Buckle Launches New Buckle Rewards Program

Buckle Launches New Buckle Rewards Program

KEARNEY, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Rewards should be effortless, they’re a bright spot, a little thank you for shopping, and with that in mind The Buckle, Inc. (“Buckle”) simplified the process. Buckle’s newly updated rewards program, Buckle Rewards, launched October 19, allowing guests to earn, track, and redeem points through one platform, in real time.

There are three tiers in the program. Once a guest joins, they become a “member,” their benefits expand as they upgrade to the next tier. All Buckle Rewards members receive a $10 reward for every 300 points earned. Those who choose to become a Buckle Credit Cardholder (“Premier” and “Premier +”) earn rewards even faster, with up to three times the points depending on their tier. Buckle Credit Cardholders also have the benefit of free shipping on qualifying purchases.

“Buckle Rewards empowers the guest and truly is ‘rewards your way,’” said Cindy Casper, Director of Loyalty Programs and Sales Audit. “This program enables guests to earn, track, and redeem rewards how they want, when they want.”

As Buckle heads into the holiday season, the brand is slowing down and taking a moment to be ‘here.’ Embracing the people, places, and moments that make you realize there’s nowhere else you’d rather be. For Buckle, those people and moments revolve around the guests — which led to Buckle Rewards being crafted just for them.

About Buckle

It’s about what we like to call ‘the styled life.’ Those outfits that make you feel like the best version of yourself, that you reach for again and again. For us, it typically starts with the perfect pair of jeans. Buckle offers an unmatched selection in denim, and better denim at that. From fits, to styles, to finishes, denim is what we’re passionate about – but in more than 50 years of business, Buckle has grown to carry on-trend pieces to build an outfit from the ground, up. Each person walking into our doors has a story to tell, their own personal style, and we’re here to amplify just that. Service has always been at the heart of Buckle and continues to be as our first store in Kearney, Nebraska, has evolved into 446 stores spanning 42 states.

Larissa Ost, Media Relations Specialist

The Buckle, Inc.

(913) 239-1607

KEYWORDS: United States North America Nebraska

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Fashion Online Retail Retail Other Consumer Consumer Other Retail Department Stores

MEDIA:

Logo
Logo

DISYS Automation Solution Saves Healthcare Providers $1.1B Annually

D4HA™ uses automation to reduce manual labor, avoid costly errors, and increase revenue margins across the provider space

MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Intelligence Systems, LLC (DISYS), a global technology services firm with 10+ years of experience in the Healthcare sector, announces the launch of its new automation solution, D4HA™ for Healthcare Providers. D4HA™ is a holistic solution that is designed to reduce manual labor and improve efficiencies by leveraging the power of automation and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technologies.

The healthcare industry currently lacks the ability to connect disparate data and integrate with EHR and EMR systems. This results in significant losses in revenue industry-wide, totaling $1.1B every year. 15-20% of claims are denied due to authorization issues or charge capture, while 79% of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) platforms are using outdated technologies. These inefficiencies result in time and resource-consuming tasks that cost providers unnecessarily, as the average hospital spends about $12.1M more than it needs to on supply chain costs every year.

D4HA™ takes a proactive approach to bridging these gaps with the power of automation and AI/ML technologies. Combining intelligent front and back-end processes, autonomous AI with data analytics capabilities, and a robust framework, D4HA™ goes straight to the source of the current challenges healthcare providers are facing. D4HA™’s approach centers on developing automation solutions customized to an organization’s specific needs in three key areas:

  • Revenue Cycle Management;
  • Provider Supply Chain; and
  • Contact Center Operations.

The value D4HA™ delivers is clear from several clients currently leveraging it to generate more efficient outcomes in their administrative operations. One example is a leading healthcare organization who automated some of their manual RCM-Billing processes to achieve a significant ROI. This organization then set up a joint COE (Center of Excellence) on Automation to further their initiative and investment in automating several business functions to enhance outcomes and optimize cost savings going forward.

“D4HA™ meets a critical and rising need within the healthcare provider space,” said Giri Rajaiah, VP Healthcare, DISYS. “Over the past few years, providers have faced increasing revenue issues, which have been intensified recently by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new D4HA™ solution allows provider organizations to discover, deploy, and optimize automated business processes to reduce the cost of their operations and avoid revenue overruns through the power of automation. It also helps to streamline complex workflows and deliver greater efficiency at all points in their operational lifecycle.”

To learn more about D4HA™, visit https://www.disys.com/digital_health_solutions/

About Digital Intelligence Systems, LLC (DISYS)

Digital Intelligence Systems, LLC (DISYS) is a global managed services and staffing firm with 45 offices worldwide. DISYS’ vision is to be a global business partner, delivering the highest quality and most consistent services at the best value to clients worldwide. For more information about DISYS, visit www.disys.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Sandra Schwartzman
Vice President of Public Relations
RMR & Associates
(301) 230 – 0045 x 100
[email protected]



Fortem Technologies Announces Formation of Government Advisory Board

Pleasant Grove, Utah, Nov. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortem Technologies, Inc., the leader in airspace security and defense for detecting and defeating dangerous drones, announced today the formation of a Government Advisory Board composed of former military, intelligence, and federal government executives across civilian, defense, and intelligence sectors. The Government Advisory Board will provide strategic insights to help the company further advance the work and goals of the U.S. government and its allies.

“We are excited to work with these esteemed advisors,” said Timothy Bean, CEO of Fortem Technologies. “The security of our venues, campuses, military bases, and cities is key to supporting a bright future in a world of autonomous robots.”

Government Advisory Board members include:

Bruce Lemkin, Former Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. As Deputy Under Secretary, he was charged with meeting U.S. national security objectives through building relationships with foreign air forces and was responsible for developing interoperable aerospace capabilities with allied and partner countries around the world. 

Kevin Meiners, Former Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Enterprise Capacity. Kevin was the Deputy Director of National Intelligence while working in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). His 34-year career also included the role of Director of Advanced Technology within the Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office (DARO), where he oversaw the development of early unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) programs, and as the director of ISR Systems within the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, and Communications (ASD/C3I). 

Lynn Wright, Former Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence. Lynn recently completed a 34-year career as a civilian intelligence professional. She has expertise in naval and military intelligence issues, technical and human collection operations, and organizational leadership. 

Terry Ryan, Former CEO of Tenax Aerospace, Mercury Federal Systems and Adroit Systems; Director Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Systems, DoD; Deputy Director, Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office; Professional staff member Senate and House Select Committees on Intelligence; USMC Infantry Commander.

Rose Mooney, Technical and FAA Policy Expert on drones; Former Executive Director Mid-Atlantic Aviation. Rose Mooney has been working in the UAS industry for over 15 years and served as an advisor to NASA on UAS.

Gene Colabatistto, Current President/CEO of General Aerospace Company. Gene recently retired from his position as the President, CAE Defense & Security. He previously held executive positions at SAIC, Space Imaging, SPOT Image, and Veridian. Former President, CA Defense & Security, ​executive positions at SAIC.

Maryam Rhamni, MS in Cybersecurity Policy. Maryam serves on the Board of the Society of High-Performance Computing Professionals. She has worked in several critical infrastructure sectors and is the current Forum Co-Chair for the IEEE Women in Engineering.

Marshall Wright, Former Director of Business Development for the Utah Governor’s Office for Economic Development. 

David Redl, Former Administrator, Department of Commerce, NTIA. Primary advisor on telecom policy, including broadband access and spectrum. Fostered the private sector’s lead in 5G deployment.

About Fortem Technologies

Fortem Technologies is the leader in airspace security and defense for detecting and defeating dangerous drones. Through an advanced ecosystem of distributed radar, AI at-the-edge, deep sensor integration, and autonomous drone capture, Fortem monitors, protects, and defends the world’s corridors, venues, infrastructures, borders, and regions from dangerous or malicious drone threats. The same ecosystem is accelerating the safety of the world’s airspace for urban air mobility. Based in Pleasant Grove, Utah, the company is privately held and backed by Boeing, DCVC, Mubadala Investment Company, Signia Venture Partners, and others. For more information, please visit www.fortemtech.com.



Amanda Mieczkowski
Fortem Technologies
631-707-1058
[email protected]

Nutritional Products International’s Kenneth E. Collins Works Network of Retail Contacts for NPI Clients

NPI CEO Mitch Gould Hires Collins Who Previously Worked as Director of Sales for Glanbia Performance Nutrition, the World’s Largest Sports Nutrition Company in the World

PALM BEACH, FL, Nov. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kenneth E. Collins, Nutritional Products International’s new Executive Vice President, is at work reaching out to retail buyers throughout the United States.

When Mitch Gould, founder and CEO of NPI, recently hired Collins, he knew Collins had a powerhouse retail Rolodex.

“Ken has worked for more than two decades in the sports nutrition and consumer goods industries,” Gould said. “During that time, Ken has built a stellar reputation and a nationwide network of retail contacts.”

Collins comes to NPI after five years as director of sales for Glanbia Performance Nutrition, the largest sports nutrition company in the world, and, before that, 15 years at Muscle Foods USA in top sales, purchasing, and operations positions.

“NPI has a portfolio of innovative health and wellness clients who are bringing their products to the American market,” Collins said. “Because of my years in the industry, I can introduce our clients to buyers from major retail outlets. The products that our clients have developed, however, sell themselves. I am just a retail matchmaker.”

NPI is a one-stop global brand marketing company for health, wellness, and beauty companies. The Boca-Raton-based company works with domestic and international brands that want to expand their presence in the United States or enter the world’s major consumer market for the first time. NPI provides expertise regarding U.S. Custom and FDA regulations, logistics, sales professionals, and a marketing team for its clients.

The competitive advantage at NPI is Gould’s proprietary “Evolution of Distribution” system that brings together all the services companies need to succeed in the U.S.

Collins and Gould have a shared history.

“Ken and I worked together when NPI President Jeff Fernandez was a buyer for Amazon,” Gould said.

Back then, Fernandez was starting Amazon’s new health and wellness category when the online giant was only selling books and electronics.

“Ken and I had contacts with more than 200 sports nutrition brands,” Gould said. “Jeff was looking for quality brands, and we provided them to him.”

Gould said Collins now will use his experience to benefit NPI clients.

“We represent health and wellness brands from the four corners of the world,” Gould said. “Our clients have developed the most innovative products on the market today. With retail professionals like Ken and Jeff, our clients are in expert hands.”

For more information, visit Nutritional Products International online.

MORE ON NPI AND ITS FOUNDER

NPI is a privately-held company specializing in the retail distribution of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, functional beverages, and skin-care products. NPI offers a unique, proven approach for product manufacturers worldwide seeking to launch or expand their products’ distribution in the U.S. retail market.

Mitch Gould, the founder of NPI, is a third-generation retail distribution and manufacturing professional. Gould developed the “Evolution of Distribution” platform, which provides domestic and international product manufacturers with the sales, marketing, and product distribution expertise required to succeed in the world’s largest market — the United States. Gould, known as a global marketing guru, also has represented icons from the sports and entertainment worlds such as Steven Seagal, Hulk Hogan, Ronnie Coleman, Roberto Clemente Jr., Chuck Liddell, and Wayne Gretzky.

 

Attachment



Andrew Polin
Nutritional Products International
561-544-0719
[email protected]

SkyBitz Launches New Satellite Solution for Remote Tank Monitoring

The ST90 SAT offers ubiquitous coverage and global visibility through the SMARTank Platform

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SkyBitz, a leader in IoT telematics solutions, launched its new satellite-based tank monitoring solution, providing global data monitoring capabilities to customers with tanks operating in remote locations that are outside of consistent cellular coverage areas.

The ST90 SAT from SkyBitz delivers highly accurate tank information 24/7, all at a low cost of ownership, based on a long-lasting service life thanks to a solar-rechargeable battery. With a host of unique data-driven features available through the SkyBitz SMARTank platform, users gain access to tank location via GPS functionality, historical usage reports, tank level data, inventory temperature, rate of consumption data, and other easily programmable threshold-based notifications and alerts.

With global visibility, customers can now eliminate run-outs and expensive emergency deliveries associated with traveling to distant, rural areas because of a lack of insight. The ST90 SAT allows dispatch operations to optimize their routes and maximize product deliveries resulting in more sales and better customer service while reducing extraneous fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses, and increased labor hours. Higher visibility translates directly to more efficient and profitable service and distribution operations.

“We recognized the importance of providing a satellite solution to our customers who require ubiquitous monitoring and coverage capabilities as a means to reduce manually servicing remote tank inventories. During these unusually challenging times, it is more important than ever to limit the safety risks involved with managing a remote workforce and mitigate the higher than average operating costs associated with remote tank monitoring. The ST90 SAT delivers complete and accurate visibility to tank level inventory no matter where they are located, which means our customers can achieve maximum control over inventory levels and adjust distribution according to true demand,” states Anton Albrand, Division Vice President Sales, SkyBitz.

Operating on the Iridium satellite constellation network, the ST90 SAT offers a two-way communication pathway that enables over-the-air configuration updates and features a simple magnetic activation mechanism to begin transmitting data. The solution was built to capture those hard to reach tank locations that do not have cellular access and bring them on-line so customers can gain access to the complete SkyBitz offering and all the benefits included with an automated solution.

About
SkyBitz
  

SkyBitz provides real-time tank monitoring solutions that improve operational workflow and increase route efficiency. With applications designed to aggregate data from tanks of all shapes and sizes, our robust software was designed for customers across multiple industries including gas, water, chemical, and petroleum. With SkyBitz solutions, you can achieve operational efficiency and increase profit margins. SkyBitz Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telular Corporation, a business unit of AMETEK, Inc.

Contact Name: Jan Jahosky
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 407-331-4699

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/afd11abb-be41-4236-a3f7-170e8972dac7



International Isotopes Inc. Announces Financial Results for the Third Quarter and Nine Months, 2020

The Company Is Pleased to Report A 23% Increase In Revenue And A 30% Increase In Net Profit For The Third Quarter Compared to the Same Period In 2019

PR Newswire

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, Nov. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — International Isotopes Inc. (OTCQB: INIS) (the “Company” or “INIS”) announces its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $2,864,288 as compared to $2,337,488 for the same period in 2019, an overall increase of approximately 23%. Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $7,359,633, as compared to $7,001,179 for the same period in 2019, an increase of approximately 5%.  The increase in revenue for both periods was largely the result of increased revenue in the Company’s radiochemical and cobalt products segments.

The Company’s cost of sales decreased approximately 20% and 13% respectively for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. The decrease in cost of sales in the three and nine months periods were primarily due to the decreased activity in the radiological services segment.  Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2020 increased approximately 70% compared to the same period in 2019.  Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 increased approximately 21%. This increase in gross profit for both periods was largely the result of increased revenue in the radiochemical and cobalt products segments partially offset by a decrease in revenue in the radiological services segment.

The Company’s net income for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was $307,050, compared to net income of $236,462, for the same period in 2019, an increase of approximately 30%, and was the result of increased sales of our radiochemical products. The Company’s net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was $113,884 as compared to a net loss of ($972,689) for the same period in 2019. 

The following provides some additional detail on the business performance of the Company’s three primary business segments.

Revenue from the sale of radiochemical products increased approximately 38% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Revenue from the sale of radiochemical products increased approximately 45% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The increase in revenue for both periods was primarily the result of sales of the Company’s new generic sodium iodide drug product which was launched in March 2020, partially offset by a reduction in payments received for contract manufacturing services in the three-month period compared to 2019.

Revenue from the sale of cobalt products for the three months ended September 30, 2020 increased approximately 457% compared to the same period in 2019.  Revenues from the sale of cobalt products for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 increased approximately 56% compared to the same period in 2019. The increase in revenue for both periods was the result of the timing of cobalt sales and the recognition of income for cobalt provided under older cobalt-60 supply agreements.

Revenue from nuclear medicine products for the three months ended September 30, 2020 decreased approximately 6% compared to the same period in 2019.  Revenue from nuclear medicine products for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 decreased approximately 9% compared to the same period for 2019.  The Company has seen slower sales activity in this business segment and attributes this to the COVID-19 global outbreak which resulted in the temporary closure of many imaging clinics and suspension of elective or non-essential imaging procedures.  The Company believes that many of the medical imaging procedures have been delayed, not canceled, and there is a pent-up demand for these products.  Therefore, the Company expects to see a rebound in sales once the COVID-19 global outbreak begins to subside and certain public restrictions are relaxed.  Further increases in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country could further delay any rebound in sales.

Steve Laflin, President and CEO of the Company said, “We are pleased to see the continued improved financial performance of the Company driven by the revenue increases in both the radiochemical and cobalt product segments.  This is the first time in the history of the Company that we have achieved a net profit in two consecutive quarters, and it is also noteworthy that we have attained an overall net profit for the first nine months of the year. We are expecting to see continued strong revenue performance in the fourth quarter barring any greater negative impact from COVID-19.  Looking ahead to 2021, we expect to see continued growth in all segments.  We are awaiting regulatory approval for several new products in our nuclear medicine segment, and we are continuing to develop new products which we will be submitting for approval shortly.”


International Isotopes Inc.


Three Months Ended September 30,


Nine Months Ended September 30,



2020



2019



2020



2019

Sales of Product

$2,864,288

$2,337,488

$7,359,633

$7,001,179

Gross Profit

$1,889,406

$1,112,683

$4,512,317

$3,716,562

Total Operating Expenses

$1,399,392

$1,293,898

$4,327,714

$3,837,743

Operating Income (Loss)

$490,014

($181,215)

$184,603

($121,181)

Total Other Income (Expense)

($97,501)

$550,341

$98,071

($536,573)

Net Income (Loss)

$307,050

$236,462

$113,884

($972,689)

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

      basic and diluted

Weighted Av. Shares Outstanding

433,442,413

429,600,218

432,220,968

417,645,817

      basic and diluted



About International Isotopes Inc



.

International Isotopes Inc. manufactures a wide range of calibration and reference standards for nuclear medicine, manufactures generic sodium iodide drug product for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer, and supplies cobalt-60 sealed source products.



International Isotopes Inc. Safe Harbor Statement


Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, but not limited to,  statements with respect to future performance of the Company’s business segments including the Company’s revenue performance in the fourth quarter of 2020, and the impact that COVID-19 will, or will not have on the Company’s business performance and revenue growth.  Information contained in such forward-looking statements is based on current expectations and is subject to change.  These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of the Company expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  Other factors, which could materially affect such forward-looking statements, can be found in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.  Investors, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

David Drewitz

Creative Options Communications
Investor and Public Relations
[email protected]
www.creativeoptionsmaketing.com 
Phone:  972-814-5723

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-isotopes-inc-announces-financial-results-for-the-third-quarter-and-nine-months-2020-301174350.html

SOURCE International Isotopes Inc.

NREL Advanced Manufacturing Research Moves Wind Turbine Blades Toward Recyclability

Golden, CO, Nov. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new material for wind blades that can be recycled could transform the wind industry, rendering renewable energy more sustainable than ever before while lowering costs in the process.

The use of a thermoplastic resin has been validated at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Researchers demonstrated the feasibility of thermoplastic resin by manufacturing a 9-meter-long wind turbine blade using this novel resin, which was developed by a Pennsylvania company called Arkema Inc. Researchers have now validated the structural integrity of a 13-meter-long thermoplastic composite blade, also manufactured at NREL.

In addition to the recyclability aspect, thermoplastic resin can enable longer, lighter-weight, and lower-cost blades. Manufacturing blades using current thermoset resin systems requires more energy and manpower in the manufacturing facility, and the end product often winds up in landfills.

“With thermoset resin systems, it’s almost like when you fry an egg. You can’t reverse that,” said Derek Berry, a senior engineer at NREL. “But with a thermoplastic resin system, you can make a blade out of it. You heat it to a certain temperature, and it melts back down. You can get the liquid resin back and reuse that.”

Berry is co-author of a new paper titled, “Structural Comparison of a Thermoplastic Composite Wind Turbine Blade and a Thermoset Composite Wind Turbine Blade,” which appears in the journal Renewable Energy.

The other authors, also from NREL, are Robynne Murray, Ryan Beach, David Barnes, David Snowberg, Samantha Rooney, Mike Jenks, Bill Gage, Troy Boro, Sara Wallen, and Scott Hughes.

NREL has also developed a technoeconomic model to explore the cost benefits of using a thermoplastic resin in blades. Current wind turbine blades are made primarily of composite materials such as fiberglass infused with a thermoset resin. With an epoxy thermoset resin, the manufacturing process requires the use of additional heat to cure the resin, which adds to the cost and cycle time of the blades. Thermoplastic resin, however, cures at room temperature. The process does not require as much labor, which accounts for about 40% of the cost of a blade. The new process, the researchers determined, could make blades about 5% less expensive to make.

NREL is home to the Composites Manufacturing Education and Technology (CoMET) Facility at the Flatirons Campus near Boulder, Colorado. There, researchers design, manufacture, and test composite turbine blades. They previously demonstrated the feasibility of the thermoplastic resin system by manufacturing a 9-meter composite wind turbine blade. They followed that demonstration by manufacturing and structurally validating a 13-meter thermoplastic composite blade compared to a near-identical thermoset blade. This work, coupled with work by Arkema and other Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation partners, demonstrated advantages to moving away from the thermoset resin system.

“The thermoplastic material absorbs more energy from loads on the blades due to the wind, which can reduce the wear and tear from these loads to the rest of the turbine system, which is a good thing,” Murray said.

The thermoplastic resin could also allow manufactures to build blades on site, alleviating a problem the industry faces as it trends toward larger and longer blades. As blade sizes grow, so does the problem of how to transport them from a manufacturing facility.

This work was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Manufacturing Office. NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for the Energy Department by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

Attachment



Wayne Hicks
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
303-275-4051
[email protected]

HIIG Changes Name to Skyward Specialty Insurance Group Inc.

HIIG Changes Name to Skyward Specialty Insurance Group Inc.

Note: All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in U.S. dollars, except as otherwise noted.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

P&C Market Leader Implements New Brand to Reflect Company’s Unique Positioning to Meet its Clients’ Needs at a Time of Considerable Change

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The Westaim Corporation (“Westaim”) (TSXV: WED) today announces that Houston International Insurance Group (“HIIG”), a company in which it holds a significant interest, and a leader in the specialty Property and Casualty market, has changed its name to Skyward Specialty Insurance Group Inc. (“Skyward Specialty” or the “Company”). The launch of the new Skyward Specialty brand is only part of many strategic actions implemented by new CEO Andrew Robinson to position the Company’s readiness to stand out among its competitors and to capitalize on the changing market conditions.

“The name ‘Skyward Specialty Insurance’ more clearly describes who we are today, better reflects our strategy, and conveys the Company’s promise to our clients and distribution partners,” said Skyward Specialty’s CEO Andrew Robinson. “The word ‘Skyward’ is about the power to see farther and have a broader perspective, while ‘Specialty’ reinforces the Company’s self-identification with products and solutions that are tailored to our clients’ unique and special needs.”

Skyward Specialty’s $100 million capital raise earlier this year was one of the earliest in the industry, and shortly thereafter the Company hired several high-profile professionals and broadened its product solutions, pivoting effectively with the ever-changing marketplace and economy.

“This is more than a new name,” continued Robinson. “This rebrand is part of a dynamic shift within our company and the insurance industry at large. Recognizing the challenges our clients face, Skyward Specialty aims to create lasting impact at a time of dramatic change. The level of risk today is different and has never been greater; Skyward Specialty is about an adjustment of perspective and the capabilities needed to better address those challenges and risks to achieve success beyond convention.”

Over the past few months, Skyward Specialty announced a new business focused on serving the E&S (excess and surplus) wholesale brokerage channel for their liability and property needs; the expansion of its private company and launch of an excess public Directors & Officers (D&O) offering capability, as well as the expansion of its market-leading capabilities in large commercial property. The appointment of Tom Schmitt as its Chief People Officer is indicative of Skyward Specialty’s commitment to be the organization for the industry’s top talent.

“Skyward Specialty is poised to accelerate growth in the specialty niches we serve with products borne from uncommon insight and creative approaches to execution. This brand launch was made with our employees and their families, our distribution partners and clients, and our communities and investors in mind. It provides a wonderful touchstone for our future,” said Robinson.

About Skyward Specialty

Skyward Specialty is a property and casualty insurance holding company formed in 2007 with nearly a billion dollars in premium and $2 billion in assets. The Company has respected businesses in specialty lines including management and professional liability, medical stop loss, surety, E&S property and liability, and large commercial property, as well as multi-line solutions for the energy, trucking and construction industries.

Skyward Specialty’s subsidiary insurance companies consist of Houston Specialty Insurance Company; Imperium Insurance Company; Great Midwest Insurance Company; Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company; and Boston Indemnity Company, Inc. These insurance companies are rated A- (Excellent) Financial Category IX by A.M. Best Company. For more information about Skyward Specialty, its people and products, please visit www.skywardinsurance.com.

About Westaim

Westaim is a Canadian investment company specializing in providing long-term capital to businesses operating primarily within the global financial services industry. Westaim invests, directly and indirectly, through acquisitions, joint ventures and other arrangements, with the objective of providing its shareholders with capital appreciation and real wealth preservation. Westaim’s strategy is to pursue investment opportunities with a focus towards the financial services industry and grow shareholder value over the long term. Westaim’s investments include significant interests in HIIG and the Arena Group. HIIG, Arena, the Arena Group, Arena FINCOs and Arena Investors are defined in the notes to Westaim’s unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and the related MD&A. Westaim’s common shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol “WED”.

For more information, contact:

J. Cameron MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer or

Robert T. Kittel, Chief Operating Officer

The Westaim Corporation

[email protected]

(416)969-3333

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

The Westaim Corporation

[email protected]

(416)969-3333

KEYWORDS: North America Canada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Finance Consulting Banking Professional Services Other Professional Services

MEDIA:

Logo
Logo

Telstra Launches the Telstra Octagon Platform to Speed up Trading Across Eight Global Exchanges

Telstra Launches the Telstra Octagon Platform to Speed up Trading Across Eight Global Exchanges

Telstra Octagon leverages the company’s low latency subsea network, direct exchange connections to support hyper-competitive global asset, currency, commodities and futures trading activities.

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Telstra, a leading global telecommunications and technology company, has announced the launch of the Telstra Octagon, a global financial trading solution that provides organizations with low latency connectivity directly into eight of the world’s most valuable futures and commodities marketplaces.

Designed for multi assets, equities, fixed income, commodities, money markets, forex, futures, and derivatives trading, the Telstra Octagon platform gives organizations the ability to trade faster across key exchanges. Using the Telstra Octagon, organizations can leverage direct connections to access trading floors in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific region, including the CME and ICE exchanges in the U.S. as well Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. The state-of-the-art connectivity can help companies speed price discovery, risk analysis, smart order routing, flow and matching, trade execution and settlement.

“The Telstra Octagon was designed to enable global financial trading firms to thrive in the hyper-competitive trading world of today where the difference between success and failure is measured in milliseconds,” said Nicholas Collins, president, Telstra Americas.

The platform provides increased control over trading performance thanks to Telstra’s trans-Pacific subsea cable networks. Telstra owns and operates the largest subsea cable system with more than 250,000 miles of subsea cables globally that connects the world with Asia, currently carrying nearly one-third of all Asia-Pacific internet traffic.

Priority end-to-end access to the networks enables financial and trading organizations to respond to market-moving events as they happen and execute investment strategies across Asian, Australian and U.S. capital markets. Additional benefits include Telstra’s network redundancy, resilience and market access.

Deep technology experience and local support staff throughout Asia enables Telstra to quickly implement a pre-built, yet highly adaptable trading platform that can be specifically customized for each organization.

“These are challenging and unprecedented times for global finance, and we believe that the Telstra Octagon will provide both established and upcoming organizations the ability to trade faster across key exchanges between North America and the dynamic markets in the Asia-Pacific region,” Collins continued.

About Telstra

Telstra is a leading telecommunications and technology company with a proudly Australian heritage and a longstanding, growing international business. We have been operating in the Americas for over 25 years under the Telstra Enterprise division, which provides data and IP transit, internet connectivity, network application services such as unified communications and cloud, and managed services to over 500 businesses in 160 cities in the region. Our products and services are supported by one of the largest fiber optic submarine cable systems reaching Asia-Pacific and beyond, with licenses in Asia, Europe and the Americas, and access to more than 2,000 points-of-presence around the world. Through our unparalleled network reach and reliability as well as market-leading customer service and expertise, we connect businesses in the Americas to some of the world’s fastest growing economies, including China, Southeast Asia, North Asia, and Australia. Think Asia, Think Telstra. For more information, please visit www.telstra.com/americas.

Jim Hughes, Bubble Agency (USA)

T. +1 323 397 7077

E. [email protected]

KEYWORDS: North America United States Asia Pacific Australia Australia/Oceania New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Manufacturing Technology Manufacturing Mobile/Wireless Public Relations/Investor Relations Other Energy Finance Consulting Security Communications Banking Satellite Energy Professional Services Telecommunications Other Natural Resources Software Networks Internet Hardware Natural Resources

MEDIA:

Logo
Logo

BTS Recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company in 2020

BTS Recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company in 2020

STOCKHOLM & SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BTS Group AB (publ), a world-leading strategy implementation firm, earned the honor Great Place to Work-Certified™. Using validated employee feedback gathered with Great Place to Work’s rigorous, data-driven For All methodology, Certification is a significant achievement that confirms 7 out of 10 employees have a consistently positive experience at BTS. Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue and increased innovation.

“We are thrilled to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” says Melissa Friedman, Head of People Experience at BTS. “We make employee experience a priority every day and it means a lot that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their coworkers, leaders, and jobs. This is important to us because we know that when our employees have a high-trust experience every day, they are more productive, drive better business results and impact with our clients.”

“We congratulate BTS on their Certification,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, Vice President of Best Workplace List Research at Great Place to Work. “Organizations that earn their employees’ trust create great workplace cultures that deliver outstanding business results.”

About BTS

BTS is a global professional services firm that enables strategy execution. We provide the skills, tools, and knowledge so people understand how their daily work impacts business results. We are experts in behavior change, care deeply about delivering results, and inspire people to do the best work of their lives. It’s strategy made personal.

BTS is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the symbol BTS B.

To learn more, visit bts.com.

About Great Place to Work®

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees around the world, using deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Great Place to Work helps organizations quantify their culture and produce better business results by creating a high-trust work experience for all employees.

To learn more, visit greatplacetowork.com.

Rick Cheatham

CMO

[email protected]

+1 (512)-897-9594

KEYWORDS: Europe Sweden United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Consulting Other Professional Services Professional Services Human Resources

MEDIA: