Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs Announces 2021 Impact Initiatives

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Carnegie Council is pleased to announce its 2021 Impact Initiatives. These initiatives identify pressing ethical issues, convene leading experts, and produce agenda-setting resources to educate and activate communities globally.

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NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Carnegie Council is pleased to announce its 2021 Impact Initiatives. These initiatives identify pressing ethical issues, convene leading experts, and produce agenda-setting resources to educate and activate communities globally.

The Impact Initiatives will drive forward actionable real-world solutions in the areas of climate change, migration, artificial intelligence, and foreign policy. Each Impact Initiative is spearheaded by leading experts from academia, government, business, and civil society, who have joined Carnegie Council in the role of Senior Fellow.

«Each day, the world is becoming more connected, and yet, our political and social life continues to fracture. At Carnegie Council, we believe that ethics is at the heart of our greatest global challenges and that by working to empower ethics, we can discover common values and interests that lead to a better future. Our Impact Initiatives seek to achieve just this by creating groundbreaking models of engagement that produce ethics-focused thought leadership and build new active audiences around the globe.» – Joel Rosenthal, President, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs

Carnegie Council 2021 Impact Initiatives and Senior Fellows:

Carnegie Artificial Intelligence & Equality Initiative (AIEI) 
AIEI seeks to understand the innumerable ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) impacts equality, and in response, propose potential mechanisms to ensure the benefits of AI for all people. The initiative is particularly focused on the impact of AI on vulnerable communities so that AI can be developed and deployed in a just, responsible, and inclusive manner. AIEI is led by Wendell Wallach, Carnegie-Uehiro Fellow and scholar at Yale University’s Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, and Anja Kaspersen, Carnegie Council Senior Fellow and former director of the United Nations for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva. As part of the initiative, Wallach and Kaspersen have assembled an AIEI Advisory Board comprised of leaders from the academic, tech, non-profit, and public policy sectors.

Carnegie Climate Governance Initiative (C2G) 
The Carnegie Climate Governance Initiative (C2G) seeks to catalyze the creation of effective governance for climate-altering approaches, in particular for solar radiation modification (SRM) and large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR). In 2018, the IPCC reaffirmed that large-scale CDR is required in all pathways to limit global warming to 1.5°C with limited or no overshoot. Some scientists say SRM may also be needed to avoid that overshoot. C2G is impartial regarding the potential use of specific approaches, but not on the need for their governance – which includes multiple, diverse processes of learning, discussion, and decision-making, involving all sectors of society. It is not C2G’s role to influence the outcome of these processes, but to raise awareness of the critical governance questions that underpin CDR and SRM. C2G’s mission will have been achieved once their governance is taken on board by governments and intergovernmental bodies, including awareness raising, knowledge generation, and facilitating collaboration. C2G is led by Carnegie Council Senior Fellow Janos Pasztor.

Model International Mobility Convention (MIMC) 
The primary goal of the MIMC is to formulate new rules for migration and asylum that can benefit both migrants and refugees as well as their states of origin, transit, and destination. While people are as mobile as ever in our globalized world, the movement of people across borders lacks effective global regulation, which leaves many refugees in protracted displacement and many migrants unprotected in irregular and dire situations. MIMC is working to establish a new normative and legal agenda on international mobility that further entrenches the rights of mobile people and addresses the gaps in current international legal regimes. MIMC is led by Michael Doyle, Carnegie Council Senior Fellow and a University Professor of Columbia University in international affairs, law, and political science. Doyle is joined by an MIMC Leadership Network, an advisory board comprised of academic and policy experts in the fields on migration, human rights, national security, and refugee law and leaders from the public sector and civil society.

U.S. Global Engagement (USGE) 
USGE seeks to generate wider discussions on U.S. foreign policy in order to move ethical considerations to the center of policymakers’ thinking and to connect global affairs to the daily lives of Americans. For the last five years, post-Cold War bipartisan consensus in U.S. foreign policy – that the sustained deployment of U.S. power around the world is indispensable for maintaining the international system – has been called into question. Today, there are a series of competing narratives providing very different rationales for the degree and scope of U.S. engagement – each resting on a different understanding of what constitutes ethics in international affairs. USGE is led by Nikolas Gvosdev, Carnegie Council Senior Fellow and professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College and Tatiana Serafin, Carnegie Council Senior Fellow and journalism professor at Marymount Manhattan College. As part of the initiative, USGE recently launched The Doorstep, a new international news podcast that invites listeners to recognize that all global news is local in a borderless internet.

Building upon the above projects, Carnegie Council is also continuously exploring potential new Impact Initiatives for 2021 and beyond. Currently, Carnegie Council Senior Fellow Arthur Holland Michel is working to develop an Impact Initiative examining AI ethics in relation to international security. Further details on this initiative, as well as other projects, will be announced in 2021. To stay up to date on the Impact Initiatives and all things Carnegie Council, please visit www.carnegiecouncil.org.

About Carnegie Council:
Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs is an independent, research-driven nonprofit that generates ethical solutions to global problems. Founded before the outbreak of World War I, we convene conversations, produce materials in a range of media, and share resources for education, impact, and awareness. We are the world’s catalyst for ethical action. For more information, please visit carnegiecouncil.org and engage with us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter: @CarnegieCouncil, and Instagram: @Carnegie_Council.

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SOURCE Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Community Health Centers Team Up to Address Barriers to COVID Vaccine Access

BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts («Blue Cross»)…

BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts («Blue Cross») today announced a new effort with the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers («the League») to help provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross will contribute $1 million to fund free rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination sites across the state to support community health centers, underserved communities, and vulnerable populations. The new initiative was announced during a press conference today with Governor Charlie Baker at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center.

«The goal now is to get people vaccinated, and access to those appointments is critical,» said Andrew Dreyfus, Blue Cross’ president and CEO. «We know lack of access to transportation is a significant barrier in communities hard hit by COVID-19. The Community Health Centers’ deep experience will help connect more of our neighbors with vaccines that can save lives and help end the pandemic.»

Blue Cross’ contribution will support tens of thousands of free rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination sites. The goal is to launch the program in the next few weeks in coordination with the League, which will assist in identifying participating community health centers.

«I’ve always said those closest to the disease need to be closest to the vaccine. Members of the communities we serve have disproportionately contracted, suffered, and died from this terrible virus,» said Michael Curry, president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and a member of the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group. «We are proud to partner with Blue Cross to help bring our patients better access to these life-saving vaccines.»

«Since the pandemic started, we have been on the frontlines, providing COVID-19 testing and treatment throughout the local community,» said Manny Lopes, president and CEO of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. «Now, we are on the frontlines of the vaccination effort too. We welcome this new initiative, which will make it easier for our most vulnerable patients to get the vaccinations they desperately need.»

Blue Cross and the League will work together toward their mutual goal of addressing disparities in access to COVID-19 vaccinations in underserved communities throughout Massachusetts. The organizations are looking at a variety of options which may include grants to community health centers, partnering with a ride share program, and other potential transportation solutions.

Today’s contribution comes on top of the $11 million Blue Cross and its Foundation has invested in the community during the COVID-19 crisis.

For more information on how Blue Cross is supporting its members during the COVID-19 public health emergency, visit the company’s Coronavirus Resource Center.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation’s best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.BlueLinks for Employers

About the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (the League) is a 501 (c)(3) membership organization supporting and representing the Commonwealths 52 community health centers, which offer primary and preventive care to more than one million residents. The League serves as an information resource on community-based primary care to policymakers, opinion leaders, and the media. It provides a wide range of technical assistance to its health center members, including advocacy on health policy issues, support for workforce development, clinical care and technology initiatives, and guidance to state leaders and community-based organizations seeking to open health centers.   

About the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) has been a vital part of the community for 50 years, providing easily accessible, high-quality health care to all who live and work in East Boston and the surrounding communities of Chelsea, Revere, Everett, Winthrop, and, most recently, the South End. EBNHC is the largest community health center in Massachusetts and one of the largest in the nation, now serving nearly 120,000 patients and employing more than 1,300 staff members. We’re proud to be a 2020 Forbes Best-in-State Employer and a six-time awardee of the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/177637/blue_cross_blue_shield_of_massachusetts_logo.jpg  

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

SavATree Further Expands Presence in Michigan Through Acquisition of Big Twigs Arboricultural Services

BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SavATree, the industry leader in professional tree, shrub and lawn care has announced the acquisition of Big Twigs Arboricultural Services of Orion, Michigan. This will become SavATree’s second office in Michigan and 51st branch office.

Big Twigs has been providing a loyal customer base in the Metro Detroit tri-county area with general tree care and plant health care…

BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SavATree, the industry leader in professional tree, shrub and lawn care has announced the acquisition of Big Twigs Arboricultural Services of Orion, Michigan. This will become SavATree’s second office in Michigan and 51st branch office.

Big Twigs has been providing a loyal customer base in the Metro Detroit tri-county area with general tree care and plant health care services. In addition to the current service offerings, clients will now have access to a wider range of services including professional lawn care, tick and mosquito treatments, deer deterrents, organic options and consulting services.

«We’re thrilled to join forces with Big Twigs, a reputable company known for outstanding service,» said SavATree CEO Carmine Schiavone. «Building density in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties will provide clients with an enhanced portfolio of services as we continue to uphold an environmentally responsible approach.»

Big Twigs’ owner Jon Knowlden noted, «SavATree shares our same philosophy and commitment to high-quality standards, making this a great fit. I am confident that we will continue to provide our customers with top quality services.»

About SavATree
SavATree provides environmentally sensible tree, shrub and lawn care to residential and commercial properties throughout the country. Property programs feature organic and hybrid plant health care, lawn care and general tree care—all highly customized to meet the needs of each landscape and steward.                

Learn more at http://www.savatree.com

Media Contact

Eleni Mitchell, SavATree, (914) 244-1700, emitchell@savatree.com

Twitter

 

SOURCE SavATree

Covanta Fairfax Recognized as Best Large Business of The Year

LORTON, Va., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Covanta Fairfax, the owner and operator of the waste-to-energy facility in Lorton, Virginia, recently received the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce’s Best Large Business of The Year Award. The award is presented annually to one local business that has gone above and beyond in its business practices and embodies the values of the Chamber.

For over 30 years, Covanta Fairfax has…

LORTON, Va., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Covanta Fairfax, the owner and operator of the waste-to-energy facility in Lorton, Virginia, recently received the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce’s Best Large Business of The Year Award. The award is presented annually to one local business that has gone above and beyond in its business practices and embodies the values of the Chamber.

For over 30 years, Covanta Fairfax has served the more than 900,000 residents and businesses in Fairfax County, VA with reliable and sustainable waste management.  Using waste-to-energy technology, the facility takes non-hazardous waste – otherwise destined for landfill – and combusts it, generating steam for electricity production. Ash is processed to recover metal for recycling while all gases are collected, filtered and cleaned to minimize environmental impact. 

«Covanta is honored to receive this recognition from the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce,» said Don Cammarata, Area Asset Manager at Covanta. «Supporting our neighbors and local communities, especially during these uncertain times, is what community outreach is all about and gives meaning to our tagline, Protecting Tomorrow.»

Covanta Fairfax supports several important community organizations and causes, including the Lorton Community Action Center,  scholarships to local students, educational events and tours, safe drug disposal in partnership with the State of Virginia and the honorable retirement of old US Flags along with local veteran groups and Boy Scout troops.

«Apart from fighting climate change by processing more than one million tons of waste every year—and avoiding just as much landfill dumping and greenhouse gas pollution—Covanta Fairfax has been an active community member and strong supporter of local organizations,» stated Mark Murray, Chairman of the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce. «For your efforts in these areas and more, we thank Covanta Fairfax for all that it has done to support our residents.»

In 2020, Covanta Fairfax completed major facility improvement projects, furthering its commitment to minimizing environmental impacts. This included the successful completion of a multiyear project to replace its four fabric filter baghouses, which remove 99.5 percent of particulate matter, and the installation of Low Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) systems on two of the facility’s four combustion units. This proprietary technology developed by Covanta enables existing waste-to-energy facilities to further reduce NOx emissions, equal to the removal of roughly 50,000 passenger cars from the road – a significant achievement for both the local environment and regional air quality. When this system is installed on all four units, the facility’s NOx emission levels will be less than 5% of the region’s total inventory.

By keeping waste out of landfills, Covanta Fairfax reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 1,220,000 tons of carbon dioxide, similar in impact to taking 236,000 passenger vehicles off the road for one year. The facility produces 80 megawatts of electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; enough to power 62,000 homes for a year.

About Covanta

Covanta is a world leader in providing sustainable waste and energy solutions. Annually, Covanta’s modern Waste-to-Energy facilities safely convert approximately 21 million tons of waste from municipalities and businesses into clean, renewable electricity to power one million homes and recycle over 500,000 tons of metal. Through a vast network of treatment and recycling facilities, Covanta also provides comprehensive industrial material management services to companies seeking solutions to some of today’s most complex environmental challenges. For more information, visit www.covanta.com.

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SOURCE Covanta Holding Corporation

Fla.’s Housing Market Wraps Up 2020 with Strong Gains Despite COVID-19

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic challenges, Florida’s housing market wrapped up 2020 with more sales, higher median sale prices and more pending inventory compared to the year before, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

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ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic challenges, Florida’s housing market wrapped up 2020 with more sales, higher median sale prices and more pending inventory compared to the year before, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

«For much of 2020, our homes became the hub for our daily lives, with people working remotely, children taking classes online, and many restaurants and entertainment options on lockdown due to the pandemic,» said 2021 Florida Realtors President Cheryl Lambert, broker-owner with Only Way Realty Citrus in Inverness. «It’s a testament to Florida’s resilient housing market and ongoing buyer demand that home sales at the end of the year topped 2019’s totals. And with mortgage rates still historically low, buyer interest remains high into 2021 – but record low for-sale inventory levels continue to put upward pressure on prices and availability.»

4Q 2020
Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 86,543 in the fourth quarter of 2020, up 23.6% compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors research department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

«Sales of Florida homes in the fourth quarter were very strong compared to a year ago,» said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor. «Meanwhile, there’s a constrained supply of inventory (active listings), which we’ve been seeing for some time. That shortage, coupled with the very low mortgage rates that are helping to drive buyer demand, keep pushing home values upward.»

The statewide median sales price for existing single-family homes for 4Q 2020 was $306,000, up 14.6% from 4Q 2019. New pending sales for existing single-family homes for the quarter rose 22.2% compared to a year ago, while new listings were up 3.5% from 4Q 2019.

Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of condo-townhouses, a total of 35,865 units sold statewide in 4Q 2020, up 29.4% compared to the same period a year earlier. The statewide median price for condo-townhouse properties for the quarter was $226,000, up 15% over the previous year. New pending sales for condo-townhouses for 4Q 2020 increased 30.9% compared to a year ago, while new listings were up 5.9% from the same quarter the previous year.

Year End 2020
Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 310,378 at the end of 2020, up 5.8% compared to the 2019 figure, according to Florida Realtors data.

Chief Economist O’Connor noted that by the end of the year, the drop-off in Florida’s housing market from February into early May – due to COVID-19 – had not only leveled out, but sales outpaced the previous year in both the single-family homes and condo-townhouse categories.

«We’ve seen a substantial increase in the dollar volume of sales in 2020, due to increasing sales, rising prices and a greater share of our sales being among the luxury tiers this year (2020) vs. 2019,» he said. «For all residential property types, we were up 20.3% to over $160 billion (total of $162.3 billion) in dollar volume in sales of existing homes in 2020. Florida totaled $124.6 billion in volume in single-family home sales in 2020, up 22.5% from 2019, while condo-townhouse sales reached $36.2 billion in volume, up 13.7% from the previous year.»

Looking to 2021, O’Connor said he expects the trends from the end of 2020 to continue.

«I think we will continue to have robust sales growth,» he said. «As we get closer to vaccination really making a dent in the threat from COVID-19, we might see more people starting to consider upgrading or changing to a different home to take advantage of interest rates while they remain in the low to mid-3% range – which is what most forecasters currently predict.»

The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes at year’s end was $290,000, up 9.6% from the previous year. New pending sales for existing single-family homes rose 9.2% at the end of 2020 compared to the previous year, though new listings for single-family homes dropped (-2.8%) from a year ago.

Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of condo-townhouses, a total of 119,336 units sold statewide in 2020, up 2.5% over 2019. The statewide median price for condo-townhouse properties at the end of the year was $215,000, up 12% from year-end 2019. New pending sales for condo-townhouse units for the end of 2020 increased 6.2% compared to a year ago, while new listings for condo-townhouses rose 1.1% from year-end 2019.

At the end of 2020 and also for 4Q 2020, inventory (active listings) for single-family homes stood at a 1.8-months’ supply, while inventory for condo-townhouse properties was at a 4.2-months’ supply, according to Florida Realtors.

The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.11% for 2020, down significantly from the previous year’s average of 3.94%, according to Freddie Mac.

To see the full statewide housing activity reports, go to Florida Realtors Media Center at http://media.floridarealtors.org/ and look under Latest Releases, or download the 4Q 2020 and Year End 2020 data report PDFs under Market Data at: http://media.floridarealtors.org/market-data

Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to about 200,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.

 

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SOURCE Florida Realtors

Welcome to EVOLVE: The Energy Innovation Conference

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Enverus, the leading energy SaaS company, is inviting members of the media to EVOLVE, a virtual conference focused on the evolution of the energy industry and what to expect in 2021. During the Feb. 16-18 EVOLVE sessions, attendees will hear…

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Enverus, the leading energy SaaS company, is inviting members of the media to EVOLVE, a virtual conference focused on the evolution of the energy industry and what to expect in 2021. During the Feb. 16-18 EVOLVE sessions, attendees will hear Enverus’ analysts discuss their outlook on the oil and gas industry, the energy mix and investability, and a conversation around the acceleration of critical, industry-shifting topics like ESG to prepare for the future of energy.

«The energy industry is always in a state of transition and COVID-19 has only accelerated its evolution,» said Manuj Nikhanj, president of Enverus. «Let’s put the politics and rhetoric behind us and discuss how technology and innovation are at the forefront of more environmentally responsible energy extraction. This gathering of who’s who in energy is about empowering innovation in all forms and hearing from experts who have authority on these issues and can demonstrate what our future could look like.»

Keynote speeches from world-class energy innovators, customer panels, networking opportunities, and insights from multiple Enverus’ subject matter experts will be featured, including:

  • Jessica O. Matthews, renowned innovator, will share her entrepreneurial dream — an energy-powered soccer ball — that launched into a global power and data infrastructure company. Matthews will cover the trends that she believes will drive the industry into the next decade, and how energy companies can think about the balance of sources and technology to create a winning playbook.
  • Peter Zeihan, geopolitical analyst and strategist, will explore why the world’s largest industry has a complex future tangled in everything from geopolitics to trade to where you live on the globe. It isn’t without risk, but the reward and opportunities could herald the greatest expansion in American power and security in the history of the republic.
  • Mark Mills, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, will examine the topic of peak demand in light of the energy implications arising from the top ten emerging disruptive technologies, from virtual reality and robotics to self-driving cars and drones. Mills will also explore the critical materials supply, recycling and waste constraints associated new energy technologies as they exist today.

The virtual environment has allowed Enverus to expand the invitation to a broader group in the energy industry, as well as media. There is no cost to register or attend this event.

REGISTER NOW

About Enverus
Enverus is the leading energy SaaS company delivering highly-technical insights and predictive/prescriptive analytics that empower customers to make decisions that increase profit. Enverus’ innovative technologies drive production and investment strategies, enable best practices for energy and commodity trading and risk management, and reduce costs through automated processes across critical business functions. Enverus is a strategic partner to more than 6,000 customers in 50 countries. Enverus is a portfolio company of Genstar Capital. Learn more at Enverus.com.

 

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SOURCE Enverus

Corporate CUSIP Request Volume Gets off to Slow Start in 2021

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — CUSIP Global Services (CGS) today announced the release of its CUSIP Issuance Trends Report for January 2021. The report, which tracks the issuance of new security identifiers as an early indicator of debt and capital markets…

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — CUSIP Global Services (CGS) today announced the release of its CUSIP Issuance Trends Report for January 2021. The report, which tracks the issuance of new security identifiers as an early indicator of debt and capital markets activity over the next quarter, found a monthly decrease in request volume for new corporate and municipal identifiers. On a year-over-year basis, total CUSIP request volume for corporate securities declined, while municipal volumes were roughly flat with 2020 levels.

CUSIP identifier requests for the broad category of U.S. and Canadian corporate equity and debt totaled 2,322 in January, down 44.4% from last month. On a year-over-year basis, corporate CUSIP requests were down 41.5%. The decrease in January volumes was driven largely by U.S. corporate equity requests, which decreased 20.9% and corporate debt identifier requests, which decreased 14.3%, versus the previous month.

Monthly municipal volume also decreased in January. The aggregate total of all municipal securities – including municipal bonds, long-term and short-term notes, and commercial paper – fell 22.4% versus December totals. On an annualized basis, municipal CUSIP identifier request volumes were up 0.6% through January. On a state-by-state basis, issuers in Texas requested 93 new municipal identifiers in January, followed by California with 71 and New York with 70.

«Overall CUSIP request volumes tend to be muted in January, but the marked declines we’re seeing in domestic corporate debt and equity identifier request volume is significant beyond the seasonal trend,» said Gerard Faulkner, Director of Operations for CGS. «With so much uncertainty persisting in the broad economy, it appears that corporate issuers are approaching 2021 with caution.»

Requests for international equity and debt CUSIPs were mixed in January. International equity CUSIP requests were down 3.7% versus December. International debt CUSIPs increased by 12.8% on a monthly basis. Syndicated loan requests were down 31.1% on a monthly basis and 8.1% year over year.

To view the full CUSIP Issuance Trends report for January, click here.

Following is a breakdown of new CUSIP Identifier requests by asset class year-to-date through January 2021:

 

Asset Class

 

2021 YTD

2020 YTD

YOY Change

 

International Equity

 

260

69

276.8%

 

Long-Term Municipal
Notes

 

26

11

136.4%

 

Canada Corporate
Debt & Equity

 

436

254

71.7%

 

U.S. Corporate
Equity

 

 

952

 

738

 

29.0%


Private Placement
Securities

 

256

219

16.9%


Municipal
Bonds

 

791

765

3.4%

 

International Debt

 

 

308

 

309

 

-0.3%

 

Syndicated Loans

 

 

193

 

210

 

-8.1%

 

Short-Term Municipal
Notes

 

56

83

-32.5%

 

U.S. Corporate Debt

 

641

1124

-43.0%


CDs > 1-year Maturity

 

150

382

-60.7%


CDs < 1-year Maturity

 

51

462

-89.0%

About CUSIP Global Services
The financial services industry relies on CGS’ unrivaled experience in uniquely identifying instruments and entities to support efficient global capital markets. Its extensive focus on standardization over the past 50 years has helped CGS earn its reputation as a trusted originator of quality identifiers and descriptive data, ensuring that essential front- and back-office functions run smoothly. Relied upon worldwide as the industry standard provider of reliable, timely reference data, CGS is also a founding member and co-operates the Association of National Numbering Agencies (ANNA) Service Bureau, a global security and entity identifier database for over 34 million public and privately traded instruments, contributed by 91 national numbering agencies and 25 partner agencies representing 120 different countries. CGS is managed on behalf of the American Bankers Association (ABA) by S&P Global Market Intelligence, with a Board of Trustees that represents the voices of leading financial institutions. For more information, visit www.cusip.com.

About The American Bankers Association
The American Bankers Association represents banks of all sizes and charters and is the voice for the nation’s $13 trillion banking industry and its 2 million employees.  Learn more at www.aba.com.

For More Information:

Farhan Husain
farhan.husain@spglobal.com   
212-438-3271

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SOURCE CUSIP Global Services

2021 Rebates and Homeowner Credits can Cut 26% from Solar Installation Cost– Modernize.com

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Modernize.com, a leader in the home improvement and home services industry, summarizes the incentives, rebates, and financial benefits associated with installing solar panels on residential homes in 2021.

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FOSTER CITY, Calif., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Modernize.com, a leader in the home improvement and home services industry, summarizes the incentives, rebates, and financial benefits associated with installing solar panels on residential homes in 2021.

The complete homeowner resource is available: Solar incentives: Why 2021 is the best year for government rebates, credits, and exemptions.

A couple of this year’s advantages include:

  • 26% solar installation cost credit for systems placed in service after Dec. 31, 2019 and before Jan. 1, 2023
  • 22% installation credit for solar systems placed in service after Dec. 31, 2022 and before Jan. 1, 2024
  • State-specific rebates, property tax exclusions and other benefits

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), lists 28 federal money-saving programs for solar projects.

«Consumers may seek to take advantage of solar installation tax incentives as they prepare their 2020 tax returns,» advises Gregg Hicks, vice president of Modernize.com. «For those installing solar panels in 2021, expected rebates should be factored in when considering solar installation costs in order to determine the true cost.»

Modernize highlights state-specific solar and renewable energy financial incentives to make consumers aware of programs that may be available to them. Examples include:

  • Arizona. Homeowners can get a 25% tax credit, up to $1,000 for installing solar panels
  • California. Solar energy system property tax exclusion freezes property taxes until the end of 2024

Hicks is available to answer questions about federal and state solar incentives and can offer advice on finding a knowledgeable contractor for solar installation projects.

About Modernize.com
For more than 15 years, Modernize has been a leader in the home improvement and services industry, connecting homeowners with contractors and other home services professionals. Modernize operates in more than 15 high-value, high-consideration home segments, including new and replacement windows, solar installation, roofing, heating and air conditioning, siding, bathrooms and kitchens, new and replacement gutters, home security, and others. The business brings a network of more than 1,000 contractors and professionals across all segments, offering broad geographical coverage and choice for homeowners.

Modernize is owned and operated by QuinStreet, Inc. (Nasdaq: QNST), a leader in providing performance marketplace technologies and services to the financial services and home services industries. QuinStreet is a pioneer in delivering online marketplace solutions to match searchers with brands in digital media. The company is committed to providing consumers with the information and tools they need to research, find and select the products and brands that meet their needs. Modernize is a member of QuinStreet’s expert research and publishing division.

Media Contact:
Jacqueline Leppla
Senior Director of Public Relations
QuinStreet, Inc.
Direct +1 775 321 3608
Email jleppla@quinstreet.com
LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Modernize
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernizehome

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SOURCE Modernize.com

NCGA Announces Winners of the Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In 2020 we went from one unprecedented event to another. A challenging year for so many, yet photographers continued to share essential farmers’ stories of perseverance through the seventh National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest.

Also unprecedented was the number of social shares, breaking records overall for NCGA’s photo contest. NCGA awarded two Grand Prizes. A grand prize was awarded for the single most popular…

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In 2020 we went from one unprecedented event to another. A challenging year for so many, yet photographers continued to share essential farmers’ stories of perseverance through the seventh National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest.

Also unprecedented was the number of social shares, breaking records overall for NCGA’s photo contest. NCGA awarded two Grand Prizes. A grand prize was awarded for the single most popular photo, taken by Amanda Bush of Ohio, «Cotton Candy Harvest,» which gained more than 1700 likes on Facebook. Also, one selected by a panel of judges, submitted by McCullum Steen from Illinois with the photo titled «Harvest 2020.»

«Grit and grace characterize the photos of the year,» said NCGA Graphic Communications Manager Beth Musgrove. «The Facebook engagement this year is telling that people are appreciative of the beauty of rural America in their daily feed.»

«We continue to look at different ways to improve the contest by adding new categories. Livestock and Farm Pet categories highlighted more life on the farm.» Musgrove added.

In total, 26 prizes were awarded across seven categories ranging from farming challenges to growing field corn to the farm family lifestyle. Winners are determined through a combination of Facebook likes and consideration of a panel of judges.

Images submitted to the contest are valuable assets for NCGA in publications, social media channels and the website. The contest will re-open in spring 2021.

To view the winning photos, click here.

About the National Corn Growers Association
Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state associations and checkoff organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for their members and their industry.

Media Contact

Liz Friedlander, National Corn Growers Association, 202-997-8427, friedlander@ncga.com

Twitter, Facebook

 

SOURCE National Corn Growers Association

ECHO se convierte en socio exclusivo de la Red Latina de Paisajismo de la NALP

FAIRFAX, Virginia, 11 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — La <a target="_blank"…

FAIRFAX, Virginia, 11 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — La Asociación Nacional de Profesionales del Paisajismo (NALP, por su siglas en inglés) se complace en anunciar que ECHO Incorporated se ha convertido en socio exclusivo de la Red Latina de Paisajismo (LLN, por su siglas en inglés).

La Red Latina de Paisajismo (National Latino Landscape Network) de la Asociación Nacional de Profesionales del Paisajismo (NALP) cuenta ahora con el respaldo de Echo

La Red Latina de Paisajismo (anteriormente la Alianza Nacional Hispana del Paisaje, NHLA) conecta y empodera a la comunidad de 500,000 profesionales latinos del paisajismo en los Estados Unidos.

La red, con el respaldo de ECHO, brinda apoyo a los profesionales latinos del paisajismo al trabajar con la NALP para desarrollar materiales y recursos de capacitación, así como para proporcionar oportunidades para establecer redes de contacto y recibir asesorías que contribuyan al progreso de las empresas y los trabajadores latinos.

«Es un honor asociarnos con la NALP en esta importante iniciativa. La industria del paisajismo profesional se compone de una población enorme de latinos, desde dueños hasta profesionales que se desempeñan en todos los segmentos de la industria. Nos entusiasma ofrecer nuestra experiencia para ayudar al aprendizaje y a potenciar las destrezas y los negocios de esta importante comunidad de paisajismo», señaló Wayne Thomsen, vicepresidente de Marketing y Gestión de productos de ECHO Inc.

La NALP también aboga por la industria y amplifica la voz de los paisajistas latinos por medio de legisladores a nivel local, estatal y federal.

«Los profesionales latinos del paisajismo son fundamentales para el éxito de nuestra industria», afirmó Britt Wood, director ejecutivo de la NALP. «Felicitamos a ECHO por su compromiso con la comunidad latina del paisajismo, y esperamos con ansias trabajar juntos para proporcionar nuevos recursos que ayuden a las personas a avanzar en sus carreras y hacer crecer sus negocios».

La red está abierta a todos los profesionales latinos del paisajismo. Visite www.landscapeprofessionals.org/Latinolandscapenetwork para obtener más información. Comuníquese con miembros de la red en el grupo de Facebook, o inicie sesión para recibir noticias y actualizaciones.

Acerca de ECHO
ECHO Incorporated es un fabricante líder de equipos portátiles para exteriores de calidad profesional y alto rendimiento para uso comercial y doméstico.  La empresa, con sede en Lake Zurich, IL, comercializa sus productos bajo las marcas ECHO y Shindaiwa. Para obtener más información, visite http://www.ECHO-USA.com.

Acerca de NALP
La Asociación Nacional de Profesionales del Paisajismo representa una industria de aproximadamente 1 millón de profesionales del paisajismo, cuidado de céspedes y árboles, y riego. Por medio de campañas nacionales de promoción, la asociación está haciendo que la industria y su fuerza laboral crezcan. La NALP ofrece a sus miembros desarrollo profesional por medio de educación, redes de contactos profesionales y programas de capacitación, certificación y acreditación. Para obtener más información acerca de la NALP, visite landscapeprofessionals.org o visite landscapeindustrycareers.org para informarse acerca de oportunidades de empleo en esta industria.

Fotografía: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1424864/National_Association_Of_Landscape_Professionals_Echo_Logo.jpg

FUENTE National Association of Landscape Professionals