Hologram Santa Appears at Electric Noel to Raise Money for Mental Wellness

Tech mogul Alki David and his wellness company Swissx donated everything needed to make sure Santa could make a virtual appearance at the COVID-safe, drive through Christmas experience; The event also features the charity raffle of a surfboard donated by Kelly Slater and painted by street artist Retna

Los Angeles, CA, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Electric Noel Drive Thru Christmas Experience near Riverside, CA features a one-of-a-kind Hologram Santa, thanks to a donation in technology from tech and wellness mogul Alki David. Electric Noel takes place at the SilverLakes Equestrian and Sports Park in Norco through January 3rd. A portion of each ticket goes to benefit the non-profit Save our Souls (SOS) and its efforts to help those experiencing mental health issues, addiction and homelessness. The event also includes a raffle of a one-of-a-kind surfboard donated by surf legend Kelly Slater and painted by street artist Retna. The event is produced by DEED Entertainment, a California Benefit Corporation.

At the show’s finale, Hologram Santa appears, using the same technology that kicked off an era when Tupac Shakur appeared at Coachella. “Christmas is all about magic,”  said Alki David, CEO of Hologram USA and Swissx Labs. “And holograms are kind of the ultimate hi-tech magic trick. I always knew we’d do a Hologram Santa–but when Save Our Souls came to me with their mission to help people struggling with mental health issues–I knew the time had come.” 

SOS Founder Joeseph Nittolo launched the nonprofit platform in 2016 with an art show collaborating with Bruce Irons and Retna to make the crown jewel of the gallery. Now in 2020, Bruce has joined SOS to create action sports content to support mental health. Together their mission is to create a major impact in the lives of all people suffering from mental health problems and addiction, particularly within youth communities. Proceeds will benefit SOS programs supporting mental health in young people across California in honor of Bruce’s brother Andy. 

Andy Irons changed the way the world viewed the sport of surfing with his fierce competitive nature that pushed the envelope of what is possible on a wave. Andy struggled with Bipolar Disorder, and addiction to drugs became a way to cope with his mental health issues.  He recognized and was aware of the negative impact his illness had in his life and those around him. He strived to help youth struggling with similar issues and give back to the community that supported him throughout his career. Andy tragically passed away in 2010 before his community work was finished, but that torch has been picked up by Bruce aligning with SOS to create a benefit engine to make this a reality. 

“The future of events is family friendly entertainment that creates benefit and good for the community,” says David Luff, CEO of DEED Entertainment, which is a California Benefit Corporation. The partnership between DEED and SOS started with the Akon Lighting LA benefit show in 2019 that mixed art and live performances to support mental health. With Covid cases on the rise and another shutdown looming the world will continue to need safe drive in entertainment. DEED and SOS aim to bring this mental health benefit engine to the public through a series drive thru tour events in 2021 starting with several screenings of the action sports documentary Kissed by God in surf communities in Southern California.

Swissx, founded by Alki David,  is a wellness and lifestyle brand revolutionizing the way the world thinks about plant-based medicine. Swissx also sponsors the Swissx Games, involving world champion skiers in Gstaad, Switzerland and surfers in Malibu, CA. Learn more about Swissx products at Swissx.com. David also founded Hologram USA which has produced hologram resurrections of Billie Holiday and Jackie Wilson and many more. 

Electric Noel operates daily from 5pm to 10pm. Tickets start at $39. Located at 5555 Hamner Ave Norco, CA 

For tickets go to: www.electricnoel.com 

For more photos, video clips of info about SOS, DEED or Swissx contact: [email protected]

 

 

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Spotify to Launch in South Korea in the First Half of 2021

Spotify to Launch in South Korea in the First Half of 2021

NEW YORK & SEOUL–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Spotify (NYSE: SPOT) today announced that it will launch its service in South Korea in the first half of 2021. The world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service will give Korean listeners access to over 60 million tracks and over 4 billion playlists. The launch will enable Korean artists to reach their local music fans, as well as Spotify’s 320 million listeners worldwide. It will also connect listeners in Korea to artists and music from around the world.

As one of the fastest-growing major music markets in the world* and the sixth-largest music market globally**, South Korea is key for Spotify in its mission of giving a million creative artists the opportunity to live off their art and billions of fans the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by it. Spotify wants to help accelerate the growth of Korea’s entire music streaming ecosystem, benefiting artists, labels, distributors and fans.

“We are excited about our upcoming launch in South Korea, a market recognised as an epicenter for music, culture and tech innovation,” said Alex Norström, Chief Freemium Business Officer of Spotify. “Spotify has been a partner to the Korean music industry for many years now. We are proud to have been a part of the K-pop global story, showcasing the genre on our platform and enabling its discovery all over the world, from Asia to the US, South America, Europe and the Middle East. We’re looking forward to working with our valued local partners to uncover more Korean artists, and to connect them with fans in South Korea and all over the world.”

Since Spotify debuted its first K-Pop playlist in 2014, listeners have streamed more than 180 billion minutes of the genre and added K-Pop tracks to more than 120 million Spotify playlists. The share of K-Pop listening has increased by more than 2,000% in the last six years. Today, Spotify’s K-Pop genre hub encompasses a wide range of Korean music, including K-pop, Hip Hop, Indie, OST, R&B and more, as well as ‘RADAR Korea’, a playlist uncovering fresh K-music finds and a part of Spotify’s global emerging artist program. The hub is localised in over 64 countries, including Russia, India, Brazil and the UAE.

# # #

* According to IFPI (https://www.ifpi.org/ifpi-global-music-report-2019/)

** According to IFPI (https://www.ifpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Global_Music_Report-the_Industry_in_2019-en.pdf)

About Spotify Technology S.A.

Spotify transformed music listening forever when we launched in 2008. Our mission is to unlock the potential of human creativity by giving a million creative artists the opportunity to live off their art and billions of fans the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by these creators.

Today, with over 60 million tracks and over 4 billion playlists, we are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with a community of more than 320 million users across 92 markets.

We use our Investors and For the Record websites as well as other social media listed in the “Resources – Social Media” tab of our Investors website to disclose material company information. For more information, images, or to contact the press team, head over to https://newsroom.spotify.com/.

Press Contact

US – Spotify:

Eileen Moore

[email protected]

Korea – Spotify:

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: New York South Korea United States North America Asia Pacific

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Entertainment Other Entertainment Technology Online Music Mobile Entertainment Software

MEDIA:

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The Taiwan Fund, Inc. Declares Distributions

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of The Taiwan Fund, Inc. (NYSE: TWN) (the “Fund”) has declared capital gain and net investment income distributions in the estimated aggregate amount of $3.3122 per share.  The capital gain portion of the distributions is comprised of long-term capital gains estimated at $0.6156 per share and short-term capital gains estimated at $2.3207 per share. The net investment income portion of the distributions is estimated to be $0.3759 per share. The distribution will be payable on January 8, 2021 to stockholders of record on December 29, 2020 with an ex-dividend date of December 28, 2020.

The Fund has a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) that is open to all stockholders.  If the Fund’s shares trade at a premium to the net asset value of the Fund, Plan participants will receive shares of the Fund valued at the greater of the net asset value or 95% of the market price.  If the Fund is trading at a discount, Plan participants will receive shares of the Fund valued at market price per share.  All stockholders may elect to participate in the Plan or may withdraw at any time within the limitations described in the Plan.

*****

The Fund is a diversified closed-end investment company, which seeks long term capital appreciation primarily through investments in equity securities listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange.  Shares of the Fund are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TWN.”

For additional information on the Fund, including information on the Fund’s holdings, visit the Fund’s website at www.thetaiwanfund.com or call 1-800-426-5523.

 

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SOURCE The Taiwan Fund, Inc.

ROSEN, A GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED FIRM, Reminds Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation Investors of Important Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm – SMICY

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New York, N.Y., December 17, 2020. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (OTC: SMICY) between April 23, 2020 and September 26, 2020, inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important February 8, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the firm. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for SMIC investors under the federal securities laws.

To join the SMIC class action, go http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-1961.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) there was an “unacceptable risk” that equipment supplied to SMIC would be used for military purposes; (2) SMIC was foreseeably at risk of facing U.S. restrictions; (3) as a result of restrictions by the U.S. Department of Commerce, certain of SMIC’s suppliers would need “difficult-to-obtain” individual export licenses; and (4) as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 8, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. If you wish to join the litigation, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-1961.html or to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Phillip Kim, Esq. of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected].

NO CLASS HAS YET BEEN CERTIFIED IN THE ABOVE ACTION. UNTIL A CLASS IS CERTIFIED, YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL UNLESS YOU RETAIN ONE. YOU MAY RETAIN COUNSEL OF YOUR CHOICE. YOU MAY ALSO REMAIN AN ABSENT CLASS MEMBER AND DO NOTHING AT THIS POINT. AN INVESTOR’S ABILITY TO SHARE IN ANY POTENTIAL FUTURE RECOVERY IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON SERVING AS LEAD PLAINTIFF.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm.

Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 3 each year since 2013. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm’s attorneys are ranked and recognized by numerous independent and respected sources. Rosen Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

——————————-

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com



The Tough Enough to Wear Pink™ western campaign to fight breast cancer celebrates its 16th anniversary by reaching the $35 million fundraising mark

In a tough year, our grassroots campaign raised $1 million to supports families facing breast cancer.

PR Newswire

DALLAS, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Despite cancellations of rodeo and western events due to COVID-19, many rodeos were able to keep their schedule by incorporating special safety guidelines, but those who couldn’t still continued with their fundraising efforts. This past year, the Tough Enough to Wear Pink™ (TETWP) campaign raised $1 million, adding to its 16-year fundraising total.

This year, the Tough Enough to Wear Pink™ (TETWP) campaign raised $1 million, adding to its 16-year fundraising total.

The campaign was created in 2004 by Terry Wheatley, wine industry executive and matriarch of a professional rodeo cowboy family, and Karl Stressman, former director of special events for Wrangler and former Commissioner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The idea was to raise money and awareness for breast cancer by challenging rodeo competitors and fans alike to wear pink. Wrangler, in its role as title sponsor of TETWP, donates a portion of its proceeds from select merchandise to the TETWP campaign fund.

“We depend on rodeo committees and volunteers to promote and sponsor TETWP so it was an enormous challenge to reach this number,” explained co-founder Terry Wheatley. “But the western community always steps up.”

Typically, there is a friendly competition among rodeos throughout the season to raise the most money for TETWP. Although this year was different, a recognition of TETWP’s 16th Anniversary was held in Arlington, Texas at the Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. Montana Silversmiths, one of the founding sponsors graciously presented a custom belt buckle to our honoree, a 17-year breast cancer survivor. Western business sponsors of TETWP include Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Las Vegas Events, Twisted X Boots, Cinch and Purple Cowboy Wines.


About Tough Enough To Wear Pink?™

TETWP™ was created by entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor Terry Wheatley along with Karl Stressman to bring the sport of professional rodeo and the western community together to rally against breast cancer. Since its inception in 2004, TETWP has empowered rodeos in the U.S. and Canada to focus attention on the need for a cure. To date, the campaign has raised $33 million for breast cancer charities, most of which stays right in the local communities. The grassroots movement has inspired other sports communities to mount their own TETWP campaigns, spreading a message of hope and support that reaches beyond the rodeo arena to competitors, families and fans across America. For more information on how to help, visit www.toughenoughtowearpink.com.


About Wrangler®


Wrangler®, a Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB) brand, has been an icon in authentic American style around the world for more than 70 years. With a rich legacy rooted in the American west, Wrangler® commits to offering unmatched quality and timeless design. Its collections for men, women and children look and feel great, inspiring those who wear them to be strong and ready for life, every day. Wrangler® is available in retail stores worldwide, including brand flagship stores in Denver and Dallas, department stores, mass-market retailers, specialty shops, western outfitters, and online. For more information, visit Wrangler.com.

Contact:  Terry Wheatley                                                                     
209-483-4768

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SOURCE Tough Enough To Wear Pink

ROSEN, GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Reminds Qiwi plc Investors of Important Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by Firm; Encourages Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K to Contact Firm – QIWI

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Qiwi plc (NASDAQ: QIWI) between March 28, 2019 and December 9, 2020, inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important February 9, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for Qiwi investors under the federal securities laws.

To join the Qiwi class action, go http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2005.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Qiwi’s internal controls related to reporting and record-keeping were ineffective; (2) consequently, the Central Bank of Russia would impose a monetary fine upon the Company and impose restrictions upon the Company’s ability to make payments to foreign merchants and transfer money to pre-paid cards; and (3) as a result, Defendants’ public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 9, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. If you wish to join the litigation, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2005.html or to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Phillip Kim, Esq. of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected].

NO CLASS HAS YET BEEN CERTIFIED IN THE ABOVE ACTION. UNTIL A CLASS IS CERTIFIED, YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL UNLESS YOU RETAIN ONE. YOU MAY RETAIN COUNSEL OF YOUR CHOICE. YOU MAY ALSO REMAIN AN ABSENT CLASS MEMBER AND DO NOTHING AT THIS POINT. AN INVESTOR’S ABILITY TO SHARE IN ANY POTENTIAL FUTURE RECOVERY IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON SERVING AS LEAD PLAINTIFF.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm.

Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 3 each year since 2013. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm’s attorneys are ranked and recognized by numerous independent and respected sources. Rosen Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

——————————-

Contact Information:

        Laurence Rosen, Esq.
        Phillip Kim, Esq.
        The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
        275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
        New York, NY 10016
        Tel: (212) 686-1060
        Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
        Fax: (212) 202-3827
        [email protected]
        [email protected]
        [email protected]
        www.rosenlegal.com



Mount Logan Capital Inc. Announces Purchase of Minority Stake in U.S. Asset Management Platform

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

All figures in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.

TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mount Logan Capital Inc. (NEO: MLC) (“Mount Logan” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company has completed the acquisition of a 21.4% equity stake in Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC (“Sierra Crest”) from an arms-length third party for a purchase price of $7.0 million, funded by a combination of newly incurred debt and a deferred cash consideration. Sierra Crest is a registered investment adviser under the U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, whose primary activities are the management of Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (“Portman Ridge”) and the Alternative Credit Income Fund (“CIF”, formerly known as the Resource Credit Income Fund).

Portman Ridge is a U.S.-based, closed-end, externally managed, business development company (“BDC”) within the meaning of the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act”), that invests in performing, well-established, middle market businesses that operate across a wide range of industries. As of October 28, 2020, following the close of its merger with another U.S.-based BDC, Portman Ridge had estimated total assets of $638 million. Shares of common stock of Portman Ridge are quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “PTMN.” Sierra Crest also serves as the registered investment adviser for CIF of which Mount Logan receives the net economic benefits derived under the advisory agreement for CIF.

Ted Goldthorpe, CEO and Chairman of Mount Logan, noted, “We are very pleased with the purchase of the minority stake in Sierra Crest, which will drive future earnings growth and further diversifies our business. The U.S. Direct Lending market has experienced considerable growth over the last several years and the BDC structure is a highly attractive business model to participate in what we believe to be continuing growth trends. Additionally, we believe there is significant organic and inorganic growth potential for Sierra Crest based on its management of Portman Ridge. As part of this transaction, Mount Logan gains exposure to another scaled asset management platform with permanent capital and greater shifts our business towards an asset-light model.”

About Mount Logan Capital Inc.

Mount Logan Capital Inc. is an alternative asset management company that is focused on public and private debt securities in the North American market. The Company seeks to source and actively manage loans and other debt-like securities with credit-oriented characteristics. The Company actively sources, evaluates, underwrites, monitors and primarily invests in loans, debt securities, and other credit-oriented instruments that present attractive risk-adjusted returns and present low risk of principal impairment through the credit cycle.

Cautionary Notes

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively referred to herein as “

forward-looking statements

”). Forward-looking statements can be identified by the expressions “seeks”, “expects”, “believes”, “estimates”, “will”, “target” and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but reflect the current expectations of management of the Company regarding future results or events and are based on information currently available to them. Certain material factors and assumptions were applied in providing these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements discussed in this
press release may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Company’s transition to an asset-light business model; the additional earnings potential as a result of the acquisition of an interest in Sierra Crest, the ability of Sierra Crest to further scale its business; and statements relating to the business and future activities of the Company. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable based on upon the information available at the time such information was given; however, the Company can give no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized by certain specified dates or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including that the Company has only a minority interest in Sierra Crest and does not have the ability to affect the control over Sierra Crest or direct the management or policies of Sierra Crest, the risk that Sierra Crest may cease to be the investment adviser to Portman Ridge and/or CIF and may not enter into further asset management agreements in order to scale and grow its business, the Company has a limited operating history with respect to an asset-light business model
as well as
the matters discussed under “Risk Factors” in the most recently filed annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis for the Company. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, a forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any such statement or to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances except as required by securities laws. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release.

This press release is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, a prospectus or an advertisement, and the communication of this press release is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities of the Company. This press release is not intended for U.S. persons. The Company’s shares are not and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Company is not and will not be registered under the 1940 Act. U.S. persons are not permitted to purchase the Company’s shares absent an applicable exemption from registration under each of these Acts. In addition, the number of investors in the United States, or which are U.S. persons or purchasing for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, will be limited to such number as is required to comply with an available exemption from the registration requirements of the 1940 Act.

For additional information, please contact:

Ted Gilpin, Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]



Digital Realty Earns Nareit’s Data Center Sustainability Award for Fourth Consecutive Year

PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), a leading global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation and interconnection solutions, announced today it has earned the National Association of Real Estate Investments Trusts (Nareit) “Leader in the Light” award for data center sustainability for the fourth consecutive year.  The award honors Nareit member companies that have produced superior, measurable results from the implementation of sustainable business practices. 

“We are proud to recognize our members who demonstrate leadership in the REIT and publicly traded commercial real estate industry with their vision, innovation and strategy in addressing ESG issues,” said Fulya Kocak, senior vice president, ESG issues, Nareit. 

In 2020, Digital Realty added 154 megawatts of renewable energy contracts across its U.S. portfolio, bringing the total executed under long-term contracts to 556 megawatts of renewable energy.  Last year, the company’s renewable energy efforts resulted in 1.25 million metric tons of avoided carbon emissions, the equivalent of taking 271,000 cars off the road each year, or the electricity needs of more than 212,000 homes per year. 

“Accelerating digital transformation has driven rapid growth in data center demand, underscoring the importance of environmental stewardship,” said Digital Realty Chief Executive Officer A. William Stein.  “We’re honored to be recognized by Nareit for the fourth consecutive year, a testament to our consistent track record of setting the standard for responsible business practices.  Looking forward, we remain committed to accelerating and expanding our sustainability initiatives and making progress towards our recently announced carbon reduction goals.” 

In April, Digital Realty became the first data center provider to receive an EPA ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for superior energy efficiency achievements across its global portfolio, and achieved EPA ENERGY STAR® certifications for an industry-leading 31 data centers in 2020.  Digital Realty also received sustainable building certifications for new development projects encompassing 139 megawatts of IT capacity and 1.9 million square feet in 2020.  Most recently, Digital Realty announced its French subsidiary is on target to achieve a carbon neutral footprint for its existing data centers in France by year-end, and projects it will remain carbon neutral through 2030 for existing facilities as well as future expansion, based on scope 1 and 2 emissions. 

“Data centers have become the central nervous system of the digital economy, and we remain focused on driving sustainable innovation while supporting the evolving needs of our global customer base,” added Digital Realty Senior Director of Sustainability Aaron Binkley.  “We have reduced our Scope 2 carbon emissions across our portfolio by 26% since 2017 even as total energy use has risen by 25%.  We’re proud to have expanded our climate commitments while delivering reduced carbon emissions, adding renewable energy, achieving ENERGY STAR certifications and developing sustainable data centers.”  

Digital Realty recently committed to a carbon emissions reduction target with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global consortium of more than 1,000 organizations committed to setting carbon emission reduction targets backed by climate science rather than internally self-defined parameters.  As part of the pledge, Digital Realty has committed to reducing direct emissions by 68% and indirect emissions by 24% by 2030.  

About Digital Realty

Digital Realty supports the world’s leading enterprises and service providers by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions.  PlatformDIGITAL®, the company’s global data center platform, provides customers a trusted foundation and proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture PDx™ solution methodology for scaling digital business and efficiently managing data gravity challenges.  Digital Realty’s global data center footprint gives customers access to the connected communities that matter to them with more than 280 facilities in 49 metros across 24 countries on six continents.  To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.  

Investor Relations

John J. Stewart / Jim Huseby
Investor Relations
Digital Realty
(415) 738-6500
[email protected]

Media & Industry Analyst Inquiries

Marc Musgrove

Digital Realty
(415) 508-2812
[email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to the Leader in the Light award, our sustainability program and achievements and our sustainability goals.  For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the company’s reports and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

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SOURCE Digital Realty

Missouri Farm Bureau Selects SS&C for Insurance Accounting

Insurer moves to SS&C SmartSource powered by SS&C’s Singularity for investment accounting services

PR Newswire

WINDSOR, Conn., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSNC) today announced that Jefferson City-based Missouri Farm Bureau will migrate its insurance investment accounting to SS&C SmartSourceSM services powered by Singularity. SS&C’s Singularity leverages artificial intelligence to manage core investment accounting activities by combining robotic process automation (RPA), machine learning, natural language processing (NLP) and predictive analytics in one unified, cloud-based, web and mobile-accessible system.

“We are excited to migrate our insurance accounting and operations to SS&C SmartSource,” said Tessa Ell, Head of Investment Accounting at Missouri Farm Bureau. “We believe the Singularity platform will provide us with better online transparency and data access, analytical insights, and more timely and accurate period closes.”

Missouri Farm Bureau marks another insurance client to adopt SS&C’s AI-powered Singularity via SS&C’s SmartSource comprehensive middle and back-office outsourcing services. Firms that have adopted Singularity include U.S., Canadian and European insurers, mortgage REITs, banks, endowments and hedge funds.

“We are pleased to welcome Missouri Farm Bureau to our growing family of insurance clients,” said Kyle Fields, V.P. and Head of SS&C Singularity. “Missouri Farm Bureau will benefit from Singularity’s advanced automation and reconciliation capabilities, embedded risk and performance analytics and actionable monitors, backed by our deep insurance domain expertise.”

Learn more about SS&C Singularity here.

About Missouri Farm Bureau

Missouri Farm Bureau was originally created to fill a need – provide insurance coverages to farmers and other rural residents of Missouri. Many large insurers traditionally underserved these individuals because they lived far from larger cities and towns. The membership and leaders of Missouri Farm Bureau recognized the opportunity that they could create companies that would provide insurance coverage to benefit this important group of people.  More information can be found at https://www.mofbinsurance.com/.

About SS&C Technologies

SS&C is a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Founded in 1986, SS&C is headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, and has offices around the world. Some 18,000 financial services and healthcare organizations, from the world’s largest companies to small and mid-market firms, rely on SS&C for expertise, scale and technology.

Additional information about SS&C (Nasdaq: SSNC) is available at www.ssctech.com.
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SOURCE: SS&C

 

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SOURCE SS&C

MONMOUTH REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCES NEW ACQUISITION IN THE COLUMBUS, OH MSA

Holmdel, New Jersey, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation (NYSE:MNR) today announced the acquisition of a new 487,900 square foot industrial building located at 8341 Industrial Parkway, Plain City, OH at a purchase price of $73.3 million. The property is net-leased for 15 years to FedEx Ground Packaging System, Inc., a Delaware corporation. The building is situated on approximately 100 acres.

Michael P. Landy, President and CEO, commented, “We are very pleased to announce this high-quality acquisition. This large 100-acre site has ample expansion capacity and is situated near Interstate 270. Monmouth’s portfolio is closely tied to the rampant growth in ecommerce. For many years, our tenants have been experiencing strong demand for their services and this trend has greatly accelerated due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.”

“In addition, we recently leased one of our two vacant buildings to an investment-grade tenant for 10.3 years. This successful leasing increases our occupancy rate from 99.4% to 99.6%. We are now in our sixth consecutive year with over 98.9% occupancy We look forward to announcing continued qualitative growth throughout fiscal 2021.”

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation, founded in 1968, is one of the oldest public equity REITs in the world. We specialize in single tenant, net-leased industrial properties, subject to long-term leases, primarily to investment-grade tenants. Monmouth Real Estate is a fully integrated and self-managed real estate company, whose property portfolio consists of 120 properties, containing a total of approximately 23.9 million rentable square feet, geographically diversified across 31 states. Our occupancy rate as of this date is 99.6%.

Contact: Becky Coleridge

732-577-9996

EMAIL: [email protected]
www.mreic.reit