
Nitrile Gloves Market to Grow by USD 3.54 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by Hygiene and Safety Concerns in Healthcare, AI Driving Market Transformation - Technavio
FARGO, N.D., Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NI Holdings, Inc. (the "Company”, NASDAQ: NODK) announced today the appointment of Seth C. Daggett as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective December 1, 2024. Mr. Daggett brings over two decades of industry experience, most recently serving as the Company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer. Mr. Daggett succeeds Cindy L. Launer, who had been serving as Interim CEO during the Board of Directors' (the "Board”) search for a permanent CEO, as previously announced. "It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to lead this outstanding organization,” Mr. Daggett said. "I look forward to continue working alongside our talented team of employees and agents who are committed every day to serving our customers and local communities,” said Mr. Daggett. "I'm confident that we will build upon our strong and longstanding foundation in North Dakota to create lasting value for our shareholders and a new chapter of sustained growth and success. I look forward to working closely with the Board and the Company's leadership team to help build off this foundation and lead the organization toward a successful future.” Eric K. Aamundstad, Chairman of the Board, commented, "On behalf of the Board, I'd like to thank Cindy for her service as Interim CEO. Her experience was invaluable in helping lead the company through this transition period. We are fortunate to have a proven leader in Seth, who has earned the respect of the Board, our employees, and agents for his judgment, strong leadership, extensive industry experience, and demonstrated ability to build and develop successful teams. He has deep ties not only to the Company, but also the North Dakota community, and we are confident in his ability to lead the Company forward.” Ms. Launer will return to her role as an independent non-executive director on the NI Holdings Board effective December 1, 2024. With Mr. Daggett's appointment as CEO, Matt Maki, Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis, will assume the role of Interim CFO, effective December 1, 2024. The Company will immediately begin a search for a permanent CFO, with no definitive timeline. About Seth Daggett Seth Daggett most recently served as the Company's Executive Vice President, Treasurer and CFO. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Daggett was CFO and Treasurer of RAM Mutual Insurance Company. He began his career as an auditor at Deloitte, prior to joining Travelers Companies, Inc. where he spent over ten years in a variety of roles, including Senior Director of Finance. A graduate of the University of North Dakota, he currently lives in West Fargo, North Dakota with his wife and children. About Matt Maki Matt Maki most recently served as the Company's Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Maki served as Vice President of Accounting and Treasurer of RAM Mutual Insurance Company. He began his career as an auditor at Ernst & Young, subsequently joining Travelers Companies, Inc., where he held various roles in international finance, financial reporting and treasury. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, he currently lives in Duluth, Minnesota with his wife and children. About the Company NI Holdings, Inc. is an insurance holding company. The company is a North Dakota business corporation that is the stock holding company of Nodak Insurance Company and became such in connection with the conversion of Nodak Mutual Insurance Company from a mutual to stock form of organization and the creation of a mutual holding company. The conversion was consummated on March 13, 2017. Immediately following the conversion, all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Nodak Insurance Company were issued to Nodak Mutual Group, Inc., which then contributed the shares to NI Holdings in exchange for 55% of the outstanding shares of common stock of NI Holdings. Nodak Insurance Company then became a wholly-owned stock subsidiary of NI Holdings. NI Holdings' financial statements are the consolidated financial results of NI Holdings; Nodak Insurance Company, including Nodak Insurance Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries American West Insurance Company, Primero Insurance Company, and Battle Creek Insurance Company; and Direct Auto Insurance Company. Safe Harbor Statement Some of the statements included in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially include risks we describe in the periodic reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to update such statements or to announce publicly the results of any revisions that we may make to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. For a detailed discussion of the risk factors that could affect our actual results, please refer to the risk factors identified in our SEC reports, including, but not limited to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC. Investor Relations Contact: Matt Maki Vice President, Interim Chief Financial Officer 701-212-5976 [email protected]
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball switched a pair of series involving the Tampa Bay Rays to the first two months of the season in an attempt to avoid summer weather problems at open-air Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home following damage to Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay is scheduled to play 13 of its first 16 games at home and 47 of 59 through May 28, then play 69 of its last 103 games on the road. The Rays are home for eight of 25 games in July and eight of 26 in August. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
SUZHOU, China, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YXT.com Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: YXT) (“YXT.com” or the “Company”), a leader and disruptor of the digital corporate learning industry in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first nine months of 2024 that ended September 30, 2024. First Nine Months 2024 Operating and Financial Highlights Total revenues were RMB241.7 million (US$34.4 million), compared with RMB328.8 million in the same period of last year. Gross Margin was 60.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared with 59.3% in the same period of last year. Net loss was RMB14.9 million (US$2.1 million), compared with RMB245.3 million in the same period of last year. Number of subscription customers decreased to 2,428 as of September 30, 2024, from 3,039 as of September 30, 2023. After adjusting for the deconsolidation of CEIBS Publishing Group Limited (the “CEIBS PG”) (571 customers), the net change of 40 customers reflects the Company’s strategic shift toward large enterprise accounts with consistent demand for corporate learning solutions. This realignment resulted in a planned reduction of small and medium-sized customers from our portfolio. Net revenue retention rates of subscription customers decreased to 101.0% from 104.8% in the same period of last year. The change was due to the Company’s strategic shift toward large enterprise accounts with consistent demand for corporate learning solutions. This realignment resulted in a planned reduction of small and medium-sized customers from our portfolio. Mr. Xiaoyan Lu, Director, Founder and Chairman of the Board of YXT.com, commented, “We are pleased to report our first financial results as a public company, covering the nine months ended September 30, 2024, following our successful IPO on the Nasdaq in August. While the period presented macro challenges that impacted enterprise training spending, we remained focused on executing our strategic priorities. We continued to deepen our relationships with large enterprise clients, as evidenced by our growing penetration among Fortune 500 companies. Our products’ new AI features have been well-received by key customers, enabling us to maintain healthy retention rates despite the challenging environment. Looking ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic about our long-term growth prospects, supported by the fundamental need for digital learning solutions, our strengthening position in the large enterprise segment, and our continuous product innovation and enhancement.” Mr. Pun Leung Liu, Chief Financial Officer of YXT.com, added, “Our financial results for the first nine months of 2024 demonstrate the effectiveness of our operational optimization initiatives. Through strategic cost management and AI-enabled operational improvements across multiple functions, we significantly narrowed our net loss to RMB14.9 million from RMB245.3 million in the same period last year. We remain committed to disciplined cost control while continuing to invest in strategic areas that drive long-term growth, particularly our technology capabilities and enterprise-focused solutions.” Financial Results for the First Nine Months of 2024 Revenues Revenues were RMB241.7 million (US$34.4 million), compared with RMB328.8 million in the same period of last year. Revenues from corporate learning solutions were RMB240.3 million (US$34.2 million), compared with RMB318.6 million in the same period of last year. Revenues from subscription based corporate learning solutions were RMB221.7 million (US$31.6 million), compared with RMB271.1 million in the same period of last year. The change was primarily due to (i) the deconsolidation of CEIBS PG effective on January 15, 2024, resulting in a decrease of RMB46.1 million; and (ii) a net impact of RMB3.3 million from operational adjustments, driven by our strategic suspension of certain ancillary online teaching tools, partially offset by growth in corporate learning platform services. Revenues from non-subscription based corporate learning solutions were RMB18.6 million (US$2.7 million), compared with RMB47.5 million in the same period of last year. The change was primarily due to (i) the deconsolidation of CEIBS PG effective on January 15, 2024, resulting in a decrease of RMB20.9 million; and (ii) reduced offline activities reflecting our strategic shift towards subscription-based corporate learning solutions. Revenues from others were RMB1.4 million (US$0.2 million), compared with RMB10.2 million in the same period of last year. The change primarily reflects fewer customized software projects completed in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, aligning with our strategic focus on corporate learning solutions. Cost of revenues Cost of revenues was RMB95.8 million (US$13.6 million), compared with RMB133.8 million in the same period of 2023, representing a decrease of 28.4%, mainly due to (i) the deconsolidation of CEIBS PG effective on January 15, 2024, resulting in a decrease of RMB22.7 million; (ii) lower instructor compensation costs due to reduced offline activities, aligning with our strategic shift towards subscription-based corporate learning solutions; and (iii) decreased staff expenses and third-party infrastructure costs through operational optimization. Sales and marketing expenses Sales and marketing expenses were RMB105.8 million (US$15.1 million), compared with RMB173.2 million in the same period of last year, representing a decrease of 38.9%, mainly due to (i) the deconsolidation of CEIBS PG effective on January 15, 2024, resulting in a decrease of RMB36.5 million; and (ii) reduced compensation and incentives through human resources optimization. Research and development expenses Research and development expenses were RMB90.6 million (US$12.9 million), compared with RMB136.8 million in the same period of 2023, representing a decrease of 33.8%, mainly due to (i) the deconsolidation of CEIBS PG effective on January 15, 2024, resulting in a decrease of RMB18.8 million; and (ii) reduced compensation through human resources optimization. General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses were RMB75.0 million (US$10.7 million), compared with RMB117.1 million in the same period of 2023, representing a decrease of 35.9%, mainly due to (i) the deconsolidation of CEIBS PG effective on January 15, 2024, resulting in a decrease of RMB13.5 million; (ii) a RMB18.5 million decrease in share-based compensation following completion of certain share-based incentives amortization; and (iii) reduced professional fees. Net loss and adjusted net loss Net loss was RMB14.9 million (US$2.1 million), compared with a net loss of RMB245.3 million in the same period of last year. Adjusted net loss was RMB123.1 million (US$17.5 million), compared with an adjusted net loss of RMB196.1 million in the same period of last year. Earnings/(loss) per share Basic and diluted net income per share was RMB5.02 (US$0.72), compared with basic and diluted net loss per share of RMB7.06 in the same period of last year. The improvement in earnings per share was primarily attributable to the deemed contribution to common shareholders due to modification and extinguishment of the Company’s convertible redeemable preferred shares on July 1, 2024. Balance Sheet As of September 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and long-term bank deposits of RMB488.7 million (US$69.6 million), compared with RMB496.2 million as of December 31, 2023. Conference Call Information The Company's management team will hold a conference call at 8:00 P.M. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 (or 9:00 A.M. Beijing Time on Wednesday, November 27, 2024) to discuss the financial results. Details for the conference call are as follows: All participants must use the link provided above to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call. Upon registering, each participant will receive a set of participant dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN, which can be used to join the conference call. A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.yxt.com/. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In evaluating our business, we consider and use adjusted net loss as a supplemental non-GAAP measure to review and assess our operating performance. Adjusted net loss is net loss excluding amortization of incremental intangible assets resulting from business combination, gain on deconsolidation of CEIBS PG, share-based compensation, change in fair value of derivative liabilities, net of income taxes, to the extent applicable. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We present the non-GAAP financial measure because it is used by our management to evaluate our operating performance and formulate business plans. We also believe that the use of the non-GAAP measure facilitates investors’ assessment of our operating performance. The non-GAAP financial measure is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using the non-GAAP financial measure is that it does not reflect all items of income and expense that affect our operations. Further, the non-GAAP measure may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore its comparability may be limited. We compensate for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, which should be considered when evaluating our performance. We encourage you to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi (“RMB”) amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars were made at the rate of RMB7.0176 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on September 30, 2024, set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the Renminbi or U.S. dollars amounts referred to could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. Safe Harbor Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to”, or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. About YXT.com As a technology company, YXT.com provides corporations with digital corporate learning solutions, including SaaS platforms, learning content, and other services. YXT.com is a leader and disruptor of the digital corporate learning industry in China. Established in 2011, YXT.com has supported Fortune 500 companies and other leading companies with their transformation and digitalization of learning and development, and has received recognition, respect and recurring business. Contact Robin Yang ICR, LLC YXT.IR@icrinc.com +1 (646) 405-4883
Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, booze and other goods. The president-elect floated the tariff idea, including additional 10% taxes on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to halt the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the U.S. But his posts Monday on Truth Social threatening the tariffs on his first day in office could just be a negotiating ploy to get the countries to change behavior. High food prices were a major issue in voters picking Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, but tariffs almost certainly would push those costs up even further. For instance, the Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said Tuesday that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when other countries retaliate. “Tariffs distort the marketplace and will raise prices along the supply chain, resulting in the consumer paying more at the checkout line,” said Alan Siger, association president. Mexico and Canada are two of the biggest exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables to the U.S. In 2022, Mexico supplied 51% of fresh fruit and 69% of fresh vegetables imported by value into the U.S., while Canada supplied 2% of fresh fruit and 20% of fresh vegetables. Before the election, about 7 in 10 voters said they were very concerned about the cost of food, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. “We’ll get them down,” Trump told shoppers during a September visit to a Pennsylvania grocery store. The U.S. is the largest importer of goods in the world, with Mexico, China and Canada its top three suppliers, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. People looking to buy a new vehicle likely would see big price increases as well, at a time when costs have gone up so much they are out of reach for many. The average price of a new vehicle now runs around $48,000. About 15% of the 15.6 million new vehicles sold in the U.S. last year came from Mexico, while 8% crossed the border from Canada, according to Global Data. Much of the tariffs would get passed along to consumers, unless automakers can somehow quickly find productivity improvements to offset them, said C.J. Finn, U.S. automotive sector leader for PwC. That means even more consumers “would potentially get priced out,” Finn said. Hardest hit would be Volkswagen, Stellantis, General Motors and Ford, Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska wrote Tuesday in a note to investors. “A 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada would severely cripple the U.S. auto industry,” he said. The tariffs would hurt U.S. industrial production so much that “we expect this is unlikely to happen in practice,” Roeska said. The tariff threat hit auto stocks on Tuesday, particularly shares of GM, which imports about 30% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, and Stellantis, which imports about 40% from the two countries. For both, about 55% of their lucrative pickup trucks come from Mexico and Canada. GM stock lost almost 9% of its value, while Stellantis dropped nearly 6%. It's not clear how long the tariffs would last if implemented, but they could force auto executives to move production to the U.S., which could create more jobs in the long run. However, Morningstar analyst David Whiston said automakers probably won't make any immediate moves because they can't quickly change where they build vehicles. Millions of dollars worth of auto parts flow across the borders with Mexico and Canada, and that could raise prices for already costly automobile repairs, Finn said. The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. said tariffs on tequila or Canadian whisky won’t boost American jobs because they are distinctive products that can only be made in their country of origin. In 2023, the U.S. imported $4.6 billion worth of tequila and $108 million worth of mezcal from Mexico and $537 million worth of spirits from Canada, it said. “Tariffs on spirits products from our neighbors to the north and south are going to hurt U.S. consumers and lead to job losses across the U.S. hospitality industry,” it added. Electronics retailer Best Buy said on its third-quarter earnings conference call that it runs on thin profit margins, so while vendors and the company will shoulder some increases, Best Buy will have to pass tariffs to customers. “These are goods that people need, and higher prices are not helpful,” CEO Corie Barry said. Walmart also warned last week that tariffs could force it to raise prices. Tariffs could trigger supply chain disruptions as people buy goods before they are imposed and companies seek alternate sources of parts, said Rob Handfield, a professor of supply chain management at North Carolina State University. Some businesses might not be able to pass on the costs. “It could actually shut down a lot of industries in the United States. It could actually put a lot of U.S. businesses out of business,” he said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who talked with Trump after his call for tariffs, said they had a good conversation about working together. "This is a relationship that we know takes a certain amount of working on and that’s what we’ll do,” Trudeau said. Trump's threats come as arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico have been falling . But arrests for illegally crossing the border from Canada have been rising over the past two years. Much of America’s fentanyl is smuggled from Mexico, and seizures have increased. Trump has sound legal justification to impose tariffs, even though they conflict with a 2020 trade deal brokered in large part by Trump with Canada and Mexico, said William Reinsch, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a former Clinton administration trade official. The treaty, known as the USMCA, is up for review in 2026. In China’s case, he could simply declare Beijing hasn't met obligations under an agreement he negotiated in his first term. For Canada and Mexico, he could say the influx of migrants and drugs are a national security threat, and turn to a section of trade law he used in his first term to slap tariffs on steel and aluminum. The law he would most likely use for Canada and Mexico has a legal process that often takes up to nine months, giving Trump time to seek a deal. If talks failed and the duties were imposed, all three countries would likely retaliate with tariffs on U.S. exports, said Reinsch, who believes Trump's tariffs threat is a negotiating ploy. U.S. companies would lobby intensively against tariffs, and would seek to have products exempted. Some of the biggest exporters from Mexico are U.S. firms that make parts there, Reinsch said. Longer term, Mary Lovely, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said the threat of tariffs could make the U.S. an “unstable partner” in international trade. “It is an incentive to move activity outside the United States to avoid all this uncertainty,” she said. Trump transition team officials did not immediately respond to questions about what he would need to see to prevent the tariffs from being implemented and how they would impact prices in the U.S. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested Tuesday that Mexico could retaliate with tariffs of its own. Sheinbaum said she was willing to talk about the issues, but said drugs were a U.S. problem.
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Kompany hails Muller after Bayern dismantle ShakhtarLuigi Mangione's lawyer claims he will be pleading not guilty to the charges he faces in Pennsylvania. Mangione was arrested in a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania on Monday after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Chilling note found inside Brian Thompson person of interest's 'manifesto' Pentagon's chilling 12-day simulation of how nuclear World War 3 would unfold "We’ve pled not guilty, at least to the charges in Pennsylvania. Like I said I’m not aware of any actual charges in New York ," Tom Dickey, Mangione's defense attorney, said. "I’m telling you as his lawyer, he didn’t have any ... representation until I got involved this afternoon. And I’m telling you he’s pleading not guilty." Dickey said his client "shut his mouth" after being told to kept quiet following an outburst while they were in court for an extradition hearing on Tuesday, adding: "Which is good, that’s what he needs to do. Hopefully there won’t be anymore of that." Mangione's lawyer believes the suspect should have been granted bail, but he will continue to be housed at a state prison in Huntingdon. Dickey questioned whether the second-degree murder charge filed in New York might be eligible for bail under Pennsylvania law, but prosecutors raised concerns about both public safety and Mangione being a potential flight risk, and the judge denied it. "To simply say no bail, with all due respect to the judge, I believe bail should have been set," Dickey told reporters on Tuesday. "The judge could set $1 million bail. It could be $5 million bail, but damn it, you get bail. That’s what you do," he said. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. Peter Weeks, the Blair County district attorney, says he’ll work with New York officials to try to return suspect Luigi Mangione there to face charges. Weeks said the New York charges are “more serious” than in Blair County. “We believe their charges take precedent,” Weeks said, promising to do what’s needed to accommodate New York ’s prosecution first. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Mangione doesn’t yet have a lawyer who can speak on his behalf, court officials said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and ski cap. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. Mangione’s cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione, announced Tuesday morning that he’s postponing a fundraiser planned later this week at the Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore, which was purchased by the Mangione family in 1986. “Because of the nature of this terrible situation involving my Cousin I do not believe it is appropriate to hold my fundraising event scheduled for this Thursday at Hayfields,” Nino Mangione said in a social media post. “I want to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. My family and I are heartbroken and ask that you remember the family of Mr. Thompson in your prayers. Thank you.”
‘Greek Haggis’ is a winner for Inverness teenager whose recipe will feature at multi-million pound tourist attractionROANOKE, Va., Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of RGC Resources, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGCO), at its meeting on November 22, 2024, declared a quarterly dividend of $0.2075 per share on the Company's common stock. The indicated annual dividend is $0.83 per share, a $0.03, or 3.8%, per share increase over the prior annual level. The Company has now increased the annual dividend 21 consecutive years. Paul Nester, CEO of RGC Resources, Inc., stated, "The Roanoke Gas utility continues to deliver solid operational and financial performance. Further, we are pleased that the MVP was completed in 2024 and now delivering affordable, reliable natural gas to Southwest Virginia. This dividend increase, our 21 st annual increase, reflects our commitment to deliver long-term shareholder value.” The dividend will be paid on February 1, 2025 to shareholders of record on January 17, 2025. This is the Company's 323 rd consecutive quarterly cash dividend. RGC Resources, Inc. provides energy and related products and services to customers in Virginia through its operating subsidiaries including Roanoke Gas Company and RGC Midstream, L.L.C. The statements in this release that are not historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from any expectations expressed in the Company's forward-looking statements, regarding customer growth, infrastructure investment and margins. These risks and uncertainties include gas prices and supply, geopolitical considerations and regulatory and legal challenges and those set forth in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and Item 1-A in the Company's fiscal 2023 10-K. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations only as of the date they are made. The Company assumes no duty to update these statements should expectations change or actual results differ from current expectations except as required by applicable laws and regulations. Past performance is not necessarily a predictor of future results. VP, Treasurer and CFO
In such a modern and technology-driven world, nothing can beat celebrating the Christmas season the old-fashioned way. These old-fashioned ideas are simple and economical, but they are also fun and memorable. Of course, including family and friends is the most important part, but after that, traditional customs and your own imagination can make the season of giving a special one. Making your own Christmas presents is always a nice sentiment. You can almost guarantee that your gifts will be unique, and nobody will duplicate them. Whatever you make won’t be available at the local Wal-Mart. There is also something special about the time and effort that goes into making your gifts. Your homemade items will have extra meaning, and people will sincerely appreciate it. You may even learn some new skills while making your presents, and the new skills will help you in gift-giving for many years. Another old-fashioned idea is to create a traditional feel in your home. Pick a night and turn off the computer, television and lights. Sit with your loved ones by candlelight and the glow of the Christmas tree and enjoy hot cider, cookies and other holiday treats. All of you could take turns telling your favorite Christmas memory, or someone could read a traditional holiday story. To further enjoy the Christmas spirit, go outside and sing Christmas carols under the light of the moon and the stars. Everyone could sing while looking inside at the Christmas tree and the glow of the candles. Afterwards, come back inside and warm up with some hot chocolate. This will bring a smile to even the biggest scrooge. You can also spread the Christmas spirit to your neighbors. Walk around your neighborhood and personally deliver Christmas cards. Give your neighbors a smile and a personal holiday greeting. You can even include a small treat bag with your Christmas cards. The treat bags would be even nicer if you included your very own homemade goodies. Your neighbors would appreciate your effort, and you might even make their day. The smiles on their faces would be thanks enough. Even a little bit of technology has made its way into an old-fashioned Christmas. Gather around with your loved ones and watch holiday classics such as “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 34th Street” or “A Christmas Story.” These great films have aged nicely, and they are still fun to watch year after year. Many youngsters would be seeing these classics for the very first time. An old-fashioned Christmas game can add to your fun even more. Make a circle with your family and friends. Get a small ball, beanbag or other small object. Toss the object randomly to people in the circle. When someone catches the object, they have a split second to say a word that relates to Christmas. If they can’t think of one, then they sit out. The last person standing is the winner. Both adults and children can enjoy this simple game. Naturally, nothing is more traditional during the Christmas season than thinking of others. You can meet with family and friends and combine as much food as you can. Then, load up the food and take it to a food bank. The food bank would be excited to see such a big donation, and you can make a big difference in people’s lives and spread more Christmas cheer. Christmas is such a beautiful time of the year, but it can come and go quickly. Don’t forget to stop and spend time with the people you love. And with some creativity and a few traditional ideas, you can enjoy the pleasures of an old-fashioned Christmas. Blair Bryant, freelance writer and fiction author.Trump and giveaways: What Elon Musk spent $270M on during the election
DENVER (AP) — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * DENVER (AP) — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? DENVER (AP) — So you’re the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It’s “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it’s not an easy team to make. The men’s and women’s national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport’s national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football’s inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it’s simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it’s catching on, too. The women’s team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to,” said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL’s vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn’t your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There’s a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there’s no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?!’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. “I would actually love” seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who’s also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I’m going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you’re always thinking, ‘That’s insane.’ Obviously, you couldn’t do it in your sport, because I played football,” said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. “With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on.” It’s a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL Advertisement AdvertisementNone"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.