electrical parts easy.

About Intelligentics:

“Where intelligence meets tactics.” For over 30 years, Intelligentics has provided clients with customer-centric solutions for measuring and improving customer service and satisfaction. Intelligentics offers a full array of CSAT and CX research services as well as customized quality assessment, training, and coaching services to help clients translate data into actual tactics for improving the customer experience.

*Orders entered by 4:00 PM CST.

Attachment 



Steve Green
Waytek, Inc.
612-364-5650
[email protected]

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Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc. Announces Closing of $12 Million Registered Direct Offering

PR Newswire

CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: QLGN) today announced the closing of its previously announced registered direct offering with a single institutional investor for the purchase and sale for $12,000,000 of (i) 2,370,786 shares of common stock, (ii) 1,000,000 pre-funded common stock Warrants (i.e., warrants to purchase shares of Qualigen common stock, for which the exercise price is almost entirely prepaid), (iii) 1,348,314 two-year common stock Warrants with an exercise price of $4.07 per share, and (iv) 842,696 common stock Warrants (first exercisable 6 months after issuance, and with an expiration date 30 months after issuance) with an exercise price of $4.07 per share.

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners acted as sole placement agent for the offering.

The securities were sold pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-232798) previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc.

Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases, as well as maintaining and expanding its core FDA-approved FastPack® System, which has been used successfully in diagnostics for 20 years. The Company’s cancer therapeutics pipeline includes ALAN (AS1411-GNP), RAS-F and STARS™. ALAN (AS1411-GNP) is a DNA coated gold nanoparticle cancer drug candidate that has the potential to target various types of cancer with minimal side effects. The foundational nucleolin-targeting DNA aptamer of ALAN, AS1411, is also a drug candidate for use in treating COVID-19 and other viral-based infectious diseases. RAS-F is a family of RAS oncogene protein-protein interaction inhibitor small molecules for preventing mutated RAS genes’ proteins from binding to their effector proteins; preventing this binding could stop tumor growth, especially in pancreatic, colorectal and lung cancers. STARS is a DNA/RNA-based treatment device candidate for removal from circulating blood of precisely targeted tumor-produced and viral compounds. Because Qualigen’s therapeutic candidates are still in the development stage, Qualigen’s only products that are currently commercially available are FastPack System diagnostic instruments and test kits, used in physician offices, clinics and small hospitals around the world. The FastPack System menu includes rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests for cancer, men’s health, hormone function, vitamin D status and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Qualigen’s facility in Carlsbad, California is FDA and ISO Certified and its FastPack product line is sold worldwide by its commercial partner Sekisui Diagnostics, LLC. For more information on Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc., please visit https://www.qualigeninc.com/.

Qualigen Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements by the Company that involve risks and uncertainties and reflect the Company’s judgment as of the date of this release. Actual events or results may differ from the Company’s expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that clinical trials will be approved to begin by or will proceed as contemplated by any projected timeline; that the Company will successfully develop any drugs or therapeutic devices; that preclinical or clinical development of the Company’s drugs or therapeutic devices will be successful; that future clinical trial data will be favorable or that such trials will confirm any improvements over other products or lack negative impacts; that any drugs or therapeutic devices will receive required regulatory approvals or that they will be commercially successful; that patents will issue on the Company’s owned and in-licensed patent applications; that such patents, if any, and the Company’s current owned and in-licensed patents would prevent competition; that the Company will be able to procure or earn sufficient working capital to complete the development, testing and launch of the Company’s prospective therapeutic products; that the Company will be able to maintain or expand market demand and/or market share for the Company’s FastPack diagnostic products generally, particularly in view of COVID-19-related deferral of patients’ physician-office visits and FastPack reimbursement pricing challenges; that adoption and placement of FastPack PRO System instruments (which are the only FastPack instruments on which the Company’s SARS-CoV-2 IgG test kits can be run) will be widespread; that the Company will be able to manufacture the FastPack PRO System instruments and SARS-CoV-2 IgG test kits successfully; that any commercialization of the FastPack PRO System instruments and SARS-CoV-2 IgG test kits will be profitable; or that the FDA will ultimately approve an Emergency Use Authorization for the Company’s SARS-CoV-2 IgG test. The Company’s stock price could be harmed if any of the events or trends contemplated by the forward-looking statements fails to occur or is delayed or if any actual future event otherwise differs from expectations. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors affecting the Company’s business (including events beyond the Company’s control, such as epidemics and resulting changes) can be found in the Company’s prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at www.sec.gov. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements beyond the date of this news release, except as required by law. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

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SOURCE Qualigen, Inc.