Mes: enero 2021

Oakland Ushers in Progressive Majority with Promise To Take On Status Quo

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in decades, a progressive majority will be sworn in to the Oakland City Council today. The new councilmembers were elected with a mandate from voters to deliver bold solutions to the ongoing homelessness crisis, police overspending, economic insecurity, and dramatic inequities in the city. In the midst of a pandemic that has brought the City to its knees, the new majority is committed to work with stakeholders to pass ambitious policies…

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in decades, a progressive majority will be sworn in to the Oakland City Council today. The new councilmembers were elected with a mandate from voters to deliver bold solutions to the ongoing homelessness crisis, police overspending, economic insecurity, and dramatic inequities in the city. In the midst of a pandemic that has brought the City to its knees, the new majority is committed to work with stakeholders to pass ambitious policies that meet the needs of Oakland head-on, embrace tax reform to grow revenue for much-needed services, and abandon senseless calls for austerity.

«We were elected by so many people who were yearning for bold and visionary leadership,» said Councilmember Carroll Fife, a newly elected member of the Oakland City Council.  «Our mandate is to elevate and center the needs of the most vulnerable in Oakland in our work in City Hall. As elected leaders, we must ensure that the poor, unhoused, and working people do not suffer more as a result of the economic fallout of this pandemic. Instead, we must create systems that invite the largest and wealthiest corporations to invest in rebuilding our city.»

The new majority will center Oakland’s most vulnerable residents, protect the city’s social safety net, and prevent proposed cuts to vital city services during the budget process and reform the structures that are perpetuating inequality.

In the midst of a pandemic that has decimated Oakland’s working class, particularly in Black and Brown communities, more families are on the brink of homelessness, tenants struggle to pay rent, violence grows, and unemployment is soaring. Cutting vital community services is not the answer. The new progressive majority has committed to reverse the downward spiral with solutions that meet the tenor of the moment — including revisiting a progressive business tax proposal. The tax would provide relief to struggling small businesses and raise tens of millions of dollars in new revenue for the city to address homelessness, street and sidewalk repair, trash collection, fire prevention, and community safety.  

«It’s time for all of us — the Council, the Mayor, and the City Administration — to work towards the progressive priorities the people of Oakland voted for,» said Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. «Our priorities are: Housing is a human right, safety focused on prevention and healing, prioritizing violent crime, and inviting corporations to pay their fair share and invest in our city’s economic recovery. Our residents, workers, and small businesses need us to work boldly together now more than ever, to create a safer, healthier, more inclusive and vibrant Oakland.»

«We saw unprecedented corporate spending in the last election, but Oakland residents rejected the sale of the city to the highest bidder, instead opting for grassroots candidates that reflect a bold vision that finally puts the people first,» said Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan.

«In the middle of this global pandemic, the Mayor is proposing cuts to vital services — including shutting down firehouses that provide the first line medical care for those with no other options, and further reducing other essential services by laying off part-time workers. This work is done by people, and with less people, the work that needs to be done cannot be done. I believe the new majority of progressive Councilmembers will work with us so that city workers do not bear the brunt of any budget cuts,» said Laura Takeshita, IFPTE Local 21 Oakland Vice President-Elect.

«A city budget is a reflection of our values, and for that reason, we will work with the City Council to take a hard look at the unchecked overspending in the police department and divert these needed funds to public health, safety, and community economic development programs.» said Cat Brooks of the Anti Police-Terror Project.

«In order for small businesses, essential workers, and ordinary people to emerge strong from this crisis we must choose to invest in the City’s future,» said Liana Molina, senior campaign director for the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy. «We, in partnership with the Oakland City Council, will work together to demand that the City’s wealthiest corporations pay their fair share.»

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oakland-ushers-in-progressive-majority-with-promise-to-take-on-status-quo-301200418.html

SOURCE IFPTE 21

Oakland Ushers in Progressive Majority with Promise To Take On Status Quo

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in decades, a progressive majority will be sworn in to the Oakland City Council today. The new councilmembers were elected with a mandate from voters to deliver bold solutions to the ongoing homelessness crisis, police overspending, economic insecurity, and dramatic inequities in the city. In the midst of a pandemic that has brought the City to its knees, the new majority is committed to work with stakeholders to pass ambitious policies…

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in decades, a progressive majority will be sworn in to the Oakland City Council today. The new councilmembers were elected with a mandate from voters to deliver bold solutions to the ongoing homelessness crisis, police overspending, economic insecurity, and dramatic inequities in the city. In the midst of a pandemic that has brought the City to its knees, the new majority is committed to work with stakeholders to pass ambitious policies that meet the needs of Oakland head-on, embrace tax reform to grow revenue for much-needed services, and abandon senseless calls for austerity.

«We were elected by so many people who were yearning for bold and visionary leadership,» said Councilmember Carroll Fife, a newly elected member of the Oakland City Council.  «Our mandate is to elevate and center the needs of the most vulnerable in Oakland in our work in City Hall. As elected leaders, we must ensure that the poor, unhoused, and working people do not suffer more as a result of the economic fallout of this pandemic. Instead, we must create systems that invite the largest and wealthiest corporations to invest in rebuilding our city.»

The new majority will center Oakland’s most vulnerable residents, protect the city’s social safety net, and prevent proposed cuts to vital city services during the budget process and reform the structures that are perpetuating inequality.

In the midst of a pandemic that has decimated Oakland’s working class, particularly in Black and Brown communities, more families are on the brink of homelessness, tenants struggle to pay rent, violence grows, and unemployment is soaring. Cutting vital community services is not the answer. The new progressive majority has committed to reverse the downward spiral with solutions that meet the tenor of the moment — including revisiting a progressive business tax proposal. The tax would provide relief to struggling small businesses and raise tens of millions of dollars in new revenue for the city to address homelessness, street and sidewalk repair, trash collection, fire prevention, and community safety.  

«It’s time for all of us — the Council, the Mayor, and the City Administration — to work towards the progressive priorities the people of Oakland voted for,» said Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. «Our priorities are: Housing is a human right, safety focused on prevention and healing, prioritizing violent crime, and inviting corporations to pay their fair share and invest in our city’s economic recovery. Our residents, workers, and small businesses need us to work boldly together now more than ever, to create a safer, healthier, more inclusive and vibrant Oakland.»

«We saw unprecedented corporate spending in the last election, but Oakland residents rejected the sale of the city to the highest bidder, instead opting for grassroots candidates that reflect a bold vision that finally puts the people first,» said Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan.

«In the middle of this global pandemic, the Mayor is proposing cuts to vital services — including shutting down firehouses that provide the first line medical care for those with no other options, and further reducing other essential services by laying off part-time workers. This work is done by people, and with less people, the work that needs to be done cannot be done. I believe the new majority of progressive Councilmembers will work with us so that city workers do not bear the brunt of any budget cuts,» said Laura Takeshita, IFPTE Local 21 Oakland Vice President-Elect.

«A city budget is a reflection of our values, and for that reason, we will work with the City Council to take a hard look at the unchecked overspending in the police department and divert these needed funds to public health, safety, and community economic development programs.» said Cat Brooks of the Anti Police-Terror Project.

«In order for small businesses, essential workers, and ordinary people to emerge strong from this crisis we must choose to invest in the City’s future,» said Liana Molina, senior campaign director for the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy. «We, in partnership with the Oakland City Council, will work together to demand that the City’s wealthiest corporations pay their fair share.»

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oakland-ushers-in-progressive-majority-with-promise-to-take-on-status-quo-301200418.html

SOURCE IFPTE 21

GM to Convert More than 650 U.S. Temporary Employees to Full-Time Status in January

DETROIT, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ —

  • Wages, profit sharing opportunity and benefits set to rise for new full-time employees
  • Team members at nine sites in four states to see significant gains

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) announced today that more than 650 hourly employees at its sites in the U.S. will transition from temporary to regular full-time employment in January 2021. These employees work at nine GM…

DETROIT, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ —

  • Wages, profit sharing opportunity and benefits set to rise for new full-time employees
  • Team members at nine sites in four states to see significant gains

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) announced today that more than 650 hourly employees at its sites in the U.S. will transition from temporary to regular full-time employment in January 2021. These employees work at nine GM manufacturing plants and other sites in four states: Michigan, Indiana, Texas and Missouri.

«We are proud to welcome these team members as regular, full-time employees,» said Phil Kienle, GM vice president of North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations. «Our people are the heart and soul of everything we do and through their hard work and dedication to building quality products, they are taking the next step in their journey with GM.»

General Motors offers some of the best-paying manufacturing jobs in the United States, including top-of-the-line health care benefits with very low out-of-pocket costs compared to other employers across any industry. The temporary employees transitioning to regular full-time status will see medical plan cost-share improvements, the addition of dental and vision coverage, company contributions into their 401(k) plans, profit sharing and life insurance coverage.

General Motors employs more total U.S. workers than any other auto manufacturer and has invested more than $29 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations over the last 10 years. According to the Center for Automotive Research, since 2010 GM has accounted for more than one dollar of every four invested by automakers in the U.S.

«Today’s announcement affirms GM’s continuing commitment to building a strong U.S. manufacturing base,» added Kienle.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, https://www.holden.com.au/?evar25=gm_media_releaseBaojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gm-to-convert-more-than-650-us-temporary-employees-to-full-time-status-in-january-301200307.html

SOURCE General Motors Co.

Future Fintech and Blocknance Signed Term Sheet for Potential Acquisition

NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Future FinTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FTFT) (hereinafter referred to as «Future Fintech», «FTFT» or «Company» «) a leading blockchain e-commerce company and a service provider for financial technology, today announced it has signed a term sheet («Term Sheet») with Blocknance Financial International SRL(«Blocknance»), a company incorporated in the Dominican Republic and the selling shareholders of Blocknance on December 30, 2020. Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the…

NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Future FinTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FTFT) (hereinafter referred to as «Future Fintech», «FTFT» or «Company» «) a leading blockchain e-commerce company and a service provider for financial technology, today announced it has signed a term sheet («Term Sheet») with Blocknance Financial International SRL(«Blocknance»), a company incorporated in the Dominican Republic and the selling shareholders of Blocknance on December 30, 2020. Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the Company plans to acquire 60% of the total issued and outstanding shares of Blocknance. 

Future Fintech and Blocknance Signed Term Sheet for Potential Acquisition

Blocknance provides services for transactions between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, such as Dominican Peso, US dollar, Euro and Russian Ruble for customers through Bitcoin ATM machines and physical offices. All ATMs and physical offices are currently located in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, La Romana, and Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic.

Blocknance is headquartered in the Dominican Republic. Its subsidiary Cryptocana SRL works with financial consulting companies to help clients buy, rent and sell residential, commercial, local and international real estate using cryptocurrencies; another subsidiary Blockchain Finance International Inc. is registered in Wyoming, US and officially registered as a Money Service Business (MSB) which is regulated and administered by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). According to the framework agreement, the current total valuation of Blocknance is $1.6 million. Future FinTech or its wholly-owned subsidiary plans to acquire 60% of Blocknance through cash and shares with a purchase price of US $960,000. Future FinTech reserves the right to purchase additional shares from the seller.

Future Fintech and Blocknance Signed Term Sheet for Potential Acquisition

Emmy Jude Fortune, the General Manager of Blocknance, stated, «Blocknance is one of the most advanced, semi-decentralized cryptocurrency exchange platforms on the market today. It provides a safe way to exchange Bitcoin and cryptocurrency with fiat currencies for individuals who want to use them to buy and sell goods or services and is the largest Bitcoin transaction service provider in the Caribbean. With the help of our new ATMs, more and more people use cryptocurrency for transactions. Our Punta Cana and Santiago office provides services to more than 10,000 tourists every year, because most tourists do not have local bank accounts. Our physical offices or ATMs provide convenient two-way exchange services of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency to fiat currencies for tourists. Blocknance plans to increase the number of Bitcoin ATMs and expand them to Europe, Asia and other regions pursuant to local regulatory requirements in 2021. FTFT has a great management team in financial services and blockchain technology. The union with FTFT can rapidly expand our operations, continuously improve customer experience and satisfaction, increase service scenarios, and meet the needs of more and diversified customers. «

Shanchun Huang, Chief Executive Officer of Future FinTech said, «Blockchain technology and its application is an important strategic segment and business component of FTFT. Building a complete blockchain financial service system is an important development plan of FTFT. We have been looking for valuable blockchain technology companies to dock with our existing resources. When Bitcoin holders could convert Bitcoin into cash at ATM as Blocknance does in Dominican Republic, cryptocurrency will be gradually accepted by more and more people. We believe that the investment in Blocknance can further expand our business, bring additional income to the Company, and we hope to eventually create a channel that can connect Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with the services of mainstream financial institutions under applicable laws and regulations. «

Future Fintech and Blocknance Signed Term Sheet for Potential Acquisition

About Future FinTech Group Inc.

Future FinTech Group Inc. («Future FinTech», «FTFT» or the «Company») is a leading blockchain e-commerce company and a service provider for financial technology incorporated in Florida. The Company’s operations include a blockchain-based online shopping mall platform, Chain Cloud Mall («CCM»), a cross-border e-commerce platform (NONOGIRL), an incubator for blockchain based application projects. The Company is also engaged in the development of blockchain based e-Commerce technology as well as financial technology. For more information, please visit http://www.ftftex.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement                                                  

Certain of the statements made in this press release are «forward-looking statements» within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause the actual results, performance, capital, ownership or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as «may,» «will,» «anticipate,» «assume,» «should,» «indicate,» «would,» «believe,» «contemplate,» «expect,» «estimate,» «continue,» «plan,» «point to,» «project,» «could,» «intend,» «target» and other similar words and expressions of the future.

All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice, including, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and our other reports and filings with SEC. Such reports are available upon request from the Company, or from the Securities and Exchange Commission, including through the SEC’s Internet website at http://www.sec.gov. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date hereof, or after the respective dates on which any such statements otherwise are made.

IR Contact:
Future FinTech Group Inc.,
Tel: +1-888-622-1218
Email: ir@ftftex.com  

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/future-fintech-and-blocknance-signed-term-sheet-for-potential-acquisition-301200156.html

SOURCE Future FinTech Group Inc.

Future Fintech and Blocknance Signed Term Sheet for Potential Acquisition

NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Future FinTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FTFT) (hereinafter referred to as «Future Fintech», «FTFT» or «Company» «) a leading blockchain e-commerce company and a service provider for financial technology, today announced it has signed a term sheet («Term Sheet») with Blocknance Financial International SRL(«Blocknance»), a company incorporated in the Dominican Republic and the selling shareholders of Blocknance on December 30, 2020. Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the…

NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Future FinTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FTFT) (hereinafter referred to as «Future Fintech», «FTFT» or «Company» «) a leading blockchain e-commerce company and a service provider for financial technology, today announced it has signed a term sheet («Term Sheet») with Blocknance Financial International SRL(«Blocknance»), a company incorporated in the Dominican Republic and the selling shareholders of Blocknance on December 30, 2020. Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the Company plans to acquire 60% of the total issued and outstanding shares of Blocknance. 

Future Fintech and Blocknance Signed Term Sheet for Potential Acquisition

Blocknance provides services for transactions between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, such as Dominican Peso, US dollar, Euro and Russian Ruble for customers through Bitcoin ATM machines and physical offices. All ATMs and physical offices are currently located in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, La Romana, and Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic.

Blocknance is headquartered in the Dominican Republic. Its subsidiary Cryptocana SRL works with financial consulting companies to help clients buy, rent and sell residential, commercial, local and international real estate using cryptocurrencies; another subsidiary Blockchain Finance International Inc. is registered in Wyoming, US and officially registered as a Money Service Business (MSB) which is regulated and administered by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). According to the framework agreement, the current total valuation of Blocknance is $1.6 million. Future FinTech or its wholly-owned subsidiary plans to acquire 60% of Blocknance through cash and shares with a purchase price of US $960,000. Future FinTech reserves the right to purchase additional shares from the seller.

Future Fintech and Blocknance Signed Term Sheet for Potential Acquisition

Emmy Jude Fortune, the General Manager of Blocknance, stated, «Blocknance is one of the most advanced, semi-decentralized cryptocurrency exchange platforms on the market today. It provides a safe way to exchange Bitcoin and cryptocurrency with fiat currencies for individuals who want to use them to buy and sell goods or services and is the largest Bitcoin transaction service provider in the Caribbean. With the help of our new ATMs, more and more people use cryptocurrency for transactions. Our Punta Cana and Santiago office provides services to more than 10,000 tourists every year, because most tourists do not have local bank accounts. Our physical offices or ATMs provide convenient two-way exchange services of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency to fiat currencies for tourists. Blocknance plans to increase the number of Bitcoin ATMs and expand them to Europe, Asia and other regions pursuant to local regulatory requirements in 2021. FTFT has a great management team in financial services and blockchain technology. The union with FTFT can rapidly expand our operations, continuously improve customer experience and satisfaction, increase service scenarios, and meet the needs of more and diversified customers. «

Shanchun Huang, Chief Executive Officer of Future FinTech said, «Blockchain technology and its application is an important strategic segment and business component of FTFT. Building a complete blockchain financial service system is an important development plan of FTFT. We have been looking for valuable blockchain technology companies to dock with our existing resources. When Bitcoin holders could convert Bitcoin into cash at ATM as Blocknance does in Dominican Republic, cryptocurrency will be gradually accepted by more and more people. We believe that the investment in Blocknance can further expand our business, bring additional income to the Company, and we hope to eventually create a channel that can connect Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with the services of mainstream financial institutions under applicable laws and regulations. «

Future Fintech and Blocknance Signed Term Sheet for Potential Acquisition

About Future FinTech Group Inc.

Future FinTech Group Inc. («Future FinTech», «FTFT» or the «Company») is a leading blockchain e-commerce company and a service provider for financial technology incorporated in Florida. The Company’s operations include a blockchain-based online shopping mall platform, Chain Cloud Mall («CCM»), a cross-border e-commerce platform (NONOGIRL), an incubator for blockchain based application projects. The Company is also engaged in the development of blockchain based e-Commerce technology as well as financial technology. For more information, please visit http://www.ftftex.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement                                                  

Certain of the statements made in this press release are «forward-looking statements» within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause the actual results, performance, capital, ownership or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as «may,» «will,» «anticipate,» «assume,» «should,» «indicate,» «would,» «believe,» «contemplate,» «expect,» «estimate,» «continue,» «plan,» «point to,» «project,» «could,» «intend,» «target» and other similar words and expressions of the future.

All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice, including, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and our other reports and filings with SEC. Such reports are available upon request from the Company, or from the Securities and Exchange Commission, including through the SEC’s Internet website at http://www.sec.gov. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date hereof, or after the respective dates on which any such statements otherwise are made.

IR Contact:
Future FinTech Group Inc.,
Tel: +1-888-622-1218
Email: ir@ftftex.com  

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/future-fintech-and-blocknance-signed-term-sheet-for-potential-acquisition-301200156.html

SOURCE Future FinTech Group Inc.

Corporate Spending to Power Commercial Prepaid Growth 2021-2024

BOSTON, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Noncash electronic payments continue to grow at rates exceeding global gross domestic product (GDP) and the rate of commerce in general, as consumers and businesses move to modern channels and as older systems relying on traditional payment methods are replaced. Not least important of these segments is commercial prepaid cards. A new research report from Mercator Advisory Group, <a target="_blank"…

BOSTON, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Noncash electronic payments continue to grow at rates exceeding global gross domestic product (GDP) and the rate of commerce in general, as consumers and businesses move to modern channels and as older systems relying on traditional payment methods are replaced. Not least important of these segments is commercial prepaid cards. A new research report from Mercator Advisory Group, Commercial Prepaid North America Open Loop Market Review and Forecast, 2019–2024 sizes up the U.S. and Canadian prepaid share and growth, taking into account the effect of the pandemic.

The full pandemic impact to commercial e-payments in 2020 is not yet known, but Mercator has previously forecast commercial credit card spend to decline by about 22% year-on-year from 2019 given the massive reduction in travel-related expense. Commercial prepaid, however, will continue to hold its own, accounting for nearly one-fifth of total commercial card spend.

«Uptrends and downtrends will contend for the market, and therefore results will be mixed,» commented Steve Murphy, Director of the Commercial and Enterprise Advisory Service at Mercator Advisory Group, the author of this report. «Among uptrends are FSA/HSA, payroll, business time and expense, and gift cards. Downtrends include government, travel, of course, and campus.»

Highlights of this research report include:

  • Leading factors impacting commercial prepaid
  • Growth projections through 2024
  • Analysis of leading and lagging indicators in commercial prepaid
  • Importance of the segment to overall growth of the electronic commercial payments business
  • Impact of e-commerce on the segment

This report is 14 pages long and has 7 figures and one table.

Members of Mercator Advisory Group’s Commercial and Enterprise Advisory Service continuous advisory practice have access to this report as well as the upcoming research for the year ahead, presentations, analyst access, and other membership benefits.

For more information and media inquiries, please call Mercator Advisory Group’s main line: 1-781-419-1700, send email to media@mercatoradvisorygroup.com.

For free industry news, opinions, research, company information and more visit us at http://www.PaymentsJournal.com.

Follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/MercatorAdvisor.

About Mercator Advisory Group
Mercator Advisory Group is the leading independent research and advisory services firm exclusively focused on the payments and banking industries. We deliver pragmatic and timely research and advice designed to help our clients uncover the most lucrative opportunities to maximize revenue growth and contain costs. Our clients range from the world’s largest payment issuers, acquirers, processors, merchants and associations to leading technology providers and investors. Mercator Advisory Group is also the publisher of the online payments and banking news and information portal PaymentsJournal.com.

Media Contact

Karen Yetter, Mercator Advisory Group, 781-419-1700, kyetter@mercatoradvisorygroup.com

Twitter

 

SOURCE Mercator Advisory Group

Global Semiconductor Sales Increase 7 Percent Year-to-Year in November

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $39.4 billion for the month of November 2020, an increase of 7.0 percent compared to the November 2019 total of $36.9 billion and 1.1 percent more than the October 2020 total of $39.0…

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $39.4 billion for the month of November 2020, an increase of 7.0 percent compared to the November 2019 total of $36.9 billion and 1.1 percent more than the October 2020 total of $39.0 billion. Monthly sales are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average. SIA represents 98 percent of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms.

«Global sales of semiconductors continued to rise in November, increasing on a year-to-year basis by the highest percentage since March,» said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO. «Annual sales in 2020 are tracking well ahead of the total from 2019, despite substantial headwinds caused by the pandemic and other macroeconomic factors. Sales into the Americas remained strong in November, increasing year-to-year by a double-digit percentage for the eleventh consecutive month.»

Regionally, sales increased on a year-to-year basis in the Americas (12.5 percent), China (6.5 percent), Asia Pacific/All Other (6.5 percent), and Japan (5.1 percent), but decreased slightly in Europe (-0.7 percent). On a month-to-month basis, sales increased in Japan (5.2 percent), Europe (3.6 percent), the Americas (2.1 percent), and China (0.1 percent), but ticked down in Asia Pacific/All Other (-0.5 percent).

For comprehensive monthly semiconductor sales data and detailed WSTS forecasts, consider purchasing the WSTS Subscription Package. For detailed historical information about the global semiconductor industry and market, consider ordering the SIA Databook.

November 2020

Billions

Month-to-Month Sales                              

Market

Last Month

Current Month

% Change

Americas

8.29

8.46

2.1%

Europe

3.22

3.34

3.6%

Japan

3.11

3.28

5.2%

China

13.85

13.86

0.1%

Asia Pacific/All Other

10.53

10.48

-0.5%

Total

39.00

39.41

1.1%

Year-to-Year Sales                         

Market

Last Year

Current Month

% Change

Americas

7.52

8.46

12.5%

Europe

3.36

3.34

-0.7%

Japan

3.12

3.28

5.1%

China

13.02

13.86

6.5%

Asia Pacific/All Other

9.84

10.48

6.5%

Total

36.85

39.41

7.0%

Three-Month-Moving Average Sales

Market

Jun/Jul/Aug

Sept/Oct/Nov

% Change

Americas

7.89

8.46

7.3%

Europe

2.93

3.34

13.8%

Japan

3.03

3.28

8.2%

China

12.59

13.86

10.1%

Asia Pacific/All Other

9.94

10.48

5.4%

Total

36.38

39.41

8.3%

Media Contact
Dan Rosso
Semiconductor Industry Association
202-446-1719
drosso@semiconductors.org

About SIA
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is the voice of the semiconductor industry, one of America’s top export industries and a key driver of America’s economic strength, national security, and global competitiveness. Semiconductors – the tiny chips that enable modern technologies – power incredible products and services that have transformed our lives and our economy. The semiconductor industry directly employs nearly a quarter of a million workers in the United States, and U.S. semiconductor company sales totaled $193 billion in 2019. SIA represents 98 percent of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms. Through this coalition, SIA seeks to strengthen leadership of semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research by working with Congress, the Administration, and key industry stakeholders around the world to encourage policies that fuel innovation, propel business, and drive international competition. Learn more at www.semiconductors.org.

About WSTS
World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) is an independent non-profit organization representing the vast majority of the world semiconductor industry. The mission of WSTS is to be the respected source of semiconductor market data and forecasts. Founded in 1986, WSTS is the singular source for monthly industry shipment statistics.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-semiconductor-sales-increase-7-percent-year-to-year-in-november-301200399.html

SOURCE Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)

PointsBet Online and Mobile Sports Betting Now Widely Available in Iowa via Remote Registration

BURLINGTON, Iowa, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PointsBet, a premier global sportsbook operator, recently announced that its best-in-class mobile app (iOS and Android) and digital sports betting product is now conveniently available from anywhere in the state of Iowa with remote registration now live as of January 1, 2021.

…

BURLINGTON, Iowa, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PointsBet, a premier global sportsbook operator, recently announced that its best-in-class mobile app (iOS and Android) and digital sports betting product is now conveniently available from anywhere in the state of Iowa with remote registration now live as of January 1, 2021.

New users can experience PointsBet while taking advantage of their $1,000 risk-free betting bundle offer – up to $500 back should you lose your first fixed odds bet, and up to $500 back should you lose your first PointsBetting wager. PointsBet will also launch select new customer promotions in the coming weeks around the Hawkeyes and star player Luka Garza.

«The state of Iowa continues to be a great priority for the PointsBet team, and we are fortunate to work alongside terrific partners in Catfish Bend Casino,» noted Johnny Aitken, PointsBet USA CEO. «We both are tremendously excited for what is effectively a second launch of Iowa sports betting with remote registration now in play. The PointsBet mobile app and digital sports betting product is extremely fast and easy to use, features exclusive product features and betting options, offers the most bet types in the world across the four major U.S. sports, and perhaps most importantly, is specifically tailored for the local sports fan. We believe the great folks in the Hawkeye State will love what PointsBet has to offer and certainly look forward to the interest and feedback to come.»

As a sports betting operator in the rare position of owning and controlling its technology end to end, PointsBet’s proprietary technology behind-the-scenes, commitment to in-house development and bettor-friendly approach powers everything from exclusive product features, to bet types that cannot be found anywhere else, to the fastest response time in the industry, to deep Spanish language functionality, and so much more.

In addition to standard fixed odds wagering, PointsBet is the only U.S. online operator to offer PointsBetting – a unique and innovative way to bet that exponentially rewards or docks players the more correct or incorrect their wagers are. PointsBet also offers the most bet types in the world across all four major U.S. sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) on a quick and easy to use platform that is personalized for the Iowa sports fan.

PointsBet originally entered the Hawkeye State in August 2019 alongside partner Catfish Bend Casino, located in Burlington, IA. The «PointsBet Sportsbook at Catfish Bend Casino,» a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment center, marked PointsBet’s first retail sportsbook in the country. The 5,600 square foot non-smoking sportsbook includes over 35 televisions with eight having regular odds displays, 26 slot machines, 13 video poker games, multiple blackjack tables, several betting kiosks and a massive 163″ inch television for all special events.

«The Catfish Bend Casino team has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside PointsBet thus far, and the best is yet to come,» stated Rob Higgins, General Manager at Burlington’s Catfish Bend Casino. «We’ve received terrific response from Iowan sports bettors thus far, confirming the superior speed of the PointsBet app and the excitement that follows from being offered roughly 80% more wagering options versus the competition. The unique PointsBetting platform is an added plus and an experience that we are excited to offer to all Iowan sports bettors now more easily. Be sure to check out PointsBet, you won’t be disappointed!»

As the official, exclusive sports betting partner of NBC Sports, PointsBet will utilize the media giant’s premium television and digital assets to promote the PointsBet brand. As part of the agreement, NBC Sports provides PointsBet with year-round, multi-platform media and marketing opportunities across its unmatched portfolio of events, including exclusive multiplatform gameday integrations across NBC Sports Regional Networks, such as NBC Sports Chicago – regional broadcast home to the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox. PointsBet’s full Spanish-language functionality will reach Hispanic sports fans via Telemundo Deportes and Telemundo broadcast stations. 

About PointsBet
PointsBet is one of the fastest growing sportsbooks in the country and is rapidly expanding its U.S. footprint, currently bringing its best-in-class proprietary technology, modernized and premium brand mentality, expert trading practices, and proven growth marketing strategies to the burgeoning sports betting markets of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and New Jersey. Originally founded in Australia, PointsBet is a cutting-edge bookmaker that prides itself on having the quickest and most user-friendly app (iOS and Android) while also providing the best content and experience for sports bettors. PointsBet is the only U.S. online bookmaker to offer PointsBetting – a unique and innovative way to bet – and has also introduced a slew of well-received, bettor-first initiatives, including: Good Karma Payouts, which provides bettors relief in the event of unlikely circumstances that sway the fate of the game, and Early Payouts. PointsBet offers the most markets on all four major U.S. sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) and PointsBetting in the world. For more information, visit www.PointsBet.com.

About Catfish Bend Casino
Catfish Bend Casino entertains casino players from across the Midwest offering over 600 state-of-the-art slot machines, fast-paced table games including Craps, BlackJack, iRoulette, and exciting, engaging promotions. Current casino offers and hotel booking information is available at www.thepzazz.com.

Media Contact
Patrick Eichner
Director of Communications, PointsBet
(908) 723-4341
patrick.eichner@pointsbet.com 

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pointsbet-online-and-mobile-sports-betting-now-widely-available-in-iowa-via-remote-registration-301200388.html

SOURCE PointsBet

2020 Migration Trends: U-Haul Names Top 25 U.S. Growth Cities

PHOENIX, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — North Port, Fla., ranks as the top U-Haul® growth city in America for 2020, according to Company data analyzing U.S. migration trends during one of the more turbulent moving seasons in modern history.

PHOENIX, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — North Port, Fla., ranks as the top U-Haul® growth city in America for 2020, according to Company data analyzing U.S. migration trends during one of the more turbulent moving seasons in modern history.

North Port is the No. 1 growth city as 3 Florida markets top the list of 25 cities where U-Haul customers moved in 2020.

North Port, an up-and-coming district in Sarasota County with easy access to the Gulf Coast and Interstate 75, leads the list of cities that saw many more do-it-yourself movers coming rather than going in 2020 – a year defined by the coronavirus pandemic.

Kissimmee, at the doorstep to world-famous theme parks, retains its No. 2 ranking on the list. Port St. Lucie gives Florida a sweep of the top three growth markets. Alabama’s Auburn–Opelika corridor climbs to No. 4, while the Wisconsin capital of Madison – the leading growth city of 2016 – rounds out the top five.

Thirteen of the top 25 growth cities are in the Southeast, with five in Florida. Tennessee, the top U-Haul growth state of 2020, lands two cities on the list along with Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Texas and Wisconsin.

Despite California’s out-migration numbers that rank it last among growth states, the markets of Sacramento–Roseville and Redding made the growth cities list as popular destinations for movers aiming to stay in-state.

Growth cities are calculated by the net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks entering a city versus leaving that city in a calendar year. Migration trends data is compiled from more than 2 million one-way U-Haul truck customer transactions that occur annually. Neighboring cities in certain markets are packaged together for U-Haul migration purposes.

«People are packing up their U-Haul trucks and heading to North Port because it’s an affordable place to live, and it’s central to Fort Myers and Sarasota,» said Dave Thompson, U-Haul Company of Western Florida president. «I’m not surprised North Port is the new No. 1 U-Haul growth city because the atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s close to the beaches. Everyone wants to live in paradise. The North Port area is expanding. There are new shopping centers and restaurants everywhere you look. The Atlanta Braves baseball team just moved their spring training site to North Port. There’s something for everyone here.»

Arrivals of one-way U-Haul trucks into North Port jumped 40% while departures rose just 13% compared to the city’s 2019 numbers. Arrivals accounted for 62.3% of all one-way U-Haul traffic in the North Port area.

Additional U.S. growth cities with substantial spikes in customer arrivals include Kissimmee (30%), Knoxville (23%), Tyler (21%), Ashville (28%) and Charleston (40%).

«We have an influx of customers moving to Kissimmee because the cost of living is relatively low,» said Miguel Caminos, U-Haul Company of Orlando president. «Year-over-year population and median household income is growing 3% to 5% annually. Keep in mind this is a small city, not really a metro like neighboring Orlando. One of the major draws for most people considering a move here is all the activities and attractions.»

While U-Haul migration trends do not correlate directly to population or economic growth, the Company’s growth data is an effective gauge of how well cities and states are attracting and maintaining residents.

U-Haul is the authority on migration trends thanks to its expansive network that blankets all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The geographical coverage from more than 22,000 U-Haul truck- and trailer-sharing locations provides a comprehensive overview of where people are moving like no one else in the industry. Find local U-Haul stores and neighborhood dealers at uhaul.com/locations.

2020 U-HAUL GROWTH CITIES

1.

North Port, FL

2.

Kissimmee, FL (2)

3.

Port St. Lucie, FL (6)

4.

Auburn-Opelika, AL (12)

5.

Madison, WI

6.

Ocala, FL (3)

7.

Knoxville, TN

8.

Surprise, AZ

9.

St. George, UT (20)

10.

Tyler, TX

11.

Sacramento-Roseville, CA

12.

Johnson City-Kingsport, TN

13.

Milwaukee, WI

14.

Asheville, NC

15.

Huntsville, AL (13)

16.

Redding, CA

17.

Charleston, SC

18.

Athens, GA

19.

Colorado Spring, CO

20.

Edmond, OK

21.

Fort Wayne, IN

22.

Augusta, GA

23.

Melbourne, FL

24.

Conroe, TX

25.

Fort Collins, CO

* Previous year’s rankings in parentheses, if applicable.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of 22,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers’ patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 176,000 trucks, 127,000 trailers and 41,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 774,000 rentable storage units and 66.7 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry, and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

Contact:

Jeff Lockridge
Sebastien Reyes
E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com 
Phone: 602-760-4941
Website: uhaul.com

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2020-migration-trends-u-haul-names-top-25-us-growth-cities-301200364.html

SOURCE U-Haul

2020 Migration Trends: People are Moving Again, Exiting New York City and the SF Bay Area

PHOENIX, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with more do-it-yourself movers leaving densely populated U.S. areas, specifically New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area, according to a U-Haul® special report analyzing migration trends from 2020.

<a…

PHOENIX, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with more do-it-yourself movers leaving densely populated U.S. areas, specifically New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area, according to a U-Haul® special report analyzing migration trends from 2020.

The SF Bay Area and New York City were among the most prevalent out-migration U.S. markets in 2020, according to U-Haul.

U-Haul transaction data also reveals Americans are moving again in growing numbers, and have been since May.

In addition to its annual growth states and growth cities rankings and reports, U-Haul considered the potential influence the virus had on self-movers, and looked at regions where overwhelming demand for one-way U-Haul trucks mirrored consistent out-migration.

«While some people were hesitant to move during shelter-in-place mandates, those who moved were doing so out of necessity,» U-Haul President John «J.T.» Taylor said. «We have been open and available to help all along as an essential service provider. As 2020 went along, we saw that more and more individuals and families recognized they can move safely.»

From the time that President Trump declared the pandemic a National Emergency in March, the 30 most populated U.S. cities (based on 2019 Census estimates) all witnessed more U-Haul trucks departing than arriving over the next three months. This indicated customers who were able to move, on the whole, were looking to escape urban cores for less-crowded destinations.

The Bay Area and New York City were among the most prevalent out-migration markets in U.S. during this three-month period – and throughout 2020.

San Francisco was a slight growth city in 2019, with more U-Haul trucks entering the city than leaving it. But in 2020, San Francisco was the epicenter of the Bay Area’s exodus. Departures accounted for 58% of all one-way U-Haul traffic from March through June. Limited fleet inventory prevented the numbers from being more lopsided in favor of departures. The ratios in San Jose and Oakland were similar.

For the entire Bay Area, arrivals from March-December 2020 dropped 31% year-over-year, while departures tapered by just 12% from their 2019 pace to create the disparity of more trucks going out than coming in.

Like San Francisco, New York City welcomed more self-movers than it bid farewell in 2019. That migration trend reversed in 2020. Severe stagnation occurred during the shutdown. From March to June, arrivals to the five boroughs plummeted 58% year-over-year, while departures were curbed only by limited fleet inventory as trucks left the city.

From March-December 2020, U-Haul arrivals to New York City were down 35% year-over-year.

LEAVING NEW YORK CITY

Top destination cities for U-Haul customers leaving New York City during the pandemic include Bridgeport, Poughkeepsie and New Haven. Outside the Northeast, the top destination is Chicago in the Midwest and Atlanta in the South.

The top 10 states DIY movers from New York City are migrating to are: New York (outside NYC); New Jersey; Pennsylvania; Connecticut; Massachusetts; Virginia; Maryland; Florida; Rhode Island; and North Carolina.

LEAVING THE BAY AREA

Top destination cities for U-Haul customers leaving the Bay Area during the pandemic include the Sacramento/Roseville corridor, San Diego and Stockton. Outside of California, the top destinations are Reno, Las Vegas, Portland, Phoenix and Seattle.

The top 10 states DIY movers from the Bay Area customers are migrating to are: California (outside the Bay Area); Nevada; Arizona; Oregon; Washington; Colorado; Texas; Utah; Idaho; and New Mexico.

PEOPLE ARE MOVING AGAIN

Self-moves sputtered in April when shutdowns across the country generated uncertainty. But starting in May, one-way U-Haul truck rentals began to rise with each passing month. May is traditionally the start of the summer moving season, with nearly half of all household moves occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

2020 REBOUND: SELF-MOVES SURGE AFTER U.S. SHUTDOWN

MONTH

One-Way U-Haul Truck Rentals in 2020
Compared to the Previous Month

March

+5%

April

-21%

May

+72%

June

+13%

July

+15%

August

+1%

Taylor noted that contactless business options like U-Haul Truck Share 24/7® with built-in social distancing protocols, and enhanced equipment sanitation, reassure customers about using U-Haul. There is also the added appeal to a self-move during the pandemic, minimizing exposure from others during the process of relocating one’s family and belongings.

SIGNIFICANT SAMPLE SIZE

Migration trends data is compiled from more than 2 million one-way U-Haul truck-sharing transactions that occur annually. U-Haul is the authority on migration trends thanks to its expansive network that blankets all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces, offering a comprehensive overview of where people are moving like no one else in the industry.

U-Haul, headquartered in Phoenix and celebrating 75 years in business, releases its growth cities and growth states rankings and reports each January to recap the past year. Find those releases and more at myuhaulstory.com.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of 22,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers’ patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 176,000 trucks, 127,000 trailers and 41,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 774,000 rentable storage units and 66.7 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry, and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

Contact:

Jeff Lockridge
Sebastien Reyes
E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com
Phone: 602-760-4941
Website: uhaul.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2020-migration-trends-people-are-moving-again-exiting-new-york-city-and-the-sf-bay-area-301200369.html

SOURCE U-Haul