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Media and Democracy Project Urges FCC to Establish a 'Bright-Line Test' with Hearing on FOX Affiliate’s Broadcast License

Media and Democracy Project

Today, the Media and Democracy Project (MAD), joined by a bipartisan coalition of prominent former FCC officials, legal experts, and media advocates, filed further comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging the agency to designate the WTXF-TV broadcast license application for a hearing. In its filing, the coalition asserts that this matter is not controversial nor political and that action by the Commission is a straightforward application of its statutory obligations. “Our petition is not about speech or political slant—it’s about the deliberate business decision by the Murdochs and Fox to lie to the American people about the 2020 election to protect the company’s profits,” said Brian Hansbury, Co-Founder of the Media and Democracy Project. “That decision cannot be squared with the character requirements of the Communications Act, and the FCC has the opportunity to prove that its public interest policy matters.” The filing argues that this case is “easily distinguishable from routine complaints by politicians about the political slant of a particular channel or classic journalistic prerogatives.” The group calls for the Commission to establish a “bright-line test to provide clear guidance on when a hearing is required.” The filing continues, “[p]roviding this guidance also would be a crowning addition to this Commission’s legacy.” “Commissioner Carr’s recent threat against the broadcast industry (an echo of Trump’s threat against ABC and CBS – against whom there has been no judicial finding) illustrates the importance of this commission adopting a more clear bright line test that invokes the character provision of the communications act only after there has been a judicial finding,” said former Murdoch lobbyist Preston Padden. “If the FCC fails to act, it risks setting a dangerous precedent that undermines its own authority and the public’s trust in broadcast media.” In urging Commission action, the group also called on the FCC to pay particular attention to three passages from earlier informal comments: In an earlier filing from Former FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes, the radio station owner recounted preparing his first application for a station license. It required him to commit to operate in the ‘public interest.’ He recalled wondering whether that language was “just some bureaucratic construct or a legally enforceable requirement.” Later, after serving as Chairman of the Commission, he notes that “the answer is still elusive.” In an informal objection, Former FCC Commissioner Ervin S. Duggan and former Editor of The Weekly Standard Bill Kristol, cited Judge Davis’s findings in US Dominion, Inc. v. Fox News Network, emphasizing that Fox’s behavior “is not consistent with the FCC’s character requirements for broadcast licensees who are supposed to operate their stations in the public interest first and foremost.” The pair continued, “given that the Murdoch/Fox lies contributed to the January 6 riot in the Capitol and duped millions of Americans into believing that the election was stolen, their actions shocked the conscience.” In informal comments from preeminent defender of media First Amendment rights, Floyd Abrams, he recounted his long history of serving as counsel to media organizations whose First Amendment rights were threatened. Notwithstanding that history, Abrams states, “but knowing and repeated distortion of information about a forthcoming election is precisely what a broadcaster may not do, and that the Commission may consider in determining whether license renewal is appropriate.” The joint informal comments were filed by Brian Hansbury, MAD’s Co-founder; Alfred Sikes, former Republican Chairman of the FCC, Ervin S. Duggan, former Democratic FCC Commissioner and former PBS President, William Kristol, longtime Editor of The Weekly Standard, William Reyner, longtime lead regulatory and commercial outside counsel To Murdoch/Fox, and Preston Padden, former executive of Fox Broadcasting Company and former lead lobbyist for Rupert Murdoch/News Corporation/Fox. A copy of the informal comments is available here. A link to a timeline of MAD’s petition is available here. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots organization focused on strengthening a free and independent media in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.Org. Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/

November 19, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America Congratulates Newly Elected Officials and Stands Ready to Work with Members of Both Parties to Advance Key Industry Priorities

SFAA

Following last week’s election, The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) extends congratulations to all newly elected officials and reaffirms its commitment to working across the aisle to advance the industry's interests. As a leading voice for the surety and fidelity industry, SFAA is dedicated to collaborating with policymakers on solutions that support economic growth, enhance public and private sector resilience, and protect taxpayers. “Now more than ever, we believe in the importance of bipartisan cooperation to advance our industry's top priorities before Congress, the Administration, and the States,” said SFAA President & CEO Ryan Work. “We look forward to working closely with new and returning leaders at every level of government to promote policies that empower businesses, safeguard consumers, protect workers, and strengthen our economy.” The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry. Based in Washington, D.C., SFAA works to promote the value of surety and fidelity bonding by proactively advocating on behalf of its members and stakeholders. The association’s more than 425 member companies write 98 percent of surety and fidelity bonds in the U.S. For more information visit www.surety.org. Contact Details Peter Roth +1 703-401-0676 proth@surety.org Company Website https://surety.org/

November 15, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

NLPC: Special Counsel Jack Smith Must Close Shop

NLPC

National Legal and Policy Center Counsel Paul Kamenar and Chairman Peter Flaherty issued the statements below regarding the future of federal prosecutions of Donald Trump. “It appears that Special Prosecutor Jack Smith is coming to his senses and preparing to drop the two federal prosecutions against President-elect Donald Trump, ” said Paul Kamenar, counsel to NLPC. Although he vowed this summer to continue the prosecutions up until Inauguration Day if Trump got elected, neither of the two pending prosecutions, one in the District of Columbia for alleged election interference and the other in Florida regarding the classified documents case, could be tried before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. “The public jury has spoken overwhelmingly on election day that these political prosecutions be dropped,” said Peter Flaherty, NLPC Chairman. Once he becomes President, Trump can order his Acting Attorney General that Jack Smith be fired and the two cases be dismissed plus under Justice Department policy, a sitting president cannot be prosecuted. The most that Jack Smith can do now is write his report and submit it to Congress before he is fired. NLPC has been critical of Jack Smith’s prosecutions since they began. Indeed, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the Florida Mar-a-Lago case based on the unconstitutional appointment of Jack Smith, the very issue which NLPC supported in the legal challenge to Robert Mueller’s appointment in the Russia hoax case. As for the two remaining state cases, Trump lawyers are asking that those cases also be dropped. The sentencing in the biased New York hush money was already postponed to November 17 and there are immunity issues in that case as well stemming from the Supreme Court’s decision granting Trump immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken in office. The Georgia case is on appeal regarding the legality of prosecutor Fani Willis staying on the case but should also be dismissed. According to Flaherty, “For the sake of the Rule of Law, it is a good thing that Trump won. If he had not, these prosecutions would continue, and future Republican candidates for President and other offices would face a barrage of lawsuits calculated to destroy their candidacies, livelihoods and reputations. Hopefully, the ‘lawfare’ warriors have learned their lesson, and we can return to free and fair elections.” For more information or to schedule an interview with Peter Flaherty or Paul Kamenar, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

November 08, 2024 11:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

This Ad-Tech Platform Pays Consumers To Recommend Products On Their Social Media, Effectively Doing What Airbnb And Uber Did In A New Industry

Benzinga

By Josh Enomoto, Benzinga Increasingly, the concept of democratization – both in the social and economic realms – has become a central rallying cry for society. Digital marketing platform Thumzup Media Corp (NASDAQ: TZUP), recently uplisted to Nasdaq, takes this principle and applies it to the advertising ecosystem. Rather than the typical top-down approach deployed in this arena, Thumzup turns that business model on its head. Under the “analog” paradigm of advertising, businesses were forced to rely on major agencies and media outlets. At the time, only the largest enterprises controlled mass media channels such as television, radio, newspapers and billboards. Essentially, product and service messaging was funneled through centralized and hierarchical networks. Under this construct, the actual consumers were merely relegated to passive receivers of information. However, the internet – especially social media – has ushered in a fresh framework for how advertisers can influence their target audience. Through various hubs of connectivity, individuals can foster product discovery through a bottom-up approach. Such peer-to-peer recommendations lend a certain weight of authenticity that celebrity endorsements may not quite be able to match and are the central focus of Thumzup’s vision. Best of all, to incentivize this organic engagement, Thumzup offers cash rewards to users. Effectively, consumers are rewarded for doing what they do naturally: making recommendations to their family and friends. On the other end of the spectrum, businesses can potentially see their advertising dollars go much further than they could with traditional celebrity endorsements, which carry high costs and unpredictable results. Disruption Is At The Heart Of Thumzup’s Vision While big businesses occupy the collective consciousness thanks to their legacy standing, it’s the category of emerging and mid-tier enterprises that offer a compelling opportunity for Thumzup. Currently, 33.2 million small businesses operate in the U.S., accounting for 99.9% of all firms. Among this group, data from 2021 revealed that about 45% purchase digital ads, with the average monthly expenditure per business reaching $534. However, because of the meteoric success of digital ads, more recent research indicates that 69% of small enterprises use the medium to find new customers. Even with the older numbers, if Thumzup is able to capture 10% of this market and receive 20% of the average monthly spending rate, its potential annual revenue could skyrocket to nearly $442.5 million. But with the growth in the ecosystem, the actual sales potential could be far higher. Although it’s an ambitious goal, the directive is tied to a compelling concept of disruption. Last year, Matter Communications reported that 69% of consumers trust recommendations stemmed from influencers, friends and family as opposed to narratives originating directly from brands. What’s even more startling, preference for celebrity influencers slipped to 11%, down sharply from a range of 17% to 22% in Matter’s 2020 report. Notably, even social media influencers – who benefit from grassroots sentiment – are starting to feel the heat of skepticism. As sponsored material becomes more commonplace in the content environment, consumers rightfully question whether product endorsements are truly authentic or sincere. Such a friction point in the trust dialogue opens the door for Thumzup. Fundamentally, the key driver for Thumzup is the decentralization of information. In contrast to a top-down approach where only the largest, centralized entities dictate the broader information flow, Thumzup empowers individual voices. In turn, those voices become amplified through its programmatic incentivization structure. As the company states on its website, consumer voices have value. In this case, Thumzup pays people to promote specific products or services on their social media accounts. Furthermore, the reward is tied to the volume and quality of the posts. This setup encourages detailed product feedback while businesses enjoy that expanded reach and the return on their advertising dollars. Proving The Potential By directly engaging end users, Thumzup aims to enliven the dead space occupying the economic connection points in the product/service value chain. Specifically, consumers can put their downtime to productive use through quality recommendations and getting paid for it. Businesses can better ensure that their messaging is reaching out to their target clients. In this manner, Thumzup is analogous to Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE: UBER) or Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ: ABNB). Both entities allowed regular people to become economic agents: ride-sharing drivers for the former and landlords (hosts) for the latter. With Thumzup, individual customers can effectively become marketing partners. In many ways, Thumzup is introducing the potential in an entirely new economy. Robert Steele, Chief Executive Officer of Thumzup, shared, “Our growth strategy includes expanding into new target markets, adding powerful features like an integration with Instagram Reels, enhancing attribution tools, and integrating additional social media platforms. These improvements are designed to make Thumzup even more attractive to advertisers, which we believe will help us reach our goal of a tenfold increase in advertisers over the next 12 months.” Since its launch, Thumzup has proven this potential through tangible outcomes. The company has paid out over $200,000 in cash for roughly 20,000 posts in its initial test area around Los Angeles, and the company reports that it has grown subscribers by 131% since January. These payouts serve as a direct testament to the platform's ability to incentivize users to create authentic content that reaches a broader audience. Additionally, repeat business is a key indicator of success. For example, the Harley-Davidson Inc (NYSE: HOG) dealership in Marina del Rey has renewed its campaign multiple times, showcasing the effectiveness of Thumzup's strategy for both brand exposure and customer engagement. The company’s first strategic investor also believes their range of products – which includes Star Trek brand wines – will benefit from Thumzup’s innovative approach. Such success demonstrates that Thumzup’s business model is applicable to multiple industries. Redefining Advertising Through Authentic Connections Thumzup is helping reshape the future of advertising by empowering everyday consumers to share genuine brand experiences. Through incentivizing real, peer-driven recommendations, the platform offers brands a powerful alternative to traditional advertising models. With its scalable approach, Thumzup is positioning itself to potentially transform how businesses connect with their audiences, driving more authentic engagement and lasting brand loyalty. Featured image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 07, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties Warn of Possible Unintended Consequences of Proposition 33 on Los Angeles Housing Market

K3 Holdings

K3 Holdings, a privately held real estate investment firm with extensive holdings throughout the United States and Alpine LA Properties, a leasing company providing newly remodeled apartments at affordable rates in Los Angeles voiced concern today about debate over California Proposition 33. Proposition 33 moves the decision of rent control laws into the hands of municipalities. While the proposal is intended to support vulnerable renters, via rent control and/or vacancy control solutions, many within the real estate and housing industries are raising concerns about its potential impact on housing availability. As municipalities create new legislation and regulations, many of these policies may have unintended negative consequences, especially for low-income families. Some experts are warning that Proposition 33 may result in fewer affordable housing options and discourage investment in new development, exacerbating the city's housing crisis. “As a property management company with deep roots in the Los Angeles community, we are committed to supporting renters and ensuring the availability of safe, affordable housing options,” stated Michael Kadisha, a Principal of K3 Holdings. “We have long been a resource to local leaders and policymakers, offering insights into the needs of renters and the realities of the housing market, and we look forward to further collaboration.” “While we understand and respect the goals behind Proposition 33, we are concerned that its unintended consequences will be harmful to the very communities it aims to protect. Proposition 33 could reduce the supply of housing options, especially for low-income families, by discouraging new development and forcing out existing property owners. This could exacerbate the housing crisis, not alleviate it,” Michael Kadisha continued. “By making it financially untenable for real estate owners and developers to operate, this proposal may inadvertently limit the number of available homes, leading to fewer choices for renters and higher prices in the long term,” Nathan Kadisha a K3 Principal added. “Surely this is not what local leaders, and the community is intending with these proposals.” “Our goal is to remain a partner in crafting balanced, effective housing policies that protect renters while also ensuring a healthy, sustainable housing market. We stand ready to work with city leaders to find solutions that benefit both renters and property owners alike,” Nathan Kadisha continued. While K3 does not endorse or reject any specific legislation and refrains from political involvement, its sole focus remains on building strong communities and helping renters thrive. About K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties are committed to creating strong, vibrant communities through thoughtful property management and a focus on fostering neighborly connections. By hosting community events and providing quality living spaces, we strive to make our neighborhoods places where residents feel a sense of pride and belonging. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a K3 spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or dan@danrene.com Contact Details K3 Holdings/Alpine LA Properties Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 dan@danrene.com Company Website https://k3holdings.com/

October 29, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Ohio Pension Funds Sue Boeing and Former Chairman Over Plane Failures

NLPC

Why is former Boeing Chairman Larry Kellner – who led the company’s governance oversight during last year’s infamous Alaska Airlines door plug blowout – now head of the safety committee on ExxonMobil’s board of directors? That’s what a shareholder in both companies – National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) – is asking. And now two pension funds for the State of Ohio are demanding answers from Boeing and its board members (both current and former) about the devaluation of their investment. Attorney General Dave Yost announced Tuesday that he is suing the board of directors for the Washington, DC-based jet manufacturer, “seeking accountability for a pattern of safety and compliance failures that have harmed the company and its investors.” Yost is representing the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio in the litigation, and accuses Boeing board members of breaching their fiduciary duties by failing to properly oversee the company. The lawsuit alleges the members knew “about the ongoing unsafe practices but even today fail to address them, choosing instead to prioritize profits over safety and regulatory compliance.” Among the defendants singled out by Yost is former Boeing chairman Kellner, who departed from the company under a cloud earlier this year, following the Alaska Airlines incident and other safety failures, in what CNN described as “a complete decapitation” of leadership. Among the allegations pointed out in the Ohio lawsuit about Kellner was that he: served on the board’s Aerospace Safety Committee since 2019; solicited votes from shareholders with other directors who “issued materially false or misleading statements with knowledge of their falsity or reckless disregard for their truth” in both 2023 and 2024; with other directors, “knowingly or with reckless disregard made false or misleading statements of material fact and omitted material information concerning the safety of Boeing’s airplane manufacturing…”; was opposed by proxy advisor Glass Lewis for re-election to the board in 2021 and 2022, “given his role as Audit Committee Chair during the [737] MAX Crashes” in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Yost summarizes the lawsuit against Boeing directors, including Kellner, by alleging they issued “false or misleading” statements “with knowing intent to deceive, manipulate, or defraud.” Yet today Kellner enjoys a soft landing on the board of directors for ExxonMobil, where he chairs the oil giant’s Environment, Safety and Public Policy Committee, with millions of dollars in stock awards and remuneration. This is after Boeing on Wednesday reported a third-quarter loss of more than $6 billion in the wake of the financial, reputational and litigation disaster left behind in the wake of Kellner’s failed leadership. “In the part of his career and experience which is supposed to highlight the majority of his credentials to serve in his current role on ExxonMobil’s board, Larry Kellner has been an unmitigated disaster,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project, an investor in both Boeing and ExxonMobil. “Exxon is not without safety and environmental failures in its history that have cost lives, injuries and destruction. How can it say with a straight face that Mr. Kellner is the best person to oversee the company’s environment and safety policies and practices?” Earlier this year in advance of ExxonMobil’s annual meeting, NLPC filed a proxy memo with the Securities and Exchange Commission, detailing Kellner’s shortcomings for the director role and asking fellow shareholders to oppose his candidacy for the board. NLPC also released a short video in May that highlighted Boeing’s mishaps under Kellner’s leadership. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 24, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

ASTRO America’s AM Forward Initiative Receives Final Approval for Private Equity Fund

ASTRO America

Applied Science & Technology Research Organization ( ASTRO ) of America executives will join senior officials from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and Small Business Administration (SBA) at the Pentagon today to mark a major milestone in its “ AM Forward ” initiative. This effort, launched by ASTRO President Neal Orringer and U.S. President Joseph R. Biden in May 2022, accelerates small businesses’ adoption of additive manufacturing (“AM”, or 3D printing) technology to advance key aerospace and defense supply chains across the country. Today’s announcement of final federal approval for the Fund (formally known as the ‘Stifel North Atlantic AM-Forward Fund’) marks a historic moment in the nation’s effort to build, scale and accelerate public-private investments in critical technologies, a key component of AM Forward. This Fund, earning a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) license in partnership with the DOD under the SBIC Critical Technology (SBICCT) initiative, aims to use a range of financing structures targeted to the specific needs of small businesses, with a focus on increasing additive and advanced manufacturing capabilities in the domestic supply chain. The initial investors of the Fund include significant capital commitments from industry-leading companies Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, and ASTM International, among others. “Two years ago, we launched AM Forward to build up resilience in America’s key supply chains,” said Neal Orringer, President of ASTRO America. “Our partners– most notably, Lockheed Martin and GE Aerospace– have demonstrated what it means to be strong stewards of America’s Defense Industrial Base. Today, we are grateful to have them and two other critical organizations, Stifel North Atlantic and ASTM International, contributing important resources, expertise, and mentorship to support the backbone of America’s economy– small and medium sized manufacturers.” ASTRO leads AM Forward’s implementation– a compact of seven leading companies as well as key federal agencies– focused on helping small businesses expand their adoption of metal 3D printing technology through: access to capital, machine validation processes called “qualification,” and workforce development. ASTRO selected Stifel North Atlantic (NYSE: SF) as the financial partner to support AM Forward’s access-to-capital efforts by managing the Fund, based on its rich history of support for small and middle market companies and extensive experience managing SBIC Funds. ASTRO leadership will remain involved with the Fund as advisors to the Fund’s Technical Advisory Board. “We are pleased to receive this license from the SBA,” said Victor Nesi, Stifel Co-President. “In collaboration with our strategic partners, we are proud to give America’s emerging small businesses the capital and strategic support they need to advance innovation that supports our supply chain, creates domestic jobs, amplifies manufacturing capacity and importantly, increases national security.” Earlier this year, ASTRO America and Stifel North America announced the Fund became the first recipient to receive an initial ‘green light’ to raise private capital under the SBIC Critical Technologies (“SBICCT”) program. The Applied Science and Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-partisan Research Institute and Think Tank. It was established in 2018 to advance the public interest through manufacturing technology and policy. Led by manufacturing professionals with broad public and private sector experience, ASTRO America supports collaborations by government agencies and companies to address supply chain challenges in highly regulated industries, including aerospace and defense. Established in 1890, with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Stifel is a full-service financial services firm with a distinguished history of providing securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, institutions, corporations, and municipalities. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Bradley Sinkaus +1 570-446-7585 bradley@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://astroa.org/

October 23, 2024 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Investor Releases Satirical Video Calling for Reid Hoffman’s Removal from Microsoft’s Board

NLPC

Poor judgment that led him to visit [Jeffrey] Epstein Island, asking friends to meet with the late pedophile, and an overwrought obsession with the defeat and downfall of President Trump, are just a few of the reasons why tech investor Reid Hoffman should no longer serve on Microsoft’s board of directors, according to an investor in the company. And now that shareholder, National Legal and Policy Center, has released a satirical video to amplify the case it has made for the last 18 months – that the LinkedIn co-founder is unfit for such a prestigious role with the software giant. Last year NLPC submitted a memorandum to the Securities and Exchange Commission asking shareholders to vote against Hoffman’s re-election to the Microsoft board. The nonprofit investor again called for his removal this year in an additional filing at the SEC, after he told fellow billionaire elites at a Sun Valley, Idaho conference that he wished he had made Donald Trump an “actual martyr,” just days before an assassination attempt was made on the former President in Butler, Pa. “There are plenty of active and generous donors, mostly to left-leaning candidates, on corporate boards in the U.S., but we don’t consider them unfit to serve,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “But with his excessive Trump obsession, dubious political ethics and funding of lawfare, Reid Hoffman is in another class, which should eliminate him from consideration for any public company leadership role.” Microsoft’s annual meeting is scheduled for December 10, and release of the company’s proxy statement is expected before the end of October. Watch NLPC’s video on Hoffman and his role at Microsoft here. For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 16, 2024 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) Leads Economic Growth as EIRC Initiative Surpasses $500 Million Milestone

Bermuda Business Development Agency

October 10, 2024 – The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) is pleased to announce that the Economic Investment Residential Certificate (EIRC) initiative has surpassed $500 million in investments. This milestone reinforces Bermuda’s position as a premier destination for global investors, showcasing the EIRC’s pivotal role in driving sustained economic growth while enhancing the island’s appeal to high-net-worth individuals seeking both exceptional investments and an unmatched island lifestyle. Since its launch in 2021, The BDA has successfully provided concierge services for all EIRC applicants, guiding them through each phase of the process and ensuring a smooth, seamless experience. This tailored approach has been instrumental in driving economic growth, attracting affluent investors from around the world, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Spain. With a minimum investment of $2.5 million, participants gain permanent residency in Bermuda and the flexibility to invest in real estate, new and existing local businesses, Government bonds (previously offered), or social causes. To date, 58 approved applications have driven substantial capital into local enterprises and the property market. The EIRC does however offer more than financial benefits; many certificate holders are drawn to Bermuda because of personal connections, whether through birth, marriage, or long-standing relationships with the island. As a result, these stakeholders are not solely investing capital—they have become part of Bermuda’s community. Data shows that nearly half of a country’s economic growth typically originates from individuals already embedded in the community, and Bermuda is no different. By becoming part of the island’s fabric, these stakeholders unlock even greater opportunities for investment and growth, driving Bermuda’s continued economic success. The Honourable Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour, commented on the programme's success: "The EIRC initiative has proven to be a vital tool for stimulating economic development in Bermuda. By attracting high-net-worth individuals who are not only investing but also establishing Bermuda as their home, we are creating long-term opportunities for the island. Surpassing the $500 million mark is a significant achievement, and we are confident that the BDA and EIRC programme will continue to contribute positively to Bermuda’s economic growth." Kyle Rogers, Research and Intelligence Manager at the BDA, is also responsible for overseeing the concierge service that supports applicants throughout the entire EIRC process. He ensures seamless management of the certificates, providing crucial guidance from initial inquiry, through comprehensive candidate evaluation, to final approval. He stated, "Reaching $500 million is a testament to Bermuda’s unique offering as both a business hub and an exceptional place to live. The EIRC initiative continues to generate significant value by attracting capital and new residents who are committed to the island’s long-term success. We are excited about the programme’s growth and the bright future ahead." Of the total $500 million investment, $212 million has been directed towards new businesses, $231 million into real estate, $49 million into existing local enterprises, $2.6 million into Government bonds, and $6 million into social ventures deemed beneficial to Bermuda and subject to the Minister’s approval. Jonathan Halata, a developer, investor, and successful EIRC applicant, shared his experience: "As Canadians and Brits, my family has been connected to Bermuda since the 1970s. The EIRC wasn’t just about investing money; it was about building a life for my husband and daughter, and contributing to the community my family has become part of." "My investment in Bermuda extends far beyond financial returns—it's about contributing to the development of premier assets like hotels and tourism infrastructure. Island Realty projects like Azura and Nautilus have brought something unique to Bermuda and created dozens of jobs, which are vital for both airlift and the livelihoods of Bermudians. "I see a direct link between the EIRC programme and Bermuda’s future growth. It’s not just about selling homes—it’s about creating lasting opportunities. Multiplying our experience by 10, 50, or 100 could generate significant new jobs for Bermudians." "The EIRC certificate process was much easier than I expected, especially knowing the complexities with immigration and work permits. The BDA’s white-glove service, with Kyle’s personal attention to detail, made a tremendous difference. They delivered exactly what was promised, with a ribbon on top." For more information on the Economic Investment Residential Certificate and how to apply, visit bda.bm. Media Contact: Simone Gibbons Head of Marketing, Communications & Events D. +1 441 297 7774 | M. +1 441 707 0038 | E: simone@bda.bm The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate, or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Contact Details Bermuda’s Business Development Agency (BDA) +1 441-707-0038 info@bda.bm Company Website https://bda.bm

October 10, 2024 02:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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