Mes: diciembre 2020

Unipart Logistics gets highest rating ever for environment programme

OXFORD, England, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Unipart Logistics has achieved a five-star rating from the British Safety Council for its commitment to environmental sustainability. It scored over 95% in the British Safety Council Five Star Environmental Sustainability Audit – its highest ever rating.

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OXFORD, England, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Unipart Logistics has achieved a five-star rating from the British Safety Council for its commitment to environmental sustainability. It scored over 95% in the British Safety Council Five Star Environmental Sustainability Audit – its highest ever rating.

The British Safety Council Five Star Environmental Audit is an internationally recognised audit process used by leading organisations to compare their environmental performance against best practice and current trends.

It provides an external, independent assessment of the environmental sustainability management systems and the effectiveness of their implementation at strategic, tactical and operational levels.

The report stated that Unipart Logistics is «undoubtedly committed to the long-term strategy and demonstrated their ongoing commitment to sustainability improvement programmes.»

Auditors cited the strength of Unipart Logistics’ overall working culture saying it has led to ongoing environmental and sustainability improvement programmes, and said that «Unipart Logistics has excellent standards, which are at best practice in many areas.»

Elimination of single use plastic has been a strong focus for Unipart Logistics. Over 260 tonnes of single use plastic have been removed from its supply chains. That includes over 400,000 plastic cups and 32,500 plastic bottles that were replaced with reusable items.

Unipart Logistics also achieved continued reduction of CO2 emissions and water consumption, and Unipart teams have worked with suppliers to implement sustainable packaging solutions. This included recycling incoming waste material such as cardboard as packaging. Unipart Logistics achieved a 97% target for recycled waste ensuring that no waste is sent to landfill.

An important element of Unipart Logistics’ sustainability programme is its continued focus on sustainability in employee engagement programmes. Unipart achieved some of its highest employee engagement scores in its 2020 survey in which continued training plays a pivotal role.

Environmental sustainability has been embedded across all internal training programmes, and environmental coordinators receive ongoing personal development including ISO14001 auditor training and IEMA Environmental Management training.

Training is supported by a wide range of communication programmes including environmental webinars, roadshows for National Recycling and World Environment days, regular project updates and news items on internal news channels. ‘Green Teams’ have been established in all sites to promote and support sites with sustainable solutions.

Unipart’s unique Digital Communication Cells have been central to sharing sustainability best practice across the company.

Digital Communication Cells are powerful information portals that provide teams with up-to-the minute business data vital for day-to-day activity. They make it possible for teams to meet virtually anywhere across the globe, and review performance data in real time, working together to solve problems, and access important news and information.

Unipart Logistics Operations Director Andy Pyne said the five-star rating can be attributed to the many Unipart employees who have worked in problem solving teams using the tools and techniques of The Unipart Way to find innovative solutions to environmental problems.

«Across Unipart Group, the culture of working together to solve problems, share ideas and develop innovative solutions has been an important platform for our environmental sustainability programme. Although the pandemic has changed the way in which we’re working on sites, and kept others working from home, the strength of that culture has continued,» he said.

«We’ve benefitted from the use of digital tools such as the Digital Communication Cell which enabled teams to stay in contact regardless of where they are in the world and to share data in real time. That’s been particularly relevant in terms of our environmental sustainability in that great ideas developed in one site can be shared and implemented very quickly across the organisation globally.

«It is a tribute to our people that, during a time when they have dealt with such fast-paced change and adaptation to stay safe, they have continued to focus on improving environmental sustainability and delivering the outstanding results that have been recognised in this audit.»

Contact Details:
Alistair Drummond
alistair.drummond@unipart.com
tel: +44 (0)186-538-3068

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1390050/OCC_reducing_waste_Unipart_House.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1294985/Unipart_Group_Logo.jpg

HeadsUp Entertainment to Enter the Regulated Canadian Online Sports Betting Market

Extraordinary Growth Expected in Canada’s Legalized Sports Wagering Marketplace

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc. (OTCPINK: HDUP.PK) announces today its strategic plan to enter the regulated sports betting market in Canada.  In November 2020, the Canadian federal government introduced a bill (C-218) to the House of Commons that, if passed by both House and…

Extraordinary Growth Expected in Canada’s Legalized Sports Wagering Marketplace

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc. (OTCPINK: HDUP.PK) announces today its strategic plan to enter the regulated sports betting market in Canada.  In November 2020, the Canadian federal government introduced a bill (C-218) to the House of Commons that, if passed by both House and Senate, would legalize single-game sports wagering within the country’s 10 provinces and three territories.  It is anticipated that this bill will pass in the spring of 2021 and HeadsUp is positioned to be a major player in the sector.

The forthcoming legislation and subsequent changes to the Criminal Code of Canada will allow for HeadsUp to be positioned for rapid growth, taking to market platforms in sports betting, into an industry estimated to be over $14 Billion in annual gross gaming revenue as estimated by the Canadian Gaming Association.

HeadsUp is currently negotiating with 2 sportsbook software providers and is in negotiations with a strategic media partner as a potential merger candidate or acquisition to create unique market access and lower than industry standard costs for player acquisition.

«The rapidly evolving opportunities in the Canadian market, as well as in other countries, are very encouraging and our team has been anticipating licensing and government regulation that we are strategically poised to take advantage of» commented HeadsUp President and CEO Doug Wilson.

The Company will be launching its media content delivery platforms the first week of January which are designed to target viewers and build its base of players in anticipation of the launch of its online gaming products once the path to legalization and licensing in Canada is complete.

Canada is an explosive market for sports wagering and the country is following the lead of New Jersey, Nevada and Pennsylvania as US States that have legalized sports betting.

About HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc.

HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc. is a global gaming operator and media company focusing on online gaming, online poker, eSports, sports betting, online lottery, mobile 50/50, charity fundraising platforms and blockchain based payment solutions.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains «forward-looking statements» within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this release, words such as «estimate,» «expect,» «anticipate,» «projected,» «planned,» forecasted» and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are, by their very nature, not guarantees of HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc.’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Due to the risks and uncertainties, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/headsup-entertainment-to-enter-the-regulated-canadian-online-sports-betting-market-301196724.html

SOURCE HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc.

Unipart Logistics gets highest rating ever for environment programme

OXFORD, England, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Unipart Logistics has achieved a five-star rating from the British Safety Council for its commitment to environmental sustainability. It scored over 95% in the British Safety Council Five Star Environmental Sustainability Audit – its highest ever rating.

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OXFORD, England, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Unipart Logistics has achieved a five-star rating from the British Safety Council for its commitment to environmental sustainability. It scored over 95% in the British Safety Council Five Star Environmental Sustainability Audit – its highest ever rating.

The British Safety Council Five Star Environmental Audit is an internationally recognised audit process used by leading organisations to compare their environmental performance against best practice and current trends.

It provides an external, independent assessment of the environmental sustainability management systems and the effectiveness of their implementation at strategic, tactical and operational levels.

The report stated that Unipart Logistics is «undoubtedly committed to the long-term strategy and demonstrated their ongoing commitment to sustainability improvement programmes.»

Auditors cited the strength of Unipart Logistics’ overall working culture saying it has led to ongoing environmental and sustainability improvement programmes, and said that «Unipart Logistics has excellent standards, which are at best practice in many areas.»

Elimination of single use plastic has been a strong focus for Unipart Logistics. Over 260 tonnes of single use plastic have been removed from its supply chains. That includes over 400,000 plastic cups and 32,500 plastic bottles that were replaced with reusable items.

Unipart Logistics also achieved continued reduction of CO2 emissions and water consumption, and Unipart teams have worked with suppliers to implement sustainable packaging solutions. This included recycling incoming waste material such as cardboard as packaging. Unipart Logistics achieved a 97% target for recycled waste ensuring that no waste is sent to landfill.

An important element of Unipart Logistics’ sustainability programme is its continued focus on sustainability in employee engagement programmes. Unipart achieved some of its highest employee engagement scores in its 2020 survey in which continued training plays a pivotal role.

Environmental sustainability has been embedded across all internal training programmes, and environmental coordinators receive ongoing personal development including ISO14001 auditor training and IEMA Environmental Management training.

Training is supported by a wide range of communication programmes including environmental webinars, roadshows for National Recycling and World Environment days, regular project updates and news items on internal news channels. ‘Green Teams’ have been established in all sites to promote and support sites with sustainable solutions.

Unipart’s unique Digital Communication Cells have been central to sharing sustainability best practice across the company.

Digital Communication Cells are powerful information portals that provide teams with up-to-the minute business data vital for day-to-day activity. They make it possible for teams to meet virtually anywhere across the globe, and review performance data in real time, working together to solve problems, and access important news and information.

Unipart Logistics Operations Director Andy Pyne said the five-star rating can be attributed to the many Unipart employees who have worked in problem solving teams using the tools and techniques of The Unipart Way to find innovative solutions to environmental problems.

«Across Unipart Group, the culture of working together to solve problems, share ideas and develop innovative solutions has been an important platform for our environmental sustainability programme. Although the pandemic has changed the way in which we’re working on sites, and kept others working from home, the strength of that culture has continued,» he said.

«We’ve benefitted from the use of digital tools such as the Digital Communication Cell which enabled teams to stay in contact regardless of where they are in the world and to share data in real time. That’s been particularly relevant in terms of our environmental sustainability in that great ideas developed in one site can be shared and implemented very quickly across the organisation globally.

«It is a tribute to our people that, during a time when they have dealt with such fast-paced change and adaptation to stay safe, they have continued to focus on improving environmental sustainability and delivering the outstanding results that have been recognised in this audit.»

Contact Details:
Alistair Drummond
alistair.drummond@unipart.com
tel: +44 (0)186-538-3068

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1390050/OCC_reducing_waste_Unipart_House.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1294985/Unipart_Group_Logo.jpg

Danone North America Expands the Most Comprehensive Regenerative Agriculture Program in the Dairy Industry

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. and BROOMFIELD, Colo., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Danone North America, the purpose-driven food & beverage leader with a diverse portfolio of dairy and plant-based brands, continues to expand its regenerative farming program, currently the most comprehensive regenerative agriculture dairy program in the U.S. The company unveiled today its year three results from its multi-year, multi-million-dollar soil health research program. Launched in…

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. and BROOMFIELD, Colo., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Danone North America, the purpose-driven food & beverage leader with a diverse portfolio of dairy and plant-based brands, continues to expand its regenerative farming program, currently the most comprehensive regenerative agriculture dairy program in the U.S. The company unveiled today its year three results from its multi-year, multi-million-dollar soil health research program. Launched in 2017, the soil health initiative brings together experts and academics to build best-in-class soil health programs to benefit farms and communities across the Danone North America portfolio. Now completing its third year, the research program has nearly tripled to more than 82,000 acres, inclusive of 28,000 organic acres, across the U.S. and Canada, and has recently expanded into almond orchards in the central valley of California.

Nicholas Camu, Vice President of Agriculture at Danone North America said: «At Danone, we believe that regenerative agriculture – a series of innovative farming practices that help to lock carbon in the ground where it belongs – is a key solution to tackling climate change. We are proud to be making real progress with our regenerative farming partnerships and that, together with our farmers, we are leading the way with the most comprehensive program of its type in the U.S. We hope our work inspires others to join and drive an even bigger impact.»

The goal of Danone’s soil health initiative is to improve organic matter in soils leading to increased carbon sequestration and improved yields, reduce chemical use, restore biodiversity, and enhance soil water holding capacity, leading to improved farm economic resilience over the long-term. In year three of the five-year soil health program, Danone North America evaluated progress with a focus on five key areas of regenerative agriculture: Soil Health, Biodiversity, Water, Carbon and Economy & Productivity. The company partners with Sustainable Environmental Consultants and its EcoPractices® platform to conduct an in-depth field-level sustainability analysis and reporting on soil health and related goals leading to continuous improvement on enrolled farms. The year three assessment revealed key performance updates for the following environmental impact areas:

  • Protecting and restoring soil: On the third year of the program journey to enhance organic matter in soils, farmer partners plant cover crops on 64% of the Program acreage versus the national average of 5%, and practice reduced or no till management practices on 77% of the Program acreage versus the national average of 33%. 93% of the fields in the program had a positive Soil Conditioning Index value in the third year of the program.
  • Fostering biodiversity with species, varieties and wildlife: To support wildlife habitat and pollinators, like bees and butterflies, that are critical to agriculture – and ensure a more resilient and sustainable supply for farmer partners – Danone North America doubled the number of cover crop and cash crop species, up to 32, including grasses, legumes and brassicas to promote crop diversity.
  • Preserving and protecting water systems: Enhancing soil water holding capacity through improved soil health management and protecting our water supply through technologies such as soil moisture probes, filter strips and saturated buffers.
  • Reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions and sequestering carbon: To date, Danone North America’s soil health program has reduced more than 80,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and sequestered more than 20,000 tons of carbon through regenerative soil health practices, progressing efforts toward our global net zero carbon by 2050 goal.
  • Ensuring ongoing viability: The program monitors improved yields and efficiency, and supports the farmer economic value proposition, achieving lower input costs associated with reduced nutrient application, supporting farm economic resiliency as a result of regenerative agriculture practices.

In 2020, the program has grown by 64% and enables Danone North America to continue supporting farmers in implementing innovative farm management practices. Over the next two years, the company aims to collaboratively establish goals with farmer partners, pilot innovative technologies to drive change, launch industry leading tools and programs to encourage greater regenerative management adoption, finance projects to accelerate more impact, and achieve enrollment of 100,000 acres under the regenerative agriculture program.

«We’re now three years into our five-year soil health research program and have established a solid foundation of research and data down to the individual field level. Our farmer partners are very receptive and engaged in our program, and this year we welcomed several new farmer partners to the program with the expansion into almond orchards and increasing our acres with organic dairies,» said Ariel Wildenauer Desmarais, Senior Director of Agricultural Sourcing, Danone North America. «Over the next two years, we look forward to taking our findings, quantitative outcomes, and improvement plans, to increase regenerative agriculture practices in the field and launch a comprehensive financial investment and impact model that will support farmers and their partners, confirming lasting impact – both economically and environmentally.»  

One of the farms active in the soil health program over the last three years is VanTilburg Farms in northwestern Ohio, a co-owner of MVP Dairy, LLC. Boyd VanTilburg started farming in 1902 with 80 acres, and today his great-grandsons, Matt, Kyle and Luke VanTilburg, are now farming over 4,000 acres of non-GMO crops for MVP Dairy, LLC, all of which are part of the Danone North America soil health program. 

«As a family that has been farming for more than 100 years, we are committed to using conservation practices to preserve the land for generations to come,» said Kyle VanTilburg of VanTilburg Farms and MVP Dairy, LLC. «We are fortunate to work directly with Danone North America to continuously assess and improve the soil health of our farm, allowing us to build-in regenerative agriculture practices to drive returns over the long term.  We are proud of the progress to-date from this comprehensive program and encourage others to join us and secure both the financial and environmental future of their farms.»

To learn more about the Danone North America soil health program and its year three results, visit https://youtu.be/4yV2Awu2vuw.

About Danone North America:
Danone North America is a purpose-driven company with a portfolio of dairy and plant-based foods. As the world’s largest Certified B Corporation®, Danone North America is committed to the creation of both economic and social value, while nurturing natural ecosystems through sustainable agriculture. Our portfolio of brands includes: Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, Good Plants™, Horizon Organic®, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK™, Two Good®, Vega®, Wallaby® Organic and YoCrunch®. With more than 6,000 employees and 14 production locations across the U.S., our mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. For more information, visit www.danonenorthamerica.com. For more information on Danone North America’s B Corp™ status, visit: https://bcorporation.net/directory/danone-north-america.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/danone-north-america-expands-the-most-comprehensive-regenerative-agriculture-program-in-the-dairy-industry-301196286.html

SOURCE Danone North America

New Home Sales Continue To Outperform, Up 44.9% Year-Over-Year According To Zonda

COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Today, the experts at Zonda, the housing industry’s foremost advisors, released the New Home Pending Sales Index (PSI) for November 2020. The New Home PSI shows pending sales increased month-over-month and year-over-year across the United States. The index is a leading residential real estate indicator based on the number of new home sales contracts signed across the…

COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Today, the experts at Zonda, the housing industry’s foremost advisors, released the New Home Pending Sales Index (PSI) for November 2020. The New Home PSI shows pending sales increased month-over-month and year-over-year across the United States. The index is a leading residential real estate indicator based on the number of new home sales contracts signed across the country.

The New Home PSI came in at 168.8 for November, representing a 44.9% increase from November 2019. On a month-over-month basis, new home sales rose by 0.7% from October.

«Another month brings another great report on new home sales,» said Ali Wolf, chief economist at Zonda. «Buyers remain enthusiastic about purchasing a home thanks to low interest rates and the work-from home economy. Builders are equally enthusiastic with one main gripe: they cannot build homes quick enough.»

Pending new home sales trended above November 2019 levels in every top market across the country.

The best new home markets in November were Jacksonville, Raleigh, and Atlanta. The top three markets provide great relative value. For example, new home communities in these markets offer a price per square foot that is among the lowest of other major cities. Furthermore, these markets, along with others in the Southeast, are in-migration magnets. The ability to work-from-home in the COVID-19-economy has allowed those in harsher climates or more expensive parts of the country to relocate more easily.

«Builders in some markets are starting to see modest signs of a seasonal slowdown from decade-highs, but demand is still far stronger than the levels seen last year» said Wolf. «Looking ahead, 2021 is expected to be another good year for housing with supply as the limiting factor.»

New home data is susceptible to outsized swings in contract activity based on shifts in the number of actively selling communities. As a result, Zonda normalizes the data to ensure consistency across the index. The New Home PSI blends the cumulative sales of active or recently sold-out projects with the average sales rate per community, which adjusts for fluctuations in supply. Furthermore, the New Home PSI is seasonally adjusted based on each markets’ specific seasonality and removes outliers. The index is baselined to 100 for June 2016. Today’s national New Home PSI is 69% above the base level.

The next Zonda New Home PSI press release, featuring November 2020 data, will be issued on Monday, January 25, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. ET.

Methodology
The Zonda New Home Pending Sales Index (PSI) is built on proprietary, industry-leading data that covers 60% of the production new home market across the United States. Reported number of new home pending contracts are gathered and analyzed each month. Released on the 15th business day of each month, the New Home PSI is a leading indicator of housing demand compared to closings because it is based on the number of signed contracts at a new home community. Zonda monitors 18,000 active communities in the country and the homes tracked can be in any stage of construction.

The new home market represents roughly 10% of all transactions, allowing little movements in supply to cause outsized swings in market activity. As a result, the New Home PSI blends the cumulative sales of activity recently sold out projects with the average sales rate per community, which adjusts for fluctuations in supply. Furthermore, the New Home PSI is seasonally adjusted based on each markets’ specific seasonality, removes outliers, and uses June 2016 as the base month. The foundation of the index is a monthly survey conducted by Zonda. It is necessary to monitor both new and existing home sales to establish an accurate picture of the relative health of the residential real estate market.

About Zonda
Zonda provides data-driven housing market solutions to the homebuilding and multifamily industries. From builders to building product manufacturers, mortgage clients, and multifamily executives, we work hand-in-hand with our customers to streamline access to housing data to empower smarter decisions. As a leading brand in residential construction, our mission is to advance the home building industry, because we believe better homes mean better lives and stronger communities. Together, we are building the future of housing.

###

Media Contact

Jessica Brewer, Zonda, 9162243047, jbrewer@zondahome.com

 

SOURCE Zonda

Hedge Funds See $5.2 Billion in Inflows in October, Reversing Course from September’s Redemptions, According to Backstop BarclayHedge

FAIRFIELD, Iowa, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The hedge fund industry returned to monthly inflows in October, bringing in $5.2 billion in new assets for the month. The industry had experienced $2.8 billion in redemptions in September.

October’s inflows represented 0.2% of industry assets, according to the <a target="_blank"…

FAIRFIELD, Iowa, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The hedge fund industry returned to monthly inflows in October, bringing in $5.2 billion in new assets for the month. The industry had experienced $2.8 billion in redemptions in September.

October’s inflows represented 0.2% of industry assets, according to the Barclay Fund Flow Indicator published by BarclayHedge, a division of Backstop Solutions.

Coupled with an $11.9 billion monthly trading loss, total industry assets stood at nearly $3.41 trillion as October ended, up from $3.38 trillion at the end of September.

Data from 6,900 funds (excluding CTAs) in the BarclayHedge database showed Fixed Income funds leading the way among sectors that added to assets during the month, bringing in $3.8 billion. Sector Specific funds posted $3.5 billion in inflows.

«A number of factors began to bring investors back to hedge funds in October,» said Sol Waksman, president of BarclayHedge. «The end of the shortest bear market on record, improved manufacturing data and better than expected U.S. durable goods orders aroused investor interest.»

For the 12 months through October, the hedge fund industry experienced $118.8 billion in redemptions. A $33.9 billion trading profit during the period contributed to the total industry assets of $3.41 trillion as October ended, up from $3.13 trillion a year earlier.

Five hedge fund sectors posted 12-month inflows through October, led by Sector Specific funds with $25.8 billion in 12-month inflows, 15.1% of assets. Event Driven funds brought in $10.1 billion, 6.0% of assets, Convertible Arbitrage funds experienced $3.7 billion in inflows, 17.7% of assets, while Emerging Markets – Asia funds took in $2.9 billion, 2.6% of assets, and Emerging Markets – Latin America funds added $494.9 million, 4.1% of assets.

Fixed Income funds experienced the largest 12-month redemptions at $30.5 billion, 4.7% of assets, followed by Equity Long/Short funds shedding $29.5 billion, 14.5% or assets, Macro Funds with $21.0 billion in outflows, 10.8% of assets, and Equity Long Bias funds with $19.3 billion in redemptions, 5.6% of assets.

Managed futures funds reversed course on what had been a three-month inflow trend in October, experiencing $2.7 billion in redemptions, 0.9% of assets. Two of four CTA sectors tracked did add to assets in October with Discretionary CTAs bringing in $956.5 million, 8.2% of assets, while Multi-Advisor Futures Funds added $5.0 million, a negligible percentage of assets. A $521.4 million trading loss for the month brought total CTA industry assets to $298.2 billion as October ended, down from $303.6 billion at the end of September.

For the 12 months through October, managed futures funds experienced $8.9 billion in outflows, 2.9% of assets. A $13.2 billion trading loss over the period contributed to the $298.2 billion industry asset total at the end of the month, down from $305.4 billion a year earlier.

About Backstop Solutions

Backstop’s mission is to help the institutional investment industry use time to its fullest potential. We develop technology to simplify and streamline otherwise time-consuming tasks and processes, enabling our clients to quickly and easily access, share and manage the knowledge that’s critical to their day-to-day business success. Backstop provides its industry-leading cloud-based productivity suite to investment consultants, pensions, funds of funds, family offices, endowments, foundations, private equity, hedge funds and real estate investment firms.

BarclayHedge, a division of Backstop, currently maintains data on more than 6,900 hedge funds, funds of funds and CTAs. Institutional investors, brokerage firms and private banks worldwide utilize BarclayHedge indices as performance benchmarks for the hedge fund and managed futures industries.

Media Contact

Sol Waksman, BarclayHedge, a division of Backstop Solutions Group, (641) 472-3456, swaksman@barclayhedge.com

 

SOURCE Backstop BarclayHedge

Utica Leaseco agrees to Ubiquity Solar Acquiring the Rights to the Assets of Alta Devices

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Utica Leaseco, LLC (Utica), an asset-based specialty finance company and Ubiquity Solar Inc. (Ubiquity), a photovoltaic (PV) technology company, are pleased to announce the execution of a definitive agreement, whereby Ubiquity has procured from Utica rights to the intellectual property, R&D, production, inventory and other assets (the GaAs Assets) previously part of Alta…

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Utica Leaseco, LLC (Utica), an asset-based specialty finance company and Ubiquity Solar Inc. (Ubiquity), a photovoltaic (PV) technology company, are pleased to announce the execution of a definitive agreement, whereby Ubiquity has procured from Utica rights to the intellectual property, R&D, production, inventory and other assets (the GaAs Assets) previously part of Alta Devices (Alta) of Sunnyvale, CA. As part of the parties’ transaction, Utica will acquire certain warrants to purchase capital stock of Ubiquity.

Ubiquity Solar intends to relocate the GaAs Assets to the eastern USA to be close to Ubiquity’s Canadian operations. Ubiquity’s site-selection process is based on proximity to Ubiquity Canada, state incentives and access to a skilled workforce. Ubiquity plans to combine the GaAs Assets with its silicon-based PV wafer, cell and module operation. The operation will produce both silicon (Si) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) PV cells and modules for a wide range of high-performance applications that require higher quality, solar energy conversion efficiency, and performance. Ubiquity’s high quality silicon division will remain in Canada.

«We are very pleased to be able to add this significant GaAs-PV technology and manufacturing capacity to our Si-PV technology», said Ian MacLellan, CEO and President of Ubiquity. «Ubiquity’s current Si-PV technology is focused on the high efficiency residential, commercial and utility scale PV markets. This transaction will allow Ubiquity to enter the flight-based GaAs-PV markets for applications such as low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, high altitude long endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft for delivering 5G over wide areas and drones. Long-term, based on research going back over a decade with university research partners, Ubiquity is investigating SiGaAs multi-junction PV technology for the above markets and the emerging electric vehicle integrated PV (VIPV) market.

David Levy, CEO of Utica, commented that «we are very pleased to have worked closely with Ubiquity’s management team on this transaction. We are looking forward to a mutually rewarding relationship with Ubiquity and supporting their vision in this very important endeavor.»

Please direct any inquiries to:
Ian MacLellan, President and CEO of Ubiquity Solar (ian.maclellan@ubiquitysolar.com) and/or
David Levy, CEO of Utica Leaseco (david.levy@uticaleaseco.com).

Ubiquity Solar develops high performance, advanced PV silicon materials, cells and modules. Its silicon technology can also be used in the Li-Ion batteries, electronic display and semiconductor industries. It is also developing ultra-high efficiency GaAs and SiGaAs PV technology for the Flight Integrated PV (FIPV), Building Integrated PV (BIPV) and electric vehicle integrated PV (VIPV) markets.

Utica Leaseco, since 2005, has provided new, unusual, and complex equipment financing and leasing. With a deep understanding of asset values, Utica’s experienced professionals deliver customized solutions for difficult deals in a responsive and speedy manner.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
Certain statements in this news release may be considered to be forward-looking. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations, estimations, and assumptions based on experience, trends, and other factors that are subject to the significant risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to, the effects of general economic conditions, changing foreign exchange rates, actions by government authorities, the requirement for additional capital, high debt levels, negative working capital levels, lack of profitability, risks associated with manufacturing, industry supply levels, competitive pricing pressures and misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. Utica and Ubiquity assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.

Media Contact

David Levy, Utica Leaseco, +1 248-752-1800, david.levy@uticaleaseco.com

 

SOURCE Utica Leaseco

China Matters presents the story of Ms. Pan and her Mountaintop Guesthouse

BEIJING, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As Pan Qingqing sips on a traditional Chinese tea, she glances out the window of her mountaintop guesthouse. The view is splendid with billowing clouds and valleys, and this is swiftly followed by laughter and loud chatter in the guesthouse where she is right in the middle of a jovial conversation with her guests who have made the trip to the Xiangjian village in the southern city of Hangzhou.  

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BEIJING, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As Pan Qingqing sips on a traditional Chinese tea, she glances out the window of her mountaintop guesthouse. The view is splendid with billowing clouds and valleys, and this is swiftly followed by laughter and loud chatter in the guesthouse where she is right in the middle of a jovial conversation with her guests who have made the trip to the Xiangjian village in the southern city of Hangzhou.  

The 44-year-old is one of many in Lin’an District to have built guesthouses to attract more visitors from home and abroad. For her, this is an opportunity to bring changes to her hometown. And her plans have been supported by the Hangzhou government.

The key to this change has been to combine the local surroundings with the arts to create something fresh where you wouldn’t expect it. And the guesthouses like Ms. Pan’s brings the two together.

Bigger than life-size installations of bamboo art now decorate the halls. When guests sit down for an afternoon tea and food, cups and cutlery sets made from local bamboo wood don the tables. Ms. Pan has been inviting artists to come and showcase their mastery.

However, it wasn’t all plain sailing at the start. After studying in France, she finally chose to come back to Lin’an. And even though she left all those years ago as a child, no one could deny how special the place was to her.

But as things would have it, Ms. Pan’s father, an experienced tourism operator, opposed the guesthouse plans. He sighted poor accessibility, small population, and an underdeveloped economy in the area as potential pitfalls. Nevertheless, she saw differently. She wasn’t deterred. She believed in the changes her guesthouse would bring.

And now, she is hosting a variety of events throughout the year. Recently, she launched a bamboo art exhibition. The bamboo artist was able to teach local villagers how to weave locally-sourced bamboo artworks. Just recently as October, at the tail-end of local rice harvest season, she gathered young agricultural entrepreneurs to taste the new rice and exchange their products to promote their hometowns. 

So, Xiangjian village is just the tip of the iceberg. It represents this innovative take on how to build tourism in rural Hangzhou. In this video, British host Josh went to visit the guesthouse and see the transformation of villages in Hangzhou through nature and modern arts. The video was filmed and produced by China Matters. 

Contact: Li Siwei
Tel: +8610-68996566
E-mail: lisiwei5125@gmail.com

Video – https://youtu.be/c-e-VA6mT1k
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1156746/China_Matters_Logo.jpg

China Matters presents the story of Ms. Pan and her Mountaintop Guesthouse

BEIJING, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As Pan Qingqing sips on a traditional Chinese tea, she glances out the window of her mountaintop guesthouse. The view is splendid with billowing clouds and valleys, and this is swiftly followed by laughter and loud chatter in the guesthouse where she is right in the middle of a jovial conversation with her guests who have made the trip to the Xiangjian village in the southern city of Hangzhou.  

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BEIJING, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As Pan Qingqing sips on a traditional Chinese tea, she glances out the window of her mountaintop guesthouse. The view is splendid with billowing clouds and valleys, and this is swiftly followed by laughter and loud chatter in the guesthouse where she is right in the middle of a jovial conversation with her guests who have made the trip to the Xiangjian village in the southern city of Hangzhou.  

The 44-year-old is one of many in Lin’an District to have built guesthouses to attract more visitors from home and abroad. For her, this is an opportunity to bring changes to her hometown. And her plans have been supported by the Hangzhou government.

The key to this change has been to combine the local surroundings with the arts to create something fresh where you wouldn’t expect it. And the guesthouses like Ms. Pan’s brings the two together.

Bigger than life-size installations of bamboo art now decorate the halls. When guests sit down for an afternoon tea and food, cups and cutlery sets made from local bamboo wood don the tables. Ms. Pan has been inviting artists to come and showcase their mastery.

However, it wasn’t all plain sailing at the start. After studying in France, she finally chose to come back to Lin’an. And even though she left all those years ago as a child, no one could deny how special the place was to her.

But as things would have it, Ms. Pan’s father, an experienced tourism operator, opposed the guesthouse plans. He sighted poor accessibility, small population, and an underdeveloped economy in the area as potential pitfalls. Nevertheless, she saw differently. She wasn’t deterred. She believed in the changes her guesthouse would bring.

And now, she is hosting a variety of events throughout the year. Recently, she launched a bamboo art exhibition. The bamboo artist was able to teach local villagers how to weave locally-sourced bamboo artworks. Just recently as October, at the tail-end of local rice harvest season, she gathered young agricultural entrepreneurs to taste the new rice and exchange their products to promote their hometowns. 

So, Xiangjian village is just the tip of the iceberg. It represents this innovative take on how to build tourism in rural Hangzhou. In this video, British host Josh went to visit the guesthouse and see the transformation of villages in Hangzhou through nature and modern arts. The video was filmed and produced by China Matters. 

Contact: Li Siwei
Tel: +8610-68996566
E-mail: lisiwei5125@gmail.com

Video – https://youtu.be/c-e-VA6mT1k
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1156746/China_Matters_Logo.jpg

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-matters-presents-the-story-of-ms-pan-and-her-mountaintop-guesthouse-301196784.html

SOURCE China Matters

Auberge Resorts Collection Names Michele Evans as Vice President of Food & Beverage

MILL VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Auberge Resorts Collection, a portfolio of award-winning hotels, resorts and residences, today announced that Michele Evans will join the company as Vice President of Food & Beverage. In her new role, Evans will work…

MILL VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Auberge Resorts Collection, a portfolio of award-winning hotels, resorts and residences, today announced that Michele Evans will join the company as Vice President of Food & Beverage. In her new role, Evans will work closely with general managers, executive chefs and food & beverage teams across the portfolio to enhance the renowned hospitality brand’s culinary offerings and artfully curated wine and cocktail bars.

«We are delighted to welcome Michele to the Auberge Resorts Collection family,» said Craig Reid, president & chief executive officer, Auberge Resorts Collection. «In addition to bringing a wealth of knowledge from her prior role at STARR Restaurants, her impressive background in the upscale restaurant space, esteemed reputation in the industry and contagious, creative energy will lead our team to a new level of epicurean excellence as we continue to conceptualize memorable, one-of-a-kind gastronomic experiences across the globe.»

Evans brings over a decade of exceptional independent restaurant experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as vice president of operations at STARR Restaurants across the east coast. In her role at STARR Restaurants, Evans worked closely with renowned restaurant operator, Stephen Starr, overseeing 19 locations in New York City, Washington D.C. and Miami.

«It is with great excitement that I join the Auberge Resorts Collection team and have the privilege of working with the most unique collection of hotels and resorts,» said Evans. «Design, taste, touch, and sound – all of it matters – and when the alignment is right, the experience makes memories. Auberge already holds a robust reputation for culinary greatness. I look forward to playing an instrumental role in further enhancing the existing programming, along with advancing new and inspiring restaurants and bars that captivate luxury guests across Auberge’s growing portfolio.»

About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative spas and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 19 hotels and resorts across three continents and eight new hotels under development, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.

For more information: aubergeresorts.com

Connect with Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook Twitter and Instagram @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge.

About The Friedkin Group
The Friedkin Group is a privately-held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit http://www.friedkin.com.

Media Contact

Michelle Noski, Murphy O’Brien Public Relations, +1 3107176252, mnoski@murphyobrien.com

 

SOURCE Auberge Resorts Collection