GMCCI receives a Central Standards grant from Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to support the Return to Better initiative focused on growing…

MUSCATINE, IowaThe Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI) was recently awarded a 3-year $200,000 grant to the Muscatine Chamber Foundation to help further support for the launch of the Return to Better framework for entrepreneurial ecosystem building; using a tangible set of tools & resources created to seed, build, and grow entrepreneurs and small businesses from all walks of life in Muscatine. This balanced approach to nurturing entrepreneurs through multiple phases of their growth connects capital, education, and resources for measurable social and economic impact across the entire community.

If were going to build the Heartland that includes all communities and voices, we need to start with focusing on growing an inclusive economy that centers entrepreneurship and innovation. As difficult as that work will be, it will be made even more difficult if we try to do it alone and disconnected. Central Standards grantees are partnering and collaborating to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Heartland while also connecting the region to the most innovative practices from across the country.

Chris Harris, senior program officer in Entrepreneurship at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

The Return to Better initiative, initially launched in May, in partnership with the Return to Better Institute and Institute for Work and the Economy, will ultimately provide a sustainable foundation for entrepreneurs to thrive while similarly creating opportunities for established corporations and institutions to support new idea economy relevant clusters and opportunities.

In order to spread awareness of the Return to Better initiative, GMCCI is excited to announce two upcoming events that are open to the public:

Muscatine Open Coffee Club (MOCC) Held on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 8-9 a.m. at rotating locations, MOCC gives entrepreneurs, resource providers, and local leaders an opportunity to connect and share meaningful conversation around the journey of entrepreneurship and its highs and lows. Next session: Thursday, Oct. 21st at 8 a. m. at Rivers Edge Gallery (free coffee and pastries provided)

Business Model Canvas 101 Coming in quarter four, the Business Model Canvas 101 session will introduce entrepreneurs to a useful tool that is often used as a first step in business creation, well before a detailed business plan is needed. More details to be announced soon!

Erik Reader, President and CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed his excitement about this grant award with the following statement:

Were excited to have our efforts noticed and rewarded with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Entrepreneurship and innovation is nothing new to Muscatine, but this funding and technical assistance will help solidify our approach in providing services to the community.

About Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to increase opportunities that allow all people to learn, to take risks, and to own their success.The Kauffman Foundation is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and uses its $2 billion in assets to collaboratively help people be self-sufficient, productive citizens.For more information, visitwww.kauffman.organd connect with us atwww.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and http://www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn.

About GMCCI: The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI) is a catalyst for advancing our regions economy, improving our quality of life, and enhancing our members success. Founded in 1944, we are involved in an aggressive program of work designed to create a prosperous economic and business climate throughout Muscatine County. Both today and in the future, we strive to provide value, meet our members needs, be innovative and offer a wide range of professional and business development programs for enterprises of all sizes.

About Return to Better Institute: The Return to Better Institute is an accomplished group of entrepreneurs, educators, ecosystem builders, and economic development professionals that have created a sustainable framework to help communities build and grow support for entrepreneurship and new business creation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Institute for Work and the Economy: The Institute for Work and the Economy (IWE) is an independent, non-partisan, 501(C)(3) not-for-profit public policy collaborative. IWEs mission is to support workers and their families in their quest to achieve the promise and security of work. We do this by: advancing equitable policies and practices that lead to successful, family-sustaining, and satisfying careers; fostering the development and growth of innovative enterprises and entrepreneurship; advancing the interests of small and medium enterprises within the context of larger national and global economic forces; incorporating inclusive and equitable community benefits in all of our work; and by respecting and honoring the agency of all stakeholders regardless of their status. The Institute operates under the direction of an independent and diverse board of directors with deep experience in the U.S. and abroad.

NOTIFICATION:This content has been provided via press release or other notification systems to Discover Muscatine. It is being re-published as a resource for the Muscatine community and has not been vetted or edited by our staff. All questions regarding this content should be directed to the contributor.

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GMCCI receives a Central Standards grant from Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to support the Return to Better initiative focused on growing...

Environmental Policy Integration with the Existing Arctic Strategies – The Arctic Institute

Metal scrap on Wrangel Island, an island of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in the Russian Arctic. Ekaterina Uryupova

Due to climate change and high political interest, the importance of the Arctic region is growing. The Arctic has become a matter of higher political interest, not only with a focus on resource development for Arctic states but also the non-Arctic countries. The economic opportunities arising from an increasingly ice-free region and prevention of environmental degradation are on the opposite sides for the countries involved in activities in the North. Nowadays the Arctic is viewed as the accelerating region for climate change and its consequences for the Earth system. The eight Arctic states represent one-fifth of global emissions,1)WWF (2021). Retrieved on 1st August, 2021 from https://arcticwwf.org/newsroom/stories/arctic-countries-need-to-lead-the-cut-of-co2/ thus their governments need to take an interest in ways in which the policy process on reducing emissions, especially the implementation phase of it (a series of activities undertaken by governments to achieve the objectives articulated in specific laws and policies), can be strengthened and supported.

How have different countries positioned themselves towards integrated environmental concerns with their Arctic policies? In view of a possible future acceleration of global warming, the Arctic states and non-Arctic countries (for instance, China and India) and the EU as an independent entity, have taken environmental concerns into account in their current Arctic policy documents and activities. What are the environmental priorities delineated in the national Arctic strategies?

Over the past few decades, our planet has changed a lot. We can witness how the Arctic is transforming into a warmer, wetter, and less predictable destination. And nowadays we hear more voices addressing the needs of the nations to mitigate and adapt to climate change in the Arctic and protect its fragile environment. These efforts are reflected in national policies for the Arctic with focus on greenhouse gas emissions, climate pollutants (including methane, black carbon, etc.), research, adaptation and mitigation, and international cooperation.

The national Arctic strategies share similarities regarding topics and issues, however they still represent different political visions. Sustainable resource management and environmental protection in the Arctic are mentioned in emerging Arctic policies. With Indigenous populations resistance, awareness has been elevated by the uniqueness of nature, remoteness and pristine wilderness of the Arctic. Honestly, varying degrees of the importance of environmental protection in the region is reflected in the national strategies of different countries. Hereby, they are positioning themselves in view of a possible future acceleration of the attention to an increasingly ice-free Arctic.

Being a northern nation and having representatives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities living well above the Arctic Circle, Canada still has some gaps in its Arctic policy framework. The Pan-Territorial Vision for Sustainable Development,2)Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Canada (2017). Retrieved on 11 July, 2021 from https://www.gov.nu.ca/executive-and-intergovernmental-affairs/information/arctic-and-northern-policy-framework-pan released by the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Canadas eastern Arctic territory of Nunavut in August 2017, played an important role for resource development, economic diversification, improved infrastructure and innovation in building strong territorial economies in the region. The 2019 launch of Canadas Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF)3)Canadas Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (2019). Government of Canada. Retrieved on 02 September, 2021 from https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1560523306861/1560523330587 seemed to be a significant shift from the previous basic vision of the region towards a complex approach with contribution provided by the federal government, Indigenous peoples, Inuit, First Nations and Mtis, 6 territorial and provincial governments (Yukon, Nunavut, Quebec, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba). A new framework is to provide overarching direction to the Government of Canadas priorities, activities and investments in the Arctic, with a horizon of 2030. A cooperative form of policy making suggests the following priorities in the region: support science, knowledge and research that is meaningful for communities and for decision-making, face the effects of climate change and support healthy ecosystems in the Arctic and North.

Strength: Indigenous peoples are involved in a cooperative form of policy making, priority is given to theArctic science. The lack of sufficient air and maritime port facilities limits the size and duration of military operations in the Canadian North this is definitely less stressful for the environment.

Weakness: The federal government is having a poor track record of environmental monitoring, i.e. slashing the budget for environmental monitoring in the oil sands in the North.4)Desmarais A. (2020). Indigenous leaders losing faith in environmental protection amid oil sands monitoring budget cuts. CBC News from 05th August 2020. Retrieved on 4th September, 2021 from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/alberta-nwt-chiefs-losing-faith-environment-monitoring-1.5674446

The 2020 Russias strategy for the development of the Arctic Zone5)Executive order No. 645, the Russian Federation from 26th October, 2020 (2020). A Strategy of development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and a national security plan through 2035. Retrieved on 1st September, 2021 from http://kremlin.ru/acts/bank/45972/page/2 puts economic development regarding transportation and extractive industries at its core, however attaching larger importance to the environment than it had in its previous policy document. The new white paper will cover a period of 15 years, through 2035. It includes the following approaches: development and implementation of the governmental program to support traditional Indigenous knowledge, further geological and oceanographic research exploration of the Arctic zone, extended support to the fisheries sector, reforestation and wild fire prevention, development of the complex plan for international scientific activities and climate change research, achievement of long-term conservation of nature (protected areas), climate change mitigation projects, development of a framework for the design of ecological monitoring and effective waste management, and others. In comparison to the previous Russian Arctic strategies, the recent policy document emerges as a profoundly changed development plan for the region. In March 2021, Russias government approved an additional state program on social-economic development of the Arctic zone through 2024, and its objectives include a support of traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples in the North and protection of the environment of territories inhabited by Indigenous groups.6)Executive order No. 484, the Russian Federation from 30th March 2021 (2021). An approval of the state programme on social-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Retrieved on 6th July, 2021 from https://portnews.ru/upload/basefiles/2426_pGpochsppchrpopgchrpapmpmpa%20chrpapzpvpichtpichja%20pAchrpkchtpipkpi.pdf Additionally, Russia will seek to become carbon neutral by 2060, as the country might finally take steps to start moving its economy away from fossil fuels.7)Fedorinova Yu. (2021). Putin says Russia will target carbon neutrality by 2060. Bloomberg, 13th October 2021. Retrieved on 13th October, 2021 from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-13/putin-says-russia-will-target-carbon-neutrality-by-2060

Strength: Major focus on the Arctic region in general countrys development plans, massive investments to the region, restructuring of the fisheries sector, installation of satellite monitoring of the Arctic region.

Weakness: Priority given to industries and the military rather than to the needs of the Arctic population and local issues, for instance, there is still a lot of unattended scrap metal, which remains in the Russian Arctic zone.8)Stambler M. (2021). Polar clean ups: fighting pollution in the Russian Arctic. Russia Beyond from March 10, 2021. Retrieved on 28th August, 2021 from https://www.rbth.com/science-and-tech/333504-polar-arctic-clean-ups-pollution

The Norwegian Governments Arctic Policy9)Meld. St. 9, 20202021 (2020). Retrieved on 30th August, 2021 from https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/meld.-st.-9-20202021/id2787429/ is focused on national security, stability and international cooperation. When it comes to climate change and the environment in the Arctic, Norway recalls the Paris Agreement: reduced rates of greenhouse gas emissions seem to be a focal point of this policy document. For example, Norway targets to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 % by 2030. The achievement of this target is possible in cooperation with the EU. Another goal for Norway is to become a low-emission society by 2050, with overall gas emissions reduced by 90-95%. Norway has already implemented a number of measures to reduce its own black carbon emissions, but the country is actively working with other Arctic states on this issue. Also, the new Arctic policy document is focused on oceans, dramatic change of biodiversity, and pollution in the Arctic. Development of a framework for integrated environmental management plans for Norway is included in this new approach.

Strength: Oslos approach to conserving its Arctic areas can be easily named as the greenest one in Europe.

Weakness: There are several gaps in the environmental regime relevant for mining, such as the reliance on local authorities, unclear division of competence between authorities, and the devolution of power to public authorities without clear duties. Also, Norway opens the Arctic to more oil drilling and announces Arctic licensing awards.10)Adomaitis N. (2020). Norways supreme court verdict opens the Arctic to more oil drilling. Reuters from December 22, 2020. Retrieved on 6th September, 2021 from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-norway-oil-environment-idUSKBN28W104

An updated strategy for the Arctic region, Strategi fr den arktiska regionen was released by the Swedish Government in September 2020.11)Swedens strategy for the Arctic region (2020). Retrieved on 7th July, 2021 from https://www.government.se/information-material/2020/11/swedens-strategy-for-the-arctic-region-2020/ Climate and the environment, polar research and environmental protection, sustainable economic development are among the priorities for the government plans. Here, Arctic research is explicitly discussed, and thus tied, with environmental protection, and biodiversity is highlighted in their updated policy document. Among the countrys top priorities are international cooperation and security issues. Similar to the previous document (2011), Stockholms Arctic strategy still pays a lot of attention to the impacts of climate change in the region, but the environmental issues are not the only focus.

Strength: Strong support of the Indigenous peoples culture and traditions, extensive work within the European Union to implement measures to substantially reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases.

Weakness: The available environmental observation system in Sweden is only weakly linked to the monitoring of strategic initiative effects due to analytical, organizational and institutional barriers.12)Balfors B. & Schmidtbauer J. (2002). Swedish Guidelines for Strategic Environmental Assessment for EU Structural Funds. European Environment. 12. 35 48. 10.1002/eet.274; Bodin ., Garca M.M.,1 & Robins G. (2020). Reconciling Conflict and Cooperation in Environmental Governance: A Social Network Perspective. Annual Review of Environment and Resources 2020 45:1, 471-495. Retrieved on 6th September, 2021 from https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-environ-011020-064352 The existing Arctic strategy is attaching a high level of strategic importance to Swedens Arctic region, and paying more attention to national security rather than mitigating the negative effects of climate change.

Finlands strategy for the Arctic region was adopted as a Government Resolution on 17 June, 2021.13)The Government of Finland (2021). Finlands Strategy for Arctic Policy. Retrieved on 20th June, 2021 from https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/163247 It extends until 2030. According to the released document, all activities in the Arctic must be based on the carrying capacity of the natural environment, the protection of the climate, sustainable development principles and respect for the rights of indigenous populations. The focus of the new strategy is on climate change, mitigation and adaptation. The use of new fossil reserves is considered to be incompatible with the countrys environmental objectives, and pretty risky not only for Finland, but for the global community. To strengthen the environmental policy action in Finland, a new Climate Policy Round Table has also been convened. The work on a Roadmap for Fossil-free Transport was completed in autumn 2020, and sector-specific roadmaps for low carbon emissions were published in summer 2020.

Strength: Special attention to climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental cooperation and respect for the interests of indigenous populations.

Weakness: Although the Arctic whitepaper contemplates sustainable mining by means of new technologies and digitalisation, mining remains one of the most conflicting issues in Finland. Both the value of the industry for the country and the weak enforcement of the law have raised public concerns about environmental problems in the region.14)Salonen S.-M. (2021). Inari municipality is hoping for a stronger control over mining questions after 3,000 sq kilometres reserved by Swedish companies. The Barents Observer, August 23, 2021. Retrieved on 10th September, 2021 from https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/arctic-mining/2021/08/inari-municipality-hoping-stronger-control-over-mining-questions-after-3000-sq; Poelzer, G., Linde, S., Jagers, S.C., Matti S. (2021). Digging in the dark: reviewing international literature to address impending policy challenges for Swedish and Finnish mining. Mineral Economics 34, 225238. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13563-021-00255-6

The international policy of Iceland is supported by two key documents the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the principle of sustainable development, released at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Additionally, Iceland is the only Arctic State that does not have an Indigenous population. Its Arctic territory is limited to Grimsey Island in the north, but the country has become embedded in global institutions focused on the Arctic issues. Icelands policy in the Arctic issues is anchored in a parliamentary resolution which outlines priority areas, among them climate change, sustainable use of natural resources, and the rights of Indigenous peoples (collaboration with Greenland). The concept of a sustainable Arctic was a pillar of Icelands Chairmanship in the Arctic Council in 2019-2021, along with protection of the north polar marine environment, supporting the Arctic research, and green energy alternatives.

Strength: Iceland is very conscious about its position in the Arctic and uses its geographical position to promote itself as an Arctic coastal state, also in the area of environmental policy.

Weakness: The country has strong interest in fisheries, and Iceland has been involved in a number of fisheries disputes quota wars resulted in failure to reach agreement on marine resource management in the region.15)sthagen A. Fisheries disputes: The real potential for Arctic conflict. The Arctic Institute, June 3, 2021. Retrieved on 5th July, 2021 from https://www.thearcticinstitute.org/fisheries-disputes-real-potential-arctic-conflict/

Both the American Ministry of Defense and the American Coast Guard launched their Arctic strategies in 2019, followed by their own document released by the American Air Force and the American Navy in 2020. Surely, in all the policy documents the focus is on U.S. interests and national security. A rapidly melting Arctic is seen as an arena of confrontation, thus the region is discussed as a place imposing specific requirements for operating and sustaining force capabilities in the region. The Trump administration advanced a rollback of environmental regulations in favor of fossil fuel producers in Alaska. However, recently some strides have been made toward a climate action the United States has become a member of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, which discusses climate and economic policy priorities in the Arctic are discussed.16)The Ministry of Finance, Finland. Press release (2021). Meeting of the Climate Action Coalition chaired by Minister of Finance Vanhanen as cooperation was joined by the United States, Japan and South Korea. Retrieved on 8th July, 2021 from https://vm.fi/en/-/meeting-of-climate-action-coalition-chaired-by-minister-of-finance-vanhanen-as-cooperation-was-joined-by-united-states-japan-and-south-korea In Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis, Section 4, of January 20, 2021 particular emphasis is on the Arctic Refuge this document places a temporary moratorium on all activities of the Federal Government relating to the implementation of the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program.17)Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis (2021). Presidential actions. January 20, 2021. Retrieved on 01 September, 2021 from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-protecting-public-health-and-environment-and-restoring-science-to-tackle-climate-crisis/

Strength: New government plans to fight climate change incorporating environmental concerns into a wide range of policies.

Weakness: Still vague environmental standards to protect fish, game, wildlife, water, and habitats in Alaska.18)Alaskas environmental standards arent stringent. Juneau Empire, 23rd June, 2020. Retrieved on 12th September, 2021 from https://www.juneauempire.com/opinion/alaskas-environmental-standards-arent-stringent/; Sohns A., Ford J.D., Adamovski J., Robinson B.E. (2021). Participatory Modeling of Water Vulnerability in Remote Alaskan Households Using Causal Loop Diagrams. Environmental Management 67, 2642 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-020-01387-1

The 2016 EU policy19)The EU Arctic Policy from 26th April, 2016 (2016). Retrieved on 7th July, 2021 from https://eeas.europa.eu/arctic-policy/eu-arctic-policy_en for the Arctic included three main objectives with focus on sustainable development to a wide extent and international cooperation between the states, Indigenous communities and other parties. According to the 2021 strategy20)European Commision (2021). A stronger EU engagement for a greener, peaceful, and prosperous Arctic. Retrieved on 14th October, 2021 from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_5214, the EU will seek a ban on exploiting new fossil fuel deposits in the Arctic to protect a region severely affected by climate change. Here is also a reference to the Svalbard Treaty and its interpretation with the EUs exclusive competence for conservation of marine biological resources. The European Green Deal (since 2019)21)European Commision (2019). A European Green Deal. Retrieved on 14th October, 2021 from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en and the Horizon Europe Programme (2021-2027)22)European Commision (2021). Horizon Europe. Retrieved on 14th October, 2021 from https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-innovation/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en are supposed to help tackle climate change and overcome environmental challenges by using innovative green, blue, and digital technologies.

Strength: The policy document is focused on nature conservation and local climate adaptation, also a broader climate policy and the regulation of the EUs energy market basically, the EU will act in view of climate change, raw materials as well as geostrategic influence.

Weakness: The 2021 EU Arctic policy document encompasses too many issues, sectors and stakeholders. The ban on tapping new oil, coal and gas deposits should prevent possible tensions over resources, but it has already drawn a disfavour from oil and gas producers as Norway.23)Brzozovski A. Norways new government unimpressed with EUs Arctic drilling pledge. Retrieved on 14th October, 2021 from https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/norways-new-government-unimpressed-with-eus-arctic-drilling-pledge/

Beijing is showing greater interest in the region, and the northern states are targets of intensifying the red economic power. President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative24)Belt and Road Initiative (2013). Retrieved on 13th September, 2021 from https://www.beltroad-initiative.com/info/ includes the Arctic region in the state campaign aimed at increasing trading opportunities. Also, the State Council Information Office of China released its Arctic white paper Chinas Arctic Policy on January 26th, 2018.25)Chinas Arctic Policy (2018). Retrieved on 28th August, 2021 from http://english.www.gov.cn/archive/white_paper/2018/01/26/content_281476026660336.htm The white paper states that China is committed to the multilateral institutional arrangements for Arctic governance currently in place and to the existing legal framework, including the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), treaties on climate change and the environment. Chinas participation in Arctic liquified natural gas (LNG) projects is a part of its effort to replace coal and oil with natural gas, a less environmentally harmful fossil fuel. However, the focus in the policy document is clearly set on the exploitation of the Arctics natural resources rather than on environmental protection.

Strength: Arctic scientific research and environment protection are placed in an important position.

Weakness: The current Chinas framework for the Arctic is driven by their desire to protect the unique environment of the North but conflicted with the economically focused concepts.

The Kingdom of Denmarks current Strategy for the Arctic expired at the end of 2020. Work on a new strategy has been significantly slowed down by the covid pandemic, and Greenland intends to work on its own Arctic whitepaper.26)Quinn E. (2021). Greenlands more prominent role on the Arctic Council is an important signal to the international community. Eye on the Arctic, June 18, 2021. Retrieved on 12th September, 2021 from https://www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-the-arctic/2021/06/18/greenlands-more-prominent-role-on-arctic-council-important-signal-to-intl-community-says-foreign-minister/

Tackling the climate crisis and national security goals are important for every single country. However, not that much has been said publicly about the friction between environmental parts of the policy documents and national security prospects here is the conflict of interests! When it comes to militarization of the region (regardless of nation), environmental goals immediately recede to the background: and this is one of the reasons why military exercises are increasing in the High North.27)Depledge, D. (2020). Train Where You Expect to Fight: Why Military Exercises Have Increased in the High North. Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies, 3(1), pp.288301. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31374/sjms.64; Shouker P. (2020). Russias Strategy of Reconquering the Arctic. The National Interest, May 8, 2020. Retrieved on 5th August, 2021 from https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russia%E2%80%99s-strategy-reconquering-arctic-152681; Hurt M. (2021). Growing military activity in the Arctic and Baltic regions. International Centre for Defence and Security, April 8, 2021. Retrieved on 9th September, 2021 from https://icds.ee/en/growing-military-activity-in-the-arctic-and-baltic-regions/ In so doing, nations directly increase pressure on the environment through carbon emissions, military installations, all types of pollution, the interference with environmental research activities, etc.

What are the policy implications for the future? The huge pressure is on policymakers who will focus on the existing discord between environmental and security components within the Arctic strategies. All parties fail to cooperate effectively at international level, as soon as they are paying a regard to political will and tensions. Also, there is a lack of dynamism in environmental law, and the flexibility of decision making at national levels. For effective mitigation of climate change it requires a flexible legal framework that works effectively in a rapidly changing Arctic.

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Environmental Policy Integration with the Existing Arctic Strategies - The Arctic Institute

Global Energy Metals Signs Agreement with Electric Royalties and Scandinavian Resource Holdings to Create 1% NSR on the Rana Nickel-Cobalt-Copper…

Vancouver, BC - TheNewswire - October 19, 2021 - Global Energy Metals Corporation (TSXV:GEMC) | (OTCQB:GBLEF) | (FSE:5GE1) (Global Energy Metals, the Company and/or GEMC), a company involved in the investment exposure to the battery metals supply chain, is pleased to announce the signing of a letter of intent between Electric Royalties Ltd. (Electric Royalties and/or ELEC) and Scandinavian Resource Holdings (SRH) to create a new 1% Net Smelter Royalty (the 1% NSR) on four exploration licenses totaling 25 square kilometers in the Rna mafic-ultramafic intrusion in Northern Norway and includes the past producing Bruvann Nickel mine (the Rna Project or Rna).

Rana Nickel Royalty Acquisition Highlights

- Includes the past producing Bruvann Ni-Cu-Co mine which has significant historical resources remaining after production shut down in 2002, following 13 years of production due to low nickel prices;

- Located adjacent to main north-south highway and in an area with a long history of mining and skilled manpower;

- Available mine infrastructure includes power, roads, and conveyor from mine site to existing port facilities;

- Large historical drill database demonstrating compelling near mine exploration potential;

- Underexplored property with demonstrated exploration potential and re-start potential; and

- GEMC to receive cash and share equity in Electric Royalties further increasing its exposure to the company and its growing portfolio of technology enabling metal projects.

Mitchell Smith, CEO of Global Energy Metals commented:

We are excited to partner again with Electric Royalties and strengthen our ownership in their company while benefiting further from the added exposure our shareholders will gain through Electrics impressive royalty portfolio and the raw materials that are building an electrified future. We see Electric as the perfect partner to strengthen awareness about the Rana Project and attract further investment to advance this important class-1 sulphide nickel project.

Brendan Yurik, CEO of Electric Royalties commented:

We are very pleased to add Rana to our royalty portfolio as it represents our first exposure to nickel. Furthermore, we are excited about the potential of the mines restart as well as the prospectivity of the surrounding land package. The mine was shut down in 2002 due to low nickel prices which averaged less than $4/lb during its operation. Market conditions have now changed and nickel prices are more than double what they were when the mine shut down. Given the projects excellent jurisdiction, good infrastructure and available skilled workforce we believe that Rana has excellent potential to help supply the nickel required to transition the world away from fossil fuels and toward a decarbonized global economy.

Rana Project Overview

The Rna Nickel-Copper-Cobalt project is jointly held by GEMC and SRH and located on the Ofoten Fjord in Northern Norway and is ice-free year-round. The project includes the past producing Bruvann Ni-Cu-Co mine which was in production from 1989 until 2002 and processed 8.2 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.52% Ni, 0.1% Cu and 0.02% Co.

A historical estimate of the remaining resource is 9.15 million tonnes at approximate grades of 0.36% Ni, 0.09% Cu and 0.01% Co above a cut-off of 0.3% Ni.1 The mineralization is reported to be open in several directions.

The estimate was obtained from a report prepared by the Norwegian Geological Survey (NGU). No classification of the estimate was reported. The estimate is historical in nature and does not qualify as mineral resources under CIM Definition standards and NI 43-101. A qualified person under has not done sufficient work to classify the estimates as current mineral resources and the Company is not treating them as current.

Bruvann is located 2 km away from a shipping dock with an existing conveyor connecting dock facilities from the mine site. Mine roads and power facilities as well as some of the mine buildings have been maintained and the main North-South highway in the region crosses the property.

For more information on the Rana Project please refer to GEMCs website linked here.

1The past production and historical estimate for the Rna Project is reported in Carl Olaf Mathiesen and Rognvald Boyd, 2017: History of exploration of the nickel resources of the Rna Intrusion, Nordland, Norway, NGU Report 2017.31, available at https://www.ngu.no/upload/Publikasjoner/Rapporter/2017/2017_031.pdf .

Terms

Electric Royalties is creating the 1% NSR on the Rna Project for a total consideration of 2,000,000 common shares of the Company (Consideration Shares) and $100,000 cash payable to GEMC and SRH payble to GEMC and SRH in proportion to ownership. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a voluntary escrow lock-up agreement which provides that 50% of the common shares will be subject to a hold period of 4 months and one day, 25% for 8 months and the remaining 25% for 12 months. The transaction noted herein is subject to completion of due diligence, approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and other customary conditions.

Qualified Person

Mr. Paul Sarjeant, P. Geo., is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Global Energy Metals Corporation

(TSXV:GEMC | OTC:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1)

Global Energy Metals Corp. offers investment exposure to the growing rechargeable battery and electric vehicle market by building a diversified global portfolio of exploration and growth-stage battery mineralassets.

Global Energy Metals recognizes that the proliferation and growth of the electrified economy in the coming decades is underpinned by the availability of battery metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and other raw materials. To be part of the solution and respond to this electrification movement, Global Energy Metals has taken a consolidate, partner and invest approach and in doing so have assembled and are advancing a portfolio of strategically significant investments in battery metal resources.

As demonstrated with the Companys current copper, nickel and cobalt projects in Canada, Australia, Norway and the United States, GEMC is investing-in, exploring and developing prospective, scaleable assets in established mining and processing jurisdictions in close proximity to end-use markets. Global Energy Metals is targeting projects with low logistics and processing risks, so that they can be fast tracked to enter the supply chain in thiscycle. The Company is also collaborating with industry peers to strengthen its exposure to these critical commodities and the associated technologies required for a cleaner future.

Securing exposure to these critical minerals powering the eMobility revolution is a generationalinvestment opportunity. Global Energy Metals believe the the time to be part of this electrification movement.

For Further Information:

Global Energy Metals Corporation

#1501-128 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC, V6B 1R8

Email: info@globalenergymetals.com

t. + 1 (604) 688-4219

http://www.globalenergymetals.com

Twitter: @EnergyMetals | @USBatteryMetals | @ElementMinerals

Subscribe to the GEMC eNewsletter

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information:

Certain information in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve risks associated with regulatory approvals and timelines. Although Global Energy Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

GEMCs operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations.

For more information on Global Energy and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review the filings that are available at http://www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

We seek safe harbour.

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Global Energy Metals Signs Agreement with Electric Royalties and Scandinavian Resource Holdings to Create 1% NSR on the Rana Nickel-Cobalt-Copper...

2021 Global Talent Competitiveness Index: Fostering green and digital jobs and skills crucial for talent competitiveness in times of COVID-19 – WIBW

FONTAINEBLEAU, France andSINGAPORE andSAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2021 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI)report shows Switzerland, Singapore and the United States continue their strong lead in talent competitiveness.

Published by INSEAD and the Portulans Institute, this year's rankings see European countries dominating the top positions with 17 of them in the top 25. One notable mention is France (19th), which enters the Top 20 this year with its highest position ever.

Outstanding non-European countries that make it into the top 25 are Australia (11th), Canada (13th), New Zealand (15th), Japan (20th), Israel (21st), and the United Arab Emirates (25th). 'Latin America and the Caribbean' region is for the first time represented in the top quartile by Chile (33rd), and China (37th) breaks into the top 40, its highest position ever.

The report finds that:

The accelerated adoption of collaborative tools have redefined the way in which individuals and teams could bring value to private businesses and public entities. Companies has redefined how they work. In that process, many opportunities have been offered to countries and cities to experiment with novel ways of attracting talent (e.g. digital nomads).

The international mobility of talents has been redefined by the pandemic. For employees, new parameters emerged about when, where and for whom to work: as online tools opened new doors to better work-life balance and to 'working from anywhere', new inequalities surfaced between those who could contribute online, and those who had to be physically present at the workplace.

Governments are called to re-take centre stage, both by injecting financial resources to prevent a massive collapse of businesses and employment, and by designing specific legal and regulatory measures to protect their populations' health and social cohesion. Fortunately, most public entities around the world reacted with rapidity and force. This allowed many companies to stay afloat financially, and to stay the course towards their strategic objectives, including in the talent area. The relatively rapid fashion in which major economies resumed growth is now even creating some employment scarcity in key sectors and activities.

Economies that cannot accelerate their digital transformation may quickly be left behind. The rapid increase of 'digital divides' however, is only one part of growing inequalities at the international level. Another finding of concern is the increasing divergence between rich and poor economies. The World Bank indicates that poverty has increased worldwide during the pandemic and that an additional 125 million people live with less than US$1.90 per day. UN data suggests that globally, jobs held by women are generally more threatened by COVID-related adjustments (including lay-offs) than the ones held by men. If these developments are not contained and swiftly reversed, they could further widen gaps in economic well-being as well as in equality, diversity and inclusion efforts that has made progression in recent years.

In the 'new normal', inequalities may also grow among workers due to a likely 'K-shaped recovery', where workers employable in 'recovery sectors' such as technology, retail of software services would find more employment opportunities than those locked in other (often distressed) activities such as travel or entertainment. Innovation and agility can play a critical role in 'redressing the lower branch of the K'.

Immense challenges loom ahead: preventing a growth of inequalities (and a resumption of poverty), offering enough opportunities for a massive upskilling and re-skilling of the work force, and maintaining social cohesion will not be among the easiest task of the coming years, and possibly decades.

China and Russia join the GTCI league of 'talent champions' (they were both among GTCI's 'talent movers' last year). For the first time, a country from the Latin America and the Caribbean regin (Chile) appears in the top quartile of the rankings. In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates remains the strongest talent champion, and offers innovative ways to attract and retain talents.

The eighth edition of the report titled, 'Talent Competitiveness in Times of COVID',explores lessons learned during the pandemic, and offers insights into how governments, organisations, businesses and individuals can move forward. Managing talent is now a mainstream concern and talent performance seen as a critical factor to growth and prosperity.

Felipe Monteiro, Academic Director of the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) and INSEAD Senior Affiliate Professor of Strategy, states: "It is now time to 'think post-pandemic'. Jobs linked to digital transformation and the greening of most sectors (finance, energy to transport, manufacturing and agriculture) will be in high demand across geographies." He adds, "Top-ranked Switzerland and Singapore are speeding up transitions to a sustainable, future-proof economy. Switzerland is strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable finance and Singapore is forging ahead with its ambitious "Green Plan 2030" and making headways in digital trade and green economy cooperation with China. These forward-looking nations are taking steps to build robust economies and societies."

Long term trends and analysis

In its third year of providing longitudinal analysis, GTCI data suggests that the gap between the most talent-competitive countries and the rest is widening. The policy implication is clear: stakeholders should take steps to ensure that the underlying dimensions of talent competitiveness are strengthened, especially for countries and those segments of the population already under pressure.

Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) 2021 Top 20 Ranking

As in previous years, higher rankings are associated with higher income levels. Policies and practices that bring about talent competitiveness in more developed countries are less susceptible to political and socioeconomic fluctuations and these countries have the stability to invest in lifelong learning, reinforcing skills, and attracting and retaining global talent.

Rank

Country

Rank

Country

1

Switzerland

11

Australia

2

Singapore

12

United Kingdom

3

United States of America

13

Canada

4

Denmark

14

Germany

5

Sweden

15

New Zealand

6

Netherlands

16

Ireland

7

Finland

17

Belgium

8

Luxembourg

18

Austria

9

Norway

19

France

10

Iceland

20

Japan

Global City Talent Competitiveness Index (GCTCI)2021 Top 10 Ranking

Megalopolisesare back on the talent sceneas large cities (due mainly to their higher level of resources) adapted better to COVID-relatedchallenges, which partly explain why they generally rank better in GCTCI than last year.

Top cities this year continue to be dominated by the US and Europe with San Francisco taking the top spot. Two other US cities,Boston and Seattle,make it into the top 10;while the remaining 7 are located in Europe (Geneva, Zurich, Luxembourg, Dublin, London, and Helsinki). Singapore is the only Asian city listed in the top 10.

Rank

City

Rank

City

1

San Francisco (United States)

6

Dublin (Ireland)

2

Geneva (Switzerland)

7

Singapore (Singapore)

3

Boston (United States)

8

Seattle (United States)

4

Zurich (Switzerland)

9

London (United Kingdom)

5

Luxembourg (Luxembourg)

10

Helsinki (Finland)

Bruno Lanvin, Distinguished Fellow at INSEAD and co-editor of the report, comments:"Altogether, cities around the world proved agile and imaginative in mobilising available talents to identify and implement solutions to unprecedented and complex situations." He adds that, "Cities with distinctive features for future readiness tend to dominate the rankings. Capabilities in AI or advanced technologies (including fintech, healthtech and medtech) clearly favour the talent performance of cities such as San Francisco, Boston, and Singapore, and to a lesser but still significant extent that of Luxembourg, Geneva, Dublin, and Zurich."

For more information:Download the full reportFollow us on Twitter #GTCI for updatesRegister and join the live launch event hereat 13:00 CET, 19 October 2021.

About Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI)

The GTCI report is published annually by INSEAD, the Business School for the World, in partnership with Portulans Institute. The report is a comprehensive annual benchmarking report that measures how countries and cities grow, attract and retain talent. It provides a unique resource for decision makers to understand the global talent competitiveness picture and develop strategies for to boost their competitiveness. The 2021 report covers 134 countries and 155 cities from 75 economies around the world across all groups of income and levels of development.

About Portulans Institute

Founded in 2019,the Portulans Institute (PI) is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational institute based in Washington DC.Portulans(or portolans) are ancient nautical maps, first made in the 13th century in the Mediterranean basin and later expanded to include other regions. The word portolan comes from the Italian portulano, meaning "related to ports or harbors", and which since at least the 17th century designates "a collection of sailing directions". In these maps, only a few harbors were visible, and much of the coastlines were hypothetical.This is how we see our mission: in an uncertain world, much is yet to be explored, and many opportunities have yet to be identified. Like the navigators of the 16th century, modern leaders have to make decisions on the basis of imperfect information and incomplete maps.The Portulans Institute aims at providing them with the best available data and analyses, and the directions that they need. This is why our logo combines a compass, and pi, which is not only a powerful number found in geometry, algebra, physics and arts, but also an infinite series of digits, with no pre-written rule telling us what the next one might be. More information about PI can be found athttps://portulansinstitute.org/

About INSEAD, The Business School for the World

As one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas to develop responsible leaders who transform business and society. Our research, teaching and partnerships reflect this global perspective and cultural diversity.

With locations inEurope(France),Asia(Singapore), theMiddle East(Abu Dhabi), and nowNorth America(San Francisco), INSEAD's business education and research spans four regions. Our 168renownedFacultymembers from 41 countries inspire more than 1,100 degree participants annually in ourMaster in Management,MBA,Global Executive MBA, Specialised Master's degrees (Executive Master in FinanceandExecutive Master in Change) andPhDprogrammes. In addition, more than 12,400 executives participate in INSEADExecutive Educationprogrammes each year.

INSEAD continues to conduct cutting-edge research and innovate across all our programmes. We provide business leaders with the knowledge and awareness to operate anywhere. Our core values drive academic excellence and serve the global community as The Business School for the World.

More information about INSEAD can be found at http://www.insead.edu.

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2021 Global Talent Competitiveness Index: Fostering green and digital jobs and skills crucial for talent competitiveness in times of COVID-19 - WIBW

Countywide Recycling Discussion Focuses on Education, Reducing Contamination – Southern Pines Pilot

When its done right, recycling costs Moore County nothing beyond the hauling costs needed to transfer the materials to an appropriate reclamation facility. Conversely, done wrong, recycling costs the county more per ton than disposing of regular household waste.

Bolstered with grant funding from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), as part of the agencys statewide efforts to improve recycling quality, Moore County Solid Waste launched the Recycle Moore campaign in September. The goal is to educate local residents on whats actually recyclable -- and what is not.

The county has long had a recycling program and so did a lot of our municipalities. But then things changed three years ago in the market, said Solid Waste Director David Lambert during a countywide recycling discussion held Thursday in Aberdeen. It became much more important that we remove contamination.

Contamination is essentially any item in the recycling stream that cannot be recycled, such as a greasy pizza box. One of the bigger challenges is that different areas apply different standards to what is acceptable.

You could wake up in Robbins, go to church in Pinehurst and have lunch in Aberdeen and encounter three different rules on recycling, Lambert said, noting as recycling costs began skyrocketing in 2918, processing facilities began turning back contaminated loads.

Moore County and its partnering municipalities ended up paying for recycling loads to be hauled back-and-forth, only to carry the additional cost burden of having it lumped in with landfill waste.

The good news is while China and other southeast Asian countries severed the export market for recycling, domestic recycling businesses have rebounded. According to a 2020 DEQ study, approximately 13 percent of North Carolinas comingled recycling is being exported whereas about 34 percent stays in the state where it is repurposed.

For a long time weve operated on a linear economy model where materials are extracted, manufactured, distributed, consumed and disposed of, explained Carol Abken, with the DEQs recycling office. In contrast, a circular economy model reciculates recycled material back into the economy.

North Carolina has over 600 recycling-related businesses that employ over 15,700 and have a total annual payroll of around $759 million. Reprocessing and repurposing materials can also conserve natural resources, conserve landfill space, and reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction, Abken added. The N.C. Recycle Right Campaign was developed as part of DEQs initiative to reduce contamination and provide a better feed stock of recyclable materials to North Carolina-based recycling businesses.

Recycle Moore is a single, countywide standard that was developed to reduce confusion regarding recycling and maximize the types of material that can be recycled. These updated standards apply to municipal residents who enjoy existing curbside recycling programs and those who use the countys drop-off facilities.

Courtesy of Moore County Solid Waste

To spread the Recycle Moore message, Lambert used grant funding to produce videos, created pamphlets and colorful magnets that were mailed to rural households or can be picked up at most local government offices, and updated the countys website.

#RecycleMoore was created to reduce confusion and educate Moore County on what can and can not be recycled. Let Eli Brown (a North Moore High School student) tell you more. Credit: Story Focused Media

Recycle Moore is a true collaborative effort. Our communities are so interconnected. We cant really do anything if we dont do it together, Lambert said. We want to make sure we have good quality recycling. If you are in doubt, throw it out. We would rather you be confident that what you put in the bin is recyclable.

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Countywide Recycling Discussion Focuses on Education, Reducing Contamination - Southern Pines Pilot

Stranger, to the Real Energy Revolution: Demand Flexibility and Connected Communities – Microgrid Knowledge

If you asked folks on the street about the energy revolution, theyd probably say something about wind and solar. Theyd be a bit behind the times. Renewables were the game changer a decade ago. Todays insurgent is energy flexibility.

By NeoLeo/Shutterstock.com

Energy flexibility is a software-driven ability imbued within advanced distributed energy resources, such as microgrids.

Flexible resources can quickly respond to change patterns of electricity use on the grid by producing or curbing electrons which is crucial because electrons are a lot like luck. Being at the right place at the right time means everything.

When and where the electric grid needs relief, flexible resources can come to the rescue. They turn on and off in response to price signals or the sudden cessation of wind or solar, situations that can cause too much demand to chase too little power supply on the grid. In that way, they act as a booster to renewable energy growth, as we strive to make it our dominant energy resource.

Flexible resources be they microgrids, energy storage or generators bring a new level of efficiency to the grid. They are a non-wires alternative, a disruptive technology that offers a way to make electricity more cost-effective, sustainable and reliable without building conventional transmission lines and power plants.

Even buildings can act as flexible resources as the US Department of Energy (DOE) highlights through its Connected Communities program, which last week allotted $61 million to 10 demonstration projects.

As described by the DOE, the buildings will use smart controls, sensors and analytics to talk to the grid. They will ramp up or down their energy use and on-site energy production accordingly, participating in demand response and ancillary services programs. This, of course, only occurs after the needs of the building itself are met.

From our homes to workplaces, this groundbreaking, grid-connected building technology will help reduce our impact while cutting energy bills, maximizing convenience and propelling our efforts to reach a carbon-neutral, clean energy economy by 2050, said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. These projects will help universalize technology that can maximize the efficiency and sustainability of Americas nearly 130 million buildings and make significant headway in the fight against climate change.

At least two of the grant recipients Ohio State and PacifiCorp are using microgrid technology in their flexible demand planning. Details are below, along with a list of other recipients.

The Ohio State University of Columbus, Ohio

Ohio State will work with ENGIE North America, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the University of California, Berkeley to demonstrate novel grid-interactive efficient building capabilities across 20 diverse campus buildings. Leveraging an existing mature connected campus, this project team will explore ancillary grid services across its university campus. The project will demonstrate a cybersecure predictive control of buildings and DERs to provide important but overlooked grid services like frequency regulation, synchronized reserve, and energy and capacity markets participation. Given the mature existing connected campus technologies, this project will have the opportunity to explore data privacy and cybersecurity plans, business models for institutional energy management, and occupant comfort across a range of building types and DER assets.

Xendee, partnering with ENGIE North America, is providing the techno-economic and engineering design solution for the connected communities project, which will also act as a scalable campus microgrid template for ENGIE and Xendee. The project will use Xendees Positronix Model Predictive Microgrid Controller, alongside other control methodologies, according to Michael Stadler, chief technology officer at Xendee.

PacifiCorp doing business as Rocky Mountain Power of Salt Lake City, Utah

PacifiCorp, based in Portland, Oregon, will work with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Utah State University, Wasatch Energy Group, GIV Group, Utah Transit Authority, Packsize International, Open Systems International and Sonnen to implement a utility-managed distributed energy resource (DER) control program that integrates diverse building types with a range of flexible loads to optimize grid services and improve building energy efficiency. The team identified a diverse but representative set of buildings that range from a large suburban apartment complex, a downtown complex of mixed-use retail and apartments, a university laboratory and an office building with a microgrid, a mass transit transportation center, a manufacturing building and a residential home. These buildings are in various stages of development with some in operation, some currently under construction, and others where the team can influence the design. The buildings are all electric and will use efficient heat pump-based HVAC (both central and minisplits) and domestic hot water, an adaptive building envelope and advanced lighting, achieving a minimum of 30% energy efficiency compared to the baseline of typical buildings.

IBACOS of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

IBACOS will work with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Tierra Resource Consultants, Energy and Environmental Economics, Meritage Homes, Duke Energy, Energy Hub and Elevation Home Energy Solutions to deliver 3.8 MW of aggregated flexible load from a comprehensive mix of DERs deployed in 1,000 residential dwellings, including new and existing single-family and multifamily owner-occupied and rental properties in Duke Energys North Carolina service area. This project implements key energy-efficiency upgrades for existing properties and will explore the capabilities of a connected network of DER technologies to deliver flexible distributed capacity at scale. The data collected from this project, including occupant experience data, will provide real-world insight on the aggregated grid impacts across a large service area.

Spokane Edo of Seattle, Washington

Spokane Edo will work with Avista Utilities, McKinstry, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Urbanova to upgrade up to 125 existing residential and commercial buildings. The team will implement energy-efficiency measures and DERs across a variety of Spokanes residential and commercial buildings to provide up to 2.25 MW of flexible load and grid benefits. Specifically, the project will demonstrate non-wire alternatives in its retrofits, thereby avoiding major capital investments in distribution infrastructure by creating virtual power plants from existing buildings. The project recruitment will be focused on equity across all customer demographics, including highly impacted and vulnerable populations in Spokanes Opportunity Zones.

Open Market ESCO of Boston, Massachusetts

Open Market ESCO will work with Fraunhofer USA, Cpower, Clean Energy Group, Logical Buildings, Sparhawk Group, SunRun and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to implement energy savings and flexible technologies across 2,000 homes. The project seeks to demonstrate the financeable pathways for existing affordable multifamily housing to become grid-interactive efficient buildings. This project will enroll up to 20 low-moderate apartment communities to strategically deploy and implement efficiency, demand flexibility, renewable generation and energy storage. The project team plans to focus on energy equity and will demonstrate pathways for bringing the energy savings, resilience, comfort and environmental benefits to these underserved communities.

Portland General Electric of Portland, Oregon

Portland General Electric (PGE) will work with Energy Trust of Oregon, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Community Energy Project, the National Energy Renewable Laboratory and Open Systems International to retrofit more than 500 buildings in North Portlands Overlook and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods. This project builds on a solid foundation of Portland General Electrics Smart Grid Testbed to demonstrate 1.4 MW of flexible loads, reduce the energy burden of low-income residents, and explore new ways to reach historically underserved communities. The project aims to utilize various energy-efficiency measures and connected devices, including smart thermostats and water heaters, and PGEs Advanced Distribution and DER Management Systems. Through its previous testbed success, this project team anticipates high levels of participation in and awareness of its flexible load programs, and strong community engagement and adoption.

San Jose, California. Photo by Uladzik Kryhin/Shutterstock.com

SunPower of San Jose, California

SunPower will work with KB Home, the University of California, Irvine, Schneider Electricand Southern California Edison to develop two new home communities including more than 230 homes. This project team will develop two testbeds with state-of-the-art new residential buildings that meet theDOEs Zero Energy Ready Homes criteria. Each all electric community will implement photovoltaic systems and home energy management systems. However, the two communities will compare the benefits of community level versus residential level energy storage batteries, while providing grid services to the local utility. This project may be the blueprint to follow for building new decarbonized homes of the future.

Post Road Foundation of Oakland, California

Post Road Foundation will work with New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Efficiency Maine Trust, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Knowledge Problem to deploy a Transactive Energy Service System (TESS) platform that enables grid-interactive control through two-way communication between DERs and a local energy market. The project will test TESS in three rural communities in New Hampshire and Maine, each consisting of 100 to 250 single-family homes, small commercial buildings and small industrial customers. The team expects that TESS will be able to do the following:

Slipstream Group of Madison, Wisconsin

Slipstream Group, in partnership with Madison Gas and Electric, the City of Madison, Rocky Mountain Institute, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and bluEvolution, will convert approximately 15 facilities in Madison, Wisconsin, to GEBs and add nearby electric vehicle charging. As these improvements demonstrate reliable and cost-effective efficiency and demand flexibility improvements, the project will expand to additional privately owned buildings, providing a scalable business model for utilities to install demand flexibility and energy-efficiency upgrades across multiple building sizes in the public and private sectors. The project will also deliver a GEB toolkit with integrated financing options to address opportunities in public and private buildings across multiple sizes and use cases.

Electric Power Research Institute of Palo Alto, California

Electric Power Research Institute will work with Gas Technology Institute, Seattle City Light, Community Roots Housing, Vistar Energy and Sentient Buildings to transform multifamily buildings in disadvantaged communities into grid-interactive efficient buildings. The project team will retrofit more than 2,000 dwellings in affordable housing communities in three geographically dispersed cities New York, Seattle and San Diego. By implementing efficiency, flexibility, storage and distributed generation, the project team will demonstrate different decarbonization pathways, reduce energy cost burden, improve system resilience and provide distribution and bulk grid services.

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Stranger, to the Real Energy Revolution: Demand Flexibility and Connected Communities - Microgrid Knowledge

Driving innovation in the Indian IVD industry – Express Healthcare

Jatin Mahajan, MD, J Mitra & Company talks about innovation and revolution of Indian IVD industry and role of J Mitra & Company in driving this change

The Indian IVD industry has grown in leaps and bound in the past couple of decades. As a result, the Indian IVD industry is playing a critical role in the international arena, providing quality and cost-effective IVD solutions to countries across all the continents, including the Americas and Europe.

But the story was completely different 50-60 years back. India was then a developing nation that met most of its requirements by way of imports. In the post-independence era, India was largely dependent on foreign IVD companies. India was an agrarian-based economy, and the government policy was skewed towards foreign direct investment and trade liberalisation. India, then, did not have the capabilities to sustain the domestic demands through domestic Indian companies. Driven by a profiteering mindset, foreign multi-national companies would dump high-cost, low-quality products in the Indian market. The absence of stringent regulations and quality control made India a very lucrative market for these unscrupulous companies.

The visionary Lalit Mahajan was quick to notice the quality gap and pricing anomalies. Armed with an engineering degree and a social mindset, Lalit Mahajan was keen to see India self-sufficient. He decided to play a decisive role in making India self-reliant in this arena. Driven by a social entrepreneurial mindset, an innovative streak, and a go-getter attitude, Lalit Mahajan decided to work towards a more self-reliant endeavor to change the IVD landscape in the country. He incorporated J Mitra & Company as a research-based biotechnology company. He was not interested in license manufacturing for MNC companies but instead wanted to develop products in India that catered to the domestic and global market. Rather than riding the wave, Lalit Mahajan was more interested in taking the risk and setting the trend.

Lalit Mahajan, a young engineer and budding entrepreneur resolved to develop and manufacture high-quality, low-cost IVD solutions. The immunology segment in the rapid test format in India was limited to pregnancy tests. J Mitra decided to change all this. It was the first Indian company to procure drug manufacturing licenses from the Indian government for critical tests in Rapid and Elisa formats like HIV, HCV, and HBV. J Mitra & co-pioneered the development, manufacturing, and marketing of IVD test kits. J Mitra introduced a range of tests for infectious diseases like Dengue, Malaria, HIV, HBV, HCV, Typhoid, Leptospira in rapid and ELISA test formats, and anti-Sera products and confirmatory tests like Western Blot for HIV. J Mitra has several products that are still global No. 1 after 10-20 years of their launch. Driven by extensive R&D, these products meet and exceed all the international quality certifications.

The success of J Mitra & Company drew more and more domestic companies into the IVD business, and today India is the most vital global supplier of IVD solutions. India has also become the international center for frugal medical devices engineering.

The Indian IND (in-vitro diagnostics) market is slated to reach approximately USD 2 billion in 2026, from its current revenues of USD 1.3 billion. Indias immunochemistry revenue accounts for the largest market share (i.e., 40%) of IVD revenue in India, followed by the clinical chemistry and hematology market. The IVD industry has showcased stellar performance, especially in the last 30 odd years, and this has resulted in India attaining the top spot on the global IVD map.

The Indian in-vitro diagnostics market is highly robust. The entire focus has been towards supporting the creation of an innovation-driven ecosystem for resource-poor settings. The industrys efforts towards developing tests and analyzer platforms are driven by the need for precision and reliability, domestic production (self-reliant), affordability, and reaching closer to point-of-care.

The factors that catalyze the Indian IVD markets innovative spirit are an increase of chronic diseases, a focus on point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, and rising awareness and acceptance of personalized medicine and companion diagnostics.

For J Mitra & Company, the vision is quality healthcare for all driven by the urge to catalyze higher quality of life through early detection of diseases and ailments.

Healthcare transcends society across geographies & regions, age categories, social strata, cultural aspects, and time-period considerations. Every human yearns for the absolute best health and long life.

Diagnostics serve the crucial task of improving health and quality of life. It is based on the 3 As Equitable accessibility, affordability, and appropriate use of good quality diagnostics are integral to high-quality health care. Precise diagnostics are essential for the effective management of diseases. These result in improved patient care and clinical outcomes and thus increases affordability due to the overall reduced cost of treatment.

Indian diagnostics are the best globally in terms of quality, precision, and affordability. And efforts are on to make them more cost-effective and ensure availability in the remotest corners and villages.

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Driving innovation in the Indian IVD industry - Express Healthcare

Blancco prevented 68M KG of E-waste in 2021 – RealWire

ESG report launched today reveals Blanccos circular economy focus, the companys positive social impact and its support for its customers in achieving their own ESG objectives

AUSTIN and LONDON October 20th, 2021 Blancco Technology Group (AIM: BLTG), the industry standard in data erasure and mobile lifecycle solutions, today announced that in 2021 it securely erased 54 million IT assets and other data bearing devices to prevent 68.2 million KG in electronic equipment waste going to landfill, with a pre-use carbon footprint of 5.6 billion KG. The data is based on information gathered from customers, and was revealed today in Blanccos 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report.

The ESG report is a comprehensive overview of the metrics and policies that are material to Blancco Technology Group. In the report, Blancco demonstrates its initiatives in promoting a positive social and environmental impact. Blancco outlines its ESG accreditations and how it is shaping its approach to sustainability, aligning its objectives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through the secure erasure of data bearing assets, Blancco enables businesses to minimise their carbon emissions, keeping functional hardware in the circular economy, and reducing the need for physical destruction. Blancco engaged with a consultancy to carry out a carbon audit, to better understand its own impact on the environment and where improvement could be made. The report revealed that Blanccos 12-month CO2e emissions for 2020 decreased by 77%, compared with 2019.

A reduction in business travel and the adoption of flexible working during the pandemic, did influence this decrease. However, Blancco is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and while some business travel will resume, Blancco has assessed the opportunity for several board meetings to be held virtually reducing the need for transatlantic flights. Flexible working will be maintained and one UK office has been closed to continue to pursue emissions reduction. Where possible, Blancco encourages sustainable resource use across its employee base, and is considering green energy suppliers for its offices.

Blancco also highlights the work it is doing to promote inclusivity, diversity, connectedness, and its role in improving engagement with employees and the local community. It has worked hard to create a culture that is open and honest, rolling out several global initiatives to promote mindfulness and employee wellbeing.

The past year also saw Blancco collaborate with WANDisco, the global data company, in the UKs Laptop for Kids Campaign. The pandemic exacerbated issues of digital inclusion and many students were left without access to technology to continue with their education during extended periods of home schooling. The campaign has sourced more than 14,000 devices to date and put them in the hands of families in need. Through donations of free driver eraser licenses, Blancco securely erased over 2,500 donated used digital devices, with that number rising daily.

Blancco has continued to support its customers in maintaining high standards in business ethics and ensuring robust governance practices, including customer data security when using Blancco solutions.

The 2021 ESG report was developed in alignment with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Boards (SASB) Software & IT Services standard, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

To understand more about how Blancco is enabling companies to engage with the circular economy, supporting its employees and local communities, and maintain best in class governance practices, read the full 2021 ESG report here: 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance Report

-ENDS-

Notes to editorsIf you have any questions or would like to speak to a Blancco representative about the report or to understand the role of software-based data erasure for IT assets and its influence on the circular economy, please contact Blancco@CCgroupPR.com.

About Blancco Technology Group Reduce Risk. Increase Efficiency. Be Sustainable.

Blancco Technology Group (AIM: BLTG) provides organizations with secure, compliant, and automated solutions that accelerate the transition to the circular economy. Each year, tens of millions of Blancco erasures allow top-tier organizations to protect end-of-life data against unauthorized access, safely redeploy data storage assets, and firmly comply with increased data protection and privacy requirements. Our precise device diagnostics help move used IT assets confidently into the circular economy, enabling enterprises, IT asset disposition (ITAD) vendors and recyclers, and mobile industry stakeholders to operate more sustainably.

Globally approved, recommended and certified by governing and industry bodies around the world, Blancco is the industry standard in data erasure and mobile lifecycle solutions. With 35+ patented or patent-pending ideas, we continue to grow the number of innovative solutions global companies can rely on to accelerate operations, secure their data, and grow their businesses. Read more about us at http://www.blancco.com.

ContactsBlancco Technology GroupLiz Adams, Global Marketing Director T: +44 (0) 7762 446179E: liz.adams@blancco.com

CCgroup for Blancco Technology Group (International)Florie Lhuillier / Adam Millar T: +44 (0) 20 3824 9214E: blancco@ccgrouppr.com

CCgroup for Blancco Technology Group (North America)Natasha Grach / Lori Scribner T: +1 619 798 0043E: blancco@ccgrouppr.com

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Blancco prevented 68M KG of E-waste in 2021 - RealWire

Manufacturers among first to sign up to low carbon innovation with Eco-I North West – Manufacturer.com

SME manufacturers have been among the first to sign up to Eco-I North West, a first-of-its-kind research and development programme for low carbon innovation.

Eco-I North West is a 14m initiative offering businesses the opportunity to collaborate with and access the extensive knowledge base, cutting-edge research facilities, and skills of six of the regions leading universities Lancaster, Central Lancashire, Cumbria, Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores and Manchester Metropolitan.

The programme, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, will work with more than 300 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region over the next two years, supporting the development of 135 new innovative solutions which will save 3,850 tonnes of CO2.

This is support for businesses to build back better, enabling R&D, and building networks to drive innovation, which is good for business and better for the environment.

Among the 80+ businesses signed up to Eco-I NW is Fibrestar Drums, based in Stockport, a manufacturer of fibre drums innovating with new materials and solutions which will have a lasting impact on the environment.

Colin Pardoe, Managing Director, said: For the last two years we have been innovating to produce Europes first conical and nestable 100% fibre (kraft) container primarily for the agricultural sector which is edible by livestock with no waste, as well as having 66% less CO2 than a plastic pail and helping soil enrichment which also acts as a carbon sink.

Working with Lancaster University through the Eco-I NW programme we are driving that innovation forward to explore how we can apply our product to other materials for applications in other sectors. It is an exciting opportunity to access world-class academic expertise and facilities for innovation and develop solutions which will have a lasting impact on the environment while supporting the growth of the business.

Enviroo, based in Manchester, specialises in turning plastic bottles into the raw material for new food-grade packaging, is also developing low carbon innovation.

Ahmed Detta, CEO & founder, said: Our partnership with Lancaster University through the Eco-I NW programme is the perfect fit for our company. It will give us access to the research body of a prestigious university, and essentially create an R&D arm for our young enterprise, to help us achieve our long-term business goals.

Others manufacturers signed up to Eco-I NW are:

Biotech Services, based in Sandbach, a manufacturer exploring the use of extracted organic production waste to create new products such as fabrics, regenerative medicine, biodegradable packaging and batteries.

Kerax, based in Chorley, a wax manufacturer innovating with hydrogenated vegetable waxes and solutions to reduce the energy and CO2 emissions involved in transporting wax products.

CO2 Extraction, based in Morecambe, specialists in the extraction of high-value bioactive compounds and oils from botanicals;

Silverwoods Waste Management, based in Altham, Lancashire, an industrial waste recycling specialist, is researching the sequestration and capture of carbon within agricultural soils.

Some of these inspirational stories will be showcased at a free-to-access virtual summit, Disruption, Innovation, Transformation. Climate Change: Its Now or Never, today, Wednesday 20 October.

ECO-I NW speakers Top LtoR Dr Ariel Edesess, Duncan Pollard, Dr Rhiannon Hunt- Bottom LtoR Dr Yagya Regmi, Helen Wilkinson, Professor Karl Williams. Image courtesy of Eco-I North West

The two-hour summit, running from 10am-12pm, will include keynote speaker Duncan Pollard, former VP for Sustainability at Nestle and Director of Conservation Practice & Policy at WWF, who will share his expertise on how to integrate, engage, and operationalise sustainable practice in business.

Delegates will then be invited to participate in three themed breakout sessions about nature-based solutions, the built environment, and the circular economy.

Businesses will also learn about the funding opportunities and innovation support to enable them to pilot, prototype and demonstrate new technologies, as well as opportunities for leadership development, workshops, and networking.

Speaking ahead of the event, Duncan Pollard said: The business community has the power to influence the effects of climate change, through its operations, supply chains, and offering more sustainable choices to customers. But for positive change we must disrupt and challenge the business as usual mind set.

Sustainability must be at the heart of the post-Covid recovery, not just an add-on. Any business that doesnt heed the sustainability concerns of staff, customers and investors risks being left behind.

SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and offer something very special to help deliver solutions to tackle the massive challenge of climate change. Without the scale or complexity of large corporations they can move quickly to try new things and are efficient in the way in which they use resources.

With more than 560,000 SMEs operating in the North West, now is the time for this crucial collective to rise up and embrace the opportunity.

The event will be chaired by Prof Jess Davies, Director of the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation at Lancaster University said: This virtual summit will be the first time all the key partners involved in Eco-I NW have been able to come together to ask the difficult questions about how we can approach key global challenges such as water supply and quality, waste, energy, resource efficiency, natural capital, air quality, and food security.

Eco-I NW is the first project of its kind to open up such a huge academic regional resource to businesses and offers the opportunity for the North West to take the lead and benefit from the transition to a low carbon economy.

I would encourage leaders of small and medium sized enterprises in the North West to sign up to the event and come along to understand how Eco-I NW could help them, and the planet.

Sustainability is a major theme of this years Digital Manufacturing Week, including Smart Factory Expo and Manufacturing Leaders Summit.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

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Manufacturers among first to sign up to low carbon innovation with Eco-I North West - Manufacturer.com

There Are A Lot Of Plans To Improve Childcare In Michigan. Here’s What They Do. – Patch.com

Oct. 18

Carrie Anderson, owner and director of Morning Star Child Care in Dexter, has worked in the childcare industry for over 25 years. While she loves her job, she has grappled with some of the perils that come along with the industry: low wages, insufficient amounts of staffing and making it affordable for parents.

Now there are several state and national plans that aim to help reform and support the childcare industry. The new state budget includes $1.4 billion for cost stabilization and childcare center support effort. President Joe Biden's Build Back Better plan also has support for families seeking childcare.

And an eight-bill package passed by the Michigan House this month reforms Michigan's childcare system by helping families in seeking care, as well as providing assistance to in-home childcare providers, specifically.

"This is one of the few glorious moments that we have, where everybody's kind of on the same page," said state Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi), who sponsored one of the bills. "We now realize in the light of this pandemic, that childcare is something that a lot of us working parents have known for a while, is a crisis."

Anderson said that childcare centers and in-home daycares "run 100% on parent tuition" and that the state has been in need of childcare reform. The state has https://childcarecenter.us/sta..."> style="font-weight: 400">4,457 preschool and child care centers. She said the House bills will finally start to provide relief for in-home childcare providers and bring issues in the childcare industry as a whole to the forefront of lawmakers' minds.

"It's been a long-neglected conversation," Anderson said. "It's nice that it's finally being recognized for the important industry that it is. The funding is definitely long overdue. I'm very hopeful that it goes to the right places to where it really can make a difference for families and mostly for childcare providers."

Anderson said specific attention is needed when it comes to staffing daycare centers and increasing wages in the industry. About 11.8% of childcare workers' families live below the poverty line, making them twice as likely to live below the poverty line compared to other workers' families. According to the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment, the https://cscce.berkeley.edu/wor..."> style="font-weight: 400">median wage for child care workers in 2019 was $11.13. In 2020, childcare workers made an https://www.bls.gov/ooh/person..."> style="font-weight: 400">average of $12.24 per hour according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"The hardest thing is staffing," Anderson said. "There's a shortage everywhere of people looking for jobs. And this has always been a very hard industry to find people to work in, because it is a very difficult and [are] low paying job. Since the pandemic, it's been even more difficult to hire people. There's been a lot of childcare centers that are shutting down."

A median childcare worker would have to put 49% of their earnings toward infant care in order to afford it.

The cost of childcare is also prohibitive for Michigan families, which face an average annual https://www.epi.org/child-care..."> style="font-weight: 400">cost of $10,861, translating to $905 a month, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Economic Policy Institute (EPI).

Infant care costs are 6.7% above the cost of average rent, per EPI, a left-leaning think tank. For a typical Michigan family with one child, infant care costs would compose 19% of that family's income. For those with an infant with an additional 4-year-old in the house, childcare costs about $19,751 equating to about 34.6% of the typical family's income.

A poll released last month from the Detroit-based Skillman Foundation and Lansing-based Michigan's Children and carried out by Lake Research Partners https://michiganadvance.com/20..."> style="font-weight: 400">found that 62% of the 800 people surveyed said they supported an increase in public funding for children. The poll, conducted from July 27 to Aug. 3, found that 58% of respondents said they would vote to increase their taxes if more funding were to be sent to programs supporting youth.

State budget funding

In the state's Fiscal Year 2022 budget that went into effect Oct. 1, $1.4 billion was pumped into the state's childcare system.

The budget mostly utilizes federal COVID-19 aid dollars to close funding gaps that have hurt early childhood employees and left a vacuum for "childcare deserts" areas where there is little to no access to childcare like the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan. About $100 million will help childcare centers open in childcare deserts.

About half of the $1.4 billion will go towards stabilization grants to help childcare providers stay afloat as they emerge from the pandemic. An estimated $36.5 million will go to providers who help infants and toddlers and help stabilize funding through contracts. childcare workers will also receive a $1,000 bonus.

Under the budget, about 105,000 more children in the state will also be able to receive low- or no-cost childcare. About $108 million will be utilized to expand income eligibility for the child care subsidy program while another $158 million will be used to expand reimbursement rates for providers taking part in the child care subsidy program.

When signing the budget in September, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer touted that it expands childcare and called it "a budget that puts Michiganders first."

While House Bills 5041-5048 do not lower childcare costs or provide funding for childcare providers like the budget or Build Back Better plan do, the bills help reform the way childcare centers are funded and legal practices revolving around them.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/..."> style="font-weight: 400">House Bill 5041, introduced by Rep. Jack O'Malley (R-Lake Ann), expands the caregiver to child ratio from 1:6 to 1:7. The intent of the bill, according to O'Malley, was to add another slot for a child while also giving providers an expanded opportunity to earn more money.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/..."> style="font-weight: 400">House Bill 5042 introduced by Rep. Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores) and http://www.legislature.mi.gov/..."> style="font-weight: 400">5045, introduced by Rep. Rodney Wakeman (R-Saginaw Twp.) are aimed at changing the laws surrounding penalties faced by childcare providers. HB 5042 mandates that childcare centers disclose their owners in order to prevent a former center who received violations from changing their name and location. HB 5045 establishes that if a facility received a complaint that went on to be dismissed, the charge will no longer be on their record after three years.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/..."> style="font-weight: 400">House Bill 5043, introduced by Breen, establishes liaisons in every region across the state to help train, prepare and network with other childcare facilities. http://www.legislature.mi.gov/..."> style="font-weight: 400">House Bill 5044, introduced by Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton Twp.) enables childcare providers to be funded with federal childcare and development block grant requirements.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/..."> style="font-weight: 400">House Bill 5046, introduced by Rep. Gregory Markkanen (R-Hancock), makes the Department of Health and Human Services and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs responsible for drafting and communicating rules for a child organization.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/..."> style="font-weight: 400">House Bills 5047, introduced by Rep. Julie Calley (R-Portland), and http://www.legislature.mi.gov/..."> style="font-weight: 400">5048, introduced by Rep. John Roth (R-Traverse City) ensure records from childcare centers are maintained through the Michigan Department of Education's database of licensing records and that childcare centers notify the DOE if they are in a multi-occupancy building.

O'Malley said the bills are just the first of many to come to help address issues in childcare in the state, but recognized "there are more things to work on."

"We want the daycare providers and the parents and the employers to know that we're actually heard them, and help is on the way," O'Malley said. "After all these years, we're actually getting something done. Let's do things that will help bring back and sustain childcare, and reverse really decades of pushing childcare out of the way."

Annette Sobocinski, executive director of childcare Network and Great Start to Quality Southeast Resource Center, said each bill will have a significant impact on in-home childcare centers where government support is especially needed.

"Oftentimes, home providers can feel very isolated," Sobocinski said. "And so the opportunity to be able to give them more support and help them access more resources, I think is going to be a huge benefit to them, and then also to the families that they serve."

Breen said these bills have broad bipartisan support and that lawmakers across the aisle recognize the "crisis" at hand. She said these bills are the first step to helping childcare providers and families to afford childcare in the state. She added that the package will work in tandem with the stimulus dollars to provide much-needed support to families in need of childcare and childcare providers in need of relief.

"[The] package is going to work I think hand in hand with what's happening with the stimulus dollars," Breen said. "I think everybody sort of agrees that this is an area where we're going to be spending more money and more time rather than less because compared to where we are worldwide. We are not doing enough. We just are not doing enough, and you want people to go back to work. They need to know that their kids are safe."

While childcare reform is being pushed to the forefront of minds in the Michigan Legislature, lawmakers at the federal level are also taking notice.

In Biden's Build Back Better plan, a https://19thnews.org/2021/10/w..."> style="font-weight: 400">proposed $450 billion would be allocated to pay for preschool for 3 and 4-year-olds. The bill also would subsidize childcare on a sliding scale and cap expenditures to 7% of annual income for middle-class families. Grants would also be utilized to steady childcare facilities and incentivize them to raise wages for their employees.

The Build Back Better plan is currently stalled in a closely divided Congress, as Republicans oppose it and centrist Democrats like U.S. Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) have demanded cuts. The holdup on the plan also comes as the House is grappling with the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has said that childcare is considered affordable if it equates to 7% of a family's income. With these findings, only 9.3% of families in Michigan have the ability to afford infant care.

If childcare reform were to cap a families' childcare expenses to 7% of their income, Michigan families would save $6,609 on childcare expenses. Not only would this also free up 14.2% of their annual income, it would also supply 44,489 more parents with the option to enter the workforce. This could subsequently grow Michigan's economy by .9% and generate $4.6 billion in new economic activity.

Sobocinski said legislators should continue to find ways to support childcare providers and families in need of childcare.

"This is a bipartisan issue, it is not a left or right issue," Sobocinski said. "It is something that impacts everybody. Knowing that there's broad support in the general public helps legislators [and] businesses. I think [they] are starting to come on board with realizing how important it is. There's no downside to investing in childcare."

Michigan" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://michiganadvance.com">M... Advance is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Susan Demas for questions: info@michiganadvance.com. Follow Michigan Advance on Facebook and Twitter.

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There Are A Lot Of Plans To Improve Childcare In Michigan. Here's What They Do. - Patch.com

China, coal and COP26: can the worlds biggest emitter give up its dirty habit? – The Guardian

When he was a little boy in the 1980s, Wang Xiaojun was taught to be proud of his home town of Lliang in the north-western Chinese province of Shanxi. Shanxi is Chinas biggest coal-producing region, and Lliang was a significant base for the army during the second world war.

Nestled in the mountains of the dusty Loess Plateau, Lliang, a city of 3.4 million people, has had less to shout about in recent years. A series of corruption scandals in the city brought down several high profile officials shortly after President Xi Jinping came to power in 2013; there are concerns over the high number of babies born with congenital defects, blamed by experts on air pollution; and, last week, a huge flood forced coal mines to close just as China scrambles to tackle its energy crunch.

Coal is the main source of power generation in China, but Xi has vowed to change that. The country has been the worlds biggest producer of greenhouse gas emissions for more than a decade now. A year ago, Xi pledged his countrys carbon emissions would peak by 2030, then achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Last month, he announced China would stop building new coal-fired projects overseas in a move that analysts say could be pivotal in tackling global emissions.

Ending a dependency on coal at home has proved trickier. Shortly after he took office, Xi began to plan on low-carbon and sustainable development of resource-based cities. But since September China has been experiencing its own coal dilemma, with power shortages spread across key regions, causing a ripple effect to the global economy. To tackle the crisis, officials ordered more than 70 mines in Inner Mongolia to increase coal production by almost 100m tonnes early this month. And on 29 September Shanxi promised to supply coal to 14 other regions across China to ensure sufficient energy throughout this winter.

Outside China, there is a fear that Beijing may be rethinking its promises on decarbonisation. That mood darkened last week, when it emerged that Xi would not be attending Cop26 in person. It is a worry that some veteran China analysts dismiss as over-interpretation Xi has not left the country since January 2020 and was always unlikely to make an exception for Cop26, particularly as it is being hosted by a western nation.

They argue that Beijings recent whac-a-mole approach merely reflects the messy reality of the countrys energy transition. To residents in Shanxi, however, Chinas reliance on dirty coal is a vicious circle that the province of 37 million people can not easily pull itself out of, despite the promises from central government. It is not about whether China can be less reliant on coal eventually, it is rather about what will happen to a province like ours afterwards, Wang, who now works as a climate campaigner, told the Observer.

As an activist, of course Id like to see my home town move away from coal. After all, I grew up only knowing the sky is grey and coal is the only source of energy. But I also worry what will happen to a province whose economy overwhelmingly depends on coal and heavy industries, and the millions of people whose livelihoods are reliant on them.

In Lliang, villages like Wangs are often built atop barren mountains to avoid constant floods. Until the 1980s, most of the boys would grow up to become farmers. Then coal became a valuable commodity as China began to expand its economy. But a few years ago, as coal depleted underneath some mountains, many villages collapsed and people died. Those who survived moved away. In Wangs old village, only three elderly people are still there, he said. They are reluctant to move. Its where they spent most of their lives.

Growing up with coal miners in the village, Wang saw with his own eyes how dangerous mines could be. Seven years ago, when working in a coal mine, Wangs 38-year-old cousin, Wang Xiaobing, was caught in an accident. A ceiling collapsed and he lost his lower left leg. He was sent home after the incident. But, with a young family to support and lacking the skills to switch career, Xiaobing eventually went back to his former mine as a driver. Shortly after, he developed lung and liver illness and died two years ago.

You see, the addiction to coal is not just on a national level, but also on a personal level. Its not easy to move away from, Wang said. A lot of people here, including another relative of mine, are unhappy with [media] talk of climate change and the [the governments] effort to reduce coal consumption. To us, this is bread and butter. Without it, what would Lliang look like?

They need to start to prepare for a coal-free future right now before its too late.

Stories like this have been commonplace across Chinas coal regions in the past two decades. In the decade between 2000 and 2010, on average 4,870 people died in mine accidents every year. In the US, the figure was only 33. The figure began to decrease dramatically in the last decade as the government imposed strict safety rules for mine owners and nationalised many mines.

Han Jinsong (not his real name), a 50-year-old former coal miner in the city of Fengyang, said that while also working as a miner, his elder brother was hit by a mine car and stayed in hospital for about six months. He became disabled and the coal mine he worked at compensated for once, he said. Thats it.

Han added: Despite all these tragedies, its unrealistic for China to move away from coal. Youve seen the recent power shortages spread across the country. Now the government has to reopen coal mines to meet the accelerating demand. Its always going to be a dilemma.

Its a reality that senior officials have openly admitted. Chinas energy structure is dominated by coal power. This is an objective reality, said Su Wei, deputy secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission in Beijing, in April. We have no other choice. For a period of time, we may need to use coal power as a point of flexible adjustment.

The rise and fall of Lliang as well as other coal-heavy cities is also the story of Chinas changing economic and social structure, said Judith Audin, a French sociologist who writes about the coal industry in Shanxi province. In 2010, when Shanxi coal boss a term used as a symbol of Dickensian China often appeared in social media, Lliangs GDP growth was at a staggering 21%. In 2020, it was only 2.7%.

Local officials have been talking about transition for a long time. When Lliangs economy was booming a decade ago, billions were poured into road construction and apartment buildings. But by 2015, supply had far exceeded the demand. Coupled with a decrease in coal consumption, the local economy crashed, and the mayor was sacked on corruption charges.

Across Shanxi, there have been other experiments in recent years, too, said Audin. In Datong, Chinas coal capital, the coal mining land is now covered in solar panels and wind turbines.

But even if these efforts were eventually successful, to what extent will these new energy businesses absorb the excess labour left by coal mining? Audin said. And how would the authorities deal with the generations of coal miners and their families whove helped power China but who have no other skills in the new economy?

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China, coal and COP26: can the worlds biggest emitter give up its dirty habit? - The Guardian

Global Digital Transformation Market Report 2021 with Focus on Waste Recycling and Circular Economy Growth Opportunities – ResearchAndMarkets.com -…

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Global Digital Transformation in the Waste Recycling and Circular Economy Growth Opportunities" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global market for digital solutions dedicated to waste recycling and management is estimated to be $3,287.4 million in 2020 and is forecast to record an 11.6% CAGR by 2030.

The study aims to understand market transformation speed, regional differences in emerging technology adoption, growth opportunities in specific technologies and solutions, and the competitive environment. It will also provide an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and restraints up to 2030.

The global waste management industry is transitioning toward greater digital technology adoption with the growing availability and deployment of smart solutions such as smart bins and fleet management, cloud computing, customer interfaces, waste tracking systems, and AI robotic sorting.

These solutions will significantly improve waste collection, transportation, and recycling efficiency. In the long term, all companies in the waste recycling and management market will need to implement digital strategies to remain competitive and seize the chance for future growth.

Digital technologies and smart solutions dedicated to waste management are well-established in the market. However, only connected and integrated systems that can convert data to valuable information will transform the waste industry and move it closer to a sustainable and circular economy. Future urban development relies on technology, with significant links between smart solutions and sustainable approaches, leading to enormous demand for digitization and technology-based waste recycling and management.

RESEARCH SCOPE

Digitization of the waste recycling and management market includes the data-driven transformation of crucial segments to enable more efficient operations. The segments covered in this report are smart waste recycling bin collection systems; smart fleet management and logistics solutions; smart waste sorting and recycling systems; and enterprise resource planning (ERP), cloud computing, connectivity, and customer interface operations.

Digitization's role and importance are rising and seen as the game-changer in the transformation toward efficient waste recycling and management system and crucial element of the future sustainable smart city and circular economy. Other factors driving market development are the ability to significantly reduce operational costs, allocate resources more accurately, easily adapt to specific client expectations, and support end users to become more efficient and sustainable.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Key Topics Covered:

1. Strategic Imperatives

2. Growth Opportunity Analysis

3. Growth Opportunity Analysis - Europe

4. Growth Opportunity Analysis - Americas

5. Growth Opportunity Analysis - Middle East and Africa

6. Growth Opportunity Analysis - Asia-Pacific

7. Growth Opportunity Universe

8. Case Studies

9. Next Steps

Companies Mentioned

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3a8ok3

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Global Digital Transformation Market Report 2021 with Focus on Waste Recycling and Circular Economy Growth Opportunities - ResearchAndMarkets.com -...

Redrawing the lines: CFB submits maps with ag and amendments top of mind – Fence Post

The Colorado Independent Redistricting Commission has released their first staff maps of both the Congressional and Legislative districts. Colorado Farm Bureau submitted comments to the commissions and included their own maps for discussion and guidance as they advocate for the states agriculture industry and rural communities.

The Congressional map will determine the districts represented by U.S. House Representatives, and the Legislative map will determine the districts represented by state legislators. With the passage of amendments Y and Z, which were supported by CFB, the new redistricting body was created, and the passage required maps to be drawn to align communities of interest and to increase competitiveness.

In the groups submitted comments, president Carlyle Currier told the commissions it is important to recognize that rural Colorado is distinct and it is different from urban and suburban areas for the way it uses land, its sparse population, its transportation and infrastructure needs, and its agricultural and natural resource-based economy.

One of the new criteria for amendments Y and Z is competition. According to CFB vice president of advocacy Shawn Martini, is competition between districts so power could potentially be shifted between parties. It also requires that communities of interest be grouped together.

For rural Colorado, that could be agriculture, as rural economy is a distinct community of interest, Martini said. That was one thing we appreciated in the preliminary draft of the Congressional map specifically was two rural-dominated districts that werent encompassing of Front Range communities that dont share that agriculture and rural economy base that would water down that representation.

That watered down representation is currently seen in the 4th district which included Douglas County, an area that doesnt share a particular nexus with the remainder of the district. Martini said that leaves representatives like, for example, Ken Buck, attempting to be servants to two masters.

To aid the commission, CFB submitted their own versions of the maps as part of the public comment period. Those maps, Martini said, stay true to the spirit of the amendments but also recognize agriculture and rural Colorado as specific communities of interest. The maps also took into account the early stages of public comment submitted to the commission, making the maps responsive to those concerns as well. He said one of the main concerns was the splitting of counties making one county represented by two different districts.

When you begin to draw the maps, thats a hard thing to do to make them balance with all the other considerations, he said. I think we were pretty successful with only three counties in the two legislative maps that are split and most of the counties that have multiple districts warranted by population dont have districts that extend beyond the county boundary.

In the letter CFB sent to the commission, Currier pointed out the broad disconnect between the wider population and the people that make up the industry that feeds it.

This separation from the farm and ranch means that 99 percent of the population does not understand how agriculture can be impacted by monetary policy, employment regulations, federal nutrition programs, environmental laws, international trade, land-use policies, wildlife management, public lands administration, banking regulations, transportation infrastructure, tax policy, public and higher education, accounting standards, wireless and broadband construction, national monument designations, the Endangered Species Act, oil and natural gas production, and even congressional and legislative redistricting, just to name a few, Currier wrote, This is just a short list of a much larger panoply of policy areas that impact agriculture. These stark differences often require specialist legislators who understand this and can help mitigate it.

Former state Sen. Greg Brophy said the proposed Congressional map is a good start, in that it treats rural Colorado as well as he said possible.

I like the concept of having a seat that all of eastern Colorado is in, that doesnt have any part of suburban or exurban parts of the metro area attached, he said.

Brophy said the draft also keeps western Colorado together for a rural district as well. The Legislative maps, he said, were rougher. The committee is forced to make one of two decisions with regard to the state legislative map. The map can either give one large single Senate seat that covers all of eastern Colorado that excludes any exurban areas along the Front Range, or two can be drawn as was done on the staff drawn map that splits eastern Colorado but goes to I-25. This option would likely result in both seats going to legislators along the Front Range.

The same goes for the state House, he said. Do you go for three rural Colorado-influenced seats or two fully eastern Colorado seats?

The district maps are redrawn every 10 years. Brophy said for the past 20 years, the state legislative maps have been gerrymandered to fit Democrats and have been recognized as some of the most heavily gerrymandered maps in the nation.

There have been multiple times since 2001 where Republican candidates for the state House have garnered well over 50% of the total votes statewide but did not achieve 50% plus one of the seats in the legislature, he said. Thats how you know the map is terribly gerrymandered.

For example, under the new commission and amendments, a county like Douglas should not be grouped with eastern Colorado counties, as it doesnt share the economic interests of oil and gas or agriculture.

The Commissions final rounds of virtual public hearings begin Sept. 7-10 for the Congressional Commission and Sept. 17-18 for the Legislative Commission. More information is available at redistricting.colorado.gov.

Link:

Redrawing the lines: CFB submits maps with ag and amendments top of mind - Fence Post

The economy that covid-19 could not stop – The Economist

Sep 2nd 2021

HAVING IMPRESSED the world by taming the virus last year, Vietnam is now in the middle of its worst outbreak of covid-19 by far. Parts of the country are in strict lockdown and a swathe of factories, from those making shoes for Nike to those producing smartphones for Samsung, have either slowed or shut down, disrupting global supply chains. Yet integration with global manufacturing has kept Vietnams economy humming during the pandemic. In 2020 GDP rose by 2.9% even as most countries recorded deep recessions. Despite the latest outbreak, this year could see even faster growth. The World Banks latest forecasts, published on August 24th, point to an expansion of 4.8% in 2021.

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This performance hints at the real reason to be impressed by Vietnam. Its openness to trade and investment has made the country, with GDP per capita of a mere $2,800, an important link in supply chains. And that in turn has powered a remarkable expansion. It has been one of the five fastest-growing countries in the world over the past 30 years, beating its neighbours hands down (see chart 1). Its record has been characterised not by the fits and starts of many other frontier markets, but by steady growth. The government is even more ambitious, wanting Vietnam to become a high-income country by 2045, a task that requires growing at 7% a year. What is the secret to Vietnams successand can it be sustained?

Vietnam is often compared to China in the 1990s or early 2000s, and not without reason. Both are communist countries that, led by a one-party political system, turned capitalist and focused on export-led growth. But there are big differences, too. For a start, even describing Vietnam as export-intensive does not do justice to just how much it sells abroad. Its goods trade exceeds 200% of GDP. Few economies, except the most resource-rich countries or city states dominated by maritime trade, are or have ever been so trade-intensive.

It is not just the level of exports but the nature of the exporters that makes Vietnam different from China. Indeed, its deep connection to global supply chains and high levels of foreign investment make it seem more like Singapore. Since 1990 Vietnam has received average foreign-direct-investment inflows worth 6% of GDP each year, more than twice the global leveland far more than China or South Korea have ever recorded over a sustained period.

As the rest of East Asia developed and wages there rose, global manufacturers were lured by Vietnams low labour costs and stable exchange rate. That fuelled an export boom. In the past decade, exports by domestic firms have risen by 137%, while those by foreign-owned companies have surged by 422% (see chart 2).

But the widening gap between foreign and domestic firms now poses a threat to Vietnams expansion. It has become overwhelmingly dependent on investment and exports by foreign companies, whereas domestic firms have underperformed.

Foreign firms can continue to grow, providing more employment and output. Yet there are limits to how far they can drive Vietnams development. The country will need a productive services sector. As living standards rise it may become less attractive to foreign manufacturers, and workers will need other opportunities.

Part of the drag on domestic enterprise comes from state-owned firms. Their importance in overall activity and employment has shrunk (see chart 3). But they still have an outsize effect on the economy through their preferential position in the banking system, which lets them borrow cheaply. Banks make up for that unproductive lending by charging other domestic firms higher rates. Whereas foreign companies can easily access funding overseas, the average interest rate on a medium- or long-term bank loan in Vietnamese dong ran to 10.25% last year. Research by academics for the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics also suggests that productivity gains in the five years after Vietnam joined the World Trade Organisation in 2007 would have been 40% higher without state-owned firms.

To fire up the private sector, the government wants to nurture the equivalent of South Koreas chaebol or Japans keiretsu, sprawling corporate groups that operate in a variety of sectors. The government is trying to create national champions, says Le Hong Hiep, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, and a former Vietnamese civil servant.

Vingroup, a dominant conglomerate, is the most obvious candidate. In VinPearl, VinSchool and VinMec, it has operations that spread across tourism, education and health. VinHomes, its property arm, is Vietnams largest listed private firm by market capitalisation.

The groups efforts to break into finished automotive production through VinFast, its carmaker, may become important for the economic development of a country that is usually known for intermediate manufacturing. In July the companys Fadil car, which is based on the design for Opels Karl make, became Vietnams best-selling model, beating Toyotas Vios. VinFast has grand ambitions abroad, too. In July it announced that it had opened offices in America and Europe and intended to sell electric vehicles there by March 2022.

Fostering national champions while staying open to investment is not easy, however. VinFast benefits from a bevy of tax reductions, including a large cut in corporation tax for its first 15 years of operation. In August, state media also reported that the government was considering reinstating a 50% reduction in registration fees for locally built cars that expired last year.

But the countrys membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and a range of other trade and investment deals, means that it cannot offer preferential treatment to domestic producers. It must extend support to foreign firms that make cars in Vietnam, too. (By contrast, Chinas trade policy, which prefers broad but shallow deals, does not constrain domestic policy in quite the same way.)

Vietnam may also hope to rely on another source of growth. The economic boom has encouraged its enormous diaspora to invest, or even to return home. There arent a lot of economies that are experiencing the sort of thing that Vietnam is, says Andy Ho of VinaCapital, an investment firm with $3.7bn in assets. His family moved to America in 1977, where he was educated and worked in consulting and finance. He returned to Vietnam with his own family in 2004. If I were Korean, I might have gone back in the 1980s, if I were Chinese I might have gone back in 2000. Its successful diaspora makes Vietnam one of the largest recipients of remittances in the world; $17bn flowed in last year, equivalent to 6% of GDP.

The setback from covid-19 aside, it might seem hard not to be rosy about a country that appears to be in the early stages of emulating an East Asian economic miracle. But no country has become rich through remittances alone. As Vietnam develops, sustaining rapid growth from exports of foreign companies will become increasingly difficult, and the tension between staying open to foreign investment and promoting national champions will become more acute. All of that makes reforming the domestic private sector and the financial system paramount. Without it, the governments lofty goal of getting rich quick may prove beyond its reach.

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An early version of this article was published online on August 30th 2021

This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline "The special sauce"

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The economy that covid-19 could not stop - The Economist

The B.C. economy has fundamentally changed. Are we ready for tomorrow? – BCBusiness

Ive come up with a set of rules that describe our reactions to technologies:1. Anything that is in the world when youre born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works.2. Anything thats invented between when youre 15 and 35 is new and exciting and revolutionary and you can probably get a career in it.3. Anything invented after youre 35 is against the natural order of things.Douglas Adams

For Jill Tipping, that observation by late science fiction author Adams gets at the urgent need to shift our thinking about the B.C. economy and its future.

Tipping is president and CEO of the BC Tech Association, which recently published A New Economic Narrative for British Columbia. The reports thesis: Our economy isnt what we tell ourselves it is. We still cling to the 20th-century image of B.C. as mostly an exporter of natural resources. But in fact, over the past three decades, weve become a knowledge and service-driven economy.

How I would describe the call to action in this report is that its no longer enough to describe that were experiencing economic growth, Tipping says. We actually need to understand the why so that we can understand if its sustainable or not.

The report presents B.C. as a small, open economy at an inflection point in a rapidly changing world. If physical assets drove economic growth, resilience and competitiveness during the previous century, the service economy of the 21st century hinges on intangible assets such as data and intellectual property.

Just look at B.C., where services now account for 75 percent of gross domestic product, 80 percent of jobs and 50 percent of exports. To plan for the future, we have to understand where we came from, but weve got to get our feet grounded in where we are today, Tipping says. I think the conversation continues to be dominated by things that were true 30 years ago but actually arent true today and definitely wont be true tomorrow.

Despite growing affluence in North America, COVID has been a reality check for the world, Tipping notes. So have the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the 2016 election of Donald Trump, which could signal the end of the expansionist, globalist era, she says.

I think today, were sort of at a place of, oh, I dont know, maybe theres more tension in the world than I thought there was, and perhaps the climate crisis is more serious than I thought, and the transition off oil and gas is sooner than I thought, Tipping says.

Economic growth is a good thing, but economic growth that doesnt drive increased shared prosperity is going to be a challenging thing, she adds. And economic growth thats based on industries that might be grandfathering or not growing as fast as they once did isnt as good as economic growth thats driven by industries that are globally growing and going to be sustainable sources of economic growth for the next 30 to 50 years.

On that note, Tipping sees opportunity for B.C., whose technology industry keeps spilling over into other sectors. Adjacent industries are becoming tech industries, and every industry is becoming tech, she says. As a consequence of that, its going to be a growing share of jobs.

The provincial government projects that from 2019 through 2029, professional, scientific and technical services will see 2.5-percent annual job growth. But based on recent member surveys, BC Tech expects that category to expand by 10 to 15 percent annually during the same periodgenerating 88,000 more jobs than the government forecast of 98,800.

Thats good news, but when it comes to measuring the economic impact of the tech sector, were still using 20th-century methods, the report maintains. For example, the current North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) doesnt separate technology and digital businesses from professional, scientific and technical services. At the same, time theres little provincial and federal data on B.C. services exports.

Talking to civil servants at both levels of government, Tipping has found them interested in gathering better data. Its a challenge to find the time and the money and the teams to invest in the new, she says. But I do think theres a shared understanding of the challenge and the need to adjust to this question.

To help shape the new economic narrative, BC Tech lays out three steps. First and foremost is to really embrace data, Tipping says. Lets understand todays economy, because we dont have enough information is what is driving 80 percent of our economy.

With that in mind, Tipping would like to see the provincial government make use of her organizations report as it develops a new economic plan due this fall. Were hoping to be influential as part of that on the kinds of questions that need to be asked and answered, and specifically with a focus on the data capture piece.

But her bigger ambition is to change the conversation, so that hopefully, three years from now, it isnt the case that 80 percent of the jobs get 5 percent of the conversation, she says. Thats something thats a longer-term play, but even the way the report has been received so far and the conversations weve had so far, I am pleasantly surprised by the interest that were getting within government as well as in wider society.

Step 2: Face reality. Lets just understand that technology innovation isnt a choice, it isnt an option anymore. Its a fact, and its been a fact for 20 years, and its what is driving prosperity and growth globally, she says. Sometimes I think in B.C., its seen as icing on the cakeor, If we have time for that, we will. Its the cake, OK? Its become the cake.

And Step 3? There are three priorities in this new economic narrative, and they are talent, talent and talent, Tipping says. We must stop seeing people as a cost or an afterthought. Theyre the fundamental unit and driver of wealth, of prosperity, of growth. And if we invest in people, whether thats through education or infrastructure or their ideas or their entrepreneurship or their innovation about new ways to create value for old industries, whether its in B.C. or elsewhere, its the easiest money you could possibly make.

Having previously spent several years with energy multinational Schneider Electric as VP operations and CFO of its solar business, Tipping knows about making money the hard way. It is a really tough business, she says. Its constantly focused on taking costs out. You will win in the energy business if you have the lowest-cost, most consistently efficient supplier.

The drivers of the talent economy are completely different, Tipping notes. You will win in the talent economy if you enable creativity and innovation and fast business cycles, and constant nourishment and enrichment and bringing in new ideas and products.

Working in that new economy is more enjoyable, too, she says. Its more fun to earn your living in something thats sustainably profitable and constantly interested in new ideas.

The BC Tech report also highlights the changing nature of economic competitiveness, which sees taxes play a smaller role than intangible assets, innovation and investment in people.

I would say weve moved from a time when capital was constrained to a time when talent is constrained, Tipping says. In other words, human labour and talent have become the scarce resource. If you optimize for that resource, you will be a winner and a success in todays economy and the future.

Given its strong education and health-care systems, and the fact that generally speaking, its a safe and welcoming society, B.C. should be far ahead in that department, Tipping reckons. Its a bit hokey to say it, but if we can get as good as mining whats in peoples minds as we were at mining whats in the ground, thats the source of value for the future.

For Tipping, it comes back to what she calls the infrastructure of the people economyeducation and re-skilling, but also affordable housing and good public transit.

Its important to have a stable and predictable environment, she says. But maybe thats not the most important thing anymore. The most important thingand this is certainly what I believeis to be a great place for human talent to thrive. And if you are optimized for that, then industry and post-secondaries and governments and all players in the economy will find themselves with the wind at their backs.

Original post:

The B.C. economy has fundamentally changed. Are we ready for tomorrow? - BCBusiness

Governor Appoints 20 to the Georgia Tourism Foundation | Governor Brian P. Kemp Office of the Governor – Gov.Georgia.gov.

Atlanta, GA Today Governor Brian P. Kemp announced 20 appointments to the Georgia Tourism Foundation. Governor Kemp highlighted the important role of the Georgia Tourism Foundation Board of Directors during his remarks Wednesday at the 2021 Georgia Governors Tourism Conference presented by Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).

Im excited to announce these leaders from various segments of Georgias tourism industry who will be focused on directing the development of innovative and entrepreneurial strategies designed to improve Georgias position as a destination for travel,said Governor Kemp. Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner for Tourism Mark Jaronski, this Board of Directors will work as a team with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and our Explore Georgia state tourism office to increase Georgias competitiveness and grow the tourism industry back stronger than ever.

Joseph Akersserves as RaceTrac's Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, overseeing the company's Legal, Risk Management, Environmental, Internal Audit, and Compliance functions. Akers joined RaceTrac in 2005, and before becoming General Counsel in 2012, spent seven years working to protect the company when litigated. He earned a bachelor's degree in political economy from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1994 and a J.D. from the University of Georgia in 1997. Before joining RaceTrac, he was an associate at the Miami-based firm of Greenberg Traurig. In addition to his work at RaceTrac, Akers is active in several civic and legal organizations. He has been married to his wife Nancy since 2002, and they have two children.

Jake Carteris the Owner and Operator of Southern Belle Farms. Carter graduated from the University of Georgia in 2003 with a degree in business management. After graduation, he returned to the family farm in McDonough and began transforming the dairy operation into the 330-acre agritourism destination that it is today. Carter also serves on the Board of Directors at Snapping Shoals EMC. In 2019, Governor Brian Kemp appointed Carter to serve as the Tenth Congressional District representative on the Board of Economic Development. He and his wife, Jennifer, are Henry County natives and have three children. They are members of Bethany Baptist Church and reside in McDonough.

Paul Crameris president & CEO of The Classic Center, a 350,000 square-foot meeting and convention facility, with a 2,000+-seat performing arts theatre, 2,000-seat arena, and 22,000 square foot outdoor covered pavilion, with a removable ice rink located in Athens, Georgia. He has served in this role for over 26 years. Cramer began his career in Rochester, New York, working his way from banquet and concessions manager in 1986 to the assistant executive director by 1992. Cramer runs a successful workforce development program, which aids those seeking a career in hospitality, including the non-profit organization Bread for Life. He also serves on the Athens Technical College Foundation Board, the Athens Community Career Academy Board, and the Clarke County School District CTAE Board. During his tenure at The Classic Center, Cramer has developed and oversees The Classic Center Cultural Foundation, which provides scholarships for the performing, visual, and culinary arts, as well as for entertainment, hospitality, sports, and event management education programs, while supporting these initiatives in the Athens community. In 2018, he initiated the partnership between Piedmont College, The Classic Center, and The Classic Center Cultural Foundation to create and launch the Hospitality & Tourism Management degree program within the Harry W. Walker School of Business at Piedmont College. In 2015, Facilities and Destinations Magazine recognized Cramer as an Elite Convention Center Executive. Under his leadership, The Center has remained an award-winning facility. The most recent awards include 10x ConventionSouth Readers' Choice Award, the 2020 Stella Award, and the 2021 GBAC STAR Facility Certification. He and his wife Stacey reside in Athens and have two adult children.

Liz Crisafiis the Global Vice President of Campaign Marketing at IHG Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel companies. She is responsible for marketing their 17 global brands and delivering commercial, loyalty, and partnership campaigns to ensure IHG supports the ever-changing needs of their guests and owners and provides a world-class experience across their 5,900+ hotels worldwide. Crisafi has more than 20 years of in-depth global marketing experience and previously held several senior marketing positions at Kimberly-Clark, Ogilvy & Mather, Discovery Communications, and Eastman Kodak. Crisafi is on the Advisory Board of Brand Innovators and was most recently recognized in 2017, 2018 & 2019 in the "Top 100 Women to Watch in Brand Marketing". She was also recently featured by Dress for Success Atlanta for their "2021 Women of Power." Liz holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Broadcasting from Georgia Southern University.

Brian Davisis Georgia Aquarium's president and CEO. Davis has more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles within zoological and educational institutions. Davis first joined the Georgia Aquarium team before its founding in 2003 as the Director of Education, later served as the Aquarium's Vice President of Education and then most recently as Executive Vice President of Operations. Prior to his tenure at Georgia Aquarium, he served as president and CEO of the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, where he oversaw the enhancement of the Aquarium's footprint. Davis has also served in teaching and administrative roles in Cobb County's school system and developed education programs at New York Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta. He has served as an Adjunct Professor for Schools of Education at Georgia State University and Mercer University. He has served on the Boards of Directors for Centennial Place Elementary School, Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Open Door Shelter, and NorwalkACTS. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Davis graduated from Rutgers University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, later earning both a master's in education and his Ph.D. in Secondary Science Education at Georgia State University.

Cynde Dickeyis the chief financial officer for Dickey Farms, Inc, a 3,000+ acre peach and timberland farm family-owned since 1897. Since 2016, she has served as a board member on the Georgia Agribusiness Council. Dickey is the Grants Committee chairman for the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, the treasurer for Keep Roberta/Crawford Beautiful, and the treasurer of the Roberta/Crawford County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to her civic engagement, Dickey is a member of the 1990 Class of Leadership Georgia and a member of the Crawford County Farm Bureau. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's in accounting in 1977. She and her husband Robert Dickey, a State Representative, have two adult children and are active members of Musella Baptist Church.

David Friederichis the president of North Georgia's award-winning Barnsley Resort. Friederich oversees all operations of the 3,000-acre estate, including meetings, weddings, outdoor activities, events, restaurants and catering, 150 guest rooms and suites at the cottages and new Inn, and overall guest satisfaction. A seasoned leader and innovator in the hospitality field, Friederich previously serves as Managing Director of The Whitley in Buckhead, formerly The Ritz-Carlton. Before that, Friederich served as the Corporate Vice President of Operations and Regional Manager of The Kessler Collection and General Manager of Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando - named among Cond Nast Traveler's 'Top Hotels in Florida.' Friederich has over 30 years of management experience in the hospitality industry, including six years as general manager of The Cloister Hotel at Sea Island and various senior leadership roles with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Steve Hallowellis the chief marketing officer at Herschend Family Entertainment, including properties such as Callaway Gardens and Resort, Stone Mountain Park, and Wild Adventures. Prior to joining Herschend, Hallowell was a marketing and sales executive for Eastman Kodak Co. for more than 25 years. He graduated from Rutgers University, where he received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics and marketing. In 2016, Governor Nathan Deal first appointed Hallowell to serve as a member of the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Jay Markwalterserves as Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (GACVB), the unified voice, education, and leadership development resource for our state's destination marketing organizations. Prior to becoming the statewide organization's director in 2018, Markwalter served as Director of Marketing Communications and Director of Sales with the Augusta CVB. From 2004 to 2014, he led the tourism-based economic development efforts in Atlanta-metro and the north Georgia mountains as the tourism director for Lawrenceville and Dahlonega-Lumpkin County. Markwalter has served on the 13-state Southeast Tourism Society Board of Directors and represents Georgia as a member of Destinations International and the U.S. Travel Association. He is a graduate of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2013 and was appointed to the Georgia Tourism Foundation by Governor Nathan Deal. A native of Savannah, Markwalter received his BBA in Marketing from the University of Georgia and has his Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) designation from the Southeast Tourism Society. Markwalter lives in Augusta with his wife, Sumner, and their two sons, Joe and Hart.

Mark O'Brienis president and CEO of LakePoint Sports, the nation's premier youth travel sports destination. The sprawling 1,300-acre campus features eight Major League-sized baseball fields, three multi-use fields for soccer, lacrosse, and football, a 170,000-square-foot Indoor Pavilion with 12 basketball courts that convert to 24 volleyball courts. He has more than two decades of executive leadership for some of the most globally recognizable brands, including Mizuno USA and Mizuno Canada, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Original Honey Baked Ham Company, Johnsonville Sausage, and Miller Brewing Company (now MillerCoors).After graduating from St. Norbert College, where he played on the baseball team, he went on to earn his master's in sports management from Georgia Southern University. O'Brien boasts a diverse array of experience in the sports industry, including several years in minor league baseball that culminated in a role as general manager. He also worked in sports marketing and branding for the NBA's Houston Rockets, assisting with the franchise's brand partnerships. During his time with GMR Marketing, his work focused on customer engagement and experiential marketing for one of the top global sports entertainment and experiential marketing agencies.

Atul Patelis the asset manager at Asha Management and has served in this role since 1999. Patel has also served as General Contractor for the Real Estate Development Group, building his first new construction project in Locust Grove, Ga., in 2001. During his tenure with Asha Management, Patel has overseen numerous multi-million dollar new construction and renovation projects, including the NexGen Red Roof Inn and LaQuinta Inn & Suites in Locust Grove. He served on the Franchise Advisory Council for Red Roof from 2005 thru 2010 and was elected to serve on the AAHOA Board of Directors as the North Georgia Regional Director in 2010. Patel holds a Certified Hotel Operator (CHO) designation from AAHOA and is a Lifetime Member. In 2013 he was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal to serve as a member of the Georgia Tourism Foundation, and in April 2014, he was appointed to serve a three-year term on the La Quinta Brand Council.

Kal Patelis president and CEO of Image Hotels, Inc., which owns and operates multiple hotels throughout the Southeast and is a Starwood, Hilton, IHG, and Marriott brands licensee. Patel began his career at Merril Lynch, learning finance and investments, which he was later able to apply this knowledge to the lodging business. Patel's family immigrated to the United States in 1979. He graduated from Savannah State University in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.Patel is heavily involved in AH&LA, AAHOA, Savannah Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Hospitality and Travel Association, and participation in national events and conferences. He was the Young Professional Hotelier serving as a Board of Directors for AAHOA. Patel has previously served as Board of Director for the Savannah CVB and the Tourism and Leadership Council. He has received several awards and recognitions for lodging accomplishments from industry leaders, franchisors, and municipalities.

William Pateserves as president of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), where he oversees maintaining tourism as one of the city's top economic drivers. Before joining ACVB, Pate served as Career Sports & Entertainment president, a national sports marketing and representation firm. He is the former chief marketing officer of BellSouth, one of the world's largest communications companies. Prior to joining BellSouth, Pate supervised domestic and international advertising and communications at MCI during the telecom ad wars of the 1990s. In 2020, American Marketing Association's (AMA) Atlanta chapter awarded him its lifetime achievement award. Atlanta Business League named him its 2019 Herman J. Russell CEO of the Year; Atlanta Magazine recognized him as one of the most influential leaders in Atlanta. Georgia Trend magazine included him on its list of 2019 Notable Georgians. Atlanta Business Chronicle honored Pate multiple times as one of Atlanta's 50 most admired CEOs and named him to its 100 most influential Atlantans list every year since 2009. AMA's Atlanta chapter also selected him as the corporate marketer of the year in 2010. A prominent leader in the nation's hospitality industry, Pate serves on the U.S. Travel Association and Destinations International board of directors. Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International honored him as one of the top 25 most extraordinary minds in sales and marketing. He received the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association award of appreciation for his commitment to diversity and inclusion within the travel industry. Pate's involvement in Atlanta's sports industry includes serving on the boards of the Atlanta Sports Council, Celebration Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, and Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. He served as vice president of the Atlanta Football Host Committee, was a board member for the Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee for Super Bowl LIII in 2019, and vice-chairman of the Atlanta Basketball Host Committee. Atlanta Business Chronicle named him one of Georgia's 30 most influential sports business figures of 2020. Pate is very active in the Atlanta community, serving on the board of directors for Central Atlanta Progress, Children's Museum of Atlanta, First Tee Atlanta, Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Woodruff Arts Center. He is also on the Board of Councilors of The Carter Center and the industry advisory board for Georgia State University's Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration.

Marisa Simpsonis the Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs at Atlanta Gas Light (Southern Company Gas). Simpson was previously the Director of Community Relations and Economic Development for AGL Resources Southern Operations. Simpson is a former staffer for U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss. He serves as a board member for Camp Sunshine and is an active volunteer with the American Diabetes Association. Simpson has previously served as a trustee for the Leadership Georgia Foundation, a board member for the Atlanta Touchdown Club, and Georgia Allies. In 2016, Governor Nathan Deal appointed him to the Board of Economic Development and, in 2017, to the Georgia Tourism Foundation, where he serves as chairman. Simpson earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, where he played football.

Dave Snyderowns and operates Halyards Catering, Hook & Knife Charters, and Halyards Restaurant Group, comprised of Tramici, Halyards Restaurant, and La Plancha. His restaurants perennially ranked the island and region's most popular, Halyards and Tramici were named 2014 Businesses of the Year by the Brunswick and Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, Dave was selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Restaurant Association. Synder offers monthly cooking classes where he is able to draw on his relationships with local fishermen and farmers; he demonstrates to eager guests that the best ingredients make a tremendous difference in food quality, the sustainability of the environment, and the financial strength of the local economy. He serves on the Advisory Panel for Snapper/Grouper Species for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. He has worked with the South Atlantic Fishermen's Association to improve the sustainability and health of the South Atlantic, the availability of local fish, and the financial future and heritage of the fishing industry. Deeply devoted to community service, Snyder serves on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce, Coastal Symphony of Georgia, The Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia, and Hospice of the Golden Isles. Snyder is a founding board member of the St. Simons Food & Spirits Festival, benefiting Hospice of the Golden Isles. He also serves on the Culinary Board for the College of Coastal Georgia.

Ron Stephensrepresents Georgias 164th District in the Georgia House of Representatives. Stephens is the Chairman of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

Mathews Swiftreceived his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Georgia in 1969 and his J.D. from Walter F. George School of Law in 1972. He practiced real estate law before becoming president & COO of the W.C. Bradley Co. Real Estate Division in 1986. During his 32 years as president of the Real Estate Division, Swift developed multiple projects ranging from a 600-acre upscale golf course community; a 500-acre suburban mixed-use development, a 200-acre suburban office park; a 100-acre industrial park, and numerous residential subdivisions, etc. Over the past 20 years, he has primarily focused on the redevelopment of downtown Columbus. Swift's marquee project was the Eagle & Phenix Mill a mixed-use development of converting a 1,000,000 square foot 1800's textile mill into riverfront high rise condominiums, apartments, retail, restaurants, office, and specialty uses. As part of this riverfront development, Swift was an integral part of the Columbus Whitewater initiative a 30-million-dollar project involving the removal of two hydroelectric dams and the restoration of 2.5 miles of Chattahoochee River into what has been labeled as the world's longest urban whitewater experience. In 2019, Governor Brian Kemp appointed Swift to serve on the Board of Economic Development.

Bruce Thompsonrepresents Georgias 14th District in the Georgia State Senate. Thompson is the Chairman of the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

Scott Tigchelaaris the President of Senoia Enterprises, Inc, the company responsible for the redevelopment of historic Senoia, and President of Nic & Norman's Inc, a restaurant located in Senoia. Tigchelaar is the former President of Riverwood Studios Inc, operating as Raleigh Studios- Atlanta, which has now been acquired by AMC Studios, where AMC's hit series "The Walking Dead" was filmed. He serves on the Board of Directors for Explore Newnan-Coweta and is passionate about expanding the tourism industry in Coweta County. He is currently working with Explore Newnan-Coweta, Inc to develop a trolley system that would connect Newnan, Senoia, Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, and the Bouckaert Farm on the Chattahoochee River in South Fulton. Tigchelaar has created significant economic opportunities for Georgia at the intersection of film and tourism. In 2014, Governor Nathan Deal appointed Tigchelaar to serve as a member of the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Allan Vellais president and CEO of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, a position he has held since June 2006. A graduate of the University of Iowa, he holds a bachelor's in liberal arts and arts management. Vella has worked professionally in the Facility Management field since 1986, managing theatres, arenas, amphitheaters, and exhibition facilities. His experience spans a wide range of events, including NCAA Tournaments, MLB, NHL, Ballet, Corporate Events, Concerts, Broadway, and Presidential visits, to name just a few. Under Vella's direction, the Fox Theatre has been consistently ranked in the top three non-residency theatres in North America for gross ticket sales by industry trade magazines, Pollstar, Billboard, and Venues Today. In addition, the Fox Theatre was declared a Top Stop of the Decade by Venues Today and the #1 non-residency venue worldwide for the decade by Billboard Magazine. The historic Fox Theatre has managed to remain cutting edge as well. It holds numerous titles for Social Media presence for 2000-5000 seat venues in North America as calculated in Venues Today's Social Media Power 100. Before joining the Fox Theatre, Vella worked for SMG, the world's largest facility management company. Vella is a member of the International Association of Venue Managers and Rotary International, a graduate of IAVM's Venue Management School, and a board member of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as Variety of Georgia, a children's charity. He and his wife Nicole have three children and reside in Decatur, Georgia.

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Governor Appoints 20 to the Georgia Tourism Foundation | Governor Brian P. Kemp Office of the Governor - Gov.Georgia.gov.

Investing In Our Greatest Resource | Office of Governor Pete Ricketts – Governor Pete Ricketts

Investing In Our Greatest Resource

By Governor Pete Ricketts

August 31, 2021

Governors official photohere.

Over the past year, Nebraskas economy has been booming, creating more and more great opportunities here in the Good Life. We currently have the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 2.3%. That equals our states lowest rate ever and is less than half of the national unemployment rate of 5.4%. According to Local Area Unemployment Statistics from the Nebraska Department of Labor, 92 of our 93 counties have an unemployment rate at or below 2.7%. Statewide, our manufacturing employment is above pre-pandemic levels and has reached its highest point since the Great Recession (October 2008).

Job opportunities abound. The States job site (NEworks.nebraska.gov) listed over 49,000 open positions on August 29th. WalletHub recently ranked Nebraska as the #2 state in the U.S. to find a job, and it named Lincoln and Omaha as the top two cities in the nation bouncing back the strongest from coronavirus. While this strong growth has led to plenty of opportunities, it also presents a challenge for businesses that are looking to grow. Companies are having difficulty hiring people to fill all of the jobs theyre creating.

To address this, were taking steps to help Nebraskans get the skills and education needed to take the great-paying jobs being created in our state. Were approaching this in a strategic way by building a talent pipeline to help prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers here in Nebraska. Our pipeline starts in middle school with the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI), which familiarizes kids with jobs in fields like engineering or manufacturing. This summer, we awarded our latest round of DYTI grants to Behlen Manufacturing Company in Columbus and Great Plains Health in North Platte.

After participating in DYTI, students can take part in a career academy at the high school level. These academies provide hands-on learning experiences, job shadowing, and mentoring to further prepare students for professional life. High school graduates can then apply for Nebraska Career Scholarships. These scholarships help offset tuition for college students in fields of study, such as engineering and IT, where theres a big need for skilled professionals. Earlier this year, I worked with the Legislature to expand the Career Scholarship program to private colleges and universities. This brings the total number of career scholarships to at least 2,110 by 2023.

In addition to these programs, were partnering with local companies to offer a variety of apprenticeships to studentsboth in high school and college. Since January 2020, the number of Registered Apprenticeships has grown by 14 percent with 1,511 new apprentices enrolled. These apprenticeships give students the opportunity to gain on-the-job skills, while simultaneously earning income and coursework credits. Earlier this month, I joined CLAAS for the grand opening of their innovative new training academy, which offers German-style apprenticeships in west Omaha. Its part of the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) program created by the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. Based on the German dual-education philosophy, ICATT apprentices gain valuable workplace knowledge while studying for industry certifications and an associate degree in their chosen field.

Some companies are blending a variety of strategies to recruit the next generation of Nebraskans to work for them. Reinke Manufacturing in Deshler is a great example of a Nebraska business that has proactively invested locally to build its workforce. A two-time DYTI award recipient, Reinke has used the grants to educate students on coding and robotics. Before working with DYTI, Reinke launched a welding program at Deshler High School and donated the equipment used to train students over a decade ago. The manufacturer has also funded scholarships at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NTCA) and contributed a GPS-equipped center pivot for use in NTCAs field laboratory. This long-term engagement with area schools is exactly whats needed for companies to meet their demand for talent.

As we work to recruit and retain the talent businesses need to grow, we are also pursuing strategies beyond the classroom. Military service members have valuable skills they learned while on active duty, and they add immense value to our businesses and nonprofits as they pursue a new career in civilian life. In recent years, weve taken a number of steps to make Nebraska a more attractive home for them and for their families. This year, I successfully worked with the Legislature to pass LB 387, which provides a 100% tax exemption on military retirement benefits. In April, we announced the Veterans SkillBridge. Overseen by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the program creates connections between Nebraska employers and military members during their final 180 days of service, giving participants a chance to explore the best fit for their specific talents and interests after transitioning out of military service. This spring, we also launched the Military Spouse Transition Program to help military spouses moving to Nebraska identify job opportunities in state government. Additionally, I signed legislation this year to make it quicker and easier for military spouses licensed in another state to obtain a teaching permit after moving to Nebraska. These are just a few of the steps we have taken.

To keep our growth going, we will find innovative ways to develop our people so they can take some of the thousands of great-paying jobs right here in Nebraska. If you have questions about the States workforce initiatives, or any other matter, please email pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or call 402-471-2244. The Good Life is powered by the hard work of our people, and well continue to provide the tools and training Nebraskans need to achieve their dreams.

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While the Modi government wants to minimize the role of the public sector, is it really how the sector was set out to be? – Inventiva

The public sector in India is infamous for its lethargic bureaucracy, lack of innovation, poor performance record and the like. Its no secret that the countrys public sector enterprise is in a black hole, and steps like privatizing or monetizing assets come off as rather necessary than voluntary.

The Modi governments policies with respect to the public sector ahs been those of minimum intervention, along with the free flow of trickle-down economics. While the working of the trickle-down for the poor is a whole new debate on its own, lets restrict ourselves to the public sector enterprise today. After all, as we see more assets getting handed off to the private sector, even though for necessary reasons, the public sector of the country deserves a look back as to where we started and how we got lost along the way.

This takes us back to where it all started, how different its trajectory was supposed to be, and how we went wrong in the middle. Allow me to trace that path for you.

As development scholars like to explain, the major parameter of distinction between advanced and developing countries public systems is the level of corruption at government levels. This is one of the prominent reasons for the failure of the public sector enterprise in India as well, for the delayed work performance and lethargy in action are also combined results of the same old comfortable chair of bribery.

But why is it that the private sector is so efficient but the public sector just doesnt seem to get ahold of effective operations? Well, it is because the end result of the two sectors is very different. The primary target of a private-sector enterprise is to optimize production in a way that maximizes their profit, or more so, minimizes their cost. The public sector, on the other hand, optimizes social welfare and thus their maximizing condition is based on the public benefit function. Lack of incentives to pursue the latter results in the lack of efficacy in the sector.

This difference in purpose, however, is one of the most interesting details about the public sector of India. The purpose of the public sector, though believed otherwise generally, hasnt solely been social welfare since the beginning. I know it sounds a little absurd, but let me take you to the very first budgetary allocations made to the public sector back during the declaration of the section plan in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehrus rule. This section from one of his speeches would help clarify things-

Large financial resources would be required for the second plan. A small portion would come from sterling balances or foreign loans and aids, and the bulk of the resources must be found from within the economy. The tax system would be directed to collect an increasing part of the growing national income in order to permit greater capital formation in the public sector and to finance the expansion of social services.

The public sector would be expanded to commercial and industrial purposes where necessary for raising resources for public purposes.

Even though the proposed scheme of obtaining taxes from the growing income had its fair share of problems, thanks to the tight ratio of income and consumption, with prices, this abstract conveys two very important characteristics of the countrys approach with respect to investment-

First, The Nehru-Mahalanobis models target of exacting the countrys balance of payments, with reference to minimum foreign aid and dependency on self-sufficiency. As can be seen from the abstract of Prime Minister Nehrus speech above, the reliance on foreign aid for capital formation and industrial growth was restricted to as low as possible, since a much bigger chunk was allotted to growth from the countrys own surplus.

Second, The role imagined for the public sector when planned economic development was launched was not one of welfare, or social benefit primarily, but that of resource mobilization. Lets understand what this means in detail.

The testament of any successful developmental effort is the mobilization of resources, and so is what was allotted to the public sector as the target.

Even though primarily, the public sector doesnt need to participate in resource mobilization entirely, i.e., the private sector could very well be a part of this mobilization, it was different in Indias context back in the 1950s. Much of Indias resource mobilization had to come through the public sector route because of two reasons-

First, the model that plans revolved around an adequate, if not maximum, the concentration of funds in the states hands for the plan to hold place effectively. This means that the state had to have active participation in both the procurement and reinvestment of surpluses, which we term as resource mobility.

As such, the government envisaged a significant role for the public sector in the resource mobilization process.

Second, when an economy starts at a very low base, as the post-colonial Indian economy did, the requirement of its needs is much larger relatively. To fulfil those requirements, ensuring consistent mobilization of productive surpluses becomes important.

At this stage, the scope for the private sector is much less given the tight restraint for profit, and thus, the public sector progressively holds and handles the productive surplus. This enables the public sector to maintain command over resources, giving it a dominant role in the capital formation for the countrys long term economic needs, a significant engine of demand, or economic growth.

Therefore, the implicit designation handed over to the public sector in Indias development drive is reflected loud and clear from the above explanation, and the aforementioned statement.

The proceeds of profits from the public sector activities and revenue from taxes and loans far exceed the amount of foreign aid even accounted for in the economic outlay of the countrys development plan. In the words of the creator of the model, Mahalanobis, himself-

In the highly developed countries of the west, taxes on commodities are usually looked upon as regressive. It is because following the abundant economic text available to us, commodity tax creates much more dead weight loss for the same revenue generation for the government, relative to a lumpsum tax.

The lumpsum tax is a fixed proportion taken from the income, while commodity tax increases the price per unit cost to the consumer, inducing him to not fully pay per his willingness, hence resulting in dead weight loss.

Further, he states, In advanced countries, public enterprises are also expected to be run on a no-loss no-profit mechanism. Fortunately, our outlook is changing and it is being realized that in an underdeveloped and developing country like India, in principle, public enterprises should earn and contribute increasing returns for purposes of national development.

I mean, there couldnt have been a clearer explanation of the role assigned to the public sector for the growth and development of the country, both in the short and long run. In todays case, however, the reality not only seems to differ but is supposedly contradictory. This text doesnt say that the public enterprises shouldnt work, or didnt work, for the greater welfare of the public.

That, in principle, is the very definition of it. What it does say, however, is that with a growing contribution of the private sector as we advanced into a more profitable corporate system, an efficiently working public enterprise system would only aid the country in realizing its transitioning goals.

The public sector always has and will continue to be, a significant source of contributory balance between growth and welfare. And while, theres no doubt that given the current position of the country and the public sector, monetizing public assets and privatizing is the way to go.

But, as is evident from the examples of prominent countries, a public sector system has to be growing and effective to realize the countrys potential. This aims to shed light on the further infrastructure plans of the government, from the supposed proceeds from the current asset monetisation, and the need for better handling of the assets and enterprises. How economic theory aids such a provision is abundantly available in the texts available to us, its time to put it into practice and reap actual benefits out of it.

Edited by Sanjana Simlai.

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While the Modi government wants to minimize the role of the public sector, is it really how the sector was set out to be? - Inventiva

BMW Group accelerates CO2 reduction and focuses consistently on a circular economy with the Neue Klasse – Automotive World

The BMW Group is increasing the pace of its efforts to combat climate change. Looking ahead to the introduction of the Neue Klasse, the company is further strengthening its self-defined objectives, announced in summer last year, to significantlyreduce CO2 emissions, whilst also committing itself to a clear course that supports the1.5 degree targetfor the limitation of global warming. The Neue Klasse will also see the BMW Group hugely increase its use ofsecondary materialswith a firm focus on the principles of thecircular economy, whilst also promoting better framework conditions for establishing a market for secondary materials.

To achieve a furtherreduction in CO2 emissions, the focus is on theutilisation phaseof vehicles, which account for 70% of the BMW Groups CO2 footprint.By 2030, the CO2 emissions per vehicle and kilometre driven will beat least halvedfrom 2019 levels. The commitment of all manufacturers when it comes to combatting climate change can best be compared when looking at theentire life cycleof a vehicle, including production and upstream supply chain. Here, the BMW Group is planning areduction of CO2 emission per vehicle of at least 40%.

How companies are dealing with CO2 emissions has become a major factor when it comes to judging corporate action. The decisive factor in the fight against global warming is how strongly we can improve the carbon footprint of vehicles over their entire life span. This is why we are setting ourselves transparent and ambitious goals for the substantial reduction of CO2 emissions; these are validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative and will deliver an effective and measurable contribution, saidOliverZipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Thursday. With the Neue Klasse we are significantly sharpening our commitment and also committing ourselves to a clear course for achieving the 1.5 degree target.

The BMW Group is the first German carmaker to join theBusiness Ambition for 1.5Cof theScience Based Targets Initiativeand is committed to the goal of full climate neutrality over the entire value-added chain by 2050 at the latest. This means that the company is also part of theinternational Race to Zero Initiative. The company is convinced that this can be achieved using innovation, rather than any overall ban on individual technologies.

The most powerful driver on this path to climate neutrality is electric mobility, with the BMWGroups Neue Klasse set to provide significant further momentum to the market. During the next ten years or so, the company will be putting aroundten million all-electric vehicles on the road. As early as2030, at least halfof global BMWGroup sales will beall-electric vehicles, with theMINIbrand offeringexclusively all-electric vehiclesfrom 2030.

The BMW Group continues to comply with thestringent criteriaof the Science Based Targets Initiative, when it comes to measuring the reduction of worldwide CO2 emissions of the companys vehicles whilst they are being driven on the roads. For example, emissions from the production of fuel or electricity are included in the calculation and consumption is based on the WLTP cycle plus ten percent. With its current product and electrification strategy, the company is on track to meet the EU fleet target for 2030.

BMW Group is clear that simply increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road does not automatically lead to climate-friendly mobility. The company understands that it is also crucial to reduce the use of primary material and the related environmentally harmfulexploitation of resourcesand their often CO2-intensive processing especially when it comes to car manufacturing, one of the most resource-intensive industries.

2017 was the first time the worlds population consumed more than 100 billion tons of resources within a single year a trend which we in the automotive industry must also counteract,Zipsedemanded. This is a strategic issue, concerning not only ecological but also economic sustainability; the current development of commodity prices demonstrates the impact an industry that is dependent on limited resources must expect.

With the number of battery-powered vehicles growing, there isincreasing demand for many commodities such as cobalt, nickel and aluminium, which are required for the vehicles high-voltage batteries. However there is great potential for the reuse of materials in the sense of a circular economy and together with specialist partners, the BMW Group has already demonstrated that its technological feasible to achieve a recycling efficiency of over 90 percent.

The amount ofsecondary nickelused for the high-voltage battery in theBMW iXis already as high as 50 percent, with the battery housing containing up to 30 percentsecondary aluminium.The BMW Group aims to improve these figures even further for future product generations.

In addition to the increasingly scare availability of primary materials and resulting commodity price increases, there are manysustainability reasonsto use more secondary materials and move towards a circular economy.

Thesupplyof secondary materials is considerablylessCO2-intensivethan is the case with primary materials and can significantly improve the CO2 footprint, especially within the supply chain. In the case of secondary aluminium, the CO2 saving compared with primary material constitutes a factor of approximately 4 to 6, whilst steel and thermoplastics lie between around 2 and 5.

The extraction of resources for primary materials particularly through mining has a significant impact on the basicregenerative capacity of ecosystems. This impact can be greatly reduced by increasing the use of secondary materials.

The mining and trading ofconflict materialscarries the possible risk of associated infringements of environmental and social standards. The BMW Group has established numerous measures to counteract this risk, including membership of the Responsible Minerals Initiative. However, the most efficient strategy for avoiding risks is tominimise the mining of such primary materials.

As part of its holistic approach to sustainability, the BMW Group aims to increase significantly the percentage of secondary materials in its vehicles. On average, current vehicles are manufactured using almost30 percentrecycled and reusable materials. With theSecondary Firstapproach, BMW Group plans to successivelyraise this figure to 50 percent.

Of course its crucial that the quality, safety and reliability of the materials comply with the same high standards as those existing for primary materials and so its essential that the market availability of such high-quality materials increases considerably. In order to achieve this, cross-industry approaches and political initiatives are necessary.

Based on the four principlesRe:think, Re:duce, Re:use, Re:cycle,the BMWGroup is boosting its activities in the field of circular economy, an area where its carrying out pioneering work. For instance, vehicle production now involves the increased separation and recycling of crucial material groups, so these can be reused by the industry within the framework of closed loops.

Within the supply chain and depending on market availability, secondary materials are increasingly being used in BMW Group vehicles. Moreover, together with its partners, the company is providing important impetus when it comes to developing secondary materials. One example is the companys pilot project withBASFand theALBA Groupfor the increased recycling of plastics used in cars.

The aim of the project is to reduce the use of primary plastics by means of a comprehensiverecycling system. To this end, the ALBA Group analyses end-of-life BMW Group vehicles to establish whether a car-to-car reuse of the plastic is possible. In a second step, BASF assesses whetherchemical recyclingof the pre-sorted waste can be used in order to obtain pyrolysis oil. This can be then used as a basis for new products made of plastic. In the future, a new door trim or other components could be manufactured from a used instrument panel, for example.

In order to achievehigher recycling ratesand whilst also guaranteeing thehigh quality of secondary materials, the materials must be extracted in their purest form as early as possibly during therecycling process. For example, the onboard wiring systems must be easy to remove, in order to avoid mixing steel with copper from the cable harnesses in the vehicles. If this mixing does take place, the secondary steel loses its essential material properties and therefore no longer meets thehigh safety requirementsof the automotive industry. To support this early and easy extraction of materials, the interior of a car must increasingly be made ofmonomaterials, so that at the end of the cars lifecycle, as much as possible can be transferred back into the usable material cycle. Basically, reducing the number of materials can help to improve the quality of recycled materials. Currently, vehicles consist of about 8,000 to 10,000 different materials.

To achieve this, the BMW Group is now focusing on aCircular Designconcept, which is designed to guarantee theeconomical dismantling capacityof vehicles. It is essential that disassembly of the vehicle and its individual components is fast and cost-efficient to ensure that prices ofsecondary materialsare competitive. It all starts with theconstruction of the vehicle, which must be done in such a way that allows materials to be removed at the end of the vehicles service life without different types of material being mixed with each other.

The BMW Group is putting circular economy at the centre of its presence at the IAAMobility 2021 in Munich, where the company will offer a visionary outlook on the potentials of a circular economy and sustainable mobility. TheBMW i Vision Circularembodies the companys ambitious claim to be the most sustainable manufacturer for individual premium mobility.

This visionary vehicle, designed according to the four principles of the circular economy Re:think, Re:duce, Re:use, Re:cycle, shows how individual, sustainable and luxurious urban mobility could look in 2040. The BMW i Vision Circular is manufactured from 100 percent secondary materials or renewable raw materials, and is 100 percent recyclable.

This car demonstrates that climate protection and individual mobility do not necessarily contradict each other. On the contrary, it shows that using new technologies and innovation, the BMW Group can fulfill the planets requirements for greater sustainability without customers having to forgo individual mobility.

SOURCE: BMW Group

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BMW Group accelerates CO2 reduction and focuses consistently on a circular economy with the Neue Klasse - Automotive World

Party town: How an alcohol-centered culture is impacting the community’s mental health – Summit Daily News

Jordan Cain was a teenager when he began drinking.

It started innocuous enough for the Longmont native, as is the case with many young people experimenting with alcohol in their high school years. But things didnt stay that way.

He developed an alcohol use disorder, and soon he was drinking just to stop himself from going into withdrawal. At some point, he began using cocaine to stay awake. For 12 years, people in his life tried to talk to him about his addiction, but he would brush off their remarks.

I was drinking very heavily. And I think for my generation, or at least the people I was hanging out with, it was just a normal amount, Cain said. I did drop out of college. I was in a lot of trouble off and on the entire time with the law. I found myself in some pretty messed up relationships, where not only were alcohol and drugs being abused, but I myself was being abused.

Cain said he didnt think much of his first DUI. It never occurred to him that alcohol was really an issue, much less a debilitating disorder. Sure, there were problems, but he was still holding down a steady job.

It wasnt until his second DUI about six months later when he took it as a sign from the universe, or the courts, that maybe it was time to take a deeper look at himself.

I think that was kind of the point where I knew I was going to be facing jail time, he said. And I knew this might be the best chance I have at drying up being away from toxic people, toxic environments and really using jail to my benefit as a first step in starting to be sober.

Cain moved to Summit County after his release from jail. Today, he is more than 2 1/2 years sober.

Cains addiction isnt unique. Hes just one of millions of Americans with a substance use disorder. What is special about his story, and others like him, is he found a way out.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally defines alcohol misuse as more than one drink per day on average for a woman and more than two per day for a man. The center further defines binge drinking as four or more drinks for a woman on a single occasion and five for a man.

But in some circumstances, that misuse can be difficult to spot.

Steve Howes is a Michigan native whos lived in Summit County for the past 15 years, and hes currently eight months sober. He said growing up in a family with heavy drinkers played a major role in his addiction. Later in life, it was societal and professional norms.

I just grew up around drinking, Howes said. Most of my aunts and uncles are all alcoholics. Thats something I took up with them. They were allowing me to drink as a young teenager, and I drank heavily with them on the weekends and stuff. I guess at the time I thought it was normal.

And since I work in the trades, every day after work you get home, you go out with the boys and you start to drink with them. Thats what youre supposed to do.

Tucker Limbruner grew up in Breckenridge and was exposed to heavy drinkers at a young age at his fathers restaurant. He started drinking in high school, picked up marijuana in college and later added cocaine to the mix, but hes been sober for more than two years.

When I was a kid, I thought it was kind of the norm for most people, Limbruner said. Living in Breckenridge, you are exposed to a vacation lifestyle at all times. I kind of realized as I got older that its not really a vacation all the time.

Unhealthy perceptions of alcohol and other substances, among numerous other factors, contribute to the more than 20 million Americans with a substance use disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. More than 70% of that total have an alcohol use disorder.

Some mountain towns have a higher percentage of heavy drinkers, according to a June 2020 Katz Amsterdam Foundation and FSG survey of eight communities, including Summit and Eagle counties. About 45% of adult respondents reported binge or heavy drinking in the 30 days prior to taking the survey, compared with a national benchmark of 18%.

That likely has something to do with a culture of heavy drinking and drug use that has pervaded the community. Its no surprise that visitors coming to Summit County or other resort areas would include substances in their routine. Theyre on vacation, so why not check out a local brewery or stop into a dispensary to see what all the fuss is about?

But experts say that blas attitude often carries over to locals.

I think any place that is a resort area where the economy is based on visitors and on tourists, were going to have that kind of culture, said Jeanette Kintz, clinical director of Summit Womens Recovery, a womens outpatient addiction treatment center based in Dillon. People come here on vacation, and they come here to have a good time. Alcohol is often a good part of that, and with the legalization of marijuana, its made Colorado more of a hot spot.

Then what happens is and I hear this story all the time people who move here for a season to work at the resort, and then theyve been here 20 years and their substance use continued along the process. Some folks slow down, but its that work-hard, play-hard mentality.

What work residents are doing may also play a part. Those working in accommodations and food services (16.9%) as well as the arts, entertainment and recreation (12.9%) industries are among the most likely to have a substance use disorder, according to a 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Tourism and outdoor recreation is far and away Summit Countys biggest industry, making up as much as 65% of the economy, according to a September 2020 community profile prepared by the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Economic Development District.

Casey Donohoe, a mental health navigator with the Family & Intercultural Resource Center and part-time bartender at a locals watering hole in Breckenridge, said she frequently sees individuals with substance use disorders. She said people often come into the bar in search of human interaction, which she attributes to difficulties making friends in a transient community.

There are countless activities and events one can go to in Summit County to meet people, but youll find booze at most of them.

According to the Katz Amsterdam Foundation and FSG survey, 83% of Summit County residents agreed that alcohol is important to social life.

In the beginning, its tough, Howes said about trying to get sober. Youre constantly around it. You walk down Main Street, and at every restaurant people are sitting outside drinking. Anytime you go rafting, youre in a raft with a cooler full of beer. You go skiing and everybody goes drinking afterward. Every festival here everyone is drunk. Its in your face. You cant get away from it.

A National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism surveillance report published earlier this year revealed that alcohol sales increased nationally between March and December 2020 compared with the prior three-year average. Likewise, marijuana sales in Colorado increased by more than $443 million in 2020 and crossed the $2 billion plateau for the first time.

Over the years, one of the things I hear often about the reasons people drink are boredom and structure, addiction counselor Susanne Neal said. COVID took away everybodys structure going to work, the time placement of everything during the day. Routines were pretty much uprooted where people didnt have to do anything, and isolation, feeling depressed, some of those mental health issues really reared their head.

But the impact of the pandemic on substance use disorders will likely take some time to unravel.

Data provided by the Summit County Coroners Office shows there hasnt been a major increase in substance-related deaths, with 10 last year compared with an average of 9.8 over the past decade. Also last year, there was a 1% decrease in the number of clients enrolling in the Family & Intercultural Resource Centers Mental Health Navigation program who listed a substance use disorder as their primary reason.

I had a few clients who admitted because they were out of work, didnt have anything to do and were getting paid unemployment, its kind of the idle hands thing where they increased their alcohol and drug use, Donohoe said. The uptick, for me at least, wasnt as big as I thought it was going to be.

But as things begin to return to normal, some experts believe there could be a surge of community members seeking help.

We dont know yet what its going to look like going into winter, Kintz said. My guess is well start to see more people seeking treatment.

Its never easy to tell when someone will recognize they have a problem and seek help.

Thats the confusing part to people, Neal said. If theyre going to work, still holding a job, still married, havent lost their kids, havent got a DUI its very hard to wrap your head around having a problem.

Substance use disorders can manifest in myriad impacts on a users life, and often it takes some sort of inciting incident for someone to seek treatment.

For Cain, it was his second DUI, 75 days in jail and severing ties with old friends that helped him get clean. Howes was driving home drunk from a friends birthday party, ran from the police and woke up on a strangers lawn to the sound of police sirens approaching. Limbruners family staged an intervention, and he shipped off to in-patient rehab that night.

All three are on the road to recovery, and if theres one commonality, its the fact that, sooner or later, they decided to ask for help.

Its OK to not be OK, as they say, Limbruner said. I know some people are really scared to reach out. They dont want to feel weak; they dont want to feel vulnerable, especially with people they dont know. But to reach out is probably the strongest thing anybody can do. I didnt get help until I asked.

Treatment certainly wont look the same for everyone, but there are plenty of resources in the community to help out. There are numerous therapists, support options at the Summit Community Care Clinic, active Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups, and other resources that mental health navigators at Building Hope Summit County and the Family & Intercultural Resource Center can guide residents toward.

For those facing financial barriers to treatment, Building Hope offers mental health scholarships, which allow community members up to 12 free therapy sessions.

Any type of professional treatment can help, but those in recovery said having a network of sober friends can be incredibly helpful, as well. Cain, Howes and Limbruner all take part in Fit to Recover, a weekly class at CrossFit Low Oxygen in Frisco meant to help connect people in recovery with others who know what theyre going through.

Building Hope also offers substance-free events, which feature fun and free activities where community members can meet new people and speak openly about mental health issues.

Those in recovery say taking that first step is whats important.

If a person is thinking that alcohol is an issue for them, theyre 90% of the way there toward taking that first step, Cain said. Thats what it was for me. Id been told by so many people during that decade-plus, Stop, stop doing this. Even so much as getting in trouble all the time because of my addiction and the way I was behaving. That wasnt enough. What it took was for me to say, This is enough.

For anybody thinking that they have a problem with it, or maybe questioning it, theyre so close. Theyre almost there. And they can do it, and its possible. Its so possible.

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Party town: How an alcohol-centered culture is impacting the community's mental health - Summit Daily News